Los Gatos City Council
August 6, 2024

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 69 implementation measures to ensure that equipment noise does not adversely affect land uses and to actively enforce noise standards. Proposed vegetation treatments would occur in public parks and open space areas. However, noise generated by proposed treatments would be temporary, would be intermittent, and would not create a new permanent source of noise in the area, which is consistent with the Noise Chapter of the Environment and Sustainability Element (Chapter 8.11). Additionally, the proposed project would be subject to noise-specific SPRs included in the PEIR and project AMMS to reduce short-term increases in ambient noise levels. SPR NOI-1 restricts vegetation treatment activities to daytime hours. SPR NOI-2 and AMM-39 require all equipment to be maintained appropriately and equipped with the proper intake and exhaust shrouds. SPR NOI-3 requires all equipment engine shrouds to be closed during operation. SPR NOI-4 would require vegetation treatment activities and staging areas be located away from sensitive receptors to the extent feasible to minimize noise exposure. SPR NOI-5 and AMM-6 restrict equipment idling time. Additionally, SPR NOI-6 requires notification to be provided to nearby sensitive receptors when heavy equipment would be used for a treatment. With implementation of required SPRs and AMMs, the proposed project would have a less-than-significant impact related to increases in ambient noise and would be consistent with the determination of the PEIR.

IMPACT NOI-2
As described in the PEIR, single event (impulsive) noise level (SENL) describes a receiver’s cumulative noise exposure from a single impulsive noise event (e.g., an automobile passing by, an aircraft flying overhead). The proposed project has the potential to increase SENL within proposed treatment areas through heavy equipment and vehicle trips. SPR NOI-1, included in the PEIR, would be implemented to restrict vegetation treatment activities to daytime hours, which would reduce the potential for an increase in heavy vehicle and equipment trips to increase SENLs during noise-sensitive evening and nighttime hours. The increase in heavy vehicle and equipment trips would be temporary and would not result in a permanent increase in trips along public roadways. The proposed project would be consistent with the PEIR because vehicle and equipment trips would be limited to daylight hours and would not result in a long-term increase in SENL. Therefore, project-specific impacts would be less than significant, and no new or more severe impacts than what was evaluated in the PEIR would occur.

NEW NOISE IMPACTS
The proposed treatments are consistent with the treatment types and activities covered in the CalVTP PEIR. The project proponent has considered the site-specific characteristics of the proposed treatments and determined they are consistent with the applicable regulatory and environmental conditions presented in the CalVTP PEIR (refer to Section 3.13.1, Regulatory Setting, and Section 3.13.2, Environmental Setting, in Volume II of the Final PEIR). The project proponent has also determined that the inclusion of land in the proposed treatment area that is outside the CalVTP treatable landscape constitutes a change to the geographic extent presented in the PEIR. However, within the boundary of the project area, the existing environmental and regulatory conditions pertinent to noise present in the areas outside the treatable landscape are essentially the same as those within the treatable landscape; therefore, the impacts are the same and, for the reasons described above, impacts of the proposed treatment project are consistent with those covered in the PEIR. No changed circumstances are present, and the inclusion of areas outside of the CalVTP treatable landscape would not give rise to any new significant impact.

Therefore, no new impact related to noise would occur.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 70 4.13 Recreation
Impact in the PEIR Project-Specific Checklist
Environmental Impact
Covered in the PEIR
Identify
Impact
Significance
in the PEIR
Identify
Location of
Impact
Analysis in
the PEIR
Does the
Impact
Apply to
the
Treatment
Project?
List SPRs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
List MMs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
Identify
Impact
Significance
for
Treatment
Project
Would This
Be a
Substantially
More Severe
Significant
Impact than
Identified in
the PEIR?
Is This
Impact
Within
the
Scope
of the
PEIR?
Would the project:

Impact REC-1: Directly
or Indirectly Disrupt
Recreational Activities
within Designated
Recreation Areas
LTS Impact
REC-1
pages

3.14-6 to

3.14-7
Yes REC-1 NA LTS No Yes
1 NA: not applicable; there are no SPRs and/or MMs identified in the PEIR for this impact.

New Recreation Impacts: Would the treatment result in other impacts to recreation that are not evaluated in the CalVTP PEIR?
☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, complete row(s) below and discussion.

Potentially
Significant
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
☐ ☐ ☐
Discussion
IMPACT REC-1
Consistent with the PEIR, the proposed project could result in potential conflicts with recreationists and recreation areas. The proposed project includes treatment activities across 193.91 acres within five open space areas and undeveloped park areas. Therefore, proposed treatment activities could result in conflicts with recreationists including access restrictions or nuisance impacts such as degradation of views, dust emissions, and increased traffic. SPR REC-1, included in the PEIR, would be implemented to minimize recreational nuisances that could result due to treatment activities. SPR REC-1 requires the project proponent to notify the public before the implementation of treatment activities. Potential nuisance impacts would be temporary and would not result in long-term disruption or conflicts with recreational land uses. Therefore, project-specific impacts would be less than significant, consistent with the PEIR, and would not result in any new or more severe impacts.

NEW RECREATION IMPACTS
The proposed treatments are consistent with the treatment types and activities covered in the CalVTP PEIR. The project proponent has considered the site-specific characteristics of the proposed treatments and determined they are consistent with the applicable regulatory and environmental conditions presented in the CalVTP PEIR (refer to Section 3.14.1, Regulatory Setting, and Section 3.14.2, Environmental Setting, in Volume II of the Final PEIR). The project proponent has also determined that the inclusion of

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 71 land in the proposed treatment area that is outside the CalVTP treatable landscape constitutes a change to the geographic extent presented in the PEIR. However, within the boundary of the project area, the existing environmental and regulatory conditions pertinent to recreation present in the areas outside the treatable landscape are essentially the same as those within the treatable landscape; therefore, the impacts are the same and, for the reasons described above, impacts of the proposed treatment project are consistent with those covered in the PEIR. No changed circumstances are present, and the inclusion of areas outside of the CalVTP treatable landscape would not give rise to any new significant impact.

Therefore, no new impact related to recreation would occur.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 72 4.14 Transportation
Impact in the PEIR Project-Specific Checklist
Environmental Impact
Covered in the PEIR
Identify
Impact
Significance
in the PEIR
Identify
Location of
Impact
Analysis in
the PEIR
Does the
Impact
Apply to
the
Treatment
Project?
List SPRs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
List MMs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
Identify
Impact
Significance
for
Treatment
Project
Would This
Be a
Substantially
More Severe
Significant
Impact than
Identified in
the PEIR?
Is This
Impact
Within
the
Scope
of the
PEIR?
Would the project:

Impact TRAN-1: Result
in Temporary Traffic
Operations Impacts by
Conflicting with a
Program, Plan,
Ordinance, or Policy
Addressing Roadway
Facilities or Prolonged
Road Closures
LTS Impact
TRAN-1
pages

3.15-9 to

3.15-10
Yes AD-3
TRAN-1
AMM-40
NA LTS No YES
Impact TRAN-2:

Substantially Increase
Hazards due to a
Design Feature or
Incompatible Uses
LTS Impact
TRAN-2
pages

3.15-10 to

3.15-11
Yes AD-3
TRAN-1
AMM-40
NA LTS No Yes
Impact TRAN-3: Result
in a Net Increase in
VMT for the Proposed
CalVTP
PSU Impact
TRAN-3
pages

3.15-11 to

3.15-13
Yes NA NA LTS No Yes
1 NA: not applicable; there are no SPRs and/or MMs identified in the PEIR for this impact.

New Transportation Impacts: Would the treatment result in other impacts to transportation that are not evaluated in the CalVTP PEIR?
☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, complete row(s) below and discussion.

Potentially
Significant
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
☐ ☐ ☐
Discussion
IMPACT TRAN-1
The Town of Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Mobility Element (Element 5) evaluates existing roadway conditions using levels of service (LOS), which are categorized according to the flow of traffic. Within the Town, LOS D is considered an acceptable LOS (Town of Los Gatos 2022a). There are several state and county roadways that traverse the Town in the vicinity of the treatment areas, including, but not limited to, SR-17 and SR-9, in addition to local roadways. In addition, there are numerous local roadways located within the project area.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 73 The proposed project has the potential to slow the flow of traffic through an increase of heavy vehicles and equipment traveling on nearby roadways and through implementation of temporary traffic controls.

AMM-40, included in Section 2, Project Description (see Table 2), would require the project to prepare and implement a Traffic Control Plan in order to coordinate with nearby land uses in regard to potential road closures or other necessary controls. Temporary traffic controls on public roadways would be subject to SPR TRAN-1, included in the PEIR, which requires coordination with local agencies to develop a traffic management plan as necessary. In addition, vehicle and equipment transportation would be temporary and would not permanently impede the flow of traffic on public roadways. The proposed project would be consistent with SPR AD-3 because it would be consistent with the Town of Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Mobility Element (Element 5). Therefore, project-specific impacts would be less than significant, which is consistent with the analysis and determination included in the PEIR.

IMPACT TRAN-2
The proposed project does not include the construction of any new roads; therefore, the proposed project would not substantially increase hazards due to hazardous road design. The PEIR also identifies an increase in congestion as a potential roadway hazard. AMM-40, included in Section 2, Project Description (see Table 2), would require preparation of a Traffic Control Plan to foster coordination with nearby land uses in regard to potential road closures or other necessary controls. Temporary traffic controls would be subject to SPR TRAN-1 to avoid unnecessary hazards associated with implementation of traffic controls. Additionally, the proposed project would be consistent with SPR AD-3 because traffic controls are not anticipated to increase long-term congestion along public roadways. Therefore, projectspecific impacts would be less than significant and would not constitute a new or more severe impact than what was evaluated in the PEIR.

IMPACT TRAN-3
According to the Technical Advisory on Evaluating Transportation Impacts in CEQA, projects that do not indicate substantial evidence that a project would generate a potentially significant level of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), that are consistent with a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) or general plan, or that would generate or attract fewer than 110 trips per day generally may be assumed to cause a less-thansignificant transportation impact (California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research [OPR] 2018).

One to three vehicles per treatment area would be used for crew transportation to proposed treatment areas. Although there is potential for concurrent treatment activities to occur, vehicle and equipment trips would be temporary and the project is not anticipated to result in more than 110 trips per day; therefore, project-specific impacts related to VMT would be less than significant. The PEIR evaluates the potential impacts of an increase in vegetation treatments throughout the state; therefore, this impact area was identified as having a potentially significant and unavoidable impact related to VMT. The PEIR also notes that individual treatment projects are reasonably expected to generate less than 110 trips per day, which is consistent with the determination of the proposed project. Project-specific impacts would be less than significant; therefore, the proposed project would not result in any new or more severe impacts than what was included in the PEIR.

NEW TRANSPORTATION IMPACTS
The proposed treatments are consistent with the treatment types and activities covered in the CalVTP PEIR. The project proponent has considered the site-specific characteristics of the proposed treatments and determined they are consistent with the applicable regulatory and environmental conditions presented in the CalVTP PEIR (refer to Section 3.15.1, Regulatory Setting, and Section 3.15.2, Environmental Setting, in Volume II of the Final PEIR). The project proponent has also determined that the inclusion of land in the proposed treatment area that is outside the CalVTP treatable landscape constitutes a change to the geographic extent presented in the PEIR. However, within the boundary of the project area, the

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 74 existing environmental and regulatory conditions pertinent to transportation present in the areas outside the treatable landscape are essentially the same as those within the treatable landscape; therefore, the impacts are the same and, for the reasons described above, impacts of the proposed treatment project are consistent with those covered in the PEIR. No changed circumstances are present, and the inclusion of areas outside of the CalVTP treatable landscape would not give rise to any new significant impact.

Therefore, no new impact related to transportation would occur.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 75 4.15 Public Services, Utilities, and Service Systems Impact in the PEIR Project-Specific Checklist
Environmental Impact
Covered in the PEIR
Identify
Impact
Significance
in the PEIR
Identify
Location of
Impact
Analysis in
the PEIR
Does the
Impact
Apply to
the
Treatment
Project?
List SPRs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
List MMs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
Identify
Impact
Significance
for
Treatment
Project
Would This
Be a
Substantially
More Severe
Significant
Impact than
Identified in
the PEIR?
Is This
Impact
Within
the
Scope
of the
PEIR?
Would the project:

Impact UTIL-1: Result in
Physical Impacts
Associated with
Provision of Sufficient
Water Supplies,
Including Related
Infrastructure Needs
LTS Impact
UTIL-1
page 3.16-9
No -- -- -- -- --
Impact UTIL-2:

Generate Solid Waste in
Excess of State
Standards or Exceed
Local Infrastructure
Capacity
PSU Impact
UTIL-2
pages

3.12-10 to

3.16-12
No -- -- -- -- --
Impact UTIL-3: Comply
with Federal, State, and
Local Management and
Reduction Goals,
Statutes, and
Regulations Related to
Solid Waste
LTS Impact
UTIL-3
page

3.16-12
No -- -- -- -- --
1 NA: not applicable; there are no SPRs and/or MMs identified in the PEIR for this impact.

New Public Services, Utilities, and Service Systems Impacts: Would the treatment result in other impacts to public services, utilities, and service systems that are not evaluated in the CalVTP PEIR? ☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, complete row(s) below and discussion.

Potentially
Significant
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
☐ ☐ ☐
Discussion
IMPACT UTIL-1
The proposed project does not include prescribed burning or non-shaded fuel breaks and would not require the use of on-site water supplies. Therefore, this impact does not apply to the proposed project.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 76 IMPACT UTIL-2
The proposed project includes treatment methods that generate solid organic waste during mechanical and manual vegetation removal in the form of organic woody biomass. Biomass generated during treatment activities would be disposed of through chipping and mastication. The proposed project does not include the transport of biomass to off-site waste facilities for processing. Therefore, this impact does not apply to the proposed project as it would not generate solid waste exceeding state or local standards or infrastructure capacity.

IMPACT UTIL-3
As described in Impact UTIL-2, the proposed project does not include the transport of biomass to local waste providers; therefore, this impact does not apply to the proposed project.

NEW PUBLIC SERVICES, UTILITIES, AND SERVICE SYSTEMS IMPACTS The proposed treatments are consistent with the treatment types and activities covered in the CalVTP PEIR. The project proponent has considered the site-specific characteristics of the proposed treatments and determined they are consistent with the applicable regulatory and environmental conditions presented in the CalVTP PEIR (refer to Section 3.16.1, Regulatory Setting, and Section 3.16.2, Environmental Setting, in Volume II of the Final PEIR). The project proponent has also determined that the inclusion of land in the proposed treatment area that is outside the CalVTP treatable landscape constitutes a change to the geographic extent presented in the PEIR. However, within the boundary of the project area, the existing environmental and regulatory conditions pertinent to public services, utilities, and service systems present in the areas outside the treatable landscape are essentially the same as those within the treatable landscape; therefore, the impacts are the same and, for the reasons described above, impacts of the proposed treatment project are consistent with those covered in the PEIR. No changed circumstances are present, and the inclusion of areas outside of the CalVTP treatable landscape would not give rise to any new significant impact. Therefore, no new impact related to public services, utilities, and service systems would occur.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 77 4.16 Wildfire
Impact in the PEIR Project-Specific Checklist
Environmental Impact
Covered in the PEIR
Identify
Impact
Significance
in the PEIR
Identify
Location of
Impact
Analysis in
the PEIR
Does the
Impact
Apply to
the
Treatment
Project?
List SPRs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
List MMs
Applicable
to the
Treatment
Project1
Identify
Impact
Significance
for
Treatment
Project
Would This
Be a
Substantially
More Severe
Significant
Impact than
Identified in
the PEIR?
Is This
Impact
Within
the
Scope
of the
PEIR?
Would the project:

Impact WIL-1:

Substantially
Exacerbate Fire Risk
and Expose People to
Uncontrolled Spread of
a Wildfire
LTS Impact
WIL-1
pages

3.17-13 to

3.17-14
Yes HAZ-2
HAZ-3
HAZ-4
AMM-41
NA LTS No Yes
Impact WIL-2: Expose
People or Structures to
Substantial Risks
Related to Postfire
Flooding or Landslides
LTS Impact
WIL-2
pages

3.17-14 to

3.17-15
Yes GEO-3
GEO-4/
AMM-37
GEO-5
GEO-8/
AMM-35
AMM-34
AMM-36
NA LTS No Yes
1 NA: not applicable; there are no SPRs and/or MMs identified in the PEIR for this impact.

New Wildfire Impacts: Would the treatment result in other impacts related to wildfire that are not evaluated in the CalVTP PEIR?
☐ Yes ☒ No If yes, complete row(s) below and discussion.

Potentially
Significant
Less Than
Significant with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
☐ ☐ ☐
Discussion
IMPACT WIL-1
The proposed project includes manual, mechanical, and prescribed herbivory treatments within areas identified as high risk for wildfire potential. Consistent with the PEIR, proposed treatment activities have the potential to result in temporary risks associated with uncontrolled fire from the use of vehicles and heavy machinery in the treatable landscape due to the risk of accidental wildfire ignition. AMM-41, included in Section 2, Project Description (see Table 2), would reduce the potential for proposed treatment activities to ignite a wildfire. In addition, SPRs HAZ-1 through HAZ-4, included in the PEIR, would be implemented to further reduce the risk of uncontrolled spread of a wildfire from treatment activities. AMM-41 encompasses the following SPRs: HAZ-1, which requires routine maintenance on all equipment; HAZ-2, which requires all mechanized equipment to be equipped with federally and stateapproved spark arrestors to prevent the emission of flammable debris; HAZ-3, which requires vegetation

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 78 treatment crews to carry one fire extinguisher per chainsaw used, one long-handle shovel, and one axe or Pulaski to quickly respond to an ignition should one occur; and HAZ-4, which prohibits smoking outside of designated smoking areas. In addition, AMM-41 requires crews to monitor weather and fire danger on a daily basis and a designated crew member at each treatment area to monitor for fires during Red Flag Warnings. Implementation of proposed treatment activities would not substantially exacerbate fire risk that could result in the uncontrolled spread of wildfire. The proposed project would ultimately reduce the fuel load and result in a long-term reduction in wildlife risk of uncontrolled spread of wildfire. Therefore, project impacts would be less than significant, consistent with the PEIR, and would not result in any new or more significant environmental impacts.

IMPACT WIL-2
Consistent with the PEIR, the proposed project does not include the construction of new structures that could place people or structures in an area with risks related to post-wildfire flooding or landslides. In addition, the proposed project does not include prescribed burning as a treatment option. However, treatment activities have the potential to result in soil disturbance. AMM-34 through AMM-37, included in Section 2, Project Description (see Table 2), and SPRs GEO-3 through GEO-5 and GEO-8 would be implemented to stabilize disturbed soils and reduce the risk of post-fire flooding or landslides. SPR GEO-3 requires highly disturbed treatment areas to be stabilized following mechanical or prescribed herbivory treatments with mulch. AMM-36 limits the use of heavy equipment in areas that could cause compaction of or damage to soils when they are wet or saturated. AMM-34 limits treatment activities during rain, and SPR GEO-4 requires treatment areas to be inspected for erosion prior to and following the first large rainfall event. SPR GEO-5 requires the project proponent to drain compacted and/or bare linear treatment areas capable of generating stormwater runoff through the use of water breaks. AMM-35 and SPR GEO-8 would limit equipment operation on steep or unstable slopes to reduce the potential for erosion. The overall goal of the proposed project is to implement treatments in order to reduce fuel loads and the risk of wildfire and associated flooding or landslides that could impact surrounding communities.

Therefore, project impacts would be less than significant, consistent with the PEIR, and would not result in any new or more significant environmental impacts.

NEW WILDFIRE IMPACTS
The proposed treatments are consistent with the treatment types and activities covered in the CalVTP PEIR. The project proponent has considered the site-specific characteristics of the proposed treatments and determined they are consistent with the applicable regulatory and environmental conditions presented in the CalVTP PEIR (refer to Section 3.17.1, Regulatory Setting, and Section 3.17.2, Environmental Setting, in Volume II of the Final PEIR). The project proponent has also determined that the inclusion of land in the proposed treatment area that is outside the CalVTP treatable landscape constitutes a change to the geographic extent presented in the PEIR. However, within the boundary of the project area, the existing environmental and regulatory conditions pertinent to wildfire present in the areas outside the treatable landscape are essentially the same as those within the treatable landscape; therefore, the impacts are the same and, for the reasons described above, impacts of the proposed treatment project are consistent with those covered in the PEIR. No changed circumstances are present, and the inclusion of areas outside of the CalVTP treatable landscape would not give rise to any new significant impact.

Therefore, no new impact related to wildfire would occur.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 79 5 LIST OF PREPARERS
Town of Los Gatos, Department of Public Works
(Lead Agency)
Nicolle Burnham, Director of Parks and Public Works
SWCA Environmental Consultants
(CEQA Compliance)
Juliet Bolding, Associate Project Environmental Planner Mark Brandi, Principal Restoration Ecologist and Landscape Architect Lauren Huff, Northern California Ecological Restoration and Natural Resources Planning Director Jaimie Jones, Technical Editor
Laura Moran, Northern and Central California Vice President Charlotte Soergel, Project Restoration Ecologist

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 80 6 REFERENCES
Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG). 2019. Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Available at:
https://mtc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4a6f3f1259df42eab29b35dfcd0 86fc8. Accessed on September 22, 2020.

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD). 2023. Air District Air Quality Data. Available at: https://www.baaqmd.gov/about-air-quality/current-air-quality/air-monitoring-data/#/.

Accessed on July 25, 2023.

Calflora. 2020. Search for Plants. Available at: https://www.calflora.org/. Accessed July 22, 2022.

California Air Resources Board (CARB). 2017. 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan. Available at:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan/2017-scopingplandocuments#:~:text=This%20Scoping%20Plan%20for%20Achieving,goal%20to%20reduce%20 GHG%20emissions. Accessed September 20, 2020.
______. 2018. California Forest Carbon Plan. Available at:
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/forest-carbon-plan. Accessed September 20, 2020. ______. 2019. Draft California 2030 Natural and Working Lands Climate Change Implementation Plan.

Available at: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/resources/documents/nwl-implementation-draft. Accessed September 20, 2020.

California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). 2007. Frequently Asked Questions About:

Fire Hazard Severity Zoning and New Building Codes for California’s Wildland-Urban Interface. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/community-wildfire-preparedness-andmitigation/wildfire-preparedness/fire-hazard-severity-zones/fire-hazard-severity-zones-map/ .

Accessed September 22, 2020.
———. 2019a. California Vegetation Treatment Program Final Program Environmental Impact Report.

Available at: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/projects-and-programs/calvtp/calvtp-implementation/.

Accessed December 8, 2020.
———. 2019b. California Vegetation Treatment Program Final Program Environmental Impact Report:

Chapter 1 Introduction. Available at: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/9725/01- introduction_ada.pdf. Accessed December 8, 2020.
———. 2019c. California Vegetation Treatment Program Final Program Environmental Impact Report:

Chapter 2 Program Description. Available at: https://bof.fire.ca.gov/media/9726/02-programdescription_ada.pdf. Accessed December 8, 2020. ———. 2020. Communities at Risk. Available at: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/community-wildfirepreparedness-and-mitigation/fire-plan/communities-at-risk/. Accessed December 8, 2020.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). 2022. California Natural Diversity Database.

Available at: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Maps-and-Data#43018408-cnddb-in-bios.

Accessed January 28, 2022.
———. 2023. State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. Available at: State and Federally Listed Endangered and Threatened Animals of California. Accessed July 30, 2019.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 81 California Fish (CalFish). 2020. Species Programs. Available at:
https://www.calfish.org/ProgramsData/Species.aspx. Accessed on September 22, 2020.

California Herps (CAL Herps). 2020. Reptiles and Amphibians of the San Francisco Bay Area. Available at: https://californiaherps.com/identification/bayareaherps.html. Accessed on September 22, 2020.

California Native Plant Society (CNPS). 2020. Rare Plant Inventory. Available at:
https://rareplants.cnps.org/Search/Advanced. Accessed July 30, 2020.

California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) 2022. EnviroStor. Available at:
https://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/. Accessed January 28, 2022.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2022. California State Scenic Highway System Map.

Available at:
https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e80571 16f1aacaa. Accessed January 27, 2022.

California Geological Survey (CGS). 2000. Naturally-Occurring Asbestos in California. Available at:

Naturally-Occurring Asbestos in California. Accessed January 28, 2022. ———. 2011a. Reported Historic Asbestos Mines, Historic Asbestos Prospects, and Other Natural Occurrences of Asbestos in California Map.
———. 2011b. Reported Historic Asbestos Mines, Historic Asbestos Prospects, and Other Natural Occurrences of Asbestos in California Data Set.

California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR). 2018. Technical Advisory on Evaluation Transportation Impacts in CEQA. December. Available at:
https://www.opr.ca.gov/docs/20190122-743_Technical_Advisory.pdf. Accessed January 2022.

California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC). 2012. BMPs for Non-Chemical Weed Control. Available at:

BMPs for Non-Chemical Weed Control – California Invasive Plant Council (cal-ipc.org).

Accessed September 22, 2020.

California Oak Mortality Task Force. (California Oak Mortality Task Force). 2016. Working Group for Phytoptheras in Native Habitats. Available at: https://www.suddenoakdeath.org/wpcontent/uploads/2016/04/Restoration.Nsy_.Guidelines.final_.092216.pdf. Accessed on July 22. 2020.

Center for Biological Diversity (CBD). 2020. Species. Available at: Species (biologicaldiversity.org).

Accessed September 22, 2020.

County of Santa Clara. 2016. Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Available at:
https://www.sccfd.org/wpcontent/uploads/documents/fire_prevention/CWPP/CWPP_Strategic_Countywide_Document_0 8_29_16.pdf. Accessed January 28, 2022.
———. 2019. Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Annex 9. Available at:
https://www.sccfd.org/wpcontent/uploads/documents/fire_prevention/CWPP/Annex_9_Town_of_Los_Gatos_2019.pdf.

Accessed January 28. 2022.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 82 The Jepson Herbarium (Jepson). 2020. The Jepson Online Interchange for California Floristics.

Available at: https://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/interchange/. Accessed July 22, 2020.

North, Malcolm. 2007. Riparian Zones Pose Severe Wildfire Threat. Published in California Forests.

Spring 2012. Available at: https://northlab.faculty.ucdavis.edu/wpcontent/uploads/sites/195/2019/03/Riparian-zone-severe-wildfire-California-Forests.pdf.

Accessed June 10, 2022.

Northwest Information Center (NWIC). 2020. California Historical Resources Information System, Record Search, File No. 20-0332. Northwest Information Center, Sonoma State University.

Accessed September 18, 2018.

Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). 2022. GeoTracker. https://geotracker.waterboards.ca.gov/. Accessed January 28, 2022.

Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD). 2009. Standard Details & Specifications: Fire Department Apparatus Access. Available at: https://www.sccfd.org/wpcontent/uploads/documents/fire_prevention/standards/2.4.6_fire_department_apparatus_access.p df. Accessed July 28, 2020.
———. 2020a. Fire Suppression & Rescue. Available at: https://www.sccfd.org/emergency-responseoverview/fire-suppression-rescue. Accessed October 28, 2020. ———. 2020b. Facilities and Fire Stations. Available at: https://www.sccfd.org/about-sccfd/facilitiesand-fire-stations. Accessed October 28, 2020.

SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA). 2021. Vegetation Management Plan for the Town of Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, California.

Town of Los Gatos. 1978. Los Gatos Hillside Specific Plan. Available at:
https://www.losgatosca.gov/1146/Los-Gatos-Hillside-Specific-Plan. Accessed October 21, 2020. ———. 1991. Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code: Chapter 16 - Noise. Available at:
https://library.municode.com/ca/los_gatos/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH16NO.

Accessed July 28, 2020.
———. 1996. Town of Los Gatos Municipal Code: Chapter 9 - Fire Prevention and Protection. Available at:
https://library.municode.com/ca/los_gatos/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CO_CH9FIPRPR.

Accessed July 28, 2020.
———. 2008. Town of Los Gatos Parks, Open Space and Trails Inventory. May 16. Available at:
https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1072/Recreation-Inventory--Reduced-FileSize?bidId=. Accessed December 1, 2020. ———. 2019a. Town of Los Gatos 2040 General Plan, Background Report. Public Draft. March.

Available at: http://losgatos2040.com/images/docs/lggpu_br_prd_web.pdf. Accessed September 18, 2020.
———. 2019b. Town of Los Gatos Very High Fire Hazard Areas Map. Available at:
https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24122/Los-Gatos-WUI-and-State-VHFHAMap?bidId=. Accessed July 28, 2020.

ITEM NO. 16.

Los Gatos Open Space Vegetation Management Plan
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis and Addendum to the PEIR 83 ———. 2020a. Ordinance 2301. Ordinance of the Town of Los Gatos Amending Chapter 9 (Fire Prevention and Protection) of the Town Code Regarding Weed Abatement Regulations.

Available at: https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/24284/Ord-2301---AmendChapter-9-Fire-Prevention-_-Protection-regarding-Weed-Ab. Accessed August 21, 2020. ______. 2020b. Town of Los Gatos Bike, Parks, and Trails Map & Guide. Town of Los Gatos Parks and Public Works Department. Available at:
https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13803/Bike-Parks-and-Trails-MapFINAL?bidId=. Accessed September 15, 2020. ______. 2022a. Town of Los Gatos 2040 General Plan. Available at:
http://losgatos2040.com/documents.html. Accessed August 10, 2023. ______. 2022b. Ordinance 2331. Town of Los Gatos Tree Protection Ordinance. Available at:
https://library.municode.com/ca/los_gatos/ordinances/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=1148802.

Accessed September 15, 2020.
______. 2023. Town of Los Gatos Code of Ordinances. Available at:
https://library.municode.com/ca/los_gatos/codes/code_of_ordinances. Accessed September 15, 2020.U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2022. National Wetland Inventory. Available at:

Wetlands Mapper | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (fws.gov). Accessed on July 22, 2020.

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2011. Web Soil Survey. Available at: Web Soil Survey (usda.gov).

Accessed September 22. 2020.

ITEM NO. 16.

APPENDIX A
CalVTP PEIR Addendum
Project-Specific
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-1

INTRODUCTION
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines require public agencies “to adopt a reporting and monitoring program for changes to the project which it has adopted or made a condition of project approval to mitigate or avoid significant effects on the environment.” A mitigation monitoring and reporting program (MMRP) is required for approval of the proposed project outlined in the ProjectSpecific Analysis (PSA). Standard Project Requirements (SPRs) and Mitigation Measures (MMs), which are part of the program description, outlined in the California Vegetation Treatment Program (CalVTP) Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR), have been adopted. These SPRs and MMs have been designed to avoid or mitigate significant environmental effects that were identified in the PEIR.

PURPOSE OF THE MMRP
This MMRP has been prepared to monitor the implementation of SPRs and MMs. The attached table presents the text of each SPR and mitigation measure, the timing of its planned implementation, the implementing entity, and the entity with monitoring responsibility. The numbering of SPRs and MMs follows the numbering used in the PEIR. SPRs and MMs that are referenced more than once in the PSA are not duplicated in the MMRP.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The project proponent (the Town of Los Gatos [Town]) is responsible for taking all actions necessary to implement the SPRs and MMs described in this document. The project proponent is responsible for administration of the project, including timing of mitigations, monitoring, and all project requirements.

The CEQA lead agency (the Town), will be responsible for verification of all mitigations and monitoring efforts.

REPORTING
The project proponent will document the compliance of the proposed project with the required SPRs and mitigation measures either by adapting the project-specific MMRP table or preparing a separate postproject implementation report.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-2

STANDARD PROJECT REQUIREMENTS AND MITIGATION

MEASURES CHECKLIST
• Applicable Standard Project Requirements and Mitigation Measures. The SPR or MMs listed below are applicable to the initial treatment and/or treatment maintenance. A yes/no is placed next to the initial treatment and treatment maintenance to indicate if it is applicable to that stage of treatment. SPRs and MMs not applicable to initial or maintenance treatments were removed from the table.
• Timing. This column identifies the time frame in which the SPR or MM will be implemented (e.g., prior to treatment, during treatment, etc.).
• Implementing Entity. The implementing entity is the agency or organization responsible for carrying out the requirement.
• Verifying/Monitoring Entity. The verifying/monitoring entity is the agency or organization responsible for ensuring that the requirement is implemented. The verifying/monitoring entity may be different from the implementing entity.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-3
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Administrative Standard Project Requirements
SPR AD-2 Delineate Protected Resources.

The project proponent will clearly define the boundaries of the treatment area and protected resources on maps for the treatment area and with highlyvisible flagging or clear, existing landscape demarcations (e.g., edge of a roadway) prior to beginning any treatment to avoid disturbing the resource. “Protected Resources” refers to environmentally sensitive places within or adjacent to the treatment areas that would be avoided or protected to the extent feasible during planned treatment activities to sustain their natural qualities and processes. This work will be performed by a qualified person, as defined for the specific resource (e.g., qualified Registered Professional Forester or biologist). This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AD-3: Consistency with Local Plans, Policies, and Ordinances.

The project proponent will design and implement the treatment in a manner that is consistent with applicable local plans (e.g., general plans, Community Wildfire Protection Plans, CAL FIRE Unit Fire Plans), policies, and ordinances to the extent the project is subject to them. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AD-5 Maintain Site Cleanliness.

If trash receptacles are used on-site, the project proponent will use fully covered trash receptacles with secure lids (wildlife proof) to contain all food, food scraps, food wrappers, beverages, and other worker generated miscellaneous trash. Remove all temporary non-biodegradable flagging, trash, debris, and barriers from the project site upon completion of project activities. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AD-6: Public Notifications for Treatment Projects.

One to three days prior to the commencement of a treatment activity, the project proponent will post signs in a conspicuous location near the treatment area describing the activity and timing, and requesting persons in the area to contact a designated representative of the project proponent (contact information will be provided with the notice) if they have questions or concerns. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
1 to 3 days prior to
the treatment
activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AD-7: Provide Information on Proposed, Approved, and Completed Treatment Projects.

For any vegetation treatment project using the CalVTP PEIR for CEQA compliance, the project proponent will provide the information listed below to the Board or CAL FIRE during the proposed, approved, and completed Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to, during, and
following treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-4
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
stages of the project. The Board or CAL FIRE will make this information available to the public via an online database or other mechanism.

Information on proposed projects (PSA in progress):
 GIS data that include project location (as a point);
 project size (typically acres);
 treatment types and activities; and
 contact information for a representative of the project proponent.

The project proponent will provide information on the proposed project to the Board or CAL FIRE as early as feasible in the planning phase. The project proponent will provide this information to the Board or CAL FIRE with sufficient lead time to allow those agencies to make the information available to the public no later than two weeks prior to project approval. The project proponent may also make information available to the public via other mechanisms (e.g., the proponent’s own website).

Information on approved projects (PSA complete):
 A completed PSA Environmental Checklist;
 A completed Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (using Attachment A to the Environmental Checklist);
 GIS data that include a polygon(s) of the project area, showing the extent of each treatment type included in the project (ecological restoration, fuel break, WUI fuel reduction).

Information on completed projects:
 GIS data that include a polygon(s) of the treated area, showing the extent of each treatment type implemented (ecological restoration, fuel break, WUI fuel reduction)
 A post-project implementation report (referred to by CAL FIRE as a Completion Report) that includes
 Size of treated area (typically acres);
 Treatment types and activities;
 Dates of work;
 A list of the SPRs and mitigation measures that were implemented  Any explanations regarding implementation if required by SPRs and mitigation measures (e.g., explanation for feasibility determination required by SPR BIO-12; explanation for reduction of a no-disturbance buffer below the general minimum size described in Mitigation Measures BIO-1a and BIO-2b).

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-5
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Aesthetic and Visual Resource Standard Project Requirements SPR AES-1 Vegetation Thinning and Edge Feathering.

The project proponent will thin and feather adjacent vegetation to break up or screen linear edges of the clearing and mimic forms of natural clearings as reasonable or appropriate for vegetation conditions. In general, thinning and feathering in irregular patches of varying densities, as well as a gradation of tall to short vegetation at the clearing edge, will achieve a natural transitional appearance. The contrast of a distinct clearing edge will be faded into this transitional band. This SPR only applies to mechanical and manual treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During mechanical
and manual
treatment activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AES-2: Avoid Staging within Viewsheds.

The project proponent will store all treatment-related materials, including vehicles, vegetation treatment debris, and equipment, outside of the viewshed of public trails, parks, recreation areas, and roadways to the extent feasible. The project proponent will also locate materials staging and storage areas outside of the viewshed of public trails, parks, recreation areas, and roadways to the extent feasible. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AES-3 Provide Vegetation Screening.

The project proponent will preserve sufficient vegetation within, at the edge of, or adjacent to treatment areas to screen views from public trails, parks, recreation areas, and roadways as reasonable or appropriate for vegetation conditions. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During design of
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
Air Quality Standard Project Requirements
SPR AQ-1: Comply with Air Quality Regulations.

The project proponent will comply with the applicable air quality requirements of air districts within whose jurisdiction the project is located. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR AQ-4 Minimize Dust.

To minimize dust during treatment activities, the project proponent will implement the following measures:
 Limit the speed of vehicles and equipment traveling on unpaved areas to 15 miles per hour to reduce fugitive dust emissions, in accordance with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) Fugitive Dust protocol.  If road use creates excessive dust, the project proponent will wet appurtenant, unpaved, dirt roads using water trucks or treat roads with a Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-6
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
non-toxic chemical dust suppressant (e.g., emulsion polymers, organic material) during dry, dusty conditions. Any dust suppressant product used will be environmentally benign (i.e., non-toxic to plants and will not negatively impact water quality) and its use will not be prohibited by ARB, EPA, or the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The project proponent will not over-water exposed areas such that the water results in runoff. The type of dust suppression method will be selected by the project proponent based on soil, traffic, site-specific conditions, and air quality regulations.
 Remove visible dust, silt, or mud tracked-out on to public paved roadways where sufficient water supplies and access to water is available. The project proponent will remove dust, silt, and mud from vehicles at the conclusion of each workday, or at a minimum of every 24 hours for continuous treatment activities, in accordance with Vehicle Code Section 23113.
 Suspend ground-disturbing treatment activities, including land clearing and bulldozer lines, when there is visible dust transport (particulate pollution) outside the treatment boundary, if the particulate emissions may “cause injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public, or that endanger the comfort, repose, health, or safety of any of those persons or the public, or that cause, or have a natural tendency to cause, injury or damage to business or property,” per Health and Safety Code Section 41700.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR AQ-5: Avoid Naturally Occurring Asbestos.

The project proponent will avoid ground-disturbing treatment activities in areas identified as likely to contain naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) per maps and guidance published by the California Geological Survey, unless an Asbestos Dust Control Plan (17 CCR Section 93105) is prepared and approved by the air district(s) with jurisdiction over the treatment area. Any NOA-related guidance provided by the applicable air district will be followed.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
Archaeological, Historical, and Tribal Cultural Resources Standard Project Requirements SPR CUL-1: Conduct Record Search.

An archaeological and historical resource record search will be conducted per the applicable state or local agency procedures. Instead of conducting a new search, the project proponent may use recent record searches containing the treatment area requested by a landowner or other public agency in accordance applicable agency guidance. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-7
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
SPR CUL-2: Contact Geographically Affiliated Native American Tribes.

The project proponent will obtain the latest Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) provided Native Americans Contact List. Using the appropriate Native Americans Contact List, the project proponent will notify the California Native American Tribes in the counties where the treatment activity is located. The notification will contain the following:
 A written description of the treatment location and boundaries. Brief narrative of the treatment objectives.
 A description of the activities used (e.g., mastication) and associated acreages.
 A map of the treatment area at a sufficient scale to indicate the spatial extent of activities.
 A request for information regarding potential impacts to cultural resources from the proposed treatment.
 A detailed description of the depth of excavation, if ground disturbance is expected.

In addition, the project proponent will contact the NAHC for a review of their Sacred Lands File. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR-CUL-3: Pre-field Research.

The project proponent will conduct research prior to implementing treatments as part of the cultural resource investigation. The purpose of this research is to properly inform survey design, based on the types of resources likely to be encountered within the treatment area, and to be prepared to interpret, record, and evaluate these findings within the context of local history and prehistory. The qualified archaeologist and/or archaeologically-trained resource professional will review records, study maps, read pertinent ethnographic, archaeological, and historical literature specific to the area being studied, and conduct other tasks to maximize the effectiveness of the survey. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR CUL-4: Archaeological Surveys.

The project proponent will coordinate with an archaeologically-trained resource professional and/or qualified archaeologist to conduct a site-specific survey of the treatment area. The survey methodology (e.g., pedestrian survey, subsurface investigation) depends on whether the area has a low, moderate, or high sensitivity for resources, which is based on whether the records search, pre-field research, and/or Native American consultation identifies archaeological or historical resources near or within the treatment area. A survey report will be completed for every cultural resource survey completed. The specific requirements will comply with the applicable state or Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-8
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
local agency procedures. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR CUL-5: Treatment of Archaeological Resources.

If cultural resources are identified within a treatment area, and cannot be avoided, a qualified archaeologist will notify the culturally affiliated tribe(s) based on information provided by NAHC and assess, whether an archaeological find qualifies as a unique archaeological resource, an historical resource, or in coordination with said tribe(s), as a tribal cultural resource. The project proponent, in consultation with culturally affiliated tribe(s), will develop effective protection measures for important cultural resources located within treatment areas. These measures may include adjusting the treatment location or design to entirely avoid cultural resource locations or changing treatment activities so that damaging effects to cultural resources will not occur. These protection measures will be written in clear, enforceable language, and will be included in the survey report in accordance with applicable state or local agency procedures. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and during
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR CUL-6 Treatment of Tribal Cultural Resources.

The project proponent, in consultation with the culturally affiliated tribe(s), will develop effective protection measures for important tribal cultural resources located within treatment areas. These measures may include adjusting the treatment location or design to entirely avoid cultural resource locations or changing treatment activities so that damaging effects to cultural resources will not occur. The project proponent will provide the tribe(s) the opportunity to submit comments and participate in consultation to resolve issues of concern. The project proponent will defer implementing the treatment until the tribe approves protection measures, or if agreement cannot be reached after a good-faith effort, the proponent determines that any or all feasible measures have been implemented, where feasible, and the resource is either avoided or protected. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and during
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR CUL-7: Avoid Built Historical Resources.

If the records search identifies built historical resources, as defined in Section 15064.5 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the project proponent will avoid these resources. Within a buffer of 100 feet of the built historical resource, there will be no mechanical treatment activities Buffers less than 100 feet for built historical resources will only be used after consultation with and receipt of written approval from a qualified archaeologist. If the records search does not identify known historical resources in the treatment area, but structures (i.e., buildings, bridges, roadways) over 50 years old that have not been evaluated for historic significance are present in the treatment area, Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-9
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
they will similarly be avoided. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR CUL-8: Cultural Resource Training.

The project proponent will train all crew members and contractors implementing treatment activities on the protection of sensitive archaeological, historical, or tribal cultural resources. Workers will be trained to halt work if archaeological resources are encountered on a treatment site and the treatment method consists of physical disturbance of land surfaces (e.g., soil disturbance). This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and during
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
Biological Resources Standard Project Requirements
SPR BIO-1: Review and Survey Project-Specific Biological Resources.

The project proponent will require a qualified RPF or biologist to conduct a data review and reconnaissance-level survey prior to treatment, no more than one year prior to the submittal of the PSA, and no more than one year between completion of the PSA and implementation of the treatment project.

The data reviewed will include the biological resources setting, species and sensitive natural communities tables, and habitat information in this PEIR for the ecoregion(s) where the treatment will occur. It will also include review of the best available, current data for the area, including vegetation mapping data, species distribution/range information, CNDDB, California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants of California, relevant BIOS queries, and relevant general and regional plans.

Reconnaissance-level biological surveys will be general surveys that include visual and auditory inspection for biological resources to help determine the environmental setting of a project site. The qualified surveyor will 1.) identify and document sensitive resources, such as riparian or other sensitive habitats, sensitive natural community, wetlands, or wildlife nursery site or habitat (including bird nests), and 2.) assess the suitability of habitat for special-status plant and animal species. The surveyor will also record any incidental wildlife observations. For each treatment project, habitat assessments will be completed at a time of year that is appropriate for identifying habitat and no more than one year prior to the submittal of the PSA, unless it can be demonstrated in the PSA that habitat assessments older than one year remain valid (e.g., site conditions are unchanged and no treatment activity has occurred since the assessment). If more than one year passes between completion of the PSA and initiation of the treatment project, the project proponent will verify the continued accuracy of the PSA prior to beginning the treatment project by reviewing for any data updates and/or visiting the site to verify conditions. Based on the results of the data review and reconnaissance-level survey, the project proponent, in consultation with Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Conduct data
review and
reconnaissancelevel survey prior to
treatment projects
and no more than 1
year prior to
submittal of the
PSA for each
treatment project
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-10
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
a qualified RPF or biologist, will determine which one of the following best characterizes the treatment:

1. Suitable Habitat Is Present but Adverse Effects Can Be Clearly Avoided. If, based on the data review and reconnaissance-level survey, the qualified RPF or biologist determines that suitable habitat for sensitive biological resources is present but adverse effects on the suitable habitat can clearly be avoided through one of the following methods, the avoidance mechanism will be implemented prior to initiating treatment and will remain in effect throughout the treatment:
a. by physically avoiding the suitable habitat, or
b. by conducting treatment outside of the season when a sensitive resource could be present within the suitable habitat or outside the season of sensitivity (e.g., outside of special-status bird nesting season, during dormant season of sensitive annual or geophytic plant species, or outside of maternity and rearing season at wildlife nursery sites).
c. Physical avoidance will include flagging, fencing, stakes, or clear, existing landscape demarcations (e.g., edge of a roadway) to delineate the boundary of the avoidance area around the suitable habitat. For physical avoidance, a buffer may be implemented as determined necessary by the qualified RPF or biologist.

2. Suitable Habitat is Present and Adverse Effects Cannot Be Clearly Avoided. Further review and surveys will be conducted to determine presence/absence of sensitive biological resources that may be affected, as described in the SPRs below. Further review may include contacting USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, CDFW, CNPS, or local resource agencies as necessary to determine the potential for special-status species or other sensitive biological resources to be affected by the treatment activity.

Focused or protocol-level surveys will be conducted as necessary to determine presence/absence. If protocol surveys are conducted, survey procedures will adhere to methodologies approved by resource agencies and the scientific community, such as those that are available on the CDFW webpage at: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/SurveyProtocols. Specific survey requirements are addressed for each resource type in relevant SPRs (e.g., additional survey requirements are presented for special-status plants in SPR BIO-7).

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR BIO-2: Require Biological Resource Training for Workers.

The project proponent will require crew members and contractors to receive training from a qualified RPF or biologist prior to beginning a treatment project. The training will describe the appropriate work practices necessary to effectively implement the biological SPRs and mitigation measures and to comply with the applicable environmental laws and regulations. The training Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-11
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
will include the identification, relevant life history information, and avoidance of pertinent special-status species; identification and avoidance of sensitive natural communities and habitats with the potential to occur in the treatment area; impact minimization procedures; and reporting requirements. The training will instruct workers when it is appropriate to stop work and allow wildlife encountered during treatment activities to leave the area unharmed and when it is necessary to report encounters to a qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician. The qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician will immediately contact CDFW or USFWS, as appropriate, if any wildlife protected by the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) or Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) is encountered and cannot leave the site on its own (without being handled). This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Sensitive Natural Communities and Other Sensitive Habitats SPR BIO-3: Survey Sensitive Natural Communities and Other Sensitive Habitats.

If SPR BIO-1 determines that sensitive natural communities or sensitive habitats may be present and adverse effects cannot be avoided, the project proponent will:
 require a qualified RPF or biologist to perform a protocol-level survey following the CDFW “Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities” (current version dated March 20, 2018) of the treatment area prior to the start of treatment activities for sensitive natural communities and sensitive habitats. Sensitive natural communities will be identified using the best means possible, including keying them out using the most current edition of A Manual of California Vegetation (including updated natural communities data at http://vegetation.cnps.org/), or referring to relevant reports (e.g., reports found on the VegCAMP website).
 map and digitally record, using a Global Positioning System (GPS), the limits of any potential sensitive habitat and sensitive natural community identified in the treatment area.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR BIO-4: Design Treatment to Avoid Loss or Degradation of Riparian Habitat Function.

Project proponents, in consultation with a qualified RPF or qualified biologist, will design treatments in riparian habitats to retain or improve habitat functions by implementing the following within riparian habitats:
 Retain at least 75 percent of the overstory and 50 percent of the understory canopy of native riparian vegetation within the limits of riparian Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During design of
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-12
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
habitat identified and mapped during surveys conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-3. Native riparian vegetation will be retained in a well distributed multi-storied stand composed of a diversity of species similar to that found before the start of treatment activities.
 Treatments will be limited to removal of uncharacteristic fuel loads (e.g., removing dead or dying vegetation), trimming/limbing of woody species as necessary to reduce ladder fuels, and select thinning of vegetation to restore densities that are characteristic of healthy stands of the riparian vegetation types characteristic of the region. This includes hand removal (or mechanized removal where topography allows) of dead or dying riparian trees and shrubs, invasive plant removal, selective thinning, and removal of encroaching upland species.
 Removal of large, native riparian hardwood trees (e.g., willow, ash, maple, oak, alder, sycamore, cottonwood) will be minimized to the extent feasible and 75 percent of the pretreatment native riparian hardwood tree canopy will be retained. Because tree size varies depending on vegetation type present and site conditions, the tree size retention parameter will be determined on a site-specific basis depending on vegetation type present and setting; however, live, healthy, native trees that are considered large for that type of tree and large relative to other trees in that location will be retained. A scientifically-based, project-specific explanation substantiating the retention size parameter for native riparian hardwood tree removal will be provided in the Biological Resources Discussion of the PSA.

Consideration of factors such as site hydrology, erosion potential, suitability of wildlife habitat, presence of sufficient seed trees, light availability, and changes in stream shading may inform the tree size retention requirements.
 Removed trees will be felled away from adjacent streams or waterbodies and piled outside of the riparian vegetation zone (unless there is an ecological reason to do otherwise that is approved by applicable regulatory agencies, such as adding large woody material to a stream to enhance fish habitat, e.g., see Accelerated Wood Recruitment and Timber Operations: Process Guidance from the California Timber Harvest Review Team Agencies and National Marine Fisheries Service).
 Vegetation removal that could reduce stream shading and increase stream temperatures will be avoided.
 Ground disturbance within riparian habitats will be limited to the minimum necessary to implement effective treatments. This will consist of the minimum disturbance area necessary to reduce hazardous fuels and return the riparian community to a natural fire regime (i.e., Condition Class 1) considering historic fire return intervals, climate change, and land use constraints.
 Only hand application of herbicides approved for use in aquatic environments will be allowed and only during low-flow periods or when seasonal streams are dry.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-13
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 The project proponent will notify CDFW when required by California Fish and Game Code Section 1602 prior to implementing any treatment activities in riparian habitats. Notification will identify the treatment activities, map the vegetation to be removed, identify the impact avoidance identification methods to be used (e.g., flagging), and appropriate protections for the retention of shaded riverine habitat, including buffers and other applicable measures to prevent erosion into the waterway.
 In consideration of spatial variability of riparian vegetation types and condition and consistent with California Forest Practice Rules Section 916.9(v) (February 2019 version), a different set of vegetation retention standards and protection measures from those specified in the above bullets may be implemented on a site-specific basis if the qualified RPF and the project proponent demonstrate through substantial evidence that alternative design measures provide a more effective means of achieving the treatment goals objectives and would result in effects to the Beneficial Functions of Riparian Zones equal or more favorable than those expected to result from application of the above measures. Deviation from the above design specifications, different protection measures and design standards will only be approved when the treatment plan incorporates an evaluation of beneficial functions of the riparian habitat and with written concurrence from CDFW.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR BIO-5: Avoid Environmental Effects of Type Conversion and Maintain Habitat Function in Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub.

The project proponent will design treatment activities to avoid type conversion where native coastal sage scrub and chaparral are present. An ecological definition of type conversion is used in the CalVTP PEIR for assessment of environmental effects: a change from a vegetation type dominated by native shrub species that are characteristic of chaparral and coastal sage scrub vegetation alliances to a vegetation type characterized predominantly by weedy herbaceous cover or annual grasslands. For the PEIR, type conversion is considered in terms of habitat function, which is defined here as the arrangement and capability of habitat features to provide refuge, food source, and reproduction habitat to plants and animals, and thereby contribute to the conservation of biological and genetic diversity and evolutionary processes (de Groot et al. 2002). Some modification of habitat characteristics may occur provided habitat function is maintained (i.e., the location, essential habitat features, and species supported are not substantially changed).

During the reconnaissance-level survey required in SPR BIO-1, a qualified RPF or biologist will identify chaparral and coastal sage scrub vegetation to the alliance level and determine the condition class and fire return interval Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During design of
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-14
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
departure of the chaparral and/or coastal sage scrub present in each treatment area.

For all treatment types in chaparral and coastal sage scrub, the project proponent, in consultation with a qualified RPF or qualified biologist will:
 Develop a treatment design that avoids environmental effects of type conversion in chaparral and coastal sage scrub vegetation alliances, which will include evaluating and determining the appropriate spatial scale at which the proponent would consider type conversion, and substantiating its appropriateness. The project proponent will demonstrate with substantial evidence that the habitat function of chaparral and coastal sage scrub would be at least maintained within the identified spatial scale at which type conversion is evaluated for the specific treatment project.

Consideration of factors such as site hydrology, erosion potential, suitability of wildlife habitat, spatial needs of sensitive species, presence of sufficient seed plants and nurse plants, light availability, and edge effects may inform the determination of an appropriate spatial scale.  The treatment design will maintain a minimum percent cover of mature native shrubs within the treatment area to maintain habitat function; the appropriate percent cover will be identified by the project proponent in the development of treatment design and be specific to the vegetation alliances that are present in the identified spatial scale used to evaluate type conversion. Mature native shrubs that are retained will be distributed contiguously or in patches within the stand. If the stand consists of multiple age classes, patches representing a range of middle to old age classes will be retained to maintain and improve heterogeneity, to the extent needed to avoid type conversion.

These SPR requirements apply to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Additional measures will be applied to ecological restoration treatment types:
 For ecological restoration treatment types, complete removal of the mature shrub layer will not occur in native chaparral and coastal sage scrub vegetation types.
 Ecological restoration treatments will not be implemented in vegetation types that are within their natural fire return interval (i.e., time since last burn is less than the average time listed as the fire return interval range in Table 3.6-1) unless the project proponent demonstrates with substantial evidence that the habitat function of chaparral and coastal sage scrub would be improved.
 A minimum of 35 percent relative cover of existing shrubs and associated native vegetation will be retained at existing densities in patches distributed in a mosaic pattern within the treated area or the shrub canopy will be thinned by no more than 20 percent from baseline density (i.e., if baseline shrub canopy density is 60 percent, post treatment shrub canopy density will be no less than 40 percent). A different percent relative cover

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-15
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
can be retained if the project proponent demonstrates with substantial evidence that alternative treatment design measures would result in effects on the habitat function of chaparral and coastal sage scrub that are equal or more favorable than those expected to result from application of the above measures.
 Biological considerations that may inform a deviation from the minimum 35 percent relative cover retention include but are not limited to soil moisture requirements, increased soil temperatures, changes in light/shading, presence of sufficient seed plants and nurse plants, erosion potential, and site hydrology.
 If the stand within the treatment area consists of multiple age classes, patches representing a range of middle to old age classes will be retained to maintain and improve heterogeneity.

These SPR requirements apply to all treatment activities and only the ecosystem restoration treatment type, including treatment maintenance.

A determination of compliance with the SB 1260 prohibition of type conversion in chaparral and coastal sage scrub is a statutory issue separate from CEQA compliance that may involve factors additional to the ecological definition and habitat functions presented in the PEIR, such as geographic context. It is beyond the legal scope of the PEIR to define SB 1260 type conversion and statutory compliance. The project proponent, acting as lead agency for the proposed later treatment project, will be responsible for defining type conversion in the context of the project and making the finding that type conversion would not occur, as required by SB 1260. The project proponent will determine its criteria for defining and avoiding type conversion and, in making its findings, may draw upon information presented in this PEIR.

SPR BIO-6: Prevent Spread of Plant Pathogens.

When working in sensitive natural communities, riparian habitats, or oak woodlands that are at risk from plant pathogens (e.g., Ione chaparral, blue oak woodland), the project proponent will implement the following best management practices to prevent the spread of Phytopthora and other plant pathogens (e.g., pitch canker (Fusarium), goldspotted oak borer, shot hole borer, bark beetle):
 clean and sanitize vehicles, equipment, tools, footwear, and clothes before arriving at a treatment site and when leaving a contaminated site, or a site in a county where contamination is a risk;
 include training on Phytopthora diseases and other plant pathogens in the worker awareness training;
 minimize soil disturbance as much as possible by limiting the number of vehicles, avoiding off-road travel as much as possible, and limiting use of mechanized equipment;
Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-16
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 minimize movement of soil and plant material within the site, especially between areas with high and low risk of contamination;
 clean soil and debris from equipment and sanitize hand tools, buckets, gloves, and footwear when moving from high risk to low risk areas or between widely separated portions of a treatment area; and  follow the procedures listed in Guidance for plant pathogen prevention when working at contaminated restoration sites or with rare plants and sensitive habitat (Working Group for Phytoptheras in Native Habitats 2016).

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Special-Status Plants
SPR BIO-7: Survey for Special-Status Plants.

If SPR BIO-1 determines that suitable habitat for special-status plant species is present and cannot be avoided, the project proponent will require a qualified RPF or botanist to conduct protocol-level surveys for special-status plant species with the potential to be affected by a treatment prior to initiation of the treatment. The survey will follow the methods in the current version of CDFW’s “Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Sensitive Natural Communities.” Surveys to determine the presence or absence of special-status plant species will be conducted in suitable habitat that could be affected by the treatment and timed to coincide with the blooming or other appropriate phenological period of the target species (as determined by a qualified RPF or botanist), or all species in the same genus as the target species will be assumed to be special- status.

If potentially occurring special-status plants are listed under CESA or ESA, protocol-level surveys to determine presence/absence of the listed species will be conducted in all circumstances, unless determined otherwise by CDFW or USFWS.

For other special-status plants not listed under CESA or ESA, as defined in Section 3.6.1 of this PEIR, surveys will not be required under the following circumstances:
 If protocol-level surveys, consisting of at least two survey visits (e.g., early blooming season and later blooming season) during a normal weather year, have been completed in the 5 years before implementation of the treatment project and no special- status plants were found, and no treatment activity has occurred following the protocol-level survey, treatment may proceed without additional plant surveys.  If the target special-status plant species is an herbaceous annual, stumpsprouting, or geophyte species, the treatment may be carried out during the dormant season for that species or when the species has completed Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-17
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
its annual lifecycle without conducting presence/absence surveys provided the treatment will not alter habitat or destroy seeds, stumps, or roots, rhizomes, bulbs and other underground parts in a way that would make it unsuitable for the target species to reestablish following treatment.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas
Invasive Plants and Wildlife
SPR BIO-9: Prevent Spread of Invasive Plants, Noxious Weeds, and Invasive Wildlife.

The project proponent will take the following actions to prevent the spread of invasive plants, noxious weeds, and invasive wildlife (e.g., New Zealand mudsnail):
 clean clothing, footwear, and equipment used during treatments of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, other debris or seed-bearing material, or water (e.g., rivers, streams, creeks, lakes) before entering the treatment area or when leaving an area with infestations of invasive plants, noxious weeds, or invasive wildlife;
 for all heavy equipment and vehicles traveling off road, pressure wash, if feasible, or otherwise appropriately decontaminate equipment at a designated weed-cleaning station prior to entering the treatment area from an area with infestations of invasive plants, noxious weeds, or invasive wildlife. Anti-fungal wash agents will be specified if the equipment has been exposed to any pathogen that could affect native species;  inspect all heavy equipment, vehicles, tools, or other treatment- related materials for sand, mud, or other signs that weed seeds or propagules could be present prior to use in the treatment area. If the equipment is not clean, the qualified RPF or biological technician will deny entry to the work areas;
 stage equipment in areas free of invasive plant infestations unless there are no uninfested areas present within a reasonable proximity to the treatment area;
 identify significant infestations of invasive plant species (i.e., those rated as invasive by Cal-IPC or designated as noxious weeds by California Department of Food and Agriculture) during reconnaissance-level surveys and target them for removal during treatment activities. Treatment methods will be selected based on the invasive species present and may include herbicide application, manual or mechanical treatments, and/or herbivory, and will be designed to maximize success in killing or removing the invasive plants and preventing reestablishment based on the life Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-18
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
history characteristics of the invasive plant species present. Treatments will be focused on removing invasive plant species that cause ecological harm to native vegetation types, especially those that can alter fire cycles;  treat invasive plant biomass onsite to eliminate seeds and propagules and prevent reestablishment or dispose of invasive plant biomass offsite at an appropriate waste collection facility (if not kept on site); transport invasive plant materials in a closed container or bag to prevent the spread of propagules during transport; and
 implement Fire and Fuel Management BMPs outlined in the “Preventing the Spread of Invasive Plants: Best Management Practices for Land Mangers” (Cal-IPC 2012, or current version).

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Wildlife
SPR BIO-10: Survey for Special-Status Wildlife and Nursery Sites.

If SPR BIO-1 determines that suitable habitat for special-status wildlife species or nurseries of any wildlife species is present and cannot be avoided, the project proponent will require a qualified RPF or biologist to conduct focused or protocol-level surveys for special-status wildlife species or nursery sites (e.g., bat maternity roosts, deer fawning areas, heron or egret rookeries, monarch overwintering sites) with potential to be directly or indirectly affected by a treatment activity. The survey area will be determined by a qualified RPF or biologist based on the species and habitats and any recommended buffer distances in agency protocols.

The qualified RPF or biologist will determine if following an established protocol is required, and the project proponent may consult with CDFW and/or USFWS for technical information regarding appropriate survey protocols. Unless otherwise specified in a protocol, the survey will be conducted no more than 14 days prior to the beginning of treatment activities. Focused or protocol surveys for a special-status species with potential to occur in the treatment area may not be required if presence of the species is assumed.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
No more than 14
days prior to
treatment projects
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos, CDFW,
and/or USFWS
SPR BIO-11: Install Wildlife-Friendly Fencing (Prescribed Herbivory).

If temporary fencing is required for prescribed herbivory treatment, a wildlifefriendly fencing design will be used. The project proponent will require a qualified RPF or biologist to review and approve the design before installation to ensure that minimize the risk of wildlife entanglement is low.

The fencing design will meet the following standards:

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and during
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-19
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 Minimize the chance of wildlife entanglement by avoiding barbed wire, loose or broken wires, or any material that could impale or snag a leaping animal; and, if feasible, keeping electric netting-type fencing electrified at all times or laid down while not in use.
 Charge temporary electric fencing with intermittent pulse energizers; continuous output fence chargers will not be permitted.  Allow wildlife to jump over easily without injury by installing fencing that can flex as animals pass over it and installing the top wire low enough (no more than approximately 40 inches high on flat ground) to allow adult ungulates to jump over it. The determination of appropriate fence height will consider slope, as steep slopes are more difficult for wildlife to pass.  Be highly visible to birds and mammals by using high-visibility tape or wire, flagging, or other markers.

This SPR applies only to prescribed herbivory and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR BIO-12: Protect Common Nesting Birds, Including Raptors.

The project proponent will schedule treatment activities to avoid the active nesting season of common native bird species, including raptors, that could be present within or adjacent to the treatment site, if feasible. Common native birds are species not otherwise treated as special status in the CalVTP PEIR. The active nesting season will be defined by the qualified RPF or biologist.

If active nesting season avoidance is not feasible, a qualified RPF or biologist will conduct a survey for common nesting birds, including raptors.

Existing records (e.g., CNDDB, eBird database, State Wildlife Action Plan) should be reviewed in advance of the survey to identity the common nesting birds, including raptors, that are known to occur in the vicinity of the treatment site. The survey area will encompass reasonably accessible areas of the treatment site and the immediately surrounding vicinity viewable from the treatment site. The survey area will be determined by a qualified RPF or biologist, based on the potential species in the area, location of suitable nesting habitat, and type of treatment. For vegetation removal or project activities that would occur during the nesting season, the survey will be conducted at a time that balances the effectiveness of detecting nests and the reasonable consideration of potential avoidance strategies. Typically, this timeframe would be up to 3 weeks before treatment. The survey will occur in a single survey period of sufficient duration to reasonably detect nesting birds, including raptors, typically one day for most treatment projects (depending on the size, configuration, and vegetation density in the treatment site), and conducted during the active time of day for target species, typically close to dawn and/or dusk. The survey may be conducted concurrently with other biological surveys, if they are required by other SPRs.

Survey methods will be tailored by the qualified RPF or biologist to site and habitat conditions, typically involving walking throughout the survey area, Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Conduct a survey
for common nesting
birds (if needed) at
a time that
balances the
effectiveness of
detecting nests and
the reasonable
consideration of
potential avoidance
strategies (typically,
up to 3 weeks
before treatment); if
an active nest is
observed,
implement
avoidance
strategies prior to
and during
treatment projects
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-20
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
visually searching for nests and birds exhibiting behavior that is typical of breeding (e.g., delivering food).

If an active nest is observed (i.e., presence of eggs and/or chicks) or determined to likely be present based on nesting bird behavior, the project proponent will implement a feasible strategy to avoid disturbance of active nests, which may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the following:
 Establish Buffer. The project proponent will establish a temporary, species-appropriate buffer around the nest sufficient to reasonably expect that breeding would not be disrupted.
 Treatment activities will be implemented outside of the buffer. The buffer location will be determined by a qualified RPF or biologist. Factors to be considered for determining buffer location will include: presence of natural buffers provided by vegetation or topography, nest height above ground, baseline levels of noise and human activity, species sensitivity, and expected treatment activities. Nests of common birds within the buffer need not be monitored during treatment. However, buffers will be maintained until young fledge or the nest becomes inactive, as determined by the qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician.  Modify Treatment. The project proponent will modify the treatment in the vicinity of an active nest to avoid disturbance of active nests (e.g., by implementing manual treatment methods, rather than mechanical treatment methods). Treatment modifications will be determined by the project proponent in coordination with the qualified RPF or biologist.  Defer Treatment. The project proponent will defer the timing of treatment in the portion(s) of the treatment site that could disturb the active nest. If this avoidance strategy is implemented, treatment activity will not commence until young fledge or the nest becomes inactive, as determined by the qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician.

Feasible actions will be taken by the project proponent to avoid loss of common native bird nests. The feasibility of implementing the avoidance strategies will be determined by the project proponent based on whether implementation of this SPR will preclude completing the treatment project within the reasonable period of time necessary to meet CalVTP program objectives, including, but not limited to, protection of vulnerable communities.

Considerations may include limitations on the presence of environmental and atmospheric conditions necessary to execute treatment prescriptions. If it is infeasible to avoid loss of common bird nests (not including raptor nests), the project proponent will document the reasons implementation of the avoidance strategies is infeasible in the PSA. After completion of the PSA and prior to or during treatment implementation, if there is any change in the feasibility of avoidance strategies from those explained in the PSA, this will be documented in the post-project implementation report (referred to by CAL FIRE as a Completion Report).

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-21
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
The following avoidance strategies may also be considered together with or in lieu of other actions for implementation by a project proponent to avoid disturbance to raptor nests:
 Monitor Active Raptor Nest During Treatment. A qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician will monitor an active raptor nest during treatment activities to identify signs of agitation, nest defense, or other behaviors that signal disturbance of the active nest is likely (e.g., standing up from a brooding position, flying off the nest). If breeding raptors are showing signs of nest disturbance, one of the other avoidance strategies (establish buffer, modify treatment or defer treatment) will be implemented or a pause in the treatment activity will occur until the disturbance behavior ceases.
 Retention of Raptor Nest Trees. Trees with visible raptor nests, whether occupied or not, will be retained.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resource Standard Project Requirements SPR GEO-1: Suspend Disturbance during Heavy Precipitation.

The project proponent will suspend mechanical, prescribed herbivory, and herbicide treatments if the National Weather Service forecast is a “chance” (30 percent or more) of rain within the next 24 hours. Activities that cause mechanical soil disturbance may resume when precipitation stops and soils are no longer saturated (i.e., when soil and/or surface material pore spaces are filled with water to such an extent that runoff is likely to occur). Indicators of saturated soil conditions may include, but are not limited to: (1) areas of ponded water, (2) pumping of fines from the soil or road surfacing, (3) loss of bearing strength resulting in the deflection of soil or road surfaces under a load, such as the creation of wheel ruts, (4) spinning or churning of wheels or tracks that produces a wet slurry, or (5) inadequate traction without blading wet soil or surfacing materials. This SPR applies only to mechanical, prescribed herbivory, and herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment
projects, if there is
a “chance” (30% or
more) of rain within
the next 24 hours
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR GEO-2: Limit High Ground Pressure Vehicles.

The project proponent will limit heavy equipment that could cause soil disturbance or compaction to be driven through treatment areas when soils are wet and saturated to avoid compaction and/or damage to soil structure.

Saturated soil means that soil and/or surface material pore spaces are filled with water to such an extent that runoff is likely to occur. If use of heavy equipment is required in saturated areas, other measures such as operating on organic debris, using low ground pressure vehicles, or operating on frozen soils/snow covered soils will be implemented to minimize soil compaction. Existing compacted road surfaces are exempted as they are Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment
projects, if there is
a “chance” (30% or
more) of rain within
the next 24 hours
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-22
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
already compacted from use. This SPR applies only to mechanical treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR GEO-3: Stabilize Disturbed Soil Areas.

The project proponent will stabilize soil disturbed during mechanical and prescribed herbivory treatments that result in exposure of bare soil over 50 percent or more of the treatment area with mulch or equivalent immediately after treatment activities, to the maximum extent practicable, to minimize the potential for substantial sediment discharge. If mechanical or prescribed herbivory treatment activities could result in substantial sediment discharge from soil disturbed by machinery, animal hooves, or being bare, organic material from mastication or mulch will be incorporated onto at least 75 percent of the disturbed soil surface where the soil erosion hazard is moderate or high, and 50 percent of the disturbed soil surface where soil erosion hazard is low to help prevent erosion. Where slash mulch is used, it will be packed into the ground surface with heavy equipment so that it is sufficiently in contact with the soil surface. This SPR only applies to mechanical and prescribed herbivory that result in exposure of bare soil over 50 percent of the project area treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During manual,
mechanical, and
prescribed
herbivory, activities
that result in
exposure of bare
soil over 50% or
more of the
treatment area
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR GEO-4: Erosion Monitoring.

The project proponent will inspect treatment areas for the proper implementation of erosion control SPRs and mitigations prior to the rainy season. If erosion control measures are not properly implemented, they will be remediated prior to the first rainfall event per SPR GEO-3 and GEO-8.

Additionally, the project proponent will inspect for evidence of erosion after the first large storm or rainfall event (i.e., ≥ 1.5 inches in 24 hours) as soon as is feasible after the event. Any area of erosion that will result in substantial sediment discharge will be remediated within 48 hours per the methods stated in SPRs GEO-3 and GEO-8. This SPR applies only to mechanical and prescribed herbivory treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Inspect treatment
areas for the proper
implementation of
erosion control
SPRs and MMs
prior to the rainy
season; if erosion
control measures
are not properly
implemented,
remediate prior to
the first rainfall
event; inspect for
evidence of erosion
after the first large
storm or rainfall
event (i.e., greater
than or equal to 1.5
inches in 24 hours)
as soon as is
feasible after the
event; any area of
erosion that will
result in substantial
sediment discharge
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-23
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
will be remediated
within 48 hours
SPR GEO-5: Drain Stormwater via Water Breaks.

The project proponent will drain compacted and/or bare linear treatment areas capable of generating storm runoff via water breaks using the spacing and erosion control guidelines contained in Sections 914.6, 934.6, and 954.6(c) of the California Forest Practice Rules (February 2019 version).

Where waterbreaks cannot effectively disperse surface runoff, including where waterbreaks cause surface run-off to be concentrated on downslopes, other erosion controls will be installed as needed to maintain site productivity by minimizing soil loss. This SPR applies only to mechanical and manual treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During mechanical,
manual, and
prescribed
herbivory treatment
activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR GEO-7: Minimize Erosion.

To minimize erosion, the project proponent will:
(1) Prohibit use of heavy equipment where any of the following conditions are present:
(i) Slopes steeper than 65 percent.
(ii) Slopes steeper than 50 percent where the erosion hazard rating is high or extreme.
(iii) Slopes steeper than 50 percent that lead without flattening to sufficiently dissipate water flow and trap sediment before it reaches a watercourse or lake.
(2) On slopes between 50 percent and 65 percent where the erosion hazard rating is moderate, and all slope percentages are for average slope steepness based on sample areas that are 20 acres, or less, heavy equipment will be limited to:
(i) Existing tractor roads that do not require reconstruction, or (ii) New tractor roads flagged by the project proponent prior to the treatment activity.
(3) Prescribed herbivory treatments will not be used in areas with over 50 percent slope.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR GEO-8: Steep Slopes.

The project proponent will require a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or licensed geologist to evaluate treatment areas with slopes greater than 50 percent for unstable areas (areas with potential for landslide) and unstable soils (soil with moderate to high erosion hazard). If unstable areas or soils are identified within the treatment area, are unavoidable, and will be Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and during
treatment projects
with slopes greater
than 50%
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-24
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
potentially directly or indirectly affected by the treatment, a licensed geologist (P.G. or C.E.G.) will determine the potential for landslide, erosion, of other issue related to unstable soils and identity measures (e.g., those in SPR GEO-7) that will be implemented by the project proponent such that substantial erosion or loss of topsoil would not occur. This SPR applies only to mechanical treatment activities and WUI fuel reduction, non- shaded fuel breaks, and ecological restoration treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Hazardous Material and Public Health and Safety Standard Project Requirements SPR HAZ-1: Maintain All Equipment.

