Richmond Ranch & Calero County Park Stock Pond Desedimentation and Restoration Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026030008
Public Agency
Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency
(SCVHA)
Document Title
Richmond Ranch & Calero County Park Stock Pond Desedimentation and Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/2/2026
Document Description
The Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency, in coordination with Santa Clara County Department of Parks and Recreation, will implement restoration of seven existing stock ponds across Richmond Ranch Reserve and Calero County Park. Stock ponds on both properties historically provided water for cattle grazing and aquatic breeding habitat for native amphibians, including California tiger salamander and California red-legged frog. Over time, sediment accumulation and minor structural degradation have reduced pond depth, hydroperiod, and habitat quality. The project restores ecological functions of these existing ponds.
Project activities include:
• Removal of approximately 1,545 cubic yards of accumulated sediment
• Minor stabilization and repair of existing pond infrastructure
• Limited recontouring within existing pond basins to create a mix of deep pool and shallow margin habitat
• Installation of approximately 1,000 linear feet of welded wire panel fencing at select ponds
• Placement of small woody debris habitat features (not exceeding 80 square feet per pond; 540 square feet total)
• Temporary dewatering, if necessary
Contact Information
Name
Matthew Fogarty
Agency Name
Santa Clara Valley Habitat Agency
Job Title
Lead Conservation Biologist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency / Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Santa Clara
Regions
San Francisco Bay Area
Cross Streets
San Felipe Rd, Metcalf Rd, McKean Rd, Rackstad Rd
Zip
95135
Total Acres
3.06
Jobs
1
Other Location Info
Located at Calero County Park and Richmond Ranch Reserve
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15333 (Class 33)
Reasons for Exemption
The project qualifies for the Class 33 categorical exemption because it does not exceed 5 acres in size and consists of restoration and enhancement activities within existing artificial stock ponds. Short-term construction effects are temporary, localized, and consistent with typical habitat restoration actions. The project will not result in significant adverse impacts to biological resources. Restoration actions are designed to improve long-term aquatic habitat conditions.
County Clerk
Santa Clara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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