ESA is pleased to welcome Mark Dodero as Senior Principal Restoration Ecologist. With more than 40 years of experience assessing, restoring, and managing diverse biological resources, Dodero will be based in ESA’s Southern California region and will support the planning, design, and implementation of large, multifaceted restoration projects nationally.
Joining ESA most recently from RECON Environmental, Dodero’s career has included the successful restoration and management of hundreds of acres of upland, wetland, and sensitive habitats, including vernal pools, coastal sage scrub, native grasslands, and others. His work has concentrated on habitats that target Southern California’s numerous rare, threatened, and endangered plant and wildlife species, with projects specific to habitat mitigation to benefit regional resources conservation and prevention efforts. Dodero’s expertise extends through all phases of restoration and management projects, from assessment and planning to implementation and monitoring.
“Mark’s vast wealth of knowledge, particularly related to the natural history of California, will be instrumental in furthering ESA’s ability to work with clients to efficiently and successfully conserve our state’s natural resources,” said Barbra Calantas, ESA Vice President and Southern California Biological Resources Director. “His unparalleled reputation among key resource agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife will be immensely beneficial in supporting ESA’s commitment to science-based, agency-approved approaches for restoration and land management projects.”
Dodero’s recent project work includes serving as the project steward and biologist for the 3,657-acre Otay Ranch Preserve located within the city of Chula Vista in the county of San Diego. His role involved overseeing the protection, management, and enhancement of the preserve, including identifying and treating invasive plant species and documenting locations of sensitive plant and wildlife species. He also implemented several San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) grant-funded projects to enhance the habitat for coastal cactus wrens on various preserves.
Dodero holds a BS in zoology and MS in systematic botany from San Diego State University.
