HomeMy WebLinkAboutCanyon Loop Trail Improvement HMMP Services Proposal_CGJULY 6, 2023
CANYON LOOP TRAIL
IMPROVEMENT HMMP
PROJECT MANAGER/
RESTORATION ECOLOGIST
SERVICES
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
PROPOSAL
CA DGSCERTIFIED
CGISBE
AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY
CGI
ESOP
Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring
Program Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
City of Diamond Bar
i
64261
Table of Contents
Cover Letter ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Project Team ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
2. Firm’s Experience/References .............................................................................................................................................. 10
3. Project Understanding ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
4. & 5. Fee Schedule/Fee Proposal – Is included in a separate document.
Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring
Program Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
City of Diamond Bar
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64261
July 6, 2023
Parks & Recreation Department
City of Diamond Bar
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Dear Selection Committee:
As a comprehensive environmental company with 44 years of experience, Chambers Group, Inc. offers the City of
Diamond Bar (City) a full complement of in-house technical services.
Our Restoration Ecologist/Project Management Staff have extensive experience in implementing and monitoring
restoration and enhancement projects within a variety of upland vegetation communities including different
associations of coastal sage scrub habitats. Our staff routinely collaborate with resource agencies such as the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to overcome project challenges and we have successfully secured agency
acceptance upon completion of compensatory mitigation on multiple habitat restoration projects. Chambers Group’s
staff includes skilled botanists knowledgeable in native and non-native plant species identification and
control/treatment methodologies for those non-native weeds, especially for those species listed on the California
Invasive Plant Council’s invasive plant inventory. Our Restoration Ecologists are trained using a variety of vegetation
sampling techniques including those recommended by the California Native Plant Society (e.g., relevé assessments,
rapid assessment methods, and traditional point-line transect methodologies). Our Restoration Ecologists are skilled at
accurately utilizing ocular estimation (i.e., absolute or relative cover) from sample plots to assess vegetation conditions
from a distance which minimizes trampling of native plants and disturbance to wildlife. Our staff are also crossed-
trained wildlife biologists familiar with special status species such as the coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren
and they understand standard resource avoidance and protection measures (e.g., nesting bird clearance surveys).
Our Restoration Services Division is made up of botanists, biologists, licensed herbicide Qualified Applicators (QALs),
landscape designers, certified arborists, equipment operators, and irrigation specialists, who focus on managing native
southern California habitats. Having our own in-house Restoration Services Division provides Chambers Group the
unique opportunity to experience all sides of a restoration project, which has prepared us to effectively author
restoration plans or bid proposals, and subsequently implement such efforts from beginning to end. This is a
tremendous benefit to achieving specific quantitative and qualitative mitigation performance objectives.
Our staff understand the importance of advanced coordination with seed suppliers and native plant nurseries for plant
material acquisition and we have good working relationships with many local native plant suppliers. Our staff
understands the importance of frequent qualitative visits and regular coordination with the Restoration Contractor to
meet performance objectives and address any potential plant health issues quickly (e.g., pest control, invasive plant
infestations, nutrient deficiencies, soil compaction issues, drought stress) and recommend appropriate remediation
measures. Our Restoration Ecologists have completed herbicide application training and have extensive experience
monitoring herbicide applications, implementing safety protocols, and we have knowledge in unique species-specific
weed abatement techniques.
Current, Local Experience in Los Angeles County: Chambers Group and its team of professionals has the experience
and understanding of local laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies. We are committed to ensuring that all
restoration activities remain in compliance with jurisdictional regulations, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and related
expenditure guidelines. We have worked with Los Angeles County providing restoration work in addition to cities of
similar size to Diamond Bar throughout the County and Southern California.
Project Manager with a thorough understanding of Restoration: Chambers Group’s Project Manager, Heather Clayton,
has wide-ranging experience with biological resources and restoration management. She will serve as the City’s main
point of contact for this project and be an extension of your staff to oversee all aspects of the restoration project.
Heather’s contact information is hclayton@chambersgroupinc.com, (949) 261-5414 extension 7421.
Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring
Program Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
City of Diamond Bar
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Proposal Contact: As President, I am authorized to make legally binding commitments for Chambers Group, Inc. We
are a California Corporation with the Headquarters office located at 3151 Airway Avenue, Suite F208 in Costa Mesa,
California 92626. All information contained in this submission is true and correct. Should you have any questions, please
contact me at (949) 261-5414, extension 7230 or via E-mail at mmcentee@chambersgroupinc.com.
Chambers Group does not have any exceptions to the RFP requirements, scope of work, or specifications. All terms and
conditions including insurance requirements are acceptable. Further, we are in receipt of all addenda to the RFP
including the seven Questions and Answers submitted on Planet Bids.
Sincerely,
CHAMBERS GROUP, INC.
Mike McEntee, President
mmcentee@chambersgroupinc.com
Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring
Program Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
City of Diamond Bar
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1. Project Team
Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring
Program Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
City of Diamond Bar
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Resumes
Heather Clayton
Restoration Ecologist Lead | Project Manager | Botanist | Arborist
Professional Experience
Heather Clayton has 19 years of experience and serves as project manager and lead
botanist/restoration ecologist on numerous habitat restoration and monitoring
projects. She is responsive to stringent deadlines and works with her field team to see
that tasks are handled efficiently and effectively at each project site. As a certified field
botanist through the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) and experienced in
conducting rare plant surveys throughout California, Heather is an excellent asset to any
project involving special status plant species. She can tailor an in-depth habitat
mitigation and monitoring plan for a variety of habitats in southern California and has
been instrumental in implementing and monitoring the restoration effort for sites with
unproductive/problematic soils, for sites in environmentally sensitive areas with special
status species, and for sites overrun with invasive weeds. She recognizes the early signs
of site decline and knows what remedial actions to take before problems escalate. She
communicates effectively with landscape contractors and agencies and is incredibly
adept at maintaining budgets.
