HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.UP23-0011 Exhibit B - AG Maintenance Plan
www.cenergypower.com 26880 Aliso Viejo Parkway, Suite 100, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
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Conditional Use Permit Application
NCS Solar Project
North Chico Solar LLC
Exhibit B:
Agricultural Management Plan
www.cenergypower.com 26880 Aliso Viejo Parkway, Suite 100, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
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Conditional Use Permit Application
NCS Solar Project
North Chico Solar LLC
Agricultural Management Plan
The Applicant aims to provide good land management at the Project Site over the duration of the solar
photovoltaic system. In addition, the Applicant plans to work with local botanists to include native
vegetation on the Site and with sheep operators to manage vegetative growth with sheep grazing.
Pollinator-Friendly Strategy:
The ground below and surrounding the solar arrays, and all undeveloped areas will remain permeable
(untreated and minimize soil compacting) and will support native flowering vegetation. The Site will be
planted with approved local pollinator-friendly seed mix while being compatible with the panel height
and the spatial arrangement of the panels.
Grassland species of native plants will be well-suited to survive drought and fire as they have deep roots
that can grow at least several feet. Additionally, the presence of deeply rooted plants helps to decrease
soil erosion, reduce stormwater runoff, and expand habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The flower selection will be focused on flowing plants that are native, bloom across multiple seasons,
are drought tolerant, and have high flower diversity. The seeding will be weed free and will not require
irrigation. Beekeepers will be allowed to access the Site with beehives in containers such as wooden
boxes. There will be signage such as “Pollinator-Friendly Solar Habitat.”
Sheep Grazing Strategy:
To establish a fire-safe landscape and prevent shading of the solar panels, a sheep grazing strategy will
be implemented along with other mechanical methods. The vegetative cover will be kept low using low-
growing plant / flowering species on Site and maintaining vegetation with grazing sheep during the
growing season and mechanical methods such as mowing, trimming, and hoeing as needed.
Sheep grazing is considered a compatible use with the establishment of native vegetation. Sheep will be
used as the primary grazing animal due to their preference for grazing on grasses and weeds. Sheep fit
under normal solar panel height above ground. During sheep grazing, the system will be turned off and
the solar modules may be positioned at approximately 180 degrees to maximize room to perform
vegetative maintenance. As an example, please see the images on the next page. To achieve the most
effective results, grazing will be conducted before the seeding season of the plants. Grazing prior to
seed dispersal will reduce the future growth of undesirable plants.
To facilitate efficient and consistent grazing management, long-term contracts will be established with
local grazing contractors, encompassing all five continuous parcels. These contracts will enable the
contractors to maintain a large herd of sheep for efficient rotational grazing. The Project Site will have a
permanent boundary fence along the perimeter of the Project Site, which will prevent the sheep from
wandering into unwanted areas. Furthermore, access to water will be provided by water trucks to
ensure water supply for the grazing animals as needed.
Collaboration with Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFS) will be a critical component. BCFS’s expertise in
the application of sheep, especially in the City of Paradise, will be utilized to ensure effective grazing
management for creating fire-safe landscapes on the Project Site. This collaboration will contribute to
the overall success of the grazing plan. Sheep operators will be contracted to bring sheep. Methods of
organizing sheep grazing may include using movable fences to concentrate flocks of sheep in one area at
a time. There will be detailed signage such as “Keep Gates Closed: Sheep Inside” with a designated
point of contact phone number.
www.cenergypower.com 26880 Aliso Viejo Parkway, Suite 100, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Page 22 of 53
Conditional Use Permit Application
NCS Solar Project
North Chico Solar LLC