Berkeley Tuolumne Camp
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, in operation since 1922, has been a highly regarded summer tradition for generations of campers. More than 4,000 individuals annually enjoyed fun-filled activities and heartfelt traditions at Tuolumne Camp. On August 25, 2013, Berkeley Tuolumne Camp was largely destroyed by the Rim Fire, one of the largest and most damaging wildfires in California’s history. This was a devastating setback for the City of Berkeley and generations of staff and campers. Of the 138 total structures at the Camp, only 18 tent cabins and the restroom near Sun City survived the fire.
Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the City of Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Permit (46690) Project
The proposed Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Reconstruction Project (Project) would obtain a 30-year term Special Use Permit (SUP) from the Forest Service that will allow the City to reconstruct Camp facilities to current code and operate the Camp much as it was prior to the Rim Fire. The new SUP would be expanded to approximately 30 acres and would include two trails known as the Small Falls and Sugar Pine Trails that extend away from the main camp. About 14.5 acres of the permit area is proposed to be developed for parking, the main camp area, staff camp area, all support facilities and the Sugar Pine and Small Falls Trails. BTC would be designed to operate at a capacity that matches, but does not exceed, the pre-fire overnight staff and camper capacity of 360 individuals. The SUP would be issued for a term period of 30 years and may be renewed upon review and approval by the Forest Service.
An Initial Study (IS) has been prepared for the Project under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for review and action by the City. The IS evaluates the potential environmental impacts of the proposed Project. Based on the results of the IS prepared according to CEQA Guidelines, it has been determined the Project will not have a significant effect on the environment and a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared. The Project has been modified to incorporate mitigation measures identified in the IS that will reduce any potentially significant impacts to a less-than-significant level.
The Draft MND/IS is available for public review at the City office at 2180 Milvia Street, 3rd Floor , Berkeley, CA 94704. The MND/IS is also available on this website (link below). Any interested party may comment on the proposed MND/IS. All comments received will be considered by the City prior to finalizing the MND/IS and making a decision on the Project. Written comments must be received no later than 4:00 pm on October 1, 2018 and sent to:
Liza McNulty, Program Manager
City of Berkeley
Parks Recreation & Waterfront
2180 Milvia Street, Third Floor
Berkeley, CA 94704
Email: lmcnulty@cityofberkeley.info
A public hearing will be held on September 12, 2018, at the City of Berkeley Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Commission Meeting, held at Frances Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park Street.
Draft Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration:
• Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Draft Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration
The United States Forest Service (USFS) has also published an Environmental Assessment (EA) for review and comment for this Project pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. Information regarding accessing and commenting on the USFS EA can be found here: USFS Notice of Availability of the City of Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Permit Environmental Assessment.
Technical Supporting Files:
• Aquatics Biological Assessment / Biological Evaluation
• Terrestrial Wildlife Biological Assessment / Biological Evaluation
• Botany Report
• Design Narrative / Built Environmental Image Guidelines
• Society, Culture and Economy Report
• Potential Waters of the United States Report
• Migratory Landbird Conservation Report
• Management Indicator Species Report
• Noxious Weed Risk Assessment Report
• Biological Evaluation for Sensitive Plants
• Watershed Management Report
Please continue to check this page for updates and information about the Berkeley Tuolumne Camp rebuild process.
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp General Information:
Berkeley Tuolumne Family Camp, a residential summer family camp operating since 1922, serves an average of 250 campers a day, and serves over 4,000 visitors each summer. Located just 7 miles west of the entrance to Yosemite National Park, the camp offers excellent hiking, biking and swimming opportunities for the whole family. The camp runs a full recreation and outdoor education program, and provides activities all day long that are perfect for any age group: the Kiddie Kamp serves 2-5 year olds; for ages six and up, daily activities include arts & crafts, archery, and swimming; the teen special events include pizza parties, movie nights, and other social events; and all ages enjoy special evening activities and the main campfire. Each summer, the camp staff come together to create an atmosphere of fun and relaxation that touches the lives of campers that visit from all over the country.
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Post-Rim Fire Information and Past Updates: