WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
Botanical Surveys: Botanical surveys are conducted pursuant to the California Department of Fish and Game protocol. Surveys are preceded by a site-specific review of the California Native Plant Society Electronic Inventory to identify potentially occurring sensitive species and to note blooming seasons. The California Natural Diversity Database is reviewed to identify known sensitive plant populations in the region. All surveys are conducted in-season, are systematic, and involve multiple site visits. Populations of sensitive species are registered with the California Natural Diversity Database. Project mitigation is recommended where necessary.
Wildlife Surveys: All wildlife surveys are conducted using federal or state protocols for the subject species and include Fish and Wildlife Service Section 7 consultation where necessary. Surveys are preceded by consultation with the California Natural Diversity Database, and include a list of potentially occurring species based on the California Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Habitat Relations (WHR) Database.
Previous work has included surveys for sensitive owl species, raptors such as bald eagle, Cooper's hawk, sharp-shinned hawk and osprey, and passerines such as horned lark, purple martin and loggerhead shrike. Bird surveys include winter nest survey and use of recorded calls for sensitive birds of prey throughout the north state. Northwest Biosurvey has also conducted surveys for sensitive bat species. Previously conducted herptile surveys include red-legged frogs, foothill yellow-legged frogs and northwestern pond turtle. All survey reports include recommendations for mitigation if sensitive species are identified.
Wetland Delineations: Wetland delineations are conducted as prescribed in the Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual, January 1987, and as amended in the 2008 Arid West Supplement. Northwest Biosurvey staff has extensive experience conducting wetland delineations and received training under Dr. Terry Huffman, who was instrumental in developing the Corps of Engineers wetland delineation procedure. Delineations include on-site verification with Corps of Engineers staff and recommendations for mitigation where necessary. We will also provide 404-permit assistance.
Impact Mitigation and Monitoring: Virtually all work conducted by Northwest Biosurvey involves the development of mitigation to offset potential project impacts. We have also been brought into projects following regulatory action in order to develop mutually agreeable measures for correcting violations. Our services include monitoring during, as well as following, project construction to assure that mitigation is properly implemented and to document its effectiveness.
Project Design: Northwest Biosurvey staff has worked in cooperation with project engineers in the development of a number of environmentally sensitive projects. These include the siting, design and planting of wetlands constructed for effluent treatment, serving on pipeline corridor survey teams, and developing designs for habitat reconstruction and revegetation of stream crossings and other sensitive habitats.
CEQA/NEPA Report Preparation: Northwest Biosurvey has provided the biology sections of environmental impact reports (EIRs) for projects reviewed at the local and state level, and environmental assessments (EAs) for federally regulated projects. We have the advantage of being able to both conduct the necessary field survey work and write the environmental review.