By-Day Creek Headwater Restoration Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025041262
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6
(CDFW)
Document Title
By-Day Creek Headwater Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/25/2025
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife ("CDFW") proposes to install up to 20 in-stream structures in the upper reaches of By-Day Creek to increase water retention in the headwaters of the stream. The purpose of this project is to help enhance base flows in late summer and fall and restore meadow, riparian, and aspen habitats through increased floodplain connectivity. This will improve water availability and wildlife habitat quality on the Ecological Reserve which supports the sole relictual habitat for the Walker River population of the Lahontan cutthroat trout. A series structures will be installed in the two main channels of the North and South Forks of By-Day Creek in the vicinity of their confluence on the upper elevations on the Ecological Reserve. The BDA structures will consist of vertical posts inserted into the streambed and floodplain across the channel to provide a framework for willow, rocks, and other material to be woven and fit between posts. The structures will be constructed to the height of the floodplain. To the extent possible, the structures will be constructed of native vegetation available on-site, including the use of lodgepole pine and willow cuttings. The work will be completed primarily using hand tools, chainsaws, hydraulic or pneumatic post drivers, and potentially a small backhoe or mini-excavator only where necessary. The work will be completed on the CDFW-owned Ecological Reserve by CDFW staff and volunteers. There are no known cultural resources at the Project site
Contact Information
Name
Nicholas Buckmaster
Agency Name
CDFW
Job Title
Sr. Environmental Scientist, Supervisor
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 and Class 33
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4, §15304, Minor Alterations to Land- the Project will result in minimal impacts to the condition of the land and will not result in the removal of any woody vegetation. Class 33, §15333,this is a small habitat restoration project conducted to restore meadow function.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 and Class 33
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4, §15304, Minor Alterations to Land- the Project will result in minimal impacts to the condition of the land and will not result in the removal of any woody vegetation. Class 33, §15333,this is a small habitat restoration project conducted to restore meadow function.