Project Experience
Big Tujunga Wash Mitigation Bank Area, Monitoring and Restoration,
LACPW, Sunland, Los Angeles County, CA
Field Manager, Senior Botanist. Heather monitored the revegetation enhancement of
upland and riparian habitat in the 200-acre mitigation bank for Public Works. The
revegetation components of the master plan included the restoration of existing
riparian habitat by removing non-native plant species and revegetating with native plant
species. The plan provided for creation of coastal sage scrub and oak woodland habitats,
and programs were designed to reduce the impact of exotic wildlife species on the
native communities. A comprehensive monitoring program was developed for the site
in which data were collected for a complete functional analysis, based on the USACE
Hydrogeomorphic Analysis and Habitat Evaluation Procedures. She submitted a report
summarizing the survey results after each inspection or combined with larger annual
reports. Currently, Heather meets regularly with the Chambers Group field crew
maintaining the site and oversees the restoration effort to ensure the riparian habitat
at the mitigation bank is recovering after the Creek Fire in 2017.
Sea Summit at Marblehead Coastal Development and Outlets Center,
SunCal Companies/Lehman Bros./Taylor Morrison/Craig Realty, San
Clemente, Orange County, CA
Senior Botanist, Restoration Ecologist, Project Manager. Heather conducted
vegetation sampling and rare plant surveys onsite and within reference populations to
determine appropriate species composition and planting densities for the Habitat
Mitigation Plan. She provided restoration tasks, including plant and seed acquisition,
nursery and resource agency coordination, annual performance monitoring within
coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats (for nearly 10 years), coastal California
gnatcatcher monitoring, and general oversight of the 100-acre preserve to ensure the
success criteria could be achieved. Her close communication with the California Coastal
Education
MS, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton, 2003
BA, Biology, Environmental
Emphasis, Occidental College, Los
Angeles, CA, 1999
Training
California Native Plant Society
Vegetation Rapid Assessment
Protocol for Vegetation Sampling
Workshop
Calflora, Observer Pro App
Training
Certifications
ISA Certified Arborist WE-13716A
California Native Plant Society
Certified Field Botanist CFB-0012
Plant Voucher Collecting Permit
to Collect Voucher Specimens of
State-Listed Endangered,
Threatened and Rare Plants. No.
2081(a) 16 129 V.
California Native Plant Society
Member – Board of Certification
California Society for Ecological
Restoration Member
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Commission and the CDFW as well as the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) enabled construction to
progress smoothly within this Environmentally Sensitive Habitat area (ESHA). Successful agency acceptance of the
preserve was facilitated by Heather and her team, and the site is now maintained in perpetuity by the Homeowner’s
Association with oversight by CNLM.
Rialto Channel Monitoring and Reporting Project, Colton, CA. San Bernardino County Flood Control
District Department of Public Works, San Bernardino County, CA
Restoration Ecologist, Project Manager. Heather and her team currently conduct both qualitative and quantitative
performance monitoring within an approximately 17.5-acre restoration area at the confluence of the Rialto Channel
and Santa Ana River in support of County’s Upper Cactus Basins Flood Control System Enhancement Project as approved
by the CDFW in 2015. Due to the presence of the federally endangered Santa Ana River woolly star (Eriastrum
densifolium subsp. sanctorum) within the mitigation site and in the adjacent alluvial scrub floodplain, Heather also
monitors the site to ensure this species and its habitat are adequately protected as outlined in the Habitat Mitigation
and Monitoring Plan (HMMP). She assists with the preparation of semi-annual and annual reports for submittal to the
pertinent agencies and makes recommendations for improvement to the County.
Big Dalton Dam Sediment Removal, Pre- and Post-Dewatering Surveys and Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting, Los Angeles County Public Works (LACPW), Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA
Lead Botanist. Heather conducted pre- and post-dewatering surveys that included vegetation mapping, plant
assessments using the CNPS Rapid Assessment Protocol, and focused plant surveys from above the reservoir to 2 miles
downstream of the Big Dalton Dam. She provided data and analysis of the project in the Pre- and Post-Dewatering
Biological Technical Report for the Big Dalton Dam Reservoir Cleanout Project. She also performed and oversaw the
restoration effort for three landslide areas on the slope immediately upstream of the dam. She performed quarterly
and annual vegetation sampling of the restoration area documenting the qualitative and quantitative progress of the
site based on set success criteria. She prepared quarterly and annual reports and was instrumental in securing sign-off
from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the mitigation obligations.
San Juan Capistrano Lower Landslide and Reservoir Restoration, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting,
City of San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, Orange County, CA
Project Manager and Restoration Biologist. Heather provided mitigation monitoring and reporting for three separate
areas: the Avenida Placida lower landslide area, the Acu Canyon restoration site, and the Terminal No. 3 Reservoir
mitigation site. The project involved grading and removal of debris from a landslide area and stabilizing an existing
water pipeline through coastal sage scrub vegetation. In addition, a new reservoir was constructed and mitigation for
the impact of riparian habitat was mitigated through both onsite and offsite habitat restoration. She conducted plant
inspections and monitored the success of each of the three restoration areas. Heather prepared monitoring reports
which documented restoration activities and as well as species observed on site. She scheduled and managed field staff,
provided oversight of native plant landscaping contractors on maintenance needs, and coordinated with City and
Agency representatives.