The project proponent will maintain all diesel- and gasoline-powered equipment per manufacturer’s specifications, and in compliance with all state and federal emissions requirements. Maintenance records will be available for verification. Prior to the start of treatment activities, the project proponent will inspect all equipment for leaks and inspect everyday thereafter until equipment is removed from the site. Any equipment found leaking will be promptly removed. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Inspect all
equipment for leaks
prior to treatment
projects; inspect
everyday thereafter
until equipment is
removed from the
site; promptly
remove any leaking
equipment;
maintain all dieseland gasolinepowered equipment
per manufacturer’s
specifications and
in compliance with
all federal and state
emissions
requirements during
treatment projects
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HAZ-2: Require Spark Arrestors.

The project proponent will require mechanized hand tools to have federal- or state-approved spark arrestors. This SPR applies only to manual treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During manual
treatment activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HAZ-3: Require Fire Extinguishers.

The project proponent will require tree cutting crews to carry one fire extinguisher per chainsaw. Each vehicle would be equipped with one longhandled shovel and one axe or Pulaski consistent with PRC Section 4428.

This SPR applies only to manual treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During manual
treatment activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-25
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
SPR HAZ-4: Prohibit Smoking in Vegetated Areas.

The project proponent will require that smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas barren or cleared to mineral soil at least 3 feet in diameter (PRC Section 4423.4). This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HAZ-5: Spill Prevention and Response Plan.

The project proponent or licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) will prepare a Spill Prevention and Response Plan (SPRP) prior to beginning any herbicide treatment activities to provide protection to onsite workers, the public, and the environment from accidental leaks or spills of herbicides, adjuvants, or other potential contaminants. The SPRP will include (but not be limited to):
 a map that delineates staging areas, and storage, loading, and mixing areas for herbicides;
 a list of items required in an onsite spill kit that will be maintained throughout the life of the activity;
 procedures for the proper storage, use, and disposal of any herbicides, adjuvants, or other chemicals used in vegetation treatment.

This SPR applies only to herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prepare SPRP prior
to beginning any
herbicide treatment
activities; during
herbicide treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HAZ-6: Comply with Herbicide Application Regulations.

The project proponent will coordinate pesticide use with the applicable County Agricultural Commissioner(s), and all required licenses and permits will be obtained prior to herbicide application. The project proponent will prepare all herbicide applications to do the following:
 Be implemented consistent with recommendations prepared annually by a licensed PCA.
 Comply with all appropriate laws and regulations pertaining to the use of pesticides and safety standards for employees and the public, as governed by the EPA, DPR, and applicable local jurisdictions.  Adhere to label directions for application rates and methods, storage, transportation, mixing, container disposal, and weather limitations to application such as wind speed, humidity, temperature, and precipitation.  Be applied by an applicator appropriately licensed by the State.

This SPR applies only to herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During herbicide
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HAZ-7: Triple Rinse Herbicide Containers.

The project proponent will triple rinse all herbicide and adjuvant containers with clean water at an approved site, and dispose of rinsate by placing it in the batch tank for application per 3 CCR Section 6684. The project Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During herbicide
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-26
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
proponent will puncture used containers on the top and bottom to render them unusable, unless said containers are part of a manufacturer’s container recycling program, in which case the manufacturer’s instructions will be followed. Disposal of non-recyclable containers will be at legal dumpsites.

Equipment will not be cleaned, and personnel will not be washed in a manner that would allow contaminated water to directly enter any body of water within the treatment area or adjacent watersheds. Disposal of all herbicides will follow label requirements and waste disposal regulations. This SPR applies only to herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR HAZ-8: Minimize Herbicide Drift to Public Areas.

The project proponent will employ the following herbicide application parameters during herbicide application to minimize drift into public areas:
 application will cease when weather parameters exceed label specifications or when sustained winds at the site of application exceeds 7 miles per hour (whichever is more conservative);
 spray nozzles will be configured to produce the largest appropriate droplet size to minimize drift;
 low nozzle pressures (30-70 pounds per square inch) will be utilized to minimize drift; and
 spray nozzles will be kept within 24 inches of vegetation during spraying.

This SPR applies only to herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During herbicide
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HAZ-9: Notification of Herbicide Use in the Vicinity of Public Areas.

For herbicide applications occurring within or adjacent to public recreation areas, residential areas, schools, or any other public areas within 500 feet, the project proponent will post signs at each end of herbicide treatment areas and any intersecting trails notifying the public of the use of herbicides. The signs will include the signal word (i.e., Danger, Warning or Caution), product name, and manufacturer; active ingredient; EPA registration number; target pest; treatment location; date and time of application; restricted entry interval, if applicable per the label requirements; date which notification sign may be removed; and a contact person with a telephone number. Signs will be posted prior to the start of treatment and notification will remain in place for at least 72 hours after treatment ceases. This SPR applies only to herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-27
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Hydrology and Water Quality Standard Project Requirements SPR HYD-1: Comply with Water Quality Regulations.

Project proponents must also conduct proposed vegetation treatments in conformance with appropriate RWQCB timber, vegetation and land disturbance related Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) and/or related Conditional Waivers of Waste Discharge Requirements (Waivers), and appropriate Basin Plan Prohibitions. Where these regulatory requirements differ, the most restrictive will apply. If applicable, this includes compliance with the conditions of general waste discharge requirements (WDR) and waste discharge requirement waivers for timber or silviculture activities where these waivers are designed to apply to non-commercial fuel reduction and forest health projects. In general, WDR and Waivers of waste discharge requirements for fuel reduction and forest health activities require that wastes, including but not limited to petroleum products, soil, silt, sand, clay, rock, felled trees, slash, sawdust, bark, ash, and pesticides must not be discharged to surface waters or placed where it may be carried into surface waters; and that Water Board staff must be allowed reasonable access to the property in order to determine compliance with the waiver conditions. The specifications for each WDR and Waiver vary by region. Regions 2 (San Francisco Bay), 4 (Los Angeles), 8 (Santa Ana), and 7 (Colorado River) are highly urban or minimally forested and do not offer WDRs or Waivers for fuel reduction or vegetation management activities. The current applicable WDRs and Waivers for timber and vegetation management activities are included in Appendix HYD-1. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR HYD-3: Water Quality Protections for Prescribed Herbivory.

The project proponent will include the following water quality protections for all prescribed herbivory treatments:
 Environmentally sensitive areas such as waterbodies, wetlands, or riparian areas will be identified in the treatment prescription and excluded from prescribed herbivory project areas using temporary fencing or active herding. A buffer of approximately 50 feet will be maintained between sensitive and actively grazed areas.
 Water will be provided for grazing animals in the form of an on-site stock pond or a portable water source located outside of environmentally sensitive areas.
 Treatment prescriptions will be designed to protect soil stability. Grazing animals will be herded out of an area if accelerated soil erosion is observed.

This SPR applies to prescribed herbivory treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-28
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
SPR HYD-4: Identify and Protect Watercourse and Lake Protection Zones.

The project proponent will establish Watercourse and Lake Protection Zones (WLPZs) on either side of watercourses as defined in the table below, which is based on 14 CCR Section 916 .5 of the California Forest Practice Rules (February 2019 version). WLPZ’s are classified based on the uses of the stream and the presence of aquatic life. Wider WLPZs are required for steep slopes.

Procedures for Determining Watercourse and Lake Protection Zone (WLPZ) widths
Water Class Class I Class II Class III
Water Class
Characteristics
or Key
Indicator
Beneficial Use
1) Domestic
supplies,
including
springs, on site
and/or within
100 feet
downstream of
the operations
area and/or
2) Fish always or
seasonally
present onsite,
includes habitat
to sustain fish
migration and
spawning.
1) Fish always or
seasonally
present offsite
within 1000 feet
downstream
and/or
2) Aquatic habitat
for nonfish
aquatic species.
3) Excludes Class
III waters that
are tributary to
Class I waters.

No aquatic life
present,
watercourse
showing evidence
of being capable
of sediment
transport to Class
I and II waters
under normal
high- water flow
conditions after
completion of
timber
operations.

WLPZ Width (ft) – Distance from top of bank to the edge of < 30%
Slope
100 50 Sufficient to
prevent the
degradation of
downstream
beneficial uses of
water.

Determined on a
site-specific
basis.
30–50%
Slope
100 75
>50%
Slope
100 100
Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Establish WLPZs
during design of
treatment projects;
implement WLPZ
protections during
treatment projects
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-29
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Source: 14 CCR Section 916.5 [936.5, 956.5] (February 2019 version) The following WLPZ protections will be applied for all treatments:
 Treatment activities with WLPZs will retain at least 75 percent surface cover and undisturbed area to act as a filter strip for raindrop energy dissipation and for wildlife habitat. If this percentage is reduced a qualified RPF will provide the project proponent with a site- and/or treatment activity-specific explanation for the percent surface cover reduction, which will be included in the PSA. After completion of the PSA and prior to or during treatment implementation, if there is any deviation (e.g., further reduction) from the reduced percent as explained in the PSA, this will be documented in the post-project implementation report (referred to by CAL FIRE as a Completion Report). This requirement is based on 14 CCR Section 916.4 [936.4, 956.4] Subsection (b)(6) (February 2019 version) and 14 CCR Section 916.5 (February 2019 version).
 Equipment, including tractors and vehicles, must not be driven in wet areas or WLPZs, except over existing roads or watercourse crossings where vehicle tires or tracks remain dry.
 Equipment used in vegetation removal operations will not be serviced in WLPZs, within wet meadows or other wet areas, or in locations that would allow grease, oil, or fuel to pass into lakes, watercourses, or wet areas.  WLPZs will be kept free of slash, debris, and other material that harm the beneficial uses of water. Accidental deposits will be removed immediately.  Burn piles will be located outside of WLPZs.
 No fire ignition (nor use of associated accelerants) will occur within WLPZs however low intensity backing fires may be allowed to enter or spread into WLPZs.
 Within Class I and Class II WLPZs, locations where project operations expose a continuous area of mineral soil 800 square feet or larger shall be treated for reduction of soil loss.
 Treatment shall occur prior to October 15th and disturbances that are created after October 15th shall be treated within 10 days. Stabilization measures shall be selected that will prevent significant movement of soil into water bodies and may include but are not limited to mulching, rip-rap, grass seeding, or chemical soil stabilizers.
 Where mineral soil has been exposed by project operations on approaches to watercourse crossings of Class I, II, or III within a WLPZ, the disturbed area shall be stabilized to the extent necessary to prevent the discharge of soil into watercourses or lakes in amounts that would adversely affect the quality and beneficial uses of the watercourse.  Where necessary to protect beneficial uses of water from project operations, protection measures such as seeding, mulching, or replanting shall be used to retain and improve the natural ability of the ground cover

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-30
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
within the WLPZ to filter sediment, minimize soil erosion, and stabilize banks of watercourses and lakes.
 Equipment limitation zones (ELZs) will be designated adjacent to Class III and Class IV watercourses with minimum widths of 25 feet where sideslope is less than 30 percent and 50 feet where side-slope is 30 percent or greater. An RPF will describe the limitations of heavy equipment within the ELZ and, where appropriate, will include additional measures to protect the beneficial uses of water.

This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-31
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
SPR HYD-5: Protect Non-Target Vegetation and Special-status Species from Herbicides.

The project proponent will implement the following measures when applying herbicides:
 Locate herbicide mixing sites in areas devoid of vegetation and where there is no potential of a spill reaching non-target vegetation or a waterway.
 Use only herbicides labeled for use in aquatic environments when working in riparian habitats or other areas where there is a possibility the herbicide could come into direct contact with water. Only hand application of herbicides will be allowed in riparian habitats and only during low-flow periods or when seasonal streams are dry.
 No terrestrial or aquatic herbicides will be applied within WLPZs of Class I and II watercourses, if feasible. If this is not feasible, hand application of herbicides labeled for use in aquatic environments may be used within the WLPZ provided that the project proponent notifies the applicable regional water quality control board no fewer than 15 days prior to herbicide application. The feasibility of avoiding herbicide application within WLPZ of Class I and II watercourses will be determined by the project proponent and may be based on whether doing so will preclude achieving CalVTP program objectives, including, but not limited to, protection of vulnerable communities. The reasons for infeasibility will be documented in the PSA.  No herbicides will be applied within a 50-foot buffer of ESA or CESA listed plant species or within 50 feet of dry vernal pools.
 For spray applications in and adjacent to habitats suitable for specialstatus species, use herbicides containing dye (registered for aquatic use by DPR, if warranted) to prevent overspray.
 Application will cease when weather parameters exceed label specifications or when sustained winds at the site of application exceeds 7 miles per hour (whichever is more conservative);
 No herbicide will be applied during precipitation events or if precipitation is forecast 24 hours before or after project activities.

This SPR applies to herbicide treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During herbicide
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-32
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
SPR HYD-6: Protect Existing Drainage Systems.

If a treatment activity is adjacent to a roadway with stormwater drainage infrastructure, the existing stormwater drainage infrastructure will be marked prior to ground disturbing activities. If a drainage structure or infiltration system is inadvertently disturbed or modified during project activities, the project proponent will coordinate with owner of the system or feature to repair any damage and restore pre-project drainage conditions. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Mark existing
stormwater
drainage
infrastructure prior
to ground-disturbing
activities; if a
drainage structure
or infiltration system
is inadvertently
disturbed or
modified during
treatment,
coordinate with
owner to repair
damage and
restore pre-project
drainage conditions
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
Noise Standard Project Requirements
SPR NOI-1: Limit Heavy Equipment Use to Daytime Hours.

The project proponent will require that operation of heavy equipment associated with treatment activities (heavy off-road equipment, tools, and delivery of equipment and materials) will occur during daytime hours if such noise would be audible to receptors (e.g., residential land uses, schools, hospitals, places of worship). Cities and counties in the treatable landscape typically restrict construction-noise (which would apply to vegetation treatment noise) to particular daytime hours. If the project proponent is subject to local noise ordinance, it will adhere to those to the extent the project is subject to them. If the applicable jurisdiction does not have a noise ordinance or policy restricting the time-of- day when noise-generating activity can occur noise-generating vegetation treatment activity will be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Sunday and federal holidays. If the project proponent is not subject to local ordinances (e.g., CAL FIRE), it will adhere to the restrictions stated above or may elect to adhere to the restrictions identified by the local ordinance encompassing the treatment area. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR NOI-2: Equipment Maintenance.

The project proponent will require that all powered treatment equipment and power tools will be used and maintained according to manufacturer specifications. All diesel- and gasoline-powered treatment equipment will be properly maintained and equipped with noise-reduction intake and exhaust mufflers and engine shrouds, in accordance with manufacturers’ Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-33
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
recommendations. This SPR applies to all activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

SPR NOI-3: Engine Shroud Closure.

The project proponent will require that engine shrouds be closed during equipment operation. This SPR applies only to mechanical treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR NOI-4: Locate Staging Areas Away from Noise-Sensitive Land Uses.

The project proponent will locate treatment activities, equipment, and equipment staging areas away from nearby noise- sensitive land uses (e.g., residential land uses, schools, hospitals, places of worship), to the extent feasible, to minimize noise exposure. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR NOI-5: Restrict Equipment Idle Time.

The project proponent will require that all motorized equipment be shut down when not in use. Idling of equipment and haul trucks will be limited to 5 minutes. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
SPR NOI-6: Notify Nearby Off-Site Noise-Sensitive Receptors.

For treatment activities utilizing heavy equipment, the project proponent will notify noise-sensitive receptors (e.g., residential land uses, schools, hospitals, places of worship) located within 1,500 feet of the treatment activity. Notification will include anticipated dates and hours during which treatment activities are anticipated to occur and contact information, including a daytime telephone number, of the project representative.

Recommendations to assist noise-sensitive land uses in reducing interior noise levels (e.g., closing windows and doors) will also be included in the notification. This SPR applies only to mechanical treatment activities and all treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to mechanical
treatment activities
within 1,500 feet of
noise-sensitive
receptors
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
Recreation Standard Project Requirements
SPR REC-1: Notify Recreational Users of Temporary Closures.

If a treatment activity would require temporary closure of a public recreation area or facility, the project proponent will coordinate with the owner/manager of that recreation area or facility. If temporary closure of a recreation area or facility is required, the project proponent will work with the owner/manager to post notifications of the closure at least 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the treatment activities. Additionally, notification of the treatment activity will be provided to the Administrative Officer (or equivalent official responsible for distribution of public information) of the county(ies) in which Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Approximately 2
weeks prior to
treatment projects
requiring temporary
closure of public
recreation areas or
facilities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos and Santa
Clara County
Administrative
Officer (or
equivalent official
responsible for
distribution of
public information)

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-34
Standard Project Requirements Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
the affected recreation area or facility is located. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Transportation Standard Project Requirements
SPR TRAN-1: Implement Traffic Control during Treatments.

Prior to initiating vegetation treatment activities the project proponent will work with the agency(ies) with jurisdiction over affected roadways to determine if a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) is needed. A TMP will be needed if traffic generated by the project would result in obstructions, hazards, or delays exceeding applicable jurisdictional standards along access routes for individual vegetation treatments. If needed, a TMP will be prepared to provide measures to reduce potential traffic obstructions, hazards, and service level degradation along affected roadway facilities. The scope of the TMP will depend on the type, intensity, and duration of the specific treatment activities under the CalVTP. Measures included in the TMP could include (but are not be limited to) construction signage to provide motorists with notification and information when approaching or traveling along the affected roadway facilities, flaggers for lane closures to provide temporary traffic control along affected roadway facilities, treatment schedule restrictions to avoid seasons or time periods of peak vehicle traffic, haul-trip, delivery, and/or commute time restrictions that would be implemented to avoid peak traffic days and times along affected roadway facilities. If the TMP identifies impacts on transportation facilities outside of the jurisdiction of the project proponent, the TMP will be submitted to the agency with jurisdiction over the affected roadways prior to commencement of vegetation treatment projects. This SPR applies to all treatment activities and treatment types, including treatment maintenance.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
If needed, prepare
TMP prior to
treatment projects
and implement
during project
treatments
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos and
agency(ies) with
jurisdiction over
affected roadways

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-35
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Air Quality
Mitigation Measure AQ-1: Implement On-Road Vehicle and Off-Road Equipment Exhaust Emission Reduction Techniques.

Where feasible, project proponents will implement emission reduction techniques to reduce exhaust emissions from off-road equipment. It is acknowledged that due to cost, availability, and the limits of current technology, there may be circumstances where implementation of certain emission reduction techniques will not feasible. The project proponent will document the emission reduction techniques that will be applied and will explain the reasons other techniques that could reduce emissions are infeasible.

Techniques for reducing emissions may include, but are not limited to, the following:
 Diesel-powered off-road equipment used in construction will meet EPA’s Tier 4 emission standards as defined in 40 CFR 1039 and comply with the exhaust emission test procedures and provisions of 40 CFR Parts 1065 and 1068. Tier 3 models can be used if a Tier 4 version of the equipment type is not yet produced by manufacturers. This measure can also be achieved by using battery-electric off-road equipment as it becomes available. Prior to implementation of treatment activities, the project proponent will demonstrate the ability to supply the compliant equipment. A copy of each unit’s certified tier specification or model year specification and operating permit (if applicable) will be available upon request at the time of mobilization of each unit of equipment.  Use renewable diesel fuel in diesel-powered construction equipment.

Renewable diesel fuel must meet the following criteria:
 meet California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standards and be certified by CARB Executive Officer;
 be hydrogenation-derived (reaction with hydrogen at high temperatures) from 100 percent biomass material (i.e., nonpetroleum sources), such as animal fats and vegetables;  contain no fatty acids or functionalized fatty acid esters; and  have a chemical structure that is identical to petroleum-based diesel and complies with American Society for Testing and Materials D975 requirements for diesel fuels to ensure compatibility with all existing diesel engines.
 Electric- and gasoline-powered equipment will be substituted for dieselpowered equipment.  Workers will be encouraged to carpool to work sites, and/or use public transportation for their commutes.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-36
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 Off-road equipment, diesel trucks, and generators will be equipped with Best Available Control Technology for emission reductions of NOX and PM.

Archaeological, Historical, and Tribal Cultural Resources Mitigation Measure CUL-2: Protect Inadvertent Discoveries of Unique Archaeological Resources or Subsurface Historical Resources.

If any prehistoric or historic-era subsurface archaeological features or deposits, including locally darkened soil (“midden”), that could conceal cultural deposits, are discovered during ground-disturbing activities, all ground-disturbing activity within 100 feet of the resources will be halted and a qualified archaeologist will assess the significance of the find. The qualified archaeologist will work with the project proponent to develop a primary records report that will comply with applicable state or local agency procedures. If the archaeologist determines that further information is needed to evaluate significance, a data recovery plan will be prepared. If the find is determined to be significant by the qualified archaeologist (i.e., because the find constitutes a unique archaeological resource, subsurface historical resource, or tribal cultural resource), the archaeologist will work with the project proponent to develop appropriate procedures to protect the integrity of the resource.

Procedures could include preservation in place (which is the preferred manner of mitigating impacts to archaeological sites), archival research, subsurface testing, or recovery of scientifically consequential information from and about the resource. Any find will be recorded standard DPR Primary Record forms (Form DPR 523) will be submitted to the appropriate regional information center.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
During treatment Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos
Biological Resources
Mitigation Measure BIO-1a: Avoid Loss of Special-Status Plants Listed under ESA or CESA.

If listed plants are determined to be present through application of SPR BIO-1 and SPR BIO-7, the project proponent will avoid and protect these species by establishing a no-disturbance buffer around the area occupied by listed plants and marking the buffer boundary with high-visibility flagging, fencing, stakes, or clear, existing landscape demarcations (e.g., edge of a roadway), exceptions to this requirement are listed later in this measure.

The no-disturbance buffers will generally be a minimum of 50 feet from listed plants, but the size and shape of the buffer zone may be adjusted if a qualified RPF or botanist determines that a smaller buffer will be sufficient to avoid killing or damaging listed plants or that a larger buffer is necessary to sufficiently protect plants from the treatment activity. The appropriate buffer size will be determined based on plant phenology at the time of Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-37
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
treatment (e.g., whether the plants are in a dormant, vegetative, or flowering state), the individual species’ vulnerability to the treatment method being used, and environmental conditions and terrain. For example, painton or wicking application of herbicides to invasive plants may be implemented within 50 feet of listed plant species without posing a risk, especially if the listed plants are dormant at the time of application.

Consideration of factors such as site hydrology, changes in light, edge effects, and potential introduction of invasive plants and noxious weeds may inform the determination of buffer width. If a no-disturbance buffer is reduced below 50 feet from a listed plant, a qualified RPF or botanist will provide the project proponent with a site- and/or treatment activity-specific explanation for the buffer reduction, which will be included in the PSA. After completion of the PSA and prior to or during treatment implementation, if there is any deviation (e.g., further reduction) from the reduced buffer as explained in the PSA, this will be documented in the post-project implementation report (referred to by CAL FIRE as a Completion Report) with a science-based justification for the deviation. No fire ignition (and associated use of accelerants) will occur within 50 feet of listed plants.

For species listed under ESA or CESA, if the project proponent cannot avoid loss by implementing no-disturbance buffers, the project proponent will implement Mitigation Measure BIO-1c.

The only exception to this mitigation approach is in cases where it is determined by a qualified RPF or botanist, in consultation with CDFW and USFWS, as appropriate depending on species status and location, that the listed plants would benefit from treatment in the occupied habitat area even though some of the listed plants may be lost during treatment activities. For a treatment to be considered beneficial to listed special-status plants, the qualified RPF or botanist will demonstrate with substantial evidence that habitat function is reasonably expected to improve with implementation of the treatment (e.g., by citing scientific studies demonstrating that the species (or similar species) has benefitted from increased sunlight due to canopy opening, eradication of invasive species, or otherwise reduced competition for resources), and the substantial evidence will be included in the PSA. If it is determined that treatment activities would be beneficial to listed plants, no compensatory mitigation for loss of individuals will be required.

Mitigation Measure BIO-1b: Avoid Loss of Special-Status Plants Not Listed Under ESA or CESA.

