Año Nuevo Island Climate-Resilient Seabird Habitat
Summary
SCH Number
2026070159
Public Agency
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Document Title
Año Nuevo Island Climate-Resilient Seabird Habitat
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/6/2026
Document Description
Project consists of maintaining and expanding nesting habitats through two (2) integrated activities at Año Nuevo Island at Año Nuevo State Park in order to protect burrow and ground-nesting seabirds from habitat disturbance caused by California Sea Lions. Work will consist of the following:
Seabird Conservation Fence-Habitat Ridge Construction: Construct a redwood fence in the same footprint to continue protecting fragile nesting areas, which comprise approximately one acre (20% of ANI's seabird habitat). The design will be similar to an existing fence and will maintain a low visual and ecological impact. No significant excavation will be required.
Ceramic Nest Modules Installation: Install 75 durable ceramic nest modules above-ground in strategic locations informed by erosion risk. The modules are customized for ANI, manufactured from non-toxic materials, and designed for minimal maintenance, with an expected service life of 50+ years. Additionally, 45 of the existing ceramic nests will be retrofitted with the new sunshields so they can be placed above-ground and avoid future erosion concerns.
Contact Information
Name
Linda Hitchcock
Agency Name
Department of Parks and Recreation
Job Title
Senior Park and Recreation Specialist
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Unincorporated Area (San Mateo County)
Counties
San Mateo
Regions
Unincorporated
Zip
94060
State Highways
1
Other Location Info
Ano Nuevo State Park-Ano Nuevo Island
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301, 15302, 15303 & 15304
Reasons for Exemption
Project consists of the operation, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond current levels; replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced; construction and location of limited numbers of new, small facilities or structures, included as “Construction or installation of park facilities such as fencing and gates” in the Department of Parks and Recreation’s list of exempt activities in accordance with CCR §15300.4; and minor public or 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.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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