Pajaro River, Salispuedes & Corralitos Creeks/2025 Debris, Veg & Fuel Reduction
Summary
SCH Number
2025080991
Public Agency
Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency
(PRFMA)
Document Title
Pajaro River, Salispuedes & Corralitos Creeks/2025 Debris, Veg & Fuel Reduction
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/22/2025
Document Description
The project is proposed to protect public safety and private property from hazards associated with illegal encampments and vegetation overgrowth (i.e., reduced river capacity), protect property from damage that is being caused by nuisance trees, and prevent the spread of invasive weeds and non-native trees within the river corridor.
The project includes hand-pulling weeds, tree pruning, removal of hazardous and nuisance trees (invasives or that impact the normal function of levee system), and removal of temporary structures and associated debris associated with dispersed illegal encampments along the river corridor. The work would prevent the spread of invasive plants, minimize hazards from dropped limbs, trunk failure, and fire, prevent damage to private property, and promote effective maintenance & operation of the river corridor. Crews would use chain saws and hand tools to complete the work, leaving the stumps in place and chipping downed trunks and limbs. Abandoned encampment property will be properly collected and disposed of at land fill facilities in accordance with their respective policies. Laydown areas would be provided by the project applicant (Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency). Access roads would be provided by the local agencies public roads (City of Watsonville, County of Monterey, and County of Santa Cruz). Best Management Practices (BMPs) have been incorporated into the project design. The work would be completed in between 7am and 7pm in accordance with the applicable Municipal Code (City of Watsonville, County of Monterey, and County of Santa Cruz).
Contact Information
Name
Forrest Revere
Agency Name
PRFMA
Job Title
Environmental Program Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
unincorporated area, Royal Oaks & Town of Pajaro
Counties
Monterey
Regions
Unincorporated
Zip
95076
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed Project would address the removal of vegetative overgrowth within the understory of the lower channel bank, upper channel bank, and inner channel bench along the Pajaro River, Salsipuedes Creek, and Corralitos Creek. Natural regrowth within the project area has occurred and promoted suitable areas for the establishment of illegal encampments near the waterway. The removal of illegal encampments and associated abandoned structures, debris, and other miscellaneous materials will promote a more environmentally sustainable and healthy landscape for the river system and wildlife. To reduce the likelihood of illegal encampments re-establishing along the river corridor, vegetation trimming shall be conducted within the understory to manage regrowth. Furthermore, the proposed project meets the requirements of CEQA Guidelines §15306 and is eligible for a CE.
“Class 4 consists of minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes.”
None of the conditions noted under the CEQA Guidelines §15300.2 will occur.
County Clerk
Monterey
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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