Pickel Meadow Restoration Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025030260
Public Agency
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan South Lake Tahoe Region 6
(RWQCB)
Document Title
Pickel Meadow Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/7/2025
Document Description
The goal of the Project is to improve aquatic and meadow habitat in Pickel Meadow while maintaining existing recreational access and grazing rights. The Project aims to reactivate and reconnect the alluvial fan with the meadow, improve channel complexity and fish habitat, and prevent further incision and erosion throughout the Project area. The Project will also protect a small spring downstream from further degradation through the installation of “wildlife-friendly” cattle exclusion fencing that will maintain the ability to support grazing while still providing meadow protection. In addition, planned upgrades to recreational access will ensure that the meadow remains a recreational destination while diverting foot traffic away from sensitive areas, and upgrades to the CDFW diversion structure will maintain more reliable wetland conditions in the upper part of Pickel Meadow with less impacts on fish. The proposed Project includes one construction phase which is planned to span two to four months.
Contact Information
Name
Meghan Walsh
Agency Name
Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board
Job Title
Engineering Geologist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Bridgeport
Counties
Mono
Regions
Countywide
Cross Streets
HWY 108
Other Location Info
Along the south side of HWY108 approx. 5.5mi West of Sonora Junction, CA Mono County
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Pub Resources Code §21080.56
Reasons for Exemption
The Project meets all qualifying criteria in Pub. Resources Code, §21080.56, subdivisions (a) to (d) and received concurrence from the Director of the California Department of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on April 12, 2023 (Request No 21080.56-2024-062-R6) pursuant to Pub. Resources Code §21080.56, subdivision (e). Request No 21080.56-2024-062-R6 is attached to this notice.