Nevin’s Barberry (Berberris nevinii) Restoration Within Los Angeles Zoo
Summary
SCH Number
2026050130
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning
(CDFW)
Document Title
Nevin’s Barberry (Berberris nevinii) Restoration Within Los Angeles Zoo
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/5/2026
Document Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is issuing a California Endangered Species Act scientific, educational, or management permit pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081, subdivision (a) to the Los Angeles Zoo (Permit No. 2081(a)-26-003-RP) for a project to collect Nevin’s barberry seed and cuttings to propagate plant material for a six-acre restoration project on Los Angeles Zoo property. The restoration project will convert an area dominated by invasive species into high quality, climate resilient oak woodland habitat. Project activities are expected to enhance the existing population of Nevin’s barberry within the Los Angeles Zoo by establishing a new managed subpopulation with the goal of increasing the number of individuals by fifty or more over the course of three years.
Currently there are 23 Nevin’s barberry plants that occupy Los Angeles Zoo grounds from which plant material will be collected from. The origins and genetics of this population are unknown, and no California Natural Diversity Database Element Occurrence is currently designated for this site. The population likely represents a “neo-population” established via wildlife dispersal or human transplant. No more than five percent of viable seed and no more than five percent of cuttings will be taken from any individual annually. Seeds will be collected when mature seed becomes available, typically in June or July of 2026 and may continue annually for the term of the permit. Seeds will be placed on agar and cold stratified for approximately two months. Following stratification, seeds will then be seeded into two inch pots with potting soil. Cuttings of Nevin’s barberry may be collected in 2026 and 2027 from new stem growth and will be rooted in perlite. Collected material will be propagated under controlled conditions in the zoo’s Oak Woodland Restoration Project nursery.
Propagules will be planted beginning in fall of 2026 and will continue until July 31, 2028, within the boundaries of the Oak Woodland Restoration Site. Data collected will include: (1) propagation success rates by type (seed vs. cutting); (2) survival rate of propagated individuals post-planting; and (3) growth metrics (height, canopy spread).
Contact Information
Name
Joanne Heraty
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Habitat Conservation Planning Branch
Job Title
Senior Environmental Scientist- Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Name
Dr. Jake Owens
Agency Name
Los Angeles Zoo
Job Title
Director of Conservation
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Los Angeles
Counties
Los Angeles
Regions
Countywide
Other Location Info
The Project will take place entirely within the Los Angeles Zoo located at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15306, Class 6, and 15307, Class 7
Reasons for Exemption
The Project consists of basic data collection, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities that will facilitate the recovery of California endangered Nevin’s barberry within its historic range. The permit issued by CDFW for the Project includes measures to ensure that existing populations of Nevin’s barberry are adequately protected.
County Clerk
Los Angeles
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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