HomeMy WebLinkAboutHELIX Proposal_Diamond Bar Canyon Loop TrailCanyon Loop Trail ImprovementHabitat Mitigation Monitoring ProgramProject Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
Proposal to Provide
July 6, 2023
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
16485 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618
949.573.9450 tel
619.462.0552 fax
www.helixepi.com
July 6, 2023
Ryan Wright
Parks & Recreation Director
City of Diamond Bar, Parks & Recreation Department
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Subject: Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
Dear Mr. Wright:
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX) is pleased to submit the enclosed proposal to provide Project
Manager and Restoration Ecologist Services to assist the City of Diamond Bar (City) with the Habitat Mitigation
Monitoring Program (HMMP, Program) for the Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project. As demonstrated in our
proposal, HELIX has the expertise, depth of staff, local knowledge, and directly related experience necessary to
provide excellent service to the City under this contract.
HELIX has a successful track record providing mitigation monitoring, habitat restoration, and project
management services to numerous public agencies and private clients throughout Southern California. We have
completed hundreds of environmental monitoring and restoration projects and have provided habitat mitigation
monitoring plan implementation and reporting services to many projects within the greater Los Angeles area.
Our enclosed proposal includes references for several projects similar to the required scope of services. I
encourage you to talk with any of these HELIX clients about the quality of service we have consistently provided.
HELIX’s proactive and strategic approach, as well as our direct experience, results in savings of time and costs.
HELIX has thoughtfully structured an approach to provide the City with necessary agency coordination support
and scheduled monitoring services to obtain mitigation sign-off from the agencies.
Daniel Torres is HELIX’s proposed Project Manager for this effort. With over nine years of local environmental
experience, he will serve as the City’s primary point of contact. He currently manages implementation and
monitoring, and reporting for several habitat mitigation and monitoring programs in the greater Los Angeles
area. Mr. Torres is intimately familiar with the challenges that come with coastal sage scrub restoration, and
biological resources that are present throughout the region and the City. Mr. Torres is fully committed to
supporting the City’s successful sign-off of mitigation obligations for the Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Project
and will ensure fluid and effective communication with the City and the project team.
I will serve as Principal-In-Charge, fully committing our firm’s resources to provide the highest quality service to the
City. I have more than 22 years of experience and am authorized to enter into agreements on behalf of the firm.
We have reviewed the Consultant Services Agreement presented in Attachment 2 of the City’s Request for Proposals
(RFP), meet the City’s insurance requirements, and agree to execute the Agreement as written. If you have any
questions, please feel free to reach out to Daniel Torres or myself via the contact information provided on page 1.
We appreciate this opportunity to present our qualifications and are excited to work with the City on this project.
Sincerely,
Amir Morales, Principal-In-Charge, Principal Regulatory Specialist
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Qualifications & Experience
OVERVIEW OF THE FIRM
HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), an
employee-owned corporation with offices in Orange,
Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, Placer, and
Sacramento counties, has been providing
environmental consulting services throughout
Southern California since 1991. With over 230
employees in Southern California, staff members with
work experience in the greater Los Angeles area, and
a proven model for successful project management,
HELIX has the expertise and resources necessary to
provide the services anticipated under this contract.
Primary disciplines provided by HELIX include
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance;
biology, cultural, acoustical, visual, air quality, and
greenhouse gas (GHG) studies; regulatory permitting
and endangered species consultation; and mitigation
monitoring and compliance. Additionally, our
Construction Group specializes in restoration, design,
construction, and maintenance of native habitat.
For 31 years, HELIX has provided environmental
planning, biological resources, regulatory permitting,
and mitigation services for hundreds of projects for
public agencies, special districts, and private clients.
In-depth knowledge of the local environment and
regulations, creative problem-solving, unwavering
client commitment, and high-quality work products
are the hallmarks of HELIX’s success. This is evidenced
by a strong record of repeat clients and successful
execution of projects.
Firm Legal Name: HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc.
Years in Business: 31 years
Legal Form of Company: Corporation
Employees: 230-Southern California; 280-Firmwide
Southern California Office Locations:
− Orange County
16485 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92618
− Los Angeles County
135 W. Green Street, Suite 100
Pasadena, CA 91105
− Riverside County
1504 Columbia Avenue, Suite 8
Riverside, CA 92507
− San Diego County (Headquarters)
7578 El Cajon Boulevard, La Mesa, CA 91942
− North San Diego County
703 Palomar Airport Road, Suite 200
Carlsbad, CA 92011
Points of Contact:
− Daniel Torres (Primary)
Project Manager, Restoration Ecologist
DanielT@helixepi.com
949.573.9412 ext. 412
− Amir Morales (Secondary)
Principal-In-Charge, Principal Regulatory Specialist
AmirM@helixepi.com
949.234.8793 ext. 405
Irvine Office La Mesa Office Los Angeles Office Riverside Office
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Our project knowledge and experience with open space management, biological monitoring, and habitat
restoration has gone hand-in-hand since HELIX’s beginning. Our biology staff has extensive experience in
restoration, including planning and design, and often work side-by-side with contractors, engineers, and
hydrologists to develop functional projects that meet requirements. In addition to providing design services,
biology staff coordinate and monitor restoration activities during the implementation and maintenance phases
of projects. Coordination includes both quantitative and qualitative monitoring of restoration progress in relation
to success criteria provided in the initial project plans and permits. In addition to the full range of environmental
services we offer, HELIX’s experience in the following service areas will help support the City on this contract.
Biological Resources. HELIX’s Biology Group provides a wide range of biological services analyses, including
surveying and monitoring, for projects ranging from individual project sites to regional, large-scale, multi-
jurisdictional planning areas. HELIX conducts resource assessment surveys and biological analyses to identify
sensitive habitats and the likelihood of a site to support special-status species, to make recommendations for
further studies, and to identify permits that may be required. In addition to resource assessment surveys,
vegetation community mapping, and biological analyses, we regularly provide biological monitoring,
environmental training for workers and contractors, and project management assistance during construction
to both contractors and public agencies.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
HELIX’s biological team is familiar with established protocols and
guidelines for determining the presence or absence of threatened,
endangered, or other special-status plants and animals. We have
permitted biologists who perform focused plant and wildlife surveys
to comply with regulations of government agencies such as the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE), Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB), and
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
HELIX’s botanists conduct surveys in support of a broad range of
projects to determine the presence of special-status (rare, threatened,
and endangered or species with California Native Plant Society [CNPS]
designations) plants, locally significant plants, and sensitive plant
communities, including those species and communities that occur
within Los Angeles County. HELIX is experienced in analyzing impacts
of proposed projects on native plants and plant communities. HELIX is
also well-versed in conducting noxious weed assessments and control
and preparing revegetation and restoration plans.
Mitigation Monitoring & Environmental Compliance.
Our biologists are experienced in both the design and execution of
habitat mitigation and monitoring programs (HMMPs). We have
prepared monitoring programs for a variety of projects across
Southern California, from public infrastructure and large-scale land
developments to regional operations and maintenance programs,
including for parks, multi-use trails, and roadways. HELIX’s monitoring
programs identify monitoring and reporting procedures, monitoring
responsibilities, and monitoring schedules for all mitigation measures
and permit conditions identified. HELIX currently provides mitigation
monitoring for more than 50 projects involving a wide variety of
restoration habitats, including coastal sage scrub and cactus
restoration described in the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP). HELIX
has also implemented HMMPs within the vicinity of several sensitive
species, including coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica
californica), coastal cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus),
and least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). HELIX’s monitors help to
ensure compliance with mitigation measures and permit conditions
related to the Clean Water Act (CWA), Migratory Bird Treaty Act
(MBTA), federal and state Endangered Species Acts (ESAs), CEQA,
NEPA, California Fish and Game Code, and other applicable codes and
regulations.
HELIX also has extensive experience providing environmental training
to contractors, including restoration contractors, and other project
personnel to help ensure that project requirements and protection
measures are implemented throughout a project.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Habitat Restoration & Vegetation Management.
HELIX is involved in all aspects of habitat restoration,
including development of conceptual and final restoration
plans, monitoring of grading in restoration and
revegetation areas, vegetation/brush management,
long-term maintenance and monitoring, and annual
reporting. HELIX’s construction crews and managers work
closely with our in-house biologists and planners
throughout the planning, design, and implementation
phases of projects to ensure a seamless transition
between habitat restoration planning and
implementation. Our restoration ecologists specialize in
the development of large-scale weed inventories and
weed management plans.
HELIX staff have worked on numerous parks and multi-use
trails throughout Southern California and as such, are
experts in the restoration and vegetation management of
local habitats, being deeply familiar with agency priorities
and ongoing maintenance and management. HELIX’s
construction monitors are cross-trained as restoration
monitors, which allows for the monitors to recommend
alternative options during site reclamation activities to
increase the likelihood of restoration success (such as
salvage of topsoil, salvage of cactus cuttings, etc.).
With a large team of 58 restoration field personnel
focused on the installation and maintenance of native
habitat for restoration projects, they are trained regularly
on topics including native vs. non-native plant species
identification, herbicide use, irrigation system installation,
irrigation system maintenance and repair, equipment use
and repair, environmental regulations (local, state, and
federal), safety protocols and proper personal protective
equipment (PPE) use, public interaction, reporting
procedures and techniques, and more. The team focuses
on the restoration of natural habitats using indigenous
plant and seed material, temporary irrigation, and routine
to complex maintenance strategies.
HELIX holds a State of California C-27 landscaping and
Class A General Contractor’s license (831496), Pest
Control Business license (32774), multiple Qualified
Applicator Licenses (QALs), and Qualified Storm Water
Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practitioner (QSP)
certifications, and is well qualified to provide a full range
of vegetation management, habitat modification and
restoration, and invasive species management services.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
With hundreds of restoration projects, ranging in size from less than 1/4 acre to over 500 acres, HELIX has
prepared hundreds of restoration and mitigation plans in a wide variety of sensitive upland and wetland habitat
types for local, state, and federal agency approval. HELIX also has prepared transplantation and/or management
plans tailored to specific species. Typical restoration/mitigation plans include a description of the existing
conditions, goals for the types of habitats to be created/restored, methodology to implement the restoration
(e.g., topsoil salvage, exotic species management, and wildlife habitat components), success criteria, and
maintenance and monitoring schedules. HELIX also has experience in the creation of mitigation banks, working
with federal, state, and local regulators to develop, implement, and manage cost-effective mitigation programs.
HELIX maintains a strong reputation with our clients and the resource agencies, and our staff has a successful
track record of maintaining excellent communication with the project team, ensuring projects stay on track and
within the approved budgets.
Project Management. HELIX’s
project management approach has
been developed in response to the
needs of our public agency and
private clients. Our specific approach
to project management is tailored to
individual client needs. Even within
local government clients, there is a
wide variety in terms of what is
expected, required, and desired of an
environmental consultant. There are,
however, key elements of our project
management approach that are
relatively universal in their
applicability and effectiveness, as
described below.
