The Caltrans Re-vegetation Program is compromised of several Caltrans offices in conjunction with the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and other government and environmental agencies. The area covered by the program comprises 22 northern California counties.
The program has evolved as a result of several issues facing Caltrans:
The mission of the re-vegetation program is to allow Caltrans to comply with State and Federal environmental regulations at minimal cost and maximum effectiveness through the use of low cost labor, locally acquired materials and proper timing.
Significance of program:
The re-vegetation program allows Caltrans to augment the regular Statewide bidding system to complete its mission. The options of using locally written small business contracts, CCC interagency agreements or utilizing local nurseries and schools has many benefits, which include:
Partnering and Collaboration:
Caltrans utilizes the CCC's in accordance with California Public Resource Code 14000. By doing so, it creates an opportunity for the youth of our communities to participate in a unique program that "builds character, self-esteem and self-discipline, as well as establishing a strong sense of civic responsibility and understanding of the value of a day's work for a day's wages".
The Caltrans program has the ability to set the standards for re-vegetation as it is in the unique position of being involved with construction projects at Federal, State and local levels. Caltrans serves as a conduit between normally unassociated agencies and is in the position to acquire future environmental permits.
During the Cedar Creek highway shoulder project the streambed was temporarily moved then rebuilt and replanted. However, the replanting occurred in August and most of the plants died.
After construction Caltrans hired the CCC to replant in late fall, the result being a well established streambed after three years.
