Eucalyptus Removal Restoration Project at Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve (Project)
Summary
SCH Number
2025101563
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Central Region 4
(CDFW)
Document Title
Eucalyptus Removal Restoration Project at Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve (Project)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
10/31/2025
Document Description
CDFW is issuing a California Endangered Species Act (CESA) permit pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081, subdivision (a) to the County of San Luis Obispo (Permit No. 2081(a)-25-016-RP) for a project to remove invasive eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and restore approximately 0.84 acres of occupied Morro manzanita (Arctostaphylos morroensis) habitat that has been degraded by dense tree growth and accumulated biomass. The objective of the Project is to restore native chaparral habitat, promote long-term persistence of Morro manzanita, and reduce wildfire risk within the Pecho Unit and surrounding reserve lands. Approximately 28 mature eucalyptus trees and associated saplings and stumps across a 2.75-acre work area will be felled and removed using low-impact forestry equipment. Two non-native pine trees may also be removed. Felled material will be chipped, hauled off-site, or, if conditions allow, disposed of through controlled pile burning in coordination with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Morro manzanita individuals will be protected and avoided to the greatest extent feasible through pre-activity biological surveys, flagging of plants, and establishment of no disturbance buffers around occupied areas. Erosion control measures such as coir logs will be installed to stabilize any disturbed soils, and invasive species management will target eucalyptus resprouts and perennial veldt grass (Ehrharta calycina) using targeted herbicide application that will be applied quarterly if necessary. Following tree removal activities, the site will rely primarily on passive revegetation from the existing Morro manzanita seed bank and adjacent native stands.
Contact Information
Name
Debaki Sarkar
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Mark LaRue
Agency Name
County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Planning and Building
Job Title
Deputy Director of Planning and Building
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
San Luis Obispo
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Project will take place in San Luis Obispo County within the Pecho Unit of the Morro Dunes Ecological Reserve (MDER), which is owned and managed by CDFW. The treatment area encompasses approximately 0.84 acres of eucalyptus removal and habitat restoration within a 2.75-acre work area centered at approximately 35.30161° N, 120.86208° W.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 6; California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of small-scale habitat restoration activities on less than five acres to eradicate invasive eucalyptus and restore maritime chaparral habitat for the benefit of Morro manzanita, a state-listed candidate species. All work will occur under CDFW supervision and includes measures to protect sensitive species, prevent erosion, and avoid significant adverse environmental effects. The Project will improve habitat quality and ecological function of the Pecho Unit and surrounding Ecological Reserve lands.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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