HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.7 - Don Hankins - Public Comment SubmissionKitts, Melissa
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Monday, September 23, 2024 10:12 PM
Clerk of the Board
Public Comment Submission
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Submitted by: Don Hankins
Email Address: dhankins@csuchico.edu
Commented on event: https://buttecoca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/216/overview
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User comment: Item 4.7 -This item as presented does not reflect the broader context of why this request was brought
forth or the extent of significance it should. I've pasted text from my original letter below as noted to illustrate the
strategic significance of Doe Mill Road and the greater public safety benefit beyond a simple road maintenance issue.
The segment of Doe Mill Road referenced in the staff report crosses 15 parcels with one owned by Sierra Pacific
Industries and another owned by the US Bureau of Land Management. The current position of the road is situated along
the parcel boundaries of most of these noted parcels. The staff report implies such easement access is lacking, and
would be a taking if the county acted upon maintenance of this road segment unless access rights were acquired. The
county has deeded access through these parcels along an easement that is 15 feet wide on each side of the boundary of
these parcels abutment. As such, it is unclear where the staff have identified the lack of access rights. The staff
illustrates the current sole evacuation route for Forest Ranch as Highway 32, but concludes Doe Mill does not serve a
regional role as an arterial / collector road OR as an adopted emergency travel route. While it is not currently identified
as an evacuation route, it is an arterial/collector road, and has been heavily used by both residents and the public during
evacuations and is used as a thoroughfare by non-residents to this road segment. It is unclear what assumptions are
made for the annual maintenance cost. The road form is currently in good shape since it was rehabilitated following Park
Fire activities, but could be improved with some minor grading and addition of rock. The initial addition of rock is likely
the most expensive up-front cost. However, once created, the long-term maintenance cost should be more minimal. In
my communications with leading fire personnel on this issue, all have noted the importance of maintaining the road for
ease of access for equipment during wildland fire. One example noted, and is linked to the post -Park Fire rehabilitation
is the ability to bring equipment trailers in hauling dozers. Doe Mill is currently the best route for such access, but if the
road isn't maintained, such access is limited at best. A maintained road means quicker response times for crew and
equipment transport. When it comes to initial attack and slowing or stopping fire spread, response time is critical. I
would encourage staff to communicate with fire leadership (i.e., Unit Chief and Battalion Chief) to better assess this
situation. I provide greater detail to these points in the letter as follows: This letter is sent to highlight the significant
work along Doe Mill Road and Ridge (hereafter 'road' and 'ridge') in Forest Ranch, and the need for continued
maintenance to retain conditions. The road and ridge have played a strategic and instrumental role in planning and
implementing actions for wild land fire dating back to the 1990s when some of the first shaded fuel breaks were
constructed and access was subsequently improved through suppression and complementary actions. The 2018 Camp
Fire and 2024 Park Fire have left the ridge and adjacent drainages as some of the last remaining unburned area in north
Butte County. As such, the ridge and road are strategic to maintain for the adjacent areas of Forest Ranch, Butte
Meadows, Stirling City, Magalia, Paradise, and Chico, Butte and Little Chico Creeks, as well as the local benefits to ridge
residents. Geographic factors are critical to understanding the importance of Doe Mill including fire history, climate, land
use, and social factors. While the ridge has been buffered from recent fires, it is not immune to the ecological and social
impacts of wild land fire. Over the last decade there has been an increase in access and use of the ridge and road by non-
residents. The road has also been utilized informally and heavily during evacuations -primarily for residents of Magalia
and upper Paradise, although egress during the Park Fire evacuation orders demonstrated local importance. However,