Experience > Resource Management
California Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan EIR/EIS
California Energy Commission
Role: EIR/EIS Leader
Ascent is serving as the consultant project manager for the Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) for the California Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP). In response the Executive Order #S-14-08, signed by Governor Schwarzenegger in November of 2008, the California Energy Commission (CEC) and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the creation of a Renewable Energy Action Team (REAT) and initiating the DRECP. The DRECP is a Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP) for renewable energy projects in the Mojave and Colorado Desert regions. Additionally, DFG, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and the United States Bureau of Land Management signed a Memorandum of Understanding as federal partners to the REAT. The Executive Order is intended to create a more predictable and streamlined regulatory framework while completing a conservation plan that balances renewable energy development with natural resource conservation.
California Wildlife Area Land Management Plans and CEQA Documents – Yolo Basin WA, Lower Sherman Island WA, and Antelope Valley-Smithneck Creek WA*
California Department of Fish and Game
A Land Management Plan (LMP) serves as the master resources management plan for California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) Wildlife Areas (WA). LMPs were prepared for the Yolo Bypass WA between Sacramento and Davis, Lower Sherman Island WA in the Delta, and Antelope-Smithneck Creek WA in Plumas County. Wildlife management, hunting and other recreational use demands, special-status species protection, and educational/interpretive programs were among the key issues.
South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan Habitat Mapping, Wetland Assessment, Section 404 Integration, and Conservation Strategy Services, Sacramento County*
Sacramento County Planning Department
To support the South Sacramento Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), a detailed delineation of existing habitat cover types was provided along with technical assistance to integrate Section 404 compliance with the HCP. A GIS habitat layer of the south County’s resources at 1” = 400’ (1:4800) scale and conservation strategies to integrate the 404 and HCP processes were developed. Assistance was also provided to prepare conservation strategies to protect resources for covered species.
Statewide Electrified Fence Project Habitat Conservation Plan, EA/FONSI, and EIR, California Statewide*
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
In response to the potential for loss of listed birds on lethal electrified fences to be installed at 25 prisons throughout the state, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) prepared a statewide Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to secure Section 10(a) and FGC Section 2081 take authorization. The HCP included over 40 covered species and 2,500 acres of conservation areas to compensate for the take potential. A detail monitoring program was included to collect and identify all electrocuted birds and animals to verify species. Both NEPA and CEQA documents were prepared.
Sacramento International Airport Resources Management Plan, Sacramento County*
Sacramento County Airport System
To improve management guidance for natural resources at the Sacramento International Airport, a Resources Management Plan (RMP) was prepared. It emphasized management of habitat that could attract wildlife posing potential aircraft strike hazards, while protecting special-status species, including giant garter snake and Swainson’s hawk. The RMP also informed the EIR/EIS for the airport’s expansion master plan. Preparation included comprehensive mapping and assessment of existing resources, identification of management needs, and development of guiding resource management policies.
