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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - Agricultural Commissioner Thomas A. Moss, Assistant Agricultural Commissioner Adam Davy
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Requested Action(s)
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a) RESOLUTION - Request adoption of a resolution authorizing the Agricultural Commissioner and his designees to execute and sign the Cooperative Agreement No. 02A22442 with the California Department of Transportation for the purpose of performing noxious weed control along state highway rights-of-way in Tehama County
b) AGREEMENT - Request approval and authorization for the Agricultural Commissioner to execute and sign the Cooperative Agreement No. 02A22442 with the California Department of Transportation for the purpose of performing roadside noxious weed control along state highway rights-of-way in Tehama County, in an amount not to exceed $59,975.25, effective upon signatory approval by Caltrans and expiring on 9/30/28
c) Request adoption of the finding that this Tehama County Noxious Weed Eradication Program is not subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines sections 15307 and 15308; and authorization for the Agricultural Commissioner to file the Notice of Exemption
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Financial Impact:
The funds to be received have not been included in the department’s FY 25/26 budget. As this is a new multi-year agreement, the full amount of the contract will not be realized until subsequent years. FY 25/26 and subsequent budgets will be adjusted accordingly.
Background Information:
One of the primary responsibilities of the agricultural commissioner is to protect California agriculture and the environment. This includes eliminating or controlling weeds determined by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to be noxious. County agricultural commissioners are mandated to prevent the spread of these noxious weeds within their respective counties. A primary entry point for noxious weeds to become established is along a county’s major roadways. The agreement between the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Tehama County Department of Agriculture (TCDA), will provide the funding for the TCDA to prevent the spread of noxious weeds along state highways within Tehama County.
This agreement will provide $59,975.25 for treatment efforts over three years. Activities will include the survey for noxious weeds along all state highways in Tehama County. Any targeted plants discovered in sensitive areas will be removed mechanically. Where appropriate, any detected noxious weeds will receive a herbicide application using only herbicides from the Caltrans approved herbicide list. The TCDA will abide by all Caltrans requirements while performing treatment activities, and work in partnership with Caltrans in all locations where it is deemed necessary.
Treatments will be performed solely to weeds listed in the California Code of Regulations 4500 noxious weeds list found in the Caltrans rights-of-way. Herbicide applications will be made using a power sprayer with either a boomless nozzle, or a handheld spray nozzle. For remote locations, backpack sprayers will be used to deliver the product to the targeted species. All equipment and labor will be provided by the TCDA and reimbursed by Caltrans. A portion of the herbicide will be provided by Caltrans, while any of that which is supplied by the TCDA will also be reimbursed.
The TCDA had previously maintained an agreement with Caltrans for roadside vegetation management but was not renewed due to staffing changes. It is the Department’s intention to renew an agreement that would allow the Commissioner to fulfill his mandate to prevent the spread of noxious weeds along the vulnerable roadways of the County. This agreement would provide for the complete funding of these activities and greatly support the preservation of agriculture and natural landscape of Tehama County.
An approved Resolution must be attached prior to the agreement being approved by both parties.