Seascape Woody Material Removal Project
Summary
SCH Number
2023090410
Public Agency
Santa Cruz County Resource Conservation District
Document Title
Seascape Woody Material Removal Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/19/2023
Document Description
Seascape Uplands Pond (Pond 1) is a small (0.3-acre), seasonal pond. Castillo Pond (Pond 2) was built in 1999 as mitigation for the Uplands at Seascape residential development. It covers ~0.35 acre and holds water year-round except during extended drought periods. Bonita Pond (Pond 3) was built in 1999 as mitigation for the Uplands at Seascape residential development. Santa Cruz long-toed salamander larvae were first documented in the Seascape pond in 1974. Numbers have fluctuated over time but have generally been in decline over the last few years due to a decrease in solar exposure from surrounding woody vegetation (Phase I) and due to the ponds filling with sediment and detritus (Phase II), reducing pond capacity and deeper water habitat that is beneficial to the species. The project entails cutting select woody material surrounding Ponds 1, 2, and 3 in specified locations to increase solar exposure. No root masses will be removed during project activities.
Contact Information
Name
Daniel Nylen
Agency Name
Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County
Job Title
Watershed Restoration Program Manager
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Location
Counties
Santa Cruz
Regions
Northern California
Other Location Info
Seascape Uplands, a 190-ac preserve off San Andreas Road in Aptos, California.
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Categorical Exemption 15333 Class 33
Reasons for Exemption
None of the activities will have a significant effect on sensitive areas or resources. Upon consultation with CDFW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, best management practices, including timing of activities, will be employed to avoid impacts to protected species and activities will not include disturbance to the aquatic habitat, wetlands restoration, or disturbance. Activities are less than 5 acres. All of the projects have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and therefore shall be exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
County Clerk
Santa Cruz