Monache Meadow Access Road
Summary
SCH Number
2025071281
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region 4
(CDFW)
Document Title
Monache Meadow Access Road
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/31/2025
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) proposes the construction of a new access road across upland terrain to enable the rehabilitation and eventual decommissioning of the existing access road, which currently traverses meadow and riparian habitat. Following construction, the existing road will be permanently closed and restored to its natural condition to support ecological recovery and habitat integrity. The proposed access road will extend approximately 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) from the southwest boundary of the Monache Meadows Wildlife Area to the existing cabin site. The road will have an approximate width of 8 feet and will be sited primarily within rocky and sagebrush-dominated upland habitat, thereby minimizing environmental disturbance. Construction will involve minimal grading, and appropriate erosion control measures - such as water bars and out-sloping - will be employed on steeper segments to maintain hydrologic stability and prevent sediment transport. The proposed alignment will connect with Beck Meadow/Deer Island Road just west of the existing South Fork Kern River crossing. A new gated entrance will be installed at the point where the new access route transitions from U.S. Forest Service land to CDFW-managed property, to ensure secure and controlled access. This project has been designed with careful consideration of ecological sensitivity and long-term land stewardship goals.
Contact Information
Name
Evan King
Agency Name
CDFW
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Tulare
Counties
Tulare
Regions
Southern California
Township
19 S
Range
35E
Section
34
Other Location Info
The project is located on the Monache Meadows Wildlife Area, in Tulare County, Township 19 South, Range 35 East, Section 34, 36.22156°N, -118.178335°W
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Type – 4 (d); California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15307 and 757(7)(D)
Reasons for Exemption
This project is a regulatory agency action for protection of natural resources,
specifically, minor alterations in land, water, and vegetation on existing officially designated wildlife management areas or fish production facilities which result in improvement of habitat for fish and wildlife resources or greater fish production. Title 14, Section 757(4)(D) specifically includes minor alteration of lands on an existing wildlife management area that will result in improved wildlife habitat and resources as an exempt activity for CDFW. None of the exceptions in Section 15300.2 apply.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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