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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSWCA_Canyon Loop Implementation Proposal October 17, 2023 Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Director City of Diamond Bar Re: Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Dear Ryan Wright: SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) appreciates the opportunity to submit our proposal to provide restoration contractor services for the Canyon Loop Trail Improvement – Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program Project (project) for the City of Diamond Bar (City). We understand that this trail is a priority project for the City, and our team is thrilled to have this opportunity to provide creative and efficient solutions to help you realize this important regional vision and meet the growing environmental compliance needs of the City. Over the past 40 years, SWCA has provided high-quality environmental consulting services for thousands of successful projects across the country, and we have established a strong local presence in southern California with offices in Pasadena and San Diego. We have the expertise and the relationships to guide successful restoration projects from inception to completion. With a strong track record of successful achievement of performance criteria, our team will help you achieve restoration approval. Our team’s collective experience with restoration work on community projects will allow us to work seamlessly with City staff to carry out the implementation of the Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program. The project will be managed by Marcus Goncalves. Marcus’ experience encompasses nearly two decades of performing habitat assessments, species monitoring surveys, and habitat restoration implementation. Marcus is well versed in the core services required for this project and will be supported by SWCA’s restoration team, along with IO Environmental, Inc.—a longtime teaming partner of SWCA who will provide support for planting implementation and maintenance. Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to work with you. Should you have any questions regarding our proposal please contact me at (626) 240-0587 or marcus.goncalves@swca.com if you have any questions regarding this proposal. Sincerely, Marcus Goncalves Project Manager Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 1 COMPANY PROFILE SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) was founded on sound scientific principles in 1981, and our employees have been rooted in scientific expertise ever since. We offer a focused suite of environmental consulting services combined with regional knowledge, professionalism, customer focus, and high-quality service. We apply our motto “Sound Science, Creative Solutions” to each of our projects, producing defensible technical results that ensure project success. SWCA has a dedicated ecological restoration team that designs, permits, and builds environmental restoration projects. We have the expertise and the relationships to guide successful restoration projects from inception to completion. RESTORATION EXPERTISE SWCA has dedicated ecological restoration, engineering, landscape architecture, and permitting teams that design, permit, and build ecological restoration projects. We have the expertise and the relationships to guide successful restoration projects from inception to completion. With a strong track record of successful achievement of performance criteria, our team will help you achieve restoration approval. Our team routinely works on species conservation and stream/wetland mitigation banks, erosion control, habitat and aesthetic improvements, reclamation planning, and success criteria monitoring. SWCA specializes in the assessment, protection, and restoration of natural resources. As needed based on project goals, all distinct disciplines represented within SWCA’s dedicated ecological restoration teams are involved in the design and long- term monitoring of our projects. Throughout the lift of a project, our ecological restoration teams are continually meeting to discuss interdisciplinary approaches for adaptive management and to further refine our skill sets based on project results. Our ecologists play a key role in SWCA’s interdisciplinary approach to ecological restoration by modifying project design plans to mitigate temporary adverse impacts to rare species and ensure long-term impacts are always a net positive gain in habitat. Many of our projects have been designed specifically to improve rare and endangered species habitats, including the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica). SWCA recognizes in addition to coastal California gnatcatcher, restored and enhanced habitats will be used by existing populations of cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) and populations of two special-status reptiles, coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri), and red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber). Across implementation and long-term maintenance, SWCA restoration ecologists will closely observe the newly created habitats to ensure they are within the performance criteria and within acceptable conditions for use by the target species. SWCA approaches ecological restoration from an ecosystem perspective. The goal of our ecological restoration practices is to create self-sustaining native ecosystems that support not just the target species, but also recovery from future disturbance and exotic species infestations. As dedicated stewards for the preservation of natural resources, SWCA’s ecological restoration team will spearhead efforts for the City of Diamond Bar (City) to ensure restoration and enhancement for the Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project is conducted with the greatest opportunity for success. Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 2 APPROACH A robust and effective pre-implementation understanding of project goals and a demonstrated history of meeting project metrics is crucial to the ultimate success of ecological restoration projects. The SWCA team brings a wide breadth of restoration technical experience and a successful history of partnership with our preferred subcontractor IO Environmental, Inc. (IOEI). Our project team is familiar with restoration projects of similar and larger size and scope in this geography and has established processes for the oversight and technical guidance of successful habitat restoration implementation and maintenance. As a contractor on the Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project, SWCA and project manager Marcus Goncalves will be a support partner to the City and will work to make the project as seamless as possible. Our approach to ecological restoration is simple— the SWCA team employs scientific means to identify and remove the root causes of the impairments to a system by employing nature-based practices to have the greatest beneficial and sustainable impact on the surrounding habitat. We take a holistic approach on a landscape scale to all our restoration projects. PROJECT TEAM SWCA KEY PERSONNEL SWCA has a deep bench of restoration staff and experts to support the City. Project manager Marcus Goncalves will be supported by restoration ecologist Sharif Durzi, staff biologists Marisol Sanchez and Parker Richardson, along with our principal restoration ecologist Lindsay Teunis, as needed. Resumes for key staff are included at the end of the proposal. MARCUS GONCALAVES, ECOLOGIST AND NATURAL RESOURCES PROJECT MANAGER Marcus Goncalves is a habitat restoration ecologist with 14 years of experience as a project executive, who has supported conservation projects by performing habitat restoration design, site maintenance oversight, project performance monitoring and reporting, biodiversity inventory surveys, and biological monitoring. Marcus is a graduate of the Masters in Conservation and Restoration Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. He has worked on various habitat restoration projects in Southern California performing habitat restoration planning and design, restoration implementation and restoration contractor oversight, and restoration project performance monitoring. He is knowledgeable in native seed collection, plant salvaging, plant propagation, and in various methods of installation of container plantings, cuttings, and seed. He is experienced in the protection of wildlife and flora, having conducted restoration for the improvement of sensitive habitats with least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus), coastal California gnatcatcher, burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia), Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae), arroyo chub (Gila orcuttii), and vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi). Marcus has expertise in nonnative plant detection and Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 3 monitoring and in the application of mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods for removal and control of California Invasive Plant Council–rated invasive plant species. He efficiently coordinates complex efforts and is skilled in the deployment of monitoring technology, such as wildlife cameras, rain gauges, and groundwater and surface water flow monitoring loggers. He is a California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) practitioner, proficient in technical report writing, experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis. Marcus is also trained in wilderness medicine and is certified in work health and safety by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). SHARIF DURZI, RESTORATION ECOLOGIST Sharif is an experienced biologist and project manager with research experience that includes pollinator habitat restoration, threatened and endangered species surveys and permitting, and large-scale restoration implementation oversight. He has led field efforts across the western United States to manage biological crews that are implementing restoration and native species recovery efforts. Sharif has experience with Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act compliance on federal lands and has extensive experience managing projects at the nexus of sensitive species with state and federal recovery needs. MARISOL SANCHEZ, RESTORATION ECOLOGIST Marisol Sanchez is an experienced biologist with 2 years of experience in natural resources. Her research interests include native plant propagation, habitat restoration, threatened and endangered species surveys and monitoring, and invasive species eradication. Marisol has experience implementing and monitoring Southern California habitat restoration efforts and conducting special-status species surveys in a variety of local habitats. She also has extensive experience conducting biological desktop reviews and drafting reports for Southern California Edison improvement projects. Marisol has a strong background in native plant maintenance and in managing exotic and weedy plant species. Her academic training enables her to provide a range of services to municipal planning and public works departments. TEAMING PARTNER, IO ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. (IOEI) SWCA is teamed with IOEI, a local Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business environmental remediation and restoration implementation firm. SWCA team members have worked with IOEI for more than a decade on the implementation of a variety of restoration projects in ecosystems including California sagebrush, coastal pricklypear scrub, grasslands, riparian, salt marsh, and vernal pools. IOEI maintains a 40% veteran workforce and provides a wide-ranging multidisciplinary team with extensive experience in environmental services, restoration, soil remediation, and civil design-build. Their habitat restoration staff have worked throughout southern California and have direct restoration experience in a variety of habitats including sage scrub, riparian/floodplain, wetland, estuary, riverine, and vernal pools. IOEI was selected as the 2014 Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year by the Small Business Administration, the 2015 top 100 inner-city firms by Fortune Magazine, and the 2017 Veteran-Owned Small Business Subcontractor of the Year. IOEI brings extensive experience in habitat restoration implementation, including biomonitoring, clearing and grubbing, earth contouring, removal of invasive species including giant reed (Arundo donax) and hemlock, soil amendments, fencing installation, hydroseeding, environmental signage, exclusion fencing, resource-protective weed treatment in wildland areas, dust control, and native planting. IOEI has worked in the Santa Ana River Watershed and is knowledgeable of the constraints of this geography, including environmental conditions and invasive species. Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 4 TEAM ORGANIZATION CONTRACTOR EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCES The following two project summaries have been provided to illustrate our team’s experience in implementing and maintaining projects in California. We provided one example for each teaming partner but could provide additional project examples if desired. Note that SWCA staff and IOEI staff have worked together on both these projects. Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 5 SWCA PROJECT: OTAY RIVER RESTORATION AND MITIGATION BANK PROJECT SWCA is leading the restoration design and permitting of the regionally significant Otay River Restoration Project, covering the first 2.5 miles of the Lower Otay River Watershed immediately downstream of Savage Dam. After an initial opportunities evaluation in 2014, followed by extensive research on the historical ecology of the area and current constraints, the project team designed a comprehensive restoration approach, including a braided channel network and active floodplains to support riparian, transitional, and upland native habitats and tributary reconnection, totaling more than 250 acres. This project exemplifies our team’s understanding of the watershed, our ability to lead complex restoration efforts, and our ability to facilitate public–private partnerships, thereby overcoming financial hurdles often plaguing degraded public lands. As with much of the Lower Otay River, the area was historically disturbed by sand mining, ranching, and unauthorized trail creation and has subsequently been invaded by tamarisk (Tamarix spp.), causing the loss of ecological functions and overall degradation of native habitats. The Otay River Restoration Program has evolved to include a permittee-responsible component and a mitigation bank. These mechanisms will secure mitigation credits for aquatic resources and species to offset impacts from local housing development projects, road infrastructure, and other future needs in the region. In addition to meeting the needs of the program sponsors (HomeFed Corporation and City of Chula Vista), the project was expanded to also meet the mitigation needs of third-party users. This creative approach not only provided critical regional mitigation credits but also created a revenue stream to offset initial project costs while also funding future work in the IOEI PROJECT: U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SANTA ANA RIVER TEMPORARY IMPACT MITIGATION IOEI partnered with Eco Associates and with current SWCA ecologists Lindsay Teunis and Marcus Goncalves to conduct maintenance and additional active restoration for 11 postconstruction temporary impact sites within Prado Basin as well as maintenance for 2 years in order to achieve pre-impact conditions. The 11 sites totaled approximately 425 acres of upland and riparian habitat that was temporarily impacted during the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project construction and was then restored within the past 1 to 4 years by the construction contractor. The restoration ecology team conducted a comprehensive baseline evaluation of each site to determine the level of effort needed. That information was used to develop a Monitoring and Maintenance Plan (Plan of Action) to carry out detailed methodology to remove nonnative weeds and promote native cover throughout the restoration sites. In addition, the document detailed the habitat monitoring approach to analyze and address habitat recovery relative to success standards and long-term protection. In the restoration plan, the team designed a seeding and planting plan, palettes, and worked with IOEI to prepare a detailed approach to target invasive species including giant reed removal from Reach 9 of the Santa Ana River Mainstem Project. IOEI ran two separate crews averaging six to 10 crew members from December 2018 through project completion. Operation consisted of mechanical weeding and herbicide applications. Coordination with adjacent landowners, resource managers, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project manager has occurred for all project work. Active construction within some of Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 6 the work areas has required schedule and production changes to keep the project moving forward. As needed, IOEI has staffed up to 15 crew members during the growing season to stay on top of seed production. Due to the increase in effort, weed control occurred later than desired including the need to work into the nesting season. IOEI and the team worked closely to implement weed removal while also protecting existing natural resources on-site including nesting birds, least Bell’s vireo, coastal California gnatcatcher, and other fauna. UNDERSTANDING OF SCOPE OF WORK The project proposed improvements and enhancements to the Canyon Loop Multi-Use Trail located south of State WHY Bar, Los Angeles County, California. A Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (HMMP) was prepared by Michael Baker International to meet the requirements of the project’s Mitigated Negative Declaration and comments from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. SWCA will provide technical assistance to the City to implement the ecological restoration and mitigation requirements by providing technical guidance for planting implementation and as-needed restoration consultation for the restoration of 0.10 acre of coastal pricklypear scrub within Summitridge Park in the City, and enhancement of an overall 0.14 acre of Disturbed California Sagebrush-Black Sage Scrub in two separate sites, Site A (0.05 acre) and Site B (0.09 acre), both located along Canyon Loop Trail. SWCA’s subconsultant, IOEI, will provide the City the implementation labor necessary to install the required mitigation, and provide the necessary maintenance and monitoring as required by the HMMP. The following tasks describe the habitat restoration implementation and maintenance activities required to finish the project. PHASE 1. IMPLEMENTATION TASK 1. PRECONSTRUCTION TASKS This task includes project kick-off meetings, review of site access routes and site protection, jobsite layout to include any staging area, equipment considerations, and daily