Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Habitat Enhancement Activities (Right of Entry Permit between California Department of Fish and Wildlife and San Diego Zoo Wildlife
Summary
SCH Number
2026080331
Public Agency
California Department of Fish and Wildlife, South Coast Region 5
(CDFW)
Document Title
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Habitat Enhancement Activities (Right of Entry Permit between California Department of Fish and Wildlife and San Diego Zoo Wildlife
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
8/12/2026
Document Description
[PROJECT TITLE CONTINUED]: Alliance).
CDFW is in the process of executing a Right of Entry Permit to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) for habitat enhancement and restoration activities on the CDFW-owned Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve.
Project activities include the installation of barbless wire fence, signage, and gates around a known habitat patch for QCB; collection and redistribution of host plant (Plantago erecta) and nectar plant (Layia spp., Lasthenia spp., etc.) seed; restoration of soil biocrusts; and nonnative plant removals through herbicide application and manual treatments. Activities are anticipated to occur within the January 2025 Border 2 fire footprint, with the exact location to be finalized based on habitat assessments that will be completed by individuals with the requisite experience surveying for QCB and necessary state and federal permits. Restoration activities will occur outside of the active season for QCB, and survey work will be done in accordance with applicable state and federal permit requirements. Restoration sites will be accessed on foot using existing roads and trails and impacts to native vegetation will be avoided. No take of QCB is anticipated.
Contact Information
Name
Nicholas Aponte
Agency Name
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Job Title
Lands Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Paige Howorth
Agency Name
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Job Title
McKinney Family Curator of Invertebrates
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
San Diego
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California
Other Location Info
The project will take place at the Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve, owned and managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Restoration activities will occur throughout the property with final locations to be determined based on results of habitat assessments conducted throughout potential Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino; QCB) habitat.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Title 14, sections 15304(d)
Reasons for Exemption
CDFW, the Lead Agency, has determined that the Project is categorically exempt pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, sections 15304(d). Specifically, the Project involves a minor alteration of land that is designated for wildlife management and will result in improvements to fish and wildlife resources. Pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.1(a), the Lead Agency is responsible for determining whether the Project is exempt from CEQA and that determination shall be final and conclusive on all persons, including Responsible Agencies.
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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