If non-listed special-status plant species (i.e., species not listed under ESA or CESA, but meeting the definition of special-status as stated in Section

3.6.1 of the Program EIR) are determined to be present through application of SPR BIO-1 and SPR BIO-7, the project proponent will implement the following measures to avoid loss of individuals and maintain habitat function of occupied habitat:

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and
during treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-38
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 Physically avoid the area occupied by the special-status plants by establishing a no-disturbance buffer around the area occupied by species and marking the buffer boundary with high-visibility flagging, fencing, stakes, or clear, existing landscape demarcations (e.g., edge of a roadway). The no-disturbance buffers will generally be a minimum of 50 feet from special-status plants, but the size and shape of the buffer zone may be adjusted if a qualified RPF or botanist determines that a smaller buffer will be sufficient to avoid loss of or damaging to specialstatus plants or that a larger buffer is necessary to sufficiently protect plants from the treatment activity. The appropriate size and shape of the buffer zone will be determined by a qualified RPF or botanist and will depend on plant phenology at the time of treatment (e.g., whether the plants are in a dormant, vegetative, or flowering state), the individual species’ vulnerability to the treatment method being used, and environmental conditions and terrain. Consideration of factors such as site hydrology, changes in light, edge effects, and potential introduction of invasive plants and noxious weeds may inform an appropriate buffer size and shape.
 Treatments may be conducted within this buffer if the potentially affected special-status plant species is a geophytic, stump- sprouting, or annual species, and the treatment can be conducted outside of the growing season (e.g., after it has completed its annual life cycle) or during the dormant season using only treatment activities that would not damage the stump, root system or other underground parts of special-status plants or destroy the seedbank.
 Treatments will be designed to maintain the function of special-status plant habitat. For example, for a fuel break proposed in treatment areas occupied by special-status plants, if the removal of shade cover would degrade the special-status plant habitat despite the requirement to physically or seasonally avoid the special-status plant itself, habitat function would be diminished and the treatment would need to be modified or precluded from implementation.
 No fire ignition (nor use of associated accelerants) will occur within the special-status plant buffer.

A qualified RPF or botanist with knowledge of the special-status plant species habitat and life history will review the treatment design and applicable impact minimization measures (potentially including others not listed above) to determine if the anticipated residual effects of the treatment would be significant under CEQA because implementation of the treatment would not maintain habitat function of the special-status plant habitat (i.e., the habitat would be rendered unsuitable) or because the loss of specialstatus plants would substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a special- status plant species. If the project proponent determines the impact on special-status plants would be less than significant, no further mitigation will be required. If the project proponent determines that the loss of special-status plants or degradation of occupied habitat would be

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-39
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
significant under CEQA after implementing feasible treatment design alternatives and impact minimization measures, then Mitigation Measure BIO-1c will be implemented.

The only exception to this mitigation approach is in cases where it is determined by a qualified RPF or botanist that the special-status plants would benefit from treatment in the occupied habitat area even though some of the non-listed special-status plants may be killed during treatment activities. For a treatment to be considered beneficial to non-listed specialstatus plants, the qualified RPF or botanist will demonstrate with substantial evidence that habitat function is reasonably expected to improve with implementation of the treatment (e.g., by citing scientific studies demonstrating that the species (or similar species) has benefitted from increased sunlight due to canopy opening, eradication of invasive species, or otherwise reduced competition for resources), and the substantial evidence will be included in the PSA. If it is determined that treatment activities would be beneficial to special-status plants, no compensatory mitigation will be required.

Mitigation Measure BIO-1c: Compensate for Unavoidable Loss of Special-Status Plants.

If significant impacts on listed or non-listed special-status plants cannot feasibly be avoided as specified under the circumstances described under Mitigation Measures BIO-1a and 1b, the project proponent will prepare a Compensatory Mitigation Plan that identifies the residual significant impacts that require compensatory mitigation and describes the compensatory mitigation strategy being implemented and how unavoidable losses of special-status plants will be compensated. The project proponent will consult with CDFW and/or any other applicable responsible agency prior to finalizing the Compensatory Mitigation Plan to satisfy that responsible agency’s requirements (e.g., permits, approvals) within the plan. If the special-status plant taxa are listed under ESA or CESA, the plan will be submitted to CDFW and/or USFWS (as appropriate) for review and comment.

The first priority for compensatory mitigation will be preserving and enhancing existing populations outside of the treatment area in perpetuity, or if that is not an option because existing populations that can be preserved in perpetuity are not available, one of the following mitigation options will be implemented by the project proponent instead:
 creating populations on mitigation sites outside of the treatment area through seed collection and dispersal (annual species) or transplantation (perennial species);
 purchasing mitigation credits from a CDFW- or USFWS-approved conservation or mitigation bank in sufficient quantities to offset the loss of occupied habitat; and
Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-40
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 if the affected special-status plants are not listed under ESA or CESA, compensatory mitigation may include restoring or enhancing degraded habitats so that they are made suitable to support special-status plant species in the future.

If relocation efforts are part of the Compensatory Mitigation Plan, the plan will include details on the methods to be used, including collection, storage, propagation, receptor site preparation, installation, long-term protection and management, monitoring and reporting requirements, success criteria, and remedial action responsibilities should the initial effort fail to meet long-term monitoring requirements. The following performance standards will be applied for relocation:
 the extent of occupied area will be substantially similar to the affected occupied habitat and will be suitable for self-producing populations. Relocated/re-established populations will be considered suitable for selfproducing when:
 habitat conditions allow for plants to reestablish annually for a minimum of 5 years with no human intervention, such as supplemental seeding; and
 reestablished habitats contain an occupied area comparable to existing occupied habitat areas in similar habitat types in the region.

If preservation of existing populations or creation of new populations is part of the mitigation plan, the Compensatory Mitigation Plan will include a summary of the proposed compensation lands and actions (e.g., the number and type of credits, location of mitigation bank or easement, restoration or enhancement actions), parties responsible for the long-term management of the land, and the legal and funding mechanisms (e.g., holder of conservation easement or fee title). The project proponent will submit evidence that the necessary mitigation has been implemented or that the project proponent has entered into a legal agreement to implement it and that compensatory plant populations will be preserved in perpetuity.

If mitigation includes dedication of conservation easements, purchase of mitigation credits, or other offsite conservation measures, the details of these measures will be included in the mitigation plan, including information on responsible parties for long-term management, conservation easement holders, long-term management requirements, funding assurances, and success criteria such as those listed above and other details, as appropriate to target the preservation of long term viable populations.

If mitigation includes restoring or enhancing habitat within the treatment area or outside of the treatment area, the Compensatory Mitigation Plan will include a description of the proposed habitat improvements, success criteria that demonstrate the performance standard of maintained habitat function has been met, legal and funding mechanisms, and parties responsible for long-term management and monitoring of the restored habitat.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-41
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
If the loss of occupied habitat cannot be offset (e.g., if preservation of existing populations or creation of new populations through relocation efforts are not available for a certain species), and as a result, treatment activities would substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of listed plant species, then the treatment will not qualify as within the scope of this PEIR.

Compensatory mitigation may be satisfied through compliance with permit conditions, or other authorizations obtained by the project proponent (e.g., incidental take permit for state-listed plants), if these requirements are equally or more effective than the mitigation identified above.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2a: Avoid Mortality, Injury, or Disturbance and Maintain Habitat Function for Listed Wildlife Species and California Fully Protected Species (All Treatment Activities).

If California Fully Protected Species or species listed under ESA or CESA are observed during reconnaissance surveys (conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-1) or focused or protocol-level surveys (conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-10), the project proponent will avoid adverse effects to the species by implementing the following.

Avoid Mortality, Injury, or Disturbance of Individuals
The project proponent will implement one of the following 2 measures to avoid mortality, injury, or disturbance of individuals:

1. Treatment will not be implemented within the occupied habitat. Any treatment activities outside occupied habitat will be a sufficient distance from the occupied habitat such that mortality, injury, or disturbance of the species will not occur, as determined by a qualified RPF or biologist using the most current and commonly-accepted science and considering published agency guidance; OR

2. Treatment will be implemented outside the sensitive period of the species’ life history (e.g., outside the breeding or nesting season) during which the species may be more susceptible to disturbance, or disturbance could result in loss of eggs or young. For species present year-round, CDFW and/or USFWS/NOAA Fisheries will be consulted to determine if there is a period of time within which treatment could occur that would avoid mortality, injury, or disturbance of the species.  For species listed under ESA or CESA, if the project proponent cannot avoid mortality, injury or disturbance by implementing one of the two options listed above, the project proponent will implement Mitigation Measure BIO-2c.
 Injury or mortality of California Fully Protected Species is prohibited pursuant to Sections 3511, 4700, 5050, and 5515 of the California Fish and Game Code and will be avoided.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and
during treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos, CDFW,
and/or USFWS/
NOAA Fisheries

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-42
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Maintain Habitat Function
 The project proponent will design treatment activities to maintain the habitat function, by implementing the following:
 While performing review and surveys for SPR BIO-1 and SPR BIO10, a qualified RPF or biologist will identify any habitat features that are necessary for survival (e.g., habitat necessary for breeding, foraging, shelter, movement) of the affected wildlife species (e.g., trees with complex structure, trees with large cavities, trees with nesting platforms; dens; tree snags; large raptor nests [including inactive nests]; downed woody debris; food sources). These habitat features will be marked and treatments applied to the features will be designed to minimize or avoid the loss or degradation of suitable habitat for listed species during treatments. Identification and treatment of these features will be based on the life history and habitat requirements of the affected species and the most current, commonly accepted science.
 If it is determined during implementation of SPR BIO-1 and SPR BIO10 that listed or fully protected wildlife with specific requirements for high canopy cover (e.g., Humboldt marten, fisher, spotted owl, coastal California gnatcatcher, riparian woodrat) are present within a treatment area, then tree or shrub canopy cover within existing suitable areas will be retained at the percentage preferred by the species (as determined by expert opinion, published habitat association information, or other documented standards that are commonly accepted [e.g., 50 percent for coastal California gnatcatcher]) such that habitat function is maintained.  A qualified RPF or biologist will determine if, after implementation of the impact avoidance measures listed above, the habitat function will remain for the affected species after implementation of the treatment. Because this measure pertains to species listed under CESA or ESA or are fully protected, the qualified RPF or biologist will consult with CDFW and/or USFWS/NOAA Fisheries regarding the determination that habitat function is maintained. If consultation determines that the treatment will not maintain habitat function for the special-status species, the project proponent will implement Mitigation Measure BIO-2c.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2b: Avoid Mortality, Injury, or Disturbance and Maintain Habitat Function for Other Special-Status Wildlife Species (All Treatment Activities).

If other special-status wildlife species (i.e., species not listed under CESA or ESA or California Fully Protected, but meeting the definition of special status as stated in Section 3.6.1 of the Program EIR) are observed during reconnaissance surveys (conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-1) or focused or protocol-level surveys (conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-10), the project Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and
during treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos, CDFW,
and/or USFWS

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-43
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
proponent will avoid or minimize adverse effects to the species by implementing the following.

Avoid Mortality, Injury, or Disturbance of Individuals
 The project proponent will implement the following to avoid mortality, injury, or disturbance of individuals:
 For all treatment activities except prescribed burning, the project proponent will establish a no-disturbance buffer around occupied sites (e.g., nests, dens, roosts, middens, burrows, nurseries). Buffer size will be determined by a qualified RPF or biologist using the most current, commonly accepted science and will consider published agency guidance; however, buffers will generally be a minimum of 100 feet, unless site conditions indicate a smaller buffer would be sufficient for protection or a larger buffer would be needed. Factors to be considered in determining buffer size will include, but not be limited to, the species’ tolerance to disturbance; the presence of natural buffers provided by vegetation or topography; nest height; locations of foraging territory; baseline levels of noise and human activity; and treatment activity. Buffer size may be adjusted if the qualified RPF or biologist determines that such an adjustment would not be likely to adversely affect (i.e., cause mortality, injury, or disturbance to) the species within the nest, den, burrow, or other occupied site. If a no-disturbance buffer is reduced below 100 feet from an occupied site, a qualified RPF or biologist will provide the project proponent with a site- and/or treatment activity-specific explanation for the buffer reduction, which will be included in the PSA. After completion of the PSA and prior to or during treatment implementation, if there is any deviation (e.g., further reduction) from the reduced buffer as explained in the PSA, this will be documented in the post-project implementation report (referred to by CAL FIRE as a Completion Report).
 No-disturbance buffers will be marked with high-visibility flagging, fencing, stakes, or clear, existing landscape demarcations (e.g., edge of a roadway). No activity will occur within the buffer areas until the qualified RPF or biologist has determined that the young have fledged or dispersed; the nest, den, or other occurrence is no longer active; or reducing the buffer would not likely result in disturbance, mortality, or injury. A qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician will be required to monitor the effectiveness of the no-disturbance buffer around the nest, den, burrow, or other occurrence during treatment. If treatment activities cause agitated behavior of the individual(s), the buffer distance will be increased, or treatment activities modified until the agitated behavior stops. The qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician will have the authority to stop any treatment activities that could result in mortality, injury or disturbance to special- status species.

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-44
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
Maintain Habitat Function
 For all treatment activities, the project proponent will design treatment activities to maintain the habitat function by implementing the following:
 While performing review and surveys for SPR BIO-1 and SPR BIO10, a qualified RPF or biologist will identify any habitat features that are necessary for survival (e.g., habitat necessary for breeding, foraging, shelter, movement) of the affected wildlife species (e.g., trees with complex structure, trees with large cavities, trees with nesting platforms; tree snags; large raptor nests [including inactive nests]; downed woody debris). These habitat features will be marked and treatments applied to the features will be designed to minimize or avoid the loss or degradation of suitable habitat for listed species during treatments. Identification and treatment of these features will be based on the life history and habitat requirements of the affected species and the most current, commonly accepted science.  If it is determined during implementation of SPR BIO-1 and SPR BIO10 that special-status wildlife with specific requirements for high canopy cover (e.g., northern goshawk, Sierra Nevada snowshoe hare) are present within a treatment area, then tree or shrub canopy cover within existing suitable areas will be retained at the percentage preferred by the species (as determined by expert opinion, published habitat association information, or other documented standards that are commonly accepted) such that the habitat function is maintained.  A qualified RPF or biologist will determine if, after implementation of the impact avoidance measures listed above, the habitat function will remain for the affected species after implementation of the treatment.

The qualified RPF or biologist may consult with CDFW and/or USFWS for technical information regarding habitat function.

A qualified RPF or biologist with knowledge of the special-status wildlife species habitat and life history will review the treatment design and applicable impact minimization measures (potentially including others not listed above) to determine if the anticipated residual effects of the treatment would be significant under CEQA because implementation of the treatment will not maintain habitat function of the special-status wildlife species’ habitat or because the loss of special-status wildlife would substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a special-status wildlife species.

If the project proponent determines the impact on special-status wildlife would be less than significant, no further mitigation will be required. If the project proponent determines that the loss of special-status wildlife or degradation of occupied habitat would be significant under CEQA after implementing feasible treatment design alternatives and impact minimization measures, then Mitigation Measure BIO-2c will be implemented.

The only exception to this mitigation approach is in cases where it is determined by a qualified RPF or biologist that the non-listed special- status

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-45
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
wildlife would benefit from treatment in the occupied habitat area even though some of the non-listed special-status wildlife may be killed, injured, or disturbed during treatment activities. For a treatment to be considered beneficial to non-listed special-status wildlife, the qualified RPF or biologist will demonstrate with substantial evidence that habitat function is reasonably expected to improve with implementation of the treatment (e.g., by citing scientific studies demonstrating that the species (or similar species) has benefitted from increased sunlight due to canopy opening, eradication of invasive species, or otherwise reduced competition for resources), and the substantial evidence will be included in the PSA. If it is determined that treatment activities would be beneficial to special-status wildlife, no compensatory mitigation will be required. The qualified RPF or biologist may consult with CDFW and/or USFWS for technical information regarding the determination that a non- listed special-status species would benefit from the treatment.

Mitigation Measure BIO-3a: Design Treatments to Avoid Loss of Sensitive Natural Communities and Oak Woodlands.

The project proponent will implement the following measures when working in treatment areas that contain sensitive natural communities identified during surveys conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-3:
 Reference the Manual of California Vegetation, Appendix 2, Table A2, Fire Characteristics (Sawyer et al. 2009 or current version, including updated natural communities data at http://vegetation.cnps.org/) or other best available information to determine the natural fire regime of the specific sensitive natural community type (i.e., alliance) present. The condition class and fire return interval departure of the vegetation alliances present will also be determined.
 Design treatments in sensitive natural communities and oak woodlands to restore the natural fire regime and return vegetation composition and structure to their natural condition to maintain or improve habitat function of the affected sensitive natural community. Treatments will be designed to replicate the fire regime attributes for the affected sensitive natural community or oak woodland type including seasonality, fire return interval, fire size, spatial complexity, fireline intensity, severity, and fire type as described in Fire in California’s Ecosystems (Van Wagtendonk et al. 2018) and the Manual of California Vegetation (Sawyer et al. 2009 or current version, including updated natural communities data at http://vegetation.cnps.org/). Treatments will not be implemented in sensitive natural communities that are within their natural fire return interval (i.e., time since last burn is less than the average time required for that vegetation type to recover from fire) or within Condition Class 1.  To the extent feasible, no fuel breaks will be created in sensitive natural communities with rarity ranks of S1 (critically imperiled) and S2 (imperiled).

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and
during treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-46
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
 To the extent feasible, fuel breaks will not remove more than 20 percent of the native vegetation relative cover from a stand of sensitive natural community vegetation in sensitive natural communities with a rarity rank of S3 (vulnerable) or in oak woodlands. In forest and woodland sensitive natural communities with a rarity rank of S3, and in oak woodlands, only shaded fuel breaks will be installed, and they will not be installed in more than 20 percent of the stand of sensitive natural community or oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the sensitive natural community covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to create the fuel break).  Time prescribed herbivory to occur when non-target vegetation is not susceptible to damage (e.g. non-target vegetation is dormant or has completed its reproductive cycle for the year). For example, use herbivores to control invasive plants growing in sensitive habitats or sensitive natural communities when sensitive vegetation is dormant but invasive plants are growing. Timing of herbivory to avoid non-target vegetation will be determined by a qualified botanist, RPF, or biologist based on the specific vegetation alliance being treated, the life forms and life conditions of its characteristic plant species, and the sensitivity of the non-target vegetation to the effects of herbivory.

The feasibility of implementing the avoidance measures will be determined by the project proponent based on whether implementation of this mitigation measure will preclude completing the treatment project within the reasonable period of time necessary to meet CalVTP program objectives, including, but not limited to, protection of vulnerable communities. If the avoidance measures are determined by the project proponent to be infeasible, the project proponent will document the reasons implementation of the avoidance strategies are infeasible in the PSA. After completion of the PSA and prior to or during treatment implementation, if there is any change in the feasibility of avoidance strategies from those explained in the PSA, this will be documented in the post-project implementation report (referred to by CAL FIRE as a Completion Report).

A qualified RPF or botanist with knowledge of the affected sensitive natural community will review the treatment design and applicable impact minimization measures (potentially including others not listed above) to determine if the anticipated residual effects of the treatment would be significant under CEQA because implementation of the treatment will not maintain habitat functions of the sensitive natural community or oak woodland. If the project proponent determines the impact on sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands would be less than significant, no further mitigation will be required. If the project proponent determines that the loss or degradation of sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands would be significant under CEQA after implementing feasible treatment design alternatives and impact minimization measures, then Mitigation Measure BIO-3b will be implemented.

The only exception to this mitigation approach is in cases where it is determined by a qualified RPF or botanist that the sensitive natural

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-47
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
community or oak woodland would benefit from treatment in the occupied habitat area even though some loss may occur during treatment activities.

For a treatment to be considered beneficial to a sensitive natural community or oak woodland, the qualified RPF or botanist will demonstrate with substantial evidence that habitat function is reasonably expected to improve with implementation of the treatment (e.g., by citing scientific studies demonstrating that the community (or similar community) has benefitted from increased sunlight due to canopy opening, eradication of invasive species, or otherwise reduced competition for resources), and the substantial evidence will be included in the PSA. If it is determined that treatment activities would be beneficial to sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands, no compensatory mitigation will be required.

Mitigation Measure BIO-3b: Compensate for Loss of Sensitive Natural Communities and Oak Woodlands.

If significant impacts on sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands cannot feasibly be avoided or reduced as specified under Mitigation Measure BIO-3a, the project proponent will implement the following actions:
 Compensate for unavoidable losses of sensitive natural community and oak woodland acreage and function by:
 restoring sensitive natural community or oak woodland functions and acreage within the treatment area;
 restoring degraded sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands outside of the treatment area at a sufficient ratio to offset the loss of acreage and habitat function; or
 preserving existing sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands of equal or better value to the sensitive natural community lost through a conservation easement at a sufficient ratio to offset the loss of acreage and habitat function.
 The project proponent will prepare a Compensatory Mitigation Plan that identifies the residual significant effects on sensitive natural communities or oak woodlands that require compensatory mitigation and describes the compensatory mitigation strategy being implemented to reduce residual effects, and:

1. For preserving existing habitat outside of the treatment area in perpetuity, the Compensatory Mitigation Plan will include a summary of the proposed compensation lands (e.g., the number and type of credits, location of mitigation bank or easement), parties responsible for the long-term management of the land, and the legal and funding mechanism for long-term conservation (e.g., holder of conservation easement or fee title). The project proponent will submit evidence that the necessary mitigation has been implemented or that the project proponent has entered into a legal agreement to implement it and that compensatory habitat will be preserved in perpetuity.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos, CDFW,
and/or any other
applicable
responsible
agency

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-48
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting

2. For restoring or enhancing habitat within the treatment area or outside of the treatment area, the Compensatory Mitigation Plan will include a description of the proposed habitat improvements, success criteria that demonstrate the performance standard of maintained habitat function has been met, legal and funding mechanisms, and parties responsible for long-term management and monitoring of the restored or enhanced habitat.

The project proponent will consult with CDFW and/or any other applicable responsible agency prior to finalizing the Compensatory Mitigation Plan in order to satisfy that responsible agency’s requirements (e.g., permits, approvals) within the plan.

Mitigation Measure BIO-3c: Compensate for Unavoidable Loss of Riparian Habitat.

If, after implementation of SPR BIO-4, impacts to riparian habitat remain significant under CEQA, the project proponent will implement the following:
 Compensate for unavoidable losses of riparian habitat acreage and function by:
 restoring riparian habitat functions and acreage within the treatment area;
 restoring degraded riparian habitat outside of the treatment area;  purchasing riparian habitat credits at a CDFW-approved mitigation bank; or
 preserving existing riparian habitat of equal or better value to the riparian habitat lost through a conservation easement at a sufficient ratio to offset the loss of riparian habitat function and value.  The project proponent will prepare a Compensatory Mitigation Plan that identifies the residual significant effects on riparian habitat that require compensatory mitigation and describes the compensatory mitigation strategy being implemented to reduce residual effects, and:

1. For preserving existing riparian habitat outside of the treatment area in perpetuity, the Compensatory Mitigation Plan will include a summary of the proposed compensation lands (e.g., the number and type of credits, location of mitigation bank or easement), parties responsible for the long-term management of the land, and the legal and funding mechanism for long-term conservation (e.g., holder of conservation easement or fee title). The project proponent will submit evidence that the necessary mitigation has been implemented or that the project proponent has entered into a legal agreement to implement it and that compensatory plant populations will be preserved in perpetuity.

2. For restoring or enhancing riparian habitat within the treatment area or outside of the treatment area, the Compensatory Mitigation Plan will include a description of the proposed habitat improvements, Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to
treatment
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-49
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
success criteria that demonstrate the performance standard of maintained habitat function has been met, legal and funding mechanisms, and parties responsible for long-term management and monitoring of the restored or enhanced habitat.

The project proponent will consult with CDFW and/or any other applicable responsible agency prior to finalizing the Compensatory Mitigation Plan to satisfy that responsible agency’s requirements (e.g., permits, approvals) within the plan. Compensatory mitigation may be satisfied through compliance with permit conditions, or other authorizations obtained by the project proponent (e.g., Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement), if these requirements are equally or more effective than the mitigation identified above.

Mitigation Measure BIO-4: Avoid State and Federally Protected Wetlands.

Impacts to wetlands will be avoided using the following measures:
 The qualified RPF or biologist will delineate the boundaries of federally protected wetlands according to methods established in the USACE wetlands delineation manual (Environmental Laboratory 1987) and the appropriate regional supplement for the ecoregion in which the treatment is being implemented.
 The qualified RPF or biologist will delineate the boundaries of wetlands that may not meet the definition of waters of the United States, but would qualify as waters of the state, according to the state wetland procedures (California Water Boards 2019 or current procedures).  A qualified RPF or biologist will establish a buffer around wetlands and mark the buffer boundary with high-visibility flagging, fencing, stakes, or clear, existing landscape demarcations (e.g., edge of a roadway). The buffer will be a minimum width of 25 feet but may be larger if deemed necessary. The appropriate size and shape of the buffer zone will be determined in coordination with the qualified RPF or biologist and will depend on the type of wetland present (e.g., seasonal wetland, wet meadow, freshwater marsh, vernal pool), the timing of treatment (e.g., wet or dry time of year), whether any special-status species may occupy the wetland and the species’ vulnerability to the treatment activities, environmental conditions and terrain, and the treatment activity being implemented.
 A qualified RPF or biological technician will periodically inspect the materials demarcating the buffer to confirm that they are intact and visible, and wetland impacts are being avoided.
 Within this buffer, herbicide application is prohibited.  Within this buffer, soil disturbance is prohibited. Accordingly, the following activities are not allowed within the buffer zone: mechanical Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and
during treatment
activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-50
Mitigation Measures Applicable? (Y/N) Timing
Implementing
Entity
Verifying/
Monitoring Entity
Compliance
Reporting
treatments, prescribed herbivory, equipment and vehicle access or staging.

