RECON Spring 2025 Newsletter

Spring 2025 News and Updates

RECON biologists have been busy conducting surveys, from the deserts of Imperial County to coastal San Diego. We have conducted surveys for coastal California gnatcatcher, least Bell’s vireo, southwestern willow flycatcher, Crotch’s bumble bee, burrowing owl, fairy shrimp, and Quino checkerspot butterfly.

Our expert team of botanists and wetland scientists have actively been conducting rare plant surveys, vegetation mapping, preserve management, and aquatic resource delineations.

CEQA 15183: The Not-So-Hidden CEQA Shortcut

Navigating the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process efficiently is crucial in today’s environmental development. CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 streamlines approvals by allowing projects consistent with existing general plans or zoning ordinances to rely on previous environmental impact reports, avoiding redundant environmental review. This can lead to faster approvals, lower costs, fewer legal risks, and regulatory certainty. Ideal for urban or infill projects, CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 helps move developments forward effectively. RECON’s team can assess your project’s eligibility and guide you through the process to maximize these benefits.

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New Director of Regulatory Permitting

Shanti Santulli is RECON’s new Director of Regulatory Permitting. As a certified Professional Wetland Scientist, Shanti has extensive expertise in environmental regulations, aquatic resources, and wetland delineations. Her impressive career includes private-sector roles as well as serving as a senior project manager and team lead at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she managed high-profile projects, conducted environmental assessments, and mentored staff. Additionally, Shanti has authored many technical reports and delivered presentations on environmental regulations and permitting processes. Her knowledge and leadership strengthen our regulatory permitting capabilities.

Welcome to the Team!

We are pleased to announce the newest members of the RECON team:

Ryan Diaz, Accounting Manager
Emily Trevino, Senior Regulatory Specialist
Katie Raffaini, Biologist

Conference Highlights

RECON was a sponsor of the 2025 California Society for Ecological Restoration (SERCAL) conference from April 21 to 23 in Sacramento. The conference theme Be the Delta Be the Change was fully embraced as RECON gathered with new acquaintances and old colleagues to discuss the challenges we face and the opportunities we see as practitioners looking to restore California’s native habitats for a more resilient future. RECON enjoyed hearing from inspiring keynote speakers, listening to engaging presentations from coastal dunes to mountain meadows, and chatting with the next generation of restoration ecologists.

RECON attended the California Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) 2025 conference, “Seeds of Change, Waves of Progress,” from April 6 to 9 in Oxnard. The major topic of discussion was the use of CEQA Guidelines Section 15183. Other interesting topics included tiering options for housing projects, applying standards of review, best practices relating to battery energy storage systems, and vehicle miles traveled mitigation.

Join us on May 15 in front of Centerside in Mission Valley from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for SANDAG’s Bike Anywhere Day! Stop by RECON’s pit stop to say hello, grab some treats, and celebrate the many benefits of cycling and active transportation. We would love to see you there!