Slinkard-Little Antelope Wildlife Area Browse Protection and Enhancement

Summary

SCH Number
2018038169
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 6 I/M (CDFW)
Document Title
Slinkard-Little Antelope Wildlife Area Browse Protection and Enhancement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/9/2018
Document Description
CDFW proposes to complete a re-treatment of an existing vegetation management project with assistance from CA Conservation Corps work crews. The project is designed to protect and enhance browse conditions for wintering mule deer within a 4,100-acre project area located on the Slinkard-Little Antelope Wildlife area in Mono County, CA. The primary objectives of the project are to: 1) protect remaining mixed stands of antelope bitterbrush and big sagebrush from catastrophic wildfire by eliminating continuous brush and pinyon pine fuel conditions; and 2) increase browse production by reducing pinyon pine competition and encroachment. The project will focus on re-treating approx five mi of fuel break created in 2009 along existing two-track roads located within the 4,100 acre project area. Fuel breaks are considered necessary to protect remnant bitterbrush stands from catastrophic wildfire by eliminating continuous brush and pinyon pine fuel conditions. The fuel breaks will decrease the risk of habitat loss from a wind-driven fire event. The project area is located within critical winter range for the West Walker deer herd. Since 1980, over 40,000 acres of important winter and transition habitat have burned within the West Walker deer herd range, including approx 12,000 acres of critical winter range habitat located in and immediately adjacent to Slinkard Valley. Approx 2,200 acres of high quality antelope bitterbrush habitat has been destroyed by fire. Antelope bitterbrush is preferred by wintering mule deer b/c it is high in crude protein and easily digestible. This project will help protect and enhance some of the last remaining un-burned bitterbrush habitat and important winter browse in the western portion of the West Walker herd winter range.

Contact Information

Name
Alisa Ellsworth
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Region 6 I/M
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location

Counties
Mono
Township
9N
Range
22E

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15304
Reasons for Exemption
The project is 15304; the project will result in minor alterations to CDFW land and vegetation on an officially designated Wildlife Area to benefit wildlife and wildlife habitat resources. The project will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of surface waters.

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. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.

Download CSV New Search Print