Biological Studies and Permitting
Amador County Transportation Commission – Biological Field Surveys for the State Route 88/Pine Grove Corridor Improvement Project. De Novo performed field surveys for biological resources and prepared a biological constraints analysis for the State Route 88/Pine Grove Corridor Improvement Project. The project involved a De Novo biologist traversing the project site on foot, as well as a windshield survey conducted within an approximately five-mile radius of the project site. The purpose of the reconnaissance-level survey was to document the biological conditions within the project site and vicinity in order to identify the habitat types and the appropriate timing for surveys during the floristic period. Botanical surveys were then performed during the floristic period to document rare and endangered plants. Aerial photographs of the project site were also examined to assess any changes that have occurred from historical aerial photos. The project will ultimately require a Natural Environmental Study and potentially a Biological Assessment following Caltrans and Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) protocols.
Amador County Transportation Commission -- Biological Resources Assessment for the Plymouth Transportation Improvement Project. De Novo performed field surveys along select roadway right-of-ways throughout the City of Plymouth under contract to the Amador County Transportation Commission. The results of the surveys were published in the Biological Resources Assessment for the City of Plymouth Circulation Improvement Project.
Butte County Association of Governments/Caltrans – Natural Environmental Study for the State Route 99/Neal Road Intersection Project. De Novo performed field surveys and prepared a Natural Environmental Study for the State Route 99/Neal Road Intersection in Butte County. The project required extensive coordination with Caltrans District 3. The technical study was prepared following the Caltrans and Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) protocols.
City of Half Moon Bay – City In-fill Site and Senior Housing Project. De Novo performed a reconaissance survey at the Senior Housing and Recreation Center site and a nearby in-fill site. Our biologist traversed the project sites on foot, then performed a windshield survey in the vicnity. The survey documented existing conditions, including sensitive habitats, potential for special-status plant and animal species to occur on the project site, and potential for the project to affect existing habitat and known occurences of special-status species.
Paradise Irrigation District- Botanical Survey Report for the PID Corporation Yard. De Novo performed protocol-level plant surveys and prepared a Botanical Survey Report for the PID Corporation Yard on behalf of the Paradise Irrigation District. A De Novo biologist traversed the project site throughout the floristic period on foot to determine the presence of communities, special status species, and sensitive habitats. The protocol for the special-status plant surveys followed DFG’s “Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities” (DFG 2009). Field surveys were conducted by walking approximately 10 foot-wide transects across the project site. All plants encountered during the surveys were identified to the highest taxonomic level necessary for a rare plant determination. Nomenclature used follows The Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California (Hickman 1993, ed.).
Paradise Irrigation District- Biological Resources Assessment for the PID Corporation Yard. De Novo performed field surveys and prepared a Biological Resources Assessment for the PID Corporation Yard on behalf of the Paradise Irrigation District. The project involved a De Novo biologist traversing the project site on foot, as well as a windshield survey conducted within an approximately five-mile radius of the project site. The purpose of the reconnaissance-level survey was to document the biological conditions within the project site and vicinity in order to identify the habitat types and the appropriate timing for surveys during the floristic period. Aerial photographs of the project site were also examined to assess any changes that have occurred from historical aerial photos.
City of Tracy- Biological Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan Applications for the Holly Sugar Sports Park. De Novo performed field surveys and prepared a Biological Assessment for the Holly Sugar Sports Park on behalf of the City of Tracy. The project required coordination with the San Joaquin Council of Governments (SJCOG) to obtain coverage in the San Joaquin County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation and Open Space Plan (SJMSCP). De Novo obtain incidental take and minimization measures for the project with coverage under the SJMSCP.
Yuba County/Caltrans – Natural Environmental Study for the State Route 70/Feather River Boulevard Interchange Project. De Novo performed field surveys and prepared a Natural Environmental Study for the State Route 70/Feather River Boulevard Interchange in Yuba County. The project required extensive coordination with Caltrans District 3, as well permitting with the United State Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, and Army Corps of Engineers. The technical study was prepared following the Caltrans and Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) protocols.