Experience and Qualifications for Lompoc OHV Park
City of Lompoc
TRA Environmental Sciences, Inc. 545 Middlefield Road, Suite 200 Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 327-0429 www.TRAenviro.com
November 18,2013 TRA Environmental Sciences, Inc., formerly known as Thomas Reid Associates, is a full-service environmental consulting firm, established in 1972, that specializes in environmental impact analysis and the preparation of documents required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
We are certified as a California Small Business, #44133, as defined by the Department of General Services, pursuant to Section 14837 of the Government Code and Section 1896, Title 2, of the California Code of Regulations. We are also a certified Women Owned Business by the California Public Utility Commission, VON 10AS0037. We offer a wide range of services, including:
Biology Noise • Field reconnaissance Field measurement of ambient noise levels • Aerial photo interpretation • Field measurement of source-generated noise Vegetation mapping levels • Endangered species surveys • Modeling new source impacts Wetland delineations • Modeling traffic noise levels Habitat conservation planning Modeling roadway barrier attenuation • Database mapping of special-status species Air Qyaiity and Greenhouse Gases • Population monitoring programs Emissions inventories and dispersion modeling • Habitat management plans Air quality/greenhouse gas/climate change Revegetation/habitat restoration/landscape impact assessments plans • Permit acquisition / renewal • Construction and revegetation monitoring • Federal conformity analysis Permit Assistance • GHG reporting / source test plan USFWS incidental take permits and Section 7 development consultations NEPA/CEQA Compliance • Clean Water Act Section 401 and 404 permits Environmental impact assessments • CDF W Section 1600 agreements Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRPs) Caltrans documents • Peer reviews • California Coastal Commission, Coastal Development Permit Public representation • Regulatory guidance and planning assistance
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services Our Areas of Expertise
CEQA and NEPA Documents* TRA was founded to prepare environmental documents during the early years of NEPA and CEQA and has remained in step with the evolution of the guidelines for environmental review of projects. We keep apprised of statutory and regulatory changes through journals, annual publications, conferences, the California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) website and other relevant websites, and maintain our expertise by handling a variety of projects.
Habitat Conservation Planning* TRA has authored or had major participation in dozens of habitat conservation plans for endangered species in California and elsewhere, as well as the Southern California Coastal Sage Scrub NCCP and the Placer Legacy conservation project, which are regional programs. Current TRA staff prepared and negotiated the first Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) completed under the Endangered Species Act, which was for San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County. The firm has also been assisting San Mateo County with the implementation of that conservation plan since its approval in the early 1980's.
TRA was also involved in the first Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP), which took the HCP concept to the higher level of protecting habitats, not just individual species. TRA maintains an expertise in preparing HCPs and NCCPs and in supporting clients throughout the process. We understand the purpose of and effort required to successfully prepare these plans. Most of the 15 HCPs or HCP/NCCPs we have prepared to date have obtained the sought-after Incidental Take Permit. TRA also supports smaller scale conservation planning, from property-specific to watershed-specific plans. It takes time for a regional plan to be conceived and completed, and sometimes a site or watershed- specific plan is a good approach.
Biological Assessment's/Surveys. TRA specializes in many types of biological studies and impact assessments. TRA prepares biological surveys to evaluate existing conditions and the presence of sensitive habitat or special status plant or animal species and applicable laws pertaining to the resources found. Biological impact assessments evaluate the effects of a proposed project on biological resources and are used to support CEQA/NEPA documents and permit applications. TRA also prepares Biological Assessments which present both survey and impact information in the specific format set forth by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). TRA maintains a strong working relationship with various staff at the USFWS and the NMFS. We facilitate Federal Endangered Species Act consultations with the federal government to obtain agency concurrence with project findings of No Effect or Not Likely to Adversely Affect endangered species. TRA also provides the technical support required for Endangered Species Act Section 7 or Section 10 consultations and California Fish and Game 2081 permits. Staff members are familiar with the research methods and databases that the resource agencies expect to see in biological site assessments, including the California Natural Diversity Database, the Wildlife Habitat Relationships Database, the Manual of California Vegetation, state and federal survey protocols, California Native Plant Society protocols, and the usual field guides and floras. We have expertise in assessing the potential occurrence of many sensitive species, including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, saltmarsh harvest mouse, many butterfly species, birds such as Western burrowing owl, least tern, snowy plover, and clapper rail, and mammals such as San Joaquin kit fox,
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Firm Description dusky-footed wood rat, and bats. When needed, TRA works with a network of subcontractors with special expertise in particular endangered species or local resources.
Waters and Wetland Permitting. TRA's wetland delineators maintain current training and can identify whether specific areas are covered under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California Coastal Commission and local regulatory agencies. TRA assists clients with obtaining permits from various regulatory agencies such as the 404 Nationwide or Individual Permits from the USACE, the Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFW, and the 401 Water Quality Certification from the RWQCB. We prepare the technical studies required for these permits as well as the permit applications. TRA also has experience preparing Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Applications (JARPA) for projects in the San Francisco bay area.
Ecological Restoration* TRA provides technical assistance with restoration projects, and has experience with serpentine grassland, riparian, and wetland habitats. Our staff expertise in biology provides the technical knowledge to advise restoration design, devise performance standards, and monitor the results. TRA has been involved with several restoration projects involving habitat for special-status plant and animal species, including those found in serpentine grassland, wetland and riparian habitats. TRA understands the complexities of developing a restoration plan in a regulatory framework, as well as the complexities of implementing the plan in the field. Noise and Air Quality Modeling. TRA has technical capabilities to conduct both noise and air quality modeling for use in environmental impact assessments and agency permitting. TRA has assessed air pollutant emissions from a variety of land use sources such as quarries and motorized vehicle recreation areas, and specific stationary sources. TRA has performed field measurements and modeling of new source impacts and traffic impacts.
Mitigation Monitoring. TRA prepares Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs (MMRP) required by CEQA for project findings relative to an EIR or MND. These plans specify mitigation measures, responsible parties, and expected work products in order to demonstrate that mitigation proposed during environmental review is actually implemented. TRA also has experience in monitoring mitigation activities, including operational compliance at quarries, restoration work at housing and public facility developments, and sensitive plant and animal species monitoring in various habitat settings.
Peer Review and Planning Assistance, TRA assists a number of private clients by providing peer review of environmental documents and technical reports. These reviews are conducted to assess adequacy in addressing environmental issues of concern in relation to CEQA/NEPA requirements and concurrence with report conclusions. TRA also provides planning assistance to state and local agencies such as providing guidance on implementation of habitat conservation plans affecting state park operations and development, local development permit applications, CEQA assistance, and formulation of project descriptions and assessments needed for project grant applications. TRA has provided instructional seminars for public agencies submitting grant applications to California Department of Parks and
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services Recreation, for funds pertaining to maintenance of off-highway vehicle recreation areas. TRA has also provided expert testimony on technical issues such as wastewater sludge disposal, utility lines in habitat conservation areas, and the effect of plastic pipe on potable water supply.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GiS Services TRA Highlighted Projects
For over ten years, TRA has been providing clients with environmental consulting services for projects specifically related to OHV recreation. The services provided have ranged from restoration of natural resources, Endangered Species Act consultations, wetland permitting, and CEQA compliance. The following projects illustrate TRAs experience with OHV projects.
Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area: Barton Ranch Property Acquisition Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Prairie City, Sacramento County, 2012
TRA prepared an IS/MND for a the proposed acquisition of a 68-acre property located next to Prairie City SVRA in Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County by the OHMVRD. The primary purpose of acquiring the property was to add it to Prairie City SVRA as buffer land and to use as much as 15 acres contiguous with the existing property boundary for water quality improvement facilities. In order to treat runoff from the existing SVRA, the OHMVR Division proposed installing sediment basin and/or a biofiltration swale (bioswale) or other stormwater control feature. The IS/MND recommended mitigation measures to avoid impacting sensitive species and habitats and recommended the OHMVR Division consult with regulatory agencies to be sure that any impacts to special-status species or regulated waters receive proper authorization. The project included consultation with Native Americans and included employing on-site monitoring during construction activities to assure cultural resources are not impacted during installation of the water quality improvement facilities. LeadAgetzcy: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
HoHister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area: Non-Motorized Buffer Trail Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Hollister, San Benito County, 2012
TRA assisted Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) in preparing an IS/MND to develop a bike and equestrian trail system in non- motorized areas of the 6,610-acre park. The trails were proposed to expand non-motorized recreation opportunities in the community. The proposed project included construction of 48" wide multi-use trails in buffer areas where off-highway vehicle (OHV) use is prohibited in order to minimize OHV noise on adjacent properties. The project included construction of two staging areas, a hike-in day use area, and fencing. Significant issues addressed in the IS/MND include proximity of the trail to known breeding habitat of the California tiger salamander and protection of Bird Creek during project construction activities. Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area: Pismo Beach Huckfest Special Event Initial Study/Negative Declaration Oceano, San Luis Obisbo County, 2012
TRA assisted Oceano Dunes SVRA in preparing an IS/ND for a single-day special event comprising an exhibition of up to 25 technically-certified pickup trucks driving up and jumping over the top of a sand dune. This type of vehicle activity emulates the spontaneous exhibitions that occur .__ commonly throughout the park. The proposed event site included a sand ramp and landing zone, a fenced off spectator area, a technical check area, and a space for vendors that support this type of recreation. With special event permit conditions in place restricting the scale of the event, its location, and establishing public safety protocols and with ongoing implementation of protection, monitoring, and management of special-status plant and wildlife species of concern present at Oceano Dunes SVRA, the Initial
ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ANALYSIS | PERMITTING | APPLIED GfS SERVICES Study concluded that the Huckfest event would not create significant environmental effects and a Negative Declaration was approved for the project.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Oceano Dunes District: Routine Riparian Maintenance Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Oceano, San Luis Obispo County, 2012
TRA assisted the Oceano Dunes District of California State Parks in preparing an IS/MND for riparian corridor maintenance work at Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes SVRA. The project involves the maintenance of drainage structures and creek channels by removing accumulated debris, sediment, and emergent vegetation and the management of vegetation growth and exotic species along Meadow Creek, Carpenter Creek, Oso Flaco Lake, and associated public trails. The project required a Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement from CDFG for work in the live stream channels, Section 404 permits from USACE and RWQCB for effects on jurisdictional wetlands, and Coastal Development Permits from local city and county agencies. Protective measures were incorporated into the project as mitigation to address potential impacts on California red-legged frog, California least tern, western pond turtle, tidewater goby, and several plant special-status plant species.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area: Endangered Species and Wetland Permitting Assistance Alameda and San Joaquin Counties, 2009-2012
TRA assisted the Twin Cities District of the CDPR OHMVR Division with preparation of an application for a USACE permit to upgrade and maintain the park's sediment basins. The OHMVR Division had obtained authorization for a one time clean out of the basins in 2005. The USACE permit would allow future sediment removal without having to obtain individual permit authorization. The work involved coordination with the USF WS due to the need to update the Biological Assessment and Section 7 consultation and also with CDFG for any changes needed to the Streambed Alteration Agreement. The project included the preparation of a preliminary wetland delineation of all waters and wetlands that exist at the SVRA and on the Alameda-Tesla properties.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area: Watershed Assessment, Maintenance and Mitigation Monitoring Plan Alameda and San Joaquin Counties, 2006 - 2012
TRA assisted California Department of Parks and Recreation, Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division with preparation of a MMRP and riparian restoration plan for the loss of 2 acres of jurisdictional wetlands (Waters of the United States) caused by ongoing maintenance work. In 2006, TRA prepared a preliminary wetland delineation of the park's sediment basins, which need periodic, if not annual, cleaning. The OHMVR Division had obtained authorization from the USACE for a one time clean out of the basins in 2005.
