File #: 24-231    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Action Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 2/29/2024 In control: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
On agenda: 3/5/2024 Final action:
Title: Approve Continuation of Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Pervasive Tree Mortality
Sponsors: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Attachments: 1. Tree Mortality Emergency Proclamation final
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
No records to display.

Memorandum

 

 

Date:                                          March 5, 2024

 

To:                                          The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors

 

From:                                          Board of Supervisors

 

Subject:                     Approve Continuation of Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Pervasive Tree Mortality

 

Executive Summary:

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection found that its aerial and group surveys in Napa and Lake County revealed widespread conifer mortality leaving trees vulnerable to insect attacks and fire damage. On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order No. 7-77, that states the ongoing drought will have significant immediate impacts on communities.   In response, the Lake County Risk Reduction Authority created the Lake County Tree Mortality Task Force established to investigate and address the extensive tree mortality in the County caused primarily by wildfire, drought and insect damage. 

 

The Lake County Tree Mortality Task Force members have attended several presentations from individuals with considerable expertise in both entomology and tree mortality, including Forest

Advisor Dr. Michael Jones, an entomologist from University of California Cooperative. The overriding message was that failure to actively address tree mortality could result in the potential loss or degradation of forest habitats and associated ecological impacts, including the impact of wildlife, water and soil.  And as such, create dangerous wildfire conditions that  also threaten the safety of persons and property and will likely extend beyond the capacity of public safety services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this County. 

 

This Resolution requests the following actions from Governor Newsom; 1) Proclaim a State of Emergency in Lake County and other afflicted areas of the State, 2) Seek designation of tree mortality areas within Lake County and other afflicted areas of the State under Section 8204 of the Agriculture Act of 2014 and seek additional Federal program support; and 3) Request a Presidential Declaration of Emergency or Major Disaster for this emergency.

 

 

If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:

Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________ 

 

Consistency with Vision 2028 (check all that apply):                                           Not applicable

Well-being of Residents                                           Public Safety                                                                Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery                     

Economic Development                                           Infrastructure                                                                County Workforce                     

Community Collaboration                      Business Process Efficiency                      Clear Lake                                                               

 

Recommended Action:  Approve Continuation of Proclamation of the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Pervasive Tree Mortality