Mitigation Measure BIO-5: Retain Nursery Habitat and Implement Buffers to Avoid Nursery Sites.

The project proponent will implement the following measures while working in treatment areas that contain nursery sites identified in surveys conducted pursuant to SPR BIO-10:
 Retain Known Nursery Sites. A qualified RPF or biologist will identify the important habitat features of the wildlife nursery and, prior to treatment activities, will mark these features for avoidance and retention during treatment.
 Establish Avoidance Buffers. The project proponent will establish a non-disturbance buffer around the nursery site if activities are required while the nursery site is active/occupied. The appropriate size and shape of the buffer will be determined by a qualified RPF or biologist, based on potential effects of project-related habitat disturbance, noise, visual disturbance, and other factors. No treatment activity will commence within the buffer area until a qualified RPF or biologist confirms that the nursery site is no longer active/occupied. Monitoring of the effectiveness of the non-disturbance buffer around the nursery site by a qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician during and after treatment activities will be required. If treatment activities cause agitated behavior of the individual(s), the buffer distance will be increased, or treatment activities modified until the agitated behavior stops. The qualified RPF, biologist, or biological technician will have the authority to stop any treatment activities that could result in potential adverse effects to special-status species.

Initial Treatment: Y
Treatment
Maintenance: Y
Prior to and
during treatment
activities
Town of Los
Gatos
Town of Los
Gatos

ITEM NO. 16.

Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan Project
CalVTP Project-Specific Analysis
A-51
This page intentionally left blank.

ITEM NO. 16.

APPENDIX B
Open Space VMP Treatment Activities Maps

ITEM NO. 16.

January February March April May June July August September October November December Habitat Communities
Grassland/Herbaceous
Chaparral/Scrub
Oak Woodland
Riparian Woodland
Invasive Species
French Broom
English Ivy
Italian thistle Pulling
Tree of Heaven
Privet
Eucalyptus
Acacia
*Treatment timing should be the same each year.
**Nesting bird season occurs from March through August. AMMs apply.

Grazing
Grazing
Chemical
Pulling
Mowing / Cutting
Masticating / Cutting
Cutting / Chipping
Cutting
Chemical Cutting / Pulling
Pulling
Cutting
Cutting
Cutting
Grazing
Pulling Cutting Pulling
Chemical
Chipping
Chemical
Cutting
Pulling
Pulling

ITEM NO. 16.

Worcester Park - Moderate Risk Priority 2
Total Acres Treatment Standards Treatment Activity AMMs Defensible Space 2.90
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Shaded Fuel Break 4.82
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Trails (lf) 2698.35
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Fuel Reduction Area 2.33
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Invasive Species Removal 3.01 See Section 10.1.3.4 - 10.1.3.8 Manual, Mechanical,*Chemical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Mowing/Grazing 0.38 See Section 10.1.3.1 Mechanical, Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Woody Slash & Debris Removal 1.25 See Section 10.1.2 Mechanical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Invasive Species
French Broom 0.09 See Section 10.1.3.6 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Acacia 0.57 See Section 10.1.3.4 Manual (Pulling), *Chemical, Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

English Ivy 1.25 See Section 10.1.3.7
Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting), Prescribed
Herbivory/Grazing Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Tree of Heaven 1.10 See Section 10.1.3.5 Manual (Pulling), *Chemical, Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Sensitive Habitat
Oak Woodland

8.68 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting)
Delineate work, treatment, and protected resource area boundaries (General Measure 1).

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).
*Restrictions apply in riparian habitat. Seasonal and quantitative restrictions may apply to sensitive habitats. Nesting bird season occurs from March through August. See AMMs.

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

10.1.3.1 Grassland/Herbaceous
Grassland and certain herbaceous species are flash fuels with quick ignition, burn, and dispersal rates. Non-native annual grassland and herbaceous understories are present throughout the Open Space VMP area. Recommendations for grassland/herbaceous areas follow:
· In areas where grassland transitions to woodland habitat, a fuel break should be maintained to prevent ignition of surrounding vegetation. A minimum break of 10 feet of horizontal distance should be maintained between grassland and woodland habitat. · Woody slash and debris created by dead herbaceous vegetation should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · Cut grass must be removed if it exceeds 6 inches of vertical height. If it is below 6 inches in height, grass cuttings can be left in place to protect ground soils from erosion. · Grazing is allowed in this habitat and can occur year-round in certain areas, although it is recommended and most effective in late spring through late summer. Grazing should follow the grazing plan provided by the hired grazing management company.

10.1.3.3 Oak Woodland
Oak woodland dominates the VMP Area and includes a combination of coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, buckeye, and walnut. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive vegetation community and work in this habitat type should be minimal and conducted in accordance with AMMs and BMPs outlined in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Canopies in this community are intermittent to continuous. In areas with breaks in the canopy understories are generally composed of grassland and brush and scrub species. Recommendations for oak woodland areas follow:
· In canopy breaks, maintain a vertical distance of 3 feet between surface fuels and low-lying tree branches (Figure 10-2). In areas where shrubs and scrub occupy the understory, a horizontal distance of at least three times the size of the scrub should be maintained, as shown in Figure 10-3. If grassland or herbaceous fuels are present in understories, a minimum distance of three times the vertical height of surface fuels should be maintained. · Duff and leaf litter should not exceed 3 feet above ground level. · If highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2) are present in oak woodland habitat, they should be removed and hauled off-site. · Only shaded fuel breaks or thinning will be used in oak woodland and will not remove more than 20 percent of oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the oak woodland covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to thin or create the shaded fuel break).

10.1.3.4 Acacia, Eucalyptus & Privet
Acacia and eucalyptus are highly invasive and highly flammable species that contains flammable resins and oils. This species occurs throughout the VMP Area in small, concentrated stands mostly along roadways and adjacent to private properties. Recommendations for acacia areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings by hand or with a weed wrench. Thin dense clusters and maintain 10 to 20 horizontal feet, depending on the slope, between mature trees (Figure 10-3). · Regulate and control stump sprouts, resprouts, and sapling growth using hand pulling for saplings and resprouts and chemical treatments for stumps. · A minimum vertical distance of 3 times the height of resprouts and saplings shall be cleared between the lowest lying branches and any scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Cut and treat larger sapling and mature tree species with herbicides. · Drill and inject with herbicide in applicable areas. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. · Acacia and eucalyptus can be chipped in place so long as no plant material is left adjacent to sensitive riparian features and does not cover other plants.

10.1.3.5 Tree of Heaven
Tree of heaven is a highly invasive and flammable species that is commonly found in disturbed areas and along riparian corridors within the VMP Area. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings while soils are moist and loose. Remove taproots by digging around the base of the plant to remove all roots and prevent resprouts. · Cut the stems of mature trees at the beginning of spring and once more in June or July to reduce seed production and deplete energy reserves. · Cut and treat trunks or stems of large trees (i.e., greater than 4-inches diameter at breast height [dbh]) with chainsaws and apply herbicides.

10.1.3.6 Broom Species
Broom is common in VMP Area understories and can grow in grasslands, scrub, and woodland habitats. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull shrubs by hand using a weed wrench.
· Cut shrubs to just above ground level using loppers or brush cutters during the dry season in areas sensitive to ground disturbance.

10.1.3.7 English Ivy
English Ivy is a woody vine generally found in moist areas with dense canopies and good shade cover. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull vines climbing trees and on the ground by hand or using rakes. · Cut stems with pruners or loppers and dig up roots using shovels to prevent resprouts. · Utilize prescribed herbivory, as appropriate, to remove ivy.

Worcester Treatment Standards

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

Santa Rosa Open Space Preserve - High Risk Priority 1
Total Acres Treatment Standards Treatment Activity AMMs Defensible Space 3.83 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Shaded Fuel Break 32.40
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Trails (lf) 6041.67
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Fire Road (lf) 2961.86
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Fuel Reduction Area 33.55
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Invasive Species Removal 0.25 See Section 10.1.3.4 Manual, Mechanical,*Chemical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Mowing/Grazing 6.13 See Section 10.1.3.1 Mechanical, Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Invasive Species
Eucalyptus 0.25 See Section 10.1.3.4 *Chemical, Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) Sensitive Habitat
Riparian 3.03 See Section 10.1.3.9 Manual, Mechanical (Cutting) Delineate work, treatment, and protected resource area boundaries (General Measure 1).

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

All AMMs in the Aquatic Resources Section apply.

Oak Woodland

46.43 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting)

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).

Chaparral/Scrub 16.60 See Section 10.1.3.2 Mechanical (Cutting), Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Treatments in chaparral habitat require consultation with a qualified biologist (Biological Resources Measure 16).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).
*Restrictions apply in riparian habitat. Seasonal and quantitative restrictions may apply to sensitive habitats. Nesting bird season occurs from March through August. See AMMs.

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

10.1.3.1 Grassland/Herbaceous
Grassland and certain herbaceous species are flash fuels with quick ignition, burn, and dispersal rates. Non-native annual grassland and herbaceous understories are present throughout the Open Space VMP area. Recommendations for grassland/herbaceous areas follow:
· In areas where grassland transitions to woodland habitat, a fuel break should be maintained to prevent ignition of surrounding vegetation. A minimum break of 10 feet of horizontal distance should be maintained between grassland and woodland habitat.
· Woody slash and debris created by dead herbaceous vegetation should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris.
· Cut grass must be removed if it exceeds 6 inches of vertical height. If it is below 6 inches in height, grass cuttings can be left in place to protect ground soils from erosion. · Grazing is allowed in this habitat and can occur year-round in certain areas, although it is recommended and most effective in late spring through late summer. Grazing should follow the grazing plan provided by the hired grazing management company.

10.1.3.2 Chaparral/Scrub
Chaparral, scrub, and brush occur throughout the VMP Area and include species like California sage scrub and coyote brush. This vegetation type generally occurs in dense clusters with some tree species interspersed. Recommendations for chaparral/scrub areas follow:
· Dead and dying debris should be cut and trimmed or removed. Roots can be left in place in order to maintain soil stability if necessary. · All vegetative debris should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · If trees are growing among this community, a minimum distance of 3 times the height of the scrub should be cleared between the lowest lying branches and the chaparral/scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Horizontal separation should be 2 to 3 times the height of the chaparral/scrub (Figure 10-3).

10.1.3.3 Oak Woodland
Oak woodland dominates the VMP Area and includes a combination of coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, buckeye, and walnut. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive vegetation community and work in this habitat type should be minimal and conducted in accordance with AMMs and BMPs outlined in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Canopies in this community are intermittent to continuous. In areas with breaks in the canopy understories are generally composed of grassland and brush and scrub species. Recommendations for oak woodland areas follow:
· In canopy breaks, maintain a vertical distance of 3 feet between surface fuels and low-lying tree branches (Figure 10-2). In areas where shrubs and scrub occupy the understory, a horizontal distance of at least three times the size of the scrub should be maintained, as shown in Figure 10-3. If grassland or herbaceous fuels are present in understories, a minimum distance of three times the vertical height of surface fuels should be maintained. · Duff and leaf litter should not exceed 3 feet above ground level. · If highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2) are present in oak woodland habitat, they should be removed and hauled off-site. · Only shaded fuel breaks or thinning will be used in oak woodland and will not remove more than 20 percent of oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the oak woodland covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to thin or create the shaded fuel break).

10.1.3.4 Acacia, Eucalyptus & Privet
Acacia and eucalyptus are highly invasive and highly flammable species that contains flammable resins and oils. This species occurs throughout the VMP Area in small, concentrated stands mostly along roadways and adjacent to private properties.

Recommendations for acacia areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings by hand or with a weed wrench. Thin dense clusters and maintain 10 to 20 horizontal feet, depending on the slope, between mature trees (Figure 10-3). · Regulate and control stump sprouts, resprouts, and sapling growth using hand pulling for saplings and resprouts and chemical treatments for stumps. · A minimum vertical distance of 3 times the height of resprouts and saplings shall be cleared between the lowest lying branches and any scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Cut and treat larger sapling and mature tree species with herbicides. · Drill and inject with herbicide in applicable areas. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. · Acacia and eucalyptus can be chipped in place so long as no plant material is left adjacent to sensitive riparian features and does not cover other plants.

10.1.3.9 Riparian Woodland
Riparian woodlands generally contain dense canopies with intermittent to continuous understories. Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. Riparian areas are sensitive and vegetation management activities should be minimal to protect and avoid impacts to sensitive resources per the AMMs and BMPs in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Recommendations for riparian areas follow:
· Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. · Target climbing and ladder fuels, such as poison oak and giant reed (Arundo donax). Three feet of separation should be maintained between surface fuels and low-lying canopy branches. · Remove highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2).
· Monitor canopy continuation and connectivity. In areas with gaps in the canopy, understory growth, including ladder fuels, is more prevalent. These gaps, if present, should maintain 3 times the vertical distance of the height of surface fuels which should be trimmed or removed to ensure no highly flammable pockets of dense vegetation forms (Figure 10-2).

Santa Rosa Treatment Standards

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

Heintz Open Space Preserve - High Risk Priority 1
Total Acres Treatment Standards Treatment Activity AMMs Defensible Space 2.04
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Shaded Fuel Break 26.67
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Trails (lf) 8428.98
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Fuel Reduction Area 49.10 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Mowing/Grazing 10.29 See Section 10.1.3.1 Mechanical, Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Sensitive Habitat
Oak Woodland

64.72 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting)
Delineate work area/treatment area boundary (General Measure 1).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).

Chaparral/Scrub

20.30 See Section 10.1.3.2 Mechanical (Cutting), Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Treatments in chaparral habitat require consultation with a qualified biologist (Biological Resources Measure 16).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).
*Restrictions apply in riparian habitat. Seasonal and quantitative restrictions may apply to sensitive habitats. Nesting bird season occurs from March through August. See AMMs.

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

10.1.3.1 Grassland/Herbaceous
Grassland and certain herbaceous species are flash fuels with quick ignition, burn, and dispersal rates. Non-native annual grassland and herbaceous understories are present throughout the Open Space VMP area. Recommendations for grassland/herbaceous areas follow:
· In areas where grassland transitions to woodland habitat, a fuel break should be maintained to prevent ignition of surrounding vegetation. A minimum break of 10 feet of horizontal distance should be maintained between grassland and woodland habitat. · Woody slash and debris created by dead herbaceous vegetation should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · Cut grass must be removed if it exceeds 6 inches of vertical height. If it is below 6 inches in height, grass cuttings can be left in place to protect ground soils from erosion.
· Grazing is allowed in this habitat and can occur year-round in certain areas, although it is recommended and most effective in late spring through late summer. Grazing should follow the grazing plan provided by the hired grazing management company.

10.1.3.2 Chaparral/Scrub
Chaparral, scrub, and brush occur throughout the VMP Area and include species like California sage scrub and coyote brush. This vegetation type generally occurs in dense clusters with some tree species interspersed. Recommendations for chaparral/scrub areas follow:
· Dead and dying debris should be cut and trimmed or removed. Roots can be left in place in order to maintain soil stability if necessary. · All vegetative debris should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris.
· If trees are growing among this community, a minimum distance of 3 times the height of the scrub should be cleared between the lowest lying branches and the chaparral/scrub species (Figure 10-2).
· Horizontal separation should be 2 to 3 times the height of the chaparral/scrub (Figure 10-3).

10.1.3.3 Oak Woodland
Oak woodland dominates the VMP Area and includes a combination of coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, buckeye, and walnut. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive vegetation community and work in this habitat type should be minimal and conducted in accordance with AMMs and BMPs outlined in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Canopies in this community are intermittent to continuous. In areas with breaks in the canopy understories are generally composed of grassland and brush and scrub species. Recommendations for oak woodland areas follow:
· In canopy breaks, maintain a vertical distance of 3 feet between surface fuels and low-lying tree branches (Figure 10-2). In areas where shrubs and scrub occupy the understory, a horizontal distance of at least three times the size of the scrub should be maintained, as shown in Figure 10-3. If grassland or herbaceous fuels are present in understories, a minimum distance of three times the vertical height of surface fuels should be maintained. · Duff and leaf litter should not exceed 3 feet above ground level. · If highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2) are present in oak woodland habitat, they should be removed and hauled off-site. · Only shaded fuel breaks or thinning will be used in oak woodland and will not remove more than 20 percent of oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the oak woodland covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to thin or create the shaded fuel break).

Heintz Treatment Standards

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

Novitiate Park - Moderate Risk Priority 2
Total Acres Treatment Standards Treatment Activity AMMs Defensible Space 2.27
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Shaded Fuel Break 1.77 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Trails (lf) 1698.16
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Fuel Reduction Area 0.18 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Invasive Species Removal 7.90 See Section 10.1.3.4 - 10.1.3.8 Manual, Mechanical,*Chemical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Mowing/Grazing 4.58 See Section 10.1.3.1 Mechanical, Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Woody Slash & Debris Removal 1.29 See Section 10.1.2 Mechanical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Invasive Species
French Broom 0.77 See Section 10.1.3.6 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

English Ivy 1.16 See Section 10.1.3.7 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting), Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Privet 1.16 See Section 10.1.3.4 Manual (Pulling), *Chemical, Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Italian thistle 0.41 See Section 10.1.3.8 Manual (Pulling), *Chemical, Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Tree of Heaven (and non-native grassland) 5.56
See Section 10.1.3.5 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Manual (Pulling), *Chemical, Mechanical (Cutting) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Sensitive Habitat
Riparian 0.62 See Section 10.1.3.9 Manual, Mechanical (Cutting) Delineate work, treatment, and protected resource area boundaries (General Measure 1).

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

All AMMs in the Aquatic Resources Section apply.

Oak Woodland

6.09 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting)

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).
*Restrictions apply in riparian habitat. Seasonal and quantitative restrictions may apply to sensitive habitats. Nesting bird season occurs from March through August. See AMMs.

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

10.1.3.1 Grassland/Herbaceous
Grassland and certain herbaceous species are flash fuels with quick ignition, burn, and dispersal rates. Non-native annual grassland and herbaceous understories are present throughout the Open Space VMP area.

Recommendations for grassland/herbaceous areas follow:
· In areas where grassland transitions to woodland habitat, a fuel break should be maintained to prevent ignition of surrounding vegetation. A minimum break of 10 feet of horizontal distance should be maintained between grassland and woodland habitat.
· Woody slash and debris created by dead herbaceous vegetation should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris.
· Cut grass must be removed if it exceeds 6 inches of vertical height. If it is below 6 inches in height, grass cuttings can be left in place to protect ground soils from erosion. · Grazing is allowed in this habitat and can occur year-round in certain areas, although it is recommended and most effective in late spring through late summer. Grazing should follow the grazing plan provided by the hired grazing management company.

10.1.3.2 Chaparral/Scrub
Chaparral, scrub, and brush occur throughout the VMP Area and include species like California sage scrub and coyote brush. This vegetation type generally occurs in dense clusters with some tree species interspersed.

Recommendations for chaparral/scrub areas follow:
· Dead and dying debris should be cut and trimmed or removed. Roots can be left in place in order to maintain soil stability if necessary. · All vegetative debris should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · If trees are growing among this community, a minimum distance of 3 times the height of the scrub should be cleared between the lowest lying branches and the chaparral/scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Horizontal separation should be 2 to 3 times the height of the chaparral/scrub (Figure 10-3).

10.1.3.3 Oak Woodland
Oak woodland dominates the VMP Area and includes a combination of coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, buckeye, and walnut. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive vegetation community and work in this habitat type should be minimal and conducted in accordance with AMMs and BMPs outlined in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Canopies in this community are intermittent to continuous. In areas with breaks in the canopy understories are generally composed of grassland and brush and scrub species. Recommendations for oak woodland areas follow:
· In canopy breaks, maintain a vertical distance of 3 feet between surface fuels and low-lying tree branches (Figure 10-2). In areas where shrubs and scrub occupy the understory, a horizontal distance of at least three times the size of the scrub should be maintained, as shown in Figure 10-3. If grassland or herbaceous fuels are present in understories, a minimum distance of three times the vertical height of surface fuels should be maintained. · Duff and leaf litter should not exceed 3 feet above ground level. · If highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2) are present in oak woodland habitat, they should be removed and hauled off-site. · Only shaded fuel breaks or thinning will be used in oak woodland and will not remove more than 20 percent of oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the oak woodland covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to thin or create the shaded fuel break).

10.1.3.4 Acacia, Eucalyptus & Privet
Acacia and eucalyptus are highly invasive and highly flammable species that contains flammable resins and oils. This species occurs throughout the VMP Area in small, concentrated stands mostly along roadways and adjacent to private properties. Recommendations for acacia areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings by hand or with a weed wrench. Thin dense clusters and maintain 10 to 20 horizontal feet, depending on the slope, between mature trees (Figure 10-3). · Regulate and control stump sprouts, resprouts, and sapling growth using hand pulling for saplings and resprouts and chemical treatments for stumps. · A minimum vertical distance of 3 times the height of resprouts and saplings shall be cleared between the lowest lying branches and any scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Cut and treat larger sapling and mature tree species with herbicides. · Drill and inject with herbicide in applicable areas. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. · Acacia and eucalyptus can be chipped in place so long as no plant material is left adjacent to sensitive riparian features and does not cover other plants.

10.1.3.6 Broom Species
Broom is common in VMP Area understories and can grow in grasslands, scrub, and woodland habitats. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull shrubs by hand using a weed wrench.
· Cut shrubs to just above ground level using loppers or brush cutters during the dry season in areas sensitive to ground disturbance.

10.1.3.7 English Ivy
English Ivy is a woody vine generally found in moist areas with dense canopies and good shade cover. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull vines climbing trees and on the ground by hand or using rakes. · Cut stems with pruners or loppers and dig up roots using shovels to prevent resprouts. · Utilize prescribed herbivory, as appropriate, to remove ivy.

10.1.3.8 Italian Thistle
Italian thistle is an invasive species commonly found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and in riparian areas. This species occurs in concentrated patches throughout the VMP Area. Recommendations for Italian thistle areas follow:
· Smaller infestations can be removed by hand by pulling, digging, and cutting. Digging may be restricted in areas that contain sensitive habitat including riparian, chaparral, and oak woodland especially in areas upslope of aquatic resources and in areas with steep slopes due to the high level of soil disturbance. · Pull plants by hand once the plant has bolted but prior to flower production. · Cut plants by hand or brush cutters before the thistle flowers and again in early summer to reduce energy reserves. This treatment is best used in the dry season when soils are hard and hand pulling is more difficult. · Graze infestations in the early spring when individual plants are approximately 4 to 6 inches high. Grazing should continue for about 2 to 3 weeks, or in coordination with the contracted grazing manager. · Treat plants with herbicides in mid-spring before they spread seed. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts.

10.1.3.9 Riparian Woodland
Riparian woodlands generally contain dense canopies with intermittent to continuous understories. Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel.

Riparian areas are sensitive and vegetation management activities should be minimal to protect and avoid impacts to sensitive resources per the AMMs and BMPs in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts.

Recommendations for riparian areas follow:
· Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. · Target climbing and ladder fuels, such as poison oak and giant reed (Arundo donax). Three feet of separation should be maintained between surface fuels and low-lying canopy branches. · Remove highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2).
· Monitor canopy continuation and connectivity. In areas with gaps in the canopy, understory growth, including ladder fuels, is more prevalent. These gaps, if present, should maintain 3 times the vertical distance of the height of surface fuels which should be trimmed or removed to ensure no highly flammable pockets of dense vegetation forms (Figure 10-2).

Novitiate Treatment Standards

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

La Rinconada Park - Low Risk Priority 3
Total Acres Treatment Standards Treatment Activity AMMs Defensible Space 0.83
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Shaded Fuel Break 6.84 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

All Aquatic Resources Measures apply.

Trails (lf) 1321.83
See Section 10.1.3.3 &
See Section 10.1.3.1
Mechanical (Cutting & Chipping) &
Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing
Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Fuel Reduction Area 0.80 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

All Aquatic Resources Measures apply.

Invasive Species Removal 0.48 See Section 10.1.3.4 - 10.1.3.8 Manual, Mechanical,*Chemical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Mowing/Grazing 0.29 See Section 10.1.3.1 Mechanical, Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Livestock will be excluded from riparian areas using exclusion fencing (Aquatic Resources Measure 33).

Invasive Species
English Ivy 0.33 See Section 10.1.3.7 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting), Prescribed Herbivory/Grazing Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

French Broom 0.15 See Section 10.1.3.6 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting) Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Acacia - See Section 10.1.3.4 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting)*Chemical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Privet - See Section 10.1.3.4 Manual (Pulling), Mechanical (Cutting), *Chemical Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Sensitive Habitat
Riparian 3.28 See Section 10.1.3.9 Manual, Mechanical (Cutting) Delineate work, treatment, and protected resource area boundaries (General Measure 1).

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

All AMMs in the Aquatic Resources Section apply.

Oak Woodland

3.24 See Section 10.1.3.3 Mechanical (Cutting)

Activities will avoid areas with special-status species (Biological Resources Measure 13).

Limit the risk of pathogens spread through BMPs (Biological Resources Measure 19).

Soil and trimmed/chipped vegetation will not be placed where it covers other vegetation or near a waterbody (Aquatic Resources Measure 32).
*Restrictions apply in riparian habitat. Seasonal and quantitative restrictions may apply to sensitive habitats. Nesting bird season occurs from March through August. See AMMs.

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

10.1.3.1 Grassland/Herbaceous
Grassland and certain herbaceous species are flash fuels with quick ignition, burn, and dispersal rates. Non-native annual grassland and herbaceous understories are present throughout the Open Space VMP area. Recommendations for grassland/herbaceous areas follow:
· In areas where grassland transitions to woodland habitat, a fuel break should be maintained to prevent ignition of surrounding vegetation. A minimum break of 10 feet of horizontal distance should be maintained between grassland and woodland habitat. · Woody slash and debris created by dead herbaceous vegetation should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · Cut grass must be removed if it exceeds 6 inches of vertical height. If it is below 6 inches in height, grass cuttings can be left in place to protect ground soils from erosion. · Grazing is allowed in this habitat and can occur year-round in certain areas, although it is recommended and most effective in late spring through late summer. Grazing should follow the grazing plan provided by the hired grazing management company.

10.1.3.3 Oak Woodland
Oak woodland dominates the VMP Area and includes a combination of coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, buckeye, and walnut. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive vegetation community and work in this habitat type should be minimal and conducted in accordance with AMMs and BMPs outlined in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Canopies in this community are intermittent to continuous. In areas with breaks in the canopy understories are generally composed of grassland and brush and scrub species. Recommendations for oak woodland areas follow:
· In canopy breaks, maintain a vertical distance of 3 feet between surface fuels and low-lying tree branches (Figure 10-2). In areas where shrubs and scrub occupy the understory, a horizontal distance of at least three times the size of the scrub should be maintained, as shown in Figure 10-3. If grassland or herbaceous fuels are present in understories, a minimum distance of three times the vertical height of surface fuels should be maintained. · Duff and leaf litter should not exceed 3 feet above ground level. · If highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2) are present in oak woodland habitat, they should be removed and hauled off-site. · Only shaded fuel breaks or thinning will be used in oak woodland and will not remove more than 20 percent of oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the oak woodland covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to thin or create the shaded fuel break).

10.1.3.4 Acacia, Eucalyptus & Privet
Acacia and eucalyptus are highly invasive and highly flammable species that contains flammable resins and oils. This species occurs throughout the VMP Area in small, concentrated stands mostly along roadways and adjacent to private properties. Recommendations for acacia areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings by hand or with a weed wrench. Thin dense clusters and maintain 10 to 20 horizontal feet, depending on the slope, between mature trees (Figure 10-3). · Regulate and control stump sprouts, resprouts, and sapling growth using hand pulling for saplings and resprouts and chemical treatments for stumps. · A minimum vertical distance of 3 times the height of resprouts and saplings shall be cleared between the lowest lying branches and any scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Cut and treat larger sapling and mature tree species with herbicides. · Drill and inject with herbicide in applicable areas. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. · Acacia and eucalyptus can be chipped in place so long as no plant material is left adjacent to sensitive riparian features and does not cover other plants.

10.1.3.6 Broom Species
Broom is common in VMP Area understories and can grow in grasslands, scrub, and woodland habitats. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull shrubs by hand using a weed wrench.
· Cut shrubs to just above ground level using loppers or brush cutters during the dry season in areas sensitive to ground disturbance.

10.1.3.7 English Ivy
English Ivy is a woody vine generally found in moist areas with dense canopies and good shade cover. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull vines climbing trees and on the ground by hand or using rakes. · Cut stems with pruners or loppers and dig up roots using shovels to prevent resprouts. · Utilize prescribed herbivory, as appropriate, to remove ivy.

10.1.3.9 Riparian Woodland
Riparian woodlands generally contain dense canopies with intermittent to continuous understories. Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. Riparian areas are sensitive and vegetation management activities should be minimal to protect and avoid impacts to sensitive resources per the AMMs and BMPs in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Recommendations for riparian areas follow:
· Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. · Target climbing and ladder fuels, such as poison oak and giant reed (Arundo donax). Three feet of separation should be maintained between surface fuels and low-lying canopy branches. · Remove highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2).
· Monitor canopy continuation and connectivity. In areas with gaps in the canopy, understory growth, including ladder fuels, is more prevalent. These gaps, if present, should maintain 3 times the vertical distance of the height of surface fuels which should be trimmed or removed to ensure no highly flammable pockets of dense vegetation forms (Figure 10-2).

La Rinconada Treatment Standards

ITEM NO. 16.

ITEM NO. 16.

Acacia
• Pulling
• Chemical
• Cutting
Eucalyptus
• Chemical
• Cutting
• Chipping
Grassland
• Mowing / Cutting
• Grazing
Italian Thistle
• Pulling
• Grazing
• Chemical
French Broom
• Pulling
• Cutting
Tree of Heaven
• Pulling
• Chemical
• Cutting
English Ivy
• Cutting
• Pulling
• Grazing
Privet
• Cutting
Oak Woodland
• Mechanical
(Cutting /
Chipping)
Chaparral/Scrub
• Prescribed
Herbivory/Grazing
• Mechanical
(Masticating /
Cutting)
Riparian
• Mechanical
(Cutting)
Grassland
• Prescribed
Herbivory/Grazing
• Mechanical
(Mowing / Cutting)

ITEM NO. 16.

10.1.3.1 Grassland/Herbaceous
Grassland and certain herbaceous species are flash fuels with quick ignition, burn, and dispersal rates. Non-native annual grassland and herbaceous understories are present throughout the Open Space VMP area. Recommendations for grassland/herbaceous areas follow:
· In areas where grassland transitions to woodland habitat, a fuel break should be maintained to prevent ignition of surrounding vegetation. A minimum break of 10 feet of horizontal distance should be maintained between grassland and woodland habitat.
· Woody slash and debris created by dead herbaceous vegetation should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · Cut grass must be removed if it exceeds 6 inches of vertical height. If it is below 6 inches in height, grass cuttings can be left in place to protect ground soils from erosion. · Grazing is allowed in this habitat and can occur year-round in certain areas, although it is recommended and most effective in late spring through late summer. Grazing should follow the grazing plan provided by the hired grazing management company.

10.1.3.2 Chaparral/Scrub
Chaparral, scrub, and brush occur throughout the VMP Area and include species like California sage scrub and coyote brush. This vegetation type generally occurs in dense clusters with some tree species interspersed. Recommendations for chaparral/scrub areas follow:
· Dead and dying debris should be cut and trimmed or removed. Roots can be left in place in order to maintain soil stability if necessary. · All vegetative debris should be hauled off-site or chipped in place. Vegetative materials chipped in place must not exceed 6 inches in height and should be evenly distributed to prevent a buildup of debris. · If trees are growing among this community, a minimum distance of 3 times the height of the scrub should be cleared between the lowest lying branches and the chaparral/scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Horizontal separation should be 2 to 3 times the height of the chaparral/scrub (Figure 10-3).

10.1.3.3 Oak Woodland
Oak woodland dominates the VMP Area and includes a combination of coast live oak, valley oak, California bay, buckeye, and walnut. As previously mentioned, this is a sensitive vegetation community and work in this habitat type should be minimal and conducted in accordance with AMMs and BMPs outlined in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Canopies in this community are intermittent to continuous. In areas with breaks in the canopy understories are generally composed of grassland and brush and scrub species. Recommendations for oak woodland areas follow:
· In canopy breaks, maintain a vertical distance of 3 feet between surface fuels and low-lying tree branches (Figure 10-2). In areas where shrubs and scrub occupy the understory, a horizontal distance of at least three times the size of the scrub should be maintained, as shown in Figure 10-3. If grassland or herbaceous fuels are present in understories, a minimum distance of three times the vertical height of surface fuels should be maintained. · Duff and leaf litter should not exceed 3 feet above ground level. · If highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2) are present in oak woodland habitat, they should be removed and hauled off-site. · Only shaded fuel breaks or thinning will be used in oak woodland and will not remove more than 20 percent of oak woodland vegetation (i.e., if the oak woodland covers 100 acres, no more than 20 acres will be converted to thin or create the shaded fuel break).

10.1.3.4 Acacia, Eucalyptus & Privet
Acacia and eucalyptus are highly invasive and highly flammable species that contains flammable resins and oils. This species occurs throughout the VMP Area in small, concentrated stands mostly along roadways and adjacent to private properties.

Recommendations for acacia areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings by hand or with a weed wrench. Thin dense clusters and maintain 10 to 20 horizontal feet, depending on the slope, between mature trees (Figure 10-3). · Regulate and control stump sprouts, resprouts, and sapling growth using hand pulling for saplings and resprouts and chemical treatments for stumps. ·
A minimum vertical distance of 3 times the height of resprouts and saplings shall be cleared between the lowest lying branches and any scrub species (Figure 10-2). · Cut and treat larger sapling and mature tree species with herbicides. · Drill and inject with herbicide in applicable areas. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. · Acacia and eucalyptus can be chipped in place so long as no plant material is left adjacent to sensitive riparian features and does not cover other plants.

10.1.3.5 Tree of Heaven
Tree of heaven is a highly invasive and flammable species that is commonly found in disturbed areas and along riparian corridors within the VMP Area. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull seedlings and small saplings while soils are moist and loose. Remove taproots by digging around the base of the plant to remove all roots and prevent resprouts. · Cut the stems of mature trees at the beginning of spring and once more in June or July to reduce seed production and deplete energy reserves. · Cut and treat trunks or stems of large trees (i.e., greater than 4-inches diameter at breast height [dbh]) with chainsaws and apply herbicides.

10.1.3.6 Broom Species
Broom is common in VMP Area understories and can grow in grasslands, scrub, and woodland habitats. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull shrubs by hand using a weed wrench.
· Cut shrubs to just above ground level using loppers or brush cutters during the dry season in areas sensitive to ground disturbance.

10.1.3.7 English Ivy
English Ivy is a woody vine generally found in moist areas with dense canopies and good shade cover. Recommendations for tree of heaven areas follow:
· Pull vines climbing trees and on the ground by hand or using rakes. · Cut stems with pruners or loppers and dig up roots using shovels to prevent resprouts. · Utilize prescribed herbivory, as appropriate, to remove ivy.

10.1.3.8 Italian Thistle
Italian thistle is an invasive species commonly found in disturbed areas, grasslands, and in riparian areas. This species occurs in concentrated patches throughout the VMP Area. Recommendations for Italian thistle areas follow:
· Smaller infestations can be removed by hand by pulling, digging, and cutting. Digging may be restricted in areas that contain sensitive habitat including riparian, chaparral, and oak woodland especially in areas upslope of aquatic resources and in areas with steep slopes due to the high level of soil disturbance. · Pull plants by hand once the plant has bolted but prior to flower production. · Cut plants by hand or brush cutters before the thistle flowers and again in early summer to reduce energy reserves. This treatment is best used in the dry season when soils are hard and hand pulling is more difficult. · Graze infestations in the early spring when individual plants are approximately 4 to 6 inches high. Grazing should continue for about 2 to 3 weeks, or in coordination with the contracted grazing manager. · Treat plants with herbicides in mid-spring before they spread seed. Restrictions apply to sensitive habitat areas, see Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts.

10.1.3.9 Riparian Woodland
Riparian woodlands generally contain dense canopies with intermittent to continuous understories. Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. Riparian areas are sensitive and vegetation management activities should be minimal to protect and avoid impacts to sensitive resources per the AMMs and BMPs in Section 11, Practices to Avoid or Minimize Impacts. Recommendations for riparian areas follow:
· Downed branches, woody slash, and debris should be removed adjacent to stream and creek channels to reduce surface fuel. · Target climbing and ladder fuels, such as poison oak and giant reed (Arundo donax). Three feet of separation should be maintained between surface fuels and low-lying canopy branches. · Remove highly flammable species (Section 10.4.2).
· Monitor canopy continuation and connectivity. In areas with gaps in the canopy, understory growth, including ladder fuels, is more prevalent. These gaps, if present, should maintain 3 times the vertical distance of the height of surface fuels which should be trimmed or removed to ensure no highly flammable pockets of dense vegetation forms (Figure 10-2).

VMP Treatment Standards

ITEM NO. 16.

ATTACHMENT 4
Attachment 4 - Link to the Vegetation Management Plan for the Town of Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, California dated June 2021:
http://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/36713/Los-Gatos-Veg-MgmtPlan_20210616

ITEM NO. 16.

PREPARED BY: Dan Keller
Facilities & Environmental Services Manager
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, Finance Director, and Parks and Public Works Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

TOWN OF LOS GATOS

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 08/06/2024
ITEM NO: 17
DATE: August 1, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Upgrade Public Restroom – Adult Recreation Building (CIP No. 821-2601):
a. Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Certificate of Acceptance and Notice of Completion for Construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliant Public Restroom in the Adult Recreation Building Completed by Tucker Construction, Inc., and Authorize the Town Clerk to File for Recordation (CIP No. 821-2601);
b. Authorize an Expenditure Budget Decrease of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds in an Amount of $218,979; and
c. Authorize an Expenditure Reclassification from Grant Fund to General Fund Appropriated Reserve (GFAR) in an amount of $50,361.26 RECOMMENDATION:

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Upgrade Public Restroom – Adult Recreation Building (CIP No. 821-2601):
a. Authorize the Town Manager to Execute a Certificate of Acceptance and Notice of Completion (Attachment 1) for Construction of an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliant Public Restroom in the Adult Recreation Building Completed by Tucker Construction, Inc., and authorize the Town Clerk to File for Recordation (CIP No. 821-2601); b. Authorize an Expenditure Budget Decrease of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds in an amount of $218,979; and
c. Authorize an expenditure reclassification from Grant Fund to General Fund Appropriated Reserve (GFAR) in an amount of $50,361.26.

ITEM NO. 17.

PAGE 2 OF 3
SUBJECT: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Upgrade Public Restroom – Adult Recreation Building (CIP No. 821-2601)
DATE: August 1, 2024
BACKGROUND:

The Adult Recreation Building services seniors and having an accessible ADA-compliant public restroom is essential to the functioning of the building. This project was created to provide an ADA-compliant public restroom on the ground floor of this building.

On June 20, 2023, Town Council authorized the Town Manager to execute a Construction Agreement with Tucker Construction Inc. for the construction of an ADA compliant restroom for a total agreement in the amount of $274,439, including a 10% contingency for unforeseen services. Construction start was delayed to November 2023 so the most substantial work would occur during the holiday break between Christmas and the New Year.

The contingency amount was used for unforeseen plumbing work during the project. On June 4, 2024, a first amendment to the Construction Agreement in the amount of $13,538 was authorized by Council to allow for Tucker Construction, Inc. to complete additional unforeseen work. The total agreement amount authorized by Council was $287,977.

During the project development, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in an amount of $218,979 were identified and staff brought the draft CDBG funding agreements to Council for authorization of receipt and use of the funds. Ultimately, the CDBG funding agreement was not fully executed by the County, resulting in the funds not being available.

County staff has confirmed that for the CDBG funds are listed as cancelled in the County’s system, indicating they are no longer available for the Town’s use.

During the project development, Council also authorized receipt and use of a $250,000 grant from the County of Santa Clara as proposed by Supervisor Simitian. The Town received the funds in the full amount and credited them to the project through the Town’s General Fund Appropriated Reserves (GFAR).

DISCUSSION:

Tucker Construction Inc. began work in November 2023 and as of June 5, 2024, has satisfactorily completed all contracted work items, for a final construction cost of $287,977.

Five percent of the faithful performance bond will remain in effect for a period of two years as a guarantee for any needed repair or replacement caused by defective materials and/or workmanship for the project. The execution and recordation of the Certificate of Acceptance is now required to finalize the Town’s acceptance of the project and to release the retention funds withheld from the contractor.

ITEM NO. 17.

PAGE 3 OF 3
SUBJECT: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Upgrade Public Restroom – Adult Recreation Building (CIP No. 821-2601)
DATE: August 1, 2024
DISCUSSION (continued):

This work was the final component to the project and the project will now be considered complete, closed out, and removed the Capital Improvement Program.

CONCLUSION:

With Council’s authorization of the recommendations, the contract with Tucker Construction will be closed out and staff will proceed with other close out steps.

FISCAL IMPACT:

CDBG funds in the amount of $218,979 were not available and a budget adjustment is necessary to document this fact. Project expenditures include $50,361.26 which were expensed to grant funds that were not received. Staff is requesting Council to authorize an expenditure reclassification from grant fund to General Fund Appropriated Reserve (GFAR) in the amount of $50,361.26 to correctly reflect the funding source of the expense.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

This is not a project defined under CEQA, and not further action was required.

Attachment:

1. Certificate of Acceptance and Notice of Completion
Budget Costs
GFAR $ 183,000
Grant Funds - Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors $ 250,000 Grant Funds - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $ 78,979 Grant Funds - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $ 140,000 Budget Decrease of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds (Requested with this Staff Report) $ (218,979)
Total Budget $ 433,000
Costs
Project Expenditures $ 353,136
Total Costs $ 353,136
Available Balance $ 79,864
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Public Restroom Upgrade - Adult Recreation Center CIP No. 821-2601

ITEM NO. 17.

Recording Requested by:

TOWN OF LOS GATOS
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:

TOWN CLERK

TOWN OF LOS GATOS
110 E MAIN ST
LOS GATOS, CA 95030
______________________________________________________________________________ (SPACE ABOVE BAR FOR RECORDER’S USE)
(RECORD WITHOUT FEE UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS 27383 AND 6103)

TYPE OF RECORDING

CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE AND NOTICE OF COMPLETION
PPW JOB NO. 421-821-2601 Adult Recreation Center ADA Restroom TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I do hereby certify that Tucker Construction, Inc. completed the work called for in the agreement with the Town of Los Gatos dated July 12, 2023. The work is outlined in the Town’s bid process prepared by the Town of Los Gatos and generally consisted of furnishing all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and services required for completion of the PPW Job No. 421-821-2601 located in the TOWN OF LOS GATOS, County of Santa Clara, State of California and was completed, approved and accepted June 5, 2024.

Bond No.: 4458735
Date: 6/20/23

TOWN OF LOS GATOS
By: __________________________________
Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
Acknowledgment Required
ATTACHMENT 1

ITEM NO. 17.

PREPARED BY: Ryan Baker
Library Director
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832 www.losgatosca.gov

TOWN OF LOS GATOS

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 08/06/2024
ITEM NO: 18
DATE: July 21, 2024
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive a Report from the Community Health and Senior Services Commission Regarding Progress on Year-One Goals of the Senior Roadmap, and Provide Direction on Year-One and Year-Two Goals
RECOMMENDATION:

Receive a report from the Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC) regarding progress on year-one goals of the Senior Roadmap, and provide direction on year-one and year-two goals.

BACKGROUND:

On February 7, 2023, the Council endorsed the Senior Roadmap (Attachment 2) that was prepared by the former Senior Service Committee. On March 7, 2023, the Town Council took a number of actions pertaining to the Roadmap, which included directing the CHSSC to take a lead role in implementing the year-one priorities from the Senior Roadmap as shown in Attachment 3, while referring the transportation items to the Complete Streets and Transportation Commission and deferring the housing items until after certification of the Housing Element.

DISCUSSION:

In Fiscal Year 2023-24, the CHSSC began their work on the year-one goals contained in the Senior Roadmap. On June 11, 2024, the CHSSC approved the attached report (Attachment 1) developed by the CHSSC to document its work during this time. The report also includes informational reports produced by key service provider organizations.

ITEM NO. 18.

PAGE 2 OF 2
SUBJECT: CHSSC Annual Report for Senior Roadmap
DATE: July 21, 2024
DISCUSSION (continued):

Throughout the report, the CHSSC has included various recommendations and suggestions.

Should Council be interested in pursuing any recommendations contained in the report, staff will follow up with an analysis of those items to be brought back to Council for consideration at a future meeting.

Council should also provide direction to the CHSSC regarding new or continuing work items on year-one goals from the Senior Roadmap, as well as directing which year-two goals, if any, should be added to the Commission’s workplan for Fiscal Year 2024-25.

FISCAL IMPACT:

This agenda item has no fiscal impact.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:

This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.

Attachments:

1. CHSSC Report on Year One Goals of the Senior Roadmap

2. Senior Roadmap

3. Draft CHSSC Road Map Game Plan for Year One (March 7, 2023)

ITEM NO. 18.
1 COMMUNITY HEALTH & SENIOR SERVICES COMMISSION
(CHSSC)

ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 2024
ATTACHMENT 1

ITEM NO. 18.
2 INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW:

The major accomplishment of the CHSSC in Fiscal Year July 1, 2023-June 30, 2004 has been the implementation of the Year One goals of the Senior Service Committee Roadmap endorsed by the Los Gatos Town Council on February 7, 2023.

This attached report includes individual reports from Goal Chairs, updated specific goal areas 1-7 with specific activities undertaken to attain those goals, participation in outreach activities and suggestions, requests, and a recommendation for moving the implementation of the Senior Road Map to the next level. These reports supplement the Annual Report presentation to the Los Gatos Town Council in August, 2024. • Intro Presentation to Los Gatos Town Council pages 3-9 • Goal 1 – Welcoming & Inviting Facility pages 3
• Goal 2 – Core Senior Services pages 3
• Goal 3 – Communications and Engagement page 4
• Goal 4 – Volunteer support and Engagement page 4

• Goal 5 – Enhanced transportation options page 5
• Goal 6 – Senior Housing options and information page 5 • Goal 7 – Integrated governance, funding, and accountability pages 6-7 • Suggestions/Requests/Recommendations pages 8-9
• Attachments:
•Detailed Updates on Goals 1-7 pages 10-25
•Goal 1 Report page 26-27
•Goal 7 Report pages 28-29
•Coordinator: possible responsibilities pages 30
•Live Oak Daycare Program pages 31-33
•Live Oak Senior Nutrition Program pages 34-39
•Los Gatos 55+ Program pages 40-43
•KCAT pages 44-50

ITEM NO. 18.
3

ITEM NO. 18.
4

ITEM NO. 18.
5

ITEM NO. 18.
6

ITEM NO. 18.
7

ITEM NO. 18.
8

ITEM NO. 18.
9

ITEM NO. 18.
10 May 28, 2024
To: Los Gatos Town Council
Fr: CHSSC Commissioners 2024
Re: 2023-2024 CHSSC Annual Report: Detailed Report on Goal Areas 1-7

GOAL AREAS UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER
2023

UPDATE FOR ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
GOAL AREA 1:
•An appealing and inviting facility The Los Gatos Foundation for Older Adults has been launched!
See attached report
GOAL AREA 2: CORE SENIOR

SERVICES

UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER
2023

UPDATE FOR ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
Goal 2. First Steps
-Negotiate an agreement for
continuation of 55 Plus social,
educational, and healthy living
program.
-Re-establish adult day care services.
- Continue support of community
essential core services by non-profits.

Completed
Completed
Support is provided by having CHSSC
members serve as reps on some nonprofits.

IN-PLACE. The Town signed a new lease and program
agreement for the 23-24 fiscal year. Reduced funding
resulted in some reduction of services but many new
programs continue to be offered and supported. (See
LG55+ Program Report dated April 15, 2024)..

The Adult Day Care Program is operating close to
capacity. Additional funding was provided for another
full-time staff member.
(See report prepared by former Director Lisa Lenoci
and presented to the CHSSC in April ’24.)
Support continues to be provided by having CHSSC
and Task Force members serve as liaisons to core
service providers and on some non-profits.

DETAILS ON EACH PROJECT:

PROJECT S1 Support Continuation of
Social, Educational, Healthy Living
and Meal Services for Older Adults
- Ensure continuation of senior adult
recreation, social, educational and
healthy living provided by the 55 Plus
program. Q1/23
- Ensure continuation of the Live Oak
Nutrition Program and funding to
provide food security for older adults.