TRA updated the wetland delineation to include both the park's sediment basins and those within the newly acquired park parcels just west of the State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA). TRA also continued to assist the OHMVR Division to obtain a USACE Letter of Permission (LOP) for ongoing maintenance of the entire site and revised the MMRP. The MMRP and LOP allow future sediment removal within all areas of the SVRA without having to obtain individual permit authorization. The MMRP was completed in accordance with the USACE' detailed outline. Since the site supports imperiled animals, the work involved coordination with the USFWS due
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis j Permitting I Applied G!S Services to the need to update the biological assessment and federal ESA Section 7 consultation that had been completed and also with the CDFG for any changes needed to the CDFG Section 1600 Streambed Alteration Agreement.
TRA worked with the OHMVR Division and their geotechnical engineer to select a suitable site for riparian restoration to compensate for the loss of wetland habitat as a result of the sediment basin maintenance. TRA prepared the construction plans, specifications and estimate for this restoration site, as well as performance criteria to ensure success.
LeadAgency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Clay Pit State Vehicular Recreation Area: Wetland Delineation and Permit Assistance Oroville, Butte Connty, 2006 - 2012
The OHMVR Division proposed to upgrade the facilities at the Clay Pit SVRA to provide more varied recreational opportunities, provide shade ramadas and picnic tables, improve access roads and parking, and construct additional restroom facilities. Due to the presence of wetlands at the SVRA that support listed fairy shrimp, the OHMVR Division needed to comply with wetland and endangered species regulations. TRAassisted the OHMVR Division with completing a wetland delineation at Clay Pit SVRA, coordinating with both the US ACE and the USFWS to understand the regulatory process, and assisted OHMVR Division staff with design of the new facilities considering the site's biological constraints.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
State Vehicular Recreation Area General Plans and EIRs, Peer Review State of California, 2005 - 2012
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division of California State Parks operates eight State Vehicular Recreation Areas (SVRAs) throughout the State of California. These parks provide areas for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to recreate in a variety of terrain conditions. The OHMVR Division is required to manage SVRAs for long-term environmental sustainability and compliance with applicable environmental laws, guidelines, and regulations. TRA has conducted peer reviews of the administrative draft General Plan and EIR documents for future site development at Carnegie SVRA (2005, Alameda and San Joaquin Counties), Heber Dunes SVRA (2011, Imperial County), and Clay Pit SVRA (2012, Butte County), The reviews focused on accuracy of technical studies (noise, air quality, biological resources), adequacy of the EIR in complying with CEQA requirements (approach, mitigation, project alternatives, cumulative impacts, etc.), response to public comment received on the DEIR from public agencies and concerned citizens, and overall quality control issues such as consistent presentation of style and content. As part of the peer review process, TRA staff attended meetings with OHMVR Division staff and phone conferences with the document authors. TRA provided written comments and marked-up draft documents with comments and suggested text changes.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting ! Applied GIS Services TRA Highlighted Projects
El Mirage OHV Recreation Area Development Project, Technical Course Group Campsite Addendum to a 2007 Initial Study/Negative Declaration San Bernardino County, 2011
TRA prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) for the El Mirage Off-Highway Motor Vehicle (OHV) Recreation Area Development Project for the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR), Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division in April 2007. The IS/ND evaluated the potential environmental effects of the proposed El Mirage OHV Recreation Area Development Project. The project was proposed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Barstow Field Office, and was funded through the Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program (Grants Program) managed by the OHMVR Division. The OHMVR Division was the lead agency for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.
The development project addressed in the 2007 IS/ND involved upgrading the existing road infrastructure within the Twin Hills Area and develop 3 group campsites and 13 individual campsites in that area, improving Lake Road and five tributary roads to provide better access to and from the OHV riding area within the lake bed, construcing a cement apron at all vault toilets (total of 10) within the El Mirage OHV Recreation Area to ensure Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility, and constructing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety training and technical riding course.
The purpose of the Addendum was to evaluate one proposed change (an additional group campground) to the project that was analyzed in the El Mirage OHV Recreation Area Development Project IS/ND and to demonstrate that an Addendum was the appropriate document under CEQA to evaluate this change.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Trinity County Resource Conservation District, Westside Watershed Restoration Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Shasta County, 2011
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest (STNF), Hayfork Ranger District developed a series of water quality improvements in the Trinity River, South Fork Trinity River, and Cottonwood Creek watersheds on U.S. Forest Service (USFS) lands to reduce erosion related to roads. The project involved decommissioning approximately 48 miles of roads that currently pose risks to water quality and watershed resources and that are not necessary for public or administrative access. Although the project was developed by the STNF, implementation of many aspects of the project was proposed by the Trinity County Resource Conservation District (TCRCD). The STNF prepared a National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Westside Watershed Restoration Project in January 2011. TRA used the EA for much of the project description and environmental setting for the IS/MND. TRA augmented the EA information on issues not address under NEPA, but required under CEQA. These issues included: aesthetics, agricultural and forestry resources, air quality, biological resources (state special-status species), greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, land use/ panning, mineral resources, noise, and population/housing.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Eldorado National Forest Rock Creek Development Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Georgetown, El Dorado County, 2010 The Rock Creek area encompasses approximately 23,600 acres of public lands centered about five miles southeast of Georgetown, California in the Georgetown Ranger District of Eldorado National Forest. Trail monitoring on the Rock Creek Trail System revealed that certain trail segments were in poor condition and contribute to soil erosion, which adversely affects water quality of nearby streams. Vault toilets were needed to replace portable toilets the Eldorado National Forest which had been subject to vandalism. The Eldorado National Forest proposed trail reroutes, the reconstruction or installation of bridges, and the installation of prefabricated vault toilets within
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Highlighted Projects
several locations along the Rock Creek Trail System. The project involves 8.9 miles of trail construction and a total of 0.5 miles of trail reconstruction involving 11 trail segments. Trail construction involved clearing, excavation, tread hardening, and installation of retaining walls and switchbacks. The primary issues of concern addressed in the IS/MND included project effects on California red-legged frog, western pond turtle., and valley elderberry longhom beetle which are known to occur in the project area. Also of concern were potential maternity roosts for several bat species of concern as well as several special-status plant species.
LeadAgency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Over Snow Vehicle Program, Program Years 2010 - 2020 EIR State of California, 2008 - 2011
The California Department of Parks and Recreation OHMVR Division proposed a 10-year funding commitment of the Over Snow Vehicle (OSV) Program for the operation, maintenance, and grooming of winter recreation trails and trailheads in mountainous regions throughout California. The OSV Program comprises 26 trail systems in 11 national forests. The project locations extend from the Oregon border south towards Bakersfield and range in elevations from 4,100 to 9,900 feet. In total, the Project involves plowing 97 miles of access road, plowing and/or maintaining restroom service at 34 trailhead parking areas, and grooming 1,761 miles of winter trail. These project activities (snow removal, trail grooming, and facility maintenance) facilitate the primary purpose of winter recreation use of national forest trails for motorized (over snow vehicles) use and also support and benefit non-motorized users, such as cross-country siding and snowshoeing, by providing access for these activities. All of the groomed trail systems in the Project Area were established over a 10-year period from 1982 to 1992 with the exception of one which was added to the OSV Program in 1996. These activities have been occurring annually at each trail site since its inception. The OSV Program trails are used each year by an estimated 159,000 OSV riders bringing upwards of 200,000 visitors to the Project Area annually.
