We are pleased to share that the business of Bargas Environmental Consulting has been acquired by HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) through an asset purchase that will be effective September 15, 2025. While the Bargas name will sunset, our people and expertise remain, now strengthened through HELIX’s expanded resources, services, and staff.
What This Means for Our Clients
After careful consideration of the future of Bargas, our staff, and the clients we serve, we approached HELIX about an opportunity for them to purchase our contracts and, most importantly, to offer employment to our staff. They share our values and commitment to quality, and we felt they were the right partner to help carry forward the work we’ve built together. This transition is about ensuring stability for our clients and creating new opportunities for staff. Most of the Bargas team is transitioning to HELIX, ensuring your current projects remain in trusted hands.
Your Project Manager and support team remain available to you, now with the added depth and expertise of HELIX’s 280+ environmental professionals, 8 offices across California, and a 34-year history of providing high quality service and trusted expertise for public and private clients.
Established in 1991 and with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, Placer counties, and the Bay Area, HELIX provides a broad range of environmental consulting, habitat restoration, and design services throughout California and the western United States. HELIX has extensive experience helping public and private clients comply with environmental laws and regulations, manage natural and cultural resources, and design and construct sustainable projects. HELIX’s in-house services include CEQA/NEPA compliance, biological studies, cultural resource studies, architectural history, habitat restoration, landscape architecture, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance and mitigation monitoring, and air quality/greenhouse gas and noise studies. Effective September 15, 2025, HELIX will begin offering paleontological services. For more information, visit www.helixepi.com.
For Current Clients
As outlined in our personal letter to you, your projects will continue without interruption, and complete details are provided for you in those communications. If you have questions, please contact:
Angela DePaoli, Bargas President/Founder at adepaoli@bargasconsulting.com
Shelby Howard, HELIX CEO at shelbyh@helixepi.com
For New Clients
If you’re discovering us for the first time, we invite you to connect directly with HELIX Environmental Planning to learn how our combined expertise can support your environmental consulting and design needs. HELIX looks forward to working with you!
2215 21st Street
Sacramento, CA 95818
(916) 993-9218
Sacramento Valley | Inland Empire
Greater Los Angeles | San Diego |San Francisco Bay
Paleontology: Arizona | Colorado | New Mexico | Montana | Nevada | Oregon | Utah | Washington | Wyoming
Thomas brings nearly 20 years of environmental consulting experience, specializing in managing and assisting private and public clients, and leading diverse projects across California, particularly southern California. He oversees and provides technical support on projects requiring CEQA and NEPA compliance, including biological resources studies, focused surveys for special-status species, project avoidance/minimization techniques, and mitigation planning. He is proficient in preparing various types of biological reports (e.g., Caltrans, City and County standards, NCCP/HCP consistency analyses, etc.) and leads permitting efforts with State and Federal agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Coastal Commission, and California Department of Fish & Wildlife for activities regulated by the Rivers & Harbors Act, Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act (ESA), and California (ESA). His extensive experience includes developing and directing large project teams, managing complex contracts, and representing projects at public hearings. His expertise covers the full project lifecycle, from site due diligence and pre-project design planning to project avoidance/minimization measures, mitigation implementation, environmental compliance management, and habitat restoration planning and monitoring. He excels and is passionate about building client relationships, generating solutions for complex project problems, achieving project goals, and satisfying clients.
Brian is an extensively experienced environmental consultant and biologist with over 30 years of professional experience in natural resources assessment and regulatory analysis throughout California and the western United States. As a principal for much of his career, he has a diverse background in all aspects of company management, including staff development, oversight, and management of multiple service divisions and regional offices as well as operations management. Brian is an expert with the provisions of Sections 10, 401, and 404 of the federal Clean Water Act, the California Department of Fish and Game Code, the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the state and federal Endangered Species Acts. He is extensively experienced with numerous local ordinances and policies protecting natural resources in California and with survey protocols established by state and federal resource agencies.
Brian holds a B.S. in Ecology and Systematic Biology from the California Polytechnic State University of San Luis Obispo.
