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NEPA Number: DOI-BLM-CA-C080-2026-0015-CE
Project Name: Invasive Weed Control for Habitat Restoration in the Red Hills ACEC

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Project Information

NEPA Number

DOI-BLM-CA-C080-2026-0015-CE
Project Name

Invasive Weed Control for Habitat Restoration in the Red Hills ACEC
Project Type

CE
NEPA Status

In Progress - Public Review and Comment Period
Lead Office

Mother Lode Field Office
Last Updated

5/14/2026 5:00:00 PM

Project Description

There is a need to control several large populations of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solsitialis) and scattered infestations of perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) found in the Red Hills Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC). The Red Hills ACEC was designated to protect rare plant species, unique serpentine soils, and habitat for a rare minnow known as the Red Hills roach. Existing yellow starthistle (YST) infestations have been treated primarily through manual removal of scattered individuals in meadows, riparian areas, and along roadsides in the Red Hills. 

In 2025, new stands of YST were discovered growing in patches along Andrew Creek in the Red Hills. These infestations have potential to encroach on habitat for Red Hills vervain (Verbena californica), a federally threatened species, as well as other BLM sensitive plants. Near Red Hills Road, scattered infestations of perennial pepperweed and poison hemlock were recently found in a perennial stream. Noxious weeds threaten to displace rare and native species throughout the ACEC, reduce functionality of habitat and forage for wildlife, increase potential for soil erosion and reduce water quality, and alter physical and biological properties of the soil. The relevant and important values of the ACEC – special status plants and wildlife, and unique soils – could be compromised. 

In addition, the 2025 TCU Complex Fire burned approximately 3,000 acres in the Red Hills ACEC. This disturbance is expected to favor YST recruitment in known infestation areas and would potentially require targeted chemical control efforts to spot treat infestations. Herbicide would provide another tool to restore rare serpentine plant habitat in the Red Hills.

Exempt activity as defined in the 2019 State Protocol.

Project Location

City	State/Territory	Zip Code	County(ies)
Jamestown	California	95327	Tuolumne

Application Information

Program

Vegetation
Sub-Program

Invasive Species

Project Dates

Start Date

3/30/2026

Project Office Information

Lead Office

Mother Lode Field Office
Offices

Mother Lode FO

Contacts

Contact 1 Name

Beth Brenneman
Contact 1 Email

[email protected]
Contact 1 Phone

(916) 941-3138