TRA assisted the OHMVR Division and CSU Sacramento with design and implementation of a winter trailhead visitor survey to establish trail use levels throughout the Project Area and OSV riding characteristics for use in the environmental analysis. TRA also assisted the OHMVR Division by conducting three public scoping sessions throughout California. The primary issues of concern evaluated in the EIR include OSV intrusion into protected wilderness areas, effects of trail grooming and snowmobile use on special-status plants and wildlife species occurring within the Project Area, compatibility issues between motorized and non-motorized recreation uses on and off the groomed trail system, adequacy of trailhead parking capacities, and air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions associated with project equipment and OSV use. The Final EIR was certified and the project was approved in December 2010. In January 2011, a Petition for Writ of Mandate was filed in Sacramento Superior Court requesting that the court invalidate the EIR and direct the OHMVR Division to set aside its approval of the OSV Program. The Petitioners5 legal challenge centered on four arguments: 1) the EIR improperly included past OSV operations in the environmental baseline used for analysis; 2) the project alternatives discussion failed to consider increased regulation of OSV use by the U.S. Forest Service as a means of reducing project impacts; 3) the conclusions of less-than-significant impacts on air quality, noise, greenhouse gas emissions, and non-motorized recreation users was not based on substantial evidence; and 4) mitigation measures lacked standards or were not enforceable without demonstrated available funding and were therefore ineffective. The expressed intent of the Petitioners was to press the OHMVR Division to use the EIR analysis and resulting conclusions to force the U.S. Forest Service to increase restrictions on OSV use in national forests, in particular to increase areas closed to OSV recreation. In February 2012, the court refuted all arguments against the EIR and denied the petition.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Highlighted Projects
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Hollister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area: ESA Permitting and HCP Assistance San Benito County, 2004 - 2009 TRA has been assisting Holiister Hills SVRA staff work through the endangered species issues that have arisen during day-to-day operations, special events, and as the park has worked to open the Hudner and Renz properties. Although CDPR obtained Section 7 take coverage for trail construction on the new properties, post-construction coverage could not be obtained through Section 7. USFWS concerns about take of California red-legged frog and California tiger salamander from operations in both the existing and expansion properties, including sediment basin maintenance and OHV use, led CDPR to pursue options for incidental take coverage. After reviewing options such as a low effect HCP, Safe Harbor Agreement, and Memorandum of Understanding, the USFWS representatives concluded an HCP aw the appropriate permitting vehicle. Covered species to be included were listed fairy shrimp, California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, least Bell's vireo, and San Joaquin kit fox. TRA's primary task was assisting the SVRA staff with HCP preparation through an administrative draft. TRA's work included reviewing text prepared by staff, and participating in ongoing discussions with USFWS and CDFG. TRA has also worked with CDPR as it pursued permitting strategies for urgent sediment basin maintenance, special event, and other immediate permitting needs.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area: Four-Wheel Drive Improvements Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Prairie City, Sacramento County, 2008
The Prairie City SVRA is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills, 20 miles east of downtown Sacramento near Rancho Cordova. The Twin Cities District proposed to make improvements on 6.8 acres of the 90-acre 4x4 area to provide for new experiences, opportunities, and amenities which broaden the relevance of the park to the 4x4 community. The 4x4 course improvements included anew advanced skills loop, new multi level trail segments, upgrading the existing obstacle and mud play areas, a hillside logjam obstacle course, grading existing 4x4 routes, and installation of recovery winching points. New amenities include development of four picnic areas with toilet facilities and irrigated landscaping, shade ramadas, fences, and signage. Trees would be planted for shade and as a visual buffer. Potential issues of concern were fugitive dust emissions during project construction and the possible presence of burrowing owl and nesting raptors. Mitigation measures included dust control measures and pre-construction surveys for species of concern. Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area: Watershed Assessment, Mitigation Monitoring Plan Alameda and San Joaquin Counties, 2006 - 2008 TRA assisted California's Department of Parks and Recreation, Off Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division with preparation of a Mitigation Monitoring Plan (MMP) and riparian restoration plan for the loss of 2 acres of jurisdictions! wetlands (Waters of the United States), caused by ongoing maintenance work. In 2006, TRA prepared a preliminary wetland delineation of the park's sediment basins, which need periodic, if not annual, cleaning. The MMP would allow future sediment removal within ail areas of the SVRA without having to obtain individual permit authorization. The MMP was completed in accordance with the USAGE' detailed outline. TRA worked with the OHMVR Division and its geotechnical engineer to select a suitable site for riparian
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied G!S Services restoration to compensate for the loss of wetland habitat as a result of the sediment basin maintenance. TRA prepared the construction Plans, Specifications and Estimate (P, S & E) for this restoration site, as well as performance criteria to ensure success. Upon completion of the MMP, the OHMVR Division decided to change the location of the restoration site and as a result the MMP was never finalized. Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Mammoth Bar Motocross Track Repair Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration and Environmental Assessment Placer County, 2007
TRA assisted the OHMVR Division and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBOR) with preparation of a combined IS/EA for the proposed repair and use of the motocross (MX) track at the Mammoth Bar OHV Area. Mammoth Bar OHV Area is part of the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA). Located about 30 miles northeast of Sacramento in the Sierra Nevada foothills, ASRA is under the jurisdiction of the USBOR. USBOR contracts with the Auburn Sector of the Gold Fields District of CDPR for operations and management of ASRA, including the Mammoth Bar OHV area. Mammoth Bar OHV Area has been used as a motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riding area for the past 30 years. The MX track had been closed when portions of it were damaged by winter storms on and prior to January 1,2006. The IS/EA addressed the repair of the storm-damaged sections of the MX track and restoring public access to the recreation area. The proposed remediation plan included no changes in land use, as the repaired track would be contained within the same footprint as the existing track. In 2008, the track and the service Toad adjacent to it were rebuilt by grading existing materials, and a drainage swale was incorporated into the project. Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
HoIIister Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area Mitigation Monitoring Hollister, San Benito County, 2006 Biological Monitoring for Trail and Campsite Construction Project (June 2006 to November 2006): TRA biologists monitored project activities to ensure minimization and avoidance measures contained within the USFWS Biological Opinion and CDFG Stream Alteration Agreement were followed by construction crews. Due to the presence of four listed species within the project area, TRA biologists submitted requests and were approved by USFWS to complete monitoring activities. The four listed species included the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, San Joaquin kit fox, and least Bell's vireo. Monitoring activities included walking along side heavy equipment during ground disturbing activities to look for wildlife and move out of project footprint, checking trail location prior to construction for burrows potentially used by listed species and moving trail alignment away from burrow locations, disassembling or moving downed logs out of trail alignment to protect and/or relocate wildlife.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Highlighted Projects
Hollisier Hills State Vehicular Recreation Area: GP Track Drainage Improvement Project Initial Study/Negative Declaration San Benito County, 2005
TRA prepared an IS/ND for drainage improvements at the HoIIister Hills SVRA Grand Prix Track. The proposed drainage improvements comprised a sediment basin, armored outfall drainage ditch, new culvert and 2 new drainage swales. The improvements were proposed to arrest an erosion problem occurring from uncontrolled runoff from the track, an unpaved parking area, and a service road. The State Park has Best Management Practices in place for storm runoff and air quality (dust emissions). TRA assessed all potential impacts included on the CEQA checklist and determined that there were no potentially significant environmental impacts which warranted mitigation.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area: Sedimentation Basin and Culvert Maintenance Wetland Delineation Tracy, Alameda and San Joaquin Counties, 2003-2004
The project site lies within Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area and contains sections of Corral Hollow Creek, an intermittent stream, which drains a portion of the Inner Coast Ranges east of Livermore into the San Joaquin River Basin of the Central Valley. TRA conducted a review of literature, maps, and aerial photos to determine existing conditions of the site and also prepared a focused delineation of sediment basins that required clean out. During its initial assessment TRA determined that there were twenty-one potentially jurisdiction^ waters on the project site: Corral Hollow Creek, fourteen unnamed seasonal drainages and six open water basins. The total area potentially under USAGE jurisdiction (under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act) within the delineation boundary was over 43 acres. TRA assisted the OHMVR Division with obtaining a Clean Water Act nationwide permit from the USAGE. Additionally, TRA worked with Salix Applied Earth Earthcare, Geosyntec, and OHMVR Division staff as part of an interdisciplinary team comprised of environmental professionals, historians, engineers, and maintenance staff to produce the Corral Hollow Watershed Assessment TRA's portion of the project consisted of the preparation of a Mitigation and Monitoring Reporting Plan (MMRP) to support a Letter of Permission from the US ACE.
Lead Agency/Client; California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting I Applied GiS Services Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area: Habitat Conservation Plan, EIS/EIR, and Technical Assistance San Luis Obispo County, 2001 - Present
In 2001, TRA was hired to help the OHMVR Division with formulating a strategy to resolve issues between the presence of endangered species and OHVs at the 3,600-acre Oceano Dunes SVRA. Strategies considered included formulating an avoidance plan, finding a federal nexus in order to pursue a Section 7 consultation, and preparing an HCP. Ultimately an HCP was chosen as the best vehicle once a Section 7 nexus could not be found. The HCP, which has been completed through the administrative draft stage, is part of a conservation effort initiated by CDPR to protect, conserve, and enhance the natural resources of the coastal San Luis Obispo State Park units. These park units encompass large sections of the central California coastline, extensive watersheds, and upland terrestrial environments. The mission of CDPR is to provide protection for California's natural resources, while providing recreational access to the parks. The HCP balances these two objectives by developing sound management strategies for the covered species, including the western snowy plover, California least tern, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, and six listed plant species. Services provided include project management, habitat conservation planning, environmental permitting, GIS analysis, and mapping. TRA is also preparing the EIS/EIR for the HCP and provides the SVRA with overall regulatory assistance, including Coastal Act and local government permit compliance, public outreach, and strategic planning. The project requires ongoing negotiation and consultation with the USFWS, CDFG, the California Coastal Commission, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The HCP may form the basis for amendment of the Oceano Dunes existing CDP.
TRA has also been advising the OHMVR Division and the Oceano Dunes District regarding the results of air quality monitoring in the air basin that includes the SVRA. The work includes review of the monitoring report, including the methodology used to obtain data on PM10, ongoing discussion with OHMVR Division and District staff, developing technical responses, and formulating a strategic response. It is anticipated that air quality will become a significant discussion point in the HCP EIS/EIR. Additionally, the resolution of the La Grande purchase (see below) is expected to be a significant component of the HCP and EIS.
Lead Agency/Client: California Department of Parks and Recreation, OHMVR Division
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Resumes
Ms. Hartman is a natural resources specialist and also a trained environmental lawyer, with over 20 years of experience as a resources planner, biologist, and attorney. Her skills apply broadly to natural resources planning, environmental impact documentation, permitting, and biological resource assessment. As President of TRA, she works closely with clients, TRA staff, local government, and agencies to ensure timely production of documents that thoroughly evaluate projects and provide workable mitigation strategies.
Ms. Hartman utilizes her multi-disciplinary education and experience to coordinate and complete complex projects. Her specialty is the biological aspect of regulatory compliance, which she applies to NEPA and CEQA documentation, endangered species consultations, habitat conservation plans, mitigation and monitoring plans, and resolving issues between clients and agencies. Her work has focused on preparing and managing ISs, EIRs, and HCPs as well as coastal development permitting and compliance and drafting and implementing regulations. She has also contributed extensively to natural environmental studies for Caltrans, preparation and review of NEPA documents, and consultation under section 106 of the Natural Historic Preservation Act.
