NOI Master Agreement CDFW for Eastern Sierra and Inland Desert Region

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice of Preparation of the Draft Program Environmental Impact Report for The Eastern Sierra and Inland Deserts Region Master Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement Project

Announcement of Public Meeting

What is being planned?
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is seeking to obtain a Master Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (Master Agreement) from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) under Section 1600 et seq. of the California Department of Fish and Game Code (Cal. FGC) for maintenance, repair, and new construction activities on Caltrans-managed facilities within CDFW Region 6, Eastern Sierra and Inland Deserts Region (Project). CDFW Region 6 serves Imperial, Inyo, Mono, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. A Master Agreement covers multiple activities where specific details have not been prepared at the time of the original notification. The proposed Master Agreement would implement an approval process for activities within CDFW Region 6 for a period of 30 years. The objectives of the Project are to streamline the environmental review and agreement process, ensure the protection of fish and wildlife resources on a consistent and coordinated basis, and strengthen interagency coordination for activities within CDFW Region 6. Caltrans is the lead agency for the Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). CDFW is a responsible agency under CEQA.

Activities covered under the proposed Master Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement will encroach upon 1602 Resources. The Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) will evaluate these activities and identify all feasible measures to avoid or minimize impacts on these resources. Covered activities involve sites on a list enumerated under Section 65962.5 of the Government Code pertaining to hazardous wastes. Covered activities may have an effect on historic properties eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Caltrans is evaluating alternatives to determine if the covered activities can avoid adversely affecting the property(ies) or, if not, if adequate mitigation measures can be incorporated into the Project plans.

Why this AD?
Caltrans, the lead agency for CEQA, is issuing this Notice of Preparation (NOP) of the PEIR for the Eastern Sierra and Inland Deserts Master Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement Project. Caltrans is issuing this NOP to solicit public and agency input into the development of the scope of the Project and the environmental issues to be addressed in the PEIR. This NOP also advises the public that outreach activities will be conducted by Caltrans in support of the preparation of the PEIR.

Where you come in
Comments and suggestions on the environmental scope of the Project are invited from all interested parties for a period of 30 days from August 6, 2026, to September 5, 2026.

A virtual public scoping meeting will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to provide project information and seek public and agency input into the scope of the environmental review.

Interested parties may also submit comments utilizing any of the following:

• Direct Mail: Caltrans District 8, 464 West 4th Street, MS 820, San Bernardino, CA 92401
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: (909) 472-5756

Please use "CDFW Region 6 Master Agreement PEIR" in the subject line.

When and Where?
The virtual public scoping meeting will be held online on Webex on August 20, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Register to participate at https://uniqode.io/PEIRscoping (case sensitive) or participate via telephone number (408) 418-9388, Access Code: 2497 919 2330, Password: 8888 6769.

Contact
Thank you for your interest in this Project. Individuals who require special accommodation (American Sign Language interpreter, documentation in alternate formats, etc.) are requested to contact Caltrans District 8, Attn: Hannah Beard, Caltrans District 8, 464 West 4th Street, 8th Floor, MS 820, San Bernardino, CA 92401-1400; call (909) 472-5756 (Voice), or use the California Relay Service 1 (800) 735-2929 (TTY to Voice), 1 (800) 735-2922 (Voice to TTY), 1 (800) 855-3000 (Spanish TTY to Voice and Voice to TTY), 1-800-854-7784 (Spanish and English Speech-to-Speech) or 711.