Seeds and Conifer Cone Collections on USDA Forest Service Managed Lands
Summary
SCH Number
2026041086
Public Agency
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE)
Document Title
Seeds and Conifer Cone Collections on USDA Forest Service Managed Lands
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/22/2026
Document Description
Under existing Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Agreements, CAL FIRE staff, approved volunteers, and contractors will do cone production surveys, monitor cone crops for ripeness, and manually collect cones and seeds on USFS lands in California to build a seed bank for reforestation after wildfires or other natural events. Collection is limited to low-impact methods like handpicking, climbing, or using pole pruners. No heavy machinery, road construction, or felling of trees is included in the project.
Contact Information
Name
Erika Teach
Agency Name
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Job Title
LA Moran Reforestation Center, Seed Bank Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, Yolo, Yuba
Regions
Statewide
Other Location Info
Cone and seed collection may occur on any National Forest in CA that is under an active Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) Agreement with CAL FIRE.
Other Information
Seed and cone collection will comply with all specifications in the GNA agreements on file for the authorized project areas.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Other
Type, Section or Code
Common Sense Exemption (CEQA Guidelines §15061(b)(3))
Reasons for Exemption
This project qualifies for the “common sense” exemption because manual seed and cone collection does not significantly alter the forest environment. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility the collection activity will have a significant effect on the environment based on the following evidence:
- Collection is limited to manual, non-extractive methods. No trees are removed, and there are no permanent alterations to the landscape, soil, or water resources.
- Harvest protocols ensure most of the cone crop remains on-site to support natural regeneration and wildlife forage, maintaining the local food web.
- Activities are strictly prohibited during bird nesting seasons and other critical wildlife windows to ensure zero disturbance to protected species.
- Staff presence is transient and of short duration, causing no long-term displacement of wildlife or recreational users.
- Restorative Purpose: The project is designed to facilitate environmental recovery; any minor, temporary footprint is far outweighed by the long-term ecological benefit of reforestation.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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