Q1/23
The Town of Los Gatos has negotiated
an agreement with the LGS Rec/55
Plus program to continue providing
social, emotional, educational, and
healthy living service. The LG Rec
successfully obtained a one million
dollar grant over 4 years to sustain the
program through mid-2028. The Town
also received $125,000 in funding
from the county to support a .2 case
manager position & Adult Day Care
Director Kathy Mlinarch has the
program up and running. She is funded
to serve approximately 53 seniors but
is serving an average of 80 per day.

There is a need for additional funding.

See a full report on the program
prepared by Dick Konrad and Kathy
Mlinarch. .

The Town of Los Gatos has negotiated an agreement
with the LGS Rec/55 Plus program to continue
providing social, emotional, educational, and healthy
living services for the fiscal year July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024. Since there was less funding allocated, there
has been some reduction in services. (For more
details, see the attached report from LG Recreation
55+ Program that was discussed at the May 23, 2024
CHSSC meeting.) Although LG Recreation successfully
obtained a one million dollar grant over 4 years, that
money is not solely for the 55+ program.

Director Kathy Mlinarich continues to manage, grow,
and promote the Live Oak Nutrition Program. A hot
nutritious meal is served 5 days a week. Despite a
grant from the county and a generous donation of
$35,000 from SASCC, the current program is running
at a deficit. Current and projected funding shortages
remain a concern for sustainability. (For more details, please see the attached update that was presented to
the CHSSC at its April 25, 2024 Meeting. )

ITEM NO. 18.
11 -Promote and enhance food security
and healthy options for older adults,
including supplemental food collection
and distribution, local food bank
services, etc. Q3/23
PROJECT S2 Support Re-establishment
of Adult Day Care Services
- Promote establishment, support, and
use of adult day care services in Los
Gatos Q3/23
- Establish facilitated caregiver support
programs for families and family
caregivers. Q2/24
- Promote caregiver respite programs.

Q4/26
- Facilitate an expanded adult day care
program with more space and a
controlled-access outdoor area to
provide services for future growth.

Q4/27
PROJECT S3 Support Continuation of
Other Core Services in Los Gatos by
Community Organizations
- Advocate for support of community
nonprofits that provide services and
assistance to older adults in Los Gatos
(WVCS, SASCC, Next Door Domestic
Violence, Jewish Family Services, House
of Hope, local hospitals, etc.). Q1/23
- Promote and advocate on behalf of
services for older unhoused people and
for those in danger of becoming
unhoused. Q3/23
- Advocate for and seek to expand the
availability of case management workers
serving older adults in Los Gatos. Q4/24
- Establish an ongoing mentor program
to enlist local organizations and seniors
Donated food is collected 3 days a
week from local stores ( Safeway and
Trader Joes) and distributed on
Fridays. There is a need for a pick-up
truck and volunteer drivers.

The LG Adult Daycare Program has
reopened in a remodeled space on the
Los Gatos Methodist Church. Campus.

Under the direction of Director Lisa
Leoni, the program is currently serving
approximately 20 adults. There is a
goal to expand to 30. See the full
report on the program prepared by
George Rossmann and Lisa Leoni.

Provided through the Adult Daycare
Program.

Future planning.

Future planning!!!
Awareness of these services is
provided thru The Outlook, the Print,
the HUB, The Gatan, and postings in
the 55 Plus program lobby. Access to
HUB cards has been provided by
placement of the HUB cards in 10+
locations throughout LG.

The Town of Los Gatos allocated
$100,000 to support services for older
unhoused adults. This allocation
supports weekly showers, free
lunches, and temporary housing during
extremely hot or cold weather.

Dedicated funding is desired. The
Town has received funding that could
be used support such a position.

Donated food is picked up 3x a week and distributed.

The recent donation of a refrigerated van from Second
Harvest Food Bank has enhanced the program’s ability
to store donated food items. St. Luke’s and House of
Hope also provide food to the community.

The Los Gatos Adult Daycare Program has continued
to grow and thrive. Under the direction of former
Director Lisa Lenoci, the program is currently at
capacity. Recent funding for an additional full time
staff member has provided for further expansion
and/or creation of a wait list. The physical plant does need some additional upgrades, i.e., third room – floor and painting; need for a private space for consultation with potential enrollees and their families.

Limited but offered through the Adult Daycare
Program.

Limited respite programs offered thru the county and
Sourcewise.

Funding for an additional staff member will allow for
expansion but limited space also impacts this ability.

Some add’l updates should be made to the space.

Awareness of these services continues to be provided
thru The Outlook, the Print, the HUB, The Los Gatan,
and postings in the 55 Plus program lobby. Access to
HUB cards has been provided by placement of the
HUB cards in 10+ locations throughout LG. Our newly
created CHSSC brochure is also widely distributed. St.

Luke’s and House of Hope have been added to core
Service Providers.

The Town of Los Gatos allocated $100,000 to support
services for older unhoused adults. This allocation
supports weekly showers, free lunches, and temporary
housing during extremely hot or cold weather.

Dedicated funding is needed for this to occur.

ITEM NO. 18.
12 with special skills to provide social,
educational & healthy living enrichment
courses. Q2/24
- Promote County fall prevention
programs. Q3/23
- Promote programs that provide
information on personal safety devices,
scam/fraud avoidance, and legal
assistance. Q3/24
PROJECT S4 Support CHSS Commission
Objectives to Establish a West Valley
Health Clinic with Mental Health
Services
-Support the Community Health and
Senior Services Commission efforts, as
well as those by community groups and
the County to establish a health clinic in
the West Valley. Q2/23
- Monitor and promote County initiatives
and government grant opportunities to
provide mental health services in the
West Valley.
-Promote establishment of a mental
health task force in the West Valley.

Q4/23
- Create a mental health information
directory. Q4/24
PROJECT S5 Expand Use of Parks,
Community Gardens, and Other
Facilities
- Support the efforts of the Parks
Commission as they relate to senior use
of parks, community gardens and related
facilities.

Future planning; need for a
coordinator to establish and track such
a program.

Periodic programs are offered by
LGRec/55 Plus program and the
library.

Periodic programs are offered by
LGRec/55 Plus program and the
library.

In process through the efforts of
Supervisor Joe Simitian’s office in
conjunction with De Anza College.

In process through the efforts of
Supervisor Joe Simitian . Set up of the
988 call center has been established.

See the initial Needs Analysis of
Mental Health Services prepared by
Commissioners Jeff Blum and George
Rossmann. The report calls for the
establishment of a Task Force to
develop a Roadmap similar to the
Senior Services Roadmap.

Future planning. Currently, LGS
created the LGS Connect resource for
youth, collaborated on the HUB for 55
Plus, and information is available in
both The Print and the Outlook.

Navigator program also provides
information.

Efforts are supported by attendance at
Park Commission meetings and
contacts with the Director of Parks and
Public Works. Spoke at Town Council
meeting requesting a Senior Friendly
Community Garden.

There is a need to further define such a program and a
need for advertising and organization. There is a need
for a coordinator to establish and track such a
program.

Periodic programs continue to be offered by LGRec/55
Plus program and the Library.

Periodic programs continue to be offered by LGRec/55
Plus program and the Library.

A Health Care Clinic, serving the West Valley, is in the planning and feasibility stages to be established at
DeAnza Community College.

Thru the efforts of Supervisor Joe Simitian, a 988 call center has been established and the TRUST program
has been expanded to cover Los Gatos.

See the initial Needs Analysis of Mental Health
Services prepared by Commissioners Jeff Blum and
George Rossmann in 2023. The report calls for the
establishment of a Task Force to develop a Roadmap
similar to the Senior Services Roadmap but this is
subject to staff resources.

Currently, LGS created the LGS Connect resource for
youth, collaborated on the HUB for 55 Plus, and
information is available in both The Print and the
Outlook. The Navigator program also provides
information.

Efforts are supported by attendance at Park
Commission meetings and contacts with the Director
of Parks and Public Works. Chair of Goal 2 Spoke at
Town Council meeting requesting a Senior Friendly
Community Garden. Neighborhood opposition has
delayed progress. Requested that the Parks
Commission agendize the Senior Roadmap for
discussion and update.

ITEM NO. 18.
13 - Establish exercise programs in parks
and on Town plaza. Q4/23
- Initiate a program to enhance cluster
seating in parks for meet up areas.

Q2/24
- Support and promote establishment
and multigenerational use of community
gardens (volunteer planning, landscape
design, site plot layout). Q4/24
- Expand recreational use of existing
parks and facilities (e.g., pickleball by
striping to selected Town tennis courts,
bocce ball facility renovation at Oak
Meadow Park, establish lawn bowling
site, etc.). Q1/26
PROJECT S6 Health and Welfare
Assessment
- Provide a continuing assessment of
community essential services for older
adults in Los Gatos. Q1/24
-Review the welfare safety net status for
older adults and the utilization and
coordination of older adult services with
County and community non-profit
programs. Q1/26
Los Gatos Rec and the Parks
Commission need to work out a
program.

Cluster seating was discussed with the
Parks Commission and the Director of
Parks and Public Works.

Attended Town Council meeting and
recommended speeding up the
establishment of the Community
Garden. Chair is in regular contact with
Kevin Arroyo who has been the lead
on garden planning by the public.

Pickleball expansion is being
investigated by the Parks Commission
and Town Staff. LG Rec/55Plus
Program has already expanded their
program to include pickleball.

The HUB has been substantially
expanded and a HUB card has been
distributed throughout the
community. The 55 Plus program
tracks membership and the number of
calls received re: senior services. The
55 Plus program is increasing
membership: currently there are 804
members.

We are working with Sourcewise and
selected providers. Community
members serve on county wide task
forces and/or organization to keep us
in the loop. Recently, ADRCs (Aging
and Disability Resource Connection)
funding has been allocated and will be
awarded to a local organization to
implement.

Los Gatos Rec and the Parks Commission need to
collaborate and work out a program.

Cluster seating continues to be discussed with the
Parks Commission and the Director of Parks and Public
Works. Little progress is being made. Little progress
will continue to be the case on a Community Garden
until other areas are address.

Chair attended Town Council meeting and
recommended speeding up the establishment of the
Community Garden. Chair is in regular contact with
Kevin Arroyo who has been the lead on garden
planning by the public. Negotiations with neighbors is
holding up the project. Perhaps the Community
Foundation should be approached about
management.

LG Rec/55Plus Program has expanded their program
to include many opportunities to participate in
pickleball. Discussions about additional locations for
pickleball courts have
generated neighborhood opposition.

Four of the Core Senior Services Providers presented
reports to the CHSSC in April/May 2024 on their
services offered, number of participants, feedback
from users, sustainability issues and need for more
outreach for increased community awareness. The
Goal 7 Task Force sent an email to many West Valley
Service providers requesting feedback and input. Few
responded.
.

Community members serve on county wide task
forces and/or organization to keep us in the loop. We
are working with Sourcewise and selected providers.

The West Valley Service Providers Network meets in
Los Gatos and highlights various programs’ availability.

GOAL 3: COMMUNICATION &

ENGAGEMENT

STATUS UPDATE AS OF OCTOBER
2023

UPDATE FOR ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
FIRST STEPS:
*Expand & promote information HUB The HUB has been substantially expanded and a HUB card has been
distributed throughout the
community. The 55Plus program tracks
membership and the number of calls
received re: senior services. The 55
Plus program is increasing
membership: currently has 804
members.

The HUB continues to expand and is updated
periodically. A HUB card has been distributed
throughout the community and is available at all
public events. The 55Plus program tracks membership
and the number of calls received re: senior services.

From July 2023-April 2024, 55+ line received 2381 calls = average of 238 calls per month; HUB resource page
was visited 3503 times with an average of 350 visits

ITEM NO. 18.
14 •Expand engagement of the senior
community by increasing
participation in social, educational &
healthy living activities.
•Engage volunteers to implement
programs
Volunteers have implemented First
Fridays Happy Hours for Seniors and
have helped the Adult Day Care
Program and the Live Oak Nutrition
program.
per month; April Print had 800 online visits in addition to the PRINT copies picked up at Rec Center.

CHSSC and Task Force volunteers have publicized and
assisted with the Los Gatos Thrives Foundations’ new
monthly movie program for seniors and families as
well as Special Events for Seniors. The LG Rec’s 55+
Program has continued to offer many day trips for
seniors in addition to its in-house special activities for seniors. . The 55 Plus program shows continued
growth:
•2023: Membership = 806 (record high)
40% ages =70-79; 32% ages 80-89; 5% ages 90+
•2024: Membership as of April: 681 = great start
DETAILS ON EACH PROJECT:

PROJECT C1: Information HUB
Development and Deployment
-- Refine, edit, and broaden HUB 2.0 to
make access to senior services much
more intuitive and broaden HUB
coverage to include other senior services
in the local community: Q4/23
- Recruit and sustain a volunteer Hub
advisory group to collect information on
what's not available, help maintain the
accuracy of the HUB information and
promote HUB. Q2/23
- Develop a program with merchants to
help promote Hub. Q2/23
- Identify a HUB administrator with
technical skills to incorporate identified
missing services and maintain the HUB
advisory group. Q2/24
- Create conceptual design including
master release schedule e.g., 2.0, 3.0,

4.0. Q2/24
- Evaluate the benefits of developing a
mobile app. Q4/24
The HUB is intuitive and has been
expanded significantly. This is an ongoing process. As new requests come in, additional information is added to
the HUB. The Volunteer link is working
on incorporating other senior services
in the community and broaden the
HUB’s coverage. Liability and risk must
be reviewed, as well as redundancy. .

Early planning. 55 Plus has a small
group of volunteers to edit the HUB for
accuracy. A small group of seniors Is
needed to work with the CHSSC to
assess the HUB and determine what is
needed, missing, etc. LG Recreation
staff edits and updates the HUB as
needed.

The HUB card has been distributed to
10+ locations in the community. The
Chamber has agreed to have a CHSSC
member speak at the meeting of the
local businesses about the HUB.

LG Recreation staff serves as the
primary administrator. Edits and
updates of the HUB are on-going.

In discussion
In discussion
The HUB is intuitive and continues to grow and
expand. As new requests come in, additional
information is added to the HUB. The Volunteer link is
working on incorporating other senior services in the
community, such as Communities of Faith with
streaming services, and broaden the HUB’s coverage.

The HUB will be able to provide links only to non-profit organizations needing volunteers!
The 55 Plus Program has a small group of volunteers
to edit the HUB for accuracy. LG Recreation staff edit
and update the HUB as needed. A small group of
seniors Is needed to work with the CHSSC to review
the HUB and determine what is needed, missing, etc.

Planning is in place for this to occur in Q3/Q4 of 2024.

The HUB card has been distributed to 10+ locations in
the community and more locations are planned in
Q4/2024. The Chamber has agreed to have a CHSSC
member speak at the meeting of the local businesses
about the HUB.

Outreach is in the plans for contacting local places of worship and senior living communities for
presentations and distributions of HUB cards and
CHSSC brochures.

LG Recreation staff serves as the primary
administrator of the HUB. Edits and updates of the
HUB are on-going and changes made, if software
permits. The 55+ Program was awarded a Certificate
of Excellence by the California Parks and Recreation
Society In 2023 for the HUB.

Under discussion
Task Force determined not feasible at this time.

ITEM NO. 18.
15 - Invite the creator of Cupertino Senior
Services website to review and make
suggestions. Q4/23
- Coordinate with government agencies
to take advantage of resources. Q2/24
- Partner with District 5 County
Supervisor to benefit other cities and
offset costs. Q2/24
- Incorporate video tutorials into HUB
(e.g., how to sign up for RYDE, etc.) and
explore and utilize evolving technology
tools Q4/24
- Use digital inclusion initiatives to teach
people how to access information on the
HUB, use QR codes, etc. Q4/23
- Utilize KCAT to advertise and to help
develop videos for HUB. Q2/24
- Continue tracking HUB clicks and
identify the most popular areas. Q1/23
- Continue tracking the number of calls
that come into the office for older adult
information from all sources (55 Plus;
Chamber; Others). Q1/23
- Require Town participation and
promotion to ensure success of
objectives. Q1/23
Completed; the Cupertino Senior
Services manager visited the LGS site
and provided positive feedback on the
design.

Coordination has been established
with local, county, and state officials.

In discussion
In discussion
In discussion, G Rec has covered these
topics in the Tech with Teens program
and Resource Fair, but additional
opportunities may be made available.
55Plus and CHSSC need to work with
KCAT to accomplish this goal
55 Plus program does this continually
but is unable to identify most popular
areas due to software limitations.

On-going
The Town has not yet identified a .2
person to do this.

Completed in 2023.

CHSSC Commissioners attend monthly meetings of
various government agencies. The West Valley Service
Providers Network meets in Los Gatos in our local
Chamber of Commerce .

Supervisor Simitian has been active in supporting
senior services in the West Valley. Contact will be
made with the newly elected SCC Supervisor for
District 5 in January 2025.

CHSSC has requested that KCAT work with LG Rec 55+
Program and high school students to develop these
short videos.

LG Rec has continued to cover these topics in the Tech
with Teens program, Resource Fair, and one time
classes but additional opportunities may be made
available. Short videos would be very helpful, too.
55Plus, CHSSC and KCAT need to work collaboratively
to accomplish this goal
55 Plus program does this continually but is unable to
identify most popular areas due to software
limitations. Currently, LG Rec reports that they receive an average of 238 calls per month and the HUB pages
is visited an average of 350 visits per month.

LG Rec 55+ Program reports an average of 238 calls
per month re: information for seniors.

The Town does include info about the 55+ Program
and Senior Events in its community newsletter. The
Town did allocate funding for a .2FTE position which
was absorbed by Town staff to assist with prep work
for CHSSC. There is a need for a dedicated AgeFriendly/Senior Services Coordinator position.

PROJECT C2: Promotion of
Community Awareness and
Engagement in Services
•Publicize senior services available in
LG:
-nutrition;
- adult day services;
-recreation and socialization
opportunities;
-educational opportunities and
health fairs. Q1/24
Articles have been written in The Los
Gatan and The Outlook, which
publicize the CHSSC and the 55Plus
Program. The Print is available online.

There was community participation in
the 55 Plus Health Services Fair and
the SSAC Health Fair.

Articles have been written The Outlook and Town
Newsletter, which publicizes the CHSSC and the
55Plus Program. The Print is available online. There
was community participation in the 55 Plus Health
Services Fair, the SAC Health Fair, and recent Resource Fair. One CHSSC Commissioner writes an almost
weekly article that is published in The Los Gatan.

These articles highlight senior activities. The 55+
Program, the HUB, and the CHSSC.

ITEM NO. 18.
16 •Collaborate with other local
organizations to promote Town and
community events and services.

Q3/24
•Join the AARP Network of AgeFriendly Communities Q3/23 •Promote on-going awareness of HUB
and Town senior events in Town in
social media, website, and newsletter
in local newspapers, with articles and
ads. Q4/23
•Increase participation in Town
events. Q2/23
•Establish an outreach ambassador
volunteer program ( go to where
older adults live to promote
awareness and participation. Q2/23
•Promote use of faith-based
community services ( e.g., Jewish
Family Services of Silicon Valley’s
Aging with Dignity and Healthy aging
Programs. Q3/23
The PRINT promotes Town and
Community events. Local service
organizations participated in the
Health Services Fair. The Chamber of
Commerce also publicizes our events.

In process
The HUB has been promoted in The
Gatan, The Print and The Outlook. A
HUB info card is available at 10+
locations in the community.

LGRec and CHSSC members are
participating in the Christmas parade
and discussing participation in Spring
into Green.
55 Plus is investigating utilizing senior
members, who also belong to local
adult communities, as ambassadors.

CHSSC has requested an invite to
address the Interfaith Council to
promote the Roadmap and the HUB;
we are also in contact with JFS to
promote their activities.

The PRINT, The Los Gatan, and the LG Weekly
promote Town and Community events. Local service
organizations participated in the Health Services and
Resource Fairs. The Chamber of Commerce also
publicizes our events.

Completed
The HUB has been promoted in The Los Gatan, The
Print and The Outlook. A HUB info card is available at
10+ locations in the community, along with CHSSC
brochures, and is distributed at all community wide
events.

LGRec55+ Program and CHSSC members participate
in all the special events that take place in Town:

Spring into Green, etc.
55 Plus is investigating utilizing senior members, who
also belong to local adult communities, as
ambassadors.

CHSSC continues to ask to address the Interfaith
Council to promote the Roadmap and the HUB; letters
are being sent to Communities of Faith and Senior
Housing to inform them of the HUB and other Senior
Programs and Activities.

PROJECT C3: Events Calendar
•Initiate an events calendar website
that includes Town meetings and
special events. Q2/24
•Establish connectors (APIs) to various
organizations information Q2/24
•Include monthly events summary in
the monthly older adult newsletters.

Q3/23
•Assist with community holiday
events and promotion Q2/24
•Develop a mobile app for smart
phones to sign up for local events.

Q4/24
In discussion
Contact information is available
through the HUB. The Print includes
monthly events and The Outlook has
basic information.

Volunteers are available through the
Service Clubs.

In discussion
In discussion – suggest integrating with LGRec 55+
program’s website and Town’s website
Contact information is available through the HUB.

The Print includes monthly events and The Outlook
has basic information.

Volunteers are available through the Service Clubs,
CHSSC members, and Task Force members.

Q4/24
PROJECT C4: Provide and Engage
Older Adults in Social, Healthy Living,
and Life Learning Skills.
•Promote monthly special social
activities Q1/23
55Plus and LGS already address the
majority of these items in C4 on an
ongoing basis
The Print promotes Senior Social
activities
55Plus and LG Rec 55+ already address the majority of
these items in C4 on an ongoing basis
The Print, the Outlook and The Los Gatan all promote
Senior Social activities. The 55+ Program offers Special Events and Day Trips for Seniors,.

ITEM NO. 18.
17 •Organize First Friday monthly event
Q1/23
•Greatly increase engagement in
ongoing LGS Rec activities and classes
( exercise, swimming, etc.) senior club
activities and other programs. Q1/23
•Promote programs with emphasis on
multigenerational activities Q1/23
•Establish diet, nutrition, & healthy
living classes and programs. Q3/23
•Promote technology training
programs (including library programs,
etc.)Q1/24
•Promote personal safety and cyber
security presentations and classes.

Q1/24
•Develop training classes to enhance
marketable skills Q4/24
•Partnership with West Valley CC to
deliver local life-learning courses
oriented to older adults. Q3/24
•Develop Distinguished Guest Lecture
program Q3/30
First Friday events have occurred;
currently, looking for a new venue.

LGS publishes a seasonal brochure of
available activities and distributes to
all households in Los Gatos.
55 Plus used youth volunteers to help
with the Annual Picnic. Youth
volunteers help with the Live Oak
Nutrition and Adult Day Care
programs. Youth volunteers help with
local programs on digital inclusion.

Periodic programs have been made
available thought 55 Plus program and
the Library.

The 55 Plus and the Library have
provided periodic programs.
55Plus and the Library have had
speakers on these topics.

SASAC has partnered with West Valley
College to offer classes.

LGS has programs that increase skills.

SASCC has just established a
partnership with West Valley College
to enroll seniors and provide free
classes.

In process
CHSSC actively supports the activities being promoted
by the LG Thrives Foundation, as well as the 55+
Program, for seniors and their families.

LGS publishes a seasonal brochure of available
activities and distributes to all households in Los
Gatos. The monthly 55+ Print also advertises extensive
offerings.
55 Plus uses youth volunteers to help with the Annual
Picnic. Youth volunteers also help with the Live Oak
Nutrition and Adult Day Care programs. Youth
volunteers help with local programs on digital
inclusion and assist at special events, such as the
Mother’s Day Luncheon. KCAT also offers
opportunities for multigenerational events and
collaboration.

Periodic programs have been made available thought
55 Plus program and the Library.

The 55 Plus and the Library have provided periodic
programs. KCAT will be approached about developing
short videos for seniors to better utilize the HUB.
55Plus and the Library have had speakers on these
topics.

SASAC has partnered with West Valley College to offer
classes. Once people join the 55+ Program, they will
be automatically enrolled in West Valley and able to
take free classes.

LGS has programs that increase skills. SASCC has just
established a partnership with West Valley College to
enroll seniors and provide free, short terms skills
based classes.

Q3/30
Project C5: Transition to In-Person
Services at New Community Center.
•Publicize new dedicated senior
facility space for senior programs.

Q1/32
•Have an information kiosk near the
entrance to verbal, posted and printed
materials, including volunteer
information Q2/32
All projects listed under
Project C5 await the
opening of a new, intergenerational, Los Gatos
Community Center!
But, it should be noted
that the current LGS
Recreation space
All projects listed under Project C5
await the opening of a new, multigenerational, Los Gatos Community Center!
• A community input meeting was
held to determine some
immediate repairs to the interim
community center.