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Department of Transportation recommending the Board consider the following pertaining to the Tree Mortality Project, Phase IV, Contract 3688:
1) Approve and adopt the Contract Documents;
2) Authorize advertisement for bids; and
3) Provide direction regarding funding options. (Est. Time 10 Min.)
FUNDING: California Disaster Assistance Act Funds (75% - State), CAL FIRE Grant (25%), and General Fund (Local - if needed).
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Data collected by state and federal agencies demonstrates that drought conditions and bark beetle infestation have killed over 102 million trees in the State of California (State). On October 30, 2015, Governor Brown proclaimed a State of Emergency due to unprecedented tree mortality caused by conditions of extreme drought and drought-related bark beetle infestations. The Governor's Emergency Proclamation contains 18 distinct actions that direct State agencies, utilities, and local governments to remove dead or dying trees in high hazard areas across the entire State.
On March 28, 2016 (Item 1), the Board adopted Resolution 053-2016 declaring a State of Emergency in El Dorado County due to pervasive tree mortality, and on May 17, 2016 (Item 46), the Board approved the County’s Tree Mortality Hazard Tree Removal Plan. On August 2, 2016 (Item 33), the Board authorized the Chair to sign the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) application and authorized the submittal of the application for funding related to the State’s declared Tree Mortality Emergency. The El Dorado County Sheriff's Department received confirmation on September 2, 2016, that the County had been approved for CDAA funding.
Trees marked for removal under CDAA funding must be verified by Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs) or Certified Arborists (CA). On November 15, 2016 (Item 39), the Board approved an Agreement for Services with Black Fox Timber Management Group. Inc. (Black Fox) to meet the RPF/CA requirement and to provid...
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