Golden Mussel Prevention Project (SNC1967-RT)
Summary
SCH Number
2026060287
Public Agency
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Document Title
Golden Mussel Prevention Project (SNC1967-RT)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/8/2026
Document Description
Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) would provide funding to Mammoth Lakes Recreation to install self-serve watercraft decontamination stations at existing boat launches and shoreline access areas on lands managed by the United States Forest Service within the Inyo National Forest in Mono County, California. Specific sites for the decontamination stations would include the June Lake Junction General Store and Gas Station, Lake Mamie picnic and parking area, and Convict Lake boat launch. The purpose of the project is to prevent the introduction and establishment of golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) in water bodies of the Eastern Sierra, which can be unintentionally spread by boaters through contaminated watercraft and gear. Golden mussels pose a substantial threat to freshwater ecosystems because they cannot be eradicated once established. Each proposed decontamination station would consist of a self-serve, waterless, and fully self-contained cleaning system that would provide the public with free built-in tools, including a wet/dry vacuum, blower system, and tethered hand tools to remove water, mud, vegetation, and debris from watercraft. Installation of the decontamination stations would occur within existing developed or previously disturbed recreation areas (e.g., paved parking lots, boat launch staging areas, and shoreline access areas) and would not require grading, vegetation removal, or new utility connections. The stations would be mounted on trailers, allowing them to be relocated among sites during the recreation season and stored in the winter months. Operation of the decontamination station would be primarily self-service. Staff would periodically place, maintain, and service the decontamination stations, as well as provide education, outreach, and data collection.
Contact Information
Name
Andy Fristensky
Agency Name
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Job Title
Field Operations & Grants Division Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Kim Anaclerio
Agency Name
Mammoth Lakes Recreation
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
near Mammoth Lakes and June Lake
Counties
Mono
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
Existing boat launches and shoreline access areas on lands managed by the US Forest Service within the Inyo National Forest, including the June Lake Junction General Store and Gas Station, Lake Mamie picnic and parking area, and Convict Lake boat launch. Coordinates: 37°48'45.04"N, 119° 3'13.50"W
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures
Reasons for Exemption
The project is categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. This exemption applies to the construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures; installation of small new equipment and facilities in small structures; and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another where only minor modifications are made in the exterior of the structure. The project would place small, self-contained, trailer-mounted decontamination stations at existing boat launches and shoreline access areas on lands managed by the United States Forest Service within the Inyo National Forest in Mono County, California. These locations consist of existing developed or previously disturbed recreation areas (e.g., paved parking lots and staging areas), including the June Lake Junction General Store and Gas Station, Lake Mamie picnic and parking area, and Convict Lake boat launch. Installation and operation of the stations would not require grading, ground disturbance, vegetation removal, or new utility connections. The project would not increase boating capacity, expand access, or otherwise intensify existing recreational use. Accordingly, the project would not have a significant effect on the environment. Furthermore, none of the exceptions described in State CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the project. (CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, Class 3, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures (California Code of Regulations, Title 14)
County Clerk
Mono
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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