Worker Environmental Awareness Plan trainings. TASK 2. SITE FENCING AND BUFFER FLAGGING Temporary fencing and signage shall be maintained for the duration of the project as determined by SWCA’s ecologists and IOEI’s implementation crews. SWCA’s ecologists shall advise workers of the sensitivity of the buffered areas. Workers shall be advised not to work, trespass, or engage in activities that would disturb nesting birds near or inside the buffer. TASK 3. NESTING BIRD SURVEYS AND PREWORK SURVEYS A nesting bird clearance survey will be conducted within 14 days prior to the start of construction within a 500-foot buffer of the project site. The survey shall be conducted by a qualified biologist with demonstrable experience identifying coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) nesting behavior and finding their nests, and who has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a coastal California gnatcatcher survey. If project activities are delayed or suspended for more than 7 days during the breeding season, surveys shall be repeated before work can resume. Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 7 If an active coastal California gnatcatcher or cactus wren nest is found during the survey, no project-related construction shall be allowed within 500 feet of an active coastal California gnatcatcher nest or within 300 feet of an active cactus wren nest, or within an alternative safe distance as determined by the qualified biologist based on topography, visual shielding, nest progress, and the type of construction and associated disturbance, until the active nest has been determined by the qualified biologist to have failed or to have successfully gone to completion (i.e., the nestlings have fledged and are no longer reliant on the nest). If other nesting birds or raptors are identified, a qualified biologist shall determine the nesting status and set up species-appropriate no-work buffers. The following minimum no-disturbance buffers shall be implemented: 300 feet around active passerine (perching birds and songbirds) nests, 500 feet around active non-listed raptor nests, and 0.5 mile around active California Endangered Species Act–listed bird nests. No project activities shall be allowed inside these buffers until the qualified biologist has determined that the birds have fledged and are no longer reliant on the nest or parental care for survival. These buffers shall be increased if needed to protect the nesting birds. Buffers shall be clearly delineated and marked around the active nest site as directed by the qualified biologist. Results of the nesting bird clearance survey shall be compiled in a memorandum and submitted to the City and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for project records. A qualified biological monitor will be present during each day that restoration activities occur in the project restoration and enhancement sites. Prior to each day of construction, the biological monitor will conduct a clearing survey for any special-status species present within the project area, but with particular emphasis on coastal whiptail (Aspidoscelis tigris stejnegeri) and red-diamond rattlesnake (Crotalus ruber). The biological monitor will safely relocate any individuals encountered within the project restoration and enhancement sites. TASK 4. CLEARING, GRUBBING, AND WEED ABATEMENT This task includes vegetation removal which consists of removing and disposing of all nonnative trees, bushes, shrubs, stumps, roots and any other nonnative material to accommodate the project improvements as required to complete the work in place. Following the clearing and grubbing work, IOEI will conduct exotic pest plant removal and eradication of weedy plant species by hand pulling, weed whipping, using herbicides, or by other agency-approved methods. SWCA’s ecologists will be responsible for directing IOEI regarding the selection of target weed species, their location, and the timing of weed control activities to ensure minimal impact to native plants. At least two rounds of weed abatement will be conducted by IOEI prior to native plant installation. The second round of weed abatement will occur following a complete growing season. This will allow weedy plant species to emerge from the seedbank and be managed before they set seed again. Use of unrestricted herbicides will only occur under the supervision of an individual employed by IOEI or SWCA in possession of a Qualified Applicator’s License. All spraying activity will occur under safe weather conditions to ensure that herbicide drift is nonexistent and native plants are unaffected. TASK 5. INSTALLATION AND SEEDING SWCA understands that the City with the assistance of Michael Baker International has provided the restoration planting palette in accordance with the HMMP to be planted within the project restoration and enhancement sites. Outside of the pricklypear cuttings that can be sourced from existing stands, SWCA and IOEI will acquire all required pure live seed and container stock from local nurseries with demonstrated knowledge in growing native stock. All Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 8 container plants sourced for restoration efforts will be inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi prior to being delivered to the project restoration site. The seed mixes identified in Tables 4 and 5 of HMMP Section 4.7.1 will be hand broadcasted in required quantities onto the restoration and enhancement areas prior to the installation of the container plants following the guidelines in HMMP Section 4.7.2. Under the direction of SWCA’s ecologist, broadcast seeding will occur in fall or winter months, timed to occur before a rain event to the greatest extent possible. Project restoration and enhancement sites will be irrigated prior to seed distribution. Following broadcast seed dispersal, project restoration and enhancement sites will be raked to maximize seed contact with soil. Under the direction of SWCA’s ecologists, all 160 cuttings and container stock will be installed in accordance with the guidelines in HMMP Section 4.7.3, including preparing and planting pricklypear pads in Section 4.7.4. Installation of cuttings and container stick will include, drying and callusing cactus pads for 3 to 4 weeks prior to installation, soaking container plants on-site 24 hours ahead of planting, flagging the planting locations