FIRE MITIGATION

We prioritize fire safety and fire mitigation to protect lives, property, and maintain the health of forest ecosystems. Defensible space is a critical component in this effort, creating a buffer zone around structures to prevent fire from spreading. This includes, but is not limited to, thinning trees to increase canopy spacing, pruning trees to reduce vertical fuel ladders, and removing excess vegetation to manage ground-level fuels and create breaks in the continuity of flammable materials. These practices help protect homes and buildings from direct flame contact and radiant heat while providing firefighters with safer areas to defend properties. California law mandates a 100-foot defensible space around homes in State Responsibility Areas (SRA), ensuring flammable materials are cleared to slow down wildfires and provide a safe perimeter for firefighting efforts.

Shaded fuel breaks are another essential aspect of fire mitigation, particularly applicable to commercial and private forests that encompass larger swathes of land. These strategically placed areas with reduced vegetation density slow or redirect wildfires by acting as barriers that reduce the intensity and spread of fires. Maintaining canopy cover in these areas helps keep the ground cooler and moister, creating a less favorable environment for surface fires. Shaded fuel breaks not only interrupt the continuity of fuels but also provide safer access for fire suppression activities. By implementing these effective wildfire mitigation strategies, Noyo Forestry is committed to enhancing fire safety in our communities and preserving the health of our forests.

Right-of-way maintenance is the management and upkeep of the areas designated as right-of-way, which are typically strips of land that provide access to utility infrastructure, transportation corridors, or other infrastructure projects. In forestry, right-of-way maintenance involves the management and maintenance of vegetation within these designated areas to ensure proper clearance and safety. 

This often includes activities such as tree and brush removal, pruning, mulching, or herbicide application to control vegetation growth and prevent interference with utilities, roads, or other infrastructure. By maintaining clear right-of-ways, the risk of tree-related hazards and disruptions to transportation or other services can be minimized.  

Biomass in forestry refers to organic material such as logs, branches, leaves, and non-merchantable woody debris. It can accumulate naturally or as a byproduct of forest management activities, such as timber harvesting, thinning, or restoration projects. 

With biomass removal, the material is processed on-site and transported off-site to another location for various uses, such as landscaping or power generation. In contrast, biomass reduction retains the processed material within the forest ecosystem, contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling. Both biomass removal and reduction play a vital role in reducing fuel loads, thereby minimizing the risk of wildfires. 

Biomass reduction is an increasingly popular solution of ours for post timber harvest operations, as there is no need for burning slash piles, and the area is left visually appealing. 

Starlink is becoming increasingly popular due to its fast speeds, ease of installation, and reasonably priced plans. However, for those living in areas with tall trees and dense canopies, achieving the necessary clearance for Starlink can be a challenge.

We offer tree removal, topping and limbing services to provide a clear, unobstructed view, ensuring optimal signal reception. When ground-level installations aren’t ideal, we provide custom Starlink mounting in trees, constructing secure and durable mounts above the canopy to maximize signal reception.

For tree-mounted installations, we also offer annual drone inspections to ensure continual clearance and monitor any new growth that could obstruct the dish.

Storm cleanup is the process of removing and mitigating the effects of tree and vegetation damage caused by severe storms and natural disasters. Storms and severe wind damage can result in significant tree blowdowns, uprooted trees, broken branches, and other forms of damage in forested areas.

Storm cleanup involves the assessment, removal, and disposal of fallen or damaged trees and debris. This process helps restore access to affected areas, clear blocked roads or trails, and minimize safety hazards. It often requires the use of specialized equipment, such as chainsaws, chippers, and heavy machinery, to safely and efficiently remove fallen trees and limbs.

California State Law requires that any person who cuts and removes commercial species in order to sell the logs, or to develop a building site on timberlands, must be a Licensed Timber Operator (LTO). Landowners must obtain a Timber Harvest Plan (THP) from the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prior to allowing any cutting or removal to occur. 

THPs and their exemptions are environmental review documents submitted by landowners to CAL FIRE outlining what timber they want to harvest, how it will be harvested, and the steps that will be taken to prevent damage to the environment. THPs are prepared by Registered Professional Foresters (RPFs). 

Common THP Exemptions include:

• Structure Protection (0-150)
• Structure Protection (150-300)
• Three Acre Conversion
• Forest Fire Prevention