About Us

Chris Beale works on complex natural resources management issues, including the integration of natural resources management and economic development. He advises cities, counties, and other public agencies and private landowners on state and federal natural resource protection laws, conservation planning, open space preservation, and the development of environmental mitigation strategies and programs. Chris worked closely with the State of California in its collaboration with federal agencies, local governments, and stakeholders on the development of the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan. Chris’ current priorities include:

• Advising on the implementation of the ambitious habitat conservation plan and natural community conservation plan for western Placer County.

• Advising the Mendocino Redwood Company and Humboldt Redwood Company on their sustainable, long-term, regulatory compliance strategies.

• Providing legal counsel to joint powers agencies formed to implement the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan, and the Placer County Conservation Program.

• Providing technical and legal advice and support in developing and drafting legislative proposals.

Before joining Resources Law Group, Chris was legal counsel to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he helped develop numerous habitat conservation plans and natural community conservation plans.

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Michael Mantell founded Resources Law Group to help design and administer initiatives that enable philanthropic foundations, individuals, landowners, and government agencies to achieve significant, lasting conservation results. He also helped create the strategically aligned but independent Resources Legacy Fund , Fund for a Better Future, and Shared Ascent Fund.

Since the late 1990s, Michael has designed and participated in programs that broadened the leadership and constituency for natural resources protection and achieved extensive conservation outcomes for land, water, ocean resources, and renewable energy. Michael helped lead the 2010 campaign that prevented a rollback of California’s landmark climate change legislation. In the past decade, he has chaired two statewide campaigns that resulted in $7 billion of voter-approved conservation investments. Michael currently advises clients regarding philanthropic giving to achieve significant, lasting outcomes using strategies that are both cost-effective and legally compliant.

Michael previously served as undersecretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, overseeing its $2.8 billion budget; general counsel for the World Wildlife Fund; and a deputy city attorney in Los Angeles. Michael is a published author and recipient of several national conservation awards. He is a director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and serves on the Governing Council of The Wilderness Society.

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