Home

WHO WE ARE

ABOUT US

Synthesis Planning is an environmental consulting firm specializing in biological resources, planning, and permitting. Our mission is to deliver scientifically accurate, innovative, and practical solutions to our clients’ environmental challenges.

OUR VALUES

COLLABORATION

Together, we find the path through the maze.

EXCELLENCE

Our work is not done until it can stand up to the toughest questions.

INTEGRITY

Doing the right thing is integral to what we do.

Synthesis offers top-notch biological, planning and permitting services with a focus on project flexibility and creative problem solving as we help our clients understand and comply with increasingly complicated environmental regulations.

Biological

Our roots are in field biology, ecology and natural resource management. We are regularly in the field[…]

Our roots are in field biology, ecology and natural resource management. We are regularly in the field conducting aquatic and terrestrial habitat assessments, biological surveys and assessments, protocol-level special status species surveys, pre-construction clearance surveys, construction worker environmental education and training, and construction monitoring. We have experience in a wide-ranging variety of habitats and terrains and with the immense diversity of plant and animal species that call these environments home.

Planning

We specialize in guiding our clients through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental […]

We specialize in guiding our clients through the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Compliance processes. We prepare Environmental Impact Assessments and Reports (EIRs and EISs), Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), and Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (MMPs). GIS Analysis and professional map and database development are an integral part of the planning services we provide for each project. Our team works closely with lead agencies to move these documents through the public review process.

Permitting

Our team has extensive experience working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department […]

Our team has extensive experience working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the requirements of the Federal and California Endangered Species Acts (ESAs), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the California Native Plant Act, and the California Fish and Game Code.

We routinely work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (SF BCDC), California Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), on the requirements of the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), the Porter-Cologne Act, and the McAteer-Petris Act.

We have particular expertise in working with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Notices of Proposed Construction, as well as supporting compliance with varied, and ever-evolving, city and county environmental ordinances.

Since 2004, Synthesis has completed over 800 projects ranging from straightforward, short-term assessments and surveys to complex, multi-year, multi-stakeholder undertakings.

Oil and Gas Exploration

Synthesis has been involved in all aspects of project permitting, biological surveys, biological assessments and compliance monitoring for…

Synthesis has been involved in all aspects of project permitting, biological surveys, biological assessments and compliance monitoring for over 200 exploratory well drilling activities and 3D geophysical surveys. Some projects included sensitive species protocol-level biological surveys and prepared biological assessments. We prepared environmental permitting packages for submission to USACE, SWQCB, USFWS, CDFG, CPUC, DOGGR and counties throughout California and consulted with local, state, and federal agencies. Synthesis led the CEQA analysis and prepared sections for inclusion in environmental assessments, initial studies, and mitigated negative declarations. We were also tasked to conduct on-site environmental training and produce GIS maps and databases.

Power Transmission

In Placer and Lassen Counties, California, Synthesis has managed annual large-scale botanical surveys for sensitive and invasive species…

In Placer and Lassen Counties, California, Synthesis has managed annual large-scale botanical surveys for sensitive and invasive species along power transmission rights-of-way under Intensive Vegetation Management (IVM) protocols. Working in collaboration with professional foresters and the utility managers, as well as cutting and spraying crews, Synthesis coordinates fieldwork, collects and maps field data, and provides summary and detailed reports and maps to clients to meet their management needs.

Telecommunications

Synthesis has managed and prepared California Public Utilities Commission Notice of Construction permit packages for over 400 projects…

Synthesis has managed and prepared California Public Utilities Commission Notice of Construction permit packages for over 400 projects of lateral fiber-optic conduit and cable installation projects in thousands of locations. Synthesis conducts the biological analysis, and coordinates the archeological analysis, for each individual location. We identify projects in sensitive locations, recommend strategies for addressing concerns, consult with the CPUC on areas of concern, and manage more complex CEQA analysis for the project when it is required.

Other Development

Synthesis works closely with engineering firms, developers and contractors, both in the field and behind-the-scenes, to facilitate and…

Synthesis works closely with engineering firms, developers and contractors, both in the field and behind-the-scenes, to facilitate and support projects to their completion. Residential and commercial construction, and agricultural and cannabis development, are just a few of the many industries in which Synthesis has provided biological, permitting and planning services.

Levee Management

Synthesis is engaged in several projects each year on islands in the Bay Delta providing biological assessments, environmental…

Synthesis is engaged in several projects each year on islands in the Bay Delta providing biological assessments, environmental training, and environmental monitoring. These projects often require consultation and permitting under USACE, CDFW and USFWS and some involve sensitive species protocol-level biological surveys.

Cord Hute

Principal Planner and Biologist

Cord began his environmental education growing up on a dairy farm in Iowa. His grandfather always said "take care of the land and it will take care of you." As an environmental professional since 1996, Cord takes most pride in the the relationships he has built with clients, and the customized strategies he has found to streamline and shepherd projects to completion.

CONTACT CORD

Jennifer Hute

Principal Consultant

In the same Environmental Science and Biology degree program at the University of Dubuque in 1992, Jen and Cord began their partnership. At the time, they were both biologists for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources hunting season. In addition to conducting field surveys and monitoring, Jen has demonstrated consistent leadership in project management, data and report accuracy, and clear communication. She believes that these best practices ensure professionalism and quality in the work.

“
I have worked with Synthesis Planning on a multitude of projects to complete archeological and biological assessments for CPUC requirements. Cord is knowledgeable and dedicated to providing accurate and complete assessments and I feel confident that they will be done correctly and in a timely manner. Cord is easy to work with and always willing to take time to discuss my concerns and respond to questions.
”

Client Regulatory Specialist

“
Cord was the Environmental Lead on a 140 mile Fiber Optic Project from Manchester California to Dunnigan, most of the work was off-road and included daily environmental challenges. Cord was able to coordinate and direct the work to avoid sensitive areas to ensure compliance with numerous permits from State and Federal Agencies. The project spanned over 36 months and it was a pleasure to have Cord on the Project Team to protect the client and the environment. If I was lucky enough to do another long line project I would make sure Cord was on the Project Team!!
”

Paul Gallagher, ARB Construction Project Manager

“
We have worked closely with Synthesis Planning on a large variety of projects since 2009. The Synthesis staff effectively navigates complex regulatory requirements and environmental issues so that projects can be completed in compliance, on time, and within budget constraints. Cord and Jen are fantastic and responsive communicators and they have always made sure we have the tools we need to complete our work effectively.
”

David Brunzell, BCR Consulting Archeologist

“
We met Cord in 2017, on the recommendation of my neighbor, when I was interviewing consultants for my cannabis farms biological assessment. Synthesis did their best to make a complicated process understandable and prepared a report that was positively received.
”

Patrick Bransford, Commercial Cannabis Cultivator

“
Synthesis has a long history providing environmental reports and permitting support for various projects for our company. Most recently Cord provided support for a complex multi-location cellular network with numerous environmental, biological, and archeological concerns. He, and the consultants he recommended and managed, helped guide our project successfully through permitting and construction. He was always responsive and kept us informed of every step. Synthesis is truly a “one stop shopping source” for environmental planning and permitting services.
”

Client Small Cell Solutions Manager

“
Great work, quick response, easy to work with!
”

Cliff Kennedy, High Country Forestry

ABOUT US

SERVICES

EXPERIENCE

LEADERSHIP

TESTIMONIALS

How may we help you?