HELIX’s first step is to determine the needs of the client. Where an agency has issued an RFP, HELIX makes sure
that we carefully review the RFP and understand the agencies stated requirements and project needs. Once
HELIX is under contract, we work quickly to set up kick-off meetings and establish appropriate lines of
communications. This includes identifying the main HELIX point of contact for a given project (typically the HELIX
project manager), as well as identifying alternate points of contact. Clients are also informed that they are always
free to contact HELIX’s Chief Executive Officer or Vice Presidents should they feel the need for immediate, direct
interaction with the most senior members of HELIX’s management team.
One of HELIX’s primary goals is to establish and maintain effective communication with regard to technical,
schedule, and budgetary issues. This will be accomplished from work initiation through project closure by using
monthly written status reports, detailed monthly invoices, regular meetings and phone calls, and other
mechanisms desired by the client’s project manager. Through these communications, a working relationship
results that helps lead to efficient accomplishment of each project’s scope of services.
HELIX prepares tailored, detailed schedules for its projects for use by our clients and professional team.
We create task schedules using Microsoft Project, which can be e-mailed to our clients for review and updates,
as necessary. HELIX also creates easy-to-view Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) versions of each updated schedule for team
members that do not operate Microsoft Project. This is an effective means of keeping all team members
informed and up-to-date.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
HELIX also employs several management tools tailored for the
completion of field-oriented tasks. A successful day in the field
relies on preparation in the office. Before any field activity,
HELIX staff review the scope of work and budget. Any questions
are vetted well before the actual field visit, and the field team
prepares an action plan. Preparation for a field visit may include
collecting field maps (both hard and digital copies), discussing
access to the site, evaluating any safety-related items, and
consensus regarding data collected and how it will be recorded.
Following each field activity, associated staff will reconvene to
ensure that everyone is safe and that the required data has
been successfully collected in the desired format. The technical
staff processes field data in the desired format and passes it to
the task order manager for review.
As the project moves forward, HELIX uses Deltek Vantagepoint,
an integrated cost tracking and invoice billing software. This
system incorporates the agreed-upon billing rates for the
contract, allowable expenses, and subconsultant budgets. Staff
enter their time daily, allowing managers to track project
budgets in real time and quickly react to any issues. Invoices are
customized to provide important information, including the
names and billing rates of each assigned staff member, the
nature of the work completed, the percentage of work
completed, and the remaining budget. Deltek Vantagepoint has
a robust accounts payable tracking system, an electronic invoice
tracking system, and an electronic accounts receivable system
that allows for detailed project budget management. HELIX has
customized reports that enable a project manager to track and
provide information to the client on specific billing aspects of
the project with high-level detail and without delay.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC). HELIX has
an excellent reputation for delivery of top-quality work products
on time and within our budgets due to the effectiveness of our
cost control, quality control, schedule management, and
communication systems. To ensure the high quality of both our
analytical and documentation processes, HELIX has developed a
QA/QC Plan, which is applied to all of the firm’s and
subconsultant activities. The fundamental objectives of HELIX’s
QA/QC Plan are to ensure not only that the work product fulfills
a task’s scope of services, but also that the specific needs of the
client are both fully defined and met. For each major
deliverable, HELIX ensures that a senior technical specialist, with
an appropriate background in the resource area(s) being
evaluated, provides a quality assurance review prior to submittal. In addition, documents are reviewed by
HELIX’s technical editor/production manager as part of the document production phase. This is our across-the-
board commitment to quality control.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Project Team
HELIX has assembled a team that is ideally suited to provide biological monitoring services for this contract.
Our project team will be led by Daniel Torres, a qualified Biology Project Manager with over nine years of direct
experience conducting extensive restoration monitoring and biological surveys. He will serve as the City’s
primary point of contact and responsible representative providing daily management and project team
oversight. Mr. Torres has local experience working in and around the greater Los Angeles area, including
managing the implementation of several HMMPs within Santa Clarita on the Tesoro Highlands Project. He will
lead a highly qualified team of skilled staff and will ensure that expert services are provided in a timely and cost-
effective- manner to the City.
Amir Morales, HELIX Biology Group Manager and Principal Regulatory Specialist with over 22 years of experience
conducting and overseeing biological monitoring programs. Mr. Morales will serve as the Principal-In-Charge and
City’s secondary point of contact and responsible representative to provide technical and managerial oversight,
quality control, and allocate staff resources to ensure that the contract is adequately staffed to meet deadlines.
Lauren Singleton will serve as a Senior Biologist for this contract, with 13 years of local experience, she is a
proactive biologist with proven abilities providing environmental services to public agencies. Biological
monitoring support will be provided by our local biologists, Matthew Dimson and Taylor Chase.
This section provides summaries of our proposed leadership and key staff assigned to this contract. Resumes for
project team members can be found in the Attachment. We have a deep bench of additional highly qualified staff
available to support our key staff as needed. Our diverse team includes both junior and senior talent, with a
depth of staff (37 biologists in our Southern California offices) that allows for rapid response to project tasks.
HELIX employs a robust set of quality control measures to ensure the technical quality of our work from the
development of the technical approach through completion of contract deliverables. All members of the planning
team are committed to this contract throughout its duration and dedicated to its success. HELIX is committed and
available to be immediately responsive to the City’s needs.
PROJECT ORGANIZATION
AMIR MORALES | Principal-In-Charge
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING / RESTORATION ECOLOGIST SERVICES
Lauren Singleton, Senior Biologist
Matthew Dimson, Biologist
Taylor Chase, Biologist
DANIEL TORRES | Project Manager / Restoration Ecologist
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
PROJECT TEAM
DANIEL TORRES | Project Manager, Restoration Ecologist
Mr. Torres is a Biologist with nine
years of experience working and
managing projects throughout
Southern California, with an
emphasis in Los Angeles, Orange,
Riverside, San Bernardino, and
San Diego, counties. Mr. Torres is
an ISA-certified Arborist
responsible for performing tree
assessments and tree surveys. He is particularly skilled
with botanical efforts including vegetation mapping and
habitat assessment, plant identification, and special-
status plant surveys. Mr. Torres has applied his expertise
in botany to lead the implementation of a variety of
habitat mitigation and monitoring plans for special-status
plant and animal species. He has provided guidance to
restoration contractors and has maintained open
communication with clients during project installation
and monitoring phases. Mr. Torres has also conducted
nesting bird surveys and focused surveys for burrowing
owl (Athene cunicularia) and least Bell’s vireo.
Additionally, he writes CEQA-level technical reports,
prepares permitting packages for Section 401/404/1602
permits, and performs construction monitoring and
environmental compliance monitoring for a variety of
clients in the public and private sectors including projects
for utilities, water, transportation, and private
development.
Title: Biologist V
Experience: 9 (Total) / 5 (Firm)
Education: BS, Ecology and Natural Resources
Certifications: CDFW, Plant Voucher Collecting Permit
No. 2081(a)-18-075-V; International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA), Certified Arborist No. WE-12249A;
ISA, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Certification
(TRAQ)
Relevant Experience:
• The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Riparian Habitat
Restoration
• The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Oak Tree
Restoration
• The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Mariposa Lily
Restoration
• The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Western Spadefoot
Mitigation Plan Implementation
• Mt. SAC, East Parcel Habitat Restoration
• Mt. SAC, West Parcel Habitat Restoration
• City of Santa Clarita, McBean Parkway Bridge
Environmental Mitigation
• City of Santa Clarita, Newhall Ranch Road
Environmental Mitigation
• City of Santa Clarita, Newhall/McBean Tree
Mitigation Project
• City of Diamond Bar, South Pointe Project
• City of Chino Hills, English Channel Mitigation
Project
AMIR MORALES | Principal-In-Charge, Principal Regulatory Specialist
Mr. Morales is a Principal
Regulatory Specialist with more
than 22 years of experience
consulting on issues pertaining to
environmental science,
regulatory permitting, and
hydrology throughout Southern
California. He specializes in
arid/wetland delineations;
Title: Principal Regulatory Specialist
Experience: 22 (Total) / 6 (Firm)
Education: BS, Hydrological Sciences, Minor GIS
Certifications: Qualified California Rapid Assessment
Method, Practitioner, Wetlands and Estuarine
Relevant Experience:
• City of Santa Clarita, Bouquet Canyon Road Project
• City of Chino Hills, English Channel Mitigation
Project
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
jurisdictional resource assessments; Section 404 (USACE),
Section 401 (RWQCB), and Section 1602 (CDFW)
regulatory permitting and compliance; and compensatory
mitigation development. He has completed hundreds of
jurisdictional delineations during his tenure as a
consultant and has extensive experience with a range of
services including due diligence, regulatory
strategy/planning, habitat conservation plan compliance,
storm water quality assistance, streambed mitigation
development/implementation, biological planning and
management, conservation easement
negotiations/support, and CEQA peer reviews.
• City of Chino Hills, Shady View Residential Project
• Wilson Creek Streambed Mitigation
• Chino Basin Desalter Authority, Chino Desalter
Phase 3 Expansion Project CDA Water Pipeline
• City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Sports Park Project
• City of Calimesa, Oak Valley Town Center
• City of Wildomar, Alta Colina Residential
Development (Tentative Tract 29476)
• Agua Mansa Industrial Project Biological Consulting
• City of Irvine, MacArthur Channel Improvements
• City of Los Angeles, Peck Park
LAUREN SINGLETON | Senior Biologist
Ms. Singleton is a Senior Biology
Project Manager with 13 years
of experience. She prepares a
variety of technical reports,
including CEQA-level biological
technical reports, Habitat
Mitigation and Monitoring Plans,
Long-term Management Plans,
and mitigation annual technical
monitoring reports. Ms. Singleton has performed
biological field work throughout Southern California
counties involving habitat assessments, vegetation
mapping, tree surveys, construction and mitigation
monitoring, wetland delineations, jurisdictional
delineations, and California Rapid Assessment Methods
(CRAM). She is skilled in identification of local flora and
fauna and has conducted focused surveys for rare plants,
burrowing owl, and least Bell’s vireo. She is permitted by
the USFWS to independently conduct surveys for
federally listed coastal California gnatcatcher.
Ms. Singleton also has adept expertise with invertebrate
pests, such as the goldspotted oak borer and
polyphagous shot hole borer. She has additional
specialized experience in stream ecology and is trained in
conducting bioassessment following the Surface Water
Ambient Monitoring Program protocol.
Title: Senior Biology Project Manager
Experience: 13 (Total) / 6 (Firm)
Education: MS, Biology; BS, Biology/Ecology Minor,
Chemistry
Certifications: Qualified California Rapid Assessment
Method, Practitioner; USFWS, Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife Species Permit (Authorized to
conduct surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher),
No. ES-778195-15
Relevant Experience:
• Mt. SAC, East Parcel Habitat Restoration
• Mt. SAC, West Parcel Habitat Restoration
• Mt. SAC, California Black Walnut Mitigation
• City of Chino Hills, English Channel Mitigation Project
• SCE, Mesa Colima 500 kV Substation Mitigation
Habitat Restoration Plan and Interim Maintenance
• SCE, Idle Transmission Line Removal - TD 1104776
• City of Santa Clarita, Bouquet Canyon Road Project
• County of Los Angeles, Compton/Woodly Airport
Runway 7L-25R
• California Water Service, Palos Verdes Peninsula
Water Reliability Project
• Bodle Ditch Riparian and Wetland Monitoring and
Adaptive Management Program
• City of Irvine, Culver Drive/University Drive
Intersection Improvements, Construction Monitoring,
and Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
Implementation
• City of Chino Hills, Shady View Residential Project
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
MATTHEW DIMSON | Biologist
Mr. Dimson is a biologist with
5 years of experience. He is skilled
in identification of local flora and
fauna and has conducted focused
surveys for special-status plants
and burrowing owls. Other
surveys that he has conducted
include pre-construction nesting
bird surveys for vegetation
maintenance. He is permitted by the USFWS to
independently conduct surveys for federally listed
coastal California gnatcatcher. He is particularly
knowledgeable with invertebrate pests, including
polyphagous shot hole borer and gold spotted oak borer.
Additionally, he has participated in the study and
trapping of southwestern pond turtles at University of
California, Irvine’s San Joaquin Marsh. Mr. Dimson also
assists with preparing regulatory permitting packages for
Sections 401/404/1602 permits, construction
monitoring, and environmental compliance monitoring.
Title: Biologist IV
Experience: 5 (Total) / 5 (Firm)
Education: BS, Environmental Science and Policy
Certifications: Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC)
Aquatic No. 150153; Qualified California Rapid
Assessment Method, Practitioner; USFWS, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife Species Permit (Authorized to
conduct surveys for the coastal California gnatcatcher),
No. ES-778195-15
Relevant Experience:
• Mt. SAC, East Parcel Habitat Restoration
• Mt. SAC, West Parcel Habitat Restoration
• Mt. SAC, Southern California Black Walnut Mitigation
• City of Santa Clarita, McBean Parkway Bridge
Environmental Mitigation
• City of Santa Clarita, Newhall Ranch Road
Environmental Mitigation
• SCE, Idle Transmission Line Removal - TD 1104776
• City of Irvine, Drive/University Drive Intersection
Improvements, Construction Monitoring, and Habitat
Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Implementation
• City of Irvine Warner Channel Emergency Repair
• City of Chino Hills, English Channel Mitigation Project
• Pacific Landing Project
TAYLOR CHASE | Biologist
Mr. Chase is a biologist with eight
years of experience with habitat
mitigation and compliance
monitoring projects in Southern
California. He has conducted
construction monitoring and
mitigation monitoring as well as
biological resource studies
including focused plant and
animal surveys. He is knowledgeable in planning and
implementation of large-scale invasive species control
and out-planting of native vegetation for restoration
projects. He has experience in a variety of environmental
disciplines and has served as assistant project manager
and staff biologist for many environmental projects in
Southern California.
Title: Biologist II
Experience: 1 (Total) / 1 (Firm)
Education: BS, Environmental Protection and
Management, Minor in Indigenous Studies
Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist, No. WE-14528A;
Qualified Applicator License (QAL), Category: C (Right-of-
Way); OSHA 10-hour
Relevant Experience:
• Mt. SAC, East Parcel Habitat Restoration
• City of Santa Clarita, McBean Parkway Bridge
Environmental Mitigation
• City of Santa Clarita, Newhall Ranch Road
Environmental Mitigation
• The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle
• USFS, Cleveland National Forest Coastal Sage Scrub
Restoration
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Firm Experience &
Project References
This section demonstrates our experience on projects of a similar nature and scope to the City’s needs. We take
pride in the successful execution of our projects, including adherence to project’s budgets and schedules, and
are eager to bring our experience and knowledge to this project for the City. We invite you to contact the
references listed to hear for yourself the benefits of working with HELIX.
PUBLIC AGENCY EXPERIENCE
This section of our proposal demonstrates the experience that we have gained collectively in conducting
mitigation monitoring and compliance for specific projects throughout Southern California—we offer this
collective experience to the City to ensure the successful and timely completion of all projects within the City
that are undertaken by the HELIX team.
Mt. San Antonio College Mitigation Habitat Restoration Projects
HELIX has assisted Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) with a
variety of environmental services for almost 10 years. HELIX’s
work began in 2013 with the environmental review and
permitting for the development of a proposed solar facility.
This was followed by HELIX’s development of the East and
Parcel HMMPs to mitigate impacts related to this work.
Mt. SAC also entrusted HELIX with the preparation and
implementation of the California Black Walnut Management
Plan, which was developed to mitigate impacts related to
construction of Mt. SAC’s Athletic Education Building. These
projects are described below.
East Parcel Habitat Restoration. As part of the environmental
review and permitting for the development of a proposed solar
facility at Mt. SAC, HELIX prepared a Habitat Mitigation Plan to
mitigate for project impacts to coastal sage scrub occupied by
the federally listed coastal California gnatcatcher and stream
habitats. HELIX assisted Mt. SAC with developing landscape
plans and specifications related to the restoration design.
HELIX worked with the landscape architect to develop bidding
specifications and plans, which include planting and seeding
information as well as details related to irrigation and grading.
HELIX monitored grading and planting activities during
mitigation installation. HELIX provided biological monitoring
and oversight during mitigation installation, which included
establishing 5.10 acres of coastal sage scrub and 0.20 acre of
mule fat scrub, and enhancing 1.67 acres of existing southern
cottonwood-willow riparian forest. Mitigation also included
salvaging and installation of coast prickly pear scrub patches.
HELIX is currently providing biological monitoring during the
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
five-year maintenance and monitoring program, which includes monthly maintenance monitoring and annual
technical monitoring. HELIX regularly coordinates with Mt. SAC and the restoration contractor to guide success of
the mitigation site. HELIX also assists Mt. SAC with as-needed coordination with resource agencies.
West Parcel Habitat Restoration. West Parcel is the second phase of habitat mitigation required for Mt. SAC’s
proposed solar facility. HELIX assisted Mt. SAC with developing landscape plans and specifications related to the
restoration design. HELIX worked with the landscape architect to develop bidding specifications and plans, which
include planting and seeding information as well as details related to irrigation. HELIX provided biological
monitoring and oversight during mitigation installation, which included establishing 3.04 acres and preserving
and enhancing 5.06 acres of coastal sage scrub. HELIX is currently providing biological monitoring during the
five-year maintenance and monitoring program, which includes monthly maintenance monitoring and annual
technical monitoring. HELIX regularly coordinates with Mt. SAC and the restoration contractor to guide success of
the mitigation
site. HELIX also
assisted Mt. SAC
with obtaining
an amendment
to the recorded
restrictive
covenant to
allow for
as-needed work
to address
erosional issues.
California Black Walnut Mitigation/Habitat Restoration. HELIX prepared a management plan to provide
mitigation details for impacts to California black walnut woodland associated with Mt. SAC’s Athletic Education
Building. HELIX assisted Mt. SAC with developing landscape plans and specifications related to the restoration
design, which include planting, seeding, and irrigation details. During the process of selecting a maintenance
contractor, HELIX reviewed the contractor bid documents for the installation and five-year maintenance
program. HELIX provided biological monitoring and oversight during mitigation installation, which comprised
planting of approximately 250 southern California black walnuts within 3.5 acres. Additional native upland
container plants and seed were installed throughout the mitigation site. HELIX is currently providing biological
monitoring
during the
five-year
maintenance
and monitoring
program, which
includes
maintenance
monitoring and
annual technical
monitoring.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
English Channel Mitigation Project
HELIX assisted the City of Chino Hills with designing, implementing, and monitoring an approximately 8.4-acre
wetland and riparian habitat restoration area associated with Phase III of the Peyton Drive, Eucalyptus Avenue,
English Channel Improvements project. The mitigation was required for project impacts to occupied habitat by
the federally and state endangered least Bell’s vireo. HELIX assisted the City with developing landscape plans
and specifications related to the restoration design. HELIX worked with the landscape architect to develop
bidding specifications and plans, which include planting and seeding information as well as details related to
irrigation and grading. HELIX monitored grading and planting activities during mitigation installation. Contractors
were advised on constraints and biological limitations associated with the project. HELIX biologists verified
project limits, monitored vegetation removal within the grading footprint, advised the contractor of non-native
species that needed removal, and recommended planting locations. HELIX biologists attended weekly meetings
with the City and contractors to discuss project progress and identify any concerns. Following successful
mitigation installation, HELIX provided the City with a post-installation report documenting all monitoring
activities and as-built conditions of the mitigation site.
HELIX worked with the City to monitor maintenance activities during the five-year maintenance and monitoring
program to track site development in relation to project success criteria. Monitoring was completed throughout
the five-year program to evaluate the wetland and riparian habitat, identify invasive and non-native weed
species, and provide management recommendations to the contractor for the control of invasive weeds. During
annual technical monitoring, which included vegetation transects, wetland delineations, and California Rapid
Assessment Method, the success of the project was evaluated against the success criteria outlined in the project
mitigation plans. Based on the Year 5 annual monitoring and a follow-up site visit, the mitigation site is meeting
the Year 5 success criteria defined in the project mitigation plans.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Santa Clarita Newhall Ranch Road Bridge and
McBean Parkway Bridge Environmental Monitoring
HELIX conducted giant reed (Arundo donax) removal within the Santa Clara River in the City of Santa Clarita, Los
Angeles County. Giant reed removal was performed to mitigate for streambed impacts associated with City bridge
widening projects, and included 4.5 acres for the Newhall project and 7.4 acres for the McBean project. Prior to
work, HELIX biologists mapped all patches of giant reed (Arundo donax) within the project sites. HELIX biologists
performed pre-work surveys for sensitive amphibians, reptiles, and birds. A worker education training brochure
was prepared to train the restoration contractors about sensitive species and habitat, along with avoidance and
minimization measures. HELIX biological monitors were present during initial giant reed removal within the
streambed to help ensure avoidance of sensitive biological resources. The work required the biological monitors
to maintain detailed daily logs of work performed, in addition to weekly summary emails to the City. HELIX
performed biological maintenance monitoring and technical monitoring for both projects.
Culver Drive/University Drive Intersection Improvements, Construction
Monitoring, and Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Implementation
HELIX provided biological services on an intersection
improvement project for the City of Irvine. The project
improved the operation of the Culver Drive/University
Drive intersection to relieve congestion during peak
hours by widening the southern and northern legs of
the intersection on Culver Drive to provide additional
turn lanes and by extending intersection approaches.
The project also included the reconstruction/
construction of existing and new storm drain inlets,
water quality features, and larger landscaped medians.
HELIX provided construction monitoring, including
nesting bird surveys on the project. This involved
detailed coordination with the resource agencies
Newhall Drone Image
West to East Before
Newhall Drone Image
West to East After
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
regarding the federally and state endangered least Bell’s vireo and City staff to facilitate project activities in
compliance with issued regulatory permits. In addition, HELIX implemented compensatory mitigation in the
County-operated William R. Mason Park adjacent to the project site. HELIX staff are also under contract to
maintain, monitor, and provide reporting documentation consistent with the issued regulatory permits and
approved project Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for a term of at least five years, or until sign off from the
resource agencies once success standards are met.
Warner Channel Emergency Repair Mitigation Implementation/Monitoring
HELIX has a three-year contract with the
City of Irvine to provide as-needed environmental
services. The scope of work includes analysis of
proposed projects for compliance with CEQA,
NEPA, regulatory permitting requirements, and the
Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under this contract,
HELIX was tasked with permit coordination to
obtain the 1602 agreement for the Warner
Channel Emergency Repair project to rebuild
sections of slope that have eroded. Specifically,
HELIX coordinated with the CDFW on issuance of
the agreement, which included preparation of a
compensatory mitigation plan for the
enhancement of 0.5-acre riparian habitat. The
enhancement plan included restoration
implementation guidelines, monitoring schedule,
maintenance schedule, performance criteria, and
remedial measures, if needed. HELIX is currently providing mitigation monitoring and reporting tasks in
compliance with the issued 1602 and 1602 amendment from CDFW.
SCE Mitigation & Restoration
Services On-Call Contract
HELIX is the prime consultant for the Southern
California Edison (SCE) Mitigation & Restoration
Services (MARS) on-call contract to provide
compensatory mitigation and habitat restoration
technical and construction services to the SCE
Environmental Services Division to support
construction projects and Operations and
Maintenance (O&M) activities. SCE is required to
mitigate for impacts on biological resources resulting
from removal, relocation, modification, and/or
construction of transmission, subtransmission,
distribution, or telecommunication structures as well
as other construction activities necessary to support
this contract. Since 2019, HELIX has actively worked
on over 60 task orders for projects in Los Angeles,
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Santa Barbara, Orange, and Riverside counties. HELIX has provided a wide range of support services through this
contract, including baseline biological surveys, vegetation mapping, tree health inventory, tree hazard risk
assessments, focused species surveys, nesting bird surveys, fisheries/aquatic resources support, construction
monitoring, restoration implementation and monitoring, permitting and agency support, CEQA and NEPA support,
and erosion control support. Similar projects from this on-call include:
• Mesa Colima 500 kV Substation Offsite Habitat Mitigation | Los Angeles County.
In addition to conducting weed maintenance, HELIX prepared the Habitat Restoration and Mitigation Plan
(HRMP) and Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP) for the Mesa Colima Off-site Mitigation project. The Mesa
Colima Substation project consists of constructing the new Mesa 500kV Substation in the City of Monterey
Park, as well as additional project components that pass through the Cities of Montebello, South El Monte,
Bell Gardens, Pasadena, Commerce, and portions of unincorporated Los Angeles County. The HRMP was
developed to restore approximately 16 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat located directly adjacent to
occupied coastal California gnatcatcher habitat. Maintenance activities include spot spraying herbicides
which target invasive species including mustard, Russian thistle, and fennel. HELIX developed a site-specific
safety plan for Mesa Colima and is involved in SCE’s Field Reporting Environmental Database (FRED)
reporting as part of this Tier 1 Safety project.
• Idle Transmission Line Removal - TD 1104776 | Orange County. HELIX provided biological
and restoration services for a utility project to decommission and remove approximately a one-half mile of
idle transmission line in the City of Laguna Beach. HELIX performed biological surveys, monitoring, reporting,
restoration, and maintenance in areas temporarily disturbed by construction activities associated with the
full or partial removal of idle power poles and perimeter fence maintenance. Work was conducted within
the vicinity of sensitive habitat and rare plants. During construction, HELIX biological monitors worked with
contractors to identify sensitive resources and develop solutions to conduct work while avoiding these
resources.
• West of Devers 220kV Upgrade Habitat Restoration and Revegetation Plan |
Riverside County. HELIX is providing project support on SCE’s West of Devers transmission line project
by restoring areas temporarily impacted by construction to pre-existing conditions. Restoration activities
include, but are not limited to, weeding, replanting, reseeding, and providing supplemental irrigation to
established plantings. HELIX is also performing monthly qualitative monitoring and annual quantitative
monitoring on all active restoration areas and preparing an annual report to document site progress.
Other selected task orders include:
• Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) Segment 1 Habitat Restoration
(Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County)
• Kinsey 12 kV Habitat Restoration (Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County)
• Calabasas Slope Stabilization (City of Calabasas, Los Angeles County)
• Arroyo Seco Restoration Plan (City of Pasadena, Los Angeles County)
• Goleta-Santa Barbara Habitat Restoration Plan (Santa Barbara County)
• Peninsular Beargrass (Nolina) Rare Plant Salvage (Orange County)
• San Jacinto River Preserve Restoration (Riverside County)
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR EXPERIENCE
HELIX has previous experience in the City having worked for several private developers (e.g., Lennar
Communities, Ryland Homes, SunCal Development) providing due diligence, biological resources services,
mitigation monitoring and reporting, and subconsultant oversight for two residential development projects
located in Diamond Bar. Details on two of these related projects are summarized below.
Willow Heights Residential Development Project
Lennar Communities proposed to develop the Willow Heights residential project in the City of Diamond Bar, Los
Angeles County. The proposed development includes the construction of approximately 187 dwelling units and a
4.7-acre neighborhood park. The 30.4-acre study area contains California walnut woodlands, riparian woodland,
and southern willow scrubs. HELIX performed due
diligence site assessments to identify potentially
significant biological issues and permitting/
mitigation requirements. HELIX conducted a
jurisdictional delineation, developed a riparian
restoration and mitigation plan, conducted
biological field assessments and monitoring, and
oversaw subconsultants performing
archaeological testing and arborist reports. HELIX
also evaluated potential restoration parcels at
Puente Hills Habitat Preservation to serve as
mitigation for the development; and monitored,
assessed, and provided recommendations and
corrective action for 203 trees to ensure
requirements of tree mitigation plan were met.
Work performed for Lennar Communities with the
City of Diamond Bar as the lead agency.
South Pointe Residential Development Project
HELIX completed tree mitigation monitoring and reporting as a condition of approval
for the South Pointe Residential Development from the City of Diamond Bar. A total
of 123 trees were required for mitigation, and success criteria for the mitigation was
100 percent survivorship for the mitigation trees. Mr. Torres served as the lead
arborist for the project. The arborist verified that mitigation trees were planted
according to site plans, monitored to assessed tree health, determined the presence
of disease/pests, and measured diameter at breast height (DBH) and canopy to track
tree growth over time. The arborist monitored the site quarterly over a 3-year period
to provide recommendations on tree care and pruning to promote future success of
the trees. HELIX prepared a report each quarter summarizing the findings and
recommendations. The site met success criteria and received sign-off after three
years. Work performed for Lennar Communities with the City of Diamond Bar as the
lead agency.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
PUBLIC AGENCY REFERENCES
We welcome you to contact our five references below to attest to the quality of our work and to confirm our
delivery of projects in a timely and cost-efficient manner. A detailed description of services and how these
projects are similar to the scope of work are provided earlier in this section.
Mt. San Antonio College Mitigation/Habitat Restoration Projects
Client: Mt. San Antonio College, Facilities Planning & Management
Reference: John Gaston, Senior Project Manager | 909.274.5130| jgaston1@mtsac.edu
Services Provided: Mitigation monitoring and reporting; regulatory support; habitat restoration design support
Project Duration: 2018 – Ongoing
Key Staff: Daniel Torres, Lauren Singleton, Matthew Dimson, Taylor Chase
English Channel Mitigation Project
Client: City of Chino Hills Public Works Department, Engineering Division
(work during the installation phase was performed as a subcontractor to AKM Consulting Engineers)
Reference: Nisha Wells, Environmental Program Coordinator | 909.364.2835 | nwells@Chinohills.org
Services Provided: Mitigation monitoring and reporting; regulatory support; habitat restoration design support
Project Duration: 2017 – Ongoing
Key Staff: Daniel Torres, Lauren Singleton, Amir Morales, Matthew Dimson
Santa Clarita Santa Clarita Newhall Ranch Road Bridge and
McBean Parkway Bridge Environmental Monitoring
Client: City of Santa Clarita
Reference: Dan Duncan, Environmental Administrator | 661.259.2489 | dduncan@santa-clarita.com
Services Provided: Biological monitoring; habitat mitigation, installation, and maintenance
Project Duration: 2022 – Ongoing
Key Staff: Daniel Torres, Lauren Singleton, Matthew Dimson, Taylor Chase
Culver Drive/University Drive Intersection Improvements, Construction Monitoring, and
Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Implementation
Client: City of Irvine
Reference: Stacy DeLong, Senior Project Manager | 949.473.1237 | sdelong@cityofirvine.org
Services Provided: Mitigation monitoring and reporting; regulatory support; habitat restoration design support
Project Duration: 2018 – Ongoing
Key Staff: Daniel Torres, Lauren Singleton, Matthew Dimson
Warner Channel Emergency Repair Mitigation Implementation/Monitoring
Client: City of Irvine
Reference: Ruben Escamilla, Street Maintenance Supervisor | 949.724.7691| rescamilla@cityofirvine.org
Services Provided: Mitigation monitoring and reporting; regulatory support; habitat restoration design support
Project Duration: 2018 – Ongoing
Key Staff: Daniel Torres, Ezekiel Cooley, Matthew Dimson
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Project Understanding
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
HELIX understands a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program (HMMP) was prepared to provide restoration
details for mitigation associated with the Canyon Loop Trail Project. Project impacts were to small areas of coast
prickly pear scrub (CPPS) and California sagebrush – black sage scrub (CSBSS) habitat. As mitigation for these
impacts, 0.10 acre of disturbed uplands will be restored within Summitridge Park in the City of Diamond Bar. In
addition, 0.14 acre of disturbed CSBSS will be enhanced within Summitridge Park. Implementation includes
preparation and installation of coast prickly pear container stock, seeding with a native seed palette, and non-
native species removal. The 2023 HMMP includes the details of a five-year maintenance and monitoring period
required before the project can reach sign off. It is anticipated that successful implementation of the five-year
program will increase overall habitat value of the restoration and enhancement areas. The restored areas will
resemble adjacent native areas and will serve to enhance habitat connectivity in the area.
PROJECT APPROACH
HELIX has thoughtfully prepared this scope of work to address the unique needs of this Program. The HELIX team
will leverage its many years of collective project experience to help ensure successful implementation of this
Program. This scope of work represents HELIX’s dedication to leading the project toward success in a timely and
cost-effective manner.
The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will serve as the primary point of contact between the Restoration
Contractor and the City, and between the City and CDFW. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will help
ensure that the restoration installation and subsequent monitoring are performed according to the schedule
outlined in the project’s HMMP. Throughout the installation and maintenance phases of the project, the Project
Manager/Restoration Ecologist will provide technical oversite and expertise to guide the restoration site towards
meeting success criteria.
Task 1a. Meetings, Management, and Coordination – Years 1-5. The Project Manager/Restoration
Ecologist will provide as-needed coordination with the City, Restoration Contractor, and CDFW. The Project
Manager/ Restoration Ecologist will work with the City to support the preparation of a bid package for
implementation and five-year maintenance of the Restoration and Enhancement project sites and will provide
assistance during the selection process of the Restoration Contractor. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist
will develop a working relationship with the Restoration Contractor to facilitate communication regarding
scheduling, budgeting, and compliance with project performance standards. The Project Manager/Restoration
Ecologist will also provide guidance and recommendations to the Restoration Contractor related to project
maintenance.
