California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: public access: nonmotorized recreation.

Assembly Member Rogers proposes expanding California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemptions for public access projects in park and open space areas to include county park agencies alongside existing exemptions for park districts and the Great Redwood Trail Agency. The legislation modifies requirements for approving these exemptions, replacing the need for consistency with adopted plans with a new mandate to develop natural resource management plans.

Under the proposed changes, lead agencies must adopt management plans that identify sensitive species, habitats, cultural resources and outline appropriate protection strategies before approving CEQA-exempt public access projects. The exemption applies only to minimal physical alterations like signage, portable restrooms, and sediment control in areas used exclusively for nonmotorized recreation such as hiking, biking, and equestrian activities. Agencies must demonstrate through substantial evidence that they have sufficient funding to implement these management plans and must hold public meetings with 30-day advance notice before approving any exempted changes.

The bill maintains environmental protections by excluding projects where public access would likely have significant impacts on tribal cultural resources or protected species. It preserves existing land covenants, conservation easements, and habitat management plans while allowing local agencies to levy fees to cover implementation costs. The provisions would sunset on January 1, 2030, providing an opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness.