Balancing Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) Protections while Maintaining Renewable Energy Development within the San Joaquin Valley

Author

Madison Lenzi McGinn, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-16-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Simon Scarpetta

Abstract

Balancing the needs of wildlife and people has long been a complex challenge. The San Joaquin Valley exemplifies this tension, as space for agriculture and urbanization compete for land use of native grasslands– often resulting in the conversion of grasslands for agriculture fields, commercialized areas, or energy development. With an increasing number of agricultural landscapes going fallow and the passing of SB-100 in 2018, solar farm development has emerged as an attractive option to offset financial losses from unproductive farmland. However, the same landscapes favored for solar development also provide suitable habitat for sensitive species such the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea). As burrowing owl populations continue to decline and edge closer to being listed as endangered in the state of California, reconciling energy development with species protection has become increasingly urgent. Leading to the focus of this paper of how can we optimize protections for burrowing owl populations while meeting and maintaining energy development goals within the state? Through geospatial analysis and review of existing regulations and mitigation plans, this paper offers actionable recommendations for land developers and resource managers. The Geospatial Analysis revealed that only 3% of the San Joaquin Valley can support new solar site development while avoiding prime suitable burrowing owl habitat. The identified gaps in the mitigation measures and permit planning offer insights for updating burrowing owl regulations and reinforce the importance of prioritizing habitat protections throughout the planning process.

Comments

Burrowing Owl Conservation, Energy Infrastructure Development in the San Joaquin Valley

Recommended Citation

McGinn, Madison Lenzi, "Balancing Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) Protections while Maintaining Renewable Energy Development within the San Joaquin Valley" (2025). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1882.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1882