Tonner Hills Property, Restoration and Enhancement Monitoring, Plains Exploration and Production,
Brea, Orange County, CA
Associate Botanist. Heather assisted with the restoration and enhancement monitoring of approximately 120 acres of
coastal sage scrub, walnut woodland, and willow woodland native vegetation communities. Tasks included exotic plant
removal monitoring, restoration implementation monitoring, and maintenance monitoring. She prepared monitoring
reports following each site visit, and annual reports were submitted documenting performance standard compliance.
In addition, Heather prepared the biological assessment (BA) under Section 7 Consultation with the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS).
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Joanna Kipper
Restoration Ecologist | Project Biologist | Botanist
Professional Experience
Joanna Kipper has more than 17 years of experience performing biological technical
studies and habitat restoration/mitigation compliance including overseeing pre- and
post-conduction site preparation activities, monitoring weed control efforts, plant
acquisition, plant installation, soil assessments, agency coordination, and construction
monitoring. Joanna is knowledgeable on the distribution, ecology, and conservation of
California’s native plant communities and has prepared/co-authored numerous
biological assessment reports and mitigation/restoration plans. She always follows
current survey protocols to perform vegetation and wildlife inventories, vegetation
mapping, qualitative and quantitative vegetation/habitat surveys, and data analysis.
She regularly works with private land developers, municipal agencies, utility providers,
and government resource agencies to develop adaptive management strategies and
achieve mitigation performance objectives/permit compliance.
Project Experience
Biological Monitoring and Restoration, Kerrigan Ranch Development Site,
Pulte Group, Yorba Linda and Chino Hills State Park, Orange County, CA
Biologist, Restoration Supervisor. Joanna conducted biological monitoring including
surveying and avoiding breeding least Bell’s vireo and other nesting birds. She
supervised and performed restoration activities focused on increasing native vegetation
cover within coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats, including weed abatement and
soil/plant preparation, and supplemental watering strategies.
Biological Resources Surveys, Restoration, and Mitigation Monitoring for
the Sea Summit at Marblehead Project (app. 100 acres), Taylor Morrison
Inc., San Clemente, CA
Lead Biologist, Restoration Specialist. Implemented various restoration tasks including
nursery coordination, construction monitoring, vegetation mapping, soil sampling,
agency coordination, and permit compliance, and assisted in the coordination of
chemical and mechanical weed treatment methods for the coastal sage scrub, coastal
bluff scrub, and wetland vegetation communities. Monitored plant placement and
installation of native plant material within approximately 100 acres to ensure
compliance of the Habitat Management Plan specifications. Performed annual
vegetation surveys and prepared quarterly and annual monitoring reports.
Rialto Channel Monitoring and Reporting Project, Colton, CA. San
Bernardino County Flood Control District Department of Public Works, San
Bernardino County, CA
Biologist, Restoration Specialist. Currently conducting both qualitative and quantitative
performance monitoring within an approximately 17.5-acre restoration area at the
confluence of the Rialto Channel and Santa Ana River in support of County’s Upper
Cactus Basins Flood Control System Enhancement Project as approved by the CDFW in
2015. Due to the presence of the federally endangered Santa Ana River woolly star
(Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum) within the mitigation site and in the adjacent
alluvial scrub floodplain, biologists also monitor to ensure this species and its habitat
are adequately protected as outlined in the HMMP. Semi-annual and annual reports are
prepared and submitted to the pertinent agencies.
Education
BS Environmental Biology and
Management Emphasis:
Ecosystem and Habitat
Restoration, University of
California, Davis
Training
Restoration
Mitigation Planning
Vegetation and Habitat Surveys
Vegetation Mapping
Data Analysis
Functional Analysis
Calflora, Observer Pro App
Training
Canyon Loop Trail Improvement Habitat Mitigation Monitoring
Program Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist Services
City of Diamond Bar
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Big Dalton Dam Sediment Removal, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW)
Water Resources Division, Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA
Assistant Biologist. To assess project impacts, pre- and post-dewatering surveys were conducted and included
vegetation mapping, plant assessments using the CNPS Rapid Assessment Protocol, focused plant surveys, fish, avian,
and mammal tracking surveys, stream assessments, and macroinvertebrate collections from above the reservoir to 2
miles downstream of the Big Dalton Dam. Biological monitoring and newt relocation during construction activities took
place daily over a period of 5 months. Data and analysis of the project is provided in the Pre- and Post-Dewatering
Biological Technical Report for the Big Dalton Dam Reservoir Cleanout Project.
Biological Technical Studies/Permitting, Lompoc Wind Energy Farm (app. 2,000 acres), Santa Barbara
County, CA
Lead Biologist, Project Biologist. Conducted numerous biological consultation services such as focused rare
plant/botanical surveys, coordinated native seed collection efforts, conducted vegetation and hydrological mapping of
potential jurisdictional water features. Joanna also coordinated with project engineers and provided logistical support,
prepared/co-authored several mitigation/restoration and monitoring plans and assisted with agency coordination
(County of Santa Barbara and CDFW) in support of the emergency geotechnical boring tasks and conducted construction
monitoring.
Biological Services for South Region Landfills, County of Orange Integrated Waste Management
Department, Santa Ana, Orange County, CA
Staff Biologist. Performed on-call biological consultation tasks. Collected 60 composite soil samples from graded and
weedy soils to determine growth inhibiting properties, structure, moisture capacity, soil chemistry, and toxicity. The
purpose of the study was to determine the extent of soil amendments required prior to planting pre-mitigation sites.
Conceptual Mitigation and Monitoring Plan for a Development Proposed at a 256.9-acre Project Site,
Pulte Homes, Yorba Linda, Orange County, CA
Assistant Biologist. Identified existing vegetation communities and soil composition within potentially suitable off-site
mitigation areas of Chino Hills State Park. Assisted in mapping vegetation communities onsite. Composed and edited
restoration planning reports regarding site hydrology, soils, planting methods, vegetation surveys, and monitoring.
