CLEAR - Fence Removal, Willow Creek Unit
Summary
SCH Number
2026010431
Public Agency
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Document Title
CLEAR - Fence Removal, Willow Creek Unit
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/15/2026
Document Description
Project proposes removal of some existing fencing in the Willow Creek unit at Sonoma Coast State Park to reduce the hazards the fencing poses to State Park staff, the public, and wildlife fleeing predation especially nocturnal animals who are particularly vulnerable to becoming trapped in barbed wire. The Willow Creek unit was acquired from logging and ranching landowners who utilized cross fencing for livestock or to prevent trespassing. Cross fencing offers little benefit within a park unit, and much of it across the district is in disrepair.
State Parks Natural Resources staff will remove most metal T-post and barbed or mesh/panel wire fencing. Where fences are comprised of wooden posts with wire fencing, the wire will be removed and the posts may be left in place if deemed a cultural resource. Two or three segments of fence proposed for evaluation are wood posts with wood rails that appear to be from the State Parks era of ownership.
Natural Resources staff mapped and prioritized most fencing in the Willow Creek Unit. Approximately 9 miles of fencing are proposed for removal.
Contact Information
Name
Christopher Heintzelman
Agency Name
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Sonoma-Mendocino Coast District
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Jenner
Counties
Sonoma
Regions
Northern California
Cross Streets
Highway 1 and Goat Rock Road
State Highways
Highway 1
Waterways
Pacific Ocean
Other Location Info
Project is located within the boundaries of Sonoma Coast State Park
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class: 1 & 4 Section: 15301 & 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Project consists of the operation, repair, maintenance or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond current levels and minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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