Currently Butte Unit has three active VMP contacts.  Each contract is good for three years.  Ideal projects are greater than 500 acres in size.  Each project requires a full environmental assessment that includes records check and sight survey for endangered plants and animals (Natural Diversity Database (NDDB)), archeological records search, sight survey and notification of local Native American Tribes, notification and review by various agencies including Water Quality, Department of Fish  and Game, Public Works, Air Quality Management to list a few.  The project is a cost share where the landowner normally pays for 25 to 30 percent of the project cost.

In order for a burn to occur all listed elements must exist:

1. Landowner agrees to treatment and when the burn will be conducted.

2. CAL FIRE must have approval from unit and regional administrators to commit resources to the project.

3. Air Quality Management District must give approval.

4. Weather conditions and fuel moistures must be within the prescription as established in the burn plan.

Active VMP projects include the following:

Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI):   Goal of 1050 acres to be treated in the Butte and Tehama County areas north of the community of Cohasset along the timber road  known as the H Line and north of Jarbo Gap along Rim Road (V- Line).  This project will treat under story growth of manzanita and pine needle accumulation along a 16 mile shaded fuel break maintained by SPI.  We plan to burn 50 acres in the Fall of 2006.

Total cost of project is $49,189.44 with 73.16 percent paid by CAL FIRE.

Shippee Road VMP: Goal of 2,405 acres to be treated.  This project will eradicate noxious weeds within the confines of the Dove Ridge Conservation Bank area managed by the Center for Natural Lands Management.  This is located between Hwy 99 and 70 south of Hwy 149 in Butte County .  On June 14, 2006 140 acres was burned.  The next planned burn will be in June of 2007.

Total cost of project is $5,360.64 with 71.56 percent paid by CAL FIRE.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge VMP:         Goal of 6000 acres to be treated.  Located 6 miles west of Gridley, in Butte County , this project enhances the wildlife habitat managed by the California Department of Fish and Game.  Reduction of over grown cat tails and other plant species are burned to create feed and open space for annual migrating waterfowl that visit the refuge each year.  The population of waterfowl in the refuge has significantly increased since the burning has been conducted.  750 acres was burned on August 2, 2005 and 700 acres was burned August 22, 2006.  The next burn is planned for the Spring of 2007.

To view photo's of this burn click here.

Total cost of project is $32,749.41 with 54 percent paid by CAL FIRE.

For more information about our Vegetation Management Program contact Jeff Harter at 530-538-7111.