Big Canyon Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resiliency Project: Phase 3 (Streambed Alteration Agreement, No. EPIMS-ORA-36265-R5)
Summary
SCH Number
2025071305
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, South Coast Region 5
(CDFW)
Document Title
Big Canyon Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resiliency Project: Phase 3 (Streambed Alteration Agreement, No. EPIMS-ORA-36265-R5)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/31/2025
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has executed Streambed Alteration Agreement, No. EPIMS-ORA-36265-R5, pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code to the Newport Bay Conservancy, as represented by Heather Cieslak.
The project is the final phase of this multi-phase habitat restoration project in the Big Canyon Nature Park. Project activities include the use of a bulldozer, backhoe, steeltracked excavator mounted with a hydraulic concrete breaker and thumb attachments, front end loader, grader, and amphibious equipment for dredging.
Contact Information
Name
Joleena De La Fe
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Heather Cieslak
Agency Name
Newport Bay Conservancy
Job Title
Operations Manager
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Cities
Newport Beach
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The project is located at Big Canyon Creek and the confluence to Upper Newport Bay, in the City of Newport Beach, Orange County, CA.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code section 21080.56 (Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects)
Reasons for Exemption
CDFW has determined that the Project meets the qualifying criteria set forth in Section 21080.56, subdivisions (a) through (d), inclusive. CDFW’s determination is supported by (1) The City of Newport Beach’s March 24, 2022, initial determination as lead agency that the Project meets the qualifying criteria set forth in Section 21080.56, subdivisions (a) through (d), inclusive; and (2) pursuant to Section 21080.56, subdivision (e), the CDFW Director’s May 4, 2022, concurrence with that The
County Clerk
Orange
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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