Updates to Current Free-Roaming Cat Management Policy
Summary
SCH Number
2021060382
Public Agency
East Bay Regional Parks District
Document Title
Updates to Current Free-Roaming Cat Management Policy
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/17/2021
Document Description
The Park District proposes to update the current Free-Roaming Cat (Felis catus) Management Policy. As part of the Park District’s mission to preserve “a rich heritage of natural and cultural resources” the Park District manages parklands for the protection of biodiversity, including protecting and encouraging the recovery of threatened or endangered species. The original feral cat management program was enacted in 1999 following an extensive study of the impacts of free-roaming cats on endangered species.
The goal of the updated policy is to protect endangered species, provide a transparent accounting of Park District efforts to control free-roaming cats. The Park District hopes that with increased education, communication, best practice trapping methods, and open communication with the public, lethal control will greatly reduced or eliminated.
Contact Information
Name
Kristina Kelchner
Agency Name
East Bay Regional Park District
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Alameda, Contra Costa
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
Within both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15307 Class 7
Reasons for Exemption
The Class 7 exception allows public agencies to take actions that would protect natural resources. Free-roaming cats prey on local endangered species, which are considered biological resources under CEQA. As was the purpose of the original program, the primary purpose of the revised Policy is to protect endangered wildlife through improved management of free-roaming cats. Therefore, the updated policy is exempt under Class 7.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15308(i) Class 8
Reasons for Exemption
The Class 8 exception allows public agencies to take actions that would benefit the environment. Free-roaming cats prey on local endangered species. As was the purpose of the original Policy, the primary purpose of the revised Policy is to protect endangered wildlife through improved management of free-roaming cats. The management and removal of these free-roaming cats would protect the environment, and therefore the updated policy is exempt under Class 8.
County Clerks
Alameda, Contra Costa
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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