Selected Projects
• Managing preparation of the Oceano Dunes District HCP and the associated EIS/EIR for California State Parks. Assists with extensive public outreach, permit compliance, and coordination with California Coastal Commission staff. • Program manager for regulatory assistance to California State Parks. Work includes preparing EIRs, ISs and other CEQA support, grant program environmental review, development of regulations, HCP development support, and permitting assistance. • Assisted with the Placer County Conservation Plan, an HCP/NCCP. The current planning phase covers almost 270,000 acres in western Placer County. • Assisted the Santa Clara Valley Water District with finalizing its Stream Maintenance Program. The project involved preparing an EIR and detailed Best Management Practices and formulating methodology to assess impacts from bank protection measures. • Worked on a programmatic EIR for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for expansion of the District's Boundary and Sphere of Influence into 140,000 acres of unincorporated western San Mateo County. The large, undeveloped nature of the area raised a range of resource issues and required extensive coastal community outreach. • Other projects have included EIRs for the Terman Middle School Reopening and Serramonte Condominiums and Hotel Projects, environmental documentation for a watershed planning study/flood control project and highway improvement projects in Santa Clara County, and a draft HCP for a 575-acre residential golf project in San Jose.
Educational Background
University of California, Davis, School of Law Juris Doctor Member, State Bar of California California State University, Humboldt Bachelor of Science, Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied G1S Services VICTORIA HARMS, Senior Project Manager II/Senior Analyst II Since joining the firm in 1981, Ms. Harris has managed over 100 CEQA EIRs and Initial Studies on diverse projects, including the construction of a recycled water project, stream improvement projects,, small and large residential developments, office parks, road expansions, road bridges, landfill expansions, quarry operations, and general plan amendments. For the above studies she has acted as client liaison with the Lead Agency and researched and prepared the impact analysis sections for Initial Study and EIR disciplines.
Ms. Harris also has expertise in preparing HCPs and NCCPs for state and federally listed threatened and endangered species. She has participated in the preparation of several HCPs and HCP/NCCPs. The HCPs have ranged from small-single species HCPs to large multi-species HCP/NCCPs covering several hundred acres and involving multiple political jurisdictions. In 20055 Ms. Harris was named Vice President Her primary duties for these projects include project management and administration, attending task force meetings, coordinating biological studies for the covered species, and drafting HCPs. For most of these HCPs, Ms. Harris also directed the completion of the "NEPA documentation required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the CEQA documentation required by land use agencies in California.
Selected Projects
» Managed preparation of an Environmental Assessment for a 12-mile fencing project in the California desert for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. • Assisting California State Parks with regulatory compliance at recreation areas throughout the state, most recently the Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA), Carnegie SVRA, and Clay Pit SVRA. Also managing the review of OHV grant applications for State Parks to determine compliance with regulatory requirements, including compliance with CEQA and the State's Wildlife and Habitat Protection and Management Plans. « Prepared an HCP feasibility study for San Benito County and an EA for the Pacifica Recycled Water project for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. • Contributed to the preparation of the San Bruno Mountain HCP, which was the first HCP adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982 and was the basis for the Incidental Take Permit provision (Section 10(a)(l)(B)) of the federal Endangered Species Act. • Prepared numerous HCPs including: Placer County HCP/NCCP (vernal pool species), San Luis Obispo State Parks (snowy plover, Morro shoulderband snail), Kern Water Bank (San Joaquin kit fox and other species), Natomas Basin and Metro Air Park (giant garter snake and Swainson's hawk), Metropolitan Bakersfield (San Joaquin kit fox and other species), Seascape Uplands and Tucker Pond (Santa Cruz long-toed salamander), San Benito County (San Joaquin kit fox and other species), and Quail Hollow Quarry (listed insects) © Conducted and overseen biotic surveys for four endangered butterflies in California: Mission blue, San Bruno elfin, callippe silverspot, and Smith's blue. • Managed preparation of CEQA documents for several transportation related projects in the Bay Area including bridge replacements, highway widenings, roadway extensions, and bike and pedestrian pathways.
Educational Back ground
University of California, Berkeley Bachelor of Science, Conservation of Natural Resources
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting I Applied GIS Services KATE WERNER, Senior Project Manager I/Senior Analyst I Ms. Werner is a Senior Project Manager with expertise in CEQA analysis, planning and land use issues. With 25 years experience at TRA, Ms. Wemer has managed CEQA documents on an array of land use projects including quarries, schools, residential and commercial developments, and recreational uses. The projects have been located throughout the greater Bay Area and Central Coast counties and have varied in size and complexity.
As a Senior Project Manager, Ms. Werner maintains day-to-day communications with clients, directs the work of project team members, reviews and incorporates technical documents from outside contractors, as well as prepares key sections of project documents. She assists clients with all aspects of the CEQA process including project scoping, notification requirements, public meetings, and project findings.
Selected Projects
• Senior Analyst for Eastern Kern County Acquisition Project EIR for California State Parks. Project involved acquisition and management of 28,000 acres in the Mojave Desert. Prepared land use and agricultural impact assessments, prepared or reviewed responses to extensive public comment, and provided overall quality control. • Senior Analyst for Routine Riparian Maintenance IS/MND for Oceano Dunes District of California State Parks. Project involved the removal of debris, sediment, and emergent vegetation from drainage structures and creek channels and the management of vegetation growth and exotic species along waterways and associated public trails at Pismo State Beach and Oceano Dunes SVRA.. • Senior Analyst for the OHMVR Division Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program. Assists with assuring grant applications comply with PRC sections 5090.35, 5090.50, and 5090.53, and CCR section 4970.06 since 2001. In 2012 Ms. Werner provided technical review of 22 Habitat Management Plans on mostly federal land submitted by public agencies and private organizations for compliance with Grants Program Regulations. Conducted review meetings with each HMP agency. • Provided peer technical review of State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) General Plan EIRs for California State Parks. New general plans were prepared for several SVRAs setting forth guidelines for park operations and future facility improvements. « Senior Project Manager of the Over Snow Vehicle Program EIR for California State Parks. Project involved issuance of state contracts throughout California for grooming 26 winter trail systems covering 1761 miles in 11 national forests, plowing 97 miles of access road, and plowing and/or maintaining 34 parking area trailheads. Principal author of two IS/NDs for one-year funding periods and EIR covering a 10-year program period. Conducted public scoping meetings, assisted with development and implementation of winter trailhead visitor survey, prepared Mitigation Monitoring Program and lead agency CEQA findings. Developed worksheets and instructions to be used by USFS staff in reporting results of field monitoring to California State Parks. The primary issues of concern related to snowmobile use in the project area included wilderness area intrusion, damage to sensitive biological resources, air quality emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, and conflicts between motorized and non-motorized uses. • Senior Project Manager of Caltrans Technical Studies for San Pedro Terrace Trail in City of Pacifica involving construction of a combination Class 1, II, and III multipurpose trail along San Pedro Creek using Federal Highway Administration funds. Assisted City with Caltrans meetings and site visit to determine scope of work products. Prepared a detailed project description. Preliminary Environment Study (PES) Form, a Biological Resources Evaluation Memorandum, cultural resources survey, and an Air Quality Technical Memorandum.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ANALYSIS j PERMITTING I APPLIED GtS SERVICES • Project Manager of Coyote Point Recreation Area Shoreline and Promenade Improvement Project 1S/ND for San Mateo County Parks Department. Project involved stabilization of 1900 feet of bay front shoreline half with rock revetment and have by reconfiguring the shoreline to create a scallop- shaped bay. Impact assessment addressed biological and water quality effects of excavating in tidal lands, shoreline and beach stability. • Project Manager of the State Route 1 Bridge Replacement IS/MND in City of Pacifica. Project was a component of the overall 100-year flood control project jointly planned by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and City of Pacifica to widen San Pedro Creek. Primary issues for bridge replacement were disturbance to sensitive species habitat (CA red-legged frog, steelhead trout), hazardous levels of aerial deposited lead in project soils, construction emissions, and storm water drainage. • Project Manager of San Juan Highway Bike Lane IS/MND and Caltrans Technical Studies for Council of San Benito County Governments. Project was a 3-mile long Class II bike lane along San Juan Highway near San Juan Bautista. Project constraints included an adjacent drainage channel with wetland vegetation providing potential refuge habitat to California red-legged frog, a 100-year flood zone, and the San Andreas Fault. Prepared or directed technical studies for Caltrans including a Natural Environment Study (NES), wetland delineation, Section 106 Cultural Resource Study, AD 1006 consultation with the Natural Resource Conservation Service for agricultural impacts, a Location Hydrology Study for floodplain impacts, and a Section 7 consultation with the USFWS. Prepared USACE, RWCQB, and CDFG permit applications. • Contributing Author of the Prairie City SVRA IS/MND for the improvement of the 90-aere four- wheel drive area. Primary issues addressed included storm drainage and sedimentation impacts into remnant channels of Coyote Creek and dust impacts.
Educational Background
University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science, Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis I Permitting I Applied GiS Services TRA Resumes
AUTUMN MEISEL, Senior Biologist I
Autumn Meisel is an ecologist specialized in habitat assessment and management with a focus on sensitive species conservation. She joined TRA as a staff biologist in 2005 and is competent in overall site and habitat assessment, biological monitoring. Endangered Species Act consultation, and landscape level planning and management. She has worked with numerous local, public municipalities, providing biological consultation services for improvement projects such as roads, pipelines, and bridges, park management plans, habitat restoration plans, and development projects.
Ms. Meisel has worked as project manager for a variety of clients on projects ranging from small, single- family home developments to capital improvement projects and the implementation of Habitat Conservation Plans. Ms. Meisel has a working relationship with the regulatory agencies and provides clients with guidance in regulatory compliance. She is skilled in her understanding of the regulations with respect to the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Fish and Game Code, Local Coastal Policy Programs, and CEQA significance. She excels in her ability to creatively find solutions to complex issues while ensuring that regulations are met and sensitive resources are protected. In the field, Ms. Meisel has experience in plant and wildlife identification, reconnaissance-level site surveys, wetland delineations, construction monitoring, mitigation monitoring, and vegetation and wildlife monitoring. Ms. Meisel has experience surveying for and providing management recommendations for rare plants, nesting birds, bats, and a variety of special-status species including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, listed butterflies, burrowing owl, western pond turtle, and San Francisco dusky-footed wood rat, among others. Ms. Meisel has a background in fire ecology and has worked with CalFire on vegetation management planning. Ms. Meisel also has expertise in habitat restoration at degraded sites and has overseen invasive weed control efforts, native out-planting, and plant establishment maintenance. She has lead volunteer groups in restoration work and provided education to others about ecology and resource management. Ms. Meisel has aided in prioritizing restoration needs when resources were limited and has designed experimental vegetation management methods to better understand how to best meet desired goals so that resources may be put to the greatest use.
