Randall Preserve Wetland Restoration Feasibility Study
Summary
SCH Number
2026020966
Public Agency
California State Coastal Conservancy
(SCC)
Document Title
Randall Preserve Wetland Restoration Feasibility Study
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
2/25/2026
Document Description
Notice of exemption for Coastal Conservancy approval of grant funding to the non profit Coastal Corridor Alliance to conduct planning tasks and biological analyses to restore and enhance approximately 130 acres of degraded wetland and riparian habitat in the Frank and Joan Randall Preserve, formerly known as Banning Ranch, in the City of Newport Beach. To determine the feasibility of salt marsh restoration at the site, opportunities and constraints will be identified for restoration, including considerations of associated public access and sea level rise. The project will create a science driven feasibility study for the sites wetlands and develop conceptual restoration alternatives.
Contact Information
Name
Katie Nichols
Agency Name
California State Coastal Conservancy (SCC)
Job Title
Project Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Orange
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
W 17th Street and Whittier Ave, Costa Mesa
Zip
92663
Total Acres
130
Other Location Info
Frank and Joan Randall Preserve - 1080 W 17th St, Costa Mesa
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations Section 15262 ("Feasibility and Planning Studies")
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is statutorily exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Code of Regulations Section 15262 ("Feasibility and Planning Studies"), which exempts projects involving only feasibility and planning studies for possible future actions which the agency has not approved, adopted, or funded.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations Section 15306 (“Information Collection”)
Reasons for Exemption
The proposed project is categorically exempt from review under California Code of Regulations Section 15306 (“Information Collection”), which exempts basic data collection, research, and resource evaluation activities that do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource.