The Lagarto (Lizard) Reserve is a permittee-responsible mitigation property located in the Panoche Valley, south of the Panoche Hills South Wilderness Study Area, along the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley. This 600-acre site provides off-site compensatory mitigation for projects that impact sensitive biological resources. The reserve supports suitable habitat for multiple protected species, including the giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens), blunt-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia sila), western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea), San Joaquin antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus nelsoni), San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica), and desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii), making it an important mitigation resource for projects across the San Joaquin Valley.

Dominated by annual grasses, forbs, and scattered native shrubs rooted in the Kettleman soil series, the Lagarto Reserve reflects the ecological character of California’s interior grasslands. The landscape provides the structure and plant diversity necessary to sustain prey populations and open foraging habitat for sensitive upland species. Its resilient vegetative community and soil profile make the site well-suited for long-term habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement that offset project-related impacts within the region.

The reserve provides reliable mitigation options for infrastructure, development, and utility projects that seek compliance with federal and state environmental regulations. Available solutions include turnkey, permittee-responsible mitigation, and full delivery models, all tailored to meet project-specific needs.

Looking for mitigation solutions?
Lagarto (Lizard) Reserve is available for developers and agencies needing mitigation solutions for their projects. Contact us to discuss how the Lagarto (Lizard) Reserve can help meet your mitigation needs.  

Download the site map and KMZ files here.