WORKSHOP RECORDING

[1] Will the recording be available after the workshop? -Karl Danskin
The webinar will be recorded and posted on the County’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/CountyofSonoma/videos) after the event. There will also be a link to the video from the Vegetation Management program webpage: https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/vegmanagement/.

[51] Will the questions and answers in this chat be recorded and able to access after this meeting? -Annabelle Breakey
Yes, the webinar will be recorded and made available on the County’s YouTube channel as well as the Veg Management webpage. We will also post all the Q&A on the website as well including questions we aren’t able to address during the zoom.

[79] Unfortunately, I missed the beginning of the presentation. Will it be available for review on the website or You Tube? I am on the board of an HOA which is a legal entity and we are trying to obtain grant help cleaning up our creek area choked with ivy and blackberries that runs right up to within 6 feet of the homes. Without listening to the entire presentation, I can’t tell if this is a project eligible for this grant. -Mari-Ann
The webinar will be recorded and posted on the County’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/c/CountyofSonoma/videos) after the event. There will also be a link to the video from the Vegetation Management program webpage: https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/vegmanagement/.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

[2] Are neighborhood emergency preparedness groups eligible to apply? -Jan Chernoff
If your neighborhood group is a legal entity capable of entering into a legal contract with the County, then you are eligible. If not, we encourage you to partner with a local fire district or fire safe council, resource conservation district non-profit, licensed forester, or other legal entity.

[3] I represent an Oakmont HOA. Are HOAs eligible? Thanks…. -Samuel Cox
If your neighborhood group is a legal entity capable of entering into a legal contract with the County, then you are eligible. If not, we encourage you to partner with a local fire district or fire safe council, resource conservation district non-profit, licensed forester, or other legal entity.

[7] Are private property owners of large plots of land working with fire consultants and/or foresters eligible to apply? -Christopher
Yes, if you are working with a legal entity or licensed forester capable of entering into a legal contract with the County, you are eligible to apply. The program guidelines and a sample agreement can be found at www.sonomaopenspace.org/vegmanagement.

[12] Our HOA is located within the City of Santa Rosa limits, are we eligible to be granted funds? -Bruce McConnell
So long as your HOA is a legal entity capable of entering into a legal agreement with the County, you are eligible.

[16] I live in a neighborhood referred to as “Wilshire Heights” off of Riebli Road, which burned in the Tubbs Fire. About 45 or so of the properties in our larger neighborhood are part of a non-profit water company called the Wilshire Heights Mutual Water Co. As a non-profit, I understand that the Wilshire Heights Water Co. is eligible to apply for a grant, but I’m unsure what the scope of the area is that we as members of the Water Co. could be seeking grant funding for. For example, could we propose a project(s) to address vegetation issues on properties owned by members of our Water Co only or could we seek funds to address vegetation issues in the larger neighborhood (e.g. properties not part of the Water Co.)? Do we need to get buy-in from all individual property owners first to propose a project that includes mitigation of vegetation issues on their properties? -Astrid Meyer
Yes, you may apply for funds to address vegetation management within the larger neighborhood so long as you have permission from all property owners that will be involved in the project. Astrid if you are interested in learning more about the Diamond Mtn-Mark West collective planning effort, please contact Dee at pdswan@comcast.net.

[30] Is only a certified forester adequate to make an application? Also, most community groups do not have funds to hire a consultant. Can the Private Land Owners group provide some funding for this purpose? -Jan Chernoff
Any legal entity can apply. Private landowners will need to partner with a local fire district or fire safe council, resource conservation district, non-profit, licensed forester, or other legal entity.

[32] What defines a community group? Our group is neighbor volunteers, no funding but much good work done on our main roads for escape and emergency vehicles entering. We have many before and after photos and hundreds of people hours documented. -Anonymous Attendee
You would need to be a legal entity or partner with a legal entity capable of entering into a legal contract with the County to apply for the funding.

[39] If we are not a legal entity, we have to partner with say “Fire Safe Sonoma?” -Amy Bridge
Yes, Fire Safe Sonoma would qualify or a local fire district or a local resource conservation district, non-profit, licensed forester, or another legal entity.

