Ryan W. Thomason

Ryan Thomason is an experienced attorney specializing in environmental law, natural resources development, and land use entitlements. He offers comprehensive guidance to clients in various aspects of project development, including securing conditional use permits, amending general plans, changes in zoning, subdivision maps, and specific plans. Ryan is well-versed in development agreements, rights of way/easements, reclamation plans, vested right determinations, and conflicts with jurisdictional waters and endangered species.

Ryan possesses specialized expertise in entitling and developing properties as mitigation and conservation banks, and for mining, oil and gas extraction, renewable energy, residential, commercial and industrial projects. His unique knowledge extends to advising clients on mitigation requirements, unpatented mining claims, permitting projects on federally-owned land, mineral rights, and conducting in-depth title examinations and preparing title opinions.

With a focus on California, Ryan assists clients throughout the entire project lifecycle, from initial due diligence and property acquisition to project permitting and environmental review processes. He also provides support in litigation and enforcement actions when needed.

Clients frequently turn to Ryan for guidance on compliance with a wide range of laws and regulations, including local land use and zoning ordinances, the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, California and Federal Endangered Species Acts, the Porter-Cologne Act, the Clean Water Act, the Williamson Act, the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act, the Mining Law of 1872, and the Federal Land Management and Policy Act. He has a proven track record of successfully obtaining permits and approvals from cities, counties, and various governmental agencies, including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service. Ryan Thomason is a trusted and recognized advisor in navigating complex legal landscapes for development projects and environmental compliance.

Ryan received his undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento, and his law degree, with distinction, from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.