Paula Lane Open Space Preserve Grazing Plan
Summary
SCH Number
2024051118
Public Agency
City of Petaluma
Document Title
Paula Lane Open Space Preserve Grazing Plan
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/24/2024
Document Description
The Project consists of implementation of the Paula Lane Preserve Grazing Plan, which is intended to increase soil health and carbon sequestration, protect and enhance habitat for special status species, provide fire break for surrounding homes, and comply with the established Paul Lane Conservation Easement. The Grazing Plan prescribes grazing practices designed to improve natural resources and habitat by improving grassland condition and productivity. Pasture grazing practices include periods of active livestock grazing and rest periods (no livestock) to meet long-term management objectives. The Grazing Plan also prescribes the installation of perimeter fencing and areas of interior fencing to preclude grazing from sensitive areas at the existing Paula Lane Open Space Preserve.
Contact Information
Name
Krystle Rizzi
Agency Name
City of Petaluma Planning Division
Job Title
Principal Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Petaluma
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Paula Lane and Bodega Avenue
Zip
94952
Total Acres
11.22
Parcel #
019-080-010, 019-080-009
State Highways
101
Railways
SMART Railway
Airports
N/A
Schools
Petaluma City School District Schools
Waterways
Petaluma River
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Article 19: Section 21084; Class 15304 (Minor Alterations) and Class 15307 (Protection of Natural Resources)
Reasons for Exemption
On May 23, 2024, the City of Petaluma executed an agreement with Coastside Concrete and Construction to install wildlife-friendly fencing at the Paula Lane Nature Preserve. Installation of fencing is consistent with the originally approved Project which implements the Paula Lane Preserve Conservation Easement and Agreement between the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District and the City of Petaluma by continuing to employ adaptive management practices through implementation of a Grazing Plan. Periodic grazing by livestock conducted in accordance with the Grazing Plan is an effective nature based method of controlling weeds and invasive species, and promoting germination of native species while protecting sensitive communities and special status species. Proposed physical improvements are limited to perimeter fencing and internal fencing to exclude grazing by livestock from sensitive areas. The Project continues to assure the maintenance, restoration, and enhancement of a natural resource, the Paula Lane Open Space Preserve, by introducing a grazing program designed to encourage native grassland growth and enhance wildlife habitat. There are no exceptions pursuant to 15300.2 that would preclude use of the identified exemptions. Therefore, the Project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guideline 15304 Minor Alterations to Land and 15307 Actions for Protection of Natural Resources.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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