In early October, ESA hosted our first-ever Permitting Symposium in Irvine, California, which brought together permitting practitioners, agency representatives, and clients for a full day of learning and collaboration.
The sold-out event gathered representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, two Regional Water Quality Control Boards, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for in-depth discussions on permitting programs and the evolving regulatory landscape. ESA experts (who are also former agency staff) joined regulatory agency partners to present on topics including Section 404/401 permitting, species permitting under the federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act, and Coastal Zone regulations. The day concluded with a policy panel kicked off with remarks by Eric Beightel, ESA’s Federal Strategy Director, exploring recent and upcoming federal and state policy changes.
In addition to expert-led sessions, the Symposium offered opportunities for networking and dialogue among permitting professionals. Attendees expressed appreciation for the event’s collaborative spirit and practical insights, noting the value of connecting directly and in-person with agency staff and peers.
“Creating a space for open, solutions-oriented discussion among permitting professionals was at the heart of this event,” said Barbra Calantas, ESA Vice President and Biological Resources & Land Management Practice Leader.
“We’re thrilled to see such engagement from our clients, partners, and colleagues. It reinforces the importance of collaboration in navigating today’s complex regulatory environment.”
Barbra Calantas, Biological Resources & Land Management Practice Leader.
Given the success of the inaugural Symposium, ESA plans to host similar events in 2026 in Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, and again in Southern California. To stay informed of these and other events, including webinars covering federal permitting news and updates, click here to join our mailing list and follow us on LinkedIn.
