Catalina Island Restoration Project (Project)
Summary
SCH Number
2026010969
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, South Coast Region 5
(CDFW)
Document Title
Catalina Island Restoration Project (Project)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
1/28/2026
Document Description
The Project consists of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s issuance of a
Restoration Management Permit (RMP) to the Catalina Island Conservancy pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1670 et seq. The RMP would provide the Conservancy with take authorization under Fish and Game Code section 1672, subdivisions (b) and (e), for various ecosystem restoration and related activities that will occur throughout Santa Catalina Island (Catalina).
Contact Information
Name
Erinn Wilson
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Regional Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Lauren Dennhardt
Agency Name
Santa Catalina Island Conservancy
Job Title
Senior Director of Conservation
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The Project is proposed to occur throughout Santa Catalina Island (central location 33.382117 N, 118.433406 W).
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Public Resources Code section 21080.56 (Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects)
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of the issuance of a Restoration Management Permit (RMP) by California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) South Coast Region to the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy (Conservancy) pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 1670 et seq. The RMP would provide the Conservancy with take authorization under Fish and Game Code section 1672, subdivisions (b) and (e), for various ecosystem restoration and related activities that are proposed to occur throughout Santa Catalina Island (Catalina).
On January 12, 2026, CDFW South Coast Region filed a request with the Director of CDFW (Director) seeking the Director’s concurrence that the Project meets the eligibility requirements of subdivisions (a) through (d) of Public Resources Code section 21080.56 (Section 21080.56), also known as a Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects (SERP). On January 27, 2026, the Director’s designee issued a concurrence decision under Section 21080.56, subdivision (e). Following the concurrence decision from the Director, CDFW South Coast Region determined on January 28, 2026 that the Project is exempt. As required by Section 21080.56, subdivision (g), CDFW South Coast Region is required to file a Notice of Exemption (NOE) within 48 hours of making that determination.
The Project qualifies for SERP because it meets the following conditions: (1) the Project is exclusively to conserve, restore, protect, or enhance, and assist in the recovery of California native fish and wildlife, and the habitat upon which they depend; or is exclusively to restore or provide habitat for California native fish and wildlife; (2) the Project has public benefits incidental to the Project’s fundamental purpose; (3) the
Project will result in long-term benefits to climate resiliency, biodiversity, and sensitive species recovery; and includes procedures and ongoing management for the protection of the environment; and (4) Project construction activities are solely related to habitat restoration.
The reasons for the exemption are more fully described in the following documents, both of which are included as exhibits to this NOE:
1. The Department’s January 12, 2026 “CEQA Statutory Exemption For Restoration
Projects Concurrence Request”; and
2. The Director’s designee’s concurrence decision finding the Project meets the
SERP qualifying criteria.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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