Minor Modification to Hardin Ranch Surface Mine for Salmonid Restoration Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026031009
Public Agency
County of Merced, Department of Community and Economic Development
Document Title
Minor Modification to Hardin Ranch Surface Mine for Salmonid Restoration Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
3/24/2026
Document Description
A request to modify Conditional Use Permit No. CUP01-021 to amend the Reclamation Plan to describe seasonal salmonid habitat which may occur along the Merced River at a previously surface mined site (Hardin Ranch, Mine ID# 91-24-0043) related to an adjacent salmonid habitat restoration project (herein referred to as Habitat Project). The Habitat Project areas that overlap with the Reclamation Plan boundary and the reclamation area would be seasonally inundate for a minimum of two weeks every other year during the spring salmonid rearing period (January to June) and provide habitat for juvenile salmonids. The proposed end use of grazing originally described in the Reclamation Plan would remain and no additional activities not already described in the Reclamation Plan would occur.
Contact Information
Name
Ricardo Mercado Frias
Agency Name
Merced County
Job Title
Planner I
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Scott Williams
Agency Name
Reed Family Companies
Job Title
Employee
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Merced
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Snelling Road and Robinson Road
Zip
95369
Total Acres
85
Parcel #
043-080-007
State Highways
State Highway 59
Waterways
Merced River
Township
5S
Range
14E
Section
17
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15304 (“Minor Alterations to Land”) and Section 15333 (“Small Habitat Restoration Projects”)
Reasons for Exemption
No substantial impacts or changes would occur that were not already anticipated in the environmental studies conducted for Conditional Use Permit No. CUP01-021. The area would be seasonal inundated and provide suitable habitat for juvenile salmonids. Minor alterations in land, water, and vegetation would remain unchanged from the approved Reclamation Plan.
County Clerk
Merced
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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