Palomar Ranger District Observatory Campground Forest Health Project (Project)
Summary
SCH Number
2026051008
Public Agency
Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego
Document Title
Palomar Ranger District Observatory Campground Forest Health Project (Project)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
5/27/2026
Document Description
The Project consists of forest health and fuels reduction treatments within and adjacent to an existing developed campground to improve wildfire resilience, enhance forest structure, and reduce hazardous fuel loads. The Project encompasses approximately 24 acres and includes mechanical and manual thinning of small-diameter trees, pruning, chipping, biomass removal, and application of landscaping materials (e.g., mulch and soils). Treatments are designed to reduce ladder and surface fuels, promote stand vigor, and support a mature mixed-conifer forest dominated by shade-intolerant species. No new facilities, road construction, or expansion of campground use would occur. All work would be implemented using established forest management practices and project design features to protect biological, cultural, and water resources.
Contact Information
Name
Heather Cady
Agency Name
Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County
Job Title
Director of Forestry and Wildfire Resilience Programs
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Highway S6, State Park Road #21485, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Other Location Info
Observatory Campground and immediately adjacent National Forest System lands within the Palomar Ranger District of the Cleveland National Forest, near Canfield Road and Fry Creek.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC §4799.05(d)(1)(A)
Reasons for Exemption
RCDGSDC has determined that the Project is eligible for a Statutory Exemption from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Public Resources Code §4799.05(d)(1)(A). PRC §4799.05(d)(1)(A) provides an exemption for wildfire risk reduction projects on federal lands, such as thinning and fuel reduction, that have completed environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and receive state funding. The Project has been reviewed under NEPA as part of the Palomar Mountain Vegetation Treatment Program Supplemental Environmental Assessment, for which the USFS issued a Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact (DN/FONSI) in June 2020 and has been allocated funds through the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CAL FIRE's) Regional Block Grant Pilot Program. These NEPA documents are included in the administrative record as supporting documentation demonstrating the limited scope of effects, incorporation of extensive project design features, and absence of extraordinary circumstances.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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