The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will monitor the project schedule and budget and will notify the City
if any delays or impacts to the budget or project timeline are anticipated. The Project Manager/Restoration
Ecologist will attend as-needed meetings with the City and overall project teams and will provide any necessary
reporting following the meetings, such as preparing meeting minutes. This task includes up to three site walks at
five hours per meeting, which includes on-site time, travel, and preparation of meeting minutes. This task also
includes time for one round of revisions to be conducted on the meeting minutes. An electronic copy of the
meeting minutes will be provided to attending parties following the meeting. This task assumes project
installation and the beginning of the five-year maintenance monitoring schedule will begin in 2023/early 2024,
and agency sign-off will be obtained after five years. Two years of additional Meetings, Management, and
Coordination beyond five years are included as Optional Tasks 1b and 2b, below.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Optional Task 1b. Meetings, Management, and Coordination – Year 6. This task is included as
optional if one additional year of mitigation and monitoring is required by CDFW. If needed, additional
Meetings, Management, and Coordination in Year 6 will be conducted as described in Task 1a. This task also
includes one site walk and one set of meeting minutes.
Optional Task 1c. Meetings, Management, and Coordination – Year 7. This task is included as
optional if two additional years of mitigation and monitoring are required by CDFW. If needed, additional
Meetings, Management, and Coordination in Year 7 will be conducted as described in Task 1a. This task also
includes one site walk and one set of meeting minutes.
Task 2a. Qualitative Monitoring – Years 1-5. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist, with assistance
from the Project Biologist, will monitor the Restoration and Enhancement project sites during the five-year
maintenance and monitoring program, including the 90-day plant establishment period (PEP). Monthly
qualitative monitoring site visits will be conducted during the first 18 months of the maintenance and
monitoring period. This includes 12 site visits in Year 1 and six sites visits in the first six months of Year 2.
Bimonthly (three) site visits will be conducted during the last six months of Year 2. Quarterly site visits will be
performed during Years 3 through 5, for a total of 12 site visits. This task includes up to 33 qualitative
monitoring site visits to be conducted during Years 1 through 5.
Qualitive monitoring will include taking notes regarding native plant establishment, wildlife usage, identification
of weed maintenance needs, and other potential problems (e.g., soil erosion, flood damage, vandalism, and pest
problems). The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will provide the City an email update following each
monitoring event. The email update will include a summary of the items mentioned above, representative site
photographs, a map identifying any potential areas of concern, and any recommended solutions or adaptive
management measures. This task assumes project installation and the beginning of the five-year maintenance
monitoring schedule will begin in 2023/early 2024, and agency sign-off will be obtained after five years.
Additional Qualitative monitoring beyond five years is included as Optional Tasks 2b and 2c, below.
Optional Task 2b. Qualitative Monitoring – Year 6. This task is included as optional if one additional
year of mitigation and monitoring is required by CDFW. If needed, the Year 6 monitoring and reporting will be
completed as described in Task 2a. This task includes four quarterly maintenance monitoring site assessments
followed by email updates.
Optional Task 2c. Qualitative Monitoring – Year 7. This task is included as optional if two additional
years of mitigation and monitoring are required by CDFW. If needed, the Year 7 monitoring and reporting will
be completed as described in Task 2a. This task includes four quarterly maintenance monitoring site
assessments followed by email updates.
Task 3a. Annual Quantitative Monitoring – Years 1-4. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist, with
assistance from the Project Biologist, will conduct annual quantitative monitoring visits for the Restoration and
Enhancement project sites in the late spring (May/June) during the five-year maintenance and monitoring
period. Quantitative data, including native and non-native vegetation cover and species composition, will be
collected according to the California Native Plant Society relevé method 1. One 20-meter by 20-meter relevé
quadrat will be monitored in the Restoration project site and in each of the two Enhancement project sites, for
a total of three relevé quadrats to be monitored. A census of all container stock installed will be performed
within the Restoration project site. Data collected during the census will include the number of missing, dead,
and declining plant stock for each species installed. The percentage of surviving container stock will also be
1 California Native Plant Society Vegetation Committee. 2007. CNPS Relevé Protocol. Retrieved from: https://cnps.org/wp-
content/uploads/2018/03/cnps_releve_protocol_20070823.pdfs. Accessed on June 23, 2023.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
calculated. Photostation monitoring will be performed at the six photo stations established during the project
implementation phase described in Task 5 below. Other qualitative data will be collected during the annual
monitoring event, including general vegetation health and appearance, species composition, and overall
function of the plant community. All plant and animal species observed will also be recorded.
Following each annual monitoring event in Years 1 through 4, the Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will
submit an annual summary memorandum to the City. The memorandum will include a brief summary of all
restoration, enhancement, and maintenance activities conducted during the year, along with a description of
the data collection methodology used during the quantitative monitoring event. The memorandum will also
include a brief description of the general conditions within both the Restoration and Enhancement project sites.
A summary of the qualitative monitoring results and recommendations for adaptive management will also be
included. The annual summary memorandum will be provided to the City by December 31 of each year. The
Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will complete work in a timely manner and will coordinate closely with
the City to help ensure enough review time is provided prior to submittal of the report to CDFW. This task
includes one round of edits for each annual summary memorandum and assumes the memoranda will be
electronically submitted to the City in PDF format. If more than one round of revisions from the City is required
each year, additional authorization may be requested.
Task 4a. Annual Quantitative Monitoring and Reporting – Year 5. The Year 5 annual quantitative
monitoring will be conducted as described in Task 3a above. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will
prepare the Year 5 annual report following the Year 5 annual monitoring event. The report will include a
summary of the data collection methodology during five-year monitoring period. A summary of site progress
towards performance standards over the five-year monitoring period, including photostation photos to show
the development of vegetation within the sites will be included. The report will summarize the work conducted
during Year 5, including dates and quantities of any replacement container stock installed, maintenance
activities, and an overall assessment of the project sites. An analysis of the Restoration and Enhancement
project sites’ compliance with performance standards will also be included, in addition to any recommendations
and adaptive management strategies. If remedial measures are required, a schedule for implementing the
recommended measures will be provided. This task includes one round of report edits from the City prior to
submittal to CDFW and assumes the annual report will be electronically submitted to the City in PDF format.
Following review and approval from the City, the Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will submit the report
to CDFW by December 31 of Year 5. This task includes one round of edits from CDFW and assumes the
memorandum will be electronically submitted to CDFW in PDF format. If more than one round of revisions
from the City and CDFW is required, additional authorization may be requested. This task assumes project
installation and the beginning of the five-year maintenance monitoring schedule will begin in 2023/early 2024,
and agency sign-off will be obtained after five years. Additional Quantitative monitoring beyond five years is
included as Optional Tasks 4b and 4c, below.
Optional Task 4b. Quantitative Monitoring and Reporting – Year 6. This task is included as optional if
one additional year of mitigation and monitoring is required by CDFW. If needed, the Year 6 monitoring and
reporting will be completed as described in Task 4a. This task includes one quantitative monitoring site
assessment followed by a summary memorandum.
Optional Task 4c. Quantitative Monitoring – and Reporting Year 7. This task is included as optional if
two additional years of mitigation and monitoring are required by CDFW. If needed, the Year 7 monitoring and
reporting will be completed as described in Task 4a. This task includes one quantitative monitoring site
assessment followed by a summary memorandum.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Optional Task 5a. Other Direct Costs – Implementation Monitoring. Prior to the start of work, the
Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will identify any sensitive resources detected within the Restoration and
Enhancement project sites, such as nesting birds, sensitive plant or animals, and sensitive habitat. The Project
Manager/Restoration Ecologist will also assist the Restoration Contractor in the placement of fencing along the
limits of disturbance and facilitate resource avoidance. Six photostations (two in each of the three project sites)
will be installed prior to the start of work.
The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will attend up to two pre-construction meeting and provide
biological resource training with contractor personnel. A training brochure will be developed, which will discuss
the sensitive resources present on-site (with an emphasis on coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren),
avoidance measures related to sensitive species, the importance of adherence to these measures, and penalties
for non-compliance. If additional pre-construction meetings are required, additional contract authorization may
be requested.
The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will oversee QA/QC during project installation. The Project
Manager/Restoration Ecologist will also help ensure that project implementation is conducted according to the
project’s HMMP and that sensitive resources are being avoided at each step of the implementation process. Site
inspections will be performed throughout the installation process, including inspections during cactus collection
and installation, initial weeding, and container stock installation. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will
also advise the Restoration Contractor regarding the timing of initial weed treatment, identify target species for
removal, and flag any native vegetation that should be avoided. Prior to planting, the Project Manager/
Restoration Ecologist will inspect the container stock to verify the correct species and quantities were ordered,
and that the container stock is healthy and free of disease or pests. Any rootbound, diseased, or otherwise
unhealthy container stock will be rejected. All seed will be verified for proper species and composition prior to
installation. The Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist will verify that seed is installed prior to plant
installation. Oversight will also be provided during container stock installation and the Restoration Contractor
will be guided to install the cactus and container stock in natural clusters and patterns, and not in rows. This
task includes up to six four-hour site inspections to be conducted during the initial weeding and planting
activities. This task also assumes that initial weeding will begin in 2023/early 2024 and plant installation will be
completed before February 15, 2024 (the start of bird nesting season). If additional site visits are required or
installation activities initiate within the nesting season, additional contract authorization may be requested.
Optional Task 5b. Other Direct Costs – As-built Report. Following installation and completion of the 90-
day PEP, an as-built report will be prepared to document installation activities. The report will describe the
implementation schedule, a summary of monitoring activities, methodologies, and any issues encountered
during implementation, and representative site photographs taken during installation. The report will also
include the photostation photos and locations. An electronic copy of the as-built report will be provided to the
City for review. HELIX will revise the draft report based on one set of comments provided by City. The report will
be submitted to CDFW within 30-days of the completion of the 90-day PEP. The Project Manager/Restoration
Ecologist will complete work in a timely manner and coordinate closely with the City to help ensure enough
review time is provided prior to submittal of the report to CDFW. If more than one round of revisions from the
City is required, additional contract authorization may be requested.
Optional Task 5c. Other Direct Costs – Agency Sign-off. HELIX will assist the City in obtaining a final
sign-off letter from the agencies. HELIX will coordinate and attend one sign-off visit with the City and CDFW.
This includes the coordination and attendance of one site walk with the City and CDFW. If more than one site
visit is necessary, additional contract authorization may be requested.
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Fee Schedule/Proposal
HELIX’s fee schedule and fee proposal is submitted separately in compliance with RFP instructions.
ATTACHMENT
Project Team Resumes
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CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
DANIEL TORRES
Project Manager, Restoration Ecologist
Mr. Torres is a Biologist with nine years of experience working
and managing projects throughout Southern California, with an
emphasis in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino,
and San Diego counties. Mr. Torres is an ISA-certified Arborist
responsible for performing tree assessments and tree surveys.
He is particularly skilled with botanical efforts including
vegetation mapping and habitat assessment, plant
identification, and special-status plant surveys. Mr. Torres has
used his expertise in botany to lead the implementation of a
variety of habitat mitigation and monitoring plans for special status plant and animal
species. He has provided guidance to restoration contractors and maintained open
communication with clients during project installation and monitoring phases. Mr.
Torres has also conducted nesting bird surveys and focused surveys for burrowing owl
(Athene cunicularia) and least Bell’s vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). Additionally, he writes
CEQA-level technical reports, prepares permitting packages for Section 401/404/1602
permits, and performs construction monitoring and environmental compliance
monitoring for a variety of clients in the public and private sectors including projects
for utilities, water, transportation, and private development.
