Aspen Supports Los Angeles County With Planning Project In Santa Monica Mountains

Aspen has been selected by several Los Angeles County departments to provide environmental services. For example, Aspen is working with the County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning on a Biological Assessment and Environmental Impact Report for the County’s comprehensive updates to the Santa Monica Mountains North Area Plan (land use policies and objectives) and Community Standards District (area-specific development standards). The North Area supports some of the most important biological resources in Southern California. Several State- and federally-listed species, as well as numerous California Species of Concern and rare plants, are in the North Area.

Aspen completed a Biological Assessment for the 30-square mile North Area that included an extensive literature search, interviews with local experts, focused project area reconnaissance, and mapping of sensitive biological resources. The Biological Assessment resulted in recommended Habitat Sensitivity Rankings for the North Area that can be used as a tool for siting development projects with sensitive biological resource areas. Aspen’s Principal Biologist, Chris Huntley, presented the key findings of the biological assessment at the County’s community planning meetings and responded to questions regarding North Area biological resources. Aspen is also working on a Noise Technical Report to support the EIR noise analysis. The noise study will include noise measurements near event venues and sensitive receptors to establish a noise baseline for the North Area. The project is in the early stages of the environmental review process.