Knightsen Wetland Restoration Project (Project)
3 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2023120580
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Administration Division
(CDFW)
Document Title
Knightsen Wetland Restoration Project (Project)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/2/2025
Document Description
The Knightsen Wetland Restoration project, when constructed, will restore the ranch to high quality habitat for special status species. The ecological benefits will extend beyond target species in the East Contra Costa County HCP/NCCP, as the project will also support migratory birds and Delta species. There are also anticipated Delta water quality benefits. This is a large restoration effort that includes reconnecting this parcel to Delta tidal flows. On April 30, 2025, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) executed a $10,308,518 grant from the Proposition 1 Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program to East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy for the Project. The Project is designed to benefit giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas), western pond turtle (Emys marmorata), tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor), fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi), white-tailed kite (Ela nus leucurus), Swainson's hawk (Buteo swainsoni), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), western burr01Ning O\NI (Athene cunicularia), California black rail (Laterallus jamaicensis coturniculus), green sturgeon (Acipenser medirostris), delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus), steel head (Oncorhynchus mykiss irideus), longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys), hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus), northern California legless lizard (Amniella pulchra), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), and migratory birds. The Project includes creating seasonal wetlands, alkali meadow, grassland, and oak savanna on the Central Sub-Parcel, and emergent wetlands with adjacent alkali meadow and grassland habitat on the East Sub-Parcel. On the North Parcel the design will enhance and restore seasonal wetland and remnant interior dune habitat.
Contact Information
Name
Hildie Spautz
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist, Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Abigail Fateman
Agency Name
East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Address
Phone
Location
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code section 21080.56
Reasons for Exemption
CDFW has determined that the Project meets the qualifying criteria set forth in Section 21080.56, subdivisions (a) through (d), inclusive. CDFW’s determination is supported by (1) East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy February 14, 2023, initial determination as lead agency that the Project meets the qualifying criteria set forth in Section 21080.56, subdivisions (a) through (d), inclusive; and (2) pursuant to Section 21080.56, subdivision (e), the CDFW Director’s March 30, 2023 concurrence with that East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy determination, which is available at wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Cutting-Green-Tape/SERP/Concurrences.
County Clerk
Contra Costa
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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