California High-Speed Train Project: Merced to Fresno Permitting Phase 1 & Fresno to Bakersfield Sec, CP1C Permitting Phase 1, MSAA 1600-2013-0060-R4 Amend 17

California High-Speed Train Project: Merced to Fresno Permitting Phase 1 & Fresno to Bakersfield Sec, CP1C Permitting Phase 1, MSAA 1600-2013-0060-R4 Amend 17

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has executed Amendment No. 17 to Master Streambed Alteration Agreement number 1600-2013-0060-R4 (Agreement), to the Permittee, California High-Speed Rail Authority. The Project approved by CDFW consists of the Agreement identified above, which addresses construction and operation of the Merced to Fresno segment of the California High-Speed Train (HST), as approved by the lead agency, affecting or generally related to fish and wildlife resources subject to the regulatory authority of CDFW, including natural resources subject to Fish and Game Code Section 1600 et seq. The Agreement authorizes certain activities contemplated in Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code that could cause substantial adverse effects to fish and wildlife resources. The Agreement in this respect will facilitate construction and operation of the Project. The Project as originally permitted will impact fish and wildlife habitat subject to the notification requirement in Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code within and/or adjacent to the Fresno River, Main Canal, Cottonwood Creek, San Joaquin River, Herndon Canal, Dry Creek Canal, Chowchilla River, North Central Canal, Central Canal West, Central Canal East, an Unnamed Canal, Viau Canal, Fresno Colony Canal, Lateral 6.2, Schmidt Creek and a Schmidt Creek Tributary. Amendment No.17 adds an avoidance and minimization measure for Crotch bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), extends the completion date for compensatory mitigation, increases temporary impacts to Schmidt Creek and a Schmidt Creek Tributary, and amends the “Construction Footprint” definition.

Fresno, Madera