Cut the Red Tape to Improve Your Land

Fairfield Osborn Preserve
4:00 am – 7:00 am

Admission Fees: none

Registration Links:
Register for this event

Would you like to improve your land for conservation but worried about all the regulatory red-tape? Join us for a hike to discuss the various permitting actions available to you through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), including those that provide benefit for listed species. 

Throughout California, a large amount of endangered species habitat is on private land, so land owners are essential for successful conservation efforts. However, many are hesitant to take action that attract endangered species for fear of receiving regulatory consequences or restrictions. This event will illuminate strategies to still undertake land improvement projects without being subject to these drawbacks. We'll also get an overview of the California Endangered Species Act and talk about how CEQA fits into all of this. Lastly, we'll learn about (and hopefully see) species right here on the Osborn preserve that are listed or of special concern.

Leader

Madeleine Wieland, Senior Environmental Scientist Specialist, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Madeleine has worked with CDFW for 12 years, currently in the Environmental Review and Permitting program where she assists in the statewide coordination of CESA Incidental Take Permits, Safe Harbor Agreements, and Voluntary Local Programs. She has a degree in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from UC Davis and is an avid birder. In her time with CDFW, Madeleine has also acted as the statewide coordinator for Habitat Restoration or Enhancement Act approvals and a team lead for California’s Cutting the Green Tape initiative which aims to increase the pace and scale of ecological restoration and stewardship.

Logistics

Fairfield Osborn Preserve is a 15-minute drive from Sonoma State's main campus, on Lichau Road in Penngrove. Parking is limited so please consider carpooling. Driving directions will be provided in your registration confirmation and email.

The maximum hike will be 3 miles with a 500-foot elevation gain, likely less, and adaptable to participant abilities with advanced notice.

Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Pets and smoking are not permitted.

A restroom, sink for handwashing and potable water are available on site. This is a rain or shine event.

COVID-19 Safety

All staff are vaccinated. Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. You are highly encouraged to get vaccinate and properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., while driving in carpools). We will spend all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.

What to Bring

Please bring a suitable mask to wear while inside or carpooling. Wear a hat, sturdy shoes for hiking, long pants & sleeves, and sun and insect protection. Poison oak and ticks are present. Bring water and a snack.

How to Sign Up

See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.

About the Center

Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.