Environmental Compliance for San Diego Creek In-Channel Basins Maintenance Project, Orange
County Resources & Development Management Department, Irvine, Orange County, CA
Assistant Biologist. Mapped the vegetation communities for San Diego Creek in-channel sedimentation basins located
between Jamboree Road and the San Diego Freeway (I-405) using sub-meter Global Positioning System technology.
Riparian Restoration, Enhancement Plan, and Monitoring, Santa Margarita River Flood Plain, Marine
Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, U.S. Navy, MCAS Camp Pendleton, sub to Geofon Incorporated,
Oceanside, San Diego County, CA
Assistant Biologist. Conducted soil sampling within the existing least Bell’s vireo habitat and riparian vegetation
adjacent to the helicopter landing area on the Camp Pendleton Marine Air Station. Monitored restoration activities on
55 acres of fragmented river floodplain adjacent to the Santa Margarita River. The project team worked closely with
engineering staff to incorporate drainage into the restoration area so flooding no longer occurs on working portions of
the air station, and plant communities can take advantage of the annual rainfall.
Biological and Cultural Resources Surveys, Jurisdictional Delineations, Track Upgrade, Union Pacific
Railroad, Yuma Subdivision, sub to Parsons Water & Infrastructure, Thermal to Araz, CA
Assistant Biologist. Performed reconnaissance surveys along a 100-mile-long corridor, assisted with wetland
delineations, conducted focused plant surveys, vegetation communities’ surveys, and mapping within the 200-foot
right-of-way. The field survey focused primarily on determining the potential habitat for federal- and state-listed plants
and wildlife.
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Jessica Calvillo
Botanist | Restoration Ecologist | Biologist
Professional Summary
Jessica Calvillo is a botanist and naturalist with more than 7 years of experience working
in habitat restoration, biological monitoring, native plant horticulture, special status
plant surveys, nesting bird surveys, and environmental science education. Her work has
brought her valuably positive relationships with the California Native Plant Society
(CNPS), Facebook, Level 10 Construction, and more. Her skills in plant and wildlife
identification, habitat restoration, and biological monitoring show through in the quality
of work prevalent in all projects with which she is involved. Such projects have given her
the chance to work within habitats such as Wetland, Riparian Woodland, Joshua Tree
Woodland, Desert Saltbush Scrub, Mojave Creosote Bush Scrub, Coastal Sage Scrub,
Chaparral, and Oak Woodland, where she has encountered a variety of wildlife including
listed fish species including Santa Ana sucker, Santa Ana speckled dace, arroyo chub,
listed birds including least Bell’s vireo, and other species including bobcats, double-
crested cormorants, and kingfishers. In addition to wildlife, she also has project
experience with creosote bush, beavertail cactus, Catalina mariposa lily, slender
mariposa lily, Plummer’s mariposa lily, and endangered/candidate species such as
western Joshua tree, Davidson’s bush mallow, and southern tarplant.
Project Experience
Big Tujunga Mitigation, Nesting Bird Surveys, Exotic Plant and Wildlife
Removal, County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
Biologist. Jessica oversaw exotic plant and wildlife species removal, nesting bird
surveys, and vegetation surveys for the second largest Mitigation Bank in Los Angeles
County. The removal of exotic plants and wildlife from the stream, ponds, and
surrounding habitats helped protect the federally protected Santa Ana sucker, the state
sensitive Santa Ana speckled dace and arroyo chub, and many other valuable wildlife
and plant species. Before the performance of invasive species removal events, Jessica
performed surveys to flag and create protective barriers for sensitive plant and wildlife
species such as the endangered Davidson’s bush mallow and least Bell’s vireo.
Big Dalton Dam Slope Repair Bio Services, Biological Monitoring and
Nesting Bird Surveys, Los Angeles County Flood Control District
(LACFCD) Flood Maintenance Division, Angeles Forest, Los Angeles
County, CA
Biologist. Jessica conducted nesting bird surveys prior to maintenance activities. She
was responsible for noting species within the area and took photos of the present
habitat. She performed restoration activities including flagging native habitat for
avoidance and monitoring. After the implementation of the restoration effort, Jessica
was responsible for exotic species identification, sensitive species avoidance measures,
and performing all hands-on tasks required to support the restoration project,
particularly during scheduled exotic plant species removal. Regular maintenance efforts
and oversight continued exclusively with mechanical weed removal methods to support
LACPW goals. Jessica was also in charge of quarterly and annual vegetation health
assessments of the restoration area documenting the qualitative and quantitative
progress of the site based on set success criteria.
Education
BA, Liberal Studies,
Environmental Studies Minor,
California State University,
Fullerton, 2016
Certifications
California Native Plant Society,
Field Botanist Certification
CFB-0044
University of California, Santa
Cruz, California Naturalist
Program Certification
University of California, Santa
Cruz, Coursera Course:
Ecosystems of California
Tel Aviv University, Coursera
Course: Understanding Plants
Calflora, Observer Pro App
Training
Bay-Friendly Landscaping &
Gardening Coalition, Bay-Friendly
Qualified Professional
United States Forest Service,
Certified Volunteer
CPR and First Aid Certification –
Current
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Lane Channel Restoration Maintenance, County of Orange, Orange County, CA
Biologist. Chambers Group is assisting the County in the 2-year maintenance requirement of the vegetated slope on
Lane Channel as required by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in a 404 permit that was received for
the project. This maintenance work includes maintenance to the irrigation system, supplemental native seeding, and
planting, as well as vegetation maintenance and exotic species abatement. Jessica has assisted in herbicide treatment
of non-native invasive species along steep flood channels, and guided crews by identifying non-native species so as to
protect the site’s natural resources.
Lost Canyons Development, Newport Pacific Land Company, Simi Valley, Ventura County, CA
Botanist. Jessica conducted focused plant surveys and vegetation community mapping throughout the entire 1,770-
acre Phase I and Phase 2 Project area proposed to be developed for single-family residential units. She surveyed the
site which was primarily composed of coastal sage scrub and riparian habitat and using a Global Positioning System
(GPS) unit recorded special-status plant species documented on the site such Catalina mariposa lily (Calochortus
catalinae), slender mariposa lily (Calochortus clavatus var. gracilis), and Plummer’s mariposa lily (Calochortus
plummerae). To ensure positive identifications on these species she keyed the plants out using a dichotomous key. She
then assisted in preparing reports including a 2020 Annual Report and a Focused Plant Survey Report.
Kerrigan Ranch Development Site, Biological Resources Surveys, and Restoration, Pulte Group, Yorba
Linda, Orange County, CA
Biologist/Botanist. Jessica conducted extensive biological resources surveys to document the biological conditions on
several large restoration sites on behalf of private developer, Pulte Group. She implemented mitigation programs, both
on site and off site, for coastal sage scrub and riparian habitats. She performed maintenance and annual performance
monitoring for a 22-acre coastal sage scrub site and coordinated with the restoration crews and the Chambers Group
Habitat Restoration Foreman to ensure required performance standards could be met. Her extensive botanical
knowledge allowed her to skillfully direct the crews so as to preserve the site’s natural resources. She performed
qualitative site assessments to document the site’s progress in relation to the set performance goals. These data were
compiled and included in the Project’s annual report each year.
Restoration Crew Plant Identification Training, Ecological Concerns Inc., Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz
County, CA
Lead Propagator. Jessica conducted beginner’s native plant identification training classes for the restoration crew
members of Ecological Concerns Inc. Her training classes utilized live specimen demonstrations, name memorization
and identification techniques, and the ethnobotanical and wildlife value of each plant species. With an audience of
people with no prior plant knowledge, Jessica was able to successfully unpack complicated botanical concepts in a
manner that engaged and sharpened the skill sets of the crew thus heightening the quality of their work.
Trabuco Creek Road Stabilization, Rare Plant Survey, Orange County Public Works, Trabuco Canyon,
Orange County, CA
Botanist. Jessica assisted in a focused plant survey along an approximately 2.8-mile segment of Trabuco Creek Road,
where she successfully identified and recorded several special status plant species. The purpose of the project is to
provide a long-term solution to address drainage and stabilization while reducing fugitive dust and addressing the
fatigued low-water concrete crossing through Trabuco Creek Channel. For the biological assessment report, Jessica
assisted in identifying and describing the vegetation communities found on-site as well as evaluating the potential for
occurrence for special status plant species that could potentially be found on-site.
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2. Firm’s Experience/References
Grand Avenue Interchange Improvement Project, Jurisdictional Delineation and Biological
Surveys, Diamond Bar, Los Angeles County, CA
Client: Los Angeles County – City of Industry/PBS&J, sub to Sage Environmental Group, Diamond Bar, Contact:
Alissa Cope (Principal), (657) 505-6027, marketing@sageenvironmentalgroup.com
Chambers Group conducted formal jurisdictional and wetland delineations according to the Arid West Supplement
(2006) at a section of Diamond Bar Creek known as Brea Wash near the SR-57, SR-60 and Grand Avenue interchange.
Biologists assessed three tributaries that flow into the wash from under the freeway. Tree inventories were
documented at each delineated area, and all native vegetation within the general footprint was mapped onto high-
resolution aerial photographs. Technical documents were prepared for continued coordination with USACE, CDFW, and
Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) for the project.
In addition, Chambers Group conducted surveys for the federally listed least Bell’s vireo and assisted USFWS-permitted
biologists during presence/absence focused surveys for the southwestern willow flycatcher. All potential habitats
within the project site were surveyed and the nesting status of each pair was documented. Fish surveys were also
conducted throughout the channel within the project footprint and up to 500 feet upstream and downstream of the
area. Technical documents were prepared and submitted to the resource agencies.
Sea Summit at Marblehead Coastal Development Project, (Biological Surveys, Mitigation
Monitoring, Restoration and Regulatory Permitting), San Clemente, Orange County, CA
Client: Marblehead Development Partners/Taylor Morrison, Current Contact: Jenny Dowdall, HOA President, Sea
Summit at Marblehead c/o First Services Residential Property Manager (949) 448-6183; Former Contact: Sean Doyle,
(949) 341-1289, sdoyle@taylormorrison.com
This 250-acre site was the last large coastal development
property along the Orange County coastline in San Clemente.
The project involved the creation of a nearly 100-acre preserve
to include 4 miles of pedestrian hiking trails throughout native
upland and riparian habitat to serve as compensatory mitigation
for the residential and commercial development.
Chambers Group provided environmental consulting services
including permitting, ecological restoration, construction
monitoring, focused surveys, and performance monitoring from
2005 to 2019. Restoration Ecologists prepared the HMP and managed all aspects of its implementation such as nursery
coordination, weed abatement (e.g., grow-kills and cut-stump methods), soil remediation, mycorrhizal inoculum,
hydro- and hand seeding, onsite harvesting of cactus pads, plant installation, irrigation inspections and supplemental
watering, and general oversight of third-party Restoration Contractors. In-depth qualitative vegetation assessments
and annual quantitative monitoring with data collection along more than 100 line and belt transects were conducted
with reporting requirements also fulfilled. Chambers Group Restoration Ecologists know how to take a site from a
barren or weed-infested wasteland to a high-quality upland or riparian habitat through aggressive monitoring and crew
oversight.
