Camp Cady Wildlife Area Tamarisk Removal

2026060080

California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Inland Deserts Region 6 (CDFW)

NOE - Notice of Exemption

6/2/2026

6/2/2026

Bjana Jefferson

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Environmental Scientist

Lead/Public Agency

3602 Inland Empire Blvd Suite C-220
Ontario, CA 91764

(760) 678-2560

bjana.jefferson@wildlife.ca.gov

34°56'9.9"N 116°36'45.8"W

92365

Categorical Exemption

California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 15304, 15307, 15333

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will conduct tamarisk removal at Camp Cady Wildlife Area. Tamarisk is a non-native plant invading desert riparian areas, depleting ground water availability. Tamarisk forms a dense monotypical stand of small shoots that use more water in the same area than native plants do. Each tamarisk tree produces salty conditions in the soil surface that prevent native plants from sprouting. The purpose of this project is to remove tamarisk trees in a small area and replant this area with native riparian trees. Tamarisk trees will be cut and placed in piles and then burned on site. Stumps will be left to reduce soil erosion and sprayed with herbicide to prevent the tamarisk trees from regrowing. This project will result in the improvement of habitat for wildlife resources. The successful completion of this project will contribute to the overall environmental health of Camp Cady Wildlife Area. CDFW approved the Project relying on the Class 4, Class, 7 and Class 33 Categorical Exemptions (CEQA Guidelines, 15304, 15307, and 15333.) This exemption as relevant to the Project is discussed below. Class 4 Categorical Exemption The project is Class 4, 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land) exempt; The Project will result in the minor public and private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve removal of healthy, mature, scenic trees except for forestry or agricultural purposes. The CEQA Guidelines provide the specific example of “Minor alterations in land, water, and vegetation on existing officially designated wildlife management areas or fish production facilities which result in improvement of habitat for fish and wildlife resources or greater fish production” at section 15304 (d) as being consistent with this class. Class 7 Categorical Exemption The project is Class 7, 15307 (Actions by Regulatory Agencies for Protection of Natural Resources) exempt; The Project will consist of actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment. “Examples include but are not limited to wildlife preservation activities of the State Department of Fish and Game. Construction activities are not included in this exemption” at section 15307 as being consistent with this class. Class 33 Categorical Exemption The project is Class 33, 15333 (Small Habitat Restoration Projects) exempt; The Project consists of projects not to exceeding five acres in size to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of habitat for Fish, plants, or wildlife. The CEQA Guidelines provide the specific example of “small restoration projects that may include, but are not limited to: revegetation of disturbed areas with native plant species” at section 15333 (d) (1) as being consistent with this class.