Adaptively Managed Translocation and Propagation of Mohave Ground Squirrels
Summary
SCH Number
2025120109
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Adaptively Managed Translocation and Propagation of Mohave Ground Squirrels
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/3/2025
Document Description
The project is focused on paper and zoological research that will develop adaptively managed translocation and propagation programs for the Mohave Ground Squirrel (MGS), a State-threatened and petitioned Endangered Species Act species that is affected by renewable energy development. The protocols produced by this project will inform the effective relocation of this at-risk species from solar energy facilities in the Mojave Desert, minimizing the biological impact of these facilities. Further, these protocols will provide the most technologically advanced and modern methods of relocating ground squirrels to ensure their continued survival, which will mitigate the environmental impacts of clean energy deployments in California. This project will support more streamlined renewable energy development in the deserts of California.
Contact Information
Name
Julia Harnad
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Job Title
Energy Commission Specialist II
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Kathy Simon
Agency Name
Mohave Ground Squirrel Conservation Council
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Palm Desert
Counties
Riverside
Regions
Citywide, Countywide, Southern California
Cross Streets
47900 Portola Avenue and Reserve Drive
Zip
92260
Total Acres
1,200
State Highways
HWY 74
Other Information
This site is the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15306
Reasons for Exemption
Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, §15306; The project fits under this exemption because it involves science-based capture of a State-threatened species from the desert and will focus on zoological work developing husbandry and propagation protocols in a laboratory setting. The project 1) Consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities, 2) Which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. For more information, please visit LCI’s Accessibility Site.