Lassen Land and Trails Trust Modoc Line Rail Trail Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026030418
Public Agency
Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Lassen Land and Trails Trust Modoc Line Rail Trail Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/10/2026
Document Description
The Project consists of maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of existing segments (Segments 2, 4, 5, and 6) of the Modoc Line Rail Trail (MLRT) based on the 2024 trail condition assessment (Lumos 2025). Work includes routine trail maintenance, surface rehabilitation, drainage improvements, and minor repairs to existing culverts and bridges to maintain safe, functional use of the trail by existing user groups. All project activities would occur entirely within the existing constructed railway prism (toe-of-slope to toe-of-slope) and within areas of existing disturbance. The Project would not create new areas of disturbance, expand the trail footprint, or intensify or expand existing or former uses of the rail trail. Proposed activities include clearing and grubbing of vegetation within the existing trail corridor, minor grading and resurfacing of the unpaved trail surface, construction of limited pullouts where conditions allow, maintenance and repair of existing culverts, and minor rehabilitation of existing bridges, including replacement of deteriorated wingwalls and railings. Any temporary vegetation disturbed would be revegetated with native seed and mulch. Jurisdictional determinations and permits would be obtained as required for work within drainage features.
Contact Information
Name
Kelsey Siemer
Agency Name
Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District
Job Title
District Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Susanville
Counties
Lassen
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
The Project is located within four (4) segments of the Modoc Line Rail Trail (MLRT). The total length of the MLRT is approximately 85.5 miles from Wendel, California in Lassen County to 11.5 miles south of the City of Alturas in Modoc County. The total length of the four segments within the Project Area is approximately 40 acres.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, §15301 (Class 1) , which exempts existing facilities.
Reasons for Exemption
The environmental review for the activities associated with the Modoc Line Rail Trail Maintenance & Rehabilitation Project concludes that Project implementation would have less than significant impacts in each environmental category.
Class 1 exemption (CCR Title 14, §15301) covers the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency’s determination. The Project involves maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of existing trail segments, culverts, and bridges within the Modoc Line Rail Trail. All work occurs entirely within the existing constructed railway prism and previously disturbed areas and does not expand the trail footprint or change the nature or intensity of use. Proposed activities, including trail surface grading, culvert maintenance, bridge rehabilitation, clearing and grubbing of vegetation, and minor trail pullouts, maintaining the facility in its existing condition and use, consistent with the Class 1 exemption. The Project does not create new areas of disturbance, increase trail capacity, or alter the existing use of the rail trail. Best Management Practices would be implemented to minimize erosion, sedimentation, and dust. The Project would not substantially affect scenic, biological, hydrological, or cultural resources. Based on the Project’s scope and objective, the Honey Lake Valley Resource Conservation District (HLVRCD) has determined that this Project and its proposed implementation activities continue the operation and repair of existing facilities and therefore qualify for the CCR Title 14, §15301 exemption. Additional environmental analysis was conducted by environmental specialists to assess potential effects on special status plants and wildlife species and cultural resources. The HLVRCD has reviewed these analyses and determined that the Project’s implementation will provide multiple benefits. The Project will not result in significant adverse impacts to endangered, rare, or threatened species or their habitats, nor are there hazardous materials at or near the site or generated from the Project. All known archaeological resources will be avoided. The Project will not result in cumulatively significant impacts and will have no significant adverse effect on the environment.
County Clerk
Lassen
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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