Selected Projects
• Oversees the San Bruno Mountain HCP, and annual monitoring and reporting on covered species. San Bruno Mountain supports coastal scrub and grassland habitat and several listed plant and butterfly species. Tasks include monitoring the butterfly populations, managing habitat, overseeing maintenance and development activities, and regular communication and reporting to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and San Mateo County. ® Prepared annual inspections of Guadalupe Valley Quarry revegetation program as part of mitigation monitoring services for San Mateo County. * Prepared a Biological Assessment and Wetland Delineation for the San Pedro Creek Bridge Replacement Project on State Route 1 in Pacifica. Special-status species including California red- legged frog and steelhead are present in the project area, and these species were evaluated in the BA. The wetland delineation identified wetlands and waters within the project area. All reporting was done per Caltrans formatting and necessitated ongoing meetings and communication with Caltrans and the preparation of several supporting documents. « Prepared a Biological Assessment, permitting, and USFWS consultation for North Coast County Water District Water Transmission Pipeline Project Initial Study. Project involved construction of potable water pipelines in road right-of-way to provide the State Route 1 DeviPs Slide tunnels with water for fire suppression, landscaping and for the tunnel's Operations and Maintenance Building.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting I Applied G!S Services TRA Resumes
Prepared a Biological Assessment addressing federally-listed species potentially present in the project area. Assisted with Section 7 consultation with the USFWS for impacts to California red-legged frog, Streambed Alteration Agreement from the California Department of Fish and Game, and a Section 401 Certification for the Regional Water Quality Control Board. All reporting was done per Caltrans formatting and necessitated ongoing meetings and communication with Caltrans District 4 and the preparation of several supporting documents. • Performed rare plant surveys, prepared the biology section of an IS/MND and served as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service liaison for the Crystal Springs Trail Expansion Project in San Mateo. The existing recreation trail was expanded through an area supporting serpentine soils and associated plants, and adjacent to the Crystal Springs Reservoir, which supports California red-legged frogs and San Francisco garter snake. • Prepared a Feasibility Report which investigated the potential for the development of a HCP for San Benito County. Data on special-status species within the county, land conversion and development trajectories, and habitat distribution were complied. The wildlife agencies were consulted with, and options were investigated that would provide for species conservation and limited development. Agricultural lands were considered for their potential contribution in an HCP. • Prepared an IS/MND and provided biological monitoring services for the Santa Clara Valley Water District Dam Instrumentation Project. The District was planning the upgrade and installation of instruments on several of their dams. The various dams were visited and reconnaissance-level surveys were performed. An IS/MND for the project was prepared, and protocol-level surveys for California red-legged frog and rare plant surveys were conducted. • Prepared Biological Technical Memorandums for Caltrans for road improvement projects in Half Moon Bay and Colma receiving Federal Highway Administration grants. Tasks included a site survey, queries of the USFWS, CDFG, California Natural Diversity Database and National Marine Fisheries Service regarding potential special-status species found on the project site and in its vicinity, an impact assessment, and identification of Best Management Practices. • Performed numerous biological site assessments in a variety of habitats and has compiled lists of potentially-occurring special-status species. Written numerous mitigation and monitoring plans for the creation and/or enhancement of wetland, riparian, and grassland habitats. Provided monitoring and year-end reporting services for mitigation plans, applying adaptive management when needed to ensure that sites meet their performance standards.
Educational Background
California State University, San Francisco Master of Science, Conservation Biology University of California, San Diego Bachelor of Science, Biology. Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GlS Services SARA J0NES9 Senior Biologist I/Senior Analyst I/GIS Analyst
Joining TRA in 2006, Ms. Jones has a background in environmental policy, GIS, ecology, and watershed science. Ms. Jones specializes in analyzing potential project impacts on biological resources, including wetlands and threatened or endangered species and Species of Concern. She has extensive experience applying GIS technologies to biological resources evaluation, impact analyses, and environmental management, NEPA/CEQA analysis, and geospatial data management for a variety of projects throughout California.
Ms. Jones has field experience in surveys and identification of wildlife and plants, wetland delineations, field sampling, threatened and endangered wildlife surveys, and Biological Assessments (BAs), as well as experience obtaining CWA Section 404 and 401 permits, CDFG Consultations and Streambed Alteration Agreements. Her expertise includes National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) regulations, procedures, and documentation production. She is an experienced project manager and has supervised field crews in data collection, species identification, and data reporting on various biological elements such as wildlife, vegetation, and water quality.
Selected Projects
• California Department of Parks and Recreation's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division is currently proposing the purchase of 28,000 acres in the Mojave Desert. Ms. Jones is managing the Biological Resource surveys and personnel, consulting with natural resource agencies, and is the coordinating author of the Biological Resources chapter of the Eastern Kern County Property Acquisition Draft EIR. • San Benito County updated their General Plan and Ms. Jones was lead author for the County's Biological Resources chapter and developed the accompanying maps of the 2035 San Benito County General Plan Draft Program EIR. The chapter identified mitigation measures to the General Plan that could reduce or avoid environmental impact to the natural environment as the County converts rural land to urban uses. • Experienced in working within the Coastal Zone. Collaborated on constraints analyses, biological reports, and wetland delineations on the San Mateo County coast in support of rural residential housing, pipelines, and bridges. • Prepared biological analysis for Trinity County Resource Conservation District Westside Watershed Restoration Project IS/MND involving decommissioning of 48 miles of forest road segments in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. • Prepared the biological chapter of the Over Snow Vehicle Snow Program EIR for California State Parks. Project involved maintaining 1761 miles of winter groomed trails for motorized use in 11 national forests throughout California. Work required coordination with U.S. Forest Service biologists and GIS staff, mapping trail routes and sensitive biological resources, and assessing biological impacts of winter motorized recreation in study area. • Prepared the permit package application for a fuels management plan for a property owned by the Peninsula Open Space District (POST). This required coordination with USFWS and CDFG. © Performed numerous biological assessments in a variety of habitats and has compiled lists of potentially-occurring special-status species. She has written mitigation and monitoring plans for the creation and/or enhancement of wetland, oak, riparian, and grassland habitats, and has provided monitoring and year-end reporting services for mitigation plans. • Performed restoration and construction monitoring for a variety of projects including OHV trail construction and restoration.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GiS Services • Experienced in research and assessment of existing conditions and environmental impacts of activities to the natural and human environment; assessing wildlife corridor impacts; performing habitat assessments for rare and endangered species including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, western pond turtle, and a variety of plant species; wetland delineations. • Performed numerous biological assessments in a variety of habitats and has compiled lists of potentially-occurring special-status species. She has written mitigation and monitoring plans for the creation and/or enhancement of wetland, riparian, and grassland habitats, and has provided monitoring and year-end reporting services for mitigation plans. She has performed restoration and construction monitoring.
Educational Background
University of Montana, Missoula Master of Science, Environmental Studies University of Colorado, Boulder Bachelor of Arts, Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology and English Literature
Professional Training
Trained Wetland Delineator, National Wetland Science Training Cooperative with a focus on the Arid West and Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region Supplements.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysts | Permitting | Applied GiS Services CHRISTOPHER DUGAN, Settlor Project Manager n/Senior Analyst II
Mr. Dugan is as a TRA Project Manager and Senior Analyst. He has nine years experience planning, preparing, and managing environmental compliance documents required by local, state, and federal regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. He is skilled in consulting with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and preparing the permit applications and other technical economic and environmental analyses necessary to obtain discretionary and/or regulatory approvals from these agencies. He has developed emissions inventories, obtained operating permits, and performed construction monitoring services for industrial and land use projects. Mr. Dugan supports TRA's Environmental Analysis Division and provides CEQA, NEPA, and other technical consulting services to its clients.