[40] We have a forest management plan working with SRCD. Could we submit all or part of this that is fire fuel related as our project parameter? -David Price
Yes, please submit.

[46] Does Gold Ridge count as our legal entity partner? -Amy Bridge
Yes, Gold Ridge RCD would qualify as a legal entity partner.

[63] Can multiple private property owners working together with a single fire consultant or forester to develop a plan to apply for their group? Even with no formal HOA? -Christopher
Yes, absolutely.

[69] Aren’t individual citizens legal entities? I can contract. -Anonymous Attendee
Individuals are not eligible to apply under the guidelines of this program, which is publicly funded. The program is meant to encourage landscape-scale vegetation management.

[78] I think I heard you say that the Wilshire Heights Mutual Water Co. can apply for funding for veg. mitigation on properties in our neighborhood that are not part of the Water Co. as long as we obtain permission from the property owners. Can you please confirm? Thanks so much. -Astrid Meyer
Yes, this is correct as long as you have permission from the property owner.

[82] We are proposing clearing out a canyon of brush and downed tree branches. There are about 10 properties whose property lines ring the canyon but do not extend down into the canyon. There is no listed property owner for the steep slopes in the canyon. Not having a property owner for that land, would that be problematic? -Lucy Hardcastle
Property owner permission is required for projects under this program.

FUNDING ALLOCATION

[4] Initial published reports stated that the money directed towards wildfire risk reduction was to be $8 million. Now it’s $2-4 million. What happened? -Phil Grosse
The Board of Supervisors allocated $2-4 million for two fire seasons. This is year one and 2022 will be year two. Total allocated for two years is $8 million.

[35] Are there any guidelines regarding costs for projects-ie minimum or maximum awards considered? -Suni Levi
There are no defined min or max amounts for the awards. The individual amounts will depend on the number and quality of the applications received.

[41] What are your grant amount parameters? That is do you have amount caps on your grant awards this year? -Kathie Schmid
We do not have any caps on the grant amounts. The individual amounts will depend upon the number and quality of applications received.

[45] How is the funding process structured? I heard awards in May what is the timeframe for expending the grant funding? Is the grant funding renewable annually? Should projects be scoped and scales for multiple years or for this year only? Thank you. -Nichole Warwick
The timeline for awards and funding is in the program guidelines on the website. You can find the schedule in Section D of the program guidelines: https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/wp-content/uploads/2021-Vegetation-Management-Grant-Solicitation_FINAL-REMEDIATED.pdf.

[68] How timely will funds be distributed – will an applicant need to have funds available to complete the work and then be reimbursed or will County funds be provided in plenty of time to meet the programmatic timeline? -Roberta MacIntyre – FIRE SAFE SONOMA
The funds will be dispersed up front upon execution of the grant agreement and NOT on a reimbursement basis.

[74] Is there a match requirement? Please describe. Dean Kackley
No, there is no match requirement.

CEQA

[5] You will probably cover this but can you clarify this…The document 2020 Exemptions from CEQA Section 15304 states that there can be an exemption to CEQA for fuel management activities within 100’ of a structure if the public agency having fire protection responsibility for the area has determined that 100’ of fuel clearance is required due to extra hazardous fire conditions. Can this section be applied to these grant projects so that we can expedite the CEQA review process? – Lynn Garric
Applicants are encouraged to search the online database of CEQA filings at ceqanet.opr.ca.gov for examples of projects that have been considered exempt by other agencies. Exemptions should fit within the description and general intent described in the CEQA Guidelines. Class 4 exemptions consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Additionally, the exceptions of 15300.2 may prevent a project from being exempt from CEQA. What is considered “minor” will ultimately be determined by the County as we review project applications. Applicants are encouraged to include robust, detailed project descriptions, and document the type(s) of CEQA exemptions a project may be considered to aid the reviewing committee in making the final decision on if a project is exempt from CEQA.

