Environmental remediation services in California are in high demand. One of these services is habitat restoration planning.
California is changing how environmental remediation services are carried out in the state. One example is the Habitat Restoration & Enhancement Act (HRE Act). This policy aims to improve the state’s natural habitats for fish and wildlife species.
Wondering what kind of projects need habitat restoration planning? Let’s explore how you can kickstart your career in this area.
Understanding Habitat Restoration Planning Demand
California’s habitats and wildlife are facing many challenges. Wildfires destroyed millions of acres of woodlands in 2020 and 2021. A University of California and the University of Washington study found that the Golden State could be facing a ten-year period of continued wildfires, especially in the Sierra Nevada region. Without adequate environmental remediation services, this will continue to get worse.
Aquatic life in California also saw a significant decline as a result of water pollution, decreased water levels, and warmer temperatures. Approximately 90% of wetlands were lost and an estimated 350 species are now listed as endangered. As a result, State and Federal agencies adopted new legislation and policies to boost habitat restoration.
The HRE Act is just one example of legislation that supports habitat restoration projects. An influx of new projects has subsequently opened up new opportunities for habitat restoration jobs and thus created a demand for AEC professionals in this field. If you’re an AEC professional with an interest or background in restoration, planning, or remediation, this is the best time to kickstart a new career.
Areas That Need Habitat Restoration Planning
AEC professionals in this area have plenty of growth opportunities. Let’s take a look at where habitat restoration planning is needed most in California.
- Wetlands – California’s wetlands and watersheds need restoration and protection.
- Water passages – This area focuses on removing barriers to fish passage and improving spawning habitats.
- Marshes – The state’s marshes need habitat restoration planning projects yearly. Including restoring tidal marsh, managing salt pond depth, and providing wildlife-orientated public access.
- Woodlands – Woodlands need seed reintroduction, planting, and soil control.
Current Habitat Restoration Projects Operating In California
Save The Bay is one of the largest environmental remediation projects in California. It is working to restore San Francisco Bay’s natural habitats.
The organization restores San Francisco’s wetlands. It also educates the public on how to reduce pollution in their local habitats. Save The Bay is running Habitat Restoration Nursery and Habitat Field Fellowship programs. These programs focus on seed collection, reintroducing native plants, and weeding invasive species.
Another example of a habitat restoration project that is currently underway is the Coal Oil Point Reserve Habitat Restoration project. This Santa Barbara project has various objectives including restoring coastal beaches, enhancing wetland habitats, invasive species removal, dune restoration, and more.
Interested in getting involved in a similar project? Check out the Certis Solutions job board for more opportunities in habitat restoration.
Kickstart Your Habitat Restoration Career With Certis
At Certis, our team can help you kickstart your career in habitat restoration. With the help of our technical recruiters, we’ll give you access to some of the best habitat restoration jobs there are. Sign up with Certis Solutions and take the next step in your career.
