Title
Planning and Building Department, Airports Division, recommending the Board:
1) Authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to sign and submit to CALFIRE a timber harvest exemption form for the removal of approximately three acres of trees necessary for the safety of operations at the Georgetown Airport; and
2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a budget transfer increasing revenue and appropriations by $50,000 for the Georgetown Airport for Fiscal Year 2023-24 to fund tree removal work. (4/5 vote required)
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Three acres of trees adjacent to the runway approach at the Georgetown Airport are currently presenting tree obstruction hazards penetrating navigable airspace, resulting in the suspension of nighttime operations at the airport. Airports Division staff worked with the County’s airport consultant to prepare a site map and flag and paint the boundary of the trees to be removed adjacent to the runway approach.
Pursuant to 14 CCR § 1104.1(a), the County can clear up to three acres without a Timber Harvest Plan by completing and submitting a “Less Than 3 Acre Conversion Exemption” form to the State of California, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). With this exemption form, the work must be completed by a Licensed Timber Operator (LTO). This work will mitigate the obstructions that are of immediate concern and help with the effort to have nighttime operations restored at the Georgetown Airport.
There are an additional three to four acres of trees that do not pose the same imminent threat but will still need to be removed to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Staff will continue to work with the County’s airport consultant on a Timber Harvest Plan and an Environmental Assessment in order to gain access to Federal Aviation Administration funding for the remaining tree removal.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may elect not to approve the budget transfer.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
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