Cartago Wildlife Area Fence Extension Project
Summary
SCH Number
2024040579
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6
(CDFW)
Document Title
Cartago Wildlife Area Fence Extension Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/12/2024
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (“CDFW”) proposes to extend already existing barbed-wire fencing at Cartago Wildlife Area to enclose the northern and eastern portions of the property. The proposed extension will result in approximately 1.5 miles of new fencing. The new fence will prevent trespass cattle grazing on the property and protect listed and Endangered plant species that occur on the property. Unauthorized cattle grazing poses a significant threat to the State Endangered plant, Owens valley checkerbloom (Sidalcea covillei), which occurs in multiple populations on the unfenced portions of the property. Fencing will occur outside of known checkerbloom populations.
The fence will be constructed to CDFW’s wildlife-friendly fencing standards. A pass-through gate will be installed in the fence to allow for pedestrian access into the Wildlife Area. Bird clearance surveys will be conducted within 3 weeks prior to initiating any project activities. If active nests are found they will be sufficiently buffered, or the treatment will be deferred or modified. An archaeology survey has been completed along the proposed fence alignment and found no significant resources.
Contact Information
Name
Aaron Johnson
Agency Name
CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Inyo
Regions
Southern California
Zip
93514
Other Location Info
CDFW Cartago Wildlife
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
This project is Categorically Exempt from CEQA review pursuant to Section 15304, Class 4, consists of minor alterations in land on existing officially designated wildlife management areas. The proposed project meets the requirements of this exemption; therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
The project is Class 4, §15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) Exempt; the Project will result in minor alterations to land and vegetation on an officially designated wildlife area that will result in improvement of habitat for fish and wildlife resources.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 7; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15307
Reasons for Exemption
The project is Class 7, §15307 (Actions by regulatory agencies for Protection of natural resources) Exempt; the Project includes actions taken by CDFW for the protection of natural resources on a designated wildlife area.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 8; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15308
Reasons for Exemption
The project is Class 8, §15308 (Actions by regulatory agencies for protection of the environment) Exempt; the Project includes actions taken by CDFW for the protection of the environment on a designated wildlife area to protect wildlife habitat.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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