Sierra Pacific Industries to clearcut log between I-80 and Nevada City, CA.

Google Earth Photo By Mike Bit

THP 2-20-002 NEV (Cascade THP) Sierra Pacific Industries, 600 acres; 57% clearcut, 25% fuel break, 11% commercial thin, 7% selection, misc no-harvest logging. Buckeye Ridge, Burlington Ridge, Scotts Flat Reservoir, Upper Steephollow Creek (MD: T16N R10E Sec 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 15, 21, 22).  Winter operations, moderate erosion hazard, steep slopes up to 70%, landslide terrain, impaired 303.d watershed, 5 road drainage work sites, herbicides, CA spotted owl, osprey, northern goshawk, red fox, 2 sensitive plant species, scattered large trees.  Estimated public comment deadline: 02/21/20. SUBMIT COMMENTS,  VIEW THP

This THP is about 9 miles east of Nevada City, CA, 4 miles south of Highway 49, and about 5 miles north of I-80 at an elevation of 3,300 to 4,500 feet.  Sierra Pacific Industries is planning a mostly clearcut tractor and cable logging operation on steep and unstable slopes in ponderosa pine, white fir, Douglas fir, incense cedar and sugar pine forests. There are 5 landslide terrain sites in the THP area including; 4 unstable areas in section 5 outside of THP units, and 1 unstable area in section 21 outside of THP units.  Sierra Pacific Industries is planning to use and construct roads, landings and crossings during the winter period, and use ground based equipment on steep slopes between 50% and 65% with a moderate erosion hazard. Five road drainage sites are planned for work including; rocking, dip construction, ditch cleaning, culvert repair/replacement and waterhole construction.  In 2012, an osprey was reported within .7 miles of the nearest THP unit, and a northern goshawk territory exists within .4 miles of the nearest THP unit in section 09. There is an historic (1989) sighting of a red fox within .6 miles of the nearest THP unit in section 32. Sierra blue grass was found in units 15-1002 and 22-304, and Butte County fritillary was found in unit 5-905. 11 CA spotted owl sightings were reported within .09 to .57 miles from the nearest THP unit.
Tweet