LPDM-PJ-09-CA-2022-003 Final Public Notice

FINAL PUBLIC NOTICE: Hazardous Tree Removal Mitigation Camino Del Norte, San Diego County, California | LPDM PJ-09-CA-2022-003

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) proposes to provide federal financial assistance under the Legislative Pre-Disaster Mitigation (LPDM) Grant Program to City of Poway (Subapplicant) in San Diego County, California, to mitigate impacts from wildfires by thinning and removing hazardous trees to create natural fuel breaks, reduce wildfire severity, and increase clearance zones around residential homes and critical evacuation routes (proposed action). Pursuant to Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands Management) and FEMA’s implementing regulations at Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 9, FEMA hereby provides interested parties with a notice of its final decision and an explanation of the alternatives that were considered.

The purpose of the proposed action is to reduce wildfire hazards. The proposed action consists of trimming approximately 315 trees and removing approximately 160 hazardous, non-native, and invasive trees and clusters of invasive saplings within the existing roadside and/or right-of-way of Camino del Norte. Trees would be cut at grade and stumps would be ground. Herbicide application is not proposed.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory map shows freshwater forested/shrub wetland within the project area.

A map of the project area and the wetlands within the project area is available for public inspection. Parties interested in receiving a copy of the map should contact the FEMA Region 9 Environmental Officer using contact information provided in this notice.

Two alternatives to the proposed action was considered: Alternative 1: No Action; Alternative 2: Tree Trimming Only. Alternative 1 would include taking no action and leaving conditions as they currently exist. This Alternative is not recommended because it would not reduce wildfire hazards within the City of Poway. Under Alternative 2, activities would be limited to tree trimming without the removal of hazardous trees. While this method would reduce the risk of wildfire, this Alternative is not recommended as it would not remove larger trees that may be contributing to hazardous fuel conditions. FEMA has determined that the proposed project is the only practicable alternative available; therefore, the proposed action must be located within an area with wetlands. The City of Poway would implement best management practices to prevent erosion and sedimentation to nearby wetlands. Therefore, permanent impacts on wetlands are not anticipated and the proposed action would benefit the area by reducing the risk of wildfire. The City of Poway would be responsible for the management, construction, and maintenance of the proposed action.

Additional information about FEMA’s proposed action may be requested by writing the FEMA Region 9 Environmental Officer at FEMA, 1111 Broadway, Suite 1200, Oakland, California 94607, or fema-rix-ehp-documents@fema.dhs.gov. All requests should be received no later than 15 days after publication of this notice. No action will be taken before this date.