The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Riparian Habitat Restoration. Project Manager for
the implementation of an alluvial sage scrub habitat mitigation and monitoring
program. Restoration included initial non-native species removal and irrigation
installation, following by hydroseeding of a 10-acre site in the City of Santa Clarita.
Assisted Restoration Contractor with site boundary fence installation, provided
environmental awareness training to contractors prior to work, reviewed seed orders,
established photostations, and managed biological monitors. Performed maintenance
monitoring and annual technical monitoring and reporting. Prepared bimonthly
maintenance memos to guide Restoration Contractor activities and update the client
on site status. Work performed for Newport Pacific Land with the City of Santa Clarita
as the lead agency.
The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Oak Tree Restoration. Project Manager for the
implementation of an oak tree habitat mitigation and monitoring program in the City
of Santa Clarita. Implementation of the project’s restoration plan included planting 144
coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) and five scrub oaks (Quercus berberidifolia) within
two mitigation sites. Determined appropriate location and timing for acorn collection
and established planting plan to mimic natural plant distribution. Provided
environmental awareness training to contractors prior to work, reviewed seed orders,
and established photostations. Advised Restoration Contractor on acorn planting and
planting basin establishment. Performed maintenance monitoring to track acorn
germination, guide Restoration Contractor activities, and update the client on site
status. Performed annual technical monitoring and reporting, including tree health
assessments. Work performed for Newport Pacific Land with the City of Santa Clarita
as the lead agency.
TITLE
Biologist V
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science,
Ecology and Natural
Resources, Rutgers
University, 2013
REGISTRATIONS/
CERTIFICATIONS
California Department
of Fish and Wildlife,
Plant Voucher
Collecting Permit
No. 2081(a)-18-075-V
International Society of
Arboriculture, Certified
Arborist No. WE-12249A
International Society of
Arboriculture, TRAQ,
Tree Risk Assessment
Qualification
Certification
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
International Society of
Arboriculture
Page | 2
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Mariposa Lily Restoration. Project Manager for the implementation of a
mariposa lily mitigation and monitoring program in the City of Santa Clarita. The HMMP was designed to
mitigate impacts to slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis) and club-haired mariposa lily
(C. c. var. clavatus) within City open space areas. Restoration plan implementation included enhancement
activities (non-native species removal) within a 100-acre enhancement site and mariposa lily seed establishment
within a 16-acre establishment site. Mapped non-native treatment areas within the enhancement area,
established photostations and monitoring plots. Lead implementation of lily seed establishment experimental
design. Performed monthly maintenance monitoring to track mariposa lily germination and to track success of
enhancement activities. Worked with Restoration Contractor to help ensure mariposa lily avoidance during
enhancement activities. Performed annual technical monitoring and reporting. Work performed for Newport
Pacific Land with the City of Santa Clarita as the lead agency.
The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle Western Spadefoot Mitigation Plan Implementation. Project Manager for
the implementation of a mitigation plan designed to mitigate impacts to western spadefoot toad (Spea
hammondii) in the City of Santa Clarita. A total of eight mitigation ponds were constructed within a City open
space area. Provided environmental awareness training to Restoration Contractors prior to installation. Worked
with a subconsultant to monitor pond construction and tadpole translocation. Lead a team of several biologists
to conduct breeding season surveys and to monitor tadpole development. Prepared annual reporting. Work
performed for Newport Pacific Land with the City of Santa Clarita as the lead agency.
Mt. San Antonio College East Parcel Habitat Restoration. Lead Biologist during mitigation implementation for
the Mt. San Antonio College’s East Parcel Restoration Project in the City of Walnut. Required mitigation included
establishing 5.10 acres of coastal sage scrub for project impacts to occupied coastal California gnatcatcher
habitat, in addition to 0.20 acre of mule fat scrub creation and 1.67 acres of southern cottonwood-willow
riparian forest enhancement. Monitored planting activities during habitat installation, which included verifying
project limits, identifying non-native species for removal, reviewing plant and seed purchase orders, and
inspecting plant material. Performed monthly maintenance monitoring and annual technical monitoring of the
restoration site. Prepared monthly maintenance memos to guide maintenance activities and prepared annual
reports for submittal to resource agencies.
Mt. San Antonio College West Parcel Habitat Restoration. Lead Biologist during mitigation implementation for
the Mt. San Antonio College’s West Restoration Project in the City of Walnut. Required mitigation included
establishing 3.04 acres and preserving 5.06 acres of coastal sage scrub for project impacts to occupied coastal
California gnatcatcher habitat. Monitored planting activities during habitat installation, which included verifying
project limits, identifying non-native species for removal, reviewing plant and seed purchase orders, and
inspecting plant material. Performed monthly maintenance monitoring. Prepared monthly maintenance memos
to guide maintenance activities.
City of Santa Clarita McBean Parkway Bridge Environmental Mitigation. Lead Biologist during mitigation
implementation and maintenance monitoring associated with a bridge replacement project in the City of Santa
Clarita. Required mitigation included removing 7.4 acres of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) within the Santa
Clara River. Performed initial giant reed mapping within the work area to serve as baseline conditions, prepared
environmental awareness training materials, created and reviewed monitoring logs, and coordinated with
biological monitors and Restoration Contractor to avoid sensitive biological resources.
City of Santa Clarita Newhall Ranch Road Environmental Mitigation. Lead Biologist during mitigation
implementation and maintenance monitoring associated with a bridge replacement project in the City of Santa
Clarita. Required mitigation included removing 4.5 acres of invasive giant reed within the Santa Clara River.
Performed initial giant reed mapping within the work area to serve as baseline conditions, prepared
Page | 3
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
environmental awareness training materials, created and reviewed monitoring logs, and coordinated with
biological monitors and Restoration Contractor to avoid sensitive biological resources.
City of Santa Clarita Newhall/McBean Tree Mitigation Project. Lead Arborist for a monitoring of a four-year
tree habitat mitigation plan in the City of Santa Clarita. HELIX conducted non-native plant removal, fencing,
irrigation installation, and tree planting as part of the installation phase in the 7-acre project area.
Approximately 1,000 cuttings of willows (Salix spp.) and Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) were installed
and irrigated. Performed a tree inventory and health assessment for a subset of the mitigation trees within the
site. Performed quarterly maintenance monitoring and annual technical monitoring. Work was performed for
the City of Santa Clarita.
City of Diamond Bar South Pointe Project. Lead Arborist for a tree mitigation monitoring and reporting project
in the City of Diamond Bar. The arborist verified that mitigation trees were planted according to site plans,
monitored to assessed tree health, determined the presence of disease/pests, and measured diameter at breast
height (DBH) and canopy to track tree growth over time. A total of 123 trees were planted for mitigation. The
arborist monitored the site quarterly over a 3-year period to provide recommendations on tree care and pruning
to promote future success of the trees. HELIX prepared a report each quarter summarizing the findings and
recommendations. The site met success criteria and received sign-off after three years. Work performed for
Lennar Communities with the City of Diamond Bar as the lead agency.
City of Chino Hills English Channel Mitigation Project. Biologist for wetland and riparian habitat mitigation
maintenance for the Chino Hills’ Mitigation Project in the City of Chino Hills. Drafted maintenance monitoring
memos and performed two years of technical annual monitoring.
City of Santa Clarita Bouquet Canyon Road Project. Biologist and arborist for a residential development project
located in the City of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County. Performed vegetation mapping and rare plant surveys in
chaparral, Riversidean sage scrub, and coast live oak scrub habitats. Performed a burrowing owl habitat
assessment and focused burrowing owl surveys as per the CDFW protocol. Prepared the burrowing owl focused
survey letter report. Lead an oak tree survey in compliance with the City's Oak Tree Ordinance. Conducted a tree
inventory of all oak trees on site subject to the Ordinance. Measured DBH and canopy spread, evaluated
balance, symmetry, aesthetics, health, and the presence of disease/pathogens, and provided an overall rating
for each tree. Prepared an oak tree report in accordance with the City’s Ordinance to detail the results of the
survey and to determine anticipated mitigation for impacts to oak trees. Work performed for Integral
Communities, with the City of Santa Clarita as the lead agency.
Page | 1
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
AMIR MORALES
Principal-in-Charge, Principal Regulatory Specialist
Mr. Morales has 22 years of experience consulting on issues
pertaining to hydrology, environmental science, and regulatory
permitting throughout Southern California. He specializes in
arid/wetland delineations, jurisdictional resource assessments,
Clean Water Act Section 404 permitting for the USACE, Clean
Water Section 401 permitting for the RWQCB, and California Fish
and Game Code Section 1602 permitting for CDFW; regulatory
permitting and compliance; and compensatory mitigation
development. He has completed over 300 jurisdictional
delineations during his tenure as a consultant and has extensive experience with a
range of services including due diligence, regulatory strategy/planning, habitat
conservation plan compliance, storm water quality assistance, streambed mitigation
development/implementation, biological planning and management, conservation
easement negotiations/support, and CEQA peer review.
City of Santa Clarita Bouquet Canyon Road Project. Principal Regulatory Specialist
leading development of strategic biological and regulatory approach for this 54-acre
residential development in the City of Santa Clarita. Managed biological assessments
and prepared due diligence documentation that identified biological constraints and
recommended solutions prior to the clients’ acquisition of the project site.
Coordinated biological and cultural surveys and biological staff to prepare biological
technical report and regulatory permit applications for the project. Developed on and
off-site mitigation approaches for proposed jurisdictional streambed and oak tree
impacts working with HELIX’s construction division and local mitigation banks,
respectively. Provided environmental peer review services for preparation of the
project EIR through the City of Santa Clarita as the lead agency.
City of Chino Hills English Channel Mitigation Project. Principal Regulatory Specialist
during wetland and riparian habitat mitigation installation and maintenance for the
Chino Hills’ English Channel Habitat Mitigation Project in the City of Chino Hills.
Attended meetings with the City and contractors to discuss project progress. Provided
senior oversight of mitigation issues, agency support, and project management to
support restoration implementation and monitoring. Work performed as a
subcontractor to AKM Consulting Engineers during the installation phase and the City
of Chino Hills during the maintenance phase.
City of Chino Hills Shady View Residential Project EIR. Principal Regulatory Specialist
in support of a Biological Technical Report for the Shady View Residential Project in the
City of Chino Hills. The project involves the development of 159 single-family homes,
open space and recreational amenities, and associated street, utility/infrastructure,
and drainage improvements. The project would also involve the relocation of existing
oil storage tanks and related facilities to another location on site or an alternative off-
site location.
TITLE
Principal Regulatory
Specialist
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science,
Hydrological Sciences,
Minor Geographic
Information Systems,
University of California,
Santa Barbara, 2001
REGISTRATIONS/
CERTIFICATIONS
CRAM, Qualified
California Rapid
Assessment Method,
Practitioner, Wetlands
CRAM, Qualified
California Rapid
Assessment Method
Practitioner, Estuarine
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
Association of State
Wetland Managers
Association of
Environmental
Professionals
Page | 2
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Chino Basin Desalter Authority, Chino Desalter Phase 3 Expansion Project CDA Water Pipeline. Principal
Regulatory Specialist for biological services for a directional drilling project involving installation of a water line
beneath the Santa Ana River in the City of Norco. Obtained regulatory clearances from CDFW working in
conjunction with the client, and successfully negotiated compensatory mitigation and helped maintain compliance
through biological surveys and monitoring. The required authorization was obtained within a very limited window
of time, which facilitated completion of the much-needed water project prior to the nesting bird season.