Selected Experience
• Project Manager/Senior Analyst, Oceano Dunes SVRA Dust Control Project. Mr. Dugan is part of an inter-disciplinary team of geologists, air quality scientists, and recreation managers that are monitoring and evaluating the conditions that lead to dust generation at Oceano Dunes SVRA. Mr. Dugan is assisting with the analysis of air quality and meteorological data sets using excel, Lakes Software WRPLOT, and GIS software, the selection of PM10 monitoring sites, the implementation of dust control measures, and coordination with the local air district and state and federal wildlife agencies on project-related compliance and permitting requirements. • Project Manager/Senior Analyst, Sequoia Union High School District projects. Mr. Dugan wrote the project descriptions for and directed TRA staff analyses of multiple projects, including CEQA exemptions for several school expansion projects and the preparation of two IS/MNDs for athletic field lighting projects that involved substantial local concerns over evening light and glare, noise, security, and traffic impacts. Mr. Dugan managed traffic and hazardous materials subcontractors, used URBEMIS to evaluate the projects' potential air quality effects, and conducted sound monitoring to evaluate the projects' potential noise effects. Mr. Dugan also prepared all CEQA noticing/State Clearinghouse materials and responses to comments, presented the projects to the District Board, and represented the District (the applicant) at local zoning administrator hearings. © Senior Analyst and Mitigation Monitor, Montezuma II and Shiloh IV Wind Energy Projects. Mr. Dugan directed TRA staff in the peer-review of applicant reports and the preparation of the Agriculture and Forestry, Biological Resources (including avian and bat impacts), Geology, Soils, and Mineral Resources, Land Use, Noise, and Transportation (including radar interference impacts) chapters for two, combined 175-megwatt wind energy projects in Solano County, CA. Mr. Dugan also performed pre-construction plan check and biological, storm water, and other general construction mitigation monitoring for the projects and, as a consultant to the Solano County Technical Advisory Committee, reviews and provides comments on post-construction bird and bat mortality monitoring reports that consider if any projects or turbines are disproportionately resulting in bird mortality. • Project Manager and Analyst, San Mateo County Replacement Jail Project IS/MND. Mr. Dugan coordinated with an inter-disciplinary team of real-estate acquisition specialists, architects, municipal planning and public works staff, and jail planning staff to fast track and prepare an IS/MND for a replacement jail project that would alleviate overcrowding in the local jail system. The project was located adjacent to US 101, on lands subject to existing contamination and land use covenants/deed restrictions that prohibited human habitation at the site. TRA coordinated with the project environmental assessor and the RWQCB to address all risks from site contamination, development and occupation so that the existing deed restrictions could be modified to support the project. The
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Resumes
IS/MND also included an assessment of potential health risks to inmates and employees from US 101 and an emergency diesel generator. CEQA/NEPA Air Quality Impact Assessment: Use of air quality models to quantify mass emissions estimates (e.g., URBEMIS, CALEEMOD, SCAQMD Roadway Construction Model, EMFAC2011, OFFROAD2007) for comparison to appropriate thresholds of significance. When necessary, use of dispersion models to quantify pollutant concentrations (e.g. SCREEN3, AERMOD, CALINE) for comparison to appropriate air quality standards and use in health risk estimates. Representative projects include: Waste Management's Guadalupe Landfill Waste to Energy Project IS/MND, ACE Charter School Project IS/MND, San Mateo County Sheriffs Office's Replacement Jail Project, Port of Stockton's U.S. Gypsum Wallboard Manufacturing Plant Supplemental EIR, Port of Stockton's Inland Cold Storage Plant Project EIR. CEQA/NEPA GHG Impact Assessment: Use of standard protocols (e.g., California Climate Action Registry) and regulations (e.g., US EPA and ARB GHG reporting regulations) and use of air quality models (e.g., CALEEMOD, BAAQMD BGM) to accurately categorize and quantify direct and indirect GHG emissions sources. Capacity to determine and apply an appropriate threshold of significance for GHG emissions and identify means or measures to reduce GHG emissions from stationary sources (e.g., variable speed motors, co-generation applications, renewable electricity use) and mobile sources (e.g. travel demand management measures). Representative projects include: Solano County's Montezuma II and Shiloh IV Wind Energy Project EIR, City of Santa Clara Scott Boulevard Restaurant Project IS/MND, California Department of Parks and Recreation's Over Snow Program EIR, U.S. Gypsum Wallboard Manufacturing Plant Supplemental EIR, Port of Stockton Community Fuels Biodiesel Plant Project Addendum to the West Complex EIR. Clean Air Act / Air Quality Compliance: Preparation of siting plans, emission reduction plans, and compliance reports necessary to demonstrate compliance with federal and state regulations and facility permits. Representative projects include: Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Monitoring Site Selection Plan and Particulate Matter Reduction Plan, Heber 1 and 2 Geothermal Power Plant Projects, Trinity County RCD's Westside Watershed Restoration Project. Greenhouse Gas Compliance: Determination of applicability of federal and state GHG reporting regulations to facilities, quantification of emissions for GHG reporting purposes, and review of source testing protocols for use in GHG reporting. Representative projects: Heber 1 and Heber 2 Geothermal Power Plants. Noise Impact Assessment: Use of sound level meters to document on-site sound levels and need for project mitigation. Representative projects include: Habitat for Humanity's Montague Housing Development Project, Solano County's Montezuma II and Shiloh IV Wind Energy Projects, Sequoia Union High School District's Usher Field Lights Project. Analyst, ACE Charter School Project IS/MND. Mr. Dugan prepared the Air Quality and Noise sections of the IS/MND. Mr. Dugan used sound level meters to document on-site sound levels and quantify project mitigation. Mr. Dugan performed a public records request for facilities that handle or emit hazardous emissions within Va mile of the site (consistent with state regulations) and screened the project's potential health risks from a nearby freeway. Analyst, Trinity County Resource Conservation District Watershed Restoration Project and El Dorado National Forest Barrett Trail Bridge IS/MND. Mr. Dugan prepared the Air Quality analyses for these projects, which included activities in areas of naturally occurring asbestos and emissions from the use of helicopters, respectively. Mr. Dugan documented project requirements under ARB and local air district asbestos regulations and quantified helicopter criteria and greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GiS Services Edncat ional Backgroeed
Cook College, Rutgers University, New Jersey Bachelor of Science, Natural Resource Management Professional Certification in Environmental Geomatics (GIS)
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis I Permitting I Applied GiS Services TRA Resumes
Ms. Lau joined TRA in 2005 and has over ten years experience writing and reviewing various types of CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. She has managed and written several CEQA and NEPA projects, ranging from categorical exemptions to EIS/EIRs, including managing the subconsultants that brought expertise to each project. At TRA, she has been a lead author or major contributor to a variety of public facility projects involving parks and recreation, water reclamation, and natural resources. Ms. Lau also has previous experience in the preparation of joint NEPA/CEQA documents for transportation projects while working as an environmental planner for Caltrans.
Selected Projects • Project manager for the California Water Tank and Pump Station IS/MND in Redwood City Prepared a number of the impact analysis sections, prepared CEQA notices, and attended meetings. • Project manager for the Guadalupe Landfill Gas Plant Relocation IS/MND. Daily management of the project, prepared a number of sections of impact analysis, coordinated with engineers and City staff. • Project Manager for the Neary Tank Utilization Project IS/MND. Project involved the installation of 7200 feet of new or upgraded water mains and water tank improvements (seismic foundation upgrades and roof tank painting) in the Town of Los Altos Hills. Coordinated closely with the engineering firm to develop mitigation measures that would result in the avoidance of a known cultural resource site with human remains. Prepared CEQA document, all CEQA notices, managed the cultural resource subconsultant, and managed budget and schedule. • Assisted with the Agriculture and Land Use chapters for the Montezuma II Wind Energy EIR (2011) ^mSe^griCUltUre' Geol°gy> and Transportation chapters for the Shiioh IV Wind Energy EIR (2012). The projects involved construction of wind turbines and associated facilities on 2500 acres in southern Solano County. • Assisting with projects for California State Parks Off-highway Motor Vehicle Division including a Dust Control EIR for the Oceano Dunes District in San Luis Obispo County, IS/MNDs for grant funded projects, and the review of numerous OHV grant applications for compliance with CEQA
Assisted with management of the IS/MND for the installation of potable water pipelines to support the new Caltrans Devil's Slide tunnels for the City of Pacifica (2009). Managed the preparation of an IS/MND of a sewer installation and replacement within the City of On *** °VerSaW implementation of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan
Managed or assisted with the preparation of numerous school projects including two new charter schools an adult school, school bus yards, and two stadium lighting projects in San Jose, Redwood City, Menlo Park and East Palo Alto (2006-2012). Project manager for the Stevens Creek Corridor Phase 2 IS/MND (2011) and major contributor to Stevens Creek Corridor Master Plan IS/MND (2006). Major contributor for an 11-acre subdivision IS/MND in Portola Valley (2011) and a 13-acre subdivision in unincorporated San Mateo County near Redwood City (2011). Project manager for an IS/MND for a jet fuel pipeline serving San Jose International Airport (2009). Assisted with permitting and mitigation implementation for the Barron Park Elementary School Storm Dram Reconstruction IS/MND.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services ® Principal Author of IS/NDs for California State Parks in San Luis Obispo County including the New Visitor Center and Vehicle Storage Facility at Pismo State Beach (April 2009), a recurring special event program at Oceano Dunes State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA)( August 2008), and the Oceano Dunes SVRA Fence Replacement Project (2006).
• Major contributor to North Coast County Water District's Water Recycling Storage Tank Project IS/MND (2007) • Major contributor to Sanborn County Park Trails Master Plan IS/MND (2007) ® Previous experience at Caltrans as principal author for the IS/EA, ND/FONSI for the 1-238 Widening Project (2004). This 80 million dollar project widened 1-238 between 1-580 and 1-880 in San Leandro from four to six lanes. Provided review and oversight of several consultant written documents including the I-880/Mission Boulevard Interchange Reconstruction and 1-880 Widening IS/EA, ND/ FONSI and the Isabel Avenue Construction IS/EA on 1-580.
Educational Background
University of the Pacific, California Bachelor of Arts, Environmental Studies and Economics, Biology Minor California State University, San Jose Graduate study in Environmental Studies
Environmental and Biological. Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Resumes
Ms. Kalyankar is an associate at TRA experienced with CEQA and NEPA analysis, biological permitting, special status species surveys, wetland monitoring, and biological construction monitoring. Ms Kalyankar has a background in biology and environmental analysis.
Ms. Kalyankar has prepared or assisted in the preparation of numerous CEQA Initial Studies and EIRs on projects ranging from golf courses and recreation areas to residential and commercial building projects to roadway and utility projects. NEPA projects have included CEs and EAs for trail and public facilities projects. In addition, Ms. Kalyankar has prepared or assisted in the preparation of a number of biological assessments, biological studies, natural environment studies and resource management plans for recreational, land management and restoration projects. She has an in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations such as the Endangered Species Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Clean Water Act and California Fish and Game Code and has assisted with permitting requirements for a variety of projects.
Ms. Kalyankar has field experience in plant and wildlife identification, reconnaissance-level site surveys, construction monitoring, mitigation monitoring, and vegetation and wildlife monitoring. Ms. Kalyankar has experience surveying for and providing management recommendations for nesting birds and a variety of special-status species including California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, listed butterflies, burrowing owl, western pond turtle, San Joaquin kit fox, salt marsh harvest mouse, and San Francisco dusky-footed wood rat, among others.
