What is advance mitigation?
Advance mitigation is a science-based approach to identify mitigation opportunities to support regional conservation priorities. By considering mitigation development early in the planning process prior to design and permitting phases, proponents can identify higher-quality mitigation opportunities.
Advance mitigation has the following benefits:
- Result in mitigation planning efforts that consider the species and habitat needs on a regional and landscape scale
- Result in mitigation sites with higher ecological function including increased connectivity for wildlife movement
- Proponents receive efficient project approvals and reduced permitting acquisition time frames
Use of Existing Tools and Programs for Advance Mitigation
Existing programs and tools may be used to achieve advance mitigation. These include:
CDFW Partnerships
CDFW staff participates in the development of advance mitigation planning tools and policy. The goal of these partnerships is to establish a mutual framework for advance mitigation processes.
The Statewide Advance Mitigation Initiative is statewide interagency collaboration to further the development and implementation of a mutual framework of coordinated review for advance mitigation and conservation planning for planned transportation projects at a landscape scale.
Streets and Highways Code Section 800 directs CDFW to prepare and submit to the Legislature a biennial report that describes the extent to which the Caltrans Advance Mitigation Program has improved the quality and effectiveness of habitat mitigation for transportation projects.