King Clone Ecological Reserve Fencing Replacement
Summary
SCH Number
2024020845
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6
(CDFW)
Document Title
King Clone Ecological Reserve Fencing Replacement
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/22/2024
Document Description
The King Clone Ecological Reserve (KCER) was purchased by CDFW to protect the ancient creosote rings (Larrea tridentata) found on the property. One of these creosote rings, the King Clone, is the largest known creosote ring and has been identified as the world’s oldest living organism, estimated to be approximately 11,700 years old. The Johnson Valley Off-highway-vehicle (OHV) Area is a popular location for OHV recreation in the area. It is adjacent to KCER and is a potential source of illegal OHV trespass onto KCER. Smoothwire fencing was installed at the property and sections of this fencing were cut and illegally removed. The project involves the replacement of the smoothwire fencing with pipe fencing, which is more secure and difficult to breach. The prevention of illegal OHV trespass at KCER will help with the protection of important resources, such as the ancient creosote rings and desert tortoise habitat.
Contact Information
Name
Jason Hwan
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Lucerne Valley (Unincorporated Area)
Counties
San Bernardino
Regions
Southern California
Zip
92356
Total Acres
197
Jobs
1
Other Location Info
King Clone Ecological Reserve
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15302, Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15303, subds. (e)
Reasons for Exemption
The replacement of existing structures is exempt under Class 2 (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15302), which allows for the replacement or reconstruction of existing structures. This project involves the replacement of smoothwire fencing that exists at the King Clone Ecological Reserve (KCER) and the new fencing will be located at the same site and have the same purpose (prevent vehicular access) as the fencing that it will replace. Additionally, the project is exempt under Class 3 (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15303, subds. (e) which allows for the construction of small accessory structures, such as fencing.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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