Habitat and Environment Protection Through Non-native Aquatic Predator Management
Summary
SCH Number
2009058161
Public Agency
Fish & Game #6
Document Title
Habitat and Environment Protection Through Non-native Aquatic Predator Management
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/28/2009
Document Description
The project consists of actions by the Department to remove African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) by methods including trapping, barrier-fencing, and possible chemical treatment of affected ponds. The African clawed frog is a non-native and invasive species, and a voracious predator of native fish and amphibians. The African clawed frog was recently identified within the ponds at the San Bernardino Golf Club, and emergency management actions are necessary to remove the species and ensure this population does not spread into East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River. Adaptive management will be used, and several methods of treatment may be employed to remove the African clawed frog from the ponds. Due to the tenacity of the species, several treatments may be necessary. The ponds will be monitored to ensure the species has been removed.
Contact Information
Name
Raul Rodriguez
Agency Name
Department of Fish and Game, Region 6
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
San Bernardino
Counties
San Bernardino
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 7,8; Sec 15269,-307,-308
Reasons for Exemption
The project is exempt from additional environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to the statutory exemption for "[s]pecific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency." (Pub. Resources Code § 21080(b)(4).) CEQA describes an emergency as a sudden, unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action not prevent or mitigate the loss of, or damage to, life, health, property or essential public services. (Pub. Resources Code § 21060.3; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14 § 15359.) Under the CEQA Guidelines emergency projects which are exempt from CEQA include "specific actions necessary to prevent an emergency" which are not "long-term projects undertaken for the purpose of preventing or mitigating a situation that has a low probability of occurrence in the short-term." (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14 § 15269.)
This project is also subject to the CEQA "Class 7" and "Class 8" categorical exemptions. (See Cal. Code. Regs., tit. 14 §§ 15307, 15308.) Class 7 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulator process involves procedures for protection of the environment. Class 8 consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. This project falls within the class of activities subject to the Class 7 and Class 8 categorical exemptions because it involves actions by the Department to assure the maintenance of natural resources in, and protect the natural environment of, East Twin Creek and Santa Ana River as described in the above paragraph.
Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above.