Vernal Pool Seed Bank Study
Summary
SCH Number
2021120141
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning
(CDFW)
Document Title
Vernal Pool Seed Bank Study
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/8/2021
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a permit to Ava Joseph [Permit No. 2081(a)-21-021-RP] pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081(a) for a project to collect soil samples and compare the species diversity of seeds in the seed bank to the aboveground species diversity in one vernal pool at the Jepson Prairie Preserve. Bogg’s Lake hedge-hyssop (Gratiola heterosepala), a state-listed endangered species, is known to occur in this vernal pool. In December 2021, a transect will be positioned through the length of the vernal pool. Approximately 50 soil cores measuring five centimeters deep and four centimeters in diameter will be collected at approximately one-meter increments along the transect. The soil samples will be germinated in the greenhouse to determine the species diversity of the seed bank. Beginning in February 2022, species will be recorded in the field every two weeks along the same transect to compare diversity of the greenhouse germinated seedlings and the above ground species diversity in the vernal pool. Germinated plants and any ungerminated seed remaining at the end of the Project will be disposed of or donated to the University of California Botanical Garden.
Contact Information
Name
Cherilyn Burton
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Ava Joseph
Agency Name
University of California Berkeley
Job Title
Undergraduate Student
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Berkeley, Dixon
Counties
Alameda, Solano
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Other Location Info
The Project will take place in section 4 (Buck) at the Jepson Prairie Preserve in Solano County (38.26688, -121.82729). Soil cores will be germinated in the greenhouse at University of California, Berkeley in Alameda County.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15306, Class 6
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which will not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. The permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Project includes measures to ensure that existing populations of Bogg’s Lake hedge-hyssop are not impacted.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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