by species and creating natural pattern, backfilling planting holes with native soil, creation of 3-inch watering berm at each plant for water retention, and watering each plant following installation. TASK 6. IRRIGATION PLAN This task includes the hand watering of 160 container plants and areas where seed mix was broadcasted within the 0.24-acre combined project restoration and enhancement sites for a minimum of 3 years. Pricklypear plantings and cuttings will not be placed on a regular watering schedule due to the increased risk of root rot. IOEI will be responsible for determining an adequate watering frequency for the cactus plantings. The remaining container plants will be placed under a regular watering schedule for the first 3 years. No formal irrigation system has been included. The budget includes a small water meter for measuring usage and volume as well as potential on-site water storage such as a water buffalo or tank. Irrigation will be phased out during the fall/winter of the third year. SWCA understands that all planted stock must survive and grow for a minimum of 2 years after supplemental irrigation has been phased out before sign-off of the project restoration site may occur. TASK 7. SIGNAGE IOEI will be responsible for placing appropriate signage in English, Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, and Cantonese at regular intervals around the perimeter of the project restoration site to restrict access. TASK 8. AS-BUILT REPORT SWCA will submit a report and documentation to the resource agencies within 30 days of completion of the 90-day plant establishment period. Year 0 baseline data and a topographic map will be included in this report. PHASE 2. MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING TASK 1. 5-YEAR MAINTENANCE AND QUALITATIVE MONITORING SWCA and IOEI will implement 5 years of maintenance and select (minimal) adaptive management activities. SWCA will provide select oversight/training of the IOEI crew to ensure the project remains on a trajectory to meet success standards. Costs for providing maintenance services are based on Section 6 of the HMMP. Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project City of Diamond Bar Page | 9 IOEI will maintain the project restoration and enhancement sites by minimizing weed cover through regular removal of exotic and weedy plant species using manual or chemical methods. SWCAs ecologists will provide supervision of maintenance activities conducted by IOEI to ensure that native plant species are unaffected. Any unsuccessful plantings will be replaced by SWCAs ecologists in coordination with the IOEI and the City after the first and second anniversary of plant installation. Container stock replacement will occur during the winter rainy season between October 1 and February 15 to maximize chances of successful establishment. The IOEI will also be responsible for reseeding the same native species identified in Tables 4 and 5 of the HMMP if low seed mix establishment is observed by Year 2. Trash, litter, and debris will be removed during routine maintenance activities by IOEI and disposed off-site as permitted by law. SWCA ecologists and IOEI will regularly evaluate the irrigation frequency of the project restoration site and make adjustments as they are deemed necessary. Added Value Outside of our proposed scope, SWCA will also prepare a site performance review memorandum for delivery to the project restoration ecologist ahead of each qualitative monitoring visit, wherein SWCA will self-report the status of project restoration and enhancement sites. TASK 2. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SIGN-OFF SWCA understands that the performance standards set forth in Tables 7 and 8 of the HMMP must be met at the end of year 5 for project sign-off to occur. If the project restoration and enhancement sites do not meet the success criteria at the end of the 5-year monitoring period, then the program will be extended 1 full year at a time with California Department of Fish and Wildlife–approved remedial measures until the Year 5 performance criteria are met. Following project sign-off, the City will be solely responsible for long-term maintenance of the restoration and enhancement areas. DELIVERABLES • One draft and one final as-built report delivered electronically. • Restoration walk-through meeting with a City representative. • Site review memorandum prepared during site maintenance visits, listing project activities and evaluating project performance, delivered prior to qualitative monitoring visits of project restoration ecologist. APPENDIX A: Resumes Resume Page | 1 MARCUS GONCALVES, M.S., PROJECT MANAGER Marcus Goncalves is a graduate of the Masters in Conservation and Restoration Sciences at the University of California–Irvine. He has worked on many projects in Southern California performing habitat assessment, species monitoring survey and habitat restoration implementation and providing environmental training and contractor oversight. He is experienced in the protection of wildlife and flora, having conducted restoration for the improvement of sensitive habitats of least Bell’s vireo, California gnatcatcher, burrowing owl, Santa Ana sucker, arroyo chub and fairy shrimp. Marcus has expertise in non-native plant detection and monitoring, and in the application of mechanical, chemical, and cultural methods for removal and control of Cal-IPC rated invasive plant species found in SD. He is experienced working on the County of SD properties, having performed field surveys and co-authored technical reports. He has also previously worked with the USACE, City of SD and Orange County. Marcus is currently working on the ecological restoration of +400 acres in the Otay River, where he is responsible for resource protection and monitoring, site maintenance oversight, and habitat restoration design and implementation. He is proficient in technical report writing, experimental design, data collection and statistical analysis. Marcus is also trained in wilderness medicine and certified in work health and safety by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA) Otay River Restoration, Mitigation Bank and Public Trails; HomeFed; San Diego County, California. Restoration design and permitting of approximately 1.5 miles of Otay River mainstem through an area historically disturbed by sand mining and now invaded with tamarisk. The project also includes 4+ miles of recreational trails, including equestrian and mountain bike use, along with border patrol and utility access needs. Leading the design of the project to recreate a functional river, including transitional and upland native habitats totaling approximately 148 acres. Role: Ecologist. Marcus performs biological surveys, performance monitoring, restoration oversight and site protection. ∗Tijuana River Valley Regional Park —Department of Parks and Recreation, County of San Diego, California. Role: Habitat Restoration Ecologist. Marcus supported the park construction by providing sensitive resource protection, construction oversight, nesting bird monitoring and environmental training. In addition, he collaborated with DPR on the preparation of native plant palettes for the park landscaping. ∗Wagon Wheel Creek Restoration and Stormwater Management Project; Orange County Parks, Orange County; California. Role: Project Ecologist. Performed monthly habitat performance assessments and annual quantitative assessments on restored riparian and upland habitats in Wagon Wheel Creek recreational. Performed yearly CRAM assessments in the Wagon Wheel Creek riverine system to monitor wetland condition and function during the habitat restoration project. He prepared technical reports with maintenance recommendations, such as specific herbicide application and irrigation improvements in support to management decisions in the eradication of non- native plant species and propagation of native plant cover. ∗Mountain Meadow Preserve, Sycamore Canyon/Goodan Ranch, Escondido Creek/University Heights Property —Department of Parks and Recreation, County of San Diego, California. Role: Biologist. Marcus performed biological inventory surveys inclusive of avian point count, mammal camera trapping, reptile trapping, plant community mapping, and nonnative plant mapping. He also co- authored the Baseline Biodiversity Inventory and the Vegetation Management Plan for each of these three properties. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 15 EXPERTISE Habitat restoration design Restoration monitoring Natural resource protection Biological surveys Worker Environmental Awareness training EDUCATION M.S., Conservation and Restoration Sciences; University of California–Irvine; 2019 B.Sc., Biological Sciences; State University of Maringa, Brazil; 2007 CERTIFICATIONS CRAM Practitioner HAZWOPER 40, OSHA Resume Page | 1 LINDSAY TEUNIS, M.S., PRINCIPAL RESTORATION ECOLOGIST Lindsay brings more than 20 years of experience in ecology and restoration and primarily manages complex multi-benefit natural resource projects in particular those requiring mitigation strategies to maximize dollars on the ground and streamline permitting. Restoration facilitates team building, partnerships, consensus, and a multi- disciplinary approach all of which are passions for Lindsay. She specializes in wetland habitat assessment and restoration design, implementation, and monitoring, including development of long-term monitoring and management. Lindsay has strong working relationships with resource agency staff, a personal philosophy on holistic multi-benefit ecological restoration, and high standards for quality and client satisfaction. She prides herself on her ability to engage consultants, agencies, municipalities, and non-profits to create teams that are best suited for the task at hand. SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA) Otay River Restoration, Mitigation Bank and Public Trails; HomeFed; San Diego County, California. Restoration design and permitting of approximately 1.5 miles of Otay River mainstem through an area historically disturbed by sand mining and now invaded with tamarisk. The project also includes 4+ miles of recreational trails, including equestrian and mountain bike use, along with border patrol and utility access needs. Leading the design of the project to recreate a functional river, including transitional and upland native habitats totaling approximately 148 acres. Role: Project Manager and Lead Restoration Ecologist. *San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project EIR/EIS and Permitting; San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC)/Coastal Conservancy; San Diego County, California. Coauthored the biological technical report and the biological resource section in the EIR/EIS (released in July 2014) and assisted with the restoration alternative development and evaluation process. Role: Ecologist and Task Manager. *San Diego County Fairgrounds Salt Marsh Restoration; 22nd District Agricultural Association (DAA); City of Del Mar, California. Prepared the final restoration plan following three failed attempts by other consultants. This included a comprehensive monitoring and maintenance plan, grading plans, and conceptual plan for the south overflow parking lot. Led implementation in addition to a large upland buffer and supported the DAA at three CCC hearings, prepared permit applications, expedited informal consultation with the USFWS, and facilitated permission to construct in the bird nesting season. Role: Lead Restoration Ecologist and Project Manager. Palisades Ranch Restoration Program Design and Strategy; Mojave Desert Land Trust; Mojave River, California. SWCA is conducting a feasibility study associated with the potential establishment of a mitigation bank/in-lieu fee program to fund the restoration of Palisades Ranch and continued management and maintenance of the property. Desktop analysis will be conducted to assess the market potential for aquatic resources and covered species (e.g., western yellow-billed cuckoo) relative to market needs, competition, project costs, credit yields, and prevailing credit valuations (financial pro forma). Desktop and field analyses will be conducted to assess the site potential for Palisades Ranch relative to technical and regulatory feasibility and potential credit yield. Role: Restoration Ecologist. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 20 EXPERTISE Restoration ecology Southern California ecosystems Feasibility Studies (restoration/trails) Habitat assessments Mitigation program design EDUCATION M.S., Biology, e: Marine Ecology; San Diego State University; 2005 B.S., Biology, e: Ecology; San Diego State University; 2002 REGISTRATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner; Society for Ecological Restoration; 2017 California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) Trainer since 2009 MEMBERSHIPS Member, Society for Ecological Restoration Board Member, California Society for Ecological Restoration (conference committee member, diversity committee co-chair) Resume Page | 1 MARISOL SANCHEZ, B.S., RESTORATION ECOLOGIST Marisol Sanchez is an experienced biologist with 2 years of experience in natural resources. Her research interests include native plant propagation, habitat restoration, threatened and endangered species surveys and monitoring, and invasive species eradication. Marisol has experience implementing and monitoring Southern California habitat restoration efforts and conducting special-status species surveys in a variety of local habitats. She also has extensive experience conducting biological desktop reviews and drafting reports for Southern California Edison improvement projects. Marisol has a strong background in native plant maintenance and in managing exotic and weedy plant species. Her academic training enables her to provide a range of services to municipal planning and public works departments. SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA) Otay River Mitigation Bank; HomeFed Otay Land II, LLC; Carlsbad, California. Restoration design and permitting of approximately 1.5 miles of Otay River mainstem through an area historically disturbed by sand mining and now invaded with tamarisk. The project also includes 4+ miles of recreational trails, including equestrian and mountain bike use, along with border patrol and utility access needs. Leading the design of the project to recreate a functional river, including transitional and upland native habitats totaling approximately 148 acres. Role: Staff Biologist. Conducted annual quantitative monitoring of the restoration sites by performing vegetation transects and capturing photo point data. Soda Mountain Solar Project; Confidential Client; San Bernardino County, California. SWCA is managing regulatory permitting for the Soda Mountain Solar Project. Services include agency outreach and coordination to establish a new California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) lead agency and create a workable permitting pathway for the project. Agencies consulted include the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board, and San Bernardino County. SWCA prepared an incidental take permit and is preparing the Environmental Impact Report, performing fieldwork, and preparing technical studies for the project in coordination with CDFW, the current lead agency. Role: Staff Biologist. Conducted presence/absence surveys for special-status species Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii) and burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). Assisted with bat acoustic monitoring survey efforts. Assisted in the preparation of the biological assessment report for Crotch’s bumble bee. ∗Multiple Projects; Michael Baker International; Orange County, California. Michael Baker International is a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, and has been solving complex infrastructure challenges for more than 80 years. The Southern California Natural Resources team partners with clients and stakeholders to foster a balanced ecosystem that leaves the land, water, air and communities more socially, economically and environmentally sustainable. They ensure that projects comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as a host of other environmental requirements related to CEQA, state-specific voluntary remediation and redevelopment, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), and the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Role: Ecosystem Restoration Intern. Participated in qualitative and quantitative monitoring of restoration sites, provided oversight on replanting efforts at restoration sites, evaluated plant material to ensure specimens were healthy prior to installation, participated in bird nesting surveys and rare plant surveys to clear project sites for future construction work, collected photographs and detailed notes from work sites to capture project progress, and assisted with report writing by developing photograph exhibits. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 2 EXPERTISE Habitat restoration Native plant propagation Bat acoustic monitoring Sensitive and general biological resource surveys EDUCATION B.S., Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution; University of California, Los Angeles; 2021 Resume Page | 1 SHARIF DURZI, B.S., RESTORATION ECOLOGIST Sharif Durzi is an experienced biologist and project manager with research experience that includes pollinator habitat restoration, threatened and endangered species surveys and permitting, and generation project surveys. He has led field efforts across the western United States to manage biological crews that are implementing restoration plans for pollinator and native species recovery efforts. Sharif has experience with Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act compliance on federal lands, and has extensive experience managing projects at the nexus of sensitive pollinator state and federal recovery needs. SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA) Wetlands Reserve Program/Wetland Reserve Easements Restoration and Monitoring; American Conservation Experience (ACE); Nationwide. The ACE and SWCA have been providing easement compliance and ecological monitoring and restoration in support of the Wetlands Reserve Program and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements. Role: Program Manager. Provides management of staff and technical expertise to partner organizations and Natural Resources Conservation Service. Copper Fire Woodlands Restoration Project; National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) and Angeles National Forest (ANF); California. SWCA teamed with the nonprofit entity, Tree People, to support the NFWF and ANF with the development of silvilcultural prescriptions and habitat restoration in areas that were impacted by the Copper Fire. Role: Biologist. Conducted field surveys and prepared biological reports. Confidential Restoration Project; Confidential Client; California. SWCA is working to draft restoration designs to return a portion of the Mojave River to its floodplain and restore riparian habitat for