Napa River Ecology Center Implementation Phase
Summary
SCH Number
2026020903
Public Agency
California State Coastal Conservancy
(SCC)
Document Title
Napa River Ecology Center Implementation Phase
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/24/2026
Document Description
Notice of exemption for Coastal Conservancy approval of grant funding. The project consists of retrofitting a defunct corporation yard into an accessible, environmental education center that includes educational and interpretive elements, climate resiliency features, and connector trails in Napa County. The project will create a permanent community education and recreation center in support of
river restoration, watershed access, and habitat protection. The project will provide multiple benefits to the public and the land through the following actions: cleaning three acres of an industrial area, repurposing a 5,000 square foot building and updating utilities, installing outdoor education structures like raised garden beds, and expanding workforce development.
Contact Information
Name
Chere Erickson
Agency Name
State Coastal Conservancy
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
American Canyon
Counties
Napa
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Cross Streets
Wetlands Edge Road and American Canyon Road
Zip
94503
Total Acres
3
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15301 (Existing Facilities)
Reasons for Exemption
The project involves interior and exterior alterations to an
existing building, but there would be no expansion in the size of the existing building.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15302 (Reconstruction of Existing Facilities)
Reasons for Exemption
The project will reuse and retrofit a two-story corporation yard building as offices and multipurpose classrooms.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land)
Reasons for Exemption
The project is located on a site with a slope of less than 10% and not located in any waterway or wetland. Project will involve installation of interpretive signage. Outdoor infrastructure will consist of two covered outdoor classrooms, pavilions with seating, teaching gardens, and shaded outdoor learning areas.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15311 (Accessory Structures)
Reasons for Exemption
The project will include the creation of a formal paved parking lot, drive aisles and internal circulation to support the use, on land that has already been disturbed, graded, and used for more industrial uses. In addition, minor accessory structures would be added to the site, in already developed areas, including an elevated deck, enclosure around the City’s existing generator.