City of Lake Forest, Lake Forest Sports Park Project. Regulatory Specialist conducting an updated jurisdictional
delineation within the project site and adjacent parcel for a sports park project in the City of Lake Forest.
Coordinated with the regulatory agencies to verify updated delineation and rule out need for additional
permitting and mitigation. Conducted CRAM baseline assessments for the proposed impact area and the
proposed mitigation areas. Conducted CRAM Year 3 monitoring and prepared summary report for inclusion into
the annual monitoring report.
City of Calimesa Oak Valley Town Center. Principal Regulatory Specialist for a mixed-use project in the City of
Calimesa, Riverside County. Proposed uses would include approximately 2,250,000 square feet of warehouses
and approximately 751,800 square feet of commercial retail uses. Oversaw biological surveys, biological
technical reports, mitigation strategy development, and regulatory permitting. Work performed for Terra Verde
Group, with the City of Calimesa as the lead agency.
Wilson Creek Streambed Mitigation. Regulatory Specialist on a streambed mitigation project in Wilson Creek,
Riverside County. Due to the absence of viable off-site streambed mitigation areas in the Santa Margarita
Watershed, worked with a private landowner to develop and implement a streambed mitigation plan in
coordination with the USACE, CDFW, and San Diego RWQCB that is currently providing over 20-acres of riparian
streambed restoration. It is anticipated to provide 50 to 100 acres of needed riparian streambed creation
opportunities for projects within the watershed.
City of Wildomar Alta Colina Residential Development (Tentative Tract 29476). Regulatory Specialist leading
regulatory entitlements including continued regulatory permit compliance support for a proposed residential
development in the City of Wildomar, Riverside County. The project site is surrounded on three sides by natural
open space bounded by public reserve lands. Managed as-needed biological support to conduct pre-
construction surveys and construction monitoring. Provided strategic regulatory consulting services that allowed
for execution of regulatory permit conditions ahead of expiration, avoiding significant costs and delays to obtain
new permits. The scope of services was performed as a subcontractor to Markham Development Management
Group, Inc., with the City of Wildomar as the lead agency.
Agua Mansa Industrial Project Biological Consulting. Regulatory Specialist completing CDFW Section 1602
permitting mid-way through the application process that was initiated by another consultant and negotiated
compensatory streambed mitigation requirements for a 31-acre industrial development in unincorporated
Riverside County near the cities of Bloomington and Rialto. Helped resolve an impasse with CDFW to obtain
issuance of the Section 1602 agreement and located acceptable mitigation bank credits within the project
watershed. Resolution of regulatory permits and mitigation facilitated sale of the project on schedule by the
client, a private developer based in San Diego.
City of Irvine MacArthur Channel Improvements. Principal Biologist/Regulatory Specialist leading a jurisdictional
delineation over MacArthur Channel in the City of Irvine from Main Street to Reach 3 of the San Diego River to
assist with planning of design and regulatory constraints associated with channel improvements proposed by
the Orange County Flood Control District.
Page | 1
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
LAUREN SINGLETON
Senior Biologist
Ms. Singleton is a biologist with 13 years of experience.
She has performed biological field work throughout Los
Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
involving habitat assessments, vegetation mapping, tree
surveys, construction/ mitigation monitoring, wetland
delineations, jurisdictional delineations, and California Rapid
Assessment Methods (CRAM). She is skilled in identification of
local flora and fauna and has conducted focused surveys for
rare plants, burrowing owl, and least Bell’s vireo. She is
permitted by the USFWS to independently conduct surveys for federally listed coastal
California gnatcatcher. Ms. Singleton also has adept expertise with invertebrate pests,
such as the goldspotted oak borer and polyphagous shot hole borer. She has additional
specialized experience in stream ecology and is trained in conducting bioassessment
following the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program protocol.
Ms. Singleton has authored a variety of technical documents, including Biological
Constraints Analyses, Biological Technical Reports, and Habitat Mitigation and
Monitoring Reports. She has also prepared technical documents for project
compliance with the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation
Plan (MSHCP), including MSHCP Consistency Reports, General Biological Resource
Assessments, and Determination of Biological Equivalent or Superior Preservation.
Ms. Singleton also assists with preparing regulatory permitting packages Clean Water
Act Section 404 permitting for the USACE, Clean Water Section 401 permitting for the
RWQCB, and California Fish and Game Code Section 1602 permitting for CDFW.
Mt. San Antonio College East Parcel Habitat Restoration. Biology Project Manager and
Lead Biologist during mitigation implementation for the Mt. San Antonio College’s East
Parcel Restoration Project in the City of Walnut. Required mitigation included
establishing 5.10 acres of coastal sage scrub for project impacts to occupied coastal
California gnatcatcher habitat, in addition to 0.20 acre of mule fat scrub creation and
1.67 acres of southern cottonwood-willow riparian forest enhancement. Monitored
planting activities during habitat installation, which included verifying project limits,
identifying non-native species for removal, reviewing plant and seed purchase orders,
and inspecting plant material. Prepared a post-installation report that documented all
monitoring activities and as-built conditions of the mitigation site. Currently conducting
monthly maintenance monitoring, coordinating with the maintenance contractor
regarding recommended action items, and performing annual technical monitoring.
Mt. San Antonio College West Parcel Habitat Restoration. Biology Project Manager and
Lead Biologist during mitigation implementation for the Mt. San Antonio College’s West
Restoration Project in the City of Walnut. Required mitigation included establishing 3.04
acres and preserving 5.06 acres of coastal sage scrub for project impacts to occupied
coastal California gnatcatcher habitat. Performed clearance surveys for coastal California
gnatcatcher prior to initiating restoration activities. Monitored planting activities during
TITLE
Senior Biology Project
Manager
EDUCATION
Master of Science,
Biology, California State
University, Long Beach,
2014
Bachelor of Science,
Biology/Ecology Minor,
Chemistry, California
State University, Long
Beach, 2010
REGISTRATIONS/
CERTIFICATIONS
CRAM, Qualified
California Rapid
Assessment Method,
Practitioner
USFWS, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife
Species Permit
(Authorized to conduct
surveys for the coastal
California gnatcatcher),
No. ES-778195-15
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
Sea and Sage Audubon
Society
Page | 2
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
habitat installation, which included verifying project limits, identifying non-native species for removal, reviewing
plant and seed purchase orders, and inspecting plant material. Prepared a post-installation report that
documented all monitoring activities and as-built conditions of the mitigation site. Assisted Mt. San Antonio
College in obtaining an amendment to the recorded restrictive covenant to allow for as-needed work to address
erosional issues. Currently conducting monthly maintenance monitoring, coordinating with the maintenance
contractor regarding recommended action items, and performing annual technical monitoring.
Mt. San Antonio College Southern California Black Walnut Mitigation. Biology Project Manager for a southern
California black walnut mitigation located on the Mt. San Antonio College campus in the City of Walnut. Monitored
planting activities during habitat installation, which included verifying project limits, identifying non-native species
for removal, reviewing plant and seed purchase orders, and inspecting plant material. Prepared a post-installation
report that documented all monitoring activities and as-built conditions of the mitigation site. Currently
conducting monthly maintenance monitoring, coordinating with the maintenance contractor regarding
recommended action items, and performing annual technical monitoring.
Southern California Edison Mesa Colima 500 kV Substation Mitigation HRP and Interim Maintenance. Lead
Biologist for an off-site 20-acre mitigation site in the cities of Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights, and Whittier, as
well as unincorporated Los Angeles County. This off-site parcel is located on Southern California Edison owned
right-of-way and falls between existing Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project towers along the Section 8
alignment. Developed the Habitat Restoration and Mitigation Plan and Long-Term Management Plan for the
mitigation. Required mitigation included restoring 16 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat to offset project impacts
to coastal California gnatcatcher occupied habitat. Oversaw habitat mitigation installation and is currently
managing the biological monitoring and reporting during the five-year maintenance and monitoring period.
City of Chino Hills English Channel Mitigation Project. Project Manager and Lead Biologist during wetland and
riparian habitat mitigation installation and maintenance for the Chino Hills’ English Channel Mitigation Project in
the City of Chino Hills. Monitored grading and planting activities during mitigation installation. Verified the project
limits, monitored vegetation removal within the grading footprint, advised the contractor of non-native species
that needed to be removed, and recommended planting locations. Attended weekly meetings with the City and
contractors to discuss project progress and identify any concerns. Prepared a post-installation report that
documented all monitoring activities and as-built conditions of the mitigation site. Conducted monthly
maintenance monitoring and Years 1 through 5 technical annual assessments, wetland delineation, and CRAM.
Coordinated with maintenance contractor regarding recommended action items and submitted annual technical
report to the permitting agencies. Attended monthly meetings with the City and maintenance contractor to
discuss restoration progress and identify any concerns. Work performed as a subcontractor to AKM Consulting
Engineers during the installation phase and the City of Chino Hills during the maintenance phase.
Southern California Edison TD 1104776 - Idle Line Removal Laguna Beach. Biologist for a project to decommission
and remove approximately a half of a mile of idle power line in Laguna Beach. Performed biological surveys,
monitoring, reporting, restoration, and maintenance in areas temporarily disturbed by construction activities
associated with the full or partial removal of idle power poles and perimeter fence maintenance. Assisted with
preparation of a Habitat Enhancement Plan to comply with habitat enhancement requirements of the California
Coastal Commission. Sensitive biological resources within the project area consisted of coastal sage scrub,
southern maritime chaparral, and big-leaved crownbeard.
Page | 1
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
MATTHEW DIMSON
Biologist
Mr. Dimson is a biologist with five years of experience, working
throughout Southern California, with an emphasis in Orange,
Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties.
He is skilled in identifying local flora and fauna and has
extensive field experience conducting and leading focused
surveys and/or biological monitoring for burrowing owl, least
Bell's vireo, and nesting bird surveys. He is permitted by the
USFWS to independently conduct surveys for federally listed
coastal California gnatcatcher. He is exceptionally
knowledgeable with invertebrate pests, including polyphagous shot hole borer and
gold spotted oak borer. Mr. Dimson also assists with preparing regulatory permitting
packages for Sections 401/404/1602 permits, construction monitoring, and
environmental compliance monitoring for various clients in the public and private
sectors, including projects for utilities, water, transportation, and private development.
He is currently working on a Master of Natural Resources degree at Oregon State
University. Additionally, Mr. Dimson has attended several workshops on species such
as desert tortoise and burrowing owl.
