DATE: August 4, 2020
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Jean M. Rousseau, County Administrative Officer / Emergency Services Director
SUBJECT: Continuation of Tree Mortality Local Emergency Status in Fresno County
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Adopt Resolution proclaiming continuation of the local emergency status relating to the extremely high levels of tree mortality and hazardous conditions created by the drought and request that the Governor continue to provide resources and support to mitigate risk of falling trees and increased fire hazard.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure the local emergency status remains in effect and permit the potential recovery of eligible costs. This item pertains to locations in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommended action is necessary to ensure specific liability protection, emergency powers of the Emergency Services Director, and recovery of eligible costs from State emergency funds.
DISCUSSION:
On September 22, 2015, the Board approved Resolution No. 15-463 requesting a state of emergency be proclaimed in the County due to the degraded forest conditions and imminent threat from catastrophic fires and extreme drought.
On May 24, 2016, the Board approved the Emergency Services Director's submittal of an Application for State financial assistance under the California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) to the California Office of Emergency Service (OES) to mitigate tree mortality.
On January 31, 2017, the Board approved 13 revenue agreements with the California Department of Forestry and the Fire Prevention (CAL FIRE) to receive FY 2016-17 State Responsibility Area (SRA) Fire Prevention and TM (Tree Mortality) Grant Program funds for the removal of dead and dying trees that are within 300 feet of permanent private structures, roadways, and public or private infrastructure. The assessment, identification, and removal of dead and d...
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