Additional Information about SJWC’s Logging Proposal San Jose Water Company (SJWC) would like to keep you updated on our Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan (NTMP). The NTMP was received by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) on October 18, 2005, and has been assigned number 1-05NTMP-022 SCL. The NTMP has also been posted on CDF’s FTP site and can be viewed at ftp://thp.fire.ca.gov/THPLibrary/North_Coast_Region/NTMPs2005/1-05NTMP-022SCL/ CDF will conduct an administrative review that is anticipated to take ten working (10) days. When the NTMP is accepted for filing, the review process, including the public comment period, begins.
The Non-Industrial Timber Management Plan, which requires sustainability, will be carefully reviewed by CDF as well as the California Department of Fish and Game, the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, the California Geological Survey, and the Santa Clara County Planning Department to ensure the plan complies with all applicable regulations. Details of the NTMP include the following:
• There are nine (9) units making up approximately 1,000 acres proposed for harvesting.
• Selective harvesting is proposed in a single unit every other year.
• Active harvesting will last approximately six (6) weeks in each unit. No work will occur on weekend or holidays.
• Re-entry into any unit shall be a minimum of 15 years, and may be longer depending on the rate of forest growth (sustainability).
• The three different types of log yarding methods include:
• Cable yarding – a mobile piece of equipment that has the appearance of a crane and uses suspended cables to transport logs tot eh landing area.
• Tractor yarding – Tractors are used to transport the logs to the landing area. This method is typically used where slopes are not steep and proper access is available.
• Helicoptor yarding – One unit, the Austria Gulch area, where access is very limited and new road construction is inappropriate, will be logged using helicopters. The NTMP is just one part of a larger land management effort that addresses the protection of water quality, the prevention and response to fires, and the overall health of our forests.
Water Quality – The watershed lands are one of SJWC's most important assets. The NTMP incorporates a number of recommendations from a locally experienced certified engineering ecologist and SJWC is also evaluating additional sedimentation and erosion control measures for our entire watershed that will protest and enhance water quality. The health of our watersheds directly reflects on the health of our company.
Fire Prevention and Response – SJWC is currently developing a comprehensive Fire Management Plan that addresses the entire 5,000 acre watershed and not just the harvested areas. We ae working closely with David Ganz, Ph.D, a highly respected California Fire Scientist, to evaluate treatments like thinning, firebreaks and “ladder fuels” reduction , all factors that could drastically change how a fire behaves and how it is dealt with should a fire occur. We are also working with CDF, Santa Clara County Fire Department and Santa Clara Fire Safe Council to seek their input and ensure that our Fire management Plan is consistent with their efforts. By reducing the fire risk and increasing our abilities to respond to fires on our property, our neighbors also benefit.
Forest Health – SJWC is very concerned about the health of our forests and one of the goals of the NTMP is to leave a healthy, well-distributed forest stand that encourages in creased health and vigor of our forests. We are also concerned about invasive species that already reside on our property. To that end, we are currently evaluating different treatments measures that will address these invasive species without compromising our water quality.
As stewards of these lands, the work we do today will help to protect and preserve it for future generations. SJWC will continue to work with CDF and other regulatory agencies to ensure that the NTMP meets or exceeds all applicable regulations. We will continue to see our neighbor’s input and ensure that their concerns have been addressed. We will continue to provide information about our plan to our neighbors. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have questions or concerns. SJWC and Big Creek Lumber Company would be happy to come out to hear your ideas and answer your questions.
Thanks for your time
San Jose Water Company (408) 279-7851
Big Creek Lumber Company (831) 457-6390 |
