Skills & Services

 

Project management responsibility for a broad range of projects in both scale and complexity.

CONSERVATION PLANNING

  • Land protection planning.

  • Mapping and analysis of GIS ownership and land use data.

  • Conceptual and site-specific planning.

  • Project Management with keen understanding of engineering aspects of project design.

  • Interagency coordination for entitlements.

  • Drafting of conservation easements, including negotiation and development of easement terms.

  • Collaboration on grant applications.

  • Preparation of compelling  presentation materials.

CLIMATE RESILENCY / COASTAL PLANNING

  • Detailed analysis of policies and legislation addressing Sea Level Rise.

  • Tracking of coastal jurisdictions progress towards a Local Coastal Plan Amendment (LCPA) certified by the California Coastal Commission.

  • Collaboration with City and County Coastal Planners on nature-based and hybrid adaptation pathways and neighborhood scale solutions promoting shared priorities between jurisdictions.

  • Programming and engagement of speakers and panelists for Annual Sea Level Rise Policy Summit including contributions as panelist and moderator.

  • Co-author of Coastal Planner Compendium.

LAND ACQUISITIONS

  • Prioritizing acquisitions and targeting specific parcels.

  • Feasibility Studies.

  • Landowner interface and contract negotiations.

  • Drafting and review of purchase and sale agreements.

  • Title Report review, analysis and recommendations for resolution of issues.

  • Evaluation of regional land value data.

POLICY ANALYSIS

  • General Plan, Zoning and Land Use related document review and interpretation.

  • Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation review and application.

  • Legislative analysis.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • Community visioning and coalition building.

  • Organization and facilitation of public participation programs: in-person and/or virtual.

  • Development of special programs designed for subject-specific learning and collaboration.

  • Engagement of speakers and panelists for events.

  • Public Speaking.

Lynette Cervantes, AICP

Serving:

  • Land Trusts and Private Lands Conservation

  • Non-Governmental Organizations

  • Local

  • Regional

  • State and Federal Agencies

Ojai Valley Land Conservancy:  serves as Land Use Planner on retainer for multiple conservation preserves and special projects as requested by the Executive Director and staff.  As project lead, Ms. Cervantes provides outside consultant team management, schematic design overview, stakeholder engagement, interagency coordination and permitting, as well budgeting and grant reporting. Collaborates with Executive Director on acquisition priorities and strategies.

Bellamont Wildlife Conservancy: serves private land conservation founders in establishing a wildlife conservancy for the restoration and protection of aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Detailed review of land use policy and legislative documents and conceptual planning including public access trail system and land management plan outline. Serves as advisor to Conservancy for university-based partnership to establish global leadership in sustainability practices at Bellamont Forest. 

Schmitz and Associates: Served as Special Project Manager for a diverse portfolio of clients with complex land use challenges.  Responsible for management of professionals including architects, landscape architects, civil, geotechnical and coastal engineering teams as well as client relations.  Co-author of Coastal Planner Compendium, an extensive sea level rise policy and resource document which seeks to inform local and state leadership to prepare for the effects of climate change.

Smart Coast California: Serves as lead Coastal Land Use Planner for this non-profit organization which has gained statewide recognition for their contributions in preparing for sea level rise in California. Conducts policy analysis and provides detailed review and reporting on local, regional state and national sea level rise guidance documents.  Tracks cutting-edge resilience efforts and adaptation strategies fostering collaboration among California coastal jurisdictions facing similar challenges.

Ventura River at OVLC Parkway Preserve