Selected Projects
• Wrote the biological resources and hydrology/water quality sections of an EIR for a project to monitor and control paniculate matter affecting residents downwind of the Oceano Dunes SVRA in San Luis Obispo County (Dust Control Project). • Conducted avian point count and broadcast surveys, wrote bird survey report, participated in vegetation mapping and assisted with the biological resources section of the EIR for the Eastern Kern County Acquisition Project. • Assisted in preparation of the Neary Tank Utilization Project IS/MND. Project involved the installation of 7200 feet of new or upgraded water mains and water tank improvements (seismic foundation upgrades and roof tank painting) in the Town of Los Altos Hills. Prepared a number of sections of the Initial Study, conducted a biological survey of the pipeline alignments and water tank site. • Prepared technical documents to support permit applications for bank stabilization along a section of Guadalupe Creek in San Jose. Prepared an Initial Study in the City of San Jose's format, a biological study, provided support to the engineer in the preparation of permit applications to the California Department of Fish and Game and Regional Water Quality Control Board. • Prepared or assisted in the preparation of CEQA IS/MNDs for various projects, including: (1) a project that was phase two of a two-phase project to move the school district's bus yard (Phase I) and fueling and maintenance operations (Phase II) to a new location in Redwood City; (2) a high school stadium lighting project at Carlmont High School in Belmont; (3) a proposed new campus for the ACE Charter School in San Jose; (4) a new restaurant project in Santa Clara; (5) a church expansion project in San Jose; (6) the Redwood City Water Tank and Pump Station Replacement Project; (7) the Vineyard Avenue and Vallecitos Road Intersection Modification Project in Livermore; (8) the Richmond-Ohlone Greenway Bike and Pedestrian Path Connection Project; (9) the Guadalupe Creek Bank Stabilization project in San Jose; and (10) a floating bridge project on the Pismo Creek Estuary in San Luis Obispo County.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Resumes
o Authored or co-authored two environmental constraints analyses: one for a new or replaced water tank on Page Mill Road in Los Altos Hills, and one for the San Quentin Area Bike and Pedestrian Path Project in Marin County. • Prepared the Hazardous Waste Environmental Site Assessment, Farmland Conversion Assessment and Community Impact Assessment for the South Main Street/Soda Bay Road Widening and Bike Lanes Project in Lake County. • Completed a biological values assessment of a 355-acre privately-owned property adjacent to the Lindsey Slough in Solano County, particularly with respect to the potential for on-site habitat for special-status fish species native to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. • Prepared a Natural Environment Study (NES) for San Mateo County Parks to satisfy Caltrans requirements for a trail extension near the Crystal Springs Reservoir. • Performed presence/absence surveys and biennial transect surveys for Mission blue butterfly and Callipe silverspot butterfly on San Bruno Mountain in San Mateo County, in support of the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan. • Assisted with population monitoring of the federally endangered Contra Costa Goldfield in Solano County for the Solano County Habitat Conservation Plan. • Performed vegetation mapping for the Oceano Dunes SVRA Habitat Conservation Plan. • Weekly construction monitoring for compliance with Conditions of Approval/MMRP for the Shiloh III and Shiloh IV Wind Energy Projects in Solano County. Monitoring focused on wetlands and streams, special-status plants and nesting birds. Monitoring of dust control, air pollution BMPs, trash disposal, etc. was also performed. • Various construction monitoring projects: (1) California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog and San Joaquin kit fox monitoring for an erosion control and bank stabilization project at Mitchell Canyon near Livermore; (2) California red-legged frog monitoring for an emergency streambank repair at Matadero Creek in Los Altos Hills; (3) California red-legged frog monitoring and relocation during construction of mitigation ponds for California red-legged frogs at the Kirby Canyon Landfill in San Jose; (4) weekly monitoring of American peregrine falcon, California least tern and nesting birds for the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge East Span Project; (5) pre-maintenance surveys for western pond turtle and burrowing owl in the City of San Ramon canals and open spaces; (6) nesting bird monitoring for the Southern California Edison Antelope-Pardee 500-kV Transmission Line Project in Los Angeles County; (7) California clapper rail and salt marsh harvest mouse monitoring for a gas pipeline repairs project in Martinez; and (8) water quality monitoring for turbidity and suspended solids for the Bethel Island Bridge Replacement Project in east Contra Costa County.
Educational Background
University of Tasmania, Australia Master of Science, Environmental Management University of California, Davis Bachelor of Arts, Nature and Culture University of California, Davis Bachelor of Arts, Spanish University of Chile, Santiago, Education Abroad, January-December, 2002
Professional Training
Trained Wetland Delineator, Romberg Tiburon Center, College of Extended Learning, SFSU. Focused on the Arid West and Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region Supplements.
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting i Applied GiS Services Sarah Daniels recently joined TRA as an environmental analyst and biologist, bringing her six years of experience in NEPA analysis, biological assessments, and planning documentation. She has been the project manager for city-wide planning projects, reconnaissance biological evaluations, and environmental assessments. Ms. Daniels utilizes GIS analysis in environmental and resource management planning to find optimal solutions and to create exemplary graphics. She brings a diverse set of ecological and planning skills and natural resources knowledge to her work. She has participated in numerous public meetings and thoroughly encourages outreach in all of her projects.
At TRA, she has been contributing to the GIS analysis of biological resources, recreational resources, land use and zoning, as well as producing figures for CEQA documentation. Prior to joining TRA, Ms. Daniels participated in wetland delineations, rare plant surveys, recreation and visual resource planning, biological resources field work, and military planning working as an environmental planner.
Selected Projects
• Produced graphics and GIS analysis for projects for the California State Parks Off-highway Motor Vehicle Division including a Dust Control EIR for the Oceano Dunes District in San Luis Obispo County, the Eastern Kern County Acquisition Parcels project for California State Parks CEQA documentation preparation (current), and the Pismo Beach floating bridge (current). • Prepared the land use section for the Eastern Kern County Acquisition Parcels project for California State Parks CEQA EIR document. Also produced innovative map products, as well as map applications using Google Maps to display data on the client's web page. • Performed graphical and biological resources research assistance for the biological report for Kehoe Ditch project for the City of Half Moon Bay, for the biological report for the Oyster Point trail, and the CEQA IS/MND for the California Water tank project for Redwood City (current). • Performed field survey including rare plant survey and biological survey, GIS data creation and mapping, biological resources research for a new vineyard in Napa, CA. • Performed mission blue butterfly surveys on San Bruno Mountain for HCP compliance. • Assisting with the preparation of In-Stream best management practices and impact analysis for salmonids in the Placer County Conservation Plan (current). Met with Agencies, developed an impact assessment methodology for salmonid. Worked on the written products for covered activities. Mapped species occurrences and habitat availability in the county. • Project Manager and primary author of the Seattle City Light ESA Lands Inventory, Western Washington. Conducted baseline natural resource surveys for 17 parcels of land within major watersheds in Western Washington. Surveys included vegetation association mapping, weed inventories, wildlife habitat assessments, rare plant habitat assessments, aquatic habitat assessments, and road and trespass inventories. In addition to a detailed written report, all data were entered into a GTS system and linked to site photographs and a database. • Project Manager and primary author of the City of Duvall Parks, Trails and Open Space Plan, Duvall, Washington. Tasks included conducting an existing conditions, trails assessment, and level of service and future needs (Gap) analysis; designing and implementing an effective public process, identifying high-priority/catalyst (6-year timefrarne) capital projects and programs (as applicable) and longer- term capital improvements, estimate costs of capital projects; and identifying potential funding sources. Ms. Daniels utilized GIS analysis for planning purposes of siting new park sites, led multiple public workshops, and completed a public survey. The final document was adopted by City Council. Similar work was conducted for the City of Snohomish PROS Long-Range Plan, Parks and
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Resumes
Recreation Element, and 20-year Parks and Recreation Capital Facilities Plan, Snohomish, Washington. • Assistant project manager and author of the City of Bainbridge Island Open Space Plan, Bainbridge Island, Washington. The priority open space plan will be used to update the City's Comprehensive Plan, and inform future open space decisions for the City. Conducted habitat mapping and GIS modeling to analyze environmental sensitivity and development vulnerability across the island to identify priority areas for long-term preservation, led multiple public workshops to encourage public outreach and refine the plan and participated in reconnaissance level field work to verify the mapping exercises. • Prepared sections (geology and soils, wetlands and streams, vegetation, wildlife and threatened and endangered species) and maps for the U.S. Coast Guard Petaluma Training Center Wastewater Treatment Expansion NEPA Environmental Assessment in Petaluma, California. • Prepared sections (wetlands and streams, vegetation, wildlife and threatened and endangered species) for multiple NEPA Environmental Assessments for projects funded by FEMA in Washington, Alaska and Oregon. Projects included trail and road re-alignments and replacements, and a cabin replacement. Included fieldwork to assess project impacts to biological and recreation resources. • Assisted in the preparation of recreation impacts research to inform the programmatic NEPA EIS for the Washington Department of Natural Resources Forest Land Plan. This analysis was a subset of the ongoing review that DNR was conducting related to new policies and directions for implementation of sustainable forest management practices statewide. Ms. Daniels collected existing use information, completed site visits, coordinated with the client, performed GIS analysis, and helped to compile this information in the analysis of alternatives under the differing forest management practices. • Performed wetland delineations for the Crescent Bay Wetland Mitigation Design, Naval Air Station (NAS) Mitigation Site, Whidbey Island, Washington. • Prepared a study for the development of statewide recreation level of service standards for the Recreation and Conservation Office, Washington. Used GIS and recreation planning methodology to develop a set of LOS guidelines that may help communities in Washington better quantify and plan for a diversity of outdoor park and recreation needs. The refined LOS methodology is included in the 2008 State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Follow-up work included a test of these methodologies in a variety of communities throughout Washington. • Prepared the GIS products associated with the Visual Resources Assessment for the Bureau of Land Management in Washington. Included drafting and refining scenic quality rating units, updating field collected GPS data, creation of a photo-linked geodatabase and various mapping products.
Educational Background
Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC Master of Environmental Management Certificate in Geospatial Analysis Duke University, Durham, NC Bachelor of Science, Biology
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services TRA Resumes
Ms. Schwarz joined TRA as an environmental analyst, biologist, and geographer in 2013. She brings 14 years of experience managing natural resource-related projects for Federal, private, and non-profit clients. Her work has included the application of geospatial tools to define and communicate the impacts of human activity on the landscape and direct land use and conservation actions. Ms. Schwarz is also a practiced field-biologist with experience in the survey protocols and management of California fauna and flora. She has held a Certification with The Wildlife Society since 2006. Ms. Schwarz appreciates the complexity of human-environment interactions and enjoys creating adaptive management strategies for her clients. She succeeds in this work using an interdisciplinary skill set earned from assignments assessing the natural and physical environment in association with land use change. She has performed reconnaissance-level field surveys for cultural resources, fossils, plants and wildlife, including amphibians, bats, birds, fish, mammals, rare plants, and reptiles in Monterey, Orange, and San Diego Counties. She has monitored populations of several special-status species, including California red- legged frogs, California tiger salamanders, Western pond turtles, Smith's blue butterflies, Golden Eagles, Purple Martins, Spotted Owls, Tricolored Blackbirds, and Steelhead Trout to provide management recommendations and protect their breeding and overwintering habitats. Ms. Schwarz has planned and implemented habitat restoration projects in California coastal prairie, riparian, oak woodland, and wetland ecosystems. Her work has also involved the assessment and analysis of groundwater systems, streams, and watersheds. In support of fire control and invasive plant management, she has mapped of vegetation communities in National Parks, Military Installations, and on private lands. Ms. Schwarz most recently provided oversight and technical guidance for integrating spatial analysis to the work of the Western Regional Environmental Coordination Office of Marine Corps Installations West, which focused on environmental management, regulation, and regional planning efforts through agency partnerships. She previously helped coordinate the design, planning, and implementation of biological assessments, natural resource monitoring, and conservation easement management at the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, California.
