Sonoma Sunshine (Blennosperma bakeri) Seed Amplification and Vernal Pool Restoration Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025041270
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning
(CDFW)
Document Title
Sonoma Sunshine (Blennosperma bakeri) Seed Amplification and Vernal Pool Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/25/2025
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a California Endangered Species Act permit pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081(a) to Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation (Permit No. 2081(a)-25-003-RP) for a project to expand the Sonoma sunshine population at Fox Hollow West Preserve and to implement thatch control and invasive species management to improve habitat conditions. Fox Hollow West Preserve was established as a vernal pool mitigation site in 2020 in relation to development of the Fox Hollow Subdivision (CESA incidental take permit (ITP) No. 2081-2016-008-03). Lack of beneficial disturbance at Fox Hollow West Preserve has since caused the accumulation of thatch in the vernal pools threatening the decline of the existing Sonoma sunshine population on site. The following activities are independent of any mitigation for current or future impacts to Sonoma sunshine. Up to five percent of the Sonoma sunshine seed output on-site will be collected in the spring of 2025 to be germinated and amplified at the Laguna Foundation plant nursery in the winter/spring of 2025/2026. All seed produced from nursery grown plants will be collected once mature and outplanted to suitable wetland habitat on the preserve. Thatch and invasive species will be managed each year during the vernal pool dormancy period. Thatch management will be carried out using grazing, mowing, baling, and/or hand raking. Invasive species management may include mowing, herbicide application, or manual removal. A certified Pesticide Control Advisor recommendation will be obtained if herbicide application is deemed necessary to treat invasive perennial harding grass (Phalaris aquatica), and application will be overseen by a qualified applicator. Monitoring will include mapping the distribution of all Sonoma sunshine donor and outplanted populations and counting or estimating population numbers each spring.
Contact Information
Name
Joanne Heraty
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning Branch
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist- Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Sarah Gordon
Agency Name
Laguna de Santa Rosa Foundation
Job Title
Conservation Science Program Manager
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Rosa
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
The Project will take place in Sonoma County at the Fox Hollow West Preserve located near 1615 Fulton Road in the City of Santa Rosa (38.45786, -122.77500). Seed amplification will take place at the Laguna Foundation plant nursery located at 900 Sanford Road in the City of Santa Rosa (38.42620, -122.82075).
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306, Class 6, and Section 15307, Class 7
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of experimental management, and resource evaluation activities to enhance existing populations of the California endangered Sonoma sunshine. The permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the Project includes measures to ensure the existing populations of Sonoma sunshine are not impacted, and that the restored populations are adequately protected.
County Clerk
Sonoma
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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