In an era of expanding infrastructure demands and accelerating biodiversity loss, public works agencies (PWAs) are emerging as pivotal yet underrecognized leaders in applied wildlife conservation. With jurisdiction across broad geographies and a mandate to maintain essential systems including stormwater, sewer, drinking water, and transportation, PWAs are integrating conservation into their operations through programmatic approaches aligned with evolving environmental policies and best practices. Through collaborations with natural resource agencies and conservation organizations, including through frameworks such as the Regional Conservation and Investment Strategy and Mitigation Credit Agreements, PWAs invest in regionally significant conservation that supports biodiversity and exceeds regulatory obligations – this transforms required maintenance and repair into opportunities for measurable habitat and species benefits. Projects such as Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Stevens Creek fish passage improvements, City of Novato’s conservation-minded stormwater management, Ross Valley Sanitary District’s low-impact infrastructure upgrades, and Caltrans’ Advanced Mitigation Program exemplify these efforts. By leveraging their scale, operational flexibility, and funding capacity, PWAs are advancing a new era of conservation—bridging built and natural environments, promoting habitat resilience and connectivity, and translating policy into measurable ecological outcomes that set a modern standard for integrating wildlife conservation and recovery into essential public services across California.

Sadie McGarvey is a wildlife biologist specializing in ecological restoration and environmental permitting across diverse habitats. As an experienced ecologist, Sadie collaborates with clients and colleagues to assess habitats, evaluate potential impacts, identify ecological benefits of restoration efforts, and navigate complex regulations. She is the president of the SF Bay Area Chapter of Women In Environment and is passionate about supporting and collaborating with others in the various sectors of the Environmental Industry to learn, grow, and make the world a better place.