CalFire seeks details about resort’s timber harvesting plan

CalFire has asked the developers of the Enchanted Resorts project, now known as Calistoga Hills, for more details about its tree removal plans.

In a Dec. 19 letter, Meghan Reeves of CalFire said the developers Timber Harvesting Plan needs to be resubmitted with more information about the plans environmental impacts.

She listed 52 required changes, including additional analysis of the plans use of herbicides, greenhouse gas emissions, and effects on recreational use and sensitive bird and plant species. Reeves said a botanical survey was performed at the wrong time of year, and that the plan needed to include more analysis of slope stability.

Timber Harvesting Plans are reviewed by CalFire and other state agencies. Tree removals cant start until CalFire approves the plan.

Developer Aaron Harkin said back-and-forth over the plan is a pretty standard procedure.

We just have to check all the boxes, he said.

Trees are slated to be removed on 38 acres of the 88-acre property, according to Eric Sutera, the registered professional forester who filed the plan on behalf of the developers. Not all of the trees on the 38 acres will be removed.

Harkin said the permit is needed because the affected land is being converted to residential and commercial use. He said the developers also need to apply for a separate tree removal permit from the city.

A lot of the trees are dead or drying, and have to be removed for to preserve the vitality of the forest and reduce fire risk, he said. The tree removal plans contained in the Timber Harvesting Plan were already included in the plans environmental impact report, he said.

Voters approved the project by passing Measure C in 2012. The 110-room luxury hotel will include a spa, more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space, a fitness center, two pools, a restaurant and lounge, 20 private homes and 13 custom estates.

See the original post here:
CalFire seeks details about resort's timber harvesting plan