Currently, the site supports six rare plant species and at least four special status bird species (including more than 20
pairs of coastal California gnatcatcher) within the native grasslands, coast sage scrub, coast prickly pear scrub, coastal
bluff scrub, and wetland/riparian habitats. Our restoration ecologists have also recently partnered with the
Homeowner’s Association (HOA) to provide long-term in-perpetuity maintenance of certain areas through weed
control, native species protection, resource agency coordination (i.e., CDFW, conservancy), and supplemental
restoration/enhancement activities.
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Rialto Channel Monitoring and Reporting Project, Colton, San Bernardino County, CA
Client: San Bernardino County Flood Control District Department of Public Works, 825 East Third St., Room 207,
San Bernardino, CA 92415, Contact: Lorraine Bueno, (909) 387-2116, Lorraine.Bueno@dpw.sbcounty.gov
The Rialto Channel habitat restoration area consists of approximately 17.5 acres
in the City of Colton that serves as mitigation for the Upper Cactus Basins Flood
Control System Enhancement Project as approved by the California Department
of Fish and Wildlife in 2015. Chambers Group reviewed the permits for the
project and is currently conducting both qualitative and quantitative biological
monitoring to determine whether the performance standards are being met as
part of the mitigation. Less than 5% non-native shrubs are allowed on site and
strict ratios of native riparian habitat
that must be enhanced and in good
standing are required at the end of the five-year monitoring period.
Botanists sample the shrub and tree cover on an annual basis within the
habitat using point-intercept transects and compare that to the
performance standards. Due to the presence of the federally endangered
Santa Ana River woolly star (Eriastrum densifolium subsp. sanctorum) within
the restoration area and in the adjacent alluvial scrub floodplain, botanists
also monitor to ensure this species and its habitat are adequately protected
as outlined in the HMMP. Reports are prepared and submitted to the
pertinent agencies.
Preparation and Implementation of the Master Mitigation Plan (MMP) for the Big Tujunga Wash
Mitigation Bank Site, Los Angeles County, CA
Client: Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Water Resources Division, 900 South Fremont Avenue
Annex, 2nd Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803, Contact: Jimena Gonzalez, (626) 458-6134, JiGonzalez@dpw.lacounty.gov
Chambers Group has worked in various biological, cultural, and permitting capacities for the Big Tujunga Wash
Mitigation Bank Area since 1997. We began with the preparation of the original MMP that laid the framework for
restoration and preservation of more than 200 acres of upland and riparian scrub habitat. After public comment and
consultation with the resource agencies regarding the potential impact of the MMP programs on the stream,
jurisdictional waters, riparian habitat, and listed species of plants and wildlife, Chambers Group began implementing
the MMP by conducting brown-headed cowbird trapping, exotic plant and wildlife removal, water quality monitoring,
annual functional analysis monitoring and reporting, trails monitoring and clean up, preparation of community
newsletters, and coordination and attendance at Community Advisory Committee meetings. Chambers Group
performed extensive field work to determine the presence/absence of native and non-native amphibians and fishes on
the site and to map the series of intricate trails throughout the area. In addition, Chambers Group developed the plans
and specifications for the removal of invasive exotic pest plants (giant reed, tamarisk, and water hyacinth) and the
subsequent restoration of both cottonwood/willow and oak/sycamore woodlands on the site. Semi-annual vegetation
surveys were conducted for 3 years during the initial restoration effort to understand the functional value of the
developing habitat using metrics such as vegetative cover of native and non-native species, structural diversity, and
density values.
From July 2017 to the present, Chambers Group resumed an active role on the site by reinitiating cowbird trapping and
conducting exotic species removal. The exotic plant eradication and maintenance crew applies herbicide and hand-
removes non-native plants on a regular basis throughout the year. Biologists conduct exotic wildlife removal in the
stream and associated ponds using dip-netting, hand capturing, minnow trapping, rod and reel, spearfishing, and
seining methods to remove non-native fishes, bullfrogs, and red-swamp crayfish. Least Bell’s vireo has been observed
nesting and southwestern willow flycatcher has been documented to occur onsite. Public Works has notified the
agencies and our monitors set up a 500-foot buffer to avoid during maintenance activities.
Important Aspects:
• Qualitative Monitoring
• Rare Plant Surveys
• Qualitative Annual Sampling
• Vegetation Mapping
• Riparian Habitat Assessment
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Restoration of the Big Dalton Canyon Dam Washout Repair Project, Los Angeles County, CA
Client: Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Stormwater Maintenance Division, 900 South Fremont
Avenue Annex, 2nd Floor, Alhambra, CA 91803 Contact: Rainer Globus, (626) 458-4173, Rglobus@dpw.lacounty.gov
Chambers Group conducted biological surveys as part of
a dewatering and cleanout effort associated with the Big
Dalton Canyon Dam washout repair project in Glendora.
Biologists prepared and implemented a coast range newt
and two-stripe garter snake relocation plan, relocating 1
snake and more than 2,000 newts. Our biologists
designed and performed habitat assessments by setting
up 22 permanent sampling stations to record and rapidly
analyze any changes in environmental conditions
resulting from natural occurrences; conducted stream
assessments and macroinvertebrate collections, and
incorporated values into a Habitat Functional Analysis.
Chambers Group then prepared a Mitigation Plan for the project to restore native vegetation to three sections of a
severely eroded slope above the reservoir and coordinated with the resource agencies (CDFW) to get that plan
approved. We provided 5 years of restoration services, including restoration management, site preparation,
hydroseeding, planting, watering, maintenance, and monitoring.
Maintenance commenced as soon as the hydroseed and planting was completed and weed control involved herbicide
treatment and hand-pulling of non-native species. Biologists monitored the in-house restoration crew and conducted
annual performance monitoring along permanent transects within the restoration area. Remedial reseeding and
replanting was necessary including minor repairs to erosion control elements throughout the five-year maintenance
period, but the site was signed-off by CDFW at the end of this period and mitigation obligations were deemed complete.
3. Project Understanding
Chambers Group understands that a Habitat Mitigation and Monitoring Program (HMMP) was completed in June of
2023, in coordination with the Project’s Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, to describe both the voluntary
restoration and the compensatory mitigation for permanent impacts to coast prickly pear scrub (CPPS) and California
sagebrush-black sage scrub (CSBSS) associated with the project. Special status resources on-site include recolonizing
native plants and at least two special status avian species (i.e., coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren). We also
understand that the five-year HMMP includes methods to be used during restoration and enhancement, as well as
criteria for a Project Manager/Restoration Ecologist to serve as the City’s consultant who will coordinate with the
Restoration Contractor.
The City is seeking services from a qualified environmental consulting firm that can provide a Project Manager and
Restoration Ecologists who will assist the City with securing a competent Restoration Contractor to implement the site
preparation and maintenance tasks associated with the project’s five-year maintenance and monitoring program for
the restoration of 0.10 acre of CPPS and enhancement of the 0.14 acre of CSBSS. Initial site preparation oversight tasks
to begin as early as Fall 2023 include advanced coordination with native plant nurseries, at least two weed abatement
events, installation of temporary exclusion fencing, and identifying a plant placement design (i.e., species-specific color-
coded pin flags).
The Project Manager will provide environmental consultation support and oversight including third party coordination
(i.e., CDFW and the Restoration Contractor), quality control reviews of technical documents, at least three initial project
site visits, and oversight of project schedules and budgets. The Project Manager will also attend as-needed meetings
with the project team (City and Restoration Contractor) Years 1 through 5 and provide meeting minutes after each
meeting. The Project Manager will track the site’s progress and communicate frequently with the project team to
facilitate the timely execution of HMMP milestones.
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The Restoration Ecologist will complete five annual spring/summer quantitative assessments (using relevé methods)
and 33 qualitative surveys as described in the HMMP throughout the five-year monitoring program. Qualitative
measurements will include photographic documentation from pre-designated photograph stations, wildlife and floristic
inventories, documenting any evidence of vandalism, and reporting on the condition of temporary fencing. Potential
plant health-related issues will be identified including the presence of herbivory/pests, invasive plant species, potential
micro- and macronutrient deficiencies, soil compaction/erosion issues, and/or drought stress. Qualitative surveys will
presumably coincide with Restoration Contractor visits to maximize restoration maintenance oversight and monitor
biological resource protections, particularly during the plant establishment period (PEP) and weed abatement events.
Chambers Group will notify the City and the Restoration Contractor of any immediate maintenance needs observed
during the monitoring visits and recommend contingency measures (if necessary) to progress the site towards achieving
annual performance standards and meeting the success criteria outlined in the HMMP. Brief electronic summaries of
qualitative data taken will be submitted to the City following each monitoring event. Brief quantitative annual summary
reports will be submitted to the City by December 31 of Years 1 through 4. A final and more in-depth annual summary
report will be provided to the City for review near the end of Year 5 and include one round of revisions. When finalized,
the report will be submitted by the Project Manager on behalf of the City to CDFW by December 31 of Year 5.
Scope of Work
Task 1: Meetings, Management, and Coordination
Chambers Group will provide the City with up to 100 labor hours of various Project Management support and oversight
including third party coordination (i.e., CDFW and the Restoration Contractor), development of a Restoration
Contractor bid package, quality control reviews of technical documents, three project site visits, and oversight of project
schedules and budgets. This task also assumes brief as-needed quarterly telephone/virtual meetings with the project
team (City and Restoration Contractor) Years 1 through 5 (twenty 1-hour meetings in total) with 20 associated
deliverables (i.e., meeting minutes with one round of revisions if needed).
Task 2: Qualitative Monitoring & Email Summaries
Chambers Group will provide the City with up to 160 labor hours to conduct 33 separate qualitative maintenance and
monitoring visits throughout the five-year monitoring program as presented in Table 6 of the HMMP (Section 5.3). Site
visits are assumed to coincide with Restoration Contractor visits to maximize restoration maintenance oversight and
monitor resource protections, particularly during the plant establishment period (PEP) and during nesting bird season.
The Restoration Ecologist will verify adherence to herbicide application safety protocols, assist the Restoration
Contractor with plant identification to avoid inadvertent native plant mortality, and verify special status wildlife species
(i.e., coastal California gnatcatcher and cactus wren) avoidance measures are in place. This assumes nesting bird
clearance surveys can occur the same day and prior to Restoration Contractor mobilization. In the event a special status
bird species is observed nesting within or within the vicinity (e.g., 500 feet) of the project area and could be affected
by crew maintenance activities, Chambers Group has provided Optional Task 5a below.
The Restoration Ecologist will also conduct general assessments of the project site’s progress towards achieving HMMP
performance objectives and success criteria (per Section 6.1 of the HMMP). Qualitative measurements include
photographic documentation from pre-designated photograph stations, wildlife and floristic inventories, evidence of
vandalism, and the condition of temporary fencing. Potential plant health related issues will be identified including the
presence of herbivory/pests, invasive plant growth, potential micro- and macronutrient deficiencies, soil
compaction/erosion, or drought stress. The Restoration Ecologist will notify the City and the Restoration Contractor
immediately of such issues and recommend contingency measures (if necessary) to progress the site towards achieving
annual performance standards and success criteria outlined in the HMMP. Electronic summaries of qualitative data
taken will be submitted within 2-weeks of the site inspection (1- to 2-page monitoring survey form plus photographs).