[13] If a project is exempt with a non-governmental project proponent still need to find a lead agency to file the NOE or will Ag + Open Space file that or not require an NOE? – Valerie Quinto, Sonoma RCD
The current thinking is that the County will sign and file the CEQA exemption, using the project description prepared by the applicant. The applicant will be required to cover the CEQA filing fee and should incorporate this expense into their budget. CEQA will only apply to projects that are approved to receive grant funding.

[18] Hi there thanks so much for this! Is there anything definitive you can share about whether doing fire fuel reduction NOT within 100 feet from structures is exempt? Have been scouring the resources online but it’s so tough to know how legit it is to define our work as Exempt but of course we’d love to be able to!! The work is essentially nonnative/flammable plants removal, limbing trees, some tree removal, and chipping and spreading. -Claire McMurtry
Applicants are encouraged to search the online database of CEQA filings at ceqanet.opr.ca.gov for examples of projects that have been considered exempt by other agencies. Exemptions should fit within the description and general intent described in the CEQA Guidelines. Class 4 exemptions consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Additionally, the exceptions of 15300.2 may prevent a project from being exempt from CEQA. What is considered “minor” will ultimately be determined by the County as we review project applications. Applicants are encouraged to include robust, detailed project descriptions, and document the type(s) of CEQA exemptions a project may be considered to aid the reviewing committee in making the final decision on if a project is exempt from CEQA.

[28] If we conclude that our project fits within a CEQA categorical exemption who needs to sign off on that and does signoff need to happen before May 16? -Dave Picciotto
The current thinking is that the County will sign and file the CEQA exemption, using the project description prepared by the applicant. The applicant will be required to cover the CEQA filing fee and should incorporate this expense into their budget. CEQA will only apply to projects that are approved to receive grant funding.

[29] Is a road considered to be a “structure in terms of Class 4? -Bob Neale – Sonoma Land Trust
Applicants are encouraged to search the online database of CEQA filings at ceqanet.opr.ca.gov for examples of projects that have been considered exempt by other agencies. Exemptions should fit within the description and general intent described in the CEQA Guidelines. Class 4 exemptions consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Additionally, the exceptions of 15300.2 may prevent a project from being exempt from CEQA. What is considered “minor” will ultimately be determined by the County as we review project applications. Applicants are encouraged to include robust, detailed project descriptions, and document the type(s) of CEQA exemptions a project may be considered to aid the reviewing committee in making the final decision on if a project is exempt from CEQA.

[33] Can a road or private driveway be classified as a “structure” as defined by the CEQA exemption? -Trevor Smith, Sonoma Valley Fire District
Applicants are encouraged to search the online database of CEQA filings at ceqanet.opr.ca.gov for examples of projects that have been considered exempt by other agencies. Exemptions should fit within the description and general intent described in the CEQA Guidelines. Class 4 exemptions consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Additionally, the exceptions of 15300.2 may prevent a project from being exempt from CEQA. What is considered “minor” will ultimately be determined by the County as we review project applications. Applicants are encouraged to include robust, detailed project descriptions, and document the type(s) of CEQA exemptions a project may be considered to aid the reviewing committee in making the final decision on if a project is exempt from CEQA.

[38] HI – is a water tank a structure? This is in regards to an elementary school. -Anonymous Attendee
Applicants are encouraged to search the online database of CEQA filings at ceqanet.opr.ca.gov for examples of projects that have been considered exempt by other agencies. Exemptions should fit within the description and general intent described in the CEQA Guidelines. Class 4 exemptions consist of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. Additionally, the exceptions of 15300.2 may prevent a project from being exempt from CEQA. What is considered “minor” will ultimately be determined by the County as we review project applications. Applicants are encouraged to include robust, detailed project descriptions, and document the type(s) of CEQA exemptions a project may be considered to aid the reviewing committee in making the final decision on if a project is exempt from CEQA.

[42] Would the CEQA exemption “Emergency Projects where urgency is required to implement projects that reduce threats to health and property [CEQA Statute Sections 21080(b)(2)-(4) and State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269″ work since many of these projects are intended to do just that? -Pip Marquez de la Plata
CEQA compliance will ultimately be determined by the County as we review project applications. Applicants are encouraged to include robust, detailed project descriptions, and document the mechanism of CEQA review for a project to aid the reviewing committee in making the final decision on a project.

[66] The application does not have a section for this but I suspect that operations taken under the auspices of the forest practice rules and act could serve as CEQA documentation. Robert what is the county’s position on this? Working with a Registered Professional Foresters landowners presumably could file exemptions under the THP guidelines or file an NOI for projects within an NTMP; commercial operations are not required to use FPRs. -Jason Wells
Applicants are required to document the mechanism for CEQA review, and to provide supporting documentation. For projects that require a ND, MND, or EIR, applicants are asked to specify the CEQA Lead Agency on page 2 of Attachment D. Submitted projects will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

PROJECT ZONES

[9] Regarding the listed locations – according to the “Desired Outcomes” you are looking for vegetation management in “high-risk areas.” Yet the areas listed in B.1.f. are not those with the highest fire return rates nor those adjacent to key infrastructure. For example, the Geysers area has one of the highest fire return rates of anywhere in Sonoma County and is immediately adjacent to the United States’ largest geothermal electric generating facility, but it isn’t listed. The second listed Award criterion is location in the B.1.f. areas. What are the real priorities and are those not in the listed areas disadvantaged? -Geoff Peters
The program is countywide and the areas listed were highlighted as critical areas by a panel of local experts. These are examples of areas where we would like to see projects; but projects countywide are encouraged and all geographical areas will be competitive for the grants.

[10] A canyon behind two neighborhoods in Forestville is filled with downed trees, branches, and brush. We have an Emergency Preparedness Group that would like to apply to have a group like Circuit Riders take out the worst of it. We’ve talked with our local Fire Chief who states this canyon has been listed as quite dangerous. We are not in the selected area. Shall we still apply? -Lucy Hardcastle
The focus areas in the program guidelines were examples of high-risk areas, but the grant funds are not limited to those areas. We encourage all to apply.

[14] Could someone speak more to “‘calming zone’ vegetation removal buffers and strategic fuel breaks” listed under types of projects considered — what does this look like on the ground? Shaded, full sun, or? -Hannah Wilton
Page 16 of the attached document explains Fuel Breaks and Shaded Fuel Breaks/Calming Zones. The document also has a lot of other useful Vegetation Management Information and Resources. https://www.fire.ca.gov/media/umkhhdbs/fuels-reduction-guide-final-2021-print.pdf

[48] Is there a procedure to lobby the county to deal with their acreage adjacent to our neighborhood? The Noel Heights neighborhood hopes to join the Pocket Canyon Ridge proposal however some county property would not be included in our proposal. -Lisa V
You are welcome to contact your Supervisor’s office to notify them of this property, but it should not be included in your proposal.

PROJECT TYPES & ELIGIBILITY

[15] Are media (tv and radio) education projects considered? -Cindy Corrello Hilke
Projects that provide educational opportunities or raise awareness will be considered for funding, although the direction from the Board of Supervisors is to prioritize projects that will result in the most fire-risk reduction for this fire season. This may or may not include public education or outreach projects.

[22] Regarding the silver tagged dead trees that remain along the roadways. Would this be considered for funding? -Lisa Warner
Live answered.

[26] How would our neighborhood be able to get funding to clean up Annadel State Park on the Schultz Rd. Kenwood side. -Anonymous Attendee
California State Parks is responsible for Annadel, and we have no jurisdiction over the park. State Parks is working with CalFire to address risks on parkland.

[34] If you have a large project can you divide it between CAL FIRE and the Vegetation Management program? -Judy Rosales
Yes.

[37] I’m part of a community of about 50 residential homes in Guerneville (Pocket Canyon). We have a lot of Bay Trees and Scotch Broom within 100 ft of many homes. I have two questions:
1) and if yes, what is the best means to show our collective interest in a neighborhood (petition signature list, etc.), 2) should the grant refer to only the invasive species or would you recommend we include things like failing redwoods or other fallen trees? -Jim Shissler
Part of your question didn’t come through in the transcription, but you would need approval from all landowners that would be involved in the project and that would need to be documented. Please include all vegetation types that would need to be managed using this funding.