Lily Arias has over 13 years of experience in cultural resources management with a focus on historic resources. She has supported numerous projects in the transportation sector in compliance with the Cultural Resources requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), including providing Native American consultation assistance under Assembly Bill (AB) 52. Lily has expertise in archaeological research, including literature reviews, archival research, and California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records searches; archaeological field investigations, including surveys, test excavations, and monitoring; resource evaluations for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR); and preparation of technical reports and environmental document sections in compliance with CEQA, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and agency requirements.
Lily Arias holds an M.A. in Cultural Resources Management from Sonoma State University.
Dr. Joseph El Adli has over 16 years of geological and paleontological fieldwork, laboratory, research, and mitigation experience, including geologic mapping; paleontological surveys; preparation of paleontological evaluation and impact reports, monitoring and treatment plans, and monitoring reports; fossil salvage, preparation, and museum curation; collections management; CT and microCT analyses; and 3D modeling of paleontological specimens. He has extensive experience working with local, state, and federal agencies throughout the United States, including California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.
His contributions to the paleontological scientific community cover a wide range of topics such as taxonomy, osteology, functional morphology, and life history analyses, with a focus often on cetaceans and proboscideans. Due to his scientific contributions to biology and paleontology, Dr. El Adli is currently appointed as a Research Associate at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Furthermore, previous appointments at the San Diego Natural History Museum – Department of Paleontology, Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan, and several California paleontological consulting firms have provided Dr. El Adli with a deep understanding of best practices for the treatment and mitigation of paleontological resources from initial documentation and evaluation to final museum curation. He joined Bargas in 2022 with a mission to provide our clients with efficient and effective mitigation strategies that meet the highest scientific standards for paleontology.
Dr. El Adli holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences, and a B.S. in Geological Sciences.
Courtney is a qualified Principal Paleontologist with over 18 years of paleontological experience across the western United States, including more than ten years of experience managing paleontological projects in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and local regulations across multiple sectors, regulatory agencies, and states. She has extensive experience with project management, paleontological surveys and monitoring, fossil salvage, research, laboratory tasks, report preparation, data management, and third-party reviews. In addition to mitigation, Courtney has conducted research focused on plesiosaur body shape and hydrodynamic properties, the evolution of herbivory in reptiles, and bone microstructure and growth rates; prepared scientific publications and conference presentations; participated in museum field expeditions; and assisted with the management of vertebrate paleontology collections.
Courtney joined Bargas in 2022 to seamlessly guide our clients’ paleontological tasks from the planning stage through construction completion. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of paleontological regulations, scientific standards, and approaches to mitigation with agencies, clients, and the next generation of paleontologists to ensure the protection and preservation of fossils within the appropriate regulatory framework.
Courtney holds an M.S. in Biological Science (paleontology focus) and a B.S. in Earth and Space Science.
Andrew has worked in the environmental consulting industry for over 17 years and maintains an extensive knowledge base and skillset across all business facets, including corporate strategy, executive leadership, human resources, information technology, accounting, management, business law, business development, capture planning, operations, project management, and finance.
With a track record of leading change, developing new markets, facilitating internal change, and providing mentorship, Andrew has spent his career working at small, woman-owned businesses revamping systems to streamline, improve, and achieve efficiencies throughout the various companies. Andrew has held the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operations Officer positions while serving on the Board of Directors. His record includes completely overhauling departments to meet the needs of prime contractors, agencies, and board members while developing personal and transformative relationships with employees across departments and states. Andrew is highly experienced in making executive decisions that enhance a firm’s presence and market share across the AEC industry.
Andrew maintains a thorough understanding of cost principles of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 48, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Chapter 1, Part 31 (48 CFR Part 31), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), General Service Administration policies and procedures (GSA Schedule), federal government invoicing platforms (WAWF, IPP), time and materials, firm fixed price (FFP), and cost-plus contracting.
Andrew holds an MBA in Business Administration and a BA in Business Administration with an emphasis in Corporate Finance.
Kevin has more than 20 years of experience in the field of environmental consulting services (biological, remediation, hazardous waste, regulatory compliance) supporting governmental and private clients throughout California. He has conducted protocol-level surveys for Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp and Tadpole Shrimp, California Red-legged Frogs, Giant Gartersnake, Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle, California Tiger Salamander, Burrowing Owl, Swainson’s Hawk, Desert Tortoise, Giant Kangaroo Rat, and other special status species. He is familiar with vernal pool botanical species and routinely assists clients in the identification of rare plants at construction sites and provides avoidance measures, preconstruction training, and monitoring. Additionally, Kevin has experience preparing reports and permitting packages for NEPA/CEQA compliance and managing both large-scale and small-scale contracts.
