Michael Paccassi Email & Phone Number

West Sacramento, California, United States

Serves as technical expert for cannabis cultivation impacts, instream flow, water policy, and water code. Develops standards, provides guidance, and evaluates instream flow conditions related to cannabis cultivation. Coordinates and provides support to CDFW's Cannabis Program on topics related to cannabis cultivation impacts, instream flow, and aquatic habitat protections.

West Sacramento, California, United States

Coordinated CDFW's participation in fisheries habitat restoration projects in the Yolo Bypass (Yolo and Solano Counties, CA), including the Yolo Bypass Salmonid Habitat Restoration and Fish Passage Project (aka the "Big Notch" Project). Coordinated with CDFW staff at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (YBWA) to ensure consistency between restoration projects and YBWA objectives. Assisted with fish stranding, straying and rescue efforts, and in fish studies and monitoring in the Yolo Bypass.

West Sacramento, California, United States

Conducted fyke trapping to monitor Central Valley steelhead populations in the lower Sacramento River (Sacramento County, CA).

Santa Barbara, California

Field Data Collection:Led numerous field data collection surveys in the Los Padres and Angeles National Forests for the United States Forest Service. Data collection included stream habitat surveys (SCI protocols), aquatic biological assessment surveys (SWAMP protocols), and road condition inventories (GRAIP protocols). Developed sampling plans, led field crews, performed field reconnaissance, maintained survey equipment, conducted data QA/QC, analysis, and visualization, authored reports, and presented findings to clients.Environmental Planning:Led multiple environmental planning including climate change vulnerability assessments for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, a climate change adaptation plan for the Chumash, and various NEPA documents for the Boy Scouts of America.

Santa Barbara, California Area

Authored a report outlining voluntary conservation actions under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) within the utility sector.

Rancho Cordova, Ca

North Central Region:Conducted carcass surveys in the lower American River (Sacramento County, CA) to monitor adult fall-run Chinook salmon escapement. Conducted rotary screw trapping in the Sacramento River at Knights Landing (Yolo County, CA) to monitor juvenile Chinook salmon emigration. Conducted fyke trapping in the Yolo Bypass at Wallace Weir (Yolo County, CA) to monitor adult Chinook salmon and sturgeon straying into the Colusa Basin Drain. Heritage & Wild Trout Program:Conducted backpack electrofishing surveys in streams throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains (CA) to monitor wild trout populations. Participated in a multi-year restoration effort in Silver King Creek (Alpine County, CA) to eradicate non-native fishes and restore native Paiute cutthroat trout populations.Aquatic Bioassessment Laboratory:Conducted aquatic biological assessment surveys in waterbodies throughout California utilizing Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) protocols.

Fairfax, Ca

Monitored coho salmon and steelhead populations in Lagunitas Creek (Marin County, CA). Monitoring included spawner surveys, redd surveys, fyke trapping, rotary screw trapping, snorkel surveys, backpack electrofishing, and large woody debris (LWD) monitoring.

San Rafael, Ca

Led a summer environmental education program for middle- and high-school aged youth.

Santa Cruz, Ca

Conducted conservation fieldwork for various local, state, and federal partners throughout California. Fieldwork included trail construction and maintenance, dry stone masonry, retaining wall and rock step construction, invasive plant management, native plant revegetation, fire mitigation, and habitat restoration.

Master Of Environmental Science And Management

Bachelor'S Degree, Environmental Science