Lower Sardine Meadow Adaptive Management Project
Summary
SCH Number
2026060517
Public Agency
California Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan South Lake Tahoe Region 6
(RWQCB)
Document Title
Lower Sardine Meadow Adaptive Management Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/11/2026
Document Description
The purpose of this Project is to perform adaptive management in Lower Sardine Creek Meadow, a tributary to the West Walker River, to improve long-term meadow stability and ecological function. Impacts resulting from historical grazing, road construction, and recreational use have resulted in concentrated flow, channel incision, reduced floodplain connectivity, and altered the meadows natural hydrology. While a previous restoration project successfully addressed large-scale incision and hydrologically reconnected portions of the meadow, it did not plan for adaptive management actions. Post-Project monitoring and site visits since construction have identified several localized areas where additional adjustments will improve overall meadow performance.
Contact Information
Name
Meghan Walsh
Agency Name
Regional Water Quality Control Board, Lahontan Region
Job Title
Engineering Geologist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Aaron Coogan
Agency Name
U.S. Forest Service, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
Job Title
District Ranger
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Sarah Hecocks
Agency Name
American Rivers
Job Title
Associate Director, CA Headwaters Conservation
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Bridgeport
Counties
Mono
Regions
Nationwide
Waterways
Sardine Creek
Other Location Info
The Project is located on the Bridgeport Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Mono County, about 12 miles west of the intersection of State Route 108 and U.S. Route 395. Lower Sardine Meadow can be accessed from the Sardine Falls Trailhead via State Route 108.
Other Information
The Project is located on the Bridgeport Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Mono County, about 12 miles west of the intersection of State Route 108 and U.S. Route 395. Lower Sardine Meadow can be accessed from the Sardine Falls Trailhead via State Route 108.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15333, Small Habitat Restoration Projects
Reasons for Exemption
The RWQCB, Lahontan Region finds that this project, as permitted, will not have a significant effect on the environment and shall, therefore, be exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15333, Small Habitat Restoration Projects.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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