Development

Our biologists helped Newhall Land & Ranch develop an <b>innovative biology approach</b> to protecting natural resources on the 12,000-acre development site in Los Angeles County. California’s Department of Fish and Game called the EIR/EIS <q>a model for cooperative efforts among federal, state and local regulatory agencies, and other interested parties.</q> Dudek environmental planners authored the <b>Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)</b>, one of the nation's largest such plans that protects over 150 species and conserves 500,000 acres of land. Setting aside the acreage helps the county efficiently plan for development while protecting natural resources. We worked with Tejon Ranch Co. on the <b>biological surveys for the 270,000-acre site</b> and we helped develop the <b>Tehachapi Uplands Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP)</b>. The project received national attention when Tejon Ranch and a coalition of environmental groups reached a landmark agreement to preserve the largest chunk of privately-owned Southern California wilderness while allowing for 26,000 homes and related development. Our environmental planners worked with the developer on a six-year effort to <b>successfully permit the country's largest seawater desalination facility</b> with ocean outfall in Carlsbad, CA. The process concluded with a rigorous 80 hours of public testimony at 15 hearings. The results set the bar for many complex environmental issues for California desalination projects. We are providing environmental planning for 3 other California seawater desalination projects. Dudek’s foresters prepared a comprehensive <b>oak woodlands study</b> on 36,000 acres in central California to assist the private landowner with entitling the site. Due to the lack of a county or local oak preservation policy, Dudek drafted a <b>comprehensive tree protection plan</b> addressing impacts, mitigation and preservation of native trees and tree management plans for each project phase. Our environmental planners used an <b>innovative coastal development permitting approach</b> to help the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and Malibu Recreation and Conservancy Authority secure California Coastal Commission certification for large-scale improvements on 1,700 acres of parkland. Our approach helped streamline the coastal permitting process to save time and money. Cal Fire leaders called the <b>fire protection plan</b> prepared by Dudek for the 3,450-acre development site in Kern County <q>a model that should be used statewide</q> because of its comprehensiveness and redundant layering of fire protection features. In water-strapped California, developers are required to establish proof of sufficient water resources as a prelude to development. For a 20,000 acre private ranch, our hydrogeologists conducted a <b>groundwater supply investigation</b> to evaluate options for sustainable development or opportunities to augment municipal water supplies. Our <b>LEED-certified engineers designed a sustainable 60-acre retail center</b> with rooftop and parking structure solar panels, stormwater capture, pervious hardscape to reduce water run-off, underground detention system, and water-efficient landscaping.

California’s public and private landowners typically balance two difficult environmental challenges:

  • Cost-effectively permitting their properties for improved uses, and
  • Maintaining, improving and/or restoring California’s unique natural resources.

Our environmental planners, scientists and engineers effectively guide California’s landowners through the complex and arduous entitling and permitting processes. We understand the often-conflicting environmental regulations and the people who implement them. We know how to keep projects moving forward rather than floundering in a sea of incomprehensible processes and regulations.

From initially determining and mapping the environmental constraints, to conducting the necessary technical surveys/studies, to ultimately preparing the most complex and legally defensible CEQA/NEPA documents, we provide clients the senior expertise necessary to get viable projects approved.

Back to Top