Quino Checkerspot Butterfly Habitat Enhancement Activities (Right of Entry Permit between California Department of Fish and Wildlife and San Diego Zoo Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife is executing a Right of Entry Permit with the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to conduct habitat enhancement and restoration for the Quino checkerspot butterfly at the Otay Mountain Ecological Reserve in San Diego. The project focuses on the January 2025 Border 2 fire footprint and includes the installation of barbless wire fencing, signage, and gates around known habitat patches. Additional restoration efforts involve the collection and redistribution of host plant Plantago erecta and various nectar plant seeds, the restoration of soil biocrusts, and the removal of nonnative plants through manual treatments and herbicide application. To ensure environmental compliance, the project is categorically exempt under California Code of Regulations Title 14, section 15304(d). All survey work must be performed by qualified individuals with the necessary state and federal permits and experience surveying for the Quino checkerspot butterfly. To protect the species and native vegetation, restoration activities must occur outside of the butterfly's active season, and site access is restricted to foot travel via existing roads and trails. No take of the Quino checkerspot butterfly is anticipated as part of these activities.