[44] One of the areas (Monte Rio Terraces) we (Friends of Villa Grande) would like to address is complex & difficult to assess the most effective method of fuel reduction. Could these grant funds be used to create a plan of how to work with residents, the local fire agency & the consultant to determine the most cost-effective way to address the diverse fire-reduction needs of this area? -Roberto Esteves
Yes.

[49] Would a large-scale cooperative neighborhood grazing program be considered a competitive one? -Susan Anderson
A project’s competitiveness will depend on the number and quality of the applications received. We encourage you to apply regardless.

[53] One Award criteria is: “Advancement of local workforce development and training.” Would this grant support a dedicated proposal to offer advanced education & hands-on training in Ecological Restoration based BMP’s as part of a Workforce Training program with a collaborative group of local NGO’s who current have Workforce Crews? -Brock Dolman
Live answered.

[54] 1) What are the practices that are covered by the CALVTP program under the Statewide Programmatic EIR? Does that apply to this grant program? 2) If the county is the CEQA agency for non-exempt practices, are we still bound to a 10-day minimum for native American notification prior to the plan being submitted? Do we need to do an archaeological records search? -Fred Euphrat
1) The practices covered are; prescribed burning mechanical treatment, manual treatment, prescribed herbivory, and the use of herbicides. https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/dannit4m/calvtp-faqs.pdF. 2) All CEQA requirements must be met for funding under this program.

[56] Our HOA lost 1000’s of trees during the Tubbs fire. Is reforesting burned areas eligible for funding? We own approximately 220 acres located in a WUI area. -Bruce McConnell
It is unclear from this question the goal of the restoration project. Feel free to submit and we will review your project and provide more information.

[57] Regarding my question about dividing a project between CAL Fire and the Veg management program, you indirectly answered that question. We have a shaded fuel break project spanning Timber Cove to Cazadero including public Fort Ross Rd. Bohan Dillon and Seaview Rd. And 17 miles of private roads where our three VFD fire departments are housed. How best to propose this project? We have about 50 percent landowner approval with an Outreach Team working to obtain the rest, including a community meeting. -Judy Rosales
Live answered.

[61] How do you plan to prioritize between immediate vegetation management and CWPP preparation which would allow “smarter” vegetation management prioritization going forward? -Geoff Peters
Live answered.

[65] This question relates to the workforce development goals of the project. The consultant recommendations and much of the conversation at the board meeting that approved this funding referenced a priority for engaging agencies with youth crews to perform the mitigation work with an eye towards connecting the youth and young adults to career pathways in the veg management and fire mitigation fields – including the program funded at the SRJC out of the same pot. Why is that element not addressed in the RFP or the selection criteria? Any chance to better develop that component? -Steve Trippe
Live answered.

[70] Are indirect costs allowed in the requests? -Anonymous Attendee
Live answered.

[71] I want to use screen fencing to resist cinders reaching our new home such as used near driving ranges. Would that kind of fencing be eligible? How about external roof sprinkler systems? Thank you. -Keith Rhinehart
Live answered.

[72] I missed whether dead tree removal would be eligible for this grant program? -Keith Rhinehart
Live answered.

[76] Can you please define “shovel-ready?” -Dave Picciotto
Live answered.

[77] Judy’s question re: Coast Ridge Community forest brings up another: What about Pines? Can trees with no value but hazard > 12 be cut in this program? -Fred Euphrat
Please submit your plan, ideally from a professional forester and we will evaluate.

[81] If a forest begins 30’ from structures but extends away from the inhabited area” ” does that count as adequate density? -Anonymous Attendee
Please submit your plan and we will review to determine its effectiveness in reducing fire risk.

MISCELLANEOUS

[11] Since Pepperwood is on the award team, are they ineligible for this funding? -Roberta MacIntyre – FIRE SAFE SONOMA
Correct, they are not eligible for funding and will not be applying. Also, to clarify, Pepperwood is not actually on the selection team for awards, but rather just providing technical support on the program as a whole.

