CERTIFIED BIOLOGICAL CONSULTANT LIST
Two main areas are Significant Ecological Areas and the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone. We need biological experts to prepare studies for projects in these areas. Use our Certified Biological Consultants List when you need to prepare a study.
For Consultants
If you want to be on our list, read our Certified Biological Consultant List Minimum Qualifications and Certified Biological Consultant List application for more information. Consultants will need to specify which categories they would like to be authorized for report preparation. The three categories on the list are:
- ERB: Prepare and submit all types of biological reports (Biological Inventories and Biological Assessments) to be considered by the Environmental Review Board.
- SEATAC – Tier 1: Prepare and submit only Biological Constraints Maps as outlined within the Significant Ecological Areas (SEA) Implementation Guide.
- SEATAC – Tier 2: Prepare and submit all types of biological reports (Biological Constraints Maps, Biological Constraints Analysis, Biota Reports, Biological Inventories and Biological Assessments) to be considered by the SEA Technical Advisory Committee.
PROTECTED TREES IN THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS
OAK Trees and Oak Woodlands
Oaks are protected as a significant historical, aesthetic, and ecological resource. Oak woodlands are a collection of trees that provide a special place for more than 5,000 animal and insect species, and hundreds of other plant species.
Visit Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan for more information.
Joshua Trees
Effective July 2023, California enacted the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (WJTCA), which continues to protect the western Joshua tree as a candidate species (listed October 9, 2020) under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). The WJTCA prohibits the taking, exporting, importing, trimming, possessing, purchasing, or selling of any western Joshua tree, whether dead or alive, without an Incidental Take Permit (ITP). In addition, any project that directly or indirectly impacts western Joshua tree habitat will also require an ITP. Applicants must obtain an ITP directly from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) prior to or concurrently with the LA County Planning permitting process.
Furthermore, western Joshua trees are also protected under the Significant Ecological Area (SEA) Ordinance as a Category 1 SEA Resource. Any impacts to Joshua trees within an SEA will require a SEA Conditional Use Permit (SEA CUP), unless the project qualifies for an exemption.
For more Information
WILDLIFE MOVEMENT
One of the most critical elements for maintaining the County’s environmental quality and biological diversity, is the linkage of natural areas. These linkages promote healthy biological populations and increase their resilience against environmental impacts, including climate change.
Read the Guidance for Evaluating Impacts on Wildlife Movement in LA County for more information.
