Stevens Creek Nature Trail Revitalization Project
Summary
SCH Number
2025100756
Public Agency
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Document Title
Stevens Creek Nature Trail Revitalization Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/16/2025
Document Description
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (District) proposes the installation of amenities including a picnic table and a series of interpretive sign panels in the Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (Preserve) along the Stevens Creek Nature Trail Loop (attachment 1). Fourteen existing interpretive panels alongside the Stevens Creek Nature Loop Trail would be replaced, and one new picnic table would be installed at the junction of Canyon Trail and Stevens Creek Nature Trail. The existing panels are weathered and faded, thus requiring replacement. All proposed interpretive panels would require new posts to be installed. Each post would be installed into a hole 28” deep with an 8” diameter that would be backfilled with gravel and concrete. The picnic table would be affixed to the ground with standard footings, requiring some minor digging. No major trenching or soil disturbance is anticipated. Six of the proposed interpretive panel locations are within the riparian zone of Stevens Creek but are proposed for installation outside of the ordinary high-water mark. No major clearing of vegetation will be required. Some trimming of branches may occur at the time of installation, and for future routine maintenance of sightlines.
Contact Information
Name
Jared Hart
Agency Name
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
unincorporated area
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area, Unincorporated
Parcel #
351-06-025
Other Location Info
Monte Bello Open Space Preserve
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The proposed project would include the replacement of 14 existing interpretive panels located along the Stevens Creek Nature Loop Trail in Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. There would be no expansion of existing or former uses in the Preserve
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4; California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15304
Reasons for Exemption
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. The proposed project would include minor alterations to land for installation of interpretive signage and a picnic table on the subject property. No trees are proposed for removal.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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