Yolo County Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan EIS/EIR

Owner/Client:    Yolo Habitat Conservancy

Yolo County is a rural/suburban county with a strong commitment to preservation of agriculture and open space. A variety of land uses — verdant farmlands, quiet creekside habitats, rolling grassland hills, and vibrant cities—all have an important role in shaping the activities and values of the County. In response, the Yolo Habitat Conservancy (YHC) has been formed to plan for a county-wide Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Protection Plan (HCP/NCCP) to protect the natural values of the County, while enabling local agencies to construct projects and implement activities in a coordinated way. 

Ascent is assisting the YHC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) prepare an EIS/EIR for the HCP/NCCP. This is a comprehensive, county‐wide plan designed to provide long‐term conservation and management of natural communities, sensitive species, and the habitats upon which those species depend, while accommodating other important uses of the land.  The Plan serves as an HCP pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, and an NCCP under the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCPA). The members of Yolo Habitat Conservancy are the County of Yolo, the cities of Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, and Woodland; and the University of California at Davis.