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Partnering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the CalVTP to protect wildlife and promote wildfire resilience
November 13
Webinar Date: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 1 – 3:35 p.m.
This webinar is an opportunity for participants to increase their knowledge of how project proponents can both protect wildlife and, if required (e.g., by the CalVTP), engage with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) regarding listed wildlife species protection for wildfire resilience and vegetation treatment projects. Showcasing best practices on CalVTP projects from the perspective of project proponent and wildlife agency staff about their coordination process, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Lara Rachowicz, Senior Environmental Project Manager and Senior Ecologist at Ascent Environmental, will provide an overview of the CalVTP’s strategies for special-status species protection, maintenance of habitat, and process for consultation with the federal and state wildlife agencies. Ryan Olah, Coast Bay Division Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, USFWS, will cover the definition of take under the Endangered Species Act, how to determine if you have listed species in your project area that may be affected, and who to contact from USFWS to answer questions regarding listed species. Joseph Brandt, Assistant Division Supervisor, Ventura Fish & Wildlife Office, will discuss best practices when engaging with the Service. Allison Fuller, Senior Wildlife Biologist at Ascent Environmental, will explore practical strategies for meeting vegetation treatment project objectives; protecting sensitive wildlife, plants, and habitats; applying the best available science; and maintaining feasible project implementation standards. Matt Abernathy, Senior Forest Health and Wildfire Resiliency Program Specialist at the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, and Angie Richman, Forest Health Program Specialist at the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, will present on RCD Santa Cruz’s process of USFWS consultation in developing three different CalVTP Project Specific Analyses in recent years.