Mt. San Antonio College East Parcel Habitat Restoration. Biologist during habitat
maintenance for the Mt. San Antonio College’s East Parcel Restoration Project in the
City of Walnut. Required mitigation included establishing 5.10 acres of coastal sage
scrub for project impacts to occupied coastal California gnatcatcher habitat, in addition
to 0.20 acre of mule fat scrub creation and 1.67 acres of southern cottonwood-willow
riparian forest enhancement. Performed monthly maintenance monitoring and annual
technical monitoring of the restoration site. Prepared monthly maintenance memos to
guide maintenance activities and prepared annual reports for submittal to resource
agencies.
Mt. San Antonio College West Parcel Habitat Restoration. Biologist during mitigation
implementation for the Mt. San Antonio College’s West Restoration Project in the City
of Walnut. Required mitigation included establishing 3.04 acres and preserving 5.06
acres of coastal sage scrub for project impacts to occupied coastal California
gnatcatcher habitat. Monitored planting activities during habitat installation, which
included verifying project limits, identifying non-native species for removal, reviewing
plant and seed purchase orders, and inspecting plant material. Performed monthly
maintenance monitoring. Prepared monthly maintenance memos to guide
maintenance activities.
Mt. San Antonio College Southern California Black Walnut Mitigation. Biologist for a
southern California black walnut mitigation site located the Mt. San Antonio College
campus in the City of Walnut. Performed monthly qualitative monitoring visits and
prepared reports to document observations and to provide recommendations.
Performed annual technical monitoring to determine whether project is meeting goals
outlined in the project’s mitigation plan.
TITLE
Biologist IV
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science,
Environmental Science
& Policy, California State
University, Long Beach,
2017
REGISTRATIONS/
CERTIFICATIONS
Qualified Applicator
Certificate (QAC)
Aquatic No. 150153
CRAM, Qualified
California Rapid
Assessment Method,
Practitioner
USFWS, Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife
Species Permit
(Authorized to conduct
surveys for the coastal
California gnatcatcher),
No. ES-778195-15
Page | 2
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
City of Santa Clarita McBean Parkway Bridge Environmental Mitigation. Biologist during mitigation
implementation and maintenance monitoring associated with a bridge replacement project in the City of Santa
Clarita. Required mitigation included removing 7.4 acres of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) within the Santa
Clara River. Performed initial giant reed mapping within the work area to serve as baseline conditions, prepared
environmental awareness training materials, created and reviewed monitoring logs, and coordinated with
biological monitors and Restoration Contractor to avoid sensitive biological resources. Performed annual
technical monitoring.
City of Santa Clarita Newhall Ranch Road Environmental Mitigation. Biologist during mitigation implementation
and maintenance monitoring associated with a bridge replacement project in the City of Santa Clarita. Required
mitigation included removing 4.5 acres of invasive giant reed within the Santa Clara River. Performed initial giant
reed mapping within the work area to serve as baseline conditions, prepared environmental awareness training
materials, created and reviewed monitoring logs, and coordinated with biological monitors and Restoration
Contractor to avoid sensitive biological resources. Performed annual technical monitoring.
Southern California Edison Mesa Colima 500 kV Substation Mitigation HRP and Interim Maintenance.
Biologist for an off-site 20-acre mitigation site in the cities of Hacienda Heights, La Habra Heights, and Whittier,
as well as unincorporated Los Angeles County. This off-site parcel is located on Southern California Edison owned
right-of-way and falls between existing Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project towers along the Section 8
alignment. Required mitigation included restoring 16 acres of coastal sage scrub habitat to offset project impacts
to coastal California gnatcatcher occupied habitat. Monitoring habitat mitigation installation, performed
maintenance monitoring site visits, and conducted annual technical monitoring.
City of Irvine Drive/University Drive Intersection Improvements, Construction Monitoring, and Habitat
Mitigation and Monitoring Plan Implementation. Lead Biologist for 0.44-acre riparian woodland mitigation sites
located in William R. Mason Regional Park in the City of Irvine. Performed regular qualitative monitoring visits to
ensure the successful removal of invasive and non-native species within the restoration area, monitored
established native plants for invasive shot hole borer and prepared reports to document observations and
provide recommendations. Performed annual quantitative monitoring to determine if the project was meeting
goals stated in the Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan. Performed annual California Rapid Assessment
Method on drainages within the mitigation site.
City of Irvine Warner Channel Emergency Repair. Biologist for a project involving the repair of erosion damage
along the northeast stream bank of Warner Channel in the City of Irvine. Conducted construction monitoring
and provided worker education training. Responsibilities include ongoing monitoring of the mitigation site,
collection of annual monitoring data, and preparation of monitoring memos and annual reports through project
completion.
City of Chino Hills English Channel Mitigation Project. Biologist for wetland and riparian habitat mitigation
maintenance for the Chino Hills’ Mitigation Project in the City of Chino Hills. Performed annual technical
monitoring of the restoration site. Drafted monthly maintenance memos to guide maintenance activities and
prepared annual reports for submittal to resource agencies.
Pacific Landing Project. Lead Biologist for two Riversidean sage scrub mitigation sites located on Center for
Natural Lands Management Land Preserves in the City of Murrieta. Performed regular qualitative monitoring
visits to ensure the successful removal of invasive and non-native species within the restoration area and
prepared reports to document observations and provide recommendations. Performed annual quantitative
monitoring to determine if the project was meeting goals stated in the Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Plan.
Work performed under Atlantic Pacific Development.
Page | 1
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
TAYLOR CHASE
Biologist
Mr. Chase is a biologist for habitat mitigation and compliance
monitoring projects in Southern California. He has conducted
construction monitoring and mitigation monitoring as well as
biological resource studies including focused plant and animal
surveys. He is knowledgeable in planning and implementation
of large-scale invasive species control and out-planting of native
vegetation for restoration projects. With 8 years of experience
in a variety of environmental disciplines, Mr. Chase has served
as assistant project manager and staff biologist for many
environmental projects in Southern California.
Mt. San Antonio College East Parcel Habitat Restoration. Biologist for a 6.97-acre
restoration site on the campus of Mt. San Antonio College in the City of Walnut, Los
Angeles County. Performed annual biological monitoring including transect surveys
and biological resource assessments.
City of Santa Clarita McBean Parkway Bridge Environmental Mitigation. Biologist
during mitigation implementation and maintenance monitoring associated with a
bridge replacement project in the City of Santa Clarita. Required mitigation included
removing 7.4 acres of invasive giant reed (Arundo donax) within the Santa Clara River.
Provided environmental awareness training to the Restoration Contractor, performed
monitoring during giant reed removal activities, and coordinated with the Restoration
Contractor to avoid sensitive biological resources.
City of Santa Clarita Newhall Ranch Road Environmental Mitigation. Biologist during
mitigation implementation and maintenance monitoring associated with a bridge
replacement project in the City of Santa Clarita. Required mitigation included removing
4.5 acres of invasive giant reed within the Santa Clara River. Provided environmental
awareness training to the Restoration Contractor, performed monitoring during giant
reed removal activities, coordinated with the Restoration Contractor to avoid sensitive
biological resources, and performed annual technical monitoring.
The Highlands at Tesoro Del Valle. Biologist for a complex restoration project related
to a master plan residential development in the City of Santa Clarita. The project
consists of approximately 397 acres and involves oak tree habitat mitigation, riparian
mitigation, and rare plant mitigation. Performed annual and monthly monitoring of the
sites as well as monitoring for the installation of rare plant mitigation measures. Work
was performed for Newport Pacific Land Company with the City of Santa Clarita as lead
agency.
U.S. Forest Service Cleveland National Forest Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration. Lead
Habitat Restoration Ecologist working to restore approximately 27 acres of coastal
sage scrub habitat in San Diego County’s Cleveland National Forest, in the Witch Fire
area. The project tasks included seed collection and processing of 10 native plant
species, seeding, non-native plant control, and annual vegetation monitoring.
TITLE
Senior Biology Project
Manager
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science,
Environmental
Protection and
Management, Minor in
Indigenous Studies;
California Polytechnic
State University, San Luis
Obispo, 2016
REGISTRATIONS/
CERTIFICATIONS
ISA Certified Arborist
No. WE-14528A
Qualified Applicator
License (QAL),
Category: C (Right-of-
Way)
OSHA, 10-hour
HAZWOPER
CPR First-Aid Certified
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
Association of
Environmental
Professionals Member
Page | 2
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR | Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring Program
Newhall Ranch Habitat Restoration. Landscape Assistant Supervisor performing on-site duties for a residential
development project in the Santa Clarita Valley. Newhall Ranch is the largest master planned development in
North America, including roughly 21,500 units situated on 14,000 acres along the Santa Clara River.
Responsibilities included invasive species removal, irrigation maintenance, erosion control, and landscaping.
Also led and trained crews to ensure a safe and effective work environment. Work performed for Newhall Ranch
and the City of Santa Clarita.
City of Santa Clarita Tree Mitigation Site Maintenance (Years 2-5). Arborist preparing an arborist report to
summarize the results of the survey, analyze project impacts to trees, determine potential mitigation required,
and provide recommendations for the protection of trees during construction.
City of Santa Clarita Via Princessa Park Biological Studies. Biologist and Certified Arborist for a project
proposing to construct a park and regional infiltration facility in an area of vacant city-owned land, along the
south bank of the Santa Clara River, in the Canyon Country community of the City of Santa Clarita. Performed a
survey to measure, locate, and assess all trees on the project site subject to the City's tree preservation
ordinance as well as focused surveys for burrowing owl. Work was performed for the City of Santa Clarita, as a
subconsultant to Michael Baker International.
Bouquet Canyon Road Project. Biologist for a proposed 54-acre residential development project in the City of
Santa Clarita. Performed rare plant surveys for several listed species including mariposa lily and slender-horned
spine flower in addition to vegetation community mapping. Work performed for Integral Communities, with the
City of Santa Clarita as the lead agency.
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Santa Margarita River Riparian Habitat Invasive Species Control. Lead
Habitat Restoration Ecologist for a restoration project on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP), San
Diego County involving extensive invasive species removal efforts in the Santa Margarita River riparian corridor.
Project tasks included treatment and removal of multiple species such as giant reed (Arundo donax), saltcedar
(Tamarix ramosissima), and perennial pepperweed (Lepidium latifolium). Work performed for the U.S. Marine
Corps.
Camp Pendleton Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat Restoration. Lead Habitat Restoration Ecologist
overseeing the restoration of southwestern willow flycatcher habitat within the Santa Margarita River riparian
corridor on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP), San Diego County. Restoration efforts involved the
supervision of herbicide applicationto remove invasive plant species located in the future habitat of the
Southwester Willow Flycatcher. Work performed for U.S. Marine Corps.
Camp Pendleton Least Tern/Snowy Plover Habitat Management. Lead Habitat Restoration Ecologist assisting
and supervising the habitat protection, maintenance, and enhancement for the endangered California least tern
(Sternula antillarum browni) and threatened western snowy plover (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) at designated
tern colony sites on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton (MCBCP), San Diego County. Habitat enhancement
consisted of large-scale debris removal, invasive plant control, and native plant seeding. Work performed for
U.S. Marine Corps.
County of Orange Prima Deshecha Landfill Habitat Restoration. Landscape Assistant Supervisor performing on-
site duties for a habitat mitigation and restoration project in the City of Orange. Responsibilities included
invasive species removal, irrigation maintenance, erosion control, and landscaping. Also led and trained crews to
ensure a safe and effective work environment.