Frequently Asked Questions for the NW Calaveras Fuels Reduction Project

1. Q - What is the due date for signing the ROE? If we miss the deadline, will there be another opportunity to join the program?

A - We need the ROE ASAP (ideally now). Ultimately, ROEs determine where our project implementation can and will be. If we do not receive enough ROEs within a given neighborhood, we cannot plan work there - we need contiguous treatment areas to be effective with this project. So, the sooner the better.

2. Q - If we sign the ROE is there an option to back out?

A – Absolutely. You can withdraw at any time. But know that if you do withdraw, it could compromise an entire section of the project if you are in a priority area. This project depends on the cooperation of private landowners in your neighborhood.

3. Q - Why is the ROE valid for 5+ years?

A – The CAL FIRE grant, which funds this project, has a project completion deadline of March 2029. We usually get work done well within the allotted time, however, with a winter like last year, workdays can be limited. We cannot do field work during fire season or if the ground is too wet. So, depending on the weather, it may take that long.
Additionally, the project will be designed in phases, so more treatments may occur in subsequent years. This will be dependent upon grant funding and landowner participation. You can also withdraw the ROE once implementation is complete on your property if that increases your comfort level.
Lastly, having ROEs in place helps the project logistically. Even if no work is necessary on your property, or work has already been completed, your property may prove to be a helpful access point for equipment/crews. Of course, we will always communicate directly with you if/when we need access to your property.
Please know that we respect your privacy and property. A ROE is not a “free-for-all”.

4. Can the treatment plan change, requiring additional clearing?

A – No, not typically. The treatment plan (or prescription) is designed by the Registered Professional Forester, and outlines criteria/parameters for the contractor to follow. For example, this includes treating certain vegetation based on species, size, spacing between trees, and avoidance areas. If there were a reason for a change, it would likely result in less work, not more. Treatments cannot deviate from what is outlined in the CEQA* documentation.

5. Can I approve each visit?

A – By signing the ROE, you are approving our visits. However, we are more than willing to notify landowners prior to our visits – just let us know. Before actual implementation begins, we will need an initial visit on your property to complete the environmental research/surveying and reporting for CEQA. During the initial visit, we can meet to discuss any parameters, concerns, and desires you have. You will also be provided with our contact numbers to reach out if something changes later.
Once implementation begins and in the months that follow (spring, fall and winter) we will also notify landowners of when to expect our crews on their property. We want this to be a success for everybody!

6. What happens if we sell the property? Will the new owners be forced to accept the ROE?

A – No, the buyer will need to sign a new ROE if they want the property to remain in the project. Please notify us if your property goes on the market. And please also notify your Agent of the ROE.

7. Do we get to see and approve the treatment plan specific to our property before the work starts? Can we choose to exclude specific trees or areas? We would defer to the experts, but we are concerned with the visual privacy and noise dampening the trees provide on our property, especially near the house.

A – We can meet with you to discuss what is specifically prescribed on your property, and you have control over what you would like to retain. Note that the project is designed to treat vegetation outside of the 100’ defensible-space zone around your house. That is a third of a football field away! If there are areas or trees outside of that 100’ zone that you do not want treated, let our foresters know so they can flag anything you want retained and excluded from treatment. Just chat with us about your needs before the start of work.
Also, our CEQA study and declaration will discuss that the project will not have significant direct or indirect impacts on the environment, which includes sound barriers and aesthetics. Do not worry, we do not plan to destroy your landscaping and are NOT clearcutting properties for this project.

8. What is the definition of a "structure"? I'd be concerned about my well and fencing being damaged by the work or equipment passing through our property.

A – For the purposes of this project, structures include dwelling and non-dwelling structures (e.g., home, carport, fences, pump house, sheds, etc.). ALL physical structures and property improvements (e.g., fences, septic) are flagged and marked on the map for avoidance. We will also be in regular communication with our contractor. And all equipment will be tracked equipment, so no roads will be created for this project.

9. How will the project determine the property lines?

A – We flag and map property lines around the project area prior to implementation. Geographic parcel data has been received by the Calaveras County Assessor’s Office and will be mapped using professional mapping software. Most property lines in the project area will be shared with neighboring properties that are also part of this project.

In most areas where property lines are the project boundary, flagging will be set back slightly to ensure that no trespass occurs. On any property line where the foresters determine it is important to get right up to the line, property corner monuments will be located, and a compass will be used to guide boundary delineation, ensuring the boundary is as close to the property line as possible without going over.

10. Since 24+ hours notice will be given before entering a property, if we have a conflict, can we reschedule the visit?

A – Yes, you would need to contact the Project Manager to discuss options. We hope to avoid this though, as it could have serious disruptions to the project schedule and workflow. But we understand that life happens, and we want to work with you to the best of our abilities.

11. What happens if a worker is injured on our property? I assume we would not be liable.

A – ALL Contractors and employees are covered by insurance, including liability insurance and workers compensation. Not only is this a contractual requirement, but we also follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws. The property owner has NO liability regarding project activities.

12. If the goal is to reduce fire risk, will participation affect CalFire's risk rating for specific properties or neighborhoods?

A – The language can be tricky, but the project technically reduces wildfire hazards. Wildfire risk is the probability and consequence of a wildfire burning in a given area.
That said, the project can help your community work towards becoming Firewise USA® recognized. Some Insurance companies are beginning to recognize Firewise Communities as reduced risk communities, which could reduce insurance premiums.
We encourage you and your neighbors to visit the Firewise USA Homepage (https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa) to learn more about the program. You can also reach out to CAL FIRE or our Calaveras Foothills Fire Safe Council for more information.

13. Are there any before and after examples that can be shared from similar work?

A – Check our website for several pictures of our completed projects -https://www.calaverasrcd.org/current-projects. Also, if you travel Hwy 49 between Moke Hill & Jackson on the 13 Curves, you can see in person on the upside of the highway one of our current projects.

Eexamples from our Murphys to Forest Meadows Project:

14. Can homeowners keep any of the thinned trees for firewood? Or does it all have to be mulched?

A – Per CAL FIRE, you are allowed to keep fallen trees for firewood for a period of time. This would need to be a discussion with the Project Manager to explore how to accomplish this. Be sure to let us know if you want firewood early in the process, like during our initial visit.
Please keep in mind that this will in part be up to the contractor performing the work. These projects are implemented using masticators which shred trees, and do not cut them neatly. Many contractors are willing to facilitate this to the extent it does not impact their bottom-line and we will encourage them to do so. The prescription will not have a requirement to fell trees using chainsaws and CCRCD will not force a contractor to do something they did not bid for.

*CEQA = California Environmental Quality Act

Project Contacts:
Dan Liechty, Project Manager – CCRCD
danliechty@calaverasrcd.org 209-840-1683

Jeb Brooks, Registered Professional Forester – MB&G
jbrooks@masonbruce.com

Rubie Teffeteller, Assistant Forester – MB&G
rteffetell@masonbruce.com 209-540-6036