Forest Health Project for Whispering Winds Catholic Camp
Summary
SCH Number
2026090102
Public Agency
Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego
Document Title
Forest Health Project for Whispering Winds Catholic Camp
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/2/2026
Document Description
The Whispering Winds Forest Health Project is a forest health and fuel reduction effort at the 161-acre Whispering Winds Catholic Camp near Julian, California. The Project includes targeted mechanical and manual thinning, pruning, biomass removal, chipping, and limited herbicide application within approximately 300 ft of existing structures, roads, and other infrastructure to reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve defensible space, and support safe emergency access. The purpose of the Project is to protect life, property, and environmental resources by restoring forest structure, supporting native pine and oak regeneration, and increasing wildfire resilience in an area previously impacted by severe wildfire, benefiting camp users, emergency responders, surrounding communities, and the natural environment.
Contact Information
Name
Ann Baldridge
Agency Name
Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Martin Rosales
Agency Name
Whispering Winds Catholic Camp
Job Title
Executive Director
Contact Types
Parties Undertaking Project
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Julian
Counties
San Diego
Regions
Southern California, Unincorporated
Cross Streets
Harrison Park Rd. and Julian Estates Rd.
Zip
92036
Total Acres
161
State Highways
CA-79
Township
13S
Range
4E
Section
16, 21
Base
27
Other Location Info
17606 Harrison Park Rd
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §15304).
Reasons for Exemption
The Project involves minor alterations to land and vegetation through selective thinning, pruning, chipping, herbicide treatment, and conifer release to improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk within an existing developed camp property. No grading or significant ground disturbance will occur. All work will be conducted by hand crews and low pressure ground based equipment, following best management practices to avoid impacts to water quality, biological resources, and cultural sites. The Project enhances public safety and forest ecosystem resilience without resulting in significant environmental effects, qualifying for exemption under Class 4 Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §15304).
County Clerk
San Diego
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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