Zentner Planning and Ecology was hired by Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty who represented Kenzo Estate to complete a Biological Assessment for an infrastructure project. The project involved wine tunnel expansion as well as related road work that would pass through some sensitive plant habitat. Through our survey and assessment work for the project, we were able to locate sensitive plant species and demonstrate that they were located well away from the proposed road work. We also worked with the client to revise minor road work in order to avoid potential western pond turtle habitat. Our biological work allowed the project to move forward with the necessary approvals.
Maintaining Project Momentum Despite Biological Constraints
Each year the Zentner staff completes numerous pre-construction nesting bird and roosting bat surveys at a variety of project sites ranging from small infill projects to larger vineyard and open space projects. In 2020, the Zentner team was hired to complete nesting bird and bat surveys on an infill project in the City of Newark. By the time Zentner staff were hired to complete the surveys, the project start had already been delayed numerous times and the client was eager to begin progress on the project.
During Zentner’s survey, no roosting bats were identified, however, one active nest was observed on the project site. Zentner staff identified the nesting bird species, established a protective buffer in compliance with the project permits, and provided the client with a figure clearly defining the buffer. Though the presence of this active nest had the potential to delay the project start by several weeks, we worked with the client to identify project activities that could be completed outside of the protective buffer and without disturbing the active nest. Because of this work, the client did not incur significant project delays and they were able to continue to make progress on the project, despite the presence of the active nest. Zentner staff closely monitored the nest for activity and signs of distress and we notified the client once the nest was no longer active so that the project could continue without further restrictions.
This project is an example of why it is important to use experienced and knowledgeable staff to complete pre-construction surveys. The Zentner staff can make sure that your pre-construction project requirements are thoroughly satisfied, while helping to prevent and reduce project delays resulting from biological constraints.
St. Supery Vineyard: Surveys and Monitoring for Yellow-Legged Frog Avoidance
Zentner Planning and Ecology was hired to by St. Supery to help coordinate permit work, complete special status species surveys, and conduct daily construction monitoring for a restoration and bridge protection project along Maxwell Creek. The site contained sensitive cultural resources as well as habitat for the foothill yellow-legged frog, which were found in and around the project site. We worked with the client and CDFW staff to produce a foothill yellow-legged frog relocation plan, which allowed us to move frogs to a nearby onsite area if they were encountered on the project. Once the project started, our daily construction monitoring, worker sensitive species training, and coordination with CDFW staff, allowed the project to move forward until completion.
Defining the Range Limits of an Endangered Species
Endangered Species limits in San Joaquin County
Roddy Ranch is a 2,000-acre ranch in southern Antioch and includes rolling grasslands that were thought to host the San Joaquin kit fox. The fox is known from the southernmost parts of the San Joaquin County but in the past had been observed as far north as north-central Contra Costa County. Using recent research, environmental data on prey conditions, and ecological analyses of predator relationships, Zentner Planning and Ecology demonstrated that the kit fox was not likely to occur at Roddy Ranch or its environs. We then incorporated thus information into the biotic section of the EIR documents and a resource management plan for the project open space adjacent.
Fairy Shrimp Surveys Lead to Easier Permitting Conditions
Fairy Shrimp Surveys at the Gilbert Property
The 140-acre Gilbert site is located in Oakley in northeast Contra Costa County. The site was predominantly the level plain of a formerly irrigated pasture with a vegetated sand hill that rose in the center of the site, a remnant of the sand dunes that once occupied this region. The primary purpose of these surveys was to determine if special status invertebrate species that inhabit temporary pools were present on the site. Pools with adequate habitat were sampled at two-week intervals until they had dried following USFWS protocols. No special status vernal pool Branchiopods or other invertebrates were found on the site, leading to much more manageable and inexpensive permitting conditions.