Rubicon Trail and Emerald Bay Facilities Upgrade Project
Summary
SCH Number
2020060622
Public Agency
California Tahoe Conservancy
Document Title
Rubicon Trail and Emerald Bay Facilities Upgrade Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/30/2020
Document Description
The Project will enhance the visitor experience and address resource damage at Emerald Bay State Park by improving the Rubicon Trail (Trail) and facilities. The Project will:
• Re-construct approximately 800 linear feet of the Trail, including removing redundant trail features to improve public beach access, re-route a small portion of the Trail out of sensitive land, improve safety, and restore sensitive areas.
• Install two new park benches, directional signage, and fencing to enhance day-use facilities and protect sensitive natural resources.
• Trim trees and remove brush to improve Emerald Bay views. This does not include the removal of trees.
• Install interpretive panels to educate users about the surrounding area and the history.
Contact Information
Name
Robert Larsen
Agency Name
California Tahoe Conservancy
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Agency Name
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Location
Counties
El Dorado
Other Location Info
The Project is located at Emerald Bay State Park, which is 22 miles south of Tahoe City and 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe off of State Route 89 at Emerald Bay. (Exhibit A)
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15302, 15303, 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Each discrete portion of the Project is clearly and completely covered by one of the categorical exemptions listed above. Specifically:
CEQA Guidelines, section 15302 (Replacement or Reconstruction): The Project is exempt because it consists of reconstructing the Trail and rerouting a small portion of the Trail, which will be located in the same site and have substantially the same use and capacity as the current Trail.
CEQA Guidelines, section 15303 (New Construction of Small Structures): The Project is exempt because it consists of installing small structures, including new interpretive panels, two park benches, directional signage, and resource protection fencing, which are considered appurtenant structures to existing Park facilities.
CEQA Guidelines, section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land): The Project is exempt because it consists of restoring sensitive areas by the Trail and decommissioning portions of the Trail, trimming trees, and removing brush. No removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees will occur under this Project.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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