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Vegetation Management Program

Discover the benefits of the VMP, a partnership between land managers and CAL FIRE for fuels reduction and habitat enhancement. Learn about the process, from application to burn area preparation, and considerations like air quality, cost-sharing, and expertise.

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Vegetation Management Program

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  1. Vegetation Management Program Nevada Yuba Placer Unit Steve Garcia, Unit Forester

  2. What Is VMP? • VMP is a private / public partnership between land managers and CAL FIRE. • Fuels reduction and habitat enhancement projects, mostly by prescribed burning. • Cost share program where CAL FIRE covers up to 90% of the costs based upon a public vs. private benefits formula. • Landowner can contribute in-kind services.

  3. Why Use a VMP? • Tools to reduce fuels and improve habitat. • CAL FIRE resources manage the project. • We bring the specialized equipment that might be needed. • CAL FIRE assumes the liability.

  4. Isn’t This Too Good To Be True? • CAL FIRE must comply with CEQA. • Use the Program’s EIRs. • Archaeology review of the site. • Agency review – WQ, DMG, AQMD, DFG, USFWS. • Burn plan development / prescriptions. • CAL FIRE may not get it done. • Staffing. Statewide conditions drive decisions. • Priority and Proximity.

  5. Starting Up • Application Meet with the local Battalion Chief to discuss and assess viability of project. • Map Where you want it done is important.

  6. Paperwork – Planning the Project • Which CEQA path do we use? • Site visit. • Agency notification. • Archaeology records search. • Archaeology survey & report. • Response to input from agencies. • Burn plan, prescription, cost share, environmental checklist, contract – up to 10 years.

  7. Resources – What will you need?

  8. Preparing the Burn Area. • Roads, dozer lines, hand lines. Control features and exposures. • Does the fuel need pre-treatment. • Cutting brush. • Broadcast or pile burning. • Chaining. • Coordinating who does what: CAL FIRE or landowner.

  9. Waiting for the Burn Window • Burn area going into and holding in prescription. • Weather monitoring. RAWS stations. • Equipment and personnel available. • CAL FIRE equipment. • Local Fire Department or other cooperators. • Air Quality conditions favorable. • Approval by CAL FIRE (Unit and Region).

  10. Have the Stars Aligned? • Go / No Go Checklist • Weather forecasts. • Necessary control lines completed. • Equipment and personnel at scene. • In prescription. Air Quality approval. • Test burn. • Main burn.

  11. Air Quality Stuff • Air Quality is a major issue. • Smoke Management Plan. PFIRS plan? • Air Quality Permits. • Small scale burn plan. • Large project smoke management plan. • Can you do it yourself? • Placer County Air Quality Management District

  12. Can a VMP Work For You? • Do you need someone else to assume the liability? • Do you lack the tools needed? • Is it important to have the expertise CAL FIRE can bring to your project? • Can you meet your portion of the cost share and have the patience to wait for bureaucracy to work? • Are you prepared for the cost and effort of future maintenance following the initial burn?

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