Transcon biologists are experts in biological resources regulated under federal and state statutes, from special-status species and their habitats to jurisdictional waters and wetlands. We have performed thousands of acres of habitat assessments and biological baseline studies, conducted thousands of miles of species-specific protocol surveys, and delineated hundreds of jurisdictional waters and wetlands. We have written and contributed to numerous NEPA documents, negotiated complex issues with natural resource agencies (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [USFWS], U.S. Army Corps of Engineers [USACE]), crafted mitigation measures to lessen impacts to biological resources, provided compliance monitoring services and resource trainings, and planned and implemented mitigation and restoration plans.

Our biologists are experienced at conducting field investigations for a vast array of different species in a multitude of ecosystems; we have extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna, and environmental field conditions in the western United States. Prior to conducting field reviews, we utilize a number of resources to conduct background research in order to determine potential biological and/or species issues. Once in the field, our biologists conduct a thorough review of the project area to 1) document the existing vegetative communities and habitat conditions within the project area, 2) evaluate the habitat suitability of the project area for special-status plant and animal species, and 3) assess potential impacts to special-status species potentially occurring within the project area. Transcon’s biological field services include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Migratory bird surveys, including raptor surveys
• Burrowing owl surveys
• Invasive and noxious weed surveys and mapping
• Vegetation/habitat characterization and mapping
• Habitat sensitivity analysis
• Botanical surveys and plant inventories, including native plant counts and rare plant surveys
• Delineation of jurisdictional waters and wetlands
• Sensitive wildlife and plant surveys
• Abandoned mine bat inventories
• Threatened and endangered species protocol surveys, including:
• Birds
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Mammals
• Plants

Our biologists have logged thousands of hours performing construction monitoring. When work is in sensitive areas, we have developed and implemented trainings to help construction personnel identify sensitive resources and understand the consequences of disturbing such resources. Resource monitoring can be difficult, as it often involves long periods of inactivity followed by rapid and decisive action. Our monitors have extensive experience and have the wherewithal to implement sound decisions in the field to keep construction moving or halt construction, given the severity of the issue. Our staff has the commitment level that engenders respect among the construction crew, the client, and other environmental inspectors.

Transcon's biologists have extensive knowledge of wildlife and environmental protection laws. We perform a variety of activities to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local rules and regulations, including field inspection and monitoring, surveys for sensitive species, site assessment reports, and site-specific avoidance and minimization measures. Our staff assists clients with policy compliance related to

• Clean Water Act
• National Environmental Policy Act
• Endangered Species Act—State and Federal
• California Environmental Quality Act
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act
• Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act

Transcon is known for its integrity, quality of work, and professionalism. Our biologists produce high-quality reports and provide technical expertise in the form of various environmental documents, including Biological Assessments, Biological Evaluations, and Environmental Impact Statements. Transcon biologists are skilled at analyzing short-term, long-term, and cumulative impacts; we evaluate the presence of federally protected, threatened, or endangered plant and animal species (listed and proposed) in accordance with formal and/or informal consultation procedures described in Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. We routinely coordinate with federal and state agencies such as the USFWS and USACE. Our biologists also regularly prepare jurisdictional determination reports and consult with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, regional offices of the California Water Quality Control Board, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in compliance with Sections 401, 402, and 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 and Section 1600 et. seq. of the California Fish and Game Code.

Our biologists have direct experience designing restoration plans and implementing restoration monitoring programs. When designing restoration plans, our biologists establish baseline conditions such as plant canopy cover, litter cover, rock cover, and bare ground percentages, as well as growth stages of various species. Observation and data related to erosion, off-highway vehicle travel, grazing, and other potential hindrances to restoration/re-vegetation are also noted. Once the baseline conditions are recorded, we examine the restoration goals and formulate a plan to implement these goals. Additionally, our biologists perform restoration monitoring to evaluate the success of the plan.