Yurok Country Club Ponds Management Project (Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement No. EPIMS-HUM-42396-R1)
Summary
SCH Number
2024020217
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1
(CDFW)
Document Title
Yurok Country Club Ponds Management Project (Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement No. EPIMS-HUM-42396-R1)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/6/2024
Document Description
The project involves the maintenance and removal of aquatic vegetation from five (5) golf
course water-hazard features (i.e., onstream ponds). The ponds have become overgrown with aquatic vegetation,
including invasive and exotic plants, and in some instances infested with invasive aquatic-vertebrates (fish,
amphibians, and reptiles). The objectives of the project include enhancing drainage and streamflow by reducing
obstructive vegetation and restoring the aquatic aesthetic suitable for a golf course, while maintaining or enhancing
habitat benefits for native species.
Work to remove aquatic vegetation will include excavation with a long-reach excavator and disposal at an
approved onsite location; in some cases, pond dewatering may be necessary. Vegetation-removal activities shall
only occur between August 15 and October 31 for the conservation of pond-breeding amphibians and reptiles, and
wetland-breeding birds. Restrictions on the magnitude of vegetation-removal shall include: no more than 75% of
the existing vegetation should be removed from ponds 1, 3, and 4 in any given year; no more than 50% of the
existing vegetation should be removed from ponds 2 and 5 in any given year. Prior to initiating vegetation-removal
activities, a qualified biologist should survey the area to determine the presence of any invasive species and
identify native species, including special status plant or animal species; invasive plant species should be prioritized
for removal and managed aggressively, while native plant species, especially shrubs and trees should be retained
and allowed to create a canopy. The qualified biologist should be present for pond-clearing activities to safely
capture and translocate native vertebrate species (e.g., Western pond turtle, Northern red-legged frog, etc.) out of
harm’s way to suitable onsite habitat.
Contact Information
Name
Jonathan Hollis
Agency Name
CDFW
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Willow Creek
Counties
Humboldt
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
333 Bigfoot Avenue, Willow Creek, CA
Parcel #
522-381-034
Waterways
Trinity River watershed
Township
7N
Range
5E
Section
28
Base
Humboldt
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
The project consists of minor alterations to land, water, and/or vegetation. There
would be no significant adverse impact on endangered, threatened, or rare species or their habitat pursuant to
§15065. There are no hazardous materials at or around the project site that may be disturbed or removed. The
project will not result in impacts that are significant when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the
effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects.
County Clerk
Humboldt
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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