DATE: December 15, 2015
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Deborah A. Poochigian
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 immediately declare a state of emergency for Fresno County.
REPORT
Approval of the recommended action will ensure the local emergency status remains in effect and permit the potential recovery of eligible costs.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
No viable options are available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No net County costs are associated with the preparation of this agenda item.
DISCUSSION:
On February 4, 2014, the previous Board approved a resolution prepared by County staff requesting a state of emergency declaration on Fresno County due to the degraded forest conditions and imminent threat from catastrophic fires and extreme drought.
Since that time, forest degradation conditions have not improved and as the tree mortality disaster has continued and escalated in eastern Fresno County, recent devastating fires have resulted in an adverse effect on our environment, economy, and public well-being.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #8, February 4, 2014
BAI #21, September 22, 2015
BAI #21.1, October 13, 2015
BAI #23, November 3, 2015
BAI #43, November 17, 2015
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Resolution
Map of Affected Areas
Proclamation of State Emergency
CAO ANALYST:
Ron Alexander