News Release Archive

Reclamation to Begin Project to Reduce Flammable Vegetation at Lake Natoma on Monday, May 23

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: May 20, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with California State Parks, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the Sacramento Regional Conservation Corps (SRCC), will begin implementing a fire fuels reduction project along Lake Natoma's shoreline and adjacent to private property on Monday, May 23, 2011. The work is expected to continue through mid-June.

The purpose of the project is to reduce flammable vegetation along Lake Natoma's boundary to help mitigate the risk of wildfire. The work will be accomplished by SRCC crews and is being made possible by grant funding obtained by the SRCC. The work will take place Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and will include the use of chainsaws and other hand tools.

Crews will be removing dead vegetation and excessive foliage within 50 to 100 feet of property boundaries. The amount of vegetation removed will vary based on its density in different areas. In some locations, minimal work will be needed, while other areas will require the removal of a noticeable amount of foliage. The project will minimize the removal of mature native trees and will focus on removing non-native trees and shrubs.

All work will take place on public lands and will not encroach upon private property. Please note that although a key reason for the work is to reduce the risk of fire spreading to private lands, it is the responsibility of the private property owners to conduct similar activities on their property, if needed.

For guidelines and information on appropriate fire suppression activities on private property, please visit the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District's website at http://www.sacmetrofire.ca.gov and look for the link to Community Services, Safety Tips, and the Defensible Space Checklist (or link directly to the checklist at http://www.sacmetrofire.ca.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=133&Itemid=152).

For questions or additional information on the project, please contact Matthew See with Reclamation's Central California Area Office at 916-989-7198 or msee@usbr.gov.

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