It’s been a big year for ESA Connects; we’ve increased the number of stories and issues this year to better share the news and impact of our employee-owners and their important work serving our clients. It is vital that all of us get the word out on our work to highlight progress, innovation, and lessons learned.

ESA is committed to learning and knowledge sharing – it’s a core commitment in our strategic plan. ESA Connects is an expression of that commitment – let us together celebrate our successes, share inspiration, and push ourselves to continuously improve. We hope you continue to find this newsletter interesting, thought-provoking, and full of variety – much like we feel about our work every day.

As you read through this final issue of 2022, you’ll again see variety in the range of stories we have collected for you. From tracking water quality post–Hurricane Ian to providing environmental consulting for a pilot study installing solar panels over California’s canals, to planning for net zero at airports – they each share a common thread: resilience.

Partnering with our clients to drive sustainable, resilient, and equitable solutions that shape a better world is our mission at ESA, and we appreciate the privilege of working with you as clients and colleagues to make that a reality. Peace and health to you and yours during the upcoming holiday season, and happy New Year!

Leslie Moulton-Post
President/CEO

Flipping the Switch: A Comprehensive Plan for Utility-Scale Renewable Energy Development

Encompassing more than 10 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan (DRECP) puts renewable energy projects on the fast track. Learn more »

A Multi-Benefit Solution to California's Water and Energy Needs

Project Nexus, a first-in-the-nation pilot project, will install solar panel canopies over irrigation canals in Turlock, California. The novel concept could help meet renewable energy goals and improve water quality, serving as a model for the state's energy and water conservation efforts. Learn more » 

Tracing the Early Influences of Visionary Architect Julia Morgan

Best known for designing the opulent Hearst Castle, architect Julia Morgan was influenced by many elements throughout her career. Architectural historian Johanna Kahn investigates the European influences which formed Morgan's early distinct style, featured in a new book. Learn more »  

Getting Your Airport Net Zero Program Off the Ground

The US Department of Transportation’s 2021 Aviation Climate Action Plan provides a roadmap for airport and airline operators to achieve “net zero” greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. But how many of us understand what net zero really means and how we get there? Learn more »  

Guiding Puget Sound Restoration Efforts to Save Migrating Salmon

To assist salmon recovery in Puget Sound, ESA developed the Local Guidance Document for U.S. Entities, which builds on Salish Sea Marine Survival Project (SSMSP) recommendations and presents many strategies and actions for local entities to apply at the local scale. Learn more »  

See the Financial Benefit of Open-Source Development 

Considering a new web-based platform that connects people with information to improve decision-making? Learn how an open-source solution can save money and time like it did for the Lake Tahoe Info platform. Learn more »

New Internship Program a Collaborative Effort Between Firms

Earlier this summer, ESA joined four other environmental and planning firms and founded the Environmental and Planning Diversity Internship Program. The program aligns with ESA's initiative to advance justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity (JEDI) across the environmental industry. Learn more »

Principal Flood Engineer Brian Haines Joins ESA

Brian joins our Environmental Hydrology and Design practice where he will lead the development of multi-benefit flood management projects and broaden ESA’s application of nature-based solutions across Northern California. Learn more »

And the APA Award Goes to... 

ESA's Community Development team were honored with the APA's Award of Merit for their work on Sacramento's Innovation Park and the City of Vacaville's Downtown Specific Plan. Learn more »

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals 

Principal Aviation Planner Jean Christophe Dick volunteered at LAX's Aviation Career Day, where more than 1,000 students interested in STEM joined to learn about aviation. Learn more »

Meet New Senior Principal Restoration Ecologist Mark Dodero

Mark brings 40 years of experience restoring and managing hundreds of acres of upland, wetland, and sensitive habitats, including vernal pools, coastal sage scrub, native grasslands, and others. Learn more »

The Best Kind of View: Hydrology & Design Team Visits Completed Restoration Projects

ESA's Environmental Hydrology & Design team toured five sites across Northern California to observe the results of their restoration work, decades-long in the making. Learn more »

In Other News at ESA

Leslie Moulton-Post profiled in San Francisco Business Times article

Our San Francisco office has moved to a new address. Take a look at the grand opening and see photos of our new modern space

ESA places in the Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms for 2022, and earns spot no. 23 in the Top 30 All-Environmental Firms category

ESA's biologists worked with San Francisco International Airport (SFO) on their largest-ever habitat restoration effort at the 180-acre West-of-Bayshore property