Kevin has spent his career working with small-disadvantaged businesses and understands small business contracting in relation to helping larger firms meet small business goals as well as federal pursuits set aside specifically for small businesses. As Director of Federal Services, Kevin has the goal of building the federal contracting portfolio at Bargas.
With the industry comprised of various disciplines that regularly overlap, Kevin prides himself on being able to share project ideas and needs with engineers, geologists, architects, construction operators, biologists, and additional disciplines for a shared common goal to meet project needs.
Kevin holds a B.S. in Earth Systems Science and Policy.
With nearly 30 years of experience in cultural resources management in California, Evelyn joined Bargas in 2021 with a mission to balance the preservation of the past while providing solutions for a developing California.
With expertise in compliance with the cultural resources requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Evelyn assists federal, state, and local agencies and private developers with a full range of cultural resources services. She routinely manages cultural resource inventories, test excavations, and evaluations of archaeological sites and historic resources for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR). She is skilled in impact assessment and the development and implementation of mitigation measures, including data recovery and construction monitoring.
While her area of specialization is the archaeological resources of the inland areas of southern and central California, Evelyn is proficient in identifying and evaluating archaeological resources and historic-age elements of the built environment throughout the State. She is qualified as a Principal Investigator under the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) standards for Professionally Qualified Staff for Archaeology.
Evelyn holds a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Archaeology and Heritage.
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Harlan is an expert in the environmental consulting field, with 35 years of experience. He brings a broad range of technical and management skills to help clients navigate the complex legal and regulatory requirements that govern major public and private projects. He believes that project proponents should be fully informed about how those rules and regulations affect their projects and what the range of options are to address those requirements.
During his career Harlan has managed a wide range of major projects including water resource, energy, and transportation infrastructure facilities. He is an expert in navigating the CEQA/NEPA and permitting processes for those projects and has helped clients successfully achieve their goals for infrastructure improvements.
Harlan values the personal and professional growth of the employees he works with and strives to provide opportunities for continued development in their careers.
Harlan holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies.
James blends his knowledge of Earth Sciences with his expertise in strategic planning, marketing outreach, market analysis, and business growth and development, gained from his nearly three decades of experience. James joined Bargas in 2016.
James believes in assisting clients with sustainable solutions to address their needs. He is a seasoned, experienced senior program manager and takes a hands-on approach to complex projects.
Mentoring staff regarding “all things regulatory” is one of his strengths, with a special focus on teaching habitat impact avoidance and minimization. James’ extensive experience in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) enables Bargas to help the energy, water resources and communication industries meet regulatory requirements.
James has been deeply involved with a vast array of power and energy projects, including relicensing of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), hydropower dam biological surveys, and determining wind and solar power locations on public and private property throughout California. His guidance helps Bargas provide technical services to these industries in compliance with California Public Utilities Commission objectives.
James holds a B.S. Physical Geography/Geology.
Johanna brings nearly two decades of experience to Bargas performing biological assessments and managing environmental projects throughout California. Johanna has comprehensive scientific knowledge of California ecosystems and associated protected biological resources. Her mission is to have an impact on positive environmental sustainability by blending her passion for environmental stewardship with the realities and needs for clients to be able to complete projects in a timely and responsible manner.
Johanna brings proficiencies in supervising small- and large-scale biological studies, coordinating with local, state, and federal resource agencies, and ensuring projects maintain compliance with biological resource laws, regulations, and permits, as applicable. Additionally, she is adept at planning and executing habitat assessments and surveys and is experienced in the design and implementation of environmental training programs for construction projects of all sizes. She has managed a wide variety of projects and conducted biological surveys for various plant and wildlife species throughout California.
Johanna holds a B.S. in Biology with an emphasis in Ecology and a minor in Geography.
