The Sustainability Planning Division at the County of San Diego (County) helps communities thrive while protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We're part of Planning & Development Services and focus on everything from climate action and clean transportation to land and water conservation.

Our division is made up of three teams: Sustainability, Conservation, and Sustainable Groundwater Management. We work with community members, local agencies, businesses, and environmental groups to develop plans that prioritize equity and long-term sustainability. Projects include the 2024 Climate Action Plan (CAP), Multiple Species Conservation Program, Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and more. Last month, we introduced the Sustainability Team—now learn more about our Conservation and Sustainable Groundwater Management Teams.

Meet the Conservation Team!

Our dynamic conservation team runs important conservation projects across the region. Some of these projects include preserving habitats, species, and agriculture, developing private land monitoring plans, and creating guidelines and policies for conservation lands, and promoting the use of native plants in landscaping projects. Read more about each of us below!

Chelsea Oakes is a Group Program Manager who oversees the development and implementation of the County’s regional conservation, agriculture, and urban forestry programs. She began her career with the County as a student worker in 2013 while earning her Master’s Degree in Public Health with a concentration in Environmental Health. Throughout her time at PDS, Chelsea has held roles in six of the eight divisions and has collaborated on a variety of discretionary, long range, and sustainability projects. Additionally, she gained valuable experience in public projects while working at the County’s Department of Parks and Recreation, overseeing California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance. In her free time, Chelsea enjoys traveling, paddling with a local outrigger canoe club, and going on adventures with her husband and sons.

Stephanie Neal is a Project Manager who is leading the preparation of the North County Plan. Stephanie also enjoys learning about the strong ties that our local farmers have to their land, as well as working collaboratively to preserve those unique agricultural resources in San Diego. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences and a concentration in Ecology from the California State University of San Marcos, she applies her understanding of ecological systems to planning principles and land management to ensure the region’s natural resources are protected for future generations. During her seven years at the County, Stephanie has worked on a variety of projects including conservation programs to preserve farmland and habitat within the San Diego region. She also studied abroad in Cuiabá, Brazil where she performed field studies in the Pantanal, the world's largest tropical wetland area and largest flooded grasslands.

Tanya Heckendorn is a Senior Land Use Environmental Planner who manages the Resource Management Program and manages the Butterflies Habitat Conservation Plan, ensuring San Diego’s biological habitats and resources are preserved. Tanya started with the County in 2019 after getting her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Systems. She also enjoys scuba diving and surfing in her free time. Surf’s always up in sunny San Diego!

Magen Shaw is the County Urban Forestry Coordinator and oversees the Equity Driven Tree Planting Program and Native Landscape Program. Magen has been a certified arborist since 2015 and obtained the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification in 2017. Magen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis on Natural Resource Management and Environmental Restoration. Magen has helped shape regional urban forests through various means, including sitting on the board of the California Urban Forests Council, chairing the San Diego Regional Urban Forests Council, and helping to develop the Tree Care for Birds and Wildlife Program—which established best management practices for tree work in areas that have high-value. In her free time, Magen enjoys gardening, baking, spending time outdoors, traveling, going to concerts, and dancing.

Michael Blackmun is an Associate Land Use/Environmental Planner who manages the Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) Program which promotes the long-term preservation of agriculture in the county. Michael is also working on the SALC 2.0 project which is a state planning grant that is collecting economic data to help make agriculture more economically viable in the region. Additionally, he assists Stephanie Neal with the preparation of the North County Plan. Prior to joining the County, Michael earned a master’s degree in Urban Planning & Policy at the University of Illinois Chicago. When he’s not wearing his planner hat, Michael requires being outdoors, surfing, fishing, or looking after his chickens.

Amanda Appel is an Assistant Land Use/Environmental Planner who assists on the Resource Management Plan Program which consists of private preserves across the region with active management and monitoring to benefit sensitive species and habitat. Outside of work, she enjoys going on walks to catch up with friends, cooking, or watching women’s sports—both live and on TV.

Meet the Sustainable Groundwater Management Team!

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Team works to protect San Diego County’s vital groundwater resources—especially for communities in the eastern two-thirds of the county that rely entirely on well water. We monitor groundwater conditions through a network of 400+ wells, implements the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and reviews proposed projects to ensure long-term water availability. Learn more about us below!

Jim Bennett is a Water Resources Manager who leads regional groundwater management efforts for the County, balancing technical expertise with a people-focused approach to resource management. He works collaboratively with communities and agencies to develop fair, science-based solutions that protect vital water resources. Outside of work, Jim finds renewal in nature, enjoys hiking, fishing, and surfing—often alongside his sons—and writes reflective music.

Ethan Steiner is a student worker who assists in county-wide groundwater data collection to promote groundwater sustainability. He maintains the geological databases used to aid in resource management by working with other agencies to compile and centralize our regional data, ensuring we have all the necessary information to guide us in preserving our natural resources. Aside from this, Ethan is an avid wedding photographer and does woodworking on the side.