Bakersfield Cactus Panorama Vista Preserve Population Expansion Project
Summary
SCH Number
2021120364
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning
(CDFW)
Document Title
Bakersfield Cactus Panorama Vista Preserve Population Expansion Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/16/2021
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a permit to River Partners [Permit No. 2081(a)-21-006-RP] pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081(a) for a project to expand the Bakersfield cactus population at the PVP through propagation and to monitor the reproductive success of propagated individuals. Project activities include collecting pads from the existing Bakersfield cactus population at the PVP, propagating the pads at an on-site nursery, outplanting the propagated cactus pads in unoccupied habitat in the PVP, and monitoring and documenting the survivorship and reproduction of the outplanted cacti. In early 2022, the Permittee will collect no more than 250 pads (less than 2% of the estimated total number of pads). The cut cactus pads will be stored at the on-site nursery for one to three weeks until the cut ends have callused over to protect the pads from disease. The pads will then be potted in small plastic containers (4 x 4 x 6 in) with a custom cactus soil mixture. The propagated cacti will grow in the nursery for about one year before they are outplanted in winter 2022-2023. A total of approximately 27 experimental plots with nine plants each will be randomly placed throughout the study area. Each month for two growing seasons, data will be collected to document plant vigor and phenology. In the fall of 2023 and 2024, data on plant survivorship, height, and width will be collected. Photographs will also be taken throughout the project to make incidental observations. Plant reproduction will be assessed in the spring each season to document which plants flowered and which plants produced seed.
Contact Information
Name
Raffica La Rosa
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Emily Mullins
Agency Name
River Partners
Job Title
Restoration Ecologist
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Bakersfield
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Project is located at the 937-acre Panorama Vista Preserve (PVP) in Kern County at 901 East Roberts Lane, Bakersfield, CA. Bakersfield cactus pads will be collected from California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) element occurrence #66 and from a 2014 outplanting site 0.5 miles north (both within the PVP). The pads will be stored and then propagated at an onsite nursery at (35.14629, -118.99321). Planting will occur within 76 acres immediately north and east of the 2014 outplanting site.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Sections 15306 and 15307, Classes 6 and 7
Reasons for Exemption
The Project will facilitate the recovery of the California endangered Bakersfield cactus by attempting to establish additional self-sustaining populations of the species within its historic range and is being undertaken as a research project that will consist of experimental management activities and scientific reporting of results. The activities are expected to have a net conservation benefit and are not expected to result in a serious or major disturbance to any environmental resource. The permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Project includes measures to ensure that existing populations of Bakersfield cactus are not impacted, and that reintroduced populations are adequately protected.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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