The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires lead agencies to incorporate into environmental documents feasible measures which could minimize significant adverse impacts. Other environmental laws, such as the federal and state endangered species acts and the Clean Water Act have similar requirements. Regardless of one’s role in project development, you will encounter mitigation measures, whether through drafting, implementing, or enforcing them. Effective mitigation is vital for minimizing environmental impacts, yet many projects struggle to turn well-intentioned plans into actionable and enforceable strategies. We will explore the common pitfalls that contribute to this disconnect, including vague language and unenforceable commitments. Through a review of CEQA’s requirements and best practices, we will highlight essential elements for bridging this gap, such as clarity, feasibility, and adaptability of measures. Our discussion will emphasize the importance of integrating scientific evidence and collaborative input to enhance practical implementation. Attendees will leave with valuable insights and actionable strategies to ensure that mitigation measures not only comply with CEQA requirements but also effectively protect environmental resources throughout the project lifecycle.

Much of California has never been surveyed for plant and animal species and this is especially true of the Central Valley, which spans 40-60 miles wide and 450 miles north to south; an 18,000 square mile area largely dominated by agriculture. The active Central Valley segment of the California High Speed Rail project spans approximately 119-miles from Madera to just north of Bakersfield and thousands of surveys and hundreds of trap nights have been conducted in this span, yielding a few surprises! Swainson’s hawks (Buteo swainsoni) were expected to occur in this area, but the location, size, and variety of nest trees selected was surprising! Similarly, California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) were also expected to occur, but were found in some unexpected locations! Hairy Orcutt grass (Orcuttia pilosa) is endemic to the Central Valley, found in association with vernal pools – one lucky biologist spotted this rare grass during pre-activity surveys in an area where it was not previously known to occur. These surprises underscore the reason for the CNDDB disclaimer, “For any given location in California, a lack of species occurrences or records in no way indicates or implies that the species do not occur there.”

California Senate Bill 790 (SB790), passed in 2021, allows the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to grant compensatory mitigation credits for Wildlife Connectivity Actions. These actions aim to improve habitat connectivity, migration, recolonization, and breeding opportunities that have been disrupted by infrastructure or habitat fragmentation. In September 2024, CDFW released the Wildlife Connectivity Advance Mitigation Guidelines, outlining how credits will be calculated based on two variables: a “Credit Scoring” system (0-100) and a “Crediting Factor” to be developed through six pilot projects. One such pilot project is the creation of a wildlife undercrossing along Highway 17 in Santa Clara County, designed to benefit multiple special-status species. In collaboration with the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, Integral biologists have developed a method to calculate the Crediting Factor by assessing ecological value improvements from the project. Using species-specific indices derived from quantitative and qualitative data, this method has received tentative approval from CDFW and collaboration is ongoing. This work advances the process for approving future Wildlife Connectivity Actions, paving the way for increased funding and efforts to reconnect habitats and promote ecosystem health.

What we think a species’ habitat needs are versus what they will readily use, can often vary greatly, and in some cases be counter-intuitive to our perception. Gaining a more robust knowledge base regarding the variety of habitats a species may utilize is critical to conservation efforts seeking to successfully preserve/restore functional habitat for the benefit of the species. Westervelt Ecological Services (WES) was hired by the California High Speed High Speed Rail Authority to provide mitigation for impacts to Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew (Sorex ornatus relictus; BVLOS) habitat which resulted in the restoration and conservation of a duck club in western Kern County, referred to as the Lone Tree Mitigation Site. The Lone Tree Mitigation Site provides a case study exemplifying this knowledge dynamic by contrasting our perception of BVLOS habitat preferences with what the species will readily use and flourish in an arid landscape. This presentation highlights our understanding of general accepted BVLOS habitats preferences, what the species has demonstrated it will successfully use, and restoration outcomes garnered from the Lone Tree Mitigation Site experience.

Mitigation properties are often reviewed and quantified by the acreage of mitigation they provide to offset permit impacts. However, there is a much broader contribution to the ecological landscape than what meets the regulatory eye. Properties are often selected and approved based upon their proximity to other conservation lands, connection with other natural landscapes, and the robust quality of the habitat on site. What’s more, the abundance of other native species typically falls below the radar, hidden from public perception. A review of the over 3,600 acres of habitat identified, secured, and conserved by Westervelt under contract with California High Speed Rail reflects a broad assemblage of flora and fauna, ranging from special status species, to common species beyond the scope of the regulatory permits. This presentation will review the process for lands identification and acquisition, and the years of monitoring that reveals the richness of these conserved landscapes.