Selected Projects • Customized geospatial communications and supervised the production of branded map products for fL^TT ReSional Environmental Coordination Office, Commanding General of MCIWEST/MCB Camp Pendleton, Governor of California, and external governmental agencies using ESRI ArcGIS 9.3.1. • Assisted the Western Regional Environmental Coordination Office with developing a web mapping application and online geospatial data catalog for the Western Regional Partnership. The application was developed on the ESRI ArcGIS Server Enterprise Platform and contains publically available datasets from WRP state, federal, and non-governmental partners. • Acquired, compiled, and managed 3,400 public geographic data sets describing features of interest for the United States Marine Corps following the structure of SDSF1E 3.0 on ArcSDE These included Renewable Energy agreements and development, parcels and land ownership, military operations natural resources, and land status and protected areas. • Contributed to the Furby North Baseline Biological Diversity Assessment with herpetological monitoring using a USGS pitfall trapping design for small terrestrial vertebrates at a San Diego County open space adjacent to the Mexico border. • Contributed to a biological assessment by inventorying bat species at Irvine Ranch in Tustin, Orange County with mist netting and remote echolocation monitoring using Anabat ZCAIM Active monitoring used an SD1/SD2 with an attached PDA.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND BIOLOGICAL IMPACT ANALYSIS | PERMITTING j APPLIED G!S SERVICES TRA Resumes
® Quantified patterns of recovery in coastal sage scrub and associated habitats following wildfire events at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar using vegetation community mapping and floristic sampling similar to CNPS/CDFW protocol for combined vegetation rapid assessment and relev£ sampling. • Produced annual Resource Management Reports to the Santa Lucia Conservancy Board of Directors describing the status of special-status species such as the California red-legged frog, California Spotted Owl, California tiger salamander, Golden Eagle, Steelhead trout, Tricolored blackbirds and their associated habitats at the Santa Lucia Preserve following field surveys using CDFW and USFWS protocols. • Supported the drafting of a grazing management plan in coastal prairie and oak savannah habitats of the Santa Lucia Preserve to reduce the spread of invasive yellow starthistle and harding grass, reduce fuel loads, and to allow historical grazing to continue on the property in an ecologically-controlled
manner. • Contributed to implementation and construction monitoring associated with Best Management Plans and Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans spearheaded by consultants hired by the Santa Lucia Preserve. • Reviewed and regulated landscaping development plans, proposed plant listings, and hydroseeding mixes for the Santa Lucia Preserve Design Review Board and private landowners. • Supported the development of a comprehensive fuel management plan with vegetation community mapping and fuel load estimation for individual home sites at the Santa Lucia Preserve. • Assisted consultants hired by the Santa Lucia Preserve with many components of the riparian, wetland and rare plant work at the Santa Lucia Preserve. Performed installation and long-term monitoring of mitigation wetlands, including initial wetland delineation, groundwater piezometers, mitigation plantings, hydroseeding, and reporting. Maintained a regular survey schedule for Yadon's Piperia. • Assisted consultants hired by the Santa Lucia Preserve with groundwater well, creek, reservoir, and lake water quality monitoring associated with development of the Santa Lucia Preserve Golf Trail. • Evaluated precipitation, stream, and baseflow creek conditions on an annual basis as part of the permit requirements for land development with the assistance of consultants hired by the Santa Lucia Preserve. Specific tasks required the use of permanent streamflow gaging stations, pressure transducers to measure water depth, specific conductance and water temperature probes, and staff plates for manual readings of sediment yields. • Managed a cavity-nesting bird mitigation program by constructing 1,000 nest boxes with the cooperation of Carmel and Seaside schools. Boxes for Wood Ducks, Barn Owls, swallows, wrens, and Western Bluebirds were posted across the Santa Lucia Preserve in oak savanna, oak woodland, and redwood riparian habitats. • Collaborated with the Rizzo lab at the University of California, Davis to identify, describe, and adapt recreation activities and trail management at the Santa Lucia Preserve to the spread of Sudden Oak Death in redwood riparian woodlands in the Big Sur Ecoregion.
Educational Background
San Diego State University, San Diego, CA Master of Science in Geography, Concentration in Geographic Information Science Thesis: Patterns of bat species richness and activity levels: A Monterey County case study University of California, Davis Bachelor of Science, Evolution and Ecology; Minor, Communication
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis I Permitting I Applied GiS Services CHRISTOPHER MARKS, Analyst I/GIS Specialist
Christopher Marks recently joined TRA as an environmental planner with a specialty in land use planning. Mr. Marks has a background in both private consulting and municipal government having worked in a small City Planning Department as well as a private environmental consulting company. In his position in a City Planning Department, Mr. Marks gained valuable experience serving the public, conducting plan checks and reviewing permit applications, assisting with the development of local land use ordinances, participating on a task force charged with ensuring City compliance with new National Permit Discharge Elimination System compliance requirements for the management of storm water runoff, preparing GIS maps and marketing materials for use by the City to market its downtown area, and preparing and presenting staff reports to councils and commissions. Mr. Marks also has experience in the environmental consulting industry and has assisted with the preparation of environmental impact analysis for utility and energy projects, as well as preparing GIS spatial analysis and graphics.
Selected Projects
• Assisted with the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents for utility and renewable energy projects. Prepared Proponents Environmental Assessments for Gates II Solar Station (Geology and Soils, Hazards), Circle City Substation and 66 kV Distribution Line Project (Recreation, Population and Housing, Utilities, Public Services), Contra Costa-Moraga 230kV Reconductoring Project (Population and Housing, Public Services, Utilities) Mitigated Negative Declaration for Contra Costa Delta Switching Station-Las Positas 115kV Reconductoring Project (Mineral Resources, Recreation, Population and Housing), and Los Positas-Newark 230kv Reconductoring Project (Mineral Resources, Recreation, Population and Housing) • Managed the preparation of the Master Plan for the Pinoleville Porno Nation and assisted drafting the Infrastructure Element • Drafted environmental permit applications for utility projects for Federal, State, and Local agencies, including: Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Application for Contra Costa-Moraga 115kV Reconductoring Project; United States Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) Section 404 Individual Permit for South Bay Substation Relocation Project; and various California Department of Fish and Game Section 1600, Lake and Streambed Modification Permits and US ACE Section 404, Nationwide Permit Applications for gas line repairs, minor relocations • Prepared environmental training materials including instructional brochures, presentations on project specific environmental regulations, and field binders » Assisted with data collection and mapping during field surveys • Conducted G.I.S. spatial analysis and impact calculations for environmental documents. Developed maps and technical drawings for clients and environmental agencies • Reviewed plans and applications for consistency with City regulations and issued permits for development • Addressed public inquiries regarding planning, building, and code compliance issues • Authored and presented staff reports to local councils and commissions • Assisted the development of a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Ban, Hillside View Protection, Temporary Use Permit ordinances • Designed informational packets, web content, maps, brochures, and marketing materials
Ecltac&tional Background
California State University, Northridge Bachelor of Arts, Urban Studies and Planning
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis | Permitting | Applied GIS Services Sandy Ho is an associate at TRA with a variety of experience in graphic design, project scheduling, and administrative support. She has worked on graphics for projects such as HCPs, EIR/EISs, and Biological Assessments. Another of Ms. Ho's areas of expertise is project scheduling. She has completed several presentation ready schedules for various projects.
Ms. Ho is proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw, AutoCAD, and ArcView. She is experienced in using ArcView GIS for mapping and data analysis. Ms. Ho has prepared a series of GIS- based maps for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan Activities Report. This project involved digitizing invasive species control areas, and Callippe Silverspot and Mission Blue butterfly observations on San Bruno Mountain. Recently, Ms. Ho has assisted with preparation of a Riparian Restoration Planting Plan Detail map by using AutoCAD. She is specialized in project location and aerial maps.
Furthermore, Ms. Ho formats and produces many of TRA's publications. She has participated in the preparation of several HCPs including Placer County HCP/NCCP (vernal pool species), San Bruno Mountain HCP, and Stanford University EIS/HCP.
At TRA, Ms. Ho's work also includes coordinating and organizing office archives, keeping track of office supplies and maintaining inventory, backing up files, and other assigned projects. She performs a variety of administrative and staif support duties.
Selected Projects
• Assisted with the preparation of graphics for San Luis Obispo Oceano Dunes District HCP EIS/E1R, Stevens Creek Corridor CEQA project, and San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Five Year Plan. • Completed dam location graphics for the Dam Instrumentation Project Phase IB and II IS (Santa Clara Valley Water District). ® Formatted and produced the Bonny Doon Limestone Quarry Boundary Expansion Project Draft EIR, Harmony@l/Roberts Road Subdivision Draft EIR, San Mateo Coastal Annexation Draft EIR, San Carlos Airport DEIR, Stevens Creek Trail Study Area A IS/MND, Sharp Park Dog Park IS, and Juvenile Justice Center IS/MND. • Prepared the project schedule for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan, City of Millbrae Cogeneration Plant Impact Evaluation, and Operating Engineers Yuba Goldfields JATA Project. • GIS mapping for the Rare Plant Mitigation/Juvenile Justice Facility Project (Results of Crystal Spring Lessingia Monitoring Efforts 04-05).
Educational Background
California State University, San Jose Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
Environmental and Biological Impact Analysis [ Permitting I Applied GIS Services