Whiskey Flat Trail Improvement Project (SNC1945-RT)
Summary
SCH Number
2026060288
Public Agency
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Document Title
Whiskey Flat Trail Improvement Project (SNC1945-RT)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/8/2026
Document Description
Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) would provide funding to Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council to prepare a joint National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document, complete associated technical studies, and develop preliminary engineering (30 percent design) for the Whiskey Flat Trail Improvement Project. The project focuses on environmental review and preliminary design for potential future improvements to the Whiskey Flat Trail within Sequoia National Forest, which is managed by the United States Forest Service. The planning effort evaluates relocation of the existing trailhead parking area onto National Forest System lands to improve long-term access and avoid continued reliance on constrained private easements. It also evaluates the replacement of an informal creek crossing at Bull Run Creek with a more resilient pedestrian bridge located outside of the 100-year floodplain. The project is intended to address existing safety concerns, erosion, recreation access, restricted aquatic passage, and damage from high-flow events. The project would protect sensitive riverine ecosystems and benefit residents and visitors who rely on the trail for recreational use. No construction or ground-disturbing activities would be authorized under this action.
Contact Information
Name
Andy Fristensky
Agency Name
Sierra Nevada Conservancy
Job Title
Field Operations & Grants Division Chief
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Erin Capuchino
Agency Name
Yosemite Sequoia Resource Conservation & Development Council
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Project Applicant / Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Kernville
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
Southern terminus of the 14.5-mile Whiskey Flat Trail within Sequoia National Forest, Kern River Ranger District. Coordinates: 35°46'33.99"N, 118°26'42.82"W
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
CEQA Guidelines Section 15262 (California Code of Regulations, Title 14) and Pub. Resources Code, Section 21102
Reasons for Exemption
The project is statutorily exempt from the provisions of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262, which applies to feasibility and planning studies for possible future actions. The project would grant funding to prepare a joint NEPA and CEQA document, complete associated technical studies, and develop preliminary engineering (30 percent design) for the Whiskey Flat Trail Improvement Project. These planning activities would not approve, fund, or commit SNC or any other agency to implementation of any physical improvements. Any future actions that may result in physical environmental effects, including construction or implementation of trail improvements, would be subject to separate environmental review under NEPA and CEQA prior to approval. The SNC reviewed the project and concluded that no significant environmental impact would occur to resources.
County Clerk
Kern
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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