special-status birds, amphibians, and fish along the river. Role: Restoration Ecologist. Conducts field surveys and assists with document preparation for habitat revegetation and restoration. ∗Native Plant Restoration and Argentine Ant Eradication Program; U.S. Navy Naval Auxiliary Landing Field Station San Clemente Island (NALF SCI); California. Conducted native plant surveys, restoration of vegetative communities, and implemented eradication protocol for the Argentine ant on the NALF SCI. Role: Crew Leader. Led field teams conducting biological surveys and monitoring for endemic and sensitive flora and developed and implemented protocol for invasive species management. ∗Monarch Wings Across California; Los Banos, California. In partnership with California Department of Transportation, Ducks Unlimited, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Toyota Motor Corporation, Pollinator Partnership conducted a series of migratory habitat enhancements and monitoring along California State Route 152 to provide an excellent monarch breeding habitat corridor for the western monarch population. Role: Project Manager and Habitat Specialist. Project planning, budgeting, restoration implementation, and reporting revenue and expenditures to granting agencies. Camino Solar Environmental Support; Aurora Solar, LLC; Kern County, California. SWCA was retained to support National Environmental Policy Act and California Environmental Quality Act compliance for a 44-megawatt solar photovoltaic project located on a mix of private and Bureau of Land Management lands. Role: Biologist. Conducted Joshua tree inventory and health status surveys, prepared Joshua tree impact plan, and oversaw translocation of approximately 35 Joshua trees. Antelope Expansion 3 Project Environmental Services; sPower Development Company, LLC; Los Angeles County, California. SWCA prepared a mitigated negative declaration (MND) for a 150-acre solar project in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Specialists conducted technical studies to support the findings of the MND, including rare plants, jurisdictional delineation, and general biological resources. Role: Biologist. Conducted field surveys and prepared biological reports. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE 8 EXPERTISE Pollinator habitat restoration Sensitive species surveys Field entomological ID Noxious weed management Solar, wind, battery storage projects Construction monitoring Academic Publications – Invertebrate Ecology EDUCATION B.A., Environmental Sciences, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; University of Colorado; 2015 CERTIFICATIONS Wilderness First Aid; National Outdoor Leadership School 2018 Certified Remote Pilot; Federal Aviation Administration 2019 California Rapid Assessment Method; Certified Practitioner 2022 MEMBERSHIPS Member; Ecological Society of America Member; California Native Plant Society EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS  20 years professional experience in the landscape and habitat restoration industry including plant installation, pesticides, irrigation, turf, heavy equipment operations and personnel management.  Results-driven environmental manager with experience in diverse settings involving a wide range of concurrent environmental issues at multiple sites.  Proven ability to manage large projects, foster a team atmosphere, and focus all resources to achieve the objectives within the targeted time and cost.  Experience leading multi-discipline teams in large scale environmental investigation, remediation, and construction management projects.  Broad administration management skills including estimating and negotiating project contract modifications, financial/budget and vendor accountability, payroll reporting, scheduling, and implementation of personnel safety programs. RELEVANT PROJECTS  Senior Project Manager/ CEO (LCS) Chino Hills State Park Restoration Project, California Department of Parks and Recreation Restore and Creation of 1.5 acres of wetland/ southern williow scrub/ripiarian/ sycamore woodland and 1.0 acres of sage scrub vegetation.  Regional Manager (Natures Image Inc.) 2006- 2008 – Managed, coordinated, and provided technical support to create and maintain over 500 acres of sensitive habitat in San Diego, San Bernardino, and Imperial counties. Supervised the removal, treatment, maintenance, inspection and evaluation of invasive plant species, such as tamarix, conium, and arundo donax, in a wide range of critical/ sensitive environments. Supported the ongoing monitoring of wildlife studies, surveys, and activities to ensure program quality, effectiveness, technical adequacy. Evaluated information and data on damage hazards caused by various wildlife species to sensitive habitats.  Project Manager, Branch Safety Coordinator (TruGreen Landcare) 2005- 2006 – Managed a 1.4 million dollar contracts portfolio including Barona Ranch and Resort, MCAS Miramar, and the San Diego Jewish Academy.  Project Manager, Branch Safety Coordinator (Miranda’s Landscape) 1994-2005 – Managed various military service contracts that include McConnell AFB, Wichita, KS, Feb. 2005 to Apr. 2006, S.W. Division Naval Complex, San Diego, CA, Feb.2001 to Feb. 2005, Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson, AZ, Mar.2000 to Feb. 2001, Terminal Island C.G. Complex, Long Beach, CA, Apr.1998 to Feb.2000.  Active Duty United States Air Force 1991 -1994-Assignments include California, Iceland, Saudi Arabia (Desert Storm), North Dakota, and Texas. EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER FIRMS  2013-Present IO Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc.  2008-2013 Land Care Solutions, Inc. CEO  2005-2008 Natures Image, Inc. Regional Manager  2002-2005 TruGreen LandCare Project Manager EDUCATION  Studies in Systemic Biology, Business Management Cal Poly University 2001-2002 Cuyamaca College 2004 ACTIVE REGISTRATIONS  CPM  OSHA HAZWOPER-40 hr. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS  Habitat Restoration expertise  8 years on environmental projects with increasing responsibility  12 years managing multiple projects at multiple locations  QA and project review expertise  Familiar with contracting mechanisms and task order procedures  Strong fiscal management capabilities  Effective team leader and organization manager  Exceptional communication skills Daniel R. Parker Project Manager