Task 3: Quantitative Monitoring and Email Summaries
Chambers Group will provide the City with up to 120 labor hours to conduct one quantitative monitoring site inspection
annually from Years 1 through 5 between March and August (5 visits total) in accordance with methodologies detailed
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in Section 6 of the HMMP. Quantitative vegetation sampling will utilize the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) relevé
method to visually estimate the site’s progress towards achieving the five-year Restoration (HMMP Table 7) and
Enhancement (HMMP Table 8) performance standards and success criteria. Chambers Group Restoration Ecologists are
skilled at accurately utilizing ocular estimation (i.e., for absolute or relative cover) from sample plots to assess
vegetation conditions from a distance to minimize trampling of native plants and disturbance to wildlife. This will be
especially beneficial during initial seed germination and the plant establishment period. Qualitative data will also be
documented during the annual visit to support a comprehensive annual assessment of the project site.
The Restoration Ecologist will notify the City and the Restoration Contractor of any immediate maintenance needs
observed during the annual monitoring visit and recommended contingency measures (if necessary) to progress the
site towards achieving annual performance standards and success criteria outlined in the HMMP. Annual summary
memorandums (electronic) will be submitted to the City by December 31 of Years 1 through 4 (up to 10-page letter
report with support graphics).
Task 4: Year 5 Annual Monitoring and Report
Chambers Group will provide the City with up to 40 labor hours to prepare a final monitoring report following the
completion of all maintenance and monitoring site inspections in Year 5. This report will describe pre-existing site
conditions, site preparation and implementation strategies (e.g., weed abatement and plant material installation),
adherence to maintenance schedules, qualitative and quantitative monitoring methodologies, remedial measures (if
necessary), general discussions on wildlife use, and detailed analysis of relevé vegetation sampling results as they
related to achieving performance standards and success criteria outlined in the HMMP. Recommendations for agency
concurrence of the site’s achievement of HMMP and permit/mitigation requirements, if appropriate, will also be
included. The report will be provided to the City for review and include one round of revisions. When finalized, the
report can be submitted by Chambers Group on behalf of the City to CDFW by December 31st of Year 5 of the monitoring
program if requested.
Task 5: Other Direct Costs
Task 5A: (Optional) Monitoring of Site Preparation and Weed Abatement
At least two pre-planting site preparation weed abatement events (e.g., weed whipping and herbicide applications) to
be monitored by the Restoration Ecologist are specified in HMMP (Section 4.6.5). These two additional site visits do not
appear to be accounted for in the 33 qualitative monitoring visits included in the bid document (Section “2. Qualitative
Monitoring”). The 33 visits accounted for in the bid document appear to relate solely to activities occurring at planting
time and into the five-year restoration program and exclude pre-planting site preparation monitoring needs (Section
5.3 Table 6). Additional site preparation and monitoring tasks include on-site harvesting of cactus pads (i.e., to verify
the Restoration Contractor adheres to specific harvesting protocols and verifies true strains are selected versus the
commonly occurring hybrids), monitoring installation of temporary exclusion fencing, and pin-flag plant placement
efforts prior to installation. Having an experienced Restoration Ecologist on site to assist the Restoration Contractor in
various pre-planting site preparation efforts will be highly valuable to the long-term success of the project. Therefore,
we recommend including at least three additional pre-planting site preparation monitoring visits (up to 8 hours each)
to oversee and assist the Restoration Contractor with the various site preparation tasks associated with the
implementation of the HMMP.
Task 5B: (Optional) Nursery Coordination – Native Seed and Container Plants
The HMMP (Section 4.5) recommends contracting with a native seed and container plant supplier three months before
planting. This advanced nursery coordination (presumably to be initiated August 2023) does not appear to be
specifically called out in the bid document. However, Chambers Group concurs advanced nursery coordination is
pertinent to successfully implementing planting objectives outlined in the HMMP. Nurseries can often run low on stock
and coordination with alternative suppliers or species substitutions are necessary well in advance of plant installation.
Chambers Group has strong working relationships with native plant suppliers throughout southern California and can
provide up to 8 additional labor hours as part of this task to assist with plant material acquisition/coordination needs if
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necessary. Chambers Group assumes the cost associated with the purchase and delivery of plant material will be the
responsibility of the City or Restoration Contractor.
Task 5C: (Optional) Nesting Bird Clearance Surveys per Maintenance Visit
The HMMP (Section 4.6.3) states that nesting bird clearance surveys may be required during breeding season (February
1 to August 31) in support of project activities to minimize impacts to special status species including the coastal
California gnatcatcher and cactus wren. The HMMP requires 300- to 500-foot avoidance buffers depending on the avian
species if nests are active. Nesting bird surveys are typically done within 3 to 7 days prior to maintenance activities to
avoid conflicts that may arise with scheduled maintenance visits. Verifying work areas are clear for access prior to crew
mobilization is recommended to avoid risk to scheduling delays and budget deficiencies. The Restoration Contractor
could perform at least 22 maintenance visits during nesting bird season throughout the five-year monitoring program.
Chambers Group can provide up to 5 labor hours per visit for these 3 to 7-day look-ahead surveys during the 8-month
breeding season should challenges arise with respect to sensitive species avoidance. The cost presented in the Fee
Proposal is per visit and can be modified depending on habitat conditions.
4. and 5. Fee Schedule and Fee Proposal
The Fee Schedule/Fee Proposal is included in a separate document.
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