Mammoth Lakes 395 Wildlife Crossing
3 Documents in Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025080696
Public Agency
California Department of Transportation, District 9
(DOT)
Document Title
Mammoth Lakes 395 Wildlife Crossing
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/24/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposes to construct two wildlife crossing structures and install wildlife exclusionary fencing on U.S. Route 395 near the town of Mammoth Lakes in Mono County. The purpose of this project is to evaluate feasible methods to minimize wildlife vehicle collisions on U.S. Route 395 between post miles R18.03 and R22.74 in Mono County. One wildlife overcrossing structure is proposed at post mile 19.67, approximately 0.15 miles east of the junction with Mount Morrison Road. In addition, a wildlife undercrossing structure is proposed at the Convict Creek crossing at post mile 20.23. Wildlife exclusionary fencing, which would be installed on the northbound and southbound sides of U.S. Route 395 along the entire length of the project limits, would serve to guide mule deer and other wildlife to the two crossing structures and assist in preventing wildlife from entering the highway where they could be struck by vehicles. Additional project features would include aesthetic treatments, slope work, native vegetation establishment, wildlife jump-outs and double cattle guards. Construction of the wildlife crossing structures would require temporary traffic detours, temporary paved roads in the median, new right of way acquisition and temporary construction easements.
Contact Information
Name
Kristopher Bason
Agency Name
California Department of Transportation
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisor)
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Unincorporated
Counties
Mono
Regions
Unincorporated
State Highways
U.S. Route 395
Waterways
Convict Creek, Hot Creek, McGee Creek, Crowley Lake, Convict Lake, Laurel Creek.
Other Location Info
On U.S. Route 395, from post miles R18.03 to R22.74, near the town of Mammoth Lakes in Mono County.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
21080.56 subdivisions (a) to (d) inclusive
Reasons for Exemption
On September 23, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 155, which added section 21080.56 to California Public Resources Code. This section provides a CEQA statutory exemption for restoration projects that meet certain requirements. Caltrans District 9 has independently determined that the Mammoth Lakes 395 Wildlife Crossing project meets the criteria set forth in Public Resources Code section 21080.56 and is statutorily exempt from CEQA. On March 16, 2026, California Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Meghan Hertel provided official concurrence (concurrence number 21080.56-2026-096-R6) on the CEQA statutory exemption for restoration projects determination made by Caltrans.
County Clerk
Mono
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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