Founded in 1995, Live Oak Associates, Inc., is a California-based biological and ecological consulting firm with offices in Oakhurst and San Jose. Company founder David Hartesveldt, a renowned botanist and wetland ecologist, manages our Oakhurst office. In July 2000, wildlife ecologist and cougar expert Dr. Rick Hopkins joined the firm as principal and part owner. Dr. Hopkins heads up the firm's San Jose office.

Our clients in the public sector include:

• Local, state, and federal government agencies;
• Public works and planning departments;
• Air and water quality management districts;
• Transportation agencies; and
• School districts and educational institutions.

LOA's clientele in the private sector include:

• Environmental planning, landscape architecture, and civil engineering firms;
• Land developers;
• Private landowners; and
• Non-profit organizations.

In all, we have completed more than 1,300 projects, providing information that is thorough, objective, and scientifically accurate to enable our clients to make informed decisions regarding natural resources management. Our scientists are thoroughly familiar with permitting processes required by all city, county, state and federal jurisdictions in California and neighboring states. We help our clients in both the public and private sectors comply with local, state, and federal regulations to protect our scarce and sensitive biotic resources.