[19] Are we not using the “upvote” feature? Roberta MacIntyre – FIRE SAFE SONOMA
The upvote feature should be enabled. Other questions have risen to the top via the upvote feature.

[17] Supervisor Gore asked us to prepare an application for a critical area prior to your program announcement. We are nearly ready to submit it. You say you want “measurable and relevant outcomes ahead of the 2021 fire season” but awards will not be announced until May 25 when we are already in fire season. Can you support rolling reviews of submitted applications as they arrive so that those that clearly qualify may receive notification earlier? -Geoff Peters
Live answered.

[20] What was the Website link for this grant program and the application date? -Roger Farrell
https://www.sonomaopenspace.org/vegmanagement 

[21] More of a complaint that the Ladder Fuels Map on Sonoma County Vegetation Map of Sonoma County Vegetation Height Map and Sonoma County Orthoimagery are from 2013. -Lisa Y
That is a great point! As a team we are seeking to secure the resources needed to update that source data-so stay tuned.

[25] Are there good templates. We are in unincorporated Sebastopol and do not have a CWPP and scrambling to apply for a grant…can we secure funding from this latest veg management grant? We think we can raise private funds to help. -Amy Bridge
Please consult your fire district or resource conservation district, or any of the other entities listed on the resource page for assistance.

[62] Will the chat and Q&A content be captured for reference along with a recording of this meeting? -Virginia Mahacek
Yes.

[85] What is CWPP? -Jan Chernoff
Community Wildfire Protection Plan

RESOURCES SHARED

[52] I see many people speaking about the Pocket Canyon Area between Forestville and Guerneville. I would love to connect with you. My name is Nichole Warwick. I co-direct a project that is building community grazing and intersectional land stewardship projects in west county. I live in Pocket Canyon myself and am very interested in building community with others who are working towards land stewardship and fire safety. Please email me at: nichole@dailyacts.org Nichole Warwick | Sonoma SASS

[55] If any of you wonderful community groups need help with the grant writing we at Circuit Rider Community Services are happy to help groups with writing the grant and being the NGO partner and have language and budget templates. Contact email is che.casul@circuitridercs.org Che Casul

[73] Bruce McConnell – depending what kind of trees you lost the Sonoma RCD may be able to connect you with free seedlings. You’re welcome to email me at vminton@sonomarcd.org if you’re interested in discussing. Valerie Quinto

[75] To the people who have commented about Pocket Canyon projects: The company I work for is helping facilitate the shaded fuel break project with Summer Home and Odd Fellows. I’d love to touch base and brainstorm with others in the area :)” -Clare Lacy: Clacy@eresourcesolutions.com

[80] CEQA Article 19. Categorical Exemptions
§ 15304. Minor Alterations to Land:
(i) Fuel management activities within 30 feet of structures to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation provided that the activities will not result in the taking of endangered rare or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters. This exemption shall apply to fuel management activities within 100 feet of a structure if the public agency having fire protection responsibility for the area has determined that 100 feet of fuel clearance is required due to extra hazardous fire conditions. -Roberta MacIntyre – FIRE SAFE SONOMA

[83] Pocket Canyon group might contact nicole@dailyacts.org. -Anonymous Attendee

[84] If any west county landowner is interested in building community grazing as part of their project and would like non-profit sponsorship for your project” ” please reach out to Sonoma SASS’s Intersectional land stewardship project. Sarah.keiser@wildoathollow.com or nichole@dailyacts.org Nichole Warwick | Sonoma SASS

FUEL MAPPER TOOL: https://wildfirefuelmapper.org/

Chief Ben Nicholls: CAL VTP Webpage https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/calvtp-homepage/

Robert Aguero: CEQA Guidelines – https://www.califaep.org/docs/CEQA_Handbook_2021.pdf

Chief Ben Nicholls: Ben Nicholls ben.nicholls@fire.ca.gov 576-2089

Lisa Micheli: www.wildfirefuelmapper.org was linked to planning resources along with www.sonomaforests.org