High Desert Operational Efficiency Project (Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-SBR-57967-R6)
Summary
SCH Number
2026020186
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6
(CDFW)
Document Title
High Desert Operational Efficiency Project (Notification of Lake or Streambed Alteration, No. EPIMS-SBR-57967-R6)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/5/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has executed Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement EPIMS Notification No. EPIMSSBR-57967-R6, pursuant to Section 1602 of the Fish and Game Code to BNSF Railway Company.
The Project consists of the construction of two 22,500-foot-long staging tracks; an 11-
mile-long extension of the existing railroad track; a paved cul-de-sac access road along the east side of the California Aqueduct; and civil and railroad signals. Project activities will consist of vegetation removal, grading, staging, railroad construction, and stormwater improvements.
Contact Information
Name
French Thompson
Agency Name
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
Job Title
General Director
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Name
Emily Leon
Agency Name
Fish and Wildlife, Region 6
Job Title
Environmental Scientist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Hesperia
Counties
San Bernardino
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Located within the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) right-of-way
within the City of Hesperia.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15275
Reasons for Exemption
On April 18, 2024, the California Department of Transportation, the Lead Agency, determined that the Project is statutorily exempt pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(10) and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15275. The Lead Agency determined that the Project meets certain qualifying criteria for the exemption. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.1(a), the Lead Agency is responsible for determining whether the Project is exempt from CEQA and that determination shall be final and conclusive on all persons, including Responsible Agencies. As a result, CDFW, acting as a Responsible Agency, is bound by
the Lead Agency’s determination that the Project is exempt from CEQA.
County Clerk
San Bernardino
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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