Coral comes to Bargas with over 17 years of experience in providing geospatial solutions in all areas of environmental consulting. She has an extensive background in successfully managing the overall GIS for projects in natural resources, water resources, utilities, transportation, and renewable resources. Coral joined Bargas in 2020.
Coral has been the GIS Lead on many large scale projects for SCE, SoCal Gas, Caltrans, and various California Municipalities. Her expertise is providing effective GIS solutions with a high degree of technical complexity and coordinating with project managers, sub-consultants and clients to assure all mapping and analysis needs are met.
Having studied as a scientific illustrator before GIS, Coral is a natural at generating cartographic quality and aesthetically pleasing maps for any technical report that comes her way. She understands the need to create a great looking map but with accurately analyzed data results. Coral brings additional expertise in technical field support such as GPS and field form set-up. She is always looking for ways to provide cutting edge GIS and GPS solutions to clients while adhering to project budget and timelines.
Managing her family ranch has instilled in her that it takes a compassionate team with each person having an integral part and a ready willingness to roll up your sleeves and work hard while being resourceful with an openness to learning new things and is what keeps the ranch healthy, thriving, and successful. She applies these same principals with her work at Bargas which she believes also keeps a healthy, thriving, and successful business environment and Team.
Coral holds a B.A. in Geography and GIS Certification from CSULB.
David is at the helm of the new Bargas office in Southern California. His mission to bring people together to accomplish great things infuses his leadership style and guides his work through listening, understanding client needs, and taking sound and appropriate actions to address them. David joined Bargas in 2018.
With more than two decades of experience as a Wildlife Biologist, Ecologist and GIS Technician in conservation planning, transportation, energy, water resources and development for public and private sector projects, David understands the complex nature of work plan development, implementation, and budgetary requirements to successfully complete projects.
His diversity of experience is key for successfully guiding staff on projects large and small, in areas like environmental compliance, biological resource assessment, identification, and restoration. David brings his expertise in preparing biological reports and assessments into document compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Department of Fish and Game Codes, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and federal and state Endangered Species Act to serve clients. His extensive knowledge of the sensitive habitats, plants, and wildlife of the Southwest enables a balance between their habitats and the needs of development.
David holds a B.S. in Zoology.
Angela founded Bargas Environmental Consulting in 2012 to combine her passions for natural sciences and for development and growth in California. As its sole proprietor and leader, she brings her experience in managing complex projects for the gas and electric transmission energy sector, residential and commercial land development, as well as state and federal transportation projects to guide timely innovative solutions for Bargas clients.
An expert navigator of the permitting process, Angela helps project developers find balance between quality development and environmental concerns. She leads her teams to set clear timelines and deliver on-time analysis to consistently meet project deadlines. Her experience working in close coordination with public agencies, private clients, elected officials, construction contractors, sub-consultants, and project teams gives her a unique perspective and ability to deliver results.
Angela serves as President of the Sacramento Valley Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and is a member of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; a mentor for the Association of Women in Water, Energy and Environment; and received the Latina Excellence in Business Award in 2015 and the Women on the Way Award from NAWBO in 2016.
Inspired by her grandfather, the Bargas namesake, Angela is an active supporter of educational opportunities for girls and young scientists.
Angela has her B.S. in Soil and Water Science, M.S. in Soil Science, and P.M.P. Certification #1419198.
Marcus has extensive experience managing operations. Through the years, he has worked on efficient programs and processes for managing the collection, retention, and presentation of field data to help make science more approachable to non-scientists. Marcus manages field operations at our Pasadena office and joined Bargas in 2018.
Working as a senior-level consultant since 2005, Marcus has led studies, permitting, and documentation for large and small projects in residential and commercial development, electrical transmission, solar, gas, and wind industries, and has led large wildlife studies for government agencies and non-profit landholders.
Marcus has worked extensively preparing reports for permitting under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Department of Fish and Game Codes, Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), and Federal and State Endangered Species Act. Outside of California, he has worked on large projects in Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Originally from the Midwest, Marcus moved to California to enter the biological consulting field in 2003 after spending two years developing the Landbird Monitoring Programme in Belize, Central America. While his primary interest is in birds, he has broader interests in all vertebrate wildlife, habitats, ecological processes, and how all of these intersect with the built environment.
Marcus holds a B.S. in Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology.