Caltrans Director Must Defend Steelhead Trout Habitat Loss Suit

The California Department of Transportation, but not its director, shook off allegations that a road project impacted the endangered Southern California steelhead trout and damaged their Gaviota Creek habitat.

Caltrans is immune from suit under the Eleventh Amendment, but Coastal Ranches Conservancy may pursue claims against Director Tony Tavares, in his official capacity, for allegedly violating the Endangered Species Act by taking endangered Steelhead trout without an incidental take permit authorization, the US District Court for the Central District of California said.

• The claims stem from Caltrans’ work on an emergency project to repair damage to US Highway 101 in ...