13 Attachment 1 - Agreement with Exhibit ASWCA Environmental Consultants
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AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTANT SERVICES
THIS AGREEMENT is made by and between TOWN OF LOS GATOS, a California municipal
corporation, (“Town”) SWCA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS, (“Consultant”), whose address is
60 Stone Pine Road, Suite 100, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 shall be effective on the date that this
Agreement is fully executed by the parties hereto (“Effective Date”). This Agreement is made with
reference to the following facts.
I.RECITALS
1.1 The Town desire to engage Consultant to provide a comprehensive vegetation
management plan to reduce fire hazards along Los Gatos roadways and in Los Gatos open
space.
1.2 The Consultant represents and affirms that it is willing to perform the desired work
pursuant to this Agreement.
1.3 Consultant warrants it possesses the distinct professional skills, qualifications, experience,
and resources necessary to timely perform the services described in this Agreement.
Consultant acknowledges Town has relied upon these warranties to retain Consultant.
II.AGREEMENTS
2.1 Scope of Services. Consultant shall provide services as described in that certain Proposal
for Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan sent to the Town on May 27, 2020, which is
hereby incorporated by reference and attached as Exhibit A.
2.2 Term and Time of Performance. This contract will remain in effect from the date of
execution to June 30, 2021. Consultant shall perform the services described in this
agreement Exhibit A, including the proposed schedule.
2.3 Compliance with Laws. The Consultant shall comply with all applicable laws, codes,
ordinances, and regulations of governing federal, state and local laws. Consultant
represents and warrants to Town that it has all licenses, permits, qualifications and
approvals of whatsoever nature which are legally required for Consultant to practice its
profession. Consultant shall maintain a Town of Los Gatos business license pursuant to
Chapter 14 of the Code of the Town of Los Gatos.
2.4 Sole Responsibility. Consultant shall be responsible for employing or engaging all persons
necessary to perform the services under this Agreement.
2.5 Information/Report Handling. All documents furnished to Consultant by the Town and all
reports and supportive data prepared by the Consultant under this Agreement are the
ATTACHMENT 1
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Town’s property and shall be delivered to the Town upon the completion of Consultant's
services or at the Town's written request. All reports, information, data, and exhibits
prepared or assembled by Consultant in connection with the performance of its services
pursuant to this Agreement are confidential until released by the Town to the public, and
the Consultant shall not make any of the these documents or information available to any
individual or organization not employed by the Consultant or the Town without the
written consent of the Town before such release. The Town acknowledges that the
reports to be prepared by the Consultant pursuant to this Agreement are for the purpose
of evaluating a defined project, and Town's use of the information contained in the reports
prepared by the Consultant in connection with other projects shall be solely at Town's risk,
unless Consultant expressly consents to such use in writing. Town further agrees that it
will not appropriate any methodology or technique of Consultant which is and has been
confirmed in writing by Consultant to be a trade secret of Consultant.
2.6 Compensation. Compensation for Consultant's professional services shall not exceed
$199,828, inclusive of all costs. Payment shall be based upon Town approval of each task.
2.7 Billing. Billing shall be monthly by invoice within thirty (30) days of the rendering of the
service and shall be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the work performed by
whom at what rate and on what date. Also, plans, specifications, documents or other
pertinent materials shall be submitted for Town review, even if only in partial or draft
form.
Payment shall be net thirty (30) days. All invoices and statements to the Town shall be
addressed as follows:
Invoices:
Town of Los Gatos
Attn: Accounts Payable
P.O. Box 655
Los Gatos, CA 95031-0655
2.8 Availability of Records. Consultant shall maintain the records supporting this billing for not
less than three years following completion of the work under this Agreement. Consultant
shall make these records available to authorized personnel of the Town at the Consultant's
offices during business hours upon written request of the Town.
2.9 Assignability and Subcontracting. The services to be performed under this Agreement are
unique and personal to the Consultant. No portion of these services shall be assigned or
subcontracted without the written consent of the Town.
2.10 Independent Contractor. It is understood that the Consultant, in the performance of the
work and services agreed to be performed, shall act as and be an independent contractor
and not an agent or employee of the Town. As an independent contractor he/she shall not
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obtain any rights to retirement benefits or other benefits which accrue to Town
employee(s). With prior written consent, the Consultant may perform some obligations
under this Agreement by subcontracting but may not delegate ultimate responsibility for
performance or assign or transfer interests under this Agreement. Consultant agrees to
testify in any litigation brought regarding the subject of the work to be performed under
this Agreement. Consultant shall be compensated for its costs and expenses in preparing
for, traveling to, and testifying in such matters at its then current hourly rates of
compensation, unless such litigation is brought by Consultant or is based on allegations of
Consultant's negligent performance or wrongdoing.
2.11 Conflict of Interest. Consultant understands that its professional responsibilities are solely
to the Town. The Consultant has and shall not obtain any holding or interest within the
Town of Los Gatos. Consultant has no business holdings or agreements with any individual
member of the Staff or management of the Town or its representatives nor shall it enter
into any such holdings or agreements. In addition, Consultant warrants that it does not
presently and shall not acquire any direct or indirect interest adverse to those of the Town
in the subject of this Agreement, and it shall immediately disassociate itself from such an
interest, should it discover it has done so and shall, at the Town's sole discretion, divest
itself of such interest. Consultant shall not knowingly and shall take reasonable steps to
ensure that it does not employ a person having such an interest in this performance of this
Agreement. If after employment of a person, Consultant discovers it has employed a
person with a direct or indirect interest that would conflict with its performance of this
Agreement, Consultant shall promptly notify Town of this employment relationship, and
shall, at the Town's sole discretion, sever any such employment relationship.
2.12 Equal Employment Opportunity. Consultant warrants that it is an equal opportunity
employer and shall comply with applicable regulations governing equal employment
opportunity. Neither Consultant nor its subcontractors do and neither shall discriminate
against persons employed or seeking employment with them on the basis of age, sex,
color, race, marital status, sexual orientation, ancestry, physical or mental disability,
national origin, religion, or medical condition, unless based upon a bona fide occupational
qualification pursuant to the California Fair Employment & Housing Act.
III. INSURANCE AND INDEMNIFICATION
3.1 Minimum Scope of Insurance:
i. Consultant agrees to have and maintain, for the duration of the contract,
General Liability insurance policies insuring him/her and his/her firm to an
amount not less than: one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single
limit per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage.
ii. Consultant agrees to have and maintain for the duration of the contract, an
Automobile Liability insurance policy ensuring him/her and his/her staff to
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an amount not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single
limit per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
iii. Consultant shall provide to the Town all certificates of insurance, with
original endorsements effecting coverage. Consultant agrees that all
certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the
Town before work commences.
iv. Consultant agrees to have and maintain, for the duration of the contract,
professional liability insurance in amounts not less than $1,000,000 which is
sufficient to insure Consultant for professional errors or omissions in the
performance of the particular scope of work under this agreement.
General Liability:
i. The Town, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers are to be covered
as insured as respects: liability arising out of activities performed by or on
behalf of the Consultant; products and completed operations of Consultant,
premises owned or used by the Consultant. This requirement does not
apply to the professional liability insurance required for professional errors
and omissions.
ii. The Consultant's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects
the Town, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers. Any insurance or
self-insurances maintained by the Town, its officers, officials, employees or
volunteers shall be excess of the Consultant's insurance and shall not
contribute with it.
iii. Any failure to comply with reporting provisions of the policies shall not
affect coverage provided to the Town, its officers, officials, employees or
volunteers.
iv. The Consultant's insurance shall apply separately to each insured against
whom a claim is made or suit is brought, except with respect to the limits of
the insurer's liability.
3.2 All Coverages. Each insurance policy required in this item shall be endorsed to state that
coverage shall not be suspended, voided, cancelled, reduced in coverage or in limits except
after thirty (30) days' prior written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, has
been given to the Town. Current certification of such insurance shall be kept on file at all
times during the term of this agreement with the Town Clerk.
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3.3 Workers’ Compensation. In addition to these policies, Consultant shall have and maintain
Workers' Compensation insurance as required by California law and shall provide evidence
of such policy to the Town before beginning services under this Agreement. Further,
Consultant shall ensure that all subcontractors employed by Consultant provide the
required Workers' Compensation insurance for their respective employees.
3.4 Indemnification. The Consultant shall save, keep, hold harmless and indemnify and defend
the Town its officers, agent, employees and volunteers from all damages, liabilities,
penalties, costs, or expenses in law or equity that may at any time arise or be set up
because of damages to property or personal injury received by reason of, or in the course
of performing work which may be occasioned by a willful or negligent act or omissions of
the Consultant, or any of the Consultant's officers, employees, or agents or any
subconsultant.
IV. GENERAL TERMS
4.1 Waiver. No failure on the part of either party to exercise any right or remedy hereunder
shall operate as a waiver of any other right or remedy that party may have hereunder, nor
does waiver of a breach or default under this Agreement constitute a continuing waiver of
a subsequent breach of the same or any other provision of this Agreement.
4.2 Governing Law. This Agreement, regardless of where executed, shall be governed by and
construed to the laws of the State of California. Venue for any action regarding this
Agreement shall be in the Superior Court of the County of Santa Clara.
4.3 Termination of Agreement. The Town and the Consultant shall have the right to terminate
this agreement with or without cause by giving not less than fifteen days (15) written
notice of termination. In the event of termination, the Consultant shall deliver to the
Town all plans, files, documents, reports, performed to date by the Consultant. In the
event of such termination, Town shall pay Consultant an amount that bears the same ratio
to the maximum contract price as the work delivered to the Town bears to completed
services contemplated under this Agreement, unless such termination is made for cause,
in which event, compensation, if any, shall be adjusted in light of the particular facts and
circumstances involved in such termination.
4.4 Amendment. No modification, waiver, mutual termination, or amendment of this
Agreement is effective unless made in writing and signed by the Town and the Consultant.
4.5 Disputes. In any dispute over any aspect of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be
entitled to reasonable attorney's fees, including costs of appeal.
4.6 Notices. Any notice required to be given shall be deemed to be duly and properly
given if mailed postage prepaid, and addressed to:
SWCA Environmental Consultants
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Town of Los Gatos
Attn: Town Clerk
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
SWCA Environmental Consultants
Attn: Mark Brandi
60 Stone Pine Road, Suite 100
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
or personally delivered to Consultant to such address or such other address as
Consultant designates in writing to Town.
4.7 Order of Precedence. In the event of any conflict, contradiction, or ambiguity between the
terms and conditions of this Agreement in respect of the Products or Services and any
attachments to this Agreement, then the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall
prevail over attachments or other writings.
4.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all Exhibits, constitutes the complete and
exclusive statement of the Agreement between the Town and Consultant. No terms,
conditions, understandings or agreements purporting to modify or vary this Agreement,
unless hereafter made in writing and signed by the party to be bound, shall be binding on
either party.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town and Consultant have executed this Agreement.
Town of Los Gatos by:
Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
Recommended by:
Matt Morley
Parks and Public Works Director
Consultant, by:
Title
Approved as to Form:
Robert Schultz, Town Attorney
Attest:
_____________________________________
Shelley Neis, MMC, CPMC, Town Clerk
=
Proposal for LOS GATOS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
City ofCity ofAlbAnyVeterAnsMeMoriAl
April 16, 2020
Revised May 27,2020
SUBMITTED BY
SWCA Environmental Consultants
60 Stone Pine Road, Suite 100
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
SUBMITTED TO
Matt MorleyTown of Los GatosDepartment of Parks & Public Works41 Miles AvenueLos Gatos, CA 95030
Exhibit A
April 16, 2020
Matt Morley
Town of Los Gatos
Department of Parks and Public Works
41 Miles Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Submitted via email to: mmorley@losgatosca.gov
Re: Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
Dear Mr. Morley:
SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) is pleased to submit our proposal to prepare a Vegetation Management Plan and associated environmental documentation for the Town of Los Gatos (Town). We understand that this document is of critical importance to the Town to limit fire danger in a timely manner and ensure the safety of its residents, and we are committed to providing creative and efficient solutions to allow the Town to begin implementing the plan this year.
Over the past 15 years, SWCA has developed and delivered almost 40 Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) throughout the United States. Our approach is aligned with the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy and Healthy Forest Restoration Act of 2003.
The contract will be managed from SWCA’s Half Moon Bay Office under Principal-in-Charge Megan Peterson. Mark Brandi will serve as the project manager, coordinate the day-to-day execution of the project, and serve as the primary point of contact for the contract. Mr. Brandi’s experience encompasses nearly two decades of natural resources management, design, and permitting, and he is well versed in all aspects of environmental consulting, including vegetation management, public outreach, and environmental review. Mr. Brandi will be supported by SWCA’s in-house team of experts, including fire prevention planning specialists, arborists, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) planners. Our in-house expertise
will be supplemented by our subconsultants—Carol Henson of Geo Elements and John Justice, former Deputy
Chief of Fire Prevention for the Santa Clara County Fire Department. Geo Elements brings extensive on-the-
ground experience in all aspects of wildland fire and fuels management throughout the western United States,
and Mr. Justice brings invaluable expertise in local wildfire protection practices.
Furthermore, SWCA has a solid understanding of the work required for the project and of the Los Gatos
community natural resources, having assisted the Santa Clara County Fire Department with the development of
the countywide CWPP in 2016. This plan included a detailed analysis of wildfire hazards within the Town limits
and mitigation projects and prioritizations that will directly inform the development of the Vegetation Management
Plan.
Thank you for taking the time to review our submission. Should you have any questions or require additional
information, please contact me at (650) 440-4160 x 6412 or mark.brandi@swca.com.
Sincerely,
Mark Brandi Megan Peterson
Project Manager Principal-In-Charge
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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CONTENTS
A. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS ............................................................................................. 1
B. RELEVANT PROJECTS .................................................................................................................... 6
C. RESUMES ........................................................................................................................................ 14
D-1–5. PROJECT APPROACH .................................................................................................................... 15
E-1–3 PROJECT SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................... 28
F. EXCEPTIONS ................................................................................................................................... 30
G. RATE SHEET ................................................................................................................................... 30
H. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................................... 31
I. COST PROPOSAL ........................................................................................................................... 32
APPENDIX A: RESUMES ............................................................................................................................ 38
TABLES
Table 1. Staff Availability. ................................................................................................................................... 15
Overview of Los Gatos WUI community.
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A. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
SWCA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
An employee-owned corporation established in 1981, SWCA Environmental Consultants (SWCA) specializes in
providing comprehensive environmental planning, regulatory compliance, and natural and cultural resource
management services to businesses and government clients across the United States. We work to understand the full
life cycle of each project, from its early inception to completion. In the face of rapid environmental, economic, and
societal changes, SWCA provides a comprehensive approach to the challenges your staff face. We offer the Town of
Los Gatos (Town) a focused suite of environmental consulting services combined with regional knowledge,
professionalism, customer focus, and high-quality service. We apply our motto “Sound Science, Creative Solutions”
to each of our projects, producing defensible technical results that ensure project success.
Since our founding in 1981, SWCA has grown into a large business with
1,200 employees in 38 offices nationwide, including six offices in
California—Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo,
Pasadena, and San Diego. Our in-house experts include project managers,
permitting specialists, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planners, fire planners, biologists,
archaeologists, paleontologists, architectural historians, technical editors,
and geographic information system (GIS) specialists. Our natural and
cultural resource specialists are particularly well known for exceptional data
collection, analysis, and deliverable production, which ensures our clients
receive high-quality environmental documentation.
FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT
For over 16 years, the SWCA team has provided natural and cultural
resource management and planning services related to fire and forest
management. We have developed 40 Community Wildfire Protection Plans
(CWPPs) across the United States and have assisted many communities in
coordinating Firewise programs. In 2016, SWCA worked with federal, state,
and local stakeholders to prepare the Santa Clara County CWPP, which
identifies the accumulation of wildland fuels, development within or near the
wildland-urban interface (WUI), rugged terrain, and prolonged dry fire
seasons as major sources of wildfire risk in Santa Clara County. In addition to
our extensive CWPP work, SWCA has completed multiple Fire Management
Plans (FMPs) and accompanying NEPA documents for the National Park
Service (NPS), and hazardous fuels reduction planning and accompanying
NEPA documents for U.S. Forest Service (USFS) projects across the United
States.
In addition, SWCA recently prepared a site-specific wildfire assessment to support the Canyon Lane Roadway
Improvements Project on behalf of the County of San Mateo. That wildfire assessment evaluated the project’s
exposure to wildland fire by characterizing the biophysical setting and fuel types, modeled fire behavior in the event
that a wildland fire occurred on-site, and provided mitigation measures to reduce the risk of the project causing
wildland fire. The results of the wildfire assessment were then used to develop the Wildfire section of the
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the project.
Drawing on three decades of
experience providing
environmental services and
deep roots in the Bay Area,
SWCA offers the ideal
combination of local focus, bench
strength, and technical expertise.
Active wildfires can be used to produce better fire behavior modeling to determine behavior patterns.
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Our fire planning specialists have considerable experience that we can apply to the development of the Vegetation
Management Plan (VMP), including developing risk assessments utilizing the Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision
Support System (IFTDSS), FARSITE, FlamMap and BehavePlus. Our GIS team is well equipped and qualified to
develop high-quality displays, maps, and map sheets to support the planning effort, as well as other graphic
information for meetings.
ARBORIST SERVICES
SWCA provides top-quality arboricultural and horticultural solutions for project permitting and implementation of
mitigation/monitoring requirements. Our specialists have the expertise to solve a myriad of tree-related issues in both
urban and natural environments, and we employ a diverse group of resource scientists, including Certified Arborists,
urban foresters, botanists, and restoration ecologists, who can produce high-quality, cost-effective solutions for our
clients, while simultaneously meeting stringent agency requirements. We have provided arborist services to federal,
state, and municipal agencies as well as private development companies and landowners.
SWCA’s team of arboricultural specialists regularly conduct urban street tree
inventories, oak woodland surveys, and tree health assessments, including
macrolevel visual health assessments, microbial and fungal diagnoses, and
analyses of soil composition and quality. They have developed street tree
plans, oak tree mitigation and monitoring plans, habitat restoration plans for
oak woodlands, and tree inventory and preservation plans in support of
project permitting. Finally, they have implemented numerous mitigation and
monitoring programs that included arboricultural components, habitat
restoration efforts, native plant landscaping, and tree planting and care.
SWCA’s arborists have conducted numerous surveys throughout California
for tentative tract maps, parcel maps, and other types of projects. During
these surveys, trees are tagged and numbered, and data collected for each tree includes species, height, diameter,
canopy spread, physical condition, suggested treatment, and rating, and locations are mapped using Global
Positioning System (GPS) devices.
NATURAL RESOURCES SERVICES
SWCA’s California team of biologists includes top scientists, restoration ecologists, and arborists in their fields,
respected by their peers and natural resource agency personnel alike. SWCA has a solid understanding of the work
required for VMPs, and we have worked on similar vegetation removal projects. SWCA recently prepared Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations (IS/MNDs) for four California Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
vegetation removal projects—two in San Luis Obispo County and one each in Half Moon Bay and San Benito County.
Details for these projects have been provided in Section B, Relevant Projects.
In addition, our biologists have extensive project experience, including conducting siting, alternatives, and constraints
analyses; recording and documenting pre-project existing biological conditions; conducting wetland and waters
delineations; and developing and implementing specialized studies, mitigation and monitoring plans, and
environmental compliance programs.
SWCA biologists have a thorough understanding of the diverse ecological systems and processes within the San
Francisco Bay region, as well as its many sensitive natural resources, including jurisdictional and sensitive habitats,
rare plants and wildlife species, wetland and water resources, and urban forests and native woodlands. Additionally,
we are experts in the laws, regulations, and ordinances that protect sensitive natural resources, as well as the
associated agency consultation, permitting, and compliance processes.
TESTIMONIAL
“We have already recommended SWCA to colleagues. Thank you for producing a great product for us!”
Jenny Hall Josephine County Emergency Manager Rogue Valley Integrated Fire Plan August 2017
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Vegetation Management
Since 2008, SWCA has been involved in post-fire restoration projects and continues to assist both public and private
partners with post-fire recovery and rehabilitation. We frequently work with federal, state, and local governments as
well as private landowners on wildfire planning and restoration projects, from helping to secure funding, to
assessment of post-fire vegetation recovery, engineering plans for erosion control and hydrological processes, and
recommended actions such as vegetation management for infrastructure protection. SWCA can also provide
extensive pre-fire planning services that utilize fire behavior modeling and geomorphological modeling to identify
natural resources and infrastructure that would be vulnerable to extreme fire behavior. This modeling process can be
used to develop mitigation measures and vegetation management strategies to improve overall resiliency to fire and
pre-planning to enhance post-fire response.
SWCA encourages accurate preconstruction vegetation evaluations for
many of our projects. There are many reasons why these upfront efforts
can reduce long-term project costs, including providing a basis for project
design and restoration planning, identifying an accurate baseline for
stormwater management permit closure following project completion, and
characterizing preconstruction conditions on third-party property for the
purposes of landowner negotiation, to name a few. In SWCA’s experience,
one size does not fit all for these efforts—while vegetative cover analysis
for the purposes of stormwater permit closure can be effectively
approximated using rapid field techniques, we may recommend more
detailed, robust methods for other matters such as U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers (USACE) Section 404 restoration area monitoring or when
working on a demanding land owner’s property.
SWCA’s restoration specialists also regularly develop habitat restoration plans that provide specifications that can be
implemented by contractors to meet project pre-planning, restoration, or mitigation requirements. These plans will
typically include details for vegetation management and removal, grading, soil nutrient and preparation requirements,
seed mix and live plant material lists, plant and erosion control installation, irrigation, and monitoring and maintenance
activities. We have developed these plans for restoration projects that were required by USACE Section 404 permits,
federal land leasing agencies, parks and open space districts, towns, and private property owners. We have qualified
field technicians with experience observing restoration and mitigation project implementation who are available to
provide services during construction/vegetation management activities. And, following construction, we are frequently
asked to conduct post-construction monitoring and reporting. In addition, SWCA restoration specialists work with
project proponents to identify long-term maintenance and monitoring programs that will meet the goals of individual
vegetation management projects.
Restoration and Conservation
SWCA has successfully developed mitigation, habitat restoration design, and environmental compliance programs for
projects ranging in size from single-repair actions to multi-year, multi-million-dollar contracts. Our services include
working with regulatory agencies and construction contractors to identify and understand the critical path timelines for
environmental elements of projects, ensure environmental compliance of project designs, provide environmental
training and education for construction crews, and coordinate and monitor the environmental commitments and
mitigation measures as the project is implemented.
Our team also includes specialists who develop mitigation and monitoring plans for jurisdictional habitats and special-
status species, plan and implement habitat restoration efforts in upland, riparian, and bayfront ecosystems; and
coordinate land acquisition efforts within agency-approved conservation and restoration sites. In addition, SWCA is an
industry-recognized expert at wetlands and waters of the U.S. restoration and permitting activities. We have
SWCA constructed a ramp to skid vegetation over a creek without heavy equipment.
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performed wetland and waterway delineations and successfully worked with various stakeholder groups including
counties, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private investors (e.g., mitigation bankers) to
establish mitigation banks, restoration sites, and permittee-responsible mitigation sites throughout California.
CEQA AND NEPA SERVICES
SWCA excels at preparing objective, technically compliant, legally defensible, and clearly written environmental
documents to enable approval and speedy implementation of both public and private projects. Our experienced staff
have completed hundreds of CEQA documents, including EIRs, IS/MNDs, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Programs (MMRPs), and CEQA findings. NEPA documents completed by our local staff include Environmental Impact
Statements (EISs), Environmental Assessments (EAs), Records of Decision (RODs), Finding of No Significant Impact
(FONSI) decision documents, and Preliminary EA Reports. Our local team is supplemented, as needed, by our
company’s readily available team of NEPA experts.
SWCA professionals have managed, written, and produced CEQA and NEPA documentation for projects of all types
and sizes. Projects have included general and specific plan amendments; area plans; residential, commercial, mixed-
use, and industrial land development; wineries; parks and open space; mining; water resources; telecommunication
projects; energy production and distribution; transportation; pipelines, fiber optic cables, and other linear projects;
landfills; and natural resources management plans. In addition to preparing entire CEQA and NEPA documents,
SWCA has the qualifications and experience to:
• Prepare key technical sections of CEQA and NEPA documents;
• Conduct strategic third-party review of CEQA documents prepared by others;
• Comprehensively administer the CEQA process for agencies needing additional staff resources, including staff
reports and presentations; and
• Prepare and implement mitigation monitoring and reporting programs.
SWCA has extensive experience providing CEQA services to numerous Bay Area jurisdictions, including the City and
County of San Francisco, City of Vallejo, City of Concord, County of San Mateo, City of Half Moon Bay, and City of
South San Francisco. SWCA has also provided other environmental consulting services (e.g., biological and cultural
surveys and compliance monitoring) primarily for utility clients for numerous projects located within Santa Clara
County. As previously mentioned, SWCA was contracted by the Santa Clara County Fire Department to prepare the
County’s CWPP in 2016. Given this extensive local and regional experience, SWCA has unsurpassed knowledge of
and familiarity with all aspects of environmental review and procedures required by CEQA, as well as many of the
challenges facing the Town with respect to environmental review. SWCA is committed to objective, thorough analyses
and takes a strategic approach to ensure maximum flexibility through the planning and approval process.
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FACILITATION AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
SWCA also provides community relations, facilitation, and public
involvement services, either as part of the CEQA or NEPA process, or as
stand-alone services. In today’s climate of environmental awareness, our
clients deal with increasingly complex issues that require integration of
science and planning, and often involve a variety of groups with diverse
interests.
Our experts can help navigate the complexities of engaging the public. We
can also prepare PowerPoint presentations and speaker outlines for
planning staff to use during public hearings. Our project managers have
facilitated public informational and scoping meetings, coordinated and
participated in interagency and focused resource agency meetings,
contributed to project outreach and workshop efforts, presented information and responded to questions during formal
public hearings, and provided agency staff support by providing written and verbal responses to public comments
during the hearing process. SWCA staff are here to help in any way to assist with providing information to the public
for a robust and thoughtful public participation process.
SUBCONSULTANTS
GEO ELEMENTS
Geo Elements, LLC is a wildland fire and fuels consulting business. Based in Leeds, Utah, Carol
Henson founded Geo Elements, LLC in October 2009, after retiring with almost 30 years of wildland
fire and fuels management experience. Geo Elements consists of a team of wildland fire
professionals who have extensive on-the-ground experience in all aspects of wildland fire and fuels
management throughout the western United States. Their goal is to develop practical solutions for
complex issues involving the wildfire environment. These solutions are based on science and the
best available technology to assess each situation and address the specific needs of their clients.
JOHN JUSTICE
John Justice is the former Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention at the Santa Clara County Fire Department. He will serve
as a local technical expert and community liaison, providing oversight, helping to identify partners and stakeholders,
and providing quality control for the final VMP. A trusted figure in the community who has been directly involved with
past fire prevention planning efforts in the area, Mr. Justice will help the SWCA team address community concerns
and develop wildfire risk mitigation strategies within the town. SWCA worked closely with Mr. Justice in the
development of the Santa Clara County CWPP in 2016.
Public meeting hosted by SWCA for a CWPP in Santa Clara County, California
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B. RELEVANT PROJECTS
SWCA ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
SANTA CLARA COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Contact: Brian Glass, Assistant Fire Chief Phone: Office: 408.378.4010
Address: 14700 Winchester Boulevard, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Email: brian.glass@sccfd.org
SWCA developed a CWPP and California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection (CAL FIRE) Unit Plan for Santa Clara County, and prepared a
comprehensive risk/hazard analysis to identify priority areas for wildfire mitigation
and prevention. We facilitated multiple community and agency workshops to gather
input on fuel reduction and other mitigation projects across multiple jurisdictions.
We also completed WUI assessments to analyze structural ignitability and
evacuation concerns.
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY COASTAL VEGETATION MAINTENANCE SERVICES INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CITY OF HALF MOON BAY
Contact: Douglas Garrison, Senior Planner Phone: 650.712.5836
Address: 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Email: dgarrison@hmbcity.com
SWCA is preparing an IS/MND pertaining to the issuance of a Coastal
Development Permit to support vegetation maintenance (e.g., removing trees and
brush) within PG&E’s existing rights-of-way (ROW) that contain a high-pressure
natural gas transmission pipeline within Half Moon Bay. Vegetation maintenance
activities will improve emergency access and allow for routine leak surveys, which
are necessary to maintain natural gas pipeline integrity.
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GREENBELT FUEL REDUCTION INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
CITY OF MONTEREY
Contact: Kimberly Cole, Community Development Director* Phone: 831.646.3885
Address: 580 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940 Email: kcole@monterey.org
* Ms. Cole is listed here because the original contact, Elizabeth Caraker, is no long with the City of Monterey.
SWCA worked with the City of Monterey Public Works Department, Planning
Department, and Fire Department to develop a fuel reduction plan that included
methods for vegetation removal and thinning, elimination and disposal of removed
fuel, access for crews and vehicles, staging areas, and environmental sensitivity
training for crews. SWCA prepared an IS/MND, which included a comprehensive
analysis of potential environmental effects and mitigation options and examination
of project consistency with existing zoning, plans, and applicable land use controls.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FMP NEPA BLANKET PURCHASE AGREEMENT
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Contact: Becky Brooks, National Fire Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife & National Park Service Phone: 208.387.5345
Address: National Interagency Fire Center, 3833 S. Development Avenue, Boise, ID 83705 Email: becky_brooks@fws.gov
SWCA was selected to develop EAs in support of revised FMPs for multiple parks
across the United States. The separate task orders span from 2012 to present and
include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Jean Laffite National Historical Park
and Preserve, 13 National Park Units of the Utah Group Parks, Salinas Pueblo
Missions National Monument, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park,
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Olympic National Park, and
Devils Post Pile National Monument. SWCA’s tasks included internal and public
scoping, all NEPA compliance, and development of FMPs or Spatial FMPs that
address all wildfire and fire prevention actions.
PG&E GAS PIPELINE 306 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
COUNTY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
Contact: Kate Shea, Supervising Planner Phone: 805.781.4097
Address: Department of Planning and Building; 655 Capistrano Ave, Atascadero, CA 93422 Email: kbshea@co.slo.ca.us
SWCA was retained by the County of San Luis Obispo in March 2018 to prepare
an IS/MND for the PG&E Gas Pipeline 306 Vegetation Management Project. The
project would allow PG&E to perform vegetation maintenance within PG&E’s
existing ROW in three areas that contained high-pressure natural gas pipelines.
The project included a minor use/coastal development permit within the coastal
zone of the county near the city of Morro Bay.
SWCA prepared an IS/MND analyzing information provided by PG&E and the
County of San Luis Obispo, including coastal zone permit application materials, site
plans, cultural and biological resources technical reports, previous agency consultation for the project, past studies
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conducted at project sites, and other supporting document information. In coordination with the County of San Luis
Obispo and consistent with CEQA requirements, the IS/MND and supporting analysis specifically addressed
comments and questions previously raised by PG&E. SWCA completed the draft IS/MND, which was then reviewed
and finalized by the County of San Luis Obispo.
This project demonstrated SWCA’s ability to work closely with the County of San Luis Obispo on key issues during the
environmental review while addressing specific concerns by PG&E. This project was completed within the original
budget and on schedule and received permit approval.
PG&E GAS PIPELINE 300A/B VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROJECT AND INITIAL
STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
Contact: Vick Germany, Senior Land Planner Phone: 925.328.5176
Address: 6111 Bollinger Canyon Road, 3d Floor; Mail Code BR1Y3A; San Ramon, CA 94583 Email: V1G6@pge.com
SWCA was retained by PG&E to provide biological documentation support and an
IS/MND for the Line 300A/B Vegetation Management Project. The project included
approximately 18 acres of vegetation removal along 25 miles of natural gas
transmission line ROW in rural San Benito County. SWCA prepared an IS/MND on
behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), as the CEQA lead
agency. As part of this process, SWCA worked very closely with PG&E and CDFW
in the development of mitigation measures to reduce biological resources impacts
yet allow construction to proceed as planned.
SWCA also prepared biological assessments for special-status species such as San Joaquin kit fox, California red-
legged frog, California tiger salamander, San Joaquin antelope squirrel, golden eagle, and rare plants. Reports
included suggestions on constructability to avoid potential sensitive resources, an analysis of recommended
environmental permits, and suggestions for further biological studies and surveys.
The SWCA team prepared an early evaluation for San Joaquin kit fox (federally endangered and state threatened)
conforming to the methods outlined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). A desktop review was conducted
to identify records of kit fox within 10 miles of the project. Reconnaissance-level field surveys were performed
identifying vegetation communities and potential kit fox habitat features. Although no evidence of kit fox was observed
during the reconnaissance surveys, it was determined that kit fox have potential to occur within the project area based
on the presence of suitable habitat and known occurrences in the project vicinity. SWCA (in conjunction with
Biosearch biologists) developed a feasible mitigation plan in order to avoid significant impacts to kit fox.
In addition to the biological constraints review and kit fox evaluation, SWCA assisted PG&E in the development of a
CDFW Section 1600 Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSAA) and development of a mitigation plan for the
LSAA.
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PG&E PIPELINE PATHWAYS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ENVIRONMENTAL
SUPPORT
PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC COMPANY
Contact: Dustin Joseph, Supervisor for Gas Transmission Projects Phone: 925.415.6890
Address: 6111 Bollinger Canyon Road, Third Floor, San Ramon, CA 94583 Email: D1J4@pge.com
SWCA was retained by PG&E to provide environmental support for PG&E’s
Vegetation Management program throughout the PG&E Central Coast region. In
support of the Vegetation Management program, SWCA has prepared CEQA
documents and environmental permits (e.g., CDFW Section 1602), and provided
agency consultation (e.g., USFWS, CDFW) regarding potential impacts to special-
status species, wetlands, and sensitive habitats. SWCA has also provided project
environmental review for over 50 Vegetation Management projects; each project
included desktop review, field habitat assessments, and preparation of a
constraints report detailing potential impacts to special-status species, an
assessment of potential resource permits required, and suggested avoidance and minimization measures (AMMs).
SWCA provided environmental review for five projects in the Crystal Springs watershed, including impact
assessments for special-status wildlife (e.g., California red-legged frog, San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat) and
special-status plants (e.g., Marin western flax, fountain thistle, San Mateo thorn-mint). SWCA also conducted
preconstruction special-status species surveys, including nesting bird surveys, rare plant surveys, and biological
monitoring, during vegetation management activities.
These fast-paced projects required the effective management of a range of activities and workflows and the ability to
accurately determine priorities against a large number of pending deliverables. SWCA was able to isolate items with
long lead times and submit applications and requests in advance to keep the work progressing and the project on-
schedule. SWCA was also able to scope as-needed work in units so that the client could accurately forecast
expenditures.
POPE AND HARDIN COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLANS
POPE COUNTY AND HARDIN COUNTIES, ILLINOIS
Contact: Scott Crist, Fire Management Officer, USFS – Shawnee NF, IL Phone: 618.253.1032
Address: Shawnee National Forest, 50 Highway 145 South, Harrisburg, IL 62946 Email: scott.w.crist@usda.gov
In 2016, SWCA completed a comprehensive CWPP to assist Pope County in
reducing the risk of catastrophic
wildfire to rural communities. Due to
the success of that project, in 2019,
SWCA was retained to complete the
CWPP for adjacent Hardin County.
These counties comprised large areas
of National Forest with active forest
management and prescribed fire
programs.
Each Core Team was made up of a wide variety of stakeholders,
including federal, state, and local agencies and private landowners.
Creating the CWPPs involved a collaborative effort that identified and
TESTIMONIAL
“Victoria Amato and the entire [SWCA] team provided excellent service. The team was professional and timely. The final plan looks great!”
Sarah Farmer Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning and Development Commission Popo County CWPP, November 2016
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prioritized areas for hazardous fuels reduction and recommended realistic measures that homeowners and
communities could take to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area. During the planning process,
SWCA facilitated a series of public meetings to gain valuable insight on each community’s needs. Existing GIS
datasets were integrated to develop a risk assessment framework for the vegetated lands and developed
communities within the project areas. The CWPPs were developed to align with the goals of the National Cohesive
Wildland Fire Management Strategy (CWS). Our approach provided Pope and Hardin Counties with effective CWPPs
that have already been used to secure funding for home hazard assessments, vegetation management projects and
resources to bolster wildfire response.
VALENCIA COUNTY COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN
VALENCIA COUNTY
Contact: Rob Barr, Wildland Captain, Valencia County, New Mexico Phone: 505.620.6045
Address: 444 Luna Ave SE, Los Lunas, NM 87031 Email: rob.barr@co.valencia.nm.us
SWCA worked with the communities of Valencia County, New Mexico, to develop a
County-level CWPP that would serve to protect the people, infrastructure, and
natural resources of the Rio Grande Valley, including the municipalities of Los
Lunas and Belen and the Pueblo of Isleta, from catastrophic wildfire. The CWPP
involved considerable public input through organized meetings and attendance at
public events.
Work on the Valencia County CWPP
integrated existing GIS datasets to
develop a risk assessment framework for the forested, agricultural,
riparian, and developed communities within the project area.
The Core Team was made up of a wide variety of stakeholders, including
federal, state, and local agencies; soil and water conservation districts;
environmental advocacy groups; homeowner associations; tribes; and
private landowners. Valencia County has successfully used the CWPP to
secure funding to develop a community-focused homeowner guide,
expand their wildfire program, and initiate a program for individual wildfire
hazard assessments. SWCA was retained to update the Valencia County
CWPP in 2017/2018, which was revised to align with the goals of the
CWS.
TESTIMONIAL
“I would recommend SWCA for developing a working document you can use to meet additional goals and needs in your community regarding WUI issues.” Rob Barr, Wildland Captain, Valencia County Fire Department, Valencia County CWPP 2012 and 2017 Update
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TORRANCE COUNTY AND CLAUNCH-PINTO SOIL WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN UPDATES
TORRANCE COUNTY AND CLAUNCH-PINTO SOIL WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
Contact: Dierdre Tarr, District Manager, Claunch Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District, Torrance County NM Phone: 505.847.2243
Address: 1206 South Highway 55, PO Box 129, Mountainair, NM 87036 Email: dierdre.tarr@nm.nacdnet.net
Our team prepared two comprehensive collaborative plans that assisted
government agencies and communities on the eastern slope of the Manzano
Mountains and rural lowlands of Torrance County, New Mexico. The plans included
both television and newspaper media exposure and involved a tight, rigorous
schedule. This was a controversial planning effort for the community and was a
collaborative process.
The CWPP received considerable
community and Core Team
involvement, with more than 50 people included in the Core Team, more
than 100 residents in attendance at public meetings, and more than 150
surveys submitted. The plan also provided the involved communities and
the Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District with the
opportunity to receive future funding for wildfire and WUI mitigation,
covering thousands of acres of high-risk areas. This project demonstrates
our experience with organizing and facilitating consensus-based planning
with diverse stakeholders. SWCA was retained to complete the 5-year
CWPP updates.
The Torrance County and Claunch-Pinto Soil Water Conservancy District
CWPP that SWCA produced is included in the National Database of State
and Local Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Programs as an exemplary CWPP.
AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT PLAN
SACRAMENTO COUNTY REGIONAL PARKS
Contact: Liz Bellas, Director Phone: 916.875.5925
Address: 10361 Rockingham Drive, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95827 Email: bellase@saccounty.net
Prior to joining SWCA, Mark Brandi and Laura Moran helped the County of
Sacramento Regional Parks Department to develop a comprehensive Natural
Resources Management Plan (NRMP) for the entire 23-mile American River
Parkway in Sacramento County.
Development of the NRMP included extensive data acquisition and review,
development of a comprehensive GIS database to track and update the spatial
distribution of resources along the river, and mitigation measures to reduce
potential impacts to the regionally significant resources of the parkway, including
recreation overuse and wildfire risks. Our staff also worked with the Parks
Department to streamline the NEPA/CEQA environmental review and permitting process, and to develop a robust
public outreach process to engage the local community and stakeholders in the preservation and enhancement of the
TESTIMONIAL
“The [CWPP] meetings were not without controversy, but the SWCA staff handled these meetings very professionally. We received excellent public feedback from all of these meetings.”
Dierdre Tarr, District Manager, Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District, Claunch-Pinto CWPP 2008 and 2016 Update
Image courtesy of pxhere.com
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parkway. The NRMP document was organized around Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, and Human
Resources, and was closely coordinated with other concurrent planning efforts along the river.
BEAR CREEK REDWOODS VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLANS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Contact: Coty Sifuentes-Winter, Integrated Pest Management Coordinator Phone: 650.691.1200
Address: 330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, CA 94022 Email: csifuentes@openspace.org
Prior to joining SWCA, members of our team, including Mr. Brandi, Ms. Moran,
and Lauren Huff, assisted the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District is
undertaking planning studies to open the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space
Preserve just outside of Los Gatos. This work included mapping infestations of
invasive plants that would need to be controlled before the preserve was opened
and devising an Integrated Pest Management Plan to establish long-term
management strategies to control nonnative species and limit fire danger within
the preserve. The mapping and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) support were
successfully completed by our staff under tight schedule and budget constraints.
In addition, our staff assisted the District with a western pond turtle Mitigation and
Management Plan to protect important breeding and nesting habitat adjacent to planned public access areas within
the preserve.
OCEANO DUNES HABITAT CONSERVATION PLAN
Contact: Ronnie Glick, Environmental Scientist, California State Parks Phone: (805) 773-7170
Address: 340 James Way, Suite 270, Pismo Beach, CA 93449-2894 Email: ronnie.glick@parks.ca.gov
Prior to joining SWCA, members of our team, including Ms. Moran and Ms. Huff,
worked with the California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) to
formulate a strategy to resolve conflicts between the presence of endangered
species and recreation within the approximately 5,000-acre Oceano Dunes District
in San Luis Obispo County. A Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and NEPA/CEQA
document were chosen as the best permitting vehicle. The District’s park
encompasses a large section of the central California coastline, watersheds, and
upland terrestrial environments. State Parks’ mission is to provide protection for
California’s natural resources, while providing recreational access to the parks. The
HCP balances these two objectives by developing sound management strategies for the covered species, including
the western snowy plover, California least tern, California red-legged frog, tidewater goby, and six listed plant species.
Services provided include habitat conservation planning at the federal and state level, NEPA/CEQA environmental
permitting, and public outreach. The project requires ongoing consultation with the USFWS and CDFW.
GEO ELEMENTS
Geo Elements specializes in the preparation of CWPPs, Wildland Fire Assessments, Wildland Fire Decision Support
Systems (WFDSSs), wildland fire and fuels mitigation strategy development, and development of Cooperative Fire
Protection Agreements at the state and local levels. The following includes relevant deliverables and services that
members of the Geo Elements, LLC team have provided:
Image by Flickr user Mahmoud Hashemi
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• City of Santa Rosa CWPP (submitted draft CWPP, awaiting approval)
• Consultation with Conejo Recreation and Parks Department on fire recovery and rehabilitation efforts,
Thousand Oaks, CA (January 2019)
• A Socio-Ecological Approach to Mitigating Wildfire Vulnerability in the Wildland Urban Interface: A Case Study
from the 2017 Thomas Fire, Fire 2019
• A Retrospective Study of Montecito Fire Protection District’s Wildland Fire Program during the 2017 Thomas
Fire and a CWPP Amendment, Montecito Fire Protection District, CA (October 2018/March 2019)
• Wildland fire technical analysis for the Eastern Goleta Valley/San Marcos Pass Mountainous Communities
Community Wildfire Protection Plan, Santa Barbara County, CA (March 2019)
• Fire and Weather Analyses for Fire Danger Operating Plans, California State Office, Bureau of Land
Management (June 2016)
• City of Dunsmuir Community Wildfire Protection Plan, Dunsmuir, CA (May 2016)
• Montecito Community Wildfire Protection Plan (February 2016)
• Proposed Coolwater-Lugo Transmission Line, Wildland Fire Assessment—Aspen Environmental Group (2015)
• City of La Verne Community Wildfire Protection Plan (February 2014)
• Management Environmental Review Project Description, City of Goleta Community Wildfire Protection Plan
and Butterfly Habitat Plan (October 2013)
• Barry Point Fire Retrospective and Lessons Learned – Winema-Fremont National Forest (February 2013)
• Sevier County Community Wildfire Protection Plans (4) – Acord Lake/Salina Creek, Monroe Mtn/Cove Mtn,
Fishlake Basin, and Sevier/Clear Creek/Pahvant (August 2012)
• Revision of Santa Monica Mountain Communities Wildfire Protection Plan (April 2012)
• City of Goleta Community Wildfire Protection Plan (March 2012)
• A Synthesis of Fuel Moisture Collection Methods and Equipment: a Desk and Field Guide, Authors Sue Zahn
and Carol Henson (March 2011)
• Wildland Fire Hazard Assessments for Castle Crags State Park and McArthur-Burney Falls State Park,
California State Parks and Recreation (March 2010)
• Integrated Wildland Fire Management Plan for Nellis Air Force Base and Nevada Test & Training Range
(August 2009)
• A Fire Behavior Analysis to Evaluate Clearance Requirements Around Structures in Ventura County, CA, Poster
Session, 2nd Fire Behavior and Fuels Conference (March 2007)
• Validation of 100-Foot Clearance Requirement as it relates to Firefighter Safety, Ventura County Fire
Department (2006)
• Rapid-Response Fire Behavior Research and Real-Time Monitoring, Fire Management Today (Summer 2005)
• Real-Time Evaluation of Effects of Fuel-Treatments and Other Previous Land Management Activities on Fire
Behavior, Joint Fire Sciences, co-author and fire operations lead (September 2004)
• Santa Anita Canyon Fire Behavior Assessment, Angeles National Forest (September 2004)
• San Bernardino National Forest Fire Behavior and Fuels Assessments, multiple communities within and
adjacent to the forest (2003 and 2004)
• Wildland Fuels Management Strategy, Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s Forest Fire Management Plan
• Hazard/Risk Assessment for the Trinity Alps Wilderness Fire Restriction Policy, Shasta Trinity National Forest
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C. RESUMES
SWCA’s Project Manager Mark Brandi has nearly 20 years of experience in environmental consulting and
landscape architecture and specializes in balancing natural resources with built environments. Mr. Brandi will be
supported by Deputy Project Manager Lauren Huff and Natural Resources Lead Laura Moran, who has decades
of experience managing CEQA and NEPA projects for varying agencies throughout California.
SWCA’s team also includes a fire resources team including Fire Ecologists Vicky Amato—who has a diverse
background in fire planning, having worked as Project Manager on the Santa Clara County CWPP and numerous
hazardous fuels reduction projects across the West—and Ari Porter—who has authored sections for CWPPs and has
extensive experience with statistical modeling, geospatial modeling, and analysis using GIS. Lending her experience
to the team is Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist Anne Russell, the lead GIS specialist for the Santa Clara County
CWPP, where she mapped the entire project area and maintained spatial datasets used for analyses and reporting.
Ms. Russell has produced wildfire risk assessments for over 30 CWPPs across the country. We also have an
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)-certified Arborist Erich Schickenberg on staff, whose experience
includes special-status plant surveys, native seed collection, restoration planting, and vegetation community mapping.
Cultural Resources Lead Leroy Laurie will oversee the cultural resources records review and will contribute to the
NEPA/CEQA analysis.
SWCA is joined by two teaming partners who have a strong local presence and extensive experience with fire and
fuels management programs—Carol Henson of Geo Elements, LLC, and former Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention
for Santa Clara County John Justice. Ms. Henson has extensive experience in authoring CWPPs and FMPs,
providing public prevention education, developing hazardous fuel treatment strategies, writing burn plans,
implementing fuel treatment projects, and providing wildland fire and fuels training. Mr. Justice is a prominent figure in
the local community and will assist the SWCA team in addressing community concerns and developing wildfire risk
mitigation strategies within the town.
Staff resumes are included as Appendix A.
C-1. PROJECT LEAD AND AVAILABILITY
MARK BRANDI, PROJECT MANAGER
Mr. Brandi is a landscape architect and restoration ecologist with nearly two decades of experience in landscape
architecture and environmental consulting. His professional practice has focused on balancing conservation and
development as well as designing landscapes in the context of surrounding ecological systems. Mr. Brandi’s primary
responsibilities include project management, public outreach, planning and design, and environmental permitting for a
wide array of landscape architecture and environmental design projects. These projects include the restoration and
management of landscapes and ecosystems, the design of parks and open spaces, and the integration of public
access improvements into sensitive habitats. His recent wildland management and fire prevention planning work has
included the development of an NRMP for the American River Parkway in Sacramento County, an Invasive Species
and Integrated Pest Management Plan for the Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve outside of Los Gatos,
and a firesafe landscape plan for the Lake Chabot Regional Park Campus Modernization Project in Castro Valley.
In addition to our highly qualified project manager, SWCA has more than 30 employees in the Bay Area and 175
employees across California who can mobilize quickly to provide additional services as needed.
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Table 1. Staff Availability. Given SWCA’s experience, we feel confident that estimated allocations of staff are as accurate as possible and demonstrate our commitment to completion of a successful project.
STAFF MEMBER AND TITLE % AVAILABILITY
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / Quality Control/Quality Assurance (QA/QC) 10%
Mark Brandi, Project Manager 60%
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager 60%
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist 40%
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist 50%
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist 20%
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead 30%
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist 60%
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist 60%
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead 15%
Juliet Bolding, Environmental Planner 60%
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist 50%
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller 10%
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist | Geo Elements 40%
John Justice, Local Technical Expert | Former Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention for Santa Clara County 40%
D-1–5. PROJECT APPROACH
A significant portion of Los Gatos falls within the WUI area; therefore, the Town is seeking a qualified environmental
services firm to advance the Town’s efforts in reducing wildfire hazards by preparing a VMP that outlines a framework
for managing hazardous fuel loads and vegetation. Given the ongoing wildfire-related risks facing California, SWCA is
acutely interested in assisting the Town with the preparation of their VMP, NEPA/CEQA environmental review, and
associated stakeholder and public outreach efforts for this very important wildfire project. SWCA will assist the Town
in developing “project-ready” prescriptions for wildfire risk reduction around the WUI interface. Having developed
numerous CWPPs, including the Santa Clara County CWPP, our SWCA team is well equipped to help the Town with
the development of a VMP that will prioritize the treatment of wildfire hazard and identify the needed mitigation
measures to protect environmental resources. Through a collaborative process that engages the public and
stakeholders, the SWCA team will assess and assign priorities for fuel reduction and provide the Town with projects
and prescriptions that are NEPA and CEQA compliant.
D-0. ROADWAY VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
In order to address the immediate needs of the Town and begin vegetation management as soon as possible before
the peak fire season of 2020, SWCA will work with the Parks and Public Works Department to expedite and fast-track
vegetation maintenance along the WUI roadways identified on Figure 2 of the Request for Proposals. These
roadways were identified as being of ‘High Concern’ to hillside residents due to the potential for entrapment during an
emergency evacuation in the event of a wildfire in the area.
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This initial phase of the project will incorporate various aspects of the subsequent phases of the project described
below. SWCA will therefore make every effort to complete this initial phase of the project under the existing cost
proposal for the overall project, but will notify the Town if any out of scope work will require a budget augmentation to
complete the following tasks:
• Conduct a preliminary review of the Town roadways and identify primary and secondary evacuation routes
and other priority locations for vegetation maintenance and clearing. This effort may include an initial site visit
by our biologists and arborists to evaluate the current conditions along these high priority roadways.
• Develop a concise project description of the proposed roadway work and evaluate the potential for the work to
qualify for a Statutory Exemption (SE) / Categorical Exemption (CE) under the California Environmental
Quality Act. Given that FEMA funding will not be used for the roadway work, it is assumed that this initial work
will not require NEPA clearance.
• Prepare and submit a concise memorandum that describes how the roadway work qualifies for the SE/CE
and an associated Notice of Exemption (NOE) under CEQA. This documentation will establish that no further
environmental review is required for the immediate vegetation management along the Town roadways. If the
Town chooses to file the NOE it will be subject to a 30-day challenge period, though the Town can choose to
proceed with the vegetation management during this timeframe at their own discretion. Nesting birds surveys
are not currently included in this Scope of Work, but can be covered under a budget augmentation if the
roadway work begins prior to the end of nesting bird season in September.
• Conduct targeted outreach to residents along priority roadways, including the preparation of a public notice
describing the roadway work and soliciting feedback about proposed treatment measures.
• Work with the Town to prepare a “Roadway Treatment and Maintenance Plan,” a concise treatment and
maintenance plan for roadway vegetation work to guide vegetation management activities. This plan will later
be incorporated into the overall Vegetation management Plan for the Town.
• Assist the Town with the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a Contractor to perform the
roadway vegetation management work utilizing the Roadway Treatment and Maintenance Plan as
specifications within the RFP.
D-1. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND COMPONENTS
D-1.1. REVIEW EXISTING OPEN SPACE AND DEVELOPED PARKLAND
Existing Data Review and Kick-off Meeting
Once the contract is in place, SWCA will review pertinent Town ordinances, policies, plans, and technical studies
relevant to the project. SWCA will also review relevant documents and technical studies associated with the Santa
Clara County CWPP, including Annex 9 of the document, which includes the town.
SWCA team staff will participate with the Town in one project kick-off meeting. During the kick-off meeting, SWCA
team staff will discuss with the Town the goals and objectives for the project, strategies to streamline the project
schedule, and the Town’s current maintenance practices (if any). In addition, SWCA understands that early public
outreach efforts within the town have been conducted and have shown that the public is very concerned about wildlife
risk, especially related to evacuation routes on roads within the town. As a result, SWCA staff will also discuss these
public outreach efforts with the Town in more detail, including public input provided on the project to date and critical
issues to address as part of the VMP and the NEPA/CEQA process. This task includes attendance by SWCA Natural
Resource Team Lead Ms. Moran, SWCA Project Manager Mr. Brandi, SWCA Deputy Project Manager Ms. Huff, Geo
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Elements Fuel Management Specialist Ms. Henson, and Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention for Santa Clara County Mr.
Justice.
Assumptions
• SWCA assumes the kick-off meeting will occur via conference call due to the most recent coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) guidance for physical distancing. However, we will carefully monitor new guidance daily to
determine if a kick-off meeting at the project site is feasible. The scope can be amended to accommodate an
on-site kick-off meeting if current COVID-19 guidance permits.
• SWCA assumes no more than 4 hours will be required for the kick-off meeting.
Biological Resources Literature Review
In order to facilitate the development of the VMP and the NEPA/CEQA documents, SWCA will conduct a review of the
existing biological resources in the vicinity of the project. An SWCA biologist will review databases and literature that
provide information pertaining to sensitive natural resources that could occur on or in the immediate vicinity of the
project. SWCA will review resource occurrence records contained within the California Natural Diversity Database
(CNDDB) and the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Rare Plant Inventory for records of species within the
project vicinity. Additional database and mapping resources that will be reviewed will include USFWS Information for
Planning and Consultation (IPaC) system and critical habitat maps, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic
quadrangle maps, aerial imagery, vegetation and land use mapping, USFWS National Wetland Inventory (NWI) data,
surface water data, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Soil Surveys.
Cultural Resources Records Search
To support the findings of the NEPA/CEQA documentation, SWCA will review the existing cultural resources in the
vicinity of the project. SWCA will conduct a California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) records
search of the project area and up to a 0.5-mile buffer at the Northwest Information Center (NWIC) located at Sonoma
State University, which houses cultural resources records for Santa Clara County. The primary purpose of the CHRIS
records search is to identify any previously recorded cultural resources known to exist within or adjacent to the project
area. In addition to the cultural resources inventory records and reports, an examination will be made of historic maps,
Determinations of Eligibility listings, the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP)-prepared Historic Property Data File,
and any previously conducted cultural studies within the Area of Potential Effects (APE)/project area. The Historic
Property Data File contains listings for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of
Historical Resources (CRHR), State Historical Landmarks, local eligibility listings, and California Points of Historical
Interest. The records search will also reveal the nature and extent of cultural resources work previously conducted
within the project area.
Assumptions
• The potential for cultural resources in the project area is low; therefore, no cultural resources pedestrian
surveys will be completed as part of this task.
• A Sacred Lands File Search at the California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) will not be
required as part of this task due to the low potential for cultural resources in the project area. If this is
determined to be necessary during the cultural records search, it can be included under an amended budget.
• SWCA field staff will have full right-of-entry/access to all survey areas.
Reconnaissance Survey
Following the data review, the SWCA team will conduct a reconnaissance-level biological survey in the project area.
During the survey effort, an SWCA biologist will map plant communities and habitats, map potentially jurisdictional
areas (if present), and identify special-status plant and wildlife species occurrences and suitable habitat, if observed.
The location, size, and distribution of resources observed will be mapped using our handheld submeter-accurate
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Trimble GPS receivers. As part of this survey, additional SWCA staff will identify fuel characteristics to assign fuel
models, as well as document terrain features that could create potentially hazardous conditions in the project area, in
the event of a wildfire ignition.
Assumptions
• SWCA assumes up to two SWCA team members will conduct the field survey and the survey will take up to six
8-hour days.
• SWCA assumes the project will not change after initiation of work.
• SWCA field staff will have full right-of-entry/access to all survey areas.
• No jurisdictional delineations will be completed as part of this task.
• No protocol-level species surveys or rare plant surveys will occur under this task. These can be provided under
an amended budget.
Cultural Pedestrian Survey (Optional)
If determined to be necessary during the desktop review, SWCA will conduct a cultural resources survey of the direct
APE/project area. During the field survey, SWCA archaeologists will conduct an intensive-level survey using
pedestrian transects spaced at intervals of 15 meters, covering all exposed portions of the APE/project area. Transect
accuracy will be maintained through use of maps, compasses, and handheld submeter-accurate Trimble GPS
receivers. In the event cultural resources are discovered, the discoveries will be photo-documented and recorded, and
their locations will be mapped using a GPS unit. No artifacts or other materials will be collected during the survey.
D-1.2. DEVELOP VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
Hazard Assessment Methodology
SWCA developed the wildfire hazard-risk assessment for the Santa Clara County CWPP utilizing robust fire modeling
techniques. Annex 9 of the Santa Clara County CWPP includes Los Gatos. Since the time the CWPP was prepared,
the fuel conditions in the project area may have changed and therefore SWCA will re-run our fire behavior modeling
(utilizing the IFTDSS) to assess potential fire behavior under existing conditions and supplement the earlier risk
assessment. In addition, the SWCA team will conduct a GIS analysis to evaluate terrain features, land ownership,
ingress and egress, and the area of land within 100 and 300 feet of existing structures (the degree of defensible
space). This analysis will identify areas that may be subject to extreme fire behavior when considering weather, fuels,
and terrain variables. This assessment will allow for the prioritization of vegetation treatment areas within the project
area.
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Vegetation Management Plan
The key components to successfully preparing a VMP for the Town will
include understanding the existing conditions in the project area (e.g.,
types and amount of vegetation, adjacency to residential properties,
topography, biological resources), understanding the hazard risk in the
project area, and engaging the local community for input on their primary
concerns. Based on these elements, SWCA, will develop a VMP for the
Town to assist them with their efforts to reduce fire hazards within the
project area. Given their unique experience in wildland fire, fuels, and risk
assessment, SWCA has teamed with Geo Elements to assist with
developing a portion of the VMP. We have also teamed with Mr. Justice,
the former Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention for Santa Clara County, to
provide additional review of the VMP. The VMP will serve to reduce fuel
loads and fire ladders within areas that are identified as having
characteristics that increase the risk of wildfire (e.g., highly flammable vegetation, duff, downed trees). The VMP will
provide a framework for managing the fuel loads in the project area based on the existing field conditions and the
principles of vegetation management for fire hazard reduction. The VMP will identify priority treatment areas based on
factors such as proximity to structures, areas along critical access/egress routes, and areas subject to increased
ignition potential. The VMP will also identify the best management practices (BMPs) to be implemented during
vegetation management activities to reduce or avoid impacts to environmental resources (e.g., biological resources,
cultural resources, sensitive receptors) present in the area. The BMPs will, to the extent feasible, be selected to
ensure the project impacts can be avoided and/or minimized in order to reduce the costs and time associated with
preparing the NEPA/CEQA documents and ensure the project will not require the preparation of an EIS and/or EIR.
The VMP will include, at a minimum, the following information:
• An overview and characteristics of each location.
• A plan for ladder fuel reduction.
• A plan for fuel load reduction.
• Specific direction for tree canopy reductions, where necessary.
• Specific plans for addressing invasive species, including plans for removal and for prevention of regrowth.
• Specific strategies to ensure habitat retention.
• Recommendations and options for vegetation removal, including the use of mechanical tools, grazing, and
herbicides.
• Recommended methods for fuel disposal, including on-site options and off-site removal.
• Specific plans for soil stabilization to avoid runoff into waterways.
• Recommendations for introduction of native tree and shrub plantings, including recommendations for care.
• Specifications for avoiding introduction of non-native species and disease.
• Identification of optimal work schedule for actual vegetation removal considering environmental constraints.
D-1.3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
With this project, it will be important for the Town to balance the need for reduced wildfire risk in the project area and
protect private property with the desire to protect endangered or sensitive species and other flora and fauna and their
habitats and to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the Town-owned open space areas. In addition, early public
outreach efforts in the town have indicated that the community is very concerned about wildlife risk, especially related
to evacuation routes on roads within the town, and about the schedule for project implementation. For this reason, the
Prescribed fire being used to reduce grass loads on public open space land.
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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Town will need to foster community input and buy-in for the project. The target audience is expected to include Town
and Santa Clara County elected officials, local stakeholder organizations, landowners, immediate neighbors, and
general public. SWCA has proven success in building community consensus for wildfire mitigation using a robust
public involvement strategy that engages the community and stakeholders in project development. In consultation with
the Town, SWCA will identify the target audience and engage interested parties through stakeholder meetings that will
be open to the public and advertised using a range of media. SWCA has teamed with Mr. Justice, the former Deputy
Chief of Fire Prevention for Santa Clara County, to provide oversight throughout the public outreach process. The
Town will benefit from our collaboration with Mr. Justice and from our key staff being located locally and available at
short notice.
Due to the proposed timing of the project, SWCA will work with the Town
to determine alternatives to conducting in-person community engagement,
which may conflict with ongoing COVID-19 meeting/gathering restrictions.
SWCA is currently hosting webinar-type Town Council and other public
meetings for our clients during the pandemic and can easily convert any of
the outreach options listed below to this format. Technology tools we have
available include creating a dedicated virtual environment for public
engagement, providing secure webinar tools for virtual meetings, creating
question and answer (Q&A) forums, and ensuring accessibility with
features like live closed captioning during virtual meetings, among others.
It is anticipated that public outreach will include, at a minimum, the
following items:
• Posting detailed information on the Town’s website.
• Posting information at Town-owned open space trailheads.
• Direct mailing notification and outreach pieces to residents.
• Presenting at community and public meetings.
• Discussing the project at Town Council Meetings.
Engagement Materials
The SWCA team will coordinate with the Town to develop materials/notices, such as meeting notices, postcards,
posters for trailheads, and project ideas, for public comment input. All materials will be suitable for posting on the
Town’s website and various other media outlets.
Community/Stakeholder Meetings
The SWCA team will assist the Town in facilitating at least two stakeholder meetings to gather comments on the
project. We propose to gather the stakeholders for a kick-off meeting to request their participation and data that will
facilitate preparation of the VMP. Additional meetings may solicit project ideas, present the draft suite of projects and
request prioritization of those projects, and/or present the Final VMP and request support of the required approval
bodies. We will provide teleconferencing options to facilitate the greatest attendance for those partners who are
unable to attend in person.
Town Council Meeting
The SWCA team will assist the Town in facilitating one Town Council meeting to gather comments on the project and
present the VMP goals and objectives.
Public meeting hosted by SWCA for a CWPP in Santa Clara County.
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Online Media
Given the popularity of online social media, SWCA will develop a Facebook profile page to include background
information on the project and provide a forum for discussion and questions related to the VMP.
Online Survey (Optional)
Given the potential for ongoing restrictions on gatherings associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, SWCA can also
develop an online survey for town residents to provide feedback on the VMP in a virtual format. This survey may
include map-based technology that allows residents to identify specific locations in the town that are of particular
concern to be addressed in the planning process. While this task is not currently included in this Scope of Work, it can
be added to the community engagement plan as needed under a separate scope and fee.
Assumptions
• The Town will be responsible for printing, developing the mailing list, postage, and mailing all notification
postcards.
• The Town will be responsible for printing the posters and placing them in the field.
• The Town will take the lead on the presentations associated with the stakeholder and Town Council meetings
and SWCA will provide necessary support.
• Only SWCA two team members will attend each meeting.
• SWCA assumes that no more than 2 hours will be required to attend each meeting.
D-1.4. NEPA/CEQA DOCUMENTS
The scope of work associated with the NEPA and CEQA documents is provided under Section D-3.
D-1.5. PROJECT COST ESTIMATES AND PHASING SCHEDULE FOR MITIGATION
Once the VMP has been accepted by the Town, the SWCA team will prepare a detailed work plan and budget broken
down by task and phase for each fiscal year to implement the VMP and any project mitigation required. Our arborist,
fire hazard experts, and natural resource specialists will build off of the recommendations in the VMP to rank and
prioritize fuel reduction activities within the parameters of seasonal habitat restrictions, access, proximity to housing,
etc. We will use this information to compile a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) matrix that identifies multiple
project planning criteria, the proposed phasing schedule and associated costs. The MCDA matrix will assist the Town
with scheduling and budgeting for vegetation management/fuel reduction in 2020 and into the future.
D-1.6. IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Once the VMP and the NEPA/CEQA documents have been completed, SWCA will work with Geo Elements to identify
regulatory permitting, including, but not limited to, wildlife, aquatic, and encroachment permits, that may be required to
implement the project. As part of this process, we will develop a clear path and timeline to secure any necessary
permits. Our team will also support the development of any requests for proposals (RFPs) for implementation of the
project by providing guidance on specifications (e.g., permit requirements, environmental monitoring, timing of
implementation) for contractual services to conduct vegetation management activities.
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D-1.7. DEVELOP ONGOING MAINTENANCE PLAN
Vegetation management and maintenance for fire hazard reduction will be
an ongoing, cyclical process. The SWCA team will be prepare a
Maintenance Plan based on the dominant vegetation community/land over
type (e.g., grassland, brush/scrub, tree/woodland, invasive species). This
approach allows vegetation management techniques outlined in the VMP to
be selected based on the needs of each management area. The
Maintenance Plan will identify specific treatment standards/tasks for each
vegetation community/land cover type. Certain vegetation community/land
cover types within the project area will not present a wildfire hazard due to
high moisture (e.g., wetland) or other noncombustible conditions like
impervious surfaces (e.g., urban) and will not be included in the Maintenance
Plan. Due to the dynamic nature of vegetation, especially within the project
area, maintenance and routine treatment of vegetation is anticipated to be
recommended on an annual basis in order to appropriately manage for
wildfire hazards. The Maintenance Plan will also include a prioritization of
treatment areas, an estimate of labor hours required to achieve each treatment task, and a detailed schedule for the
timing of each treatment task during the year.
D-2. LOS GATOS OPEN SPACE MAPS AND TARGET ROADWAYS
The VMP will cover the town’s 234 acres of open space and undeveloped parks and 11 miles of hillside roadways, as
shown in Attachment C of the RFP.
D-3. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND CLEARANCE METHODOLOGY
D-3.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Early development of a project description is the key to a streamlined environmental review process that meets client
schedule and budget goals. SWCA will use information collected and developed in D-1 and other data gathered to
formulate an accurate description of the project to support the NEPA/CEQA documents. SWCA will also work closely
with the Town to develop a project description that accurately and clearly describes the proposed project and provides
a single consistent narrative and quantitative basis for analysis of all environmental topics. SWCA will ensure that
data requests to the Town are made at an early stage in the process to ensure the NEPA/CEQA processes remain on
schedule. The project description will, at a minimum, including the project’s location and objectives, existing
conditions, and implementation/maintenance requirements that have either temporary or permanent impacts. In an
effort to reduce the level of NEPA/CEQA analysis required, the project description will include the BMPs, including
those provided in the VMP, that avoid and/or minimize impacts to environmental resources. If feasible, additional
BMPs will be added to the project description to avoid the need for any mitigation for environmental resource impacts.
The project description will be supported with maps, photos, and graphics as appropriate. SWCA will submit the Draft
Project Description to the Town (electronic version) for review and comment prior to finalizing the Project Description
for incorporation into the NEPA/CEQA documents.
D-3.2 NEPA DOCUMENTATION
It is SWCA’s understanding that the Town applied for federal financial assistance for the project through Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As a federal agency, FEMA is required to comply with NEPA. Therefore,
as part of this task, SWCA will evaluate the impacts of the proposed project on the human environment in accordance
with NEPA. As a first step to evaluating the appropriate NEPA document, SWCA will evaluate the possibility of
TESTIMONIAL
“We found SWCA to be a very professional company which accomplished the project on time and within budget, with their overall work quality exceeding our expectations.”
John Pavacic, Executive Director Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission. Ridge-Manorville-Calverton CWPP, August 2016
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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obtaining a Categorical Exclusion. FEMA has specific Categorical Exclusions under Executive Order 13807. A
Categorical Exclusion may also be obtained by incorporating BMPs instead of mitigation, as described in the Project
Description task above, to ensure the project will not have a significant effect on the human environment. If these
investigations result in a Categorical Exclusion determination, SWCA will proceed with the preparation of a memo
report to provide Categorical Exclusion documentation.
If a Categorical Exclusion is not appropriate for the project, SWCA understands that FEMA has prepared the Final
Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for Typical Recurring Actions Resulting from Flood, Earthquake,
Fire, Rain, and Wind Disasters in California. Based on our experience with other similar fire management and
vegetation management projects in California, it is anticipated that the PEA will adequately address impacts for some
resource areas but will not adequately assess all resource areas required for the project. As a result, SWCA assumes
that for the project to comply with NEPA, a Supplemental EA (SEA) will be required to tier from the PEA and fully
assess the additional impacts to resources not adequately addressed in the PEA. SWCA will prepare the
administrative draft SEA and provide it electronically in both Microsoft (MS) Word and Adobe PDF format. SWCA will
respond to one round of administrative comment on the SEA and then produce a Public Draft SEA for circulation.
Our approach to NEPA aligns with our CEQA approach as detailed below. Both approaches attempt to streamline the
environmental review process and allow for near-term vegetation management activities.
Assumptions
• If a Categorical Exclusion is not available for the project, an SEA will be the appropriate NEPA document.
• The SEA will incorporate the PEA by reference.
• The SEA will be a focused document tiered off the PEA and will not require more than 80 hours to prepare.
• The determination for the NEPA document will be a FONSI; therefore, an EIS will not be required.
• FEMA will be responsible for the posting the Public Draft SEA and reviewing any comments received.
• FEMA will prepare and post the FONSI.
D-3.3 CEQA DOCUMENTATION
The Town, as lead agency, has the ultimate determination on the appropriate
CEQA documentation for a potential project. Due to the Town’s desire to
begin project implementation in Fall 2020, the SWCA team will first evaluate
the potential for the project to qualify for a Statutory Exemption under State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15260–15285. As a second step, the SWCA team
will evaluate the possibility of the project or individual project components with
more minor environmental resource impacts qualifying for a Categorical
Exemption under State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301–15332. The SWCA
team will also work with the Town to include BMPs in the VMP and Project
Description to reduce the impacts of the project on environmental resources
and avoid the need for any mitigation for environmental resource impacts, to
the extent feasible, so the project or additional project components can qualify
for a Categorical Exemption. If the project does not qualify for a Statutory
Exemption or Categorical Exemption, based on the RFP, SWCA assumes
that the project will fall within the California Vegetation Treatment Program
(CalVTP) and the appropriate CEQA document will be a focused Negative
Declaration (ND) tiered off of the Programmatic EIR (PEIR) for the CalVTP. Regardless of the level of effort, SWCA
proposes to provide the Town with thorough, accurate, and objective input and recommendations throughout the
TESTIMONIAL
“During the update process, Chaves County Staff found that the level of technical ability, professionalism, and warmth had not changed. The update to the Chaves County CWPP was accomplished as smoothly and successfully as the original plan created in December 2009.”
Charlotte Andrade, Chaves County Community Development Director, Chaves County CWPP, January 2015
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CEQA review process so that the Town may make the best possible informed decision regarding the appropriate
CEQA document for its project.
CEQA Exemption Analysis
CEQA provides several exemptions that may be relevant to the Town’s vegetation management for fuel reduction
including, but not limited to, the following:
• State CEQA Guidelines Section 15269 Statutory Exemption for Emergency Projects, including emergency
repairs to publicly or privately owned service facilities necessary to maintain service essential to the public
health, safety, or welfare and/or specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency.
• State CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 Class 1 Categorical Exemption for the operation, repair, maintenance,
or minor alteration of existing facilities involving negligible or no expansion of an existing use.
• State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 Class 4 Categorical Exemption for minor public or private alterations in
the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation that do not involve removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees
except for forestry and agricultural purposes.1
The difference between a Statutory Exemption and Categorical Exemption under CEQA is important. In general, a
Statutory Exemption bypasses the typical environmental review and can be used regardless of whether the project
has a potential impact on the environment. In contrast, a Categorical Exemption is subject to certain exceptions and
other limitations (per State CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2) that can prevent the use of a Categorical Exemption.
For example, Class 1 and Class 4 Categorical Exemptions are rendered invalid if there is a reasonable possibility the
exempted activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances (e.g., significant
impacts to biological or cultural resources). A statutory exemption is not subject to such limitations.
The SWCA team will begin investigations to determine if the project qualifies for a Statutory Exemption under State
CEQA Guidelines Section 15269. If the project does qualify for this Statutory Exemption, the SWCA team will prepare
a short (1-page) memo documenting the conditions for the project to be eligible for exemption and we will complete a
Notice of Exemption (NOE) form and provide it to the Town for submission to the Santa Clara County Clerk’s Office.
If the project does not qualify for a Statutory Exemption under CEQA, the SWCA team will determine if any project
components will be eligible for a Categorical Exemption. Our initial investigations will focus on determining if the
project will have a potentially significant impact environmental resources including, but not limited to, biological and
cultural resources. If these investigations do not uncover conditions that will make the project component ineligible for
a Categorical Exemption, SWCA will proceed with the preparation of a memo report to provide Categorical Exemption
documentation. The Categorical Exemption memo will note the appropriate class of exemption and document that the
project does not meet an exception to a Categorical Exemption (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2). In the
Categorical Exemption memo, SWCA will specify that the project will not result in:
• Significant effects;
• Cumulative impacts;
• Damage to scenic resources;
1 This Categorical Exemption includes fuel management activities within 30 feet of structures to reduce the volume of flammable vegetation, provided that the activities will not result in the taking of endangered, rare, or threatened plant or animal species or significant erosion and sedimentation of service waters. This exemption also applies to fuel management activities within 100 feet of a structure if the public agency having fire protection responsibility for the area has determined that 100 feet of fuel clearance is required due to extra hazardous fire conditions.
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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• Substantial adverse change to a historical resource; and/or
• An impact to a hazardous waste site.
The draft CEQA Categorical Exemption and NOE will be prepared and submitted to the Town for review. SWCA will
incorporate comments and submit the final Categorical Exemption to the Town. SWCA will also prepare an NOE and
provide it to the Town for submission to the Santa Clara County Clerk’s Office.
Programmatic Environmental Impact Report Consistency Analysis/Focused Negative Declaration
The PEIR for the CalVTP functions to streamline CEQA review of later activities associated with the CalVTP. SWCA
will use the Project-Specific Analysis (PSA) associated with the PIER to evaluate whether the Town VMP qualifies
within the scope of the PEIR or requires additional environmental documentation or its own independent
environmental review. This evaluation will include the following:
• Determine whether the project is consistent with the description of activities contained within the CalVTP and
whether the effects on the environment were covered in the PEIR.
• If the project has new impacts not addressed in the PEIR, determine if the project will cause any substantially
more severe significant impacts than were addressed in the PEIR or if a new mitigation measures or
alternative that is substantially different from those in the PEIR.
The PSA will serve as the Initial Study for new impacts associated with the project. In accordance with the CalVTP
reporting requirements, SWCA will submit the completed PSA to CAL FIRE along with, at a minimum, the project
location, project size, treatment activities, and contact information for the project.
If the project does not cause a new impact and is consistent with the PEIR, then the project will be considered within
the scope of the PEIR and no additional environmental documentation will be required. SWCA will document this
determination through substantial evidence based on the PSA in a short memo and provide it to the Town. SWCA will
also assist the Town in preparation of the Notice of Determination (NOD). Up to one round of review by the Town is
assumed under this task. SWCA assumes that the Town will be responsible for any filing fees with the County Clerk’s
office. This task will only be performed if no further analysis is necessary and will take the place of the ND described
below.
Based on the RFP and our preliminary desktop review, we anticipate that at least one impact not covered by the PEIR
may occur, such as biological resources or visual resources, but that any impact will be less than significant, and no
mitigation will be required. As a result, SWCA will prepare a focused ND tiered off the PEIR for the project. The
focused ND will be limited to the impact(s) not within the scope of the PEIR. Additional details on the scope of work
associated with the ND follow.
Assumptions
• Based on the RFP and preliminary desktop review of the project all environmental impacts are expected to be
reduced to less than significant. Therefore, a focused ND tiered off the PEIR for CalVTP will be the appropriate
CEQA document for the project.
• When preparing the ND, if the project is found to have significant unavoidable impacts, SWCA will stop work
immediately and notify the Town to determine an appropriate path forward, such as making modifications to
the PD to avoid the WUIs and be able to move forward with all impacts being less than significant or preparing
a different CEQA document (e.g., PEIR-focused MND or EIR per PSA).
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Administrative Draft Negative Declaration
SWCA will work closely with the Town to prepare an administrative draft
IS/ND pursuant to the 2019 State CEQA Guidelines Sections 15063 and
Sections 15070–15075 for all project components that are not Categorically
Exempt. Preparation of the IS/ND will include a project description and a
preliminary assessment of all resource areas as required by State CEQA
Guidelines Appendix G. The administrative draft ND will be provided
electronically in both MS Word and Adobe PDF format.
Assumptions
• The Draft ND will be submitted in electronic format (MS Word and
Adobe PDF) only.
• Information from the field surveys will be incorporated directly into the
ND and technical reports will not be prepared as part of this scope of
work.
• One round of consolidated comments from the Town will be incorporated into the subsequent Public Draft ND.
• If necessary, it’s assumed that Assembly Bill (AB) 52 compliance would be conducted by the Town.
Public Draft Negative Declaration
SWCA will respond to one round of administrative comments on the IS/ND and then produce a Public Draft ND for
circulation. Per the RFP, we will provide the Town up to 20 printed copies (as needed) of the Public Draft ND for direct
mailing to recipients in accordance with State CEQA Guidelines Section 15072. We will also provide one electronic
version so the Town can make additional copies of the document and post the document to their website as
necessary for public review. SWCA assumes the Town will be responsible for developing the mailing list, postage,
and mailing all the documents.
Assumptions
• The Town will not have any substantial comments on the Draft ND.
Public Notices
SWCA will prepare the Notice of Intent (NOI) to Adopt the ND that the Town can use to fulfill the public noticing
requirements of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15072. SWCA will provide text that the Town can use to provide
public noticing consistent with CEQA requirements (e.g., newspaper publication, direct mailers, posting of notice on-
and off-site). As indicated under the Public Draft ND scope, we assume that distribution of the public notice and
availability of the document for public review will be the responsibility of the Town.
SWCA will prepare the Notice of Completion (NOC) for the State Clearinghouse, along with 15 copies of the
document on CD for state agency review. Our budget includes staff time to prepare and send the package via FedEx
to the State Clearinghouse.
Final Negative Declaration
At the close of the public review period, the SWCA team will review and categorize the comments received on the ND
during the 30-day public review period and coordinate with the Town to develop a response strategy. We assume one
conference call up to 1 hour in length to develop a response strategy. As determined appropriate, SWCA will prepare
draft responses to public comments on the ND, make any necessary clarifying text changes to the ND, and compile
the final ND. The draft responses and the final ND will be subject to one round of review by the Town and revisions by
TESTIMONIAL
“We submitted a proposal to begin implementation of the Pope County CWPP. We were able to lift the recommendations right out of the CWPP for the proposal. Thanks for helping us get that done.”
Scott Crist, USFS Fuels Specialist, Pope County CWPP, January 2017
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SWCA prior to finalization of the ND. For budgeting purposes, we have assumed that response to comments will
require up to 10 hours of SWCA team staff time.
Within 5 working days after the Town approves the project and adopts the ND, SWCA will assist the Town in
preparation of the NOD. Up to one round of review by the Town is assumed under this task. SWCA assumes that the
Town will be responsible for any filing fees with the County Clerk’s office.
Attendance at Public Hearings
SWCA staff will attend one public hearing for the adoption of the ND. The budget includes preparation for and
attendance by two SWCA staff members at the public hearing. No additional expenses for presentation materials are
included.
D-4. PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT
As described in the Scope of Work above, the SWCA team will also provide recommendations for consultant support
of the project during implementation of the initial fuel reduction and ongoing maintenance activities. These services
may include any required endangered species or jurisdictional waters permitting, environmental monitoring and
reporting, stormwater compliance, arborist support during fuel-reduction activities, encroachment or access permit
support, and GIS database development.
D-5. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
In addition to SWCA’s suite of specialized planning, scientific and technical services, we also offer several specialized
support services in-house to assist with project implementation, including, but not limited to, the following:
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING
SWCA provides comprehensive monitoring services to help ensure that all
environmental requirements associated with permits and plans are met.
With an integrated team of biologists, cultural resource specialists, and
paleontologists, we excel at quickly mobilizing and managing field crews
for monitoring and/or data recovery.
SWCA’s team of environmental monitoring experts is familiar with all
aspects of project implementation. We can address the environmental
concerns and provide QA/QC and project-specific training to assist in
establishing and maintaining regulatory compliance.
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS
SWCA provides many GIS services tailored to our clients’ requirements. Our objective is to provide seamless
integration of geospatial information with planning, management, and decision needs. Our geospatial technology
professionals have great experience and knowledge in geospatial data creation, analysis, visualization, reporting,
mapping, web and mobile application development, and are proficient with industry-standard GIS software, such as
ESRI, including ArcGIS Enterprise/Portal, ArcGIS Desktop, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Online web and mobile platform.
SWCA’s GIS team consists of over 50 GIS professionals throughout the company with a wide range of expertise in
spatial analysis, photogrammetry, drone/Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) systems, remote sensing, and
programing/scripting, and in the use and customization of ESRI web and mobile data collection apps, such as ArcGIS
Collector, Survey123, and Workforce to streamline the collection and integration of field collected data. In addition, our
GIS specialists can create comprehensive databases that can be utilized by our clients to track changing field
conditions and the effectiveness of project implementation and maintenance over time.
Tree Clearing in Half Moon Bay.
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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SAFETY PROGRAM
Safety is an integral part of the success of any project. At SWCA, safety is everyone’s
responsibility and an integral part of our company culture. All SWCA project work adheres to our
safety motto: Safety by Choice, Not by Accident. Although our team, including subconsultant
personnel, will respond quickly to project needs and issues, our priority and responsibility is
personnel safety and reducing or eliminating exposure to safety risks.
Our safety mission includes supporting SWCA’s office and field activities by actively supporting
a safe and healthy work environment for all employees. This is accomplished through training, increasing awareness,
and providing and coordinating specific programs and processes that minimize safety, health, and environmental
hazards for our employees, clients, and visitors in a manner consistent with, and in most cases greater than, industry
standards.
E-1–3 PROJECT SCHEDULE
The following project schedule is preliminary in nature and is based on the scope of work outlined in the RFP and the
assumptions in this proposal. The schedule is therefore subject to change in the event that the scope or assumptions
change during the course of work. SWCA understands that the Town would like to make every effort to begin
implementation of fuel reduction activities in the Fall of 2020. To meet or exceed this timeline, this preliminary
schedule endeavors to complete the VMP by the summer and, at a minimum, to identify preliminary maintenance
activities that can be covered under a Categorical Exclusion/Exemption to allow work to begin while the remainder of
the environmental review process is completed.
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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E-4. RECOMMENDATION FOR FORMAL PROGRESS REPORTS
Communication is the key to successfully completing any project. Project Manager Mr. Brandi’s project management
style is rooted in ensuring ongoing communication coupled with problem-solving skills that make the Town’s job
easier. Continual communication is essential to successful CEQA and NEPA project planning. The value of regular
meetings between the Town team and contractors cannot be overestimated. Additionally, regular communication with
any cooperating agencies and the interested public is also essential. While this communication cannot guarantee that
all parties will agree with or support a decision, establishing an environment in which all parties recognize that their
voice is heard can help to achieve consensus during the project.
SWCA has worked on complicated projects that had over 50 cooperating agencies (and multiple additional interested
parties). These experiences have resulted in lessons learned in establishing clear communication pathways,
developing roles and responsibilities, and coordinating and facilitating meetings. As part of our project management
planning, SWCA develops a communication plan that outlines appropriate communications and project briefings for
cooperating agencies or other interested parties (as necessary/appropriate).
Regular communication is essential to ensure that all parties involved are working with the most up-to-date and
accurate information. The SWCA Team understands that reliability, strong relationships, and trust are essential to
good communication. To help build our relationship with the Town, we will use management tools to maintain clear
project communications, such as conducting regular team calls, using our secure electronic file transfer protocol (FTP)
system, and providing diagrams of the “chain of command” within our team (including our teaming partners). Rapid
and direct communication regarding safety, public interaction, field logistics, and schedule issues will flow directly from
SWCA to Town staff. These actions will prevent rework, as all involved parties will constantly be informed of the
various aspects of the project.
Based upon the expedited preliminary schedule for the project that is included with this proposal, SWCA recommends
that we provide formal progress reports to the Town on a bi-weekly basis (twice per month). These formal reports will
be formatted in a concise memorandum format and will summarize recent communications between the SWCA team
and the Town and will outline all new work that has been completed since the last progress report was issued.
F. EXCEPTIONS
SWCA takes no exception to the contents of Attachment B – Standard Agreement.
G. RATE SHEET
2020 LABOR CATEGORIES AND BILLING RATES
PRINCIPALS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT STAFF
Principal-in-Charge………………………………… $285–398 Project Manager VII………..….…………………… $131.00
Project Manager XII………………………………... $205.00 Project Manager VI………..……..………………… $119.00
Project Manager XI..….………………………….... $187.00 Project Manager V………..……..….……………… $109.00
Project Manager X…….………………………….... $171.00 Project Manager IV………..……………………….. $99.00
Project Manager IX………………………………… $153.00 Project Manager III….……..………………………. $89.00
Project Manager VIII……………………………….. $142.00
Town of Los Gatos Vegetation Management Plan
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CONSULTING SERVICES
Cultural Resources
Environmental Resources
Paleontology
Scientific Resources
Planning Resources
Information Technology
Air Quality
Graphics / Media Production
GIS / CADD Resources
Technical Writing / Editing
Principal Investigator
Training / Facilitation
Subject Matter Expert…………………………........ $210–324 Specialist V…………………………………………… $109.00
Specialist XII…..……..……………………………... $205.00 Specialist IV……………………….…………………. $99.00
Specialist XI……..………………………………….. $187.00 Specialist III…………………...……..………………. $89.00
Specialist X….…..………………………………….. $171.00 Specialist II…………………….……..………………. $79.00
Specialist IX……..………………………………….. $153.00 Specialist I……..……………………………………... $67.00
Specialist VIII……………………………………….. $142.00
Specialist VII……..…………………………………. $131.00 Technician II…………………..……..………………. $55.00
Specialist VI……..………………………………….. $119.00 Technician I….……………….……..………….……. $47.00
ADMINISTRATIVE
Administrative VIII………………………………….. $125.00 Administrative IV……….……….….………………. $77.00
Administrative VII.………………………………….. $113.00 Administrative III……….……….….……………....... $66.00
Administrative VI…..……………………...………... $101.00 Administrative II………….……….….…………….... $53.00
Administrative V………….……….….…………….. $89.00 Administrative I………….……….….……………..... $42.00
Direct expenses are subject to a 5% administrative markup and subcontractor expenses are subject to a 10% administrative markup. These rates
do not apply to depositions or testimonies at administrative hearings and trials. Such activities fall under our Expert Witness rates, which vary by
state.
Overtime is invoiced at 1.2 times standard rates.
Per Diem is billed at the GSA rate in place at the time of billing. Mileage is billed at the IRS mileage rate in place at the time of billing.
H. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
Whether your community needs assistance coordinating a Firewise program (which focuses on grass-roots
organizing, neighborhood assessments of fire hazards, and public outreach and education), a CWPP, or an FMP,
SWCA’s fire experts can facilitate the planning process for everything from large-scale regional plans to plans for
small communities.
With more than 10 years of experience completing CWPPs and FMPs throughout the West and Pacific Northwest,
SWCA emphasizes collaborative planning among federal, state, and county government agencies; non-governmental
agencies; and community members. SWCA has team members on staff who hold National Wildfire Coordinating
Group (NWCG) qualifications and red cards, and all SWCA CWPPs meet the requirements of the 2003 Healthy
Forest Restoration Act. SWCA also holds an NPS Blanket Purchase Agreement contract for completion of FMPs in
support of EAs across the United States (see Section B, Relevant Projects).
Examples of a few of our Fire Plans can be found here: https://www.swca.com/services/environmental-
planning/wildfire-planning-services.
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I. COST PROPOSAL
SUMMARY COST TABLE1
PHASE/TASK/SUBTASK ESTIMATED COST
Phase D-0. Roadway Vegetation Management Included Below2
Phase D-1. Project Background and Components
Task D-1.1. Review Existing Open Space and Developed Parkland $29,292
Task D-1.2. Develop Vegetation Management Plan $52,964
Task D-1.3. Community Engagement $24,005
Task D-1.4. NEPA/CEQA Documents See Phase D-3
Task D-1.5. Project Cost Estimates and Phasing Schedule for Mitigation $14,740
Task D-1.6. Implementation Recommendations $7,794
Task D-1.7. Develop Ongoing Maintenance Plan $11,828
Phase D-2. Los Gatos Open Space Maps and Target Roadways
Phase D-3. Environmental Review and Clearance Methodology
Task D-3.1 Project Description $7,108
Task D-3.2 NEPA Documentation $12,396
Task D-3.3 CEQA Documentation $39,701
PROJECT TOTAL $199,828
Notes:
1) Cost estimates are based on our current understanding of the tasks as described in the RFP and our experience providing
similar services. All tables include a 5% markup on expenses.
2) This initial phase of the project will incorporate various aspects of the subsequent phases of the project described below.
SWCA will therefore make every effort to complete this initial phase of the project under the existing cost proposal for the
overall project, but will notify the Town if any out of scope work will require a budget augmentation.
PHASE D-1. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND COMPONENTS
TASK D-1.1. REVIEW EXISTING OPEN SPACE AND DEVELOPED PARKLAND
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 - $-
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 10 $2,100
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 12 $2,460
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 2 $238
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 8 $872
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Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 8 $1,800
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 54 $6,426
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 54 $7,668
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 12 $1,836
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 16 $1,904
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 6 $720
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 6 $750
Total Labor $26,774
Direct Expenses
Description Unit Rate # of Units Charge
Copies – B&W (in-house) Per Copy $0.10 - $-
Copies – Color (in-house) Per Copy $1.00 - $-
Records Search Fees Per Each $500 1 $500
Total Direct Expenses $500
Travel Expenses
Description Unit Rate # of Units Charge
Mileage Per Mile $0.58 1,600 $920
Per Diem Per Day $55 16 $880
Total Travel Expenses $1,800
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-1.1. $29,292
TASK D-1.2. DEVELOP VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 4 $1,100
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 32 $6,720
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 48 $9,840
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 32 $3,808
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 24 $1,608
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 24 $2,616
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 20 $4,500
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 20 $2,380
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 24 $3,408
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 - $-
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 - $-
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 112 $13,440
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 16 $2,000
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-1.2. $52,964
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TASK D-1.3. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 - $-
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 36 $7,560
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 14 $2,870
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 6 $714
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 8 $1,800
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 12 $1,428
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 - $-
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 - $-
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 52 $6,188
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 - $-
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 24.00 $3,000
Total Labor $23,860
Travel Expenses
Description Unit Rate # of Units Charge
Mileage Per Mile $0.58 240 $138
Per Diem Per Day $55 - -
Total Travel Expenses $138
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-1.3. $24,005
TASK D-1.4. NEPA/CEQA DOCUMENTS
The scope of work associated with the NEPA and CEQA documents is provided under Section D-3.
TASK D-1.5. PROJECT COST ESTIMATES AND PHASING SCHEDULE FOR MITIGATION
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 4 $1,100
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 16 $3,360
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 8 $1,640
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 2 $238
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 2 $450
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 16 $1,904
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 24 $3,408
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 - $-
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 - $-
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Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 20 $2,400
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 - $-
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-1.5. $14,740
TASK D-1.6. IMPLEMENTATION RECOMMENDATIONS
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 - $-
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 2 $420
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 12 $2,460
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 2 $238
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 4 $900
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 - $-
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 8 $1,136
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 - $-
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 - $-
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 20 $2,400
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 - $-
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-1.6. $7,794
TASK D-1.7. DEVELOP ONGOING MAINTENANCE PLAN
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 - $-
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 16 $3,360
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 24 $4,920
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 - $-
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 8 $1,800
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 - $-
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 8 $1,136
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 4 $612
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 - $-
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 - $-
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 - $-
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-1.7. $11,828
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PHASE D-2. LOS GATOS OPEN SPACE MAPS AND TARGET ROADWAYS
The Vegetation Management Plan will cover the Town’s 234 acres of open space and undeveloped parks and 11
miles of hillside roadways, as shown in Attachment C of the RFP.
PHASE D-3. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW AND CLEARANCE METHODOLOGY
TASK D-3.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 2 $550
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 2 $420
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 8 $1,640
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 2 $238
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 2 $450
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 - $-
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 - $-
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 - $-
Juliet Bolding, Environmental Planner $131 20 $2,620
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 10 $1,190
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 - $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 - $-
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 - $-
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-3.1. $7,108
TASK D-3.2 NEPA DOCUMENTATION
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 2.00 $550
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 2.00 $420
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 6.00 $1,230
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 2.00 $238
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 2.00 $450
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 4.00 $476
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 4.00 $568
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 8.00 $1,224
Juliet Bolding, Environmental Planner $131 48.00 $6,288
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 8.00 $952
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 2.00 $550
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Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 - $-
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 - $-
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-3.1. $12,396
TASK D-3.3 CEQA DOCUMENTATION
Labor Expenses
Project Role Rate Hours Estimated Cost
Megan Peterson, Principal-in-Charge / QA/QC $275 8 $2,200
Mark Brandi, Project Manager $210 20 $4,200
Lauren Huff, Deputy Project Manager $205 64 $13,120
Vicky Amato, Fire Ecologist $119 - $-
Ariana Porter, Fire Ecologist $67 - $-
Anne Russell, Fire Behavior Modeling Specialist $109 - $-
Laura Moran, Natural Resource Team Lead $225 32 $7,200
Jessie Henderson-McBean, Biologist $119 - $-
Erich Schickenberg, Arborist $142 - $-
Leroy Laurie, Cultural Resources Lead $153 - $-
Juliet Bolding, Environmental Planner $131 80 $10,480
Anna Belk, GIS Specialist $119.00 - $-
Jennifer Torre, Project Controller $125.00 14 $-
Carol Henson, Fuel Management Specialist $120 - $-
John Justice, Local Technical Expert $125.00 - $-
Total Labor $37,200
Direct Expenses
Description Unit Rate # of Units Charge
Copies – B&W (in-house) Per Copy $0.10 3,000 $300
Copies – Color (in-house) Per Copy $1.00 215 $215
Overnight Delivery Per Each $100 2 $200
Total Direct Expenses $751
TOTAL COST FOR TASK D-3.3. $39,701
APPENDIX A:
Resumes
Resume
Page | 1
MARK BRANDI, MDes, R.L.A., CERP, PROJECT MANAGER
Mr. Brandi is a registered Landscape Architect (RLA) and Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP)
with nearly two decades of experience in environmental consulting, planning, and design. His professional
practice has focused on balancing conservation and development and on integrating people and communities
with the natural environment.
Mr. Brandi’s primary responsibilities include project management, planning and design, permitting, and
implementation support for a wide array of landscape architecture and environmental design projects. These
projects include the restoration of landscapes and ecosystems, the planning and design of parks and open
spaces, and the integration of public access improvements into sensitive habitats.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
∗ American River Parkway Natural Resources Management Plan; Sacramento
County Regional Parks; Sacramento, Sacramento County, California. Role: Project
Manager. Managed development of a comprehensive management plan to balance
preservation of natural and cultural resources with enhancement of recreation and other
human uses of parkway.
∗ Bear Creek Redwoods Vegetation Management Plans; Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District; Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara
County, California. Role: Restoration Ecologist. Assisted with development of invasive
species management plan, integrated pest management plan, and mitigation and
monitoring plan for sensitive species adjacent to public access areas.
∗ Lake Chabot Regional Park Campus Modernization Firesafe Landscape Plan,
Castro Valley, Alameda County, California. Role: Landscape Architect / Restoration
Ecologist. Developed firesafe landscape design plan that utilized native fire-resistant
plants, provided defensible space around proposed structures, and reduced wildfire risk.
Suncrest Dynamic Reactive Power Support Project; Confidential Client; San Diego
County, California. Role: Restoration Ecologist. Provided expertise in restoration of
habitats where unavoidable impacts are required to implement project, balancing habitat
creation goals with critical fire safety requirements for the region.
∗ Tolay Lake Regional Park Master Plan; Sonoma County Parks; Sonoma County,
California. Role: Restoration Ecologist / GIS Specialist. Provided subject matter
expertise in restoration and enhancement of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and
identified and mapped sensitive resources and recreation opportunities on-site.
∗ Calero County Park Trails Master Plan; Santa Clara County Parks; Santa Clara
County, California. Role: Project Manager. Supported trail planning to avoid sensitive
resources and managed stormwater compliance requirements to protect water quality
during implementation of park Trails Master Plan.
∗ Stevens Creek Corridor Master Plan; Cupertino Parks and Recreation; Cupertino,
Santa Clara County, California. Role: Restoration Ecologist. Identified opportunities to
incorporate riparian and upland habitat restoration into overall Master Plan for site.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
17
EXPERTISE
Restoration Ecology
Landscape Planning
Landscape Architecture
Biological Assessments
Environmental Permitting
EDUCATION
MDes, Landscape Planning and Ecology; Harvard University Graduate School of Design; 2004
B.S., Landscape Architecture; University of California, Davis; 2000
REGISTRATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), California; Society for Ecological Restoration
Landscape Architect, California No. 5591
Qualified SWPPP Practitioner / Developer (QSP/QSD), California No. 4145; California Stormwater Quality Association
AWARDS / HONORS
Merit Award for Excellence in the Study of Landscape Architecture
Resume
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∗ Marin County Parks Inclusive Access Plan; Marin County Parks and Open Space; Marin County, California. Role: Project
Manager. Managed development of inclusive access plan and environmental review process to improve access to parks and open space
preserves for users of all abilities, including identification of sensitive resources for initial pilot projects across Countywide park system.
∗ Red Barn Public Access Area Improvements; Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District; La Honda Creek Open Space
Preserve, San Mateo County, California. Role: Project Manager. Managed consultant team effort to document existing site conditions
and to design public access improvements that are sensitive to natural resources and agricultural heritage of site.
∗ Joseph D. Grant County Park California Red-Legged Frog and California Tiger Salamander Pond Improvements; Santa Clara
County Parks; Santa Clara County, California. Role: Landscape Architect / Restoration Ecologist. Identified and evaluated opportunities
to restore and enhance a series of ponds for California red-legged frog and California tiger salamander.
∗ Three Creeks Trail; City of San Jose; San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. Role: Task Manager. Led Habitat Conservation
Plan permitting and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan process for project and provided trail design support including development of a
native plant palette and green infrastructure adjacent to trail.
∗ Santa Clara County Bridges Riparian Restoration Project; Santa Clara County, California. Role: Deputy Project Manager.
Managed creation of native riparian habitat adjacent to 12 county bridges that required routine scour repairs within jurisdictional wetlands
and waters.
∗ Alum Rock Pond and Stream Restoration Project; Waste Management of California; San Jose, Santa Clara County, California.
Role: Deputy Project Manager. Managed pond and stream restoration within footprint of former reservoir and dam to support California
red-legged frog and California tiger salamander and assisted with performance monitoring for created stream and riparian habitats.
∗ Bear Gulch Upper Diversion Fish Passage Project; California Water Service; Woodside, San Mateo County, California. Role:
Restoration Ecologist. Assisted with planning, design, permitting, and stormwater compliance to implement fish ladder for steelhead trout
around existing drinking water diversion dam.
∗ Beresford Creek and Los Gatos Creek Mitigation Projects; Peninsula Corridor Joint Powers Board; San Mateo and San Jose,
San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, California. Role: Landscape Architect / Restoration Ecologist. Assisted with environmental
permitting, creek mitigation design, construction observation, and performance monitoring for creek, wetland, and riparian mitigation areas
associated with trackway improvement projects along the rail corridor.
∗ Coyote Point Eastern Promenade Renovation; San Mateo County Parks; Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo County,
California. Role: Project Manager. Managed CEQA, regulatory permitting, and landscape design for renovation of shoreline promenade
within recreation area, including native plant palette of shoreline and coastal bluff species.
∗ Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Coastal Trail and Beach Access Improvements; San Mateo County Parks; Moss Beach, San Mateo
County, California. Role: Deputy Project Manager. Managed permitting and design of low-impact public access improvements through
sensitive riparian and wetland areas supporting California red-legged frog.
∗ Yosemite Slough Tidal Marsh Restoration and Park Improvements Project; California State Parks Foundation; San Francisco,
San Francisco County, California. Role: Deputy Project Manager. Managed regulatory permitting and design of restored tidal marsh,
park improvements, and Bay Trail design on former urban brownfield site.
∗ Belle Aire Tidal Marsh Restoration Project; Private Landowner; South San Francisco, San Mateo County, California. Role:
Project Manager. Currently managing feasibility study to implement large-scale tidal marsh restoration project along San Francisco Bay
shoreline that would increase resiliency to sea level rise and climate change.
∗ Kirby Canyon Recycling and Disposal Facility Wetland Creation; Waste Management of California; San Jose, Santa Clara
County, California. Role: Deputy Project Manager. Managed environmental permitting and design of habitats to support California red-
legged frog and Mount Hamilton thistle, and assisted with performance monitoring for created seasonal wetland and riparian habitats.
Resume
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LAUREN HUFF, M.S., DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER
Ms. Huff is a senior wildlife biologist and project manager and has been working in the scientific fields for over 15
years. She has been involved in all aspects of projects, including project management, field surveys, endangered
and threatened species surveys, siting/constraints analysis, document preparation, agency coordination and
negotiations, impact analysis, and mitigation planning. She has experience in performing and managing
reconnaissance-level site surveys, habitat assessments, wetland delineations, nesting bird surveys and
monitoring, construction monitoring and permit compliance, and mitigation monitoring and compliance. She also
has extensive experience in NEPA, CEQA, aquatic resources, federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) Section 7
and Section 10, and other permitting.
Ms. Huff has extensive knowledge of federal and state regulations, including the FESA, Magnunson-Stevens
Fisheries Act, Clean Water Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Porter-Cologne Act, California Endangered Species
Act, and California Fish and Game Code.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
∗ Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Area Habitat Conservation Plan; MIG; San Luis
Obispo County, California. Endangered Species Act and other regulatory compliance
for the operation of the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Role: Senior
Biologist/Deputy Project Manager. Prepared Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for
impacts to western snowy plover, California least tern, California red-legged frog,
tidewater goby, and listed plants; prepared wildlife and vegetation sections of
Environmental Assessment (EA) for NEPA and biological portions of Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) CEQA; coordinated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on
impacts and mitigation; reviewed and provided guidance on previous informal
consultation with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine
Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) regarding Central California Coast steelhead in HCP
area, and assisted with discussions and negotiations with California Department of
Wildlife (CDFW) regarding preparation of Natural Community Conservation Plan (NCCP).
∗ Bear Creek Redwoods Vegetation Management Plans; Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District; Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara
County, California. Sensitive resource protection and mitigation near the Alma College
Trailhead and invasive plant mapping and management planning at Bear Creek
Redwoods Open Space Preserve. Role: Senior Biologist. Assisted with development of
invasive species management plan, integrated pest management plan, and mitigation
and monitoring plan for western pond turtle adjacent to public access areas.
∗ San Mateo Grade Separation Project; Caltrain; San Mateo County, California.
Environmental planning, permitting, and construction monitoring for construction of a
grade separation for 28th and 31st Avenues and raising of the train tracks about 25th
Avenue to provide new access to a planned transit village the City of San Mateo will
construct. Role: Senior Biologist. Conducted a wetland delineation and prepared a
Jurisdictional Determination Report; prepared wetlands, floodplains, water quality, and
endangered species sections of Categorical Exclusion determination for NEPA; and
prepared Section 7 FESA consultation letters and Mitigation Monitoring Plan.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
15
EXPERTISE
NEPA compliance
CEQA compliance
Environmental Permitting
Endangered Species Act Section 7 and Section 10
EDUCATION
M.S., Conservation Biology; University of Minnesota; 2009
B.S., Animal Physiology and Neuroscience; University of California San Diego; 2001
REGISTRATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS
Adult First Aid/CPR/AED; 2019
Certified Wetland Delineator; 2011
PERMITS
CDFW Scientific Collection permit, Number SC-11361.
TRAINING
Project Management; 2020
Advanced Hydric Soils; 2014
Endangered Species Act Section 7 Workshop; 2013
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∗ Bear Gulch Upper Diversion Fish Passage Project; California Water Services; San Mateo County, California. Construction
monitoring and environmental compliance during construction of a fish ladder to allow passage of Central California Coast steelhead.
Role: Senior Biologist/Project Manager. Managed construction monitoring and preconstruction surveys; ensured compliance with resource
agency permit conditions; corresponded with resource agencies, including USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
(USACE), CDFW, and Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) regarding project changes and special-status species impacts;
and prepared post-construction reports for resource agencies to document compliance with permit conditions. Special-status species of
concern include Central California Coast steelhead, California red-legged frog, San Francisco gartersnake, California giant salamander,
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, and nesting birds.
∗ Hercules New Town Center Project; City of Hercules; Contra Costa County, California. CEQA documentation for the construction
of a Safeway shopping center in the City of Hercules. Role: Senior Biologist/Project Manager. Prepared CEQA addendum to February
2009 Final EIR.
∗ Hillsborough Storm Drain Repair Project; Town of Hillsborough; San Mateo County, California. Environmental assessment,
permitting, and construction monitoring and compliance for the re-routing and repair of storm drains in the Town of Hillsborough.
Role: Project Manager/Senior Biologist. Conducted habitat assessment for three locations where storm drain repairs are planned; prepared
Biological Resources Reports documenting sensitive resources in project area; prepared Biological Assessment for USFWS assessing
impacts to California red-legged frog; prepared and secured USACE, RWQCB, and CDFW permits and coordinated with resource
agencies to amend permits; evaluated opportunity for a CEQA Categorical Exemption and prepared Categorical Exemption memo; and
managed preconstruction surveys and construction monitoring.
∗ Walnut Park Expansion Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan Project; City of Walnut; Los Angeles County, California.
Endangered Species Act compliance for the construction of the City of Walnut Park expansion. Role: Senior Biologist. Prepared low-effect
HCP for impacts to coastal California gnatcatcher and assisted in mitigation negotiations with USFWS and City of Walnut.
∗ Menlo Park Equalization Basin Project; Freyer Laureta, Inc.; San Mateo County, California. Biological constraints analysis for the
improvement of the Menlo Park Equalization Basin to bring it out of the Federal Emergency Management flood zone. Role: Senior
Biologist. Conducted biological constraints analysis for biological resources, including special-status species (i.e., Central California Coast
steelhead, longfin smelt, California least tern, western snowy plover, California Ridgway’s rail, western burrowing owl, saltmarsh harvest
mouse, and nesting birds) and sensitive habitat (i.e., Central California Coast steelhead critical habitat, North American green sturgeon
critical habitat, and essential fish habitat), and assisted with scheduling and preparing documentation for interagency meeting with USACE,
USFWS, RWQCB, and NOAA Fisheries.
∗ Sunnyvale Pump Station Project; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Santa Clara County, California. Environmental permitting for
the placement of an existing high-pressure gas regulator and approximately 60-foot-long portion of the associated natural gas pipe to
Sunnyvale Substation in the northeastern portion of the City of Sunnyvale. Role: Project Manager / Senior Biologist. Managed preparation
of a Joint Aquatic Resources Permit application and Biological Assessment for submittal to permitting agencies.
∗ Annual Bay Waters Maintenance Program; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; San Francisco Bay Area, California. Permitting
and biological monitoring for the annual repair and maintenance of existing boardwalks and towers, installation of new boardwalks that are
needed to access transmission towers, and the repair of existing transmission towers in the San Francisco Bay. Role: Assistant Project
Manager / Senior Biologist. Managed environmental compliance and biological monitoring activities for annual maintenance of
transmission towers; prepared Joint Aquatic Resources Permit Applications for USACE, CDFW, RWQCB, and San Francisco Bay
Conservation and Development Commission; conducted biological surveys and habitat assessments; prepared Biological Assessments for
impacts to North American green sturgeon, Central California Coast steelhead, delta smelt, California least tern, western snowy plover,
California Ridgway’s rail, and salt marsh harvest mouse for USFWS and NOAA Fisheries; conducted biological monitoring; prepared and
conducted environmental trainings; and conducted agency coordination on project changes, non-compliances, and mitigation negotiations.
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MEGAN PETERSON, B.A., PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE / QA/QC LEAD
Ms. Peterson has more than 23 years of professional experience in virtually every aspect of environmental program
management for large-scale construction and infrastructure projects. She is highly knowledgeable about state and
federal regulatory processes and has managed and contributed to a wide range of environmental documents,
including, biological, hydrological, and archaeological technical reports, construction implementation and restoration
plans, numerous federal and state agency permit applications, proponent’s environmental assessments in
compliance with the California Public Utilities Commission’s General Order (GO) 131-D, NEPA Environmental
Assessments, and CEQA IS/MNDs and EIRs. Ms. Peterson has also successfully managed compliance programs
for complex and controversial projects, overseeing many disciplines, staff members, subcontractors, and
contributors. Her years of field experience have proved highly beneficial during the planning and regulatory
approval process to ensure successful project implementation during construction.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
Canyon Lane Roadway Improvements EIR; County of San Mateo; Redwood City,
San Mateo County, California. SWCA is preparing an EIR and technical background
studies, including a rare plant study, an air quality analysis, fire modeling due to the
project’s location at the Wildland Urban Interface, a biological resources report, and a
cultural resources study, for the improvement of Canyon Lane, development of a single-
family residence on one parcel, and future development of residences on 11 parcels.
The project also involves the construction of new utilities, including a waterline and an
underground distribution line. Role: Project Director. Provided QA/QC and overall CEQA
strategy.
Line 300A/B Vegetation Management Environmental Services; PG&E; San Benito
County, California. SWCA provided biological support for the project, which included
approximately 18 acres of vegetation removal along 25 miles of natural gas transmission
lines 300A and 300B rights-of-way. SWCA prepared biological assessments for special-
status species such as San Joaquin kit fox, California tiger salamander, golden eagle,
and rare plants. In addition to the biological resource reports prepared, SWCA prepared
an IS/MND in compliance with CEQA, prepared a Section 1602 Lake and Streambed
Alteration Agreement (LSAA), and developed the mitigation plan for the LSAA.
Role: Project Director. Conducted contract oversight and QA/QC of project deliverables.
Pipeline Safety Enhancement Plan Vegetation Management General
Environmental Services; PG&E; Multiple Counties, California. SWCA provided
environmental services in support of PG&E’s Vegetation Management program
throughout the PG&E Central Coast region, including preparation of CEQA documents,
environmental permit preparation, environmental review, preconstruction biological
surveys, biological monitoring/training, and agency consultation regarding potential
impacts to special-status species (e.g., California red-legged fog, California tiger
salamander, San Joaquin kit fox, federally listed salmonids), and associated habitat.
Role: Project Director. Conducted contract oversight and review and QA/QC of project
deliverables.
Half Moon Bay Drainage Maintenance Biological Services; City of Half Moon Bay;
San Mateo County California. SWCA prepared a Biological Resources Evaluation
(BRE) for the completion of routine maintenance activities within 22 drainages located
within the City’s jurisdiction. Routine maintenance activities included vegetation
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
23
EXPERTISE
Environmental program management
Environmental document preparation (CEQA/NEPA)
Federal and state permit acquisition
Environmental compliance management, inspection, and training
Stream and wetland protection and restoration
Erosion and sediment control
Permitting and regulatory strategy
Restoration and revegetation
EDUCATION
B.A., Environmental Studies and Economics; University of California Santa Cruz; 1996
TRAINING
Water System Improvement Program, Construction Management Workshop (8 hours), San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
QSD/QSP Training (3 days); passed QSD exam and certification in process, Qualified SWPPP Developer and Practitioner (QSD/QSP) Training – certification in process
Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control Training (8 hours)
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management, sediment removal, and culvert cleanout. SWCA also assisted the City with
permit application preparation, conducted surveys for California red-legged frog and San
Francisco garter snake, provided support with MND preparation and comment response,
and developed an MMRP. Role: Project Director. Provided QA/QC and permitting and
regulatory strategy.
City of Half Moon Bay General Plan Update; Dyett & Bhatia; Half Moon Bay, San
Mateo County, California. SWCA prepared an Existing Conditions Report and EIR
sections for the project, which included updates to the Land Use, Conservation, Open
Space, Noise, and Housing Elements. SWCA assessed aesthetics, light, and glare;
biological resources; cultural resources; geology, soils and seismicity; and hydrology and
water quality impacts. Role: Project Director. Provided overall QA/QC of deliverables.
Kehoe Ditch Feasibility Study; Callander Associates Landscape Architecture; Half
Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California. SWCA is providing environmental permitting and cultural resources assessments for a
feasibility study examining alternatives to remove invasive vegetation, restore habitat, reduce flooding potential, and provide erosion
control along a portion of Kehoe Ditch. SWCA produced a permitting review memo and participated in City staff and City Council vetting
meetings to present the proposed solutions. Role: Project Principal. Provided overall QA/QC of deliverables.
PV Water Projects Environmental Permitting and Document Support; Pajaro Valley Water Management Authority; Santa Cruz and
Monterey Counties, California. SWCA is providing environmental permitting and environmental documentation for multiple water
distribution and recycled water facility projects, which have included construction of additional water storage tanks and upgrades to PV
Water’s existing water treatment facility and the addition of new distribution pipelines to better serve Santa Cruz and Monterey County
agricultural customers. SWCA has prepared multiple addendums in compliance with CEQA, a CEQA-Plus environmental document
addendum, Section 106 and CEQA archaeological surveys and reports, consultation assistance with the SHPO, wetland delineations,
biological technical reporting, permitting, and preparation assistance for funding applications. Role: Project Director. Conducted contract
oversight, review and QA/QC of staff deliverables, and regulatory and permitting guidance.
Aimco Storm Drain Restoration Project Biological Assessment; AIMCO Esplanade Avenue Apartments, LLC.; Pacifica, San Mateo
County, California. SWCA prepared a Biological Assessment suitable for use by the USACE during Section 7 consultation with the
USFWS and NOAA Fisheries. Special-status species reviewed included western snowy plover, Coho salmon, and Chinook salmon.
Role: Project Director. Provided overall QA/QC review of deliverables.
∗ Water System Improvement Program – Bioregional Habitat Restoration Program; San Mateo County, California; San Francisco
Public Utilities Commission. Role: Regional Environmental Compliance Manager. Oversaw development and restoration of five
mitigation sites within San Francisco Peninsula watershed to remove invasive vegetation and trees and create or enhance habitat for
special-status species, including California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter snake. Team of botanists and biologists were
responsible for QA of contractors’ implementation of mitigation efforts as described in Mitigation Monitoring Plans and regulatory permits.
Mitigation activities included invasive tree and weed species removal, native grassland and coastal prairie enhancement, seasonal wetland
and riparian corridor creation and/or enhancement, and willow riparian habitat reestablishment, among others.
∗ Water System Improvement Program – Peninsula Region Projects; San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; San Mateo and
San Francisco Counties, California. Role: Regional Environmental Compliance Manager for Peninsula Region. Oversaw various stages
of compliance programs for 10 seismic reinforcement and water system improvement projects on San Francisco Peninsula and within
Peninsula watershed; managed team of up to eight environmental inspectors and over 25 biological and archaeological monitors;
coordinated preconstruction surveys, monitoring, and relocation for special-status species, including California red-legged frog, San
Francisco garter snake (no relocation), Central Coast steelhead, San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, nesting raptors, and migratory
birds, among others; led region’s stormwater compliance efforts, including submittal of online Permit Registration Documents, Notices of
Termination, and Annual Reports; conducted site inspections and effluent sampling; reviewed contractors’ SWPPPs; coordinated with
RWQCB on various stormwater and dewatering issues; coordinated prehistoric and historic cultural resource monitoring, testing, and data
recovery; oversaw receiving water quality monitoring and agency reporting efforts for potable water discharges; and prepared minor project
modifications requiring CEQA review and associated permit amendments.
TRAINING (CONT’D)
Nationwide Permits Complete (2 days), Wetland Training Institute, Inc.
Construction Stormwater Workshop (8 hours)
Water System Improvement Program, Construction Management Information System (CMIS) User Training (8 hours), San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
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VICTORIA AMATO, M.S., FIRE ECOLOGIST
Ms. Amato is a natural resources planner with a diverse background in fire ecology and resource management. She
has been project manager on 40 Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) across the United States in a range
of ecosystems. She has considerable experience working with public and private stakeholders, having facilitated
multiple outreach meetings, sometimes in controversial settings. She has extensive experience in the development of
CWPP risk assessments utilizing fire behavior modeling programs and on-the-ground assessments.
Ms. Amato has worked with a variety of land management agencies across the western United States, including the
U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), USFWS, and National Park Service (NPS),
studying hazardous fuel reduction, Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire mitigation, fire behavior modeling, and
monitoring of burned areas.
Ms. Amato is Contract Manager on a contract with the NPS to develop Fire
Management Plans (FMPs) and accompanying NEPA documentation for
park units across the United States. SWCA has developed FMPs and EAs
for parks, including the entire Appalachian Trail and 13 park units in Utah.
She has developed and implemented post-fire monitoring plans and was the
primary author for a peer-reviewed article discussing the effects of thinning
on burn severity in the journal Forest Ecology and Management. She has
also worked on multiple forest restoration projects and NEPA compliance
work on USFS, BLM, NPS, and tribal lands. Through these projects, Ms.
Amato has developed her understanding of forest management in a range of
cover types, as well as gained valuable experience in the evaluation of fire
risk and mitigation. She has been part of SWCA’s Science Leadership
Program since 2015, sharing this knowledge and experience with her peers
and coworkers.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Santa Clara County Fire
Department; Santa Clara County, California. SWCA developed a high-end CWPP and Unit
Plan for the County that incorporates a multitude of agencies and jurisdictions. SWCA
coordinated all stakeholder and community meetings and facilitating an extensive outreach
effort through an online survey portal and other online media. The CWPP comprises a
comprehensive risk/hazard analysis that includes an assessment of wildland and urban fuels.
Role: Project Manager. Managed project and served as primary author.
Canyon Lane Roadway Improvements EIR; County of San Mateo; Redwood City, San
Mateo County, California. SWCA is preparing an EIR and technical background studies,
including a rare plant study, an air quality analysis, fire modeling due to the project’s location
at the WUI, a biological resources report, and a cultural resources study, for the improvement
of Canyon Lane, development of a single-family residence on one parcel, and future
development of residences on 11 parcels. The project also involves the construction of new
utilities, including a waterline and an underground distribution line. Role: Fire Ecologist.
Developed wildfire assessment and fire behavior analysis to inform EIR development.
Lake Wildwood Wildfire Risk Assessment; Under the Trees, Inc.; Nevada County,
California. SWCA worked with Under the Trees to develop a wildfire risk assessment for a
high-density residential population in northern California. SWCA utilized robust fire behavior
modeling tools to identify priority areas for fuel treatment. Role: Project Manager. Managed
project and served as primary author.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
16
EXPERTISE
Fire Management Planning
Wildfire risk assessment
Natural resources management
Forest ecology and management
Fire effects monitoring
Habitat monitoring
Community outreach and youth training
EDUCATION
M.S., Forestry, e: Fire Ecology/Habitat Management; Colorado State University; Fort Collins, Colorado; 2006
M.S., Natural Resource Management; University of Edinburgh, Scotland; 2003
B.S. with honors, Geography; University of Exeter, England; 2000
TRAINING
National Incident Management System –IS-00700a, FEMA
USDA Forest Inventory Analysis Training; 2010
Wildland Firefighter Refresher and Arduous Fitness Test, Valencia County Fire Department; 2019-2021
S130/190 Basic Wildland Firefighter ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incident, ICS-200, FEMA.
1-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, FEMA
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South Sacramento Restoration Project EIS; New Mexico Department of Game and Fish
and U.S. Forest Service; Otero, New Mexico. SWCA is developing an Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) for a landscape-scale, 20-year forest restoration project on USFS
lands in the Sacramento Mountains. SWCA is responsible for facilitating meetings with
agencies and the public and drafting resource specialist reports and the draft and Final EIS.
Role: Environmental Specialist. Served as NEPA resource writer for Native Vegetation
Communities and Fire and Fuels Specialist Report.
Santa Fe County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (and 5-year Plan Revision); Santa
Fe County and City of Santa Fe; Santa Fe County, New Mexico. SWCA worked with the
County and City to develop a CWPP that incorporated risk and hazard assessments of WUI
areas. SWCA worked in close cooperation with the USFS in order to identify fuel treatments to
complement existing and planned fuel reduction efforts in the Santa Fe Watershed. Role:
Planner / Fire Specialist. Served as primary author.
Pope and Hardin Counties Community Wildfire Protection Plans; Southeastern Illinois
Regional Planning Development Commission; Pope and Hardin Counties, Illinois.
SWCA developed CWPPs for these adjacent counties, which included extensive community
involvement, close work with the USFS Fire and Fuels Specialists, and the integration of
existing GIS datasets to deliver recommendations for realistic measures to reduce the
ignitability of structures throughout the area and reduce hazardous fuels. Role: Project
Manager. Managed project and served as primary author.
Ridge-Manorville-Calverton Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Central Pine Barrens
Joint Planning and Policy Commission; Suffolk County, New York. SWCA developed a
detailed community-scale CWPP in order to address wildfire hazards that threatened
residents and watershed health in the Central Pine Barrens Region of Long Island. The project involved extensive public outreach, multiple
stakeholder meetings, and a detailed fine-scale wildfire risk and hazard assessment. Role: Project Manager. Managed project and served as
primary author.
McKean and Elk Counties Community Wildfire Protection Plans; McKean County and Elk County; McKean and Elk Counties,
Pennsylvania. SWCA assisted the neighboring Counties with developing two CWPPs for the protection of life and property from wildfire. SWCA
convened and facilitated Core Team meetings of agency specialists and developed a risk assessment for communities at risk from fire. The
Team developed two Draft and Final documents using input from Core Team members and members of the public throughout both counties.
Role: Project Manager. Managed project and served as primary author.
Sandoval County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (and 5-Year Plan Revision); Sandoval County; Sandoval County, New Mexico.
SWCA employed collaborative development and strong public involvement techniques to prepare this comprehensive CWPP that the County
could use to effectively seek funding for implementation. Further, SWCA was retained to complete a 5-year update to the original plan.
Role: Project Manager. Managed project and served as primary report author.
Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District and Torrance County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (and 5-Year Plan
Revision); New Mexico. SWCA produced two high-profile plans that coordinated the needs of government agencies and multiple communities
and enabled the client to receive future funding for wildfire and WUI mitigation; one of these CWPPs is included in the National Database of
State and Local Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Programs as an example of an exemplary CWPP. Further, SWCA was retained to complete the 5-
year updates of the plans. Role: Lead planner / Fire Specialist. Served as primary author.
Otero County Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Multiple Agencies; Otero County, New Mexico. SWCA worked with a large multi-
agency working group to develop a CWPP that would address catastrophic fire risk in a diverse WUI. SWCA developed an intricate wildfire risk
and hazard assessment that required refining of an existing fuel classification layer to incorporate recent and planned fuel treatment projects on
local and landscape scales. The CWPP involved collaborative planning that incorporated a large range of stakeholders. The CWPP is being
used to implement recommended fuel reduction projects in a number of high-risk watersheds. Role: Project Manager. Managed project and
served as primary author.
TRAINING (CONT’D)
S290- Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Fire Fighter Type II- “red-carded” 2019-2020
NEPA Navigator Training, Archer Institute of Environmental Training; 2012
Forest Vegetation Simulator, Rocky Mountain Research Station; 2006
Teaching Assistant, Forest Management and Silviculture, Colorado State University; 2006
FIREWISE Communities, 2007
Comprehensive NEPA, SWCA Environmental Consultants; 2007
FIREMON Training, U.S. Forest Service; 2003
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, Association for Fire Ecology
Member, International Association of Wildland Fire
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ARI PORTER, M.S., FIRE ECOLOGIST
Ms. Porter is an environmental specialist in natural resources, providing project support across the western United
States. She has over 4 years of experience in project management, client relationships, public outreach, scientific
research, technical writing, and field operations in Colorado and Utah.
Ms. Porter has a Master's in ecology from Colorado State University. Her thesis work focused on aspen
regeneration in relation to topographic variables after severe wildfire in Colorado. She has extensive experience
in creating and using Bayesian statistical models in R, as well as in geospatial modeling and analysis using GIS.
This work led her to collaborate with federal, state, and local entities to restore forest systems after wildfire.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
Santa Fe County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update; Santa Fe County;
Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico. SWCA is providing support services to
update Santa Fe County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) and improve fuel
reduction, public education and outreach, fire response, and emergency management.
Role: Environmental Specialist / Technical writer/editor. Found federal, state, and local
funding sources supporting CWPP development, and developed post-fire response
resources.
Confidential Transmission Line Implementation Support; Confidential Client; Utah.
SWCA is performing preconstruction surveys for sensitive species and rare plants for a
proposed transmission line extending approximately 400 miles from Wyoming to Utah.
Role: Environmental Specialist / Field Technician. Assisted with Uinta Basin hookless
cactus (Sclerocactus wetlandicus) surveys in Uintah Basin on BLM land.
Confidential Transmission Project Local and State Permitting Support;
Confidential Client; Wyoming. SWCA is providing county, state, and federal permitting
support for a proposed transmission line running approximately 400 miles from Wyoming
to Utah. Role: Environmental Specialist / Technical writer/editor. Assisting with Wyoming
state permit application authorship.
Confidential Wind Energy Project; Confidential Client; Kansas. SWCA provided
preconstruction desktop analysis support for the site characterization of a proposed wind
farm in southwestern Kansas. Role: Environmental Specialist. Assisted with site
characterization report authorship.
Aurora High Point East Pinyon and Dandelion Draw Wetland Delineation; Aurora
High Point Metro District; Aurora, Adams County, Colorado. SWCA performed
aquatic resource inventories in support of Clean Water Act Section 404. Role:
Environmental Specialist / Field Technician. Assisted with preconstruction wetland
delineation and data collection.
Gaylord PA-64 Wetland Delineation; Westside Investment Partners, Inc.; Aurora,
Colorado. SWCA performed aquatic resource inventories in support of Section 404 of
the Clean Water Act. Role: Environmental Specialist. Field Technician: assisted with pre-
construction wetland delineation and data collection.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
4
EXPERTISE
Terrestrial ecology
Post-fire forest monitoring and restoration (primarily Rocky Mountain systems)
GIS spatial analysis and modeling in forest systems
Bayesian statistical modeling in R - biology and ecology
Ecological restoration (forests post-disturbance)
EDUCATION
M.S., Ecology; Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado; 2019
B.A. with distinction, Biology, c: Ecology and Evolution; Colby College, Waterville, Maine; 2015
Overseas Studies, Wildlife Management Studies, Kenya and Tanzania; School for Field Studies, Beverly, Massachusetts; 2013
REGISTRATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS
Wilderness First Responder, Utah; 2015
CPR/First Aid, Utah; 2015
TRAINING
Natural Resource Management and Policy; Colorado State University; 2018
AWARDS / HONORS
Kurt Gerstle Fellowship
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∗ Master's Thesis: Quaking Aspen Regeneration; Hayman Fire, Colorado. Designed, planned, and managed a multiyear project
examining aspen regeneration after high-intensity, extensive wildfire in relation to topographic variables. Ms. Porter presented results to
diverse audiences of forest managers, scientists, and community members. The project aimed to inform forest managers with data on
important locations for Quaking aspen conservation. Role: Master's Student. As the creator and manager of this project, she saw that the
project was completed on time, serving as a communication bridge between forest managers, scientists, and her team of three field
technicians. She completed 3 months of field surveys (conifer species and aspen), several months of lab work processing tree cores, and
wrote a manuscript that is currently in preparation for publishing.
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ANNE RUSSELL, B.S., GIS SPECIALIST
Ms. Russell is the GIS Technical Lead for SWCA’s Rockies Region. Sheprovides leadership as a subject matter and
technical expert for the Rockies GIS team through high-level project management and coordination, marketing and
business development, training, and development of standards and protocols and GIS processes and workflows. Ms.
Russell’s expertise for wildfire projects includes providing GIS support to CWPPs, advanced fire behavior and risk
assessment modeling, and custom fuel model development.
Ms. Russell contributes data management and GIS deliverables for NEPA, biological, and cultural resource
assessments for diverse projects including land management, transmission, oil and gas pipeline projects, and wetland
and endangered species habitat mitigations. She is also an experienced graphic designer, with multiple and diverse
design projects experience. Her technical expertise includes proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS Pro, ArcInfo Workstation
and Desktop, ESRI ArcGIS Online, ESRI Spatial Analyst and 3-D Analyst extensions, IFTDSS, and Microsoft Office
applications.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Lake Wildwood Community Wildfire Protection Plan Fire Modeling; Under the Trees,
Inc.; Lake Wildwood, Nevada County, California. SWCA provided custom fuel mapping,
risk assessment, and fire behavior analysis for a community wildfire protection for Lake
Wildwood in Nevada County, California. Role: GIS Lead. Developed custom fuel model, fire
behavior models, and composite risk assessment, and created and edited maps for project
and reports.
Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Santa Clara County Fire
Department; Santa Clara County, California. SWCA developed a high-end CWPP and Unit
Plan for the County that incorporates a multitude of agencies and jurisdictions. SWCA
coordinated all stakeholder and community meetings and facilitated an extensive outreach
effort through an online survey portal and other online media. The CWPP comprises a
comprehensive risk/hazard analysis that includes an assessment of wildland and urban fuels.
Role: GIS Specialist / Lead. Created and edited maps and posters for project and reports;
maintained spatial datasets used for analyses and reporting; and coordinated scheduling,
products, quality control, and spatial data organization with Project Manager and other team
members.
Kenai Peninsula Borough Environmental Services; Kenai Peninsula Borough
Purchasing and Contracting Department; Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska. SWCA is
combining over 17 community-level CWPPs into one landscape-level CWPP that will serve
the entire Kenai Peninsula. This includes preparing a story map to gather information from the
public as well as disseminate information to the rural and remote communities in the project
area. Role: GIS Lead. Compiling CWPP data into landscape-level data sets, preparing story
map and report maps, and coordinating with project team to manage and schedule GIS work.
Santa Fe County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update; Santa Fe County; Santa
Fe County, New Mexico. SWCA is updating the County’s existing CWPP (developed by
SWCA in 2008), and also preparing a story map to help engage the public with the document.
Role: GIS Lead. Developing custom data for fire model, fire behavior outputs, and fire risk
assessment model; preparing story map and report maps; and coordinating with client and
project team to manage and schedule GIS datasets and deliverables.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
13
EXPERTISE
Geographic Information Systems
Data management and systems
General and urban wildlife biology
Environmental Safety and Health
Visual Resource Management (VRM)
Graphic design
EDUCATION
A.A.S., Geographic Information Technology; Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute; 2007
A.A.S., Environmental Safety and Health; Albuquerque Technical Vocational Institute; 2005
B.S., Biology; Juniata College, Pennsylvania; 2002
Overseas Studies; University of Newcastle; Newcastle, Australia; 2001
TRAINING
30-hour OSHA General Industry Training; 2002
40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations Training; 2003-2004
8-hour Confined Space Entry Training; 2003-2004
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Grant County Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update; Grant County; Grant County, New Mexico. SWCA updated the County’s 2015
CWPP, which included a new approach to risk assessment modeling using the Interagency Fuel Treatment Decision Support System (IFTDSS)
to build landscapes and create fire behavior outputs. Role: GIS Lead. Developed fire behavior outputs and fire risk assessment model, and
prepared report maps.
Elk and McKean Counties Community Wildfire Protection Plans; Elk County and McKean County; Elk and McKean Counties,
Pennsylvania. SWCA was selected by McKean and Elk Counties to develop a Countywide CWPP for each county. Role: GIS Specialist/Lead.
Created and edited maps and posters for project and reports; compiled and maintained spatial datasets used for analyses and reporting;
developed risk assessment model; and coordinated scheduling, products, quality control, and spatial data organization with Project Manager
and team members.
Pope and Hardin Counties Community Wildfire Protection Plans; Southeastern Illinois Regional Planning Development Commission;
Pope and Hardin Counties, Illinois. SWCA developed CWPPs for these adjacent counties, which included extensive community involvement,
close work with the USFS Fire and Fuels Specialists, and the integration of existing GIS datasets to deliver recommendations for realistic
measures to reduce the ignitability of structures throughout the area and reduce hazardous fuels. Role: GIS Specialist/Lead. Created and edited
maps and posters for the project and reports; compiled and maintained spatial datasets used for analyses and reporting; developed risk
assessment model; and coordinated scheduling, products, quality control, and spatial data organization with Project Manager and other team
members.
Valencia County Fire Maps; Valencia County, New Mexico; County of Valencia. SWCA assisted Valencia County in developing logistical
georeferenced pdf maps for use online, on tablets, and in the field by fire officials. Role: GIS Specialist/Lead. Organized and compiled spatial
datasets, developed maps, worked with the client to ensure accuracy and appropriate representation of spatial datasets, and trained the client
in use of ArcMap to update the map sets.
Mobile Wildland Fire Workshop Development; Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District; Torrance County, New Mexico.
SWCA assisted the District in the development of a mobile wildland wildfire educational workshop. Role: Graphic Designer. Designed and
edited large multi-panel mobile poster display; coordinated with Project Manager and Team for content editing, compilation, and design
components; and designed and edited associated handouts and other materials.
Bernalillo County Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Bernalillo County, New Mexico; Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District. As
this CWPP spanned four counties within the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, SWCA's recommendations were based on our
performance of a comprehensive risk assessment that incorporated numerous data layers collected from municipal, tribal, county, state, and
federal agencies. The project was completed within budget and on schedule. Role: GIS / CADD Technician. Created and edited maps and
posters for project and reports.
BLM New Mexico Lease Sale Environmental Assessment Support; U.S. Bureau of land Management; New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma,
and Texas. SWCA is working with BLM New Mexico Lease Sale to further develop and support issues-based Environmental Assessments for
oil and gas lease sales for the BLM in multiple states. Role: GIS Lead. Compiling and managing large multi-state Enterprise geodatabases and
other datasets; using those data for detailed site analysis and calculations; preparing calculations files and maps for project team and reports.
Estancia Basin Watershed Monitoring; Claunch-Pinto Soil and Water Conservation District; Bernalillo and Torrance Counties, New
Mexico. For this 5-year contract, SWCA monitored forest and watershed health in relation to forest thinning on the eastern slopes of the
Manzano Mountains to evaluate the effectiveness of thinning treatments. Role: Data Manager. Developed data management system; managed
multiple datasets; performed data analysis for fire, water, and forest thinning projects; and assisted with field work and site maintenance.
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LAURA MORAN, B.S., B.L.A/M.U.P., SENIOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION
TEAM LEAD
Ms. Moran is a specialist in natural resources management and ecological restoration with over 30 years of
experience consulting with federal, regional, and local jurisdictions on environmental projects throughout
California. She got her early training as a biologist at a small engineering firm, working on everything from site
planning to construction documents. She brings her analytical, managerial, and policy-making skills to bear on
projects dealing with ecological restoration, climate change adaptation, wetland delineation and mitigation, habitat
conservation, and landscape level natural resource planning.
Ms. Moran’s focus is on feasibility and implementation so that degraded
habitats and environments are restored and functioning at a higher level.
She has directed environmental impact analyses (CEQA/NEPA),
biological resource inventories, multi-agency permitting, vulnerability
assessments, and habitat restoration and monitoring plans. She plays a
pivotal role in integrating the work of multiple specialties to help resource
agencies and project proponents achieve their sustainability and
resilience goals while balancing environmental stewardship and project
design. Under Ms. Moran’s management, staff have created multiple
vegetation management, habitat conservation, mitigation, and restoration
plans from concept through construction within a variety of sensitive
California habitats.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
∗ American River Parkway Natural Resources Management Plan; Sacramento
County Regional Parks; Sacramento, California. Role: Principle in Charge. Senior
oversight of a comprehensive management plan to balance preservation of natural and
cultural resources with the enhancement of recreation and other human uses of parkway,
which is designated as a Wild and Scenic River. Large component of plan addresses
best practices for vegetation management pertaining to fire risk reduction, invasive
species control, and native revegetation for post-fire and flood control mitigation areas.
NEPA/CEQA, permitting, grant support and interagency coordination.
∗ Meadowood Estates Subdivision Project, EIR, FMP/VMP; San Mateo County.
Role: Principal Biologist. Worked with project proponent’s biologist and Central County
Fire Department to develop Fire Management and Vegetation Management plans for
preliminary construction and final lot construction in the WUI to meet requirement of
Governor Gavin Newsom’s issued Executive Order N-05-19. Plans balanced special-
status plant and animal species, jurisdictional drainages, and oak woodland preservation
with state and County guidelines for fire risk reduction through vegetation management.
These plans were incorporated into EIR and its MMRP.
∗ Bear Creek Redwoods Vegetation Management Plans; Midpeninsula Regional
Open Space District; Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve, Santa Clara
County, California. Role: Senior Restoration Ecologist. Assisted with development of
invasive species management plan, integrated pest management plan, and mitigation
and monitoring plan for sensitive species adjacent to public access areas. Provided
focused habitat restoration and enhancement plans for western pond turtle.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
34
EXPERTISE
Ecological restoration
Biology
Wetland delineation and restoration and mitigation design
Climate change
Permitting
CEQA
NEPA
EDUCATION
B.L.A./M.U.P. Program; City University of New York; 1988
B.S., Biology; St. Lawrence University; 1985
REGISTRATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS
California Climate College; California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Habitat Evaluation Procedure (HEP) Certification; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
California Rapid Assessment Methodology (CRAM) Certified
Wetland Delineation Certification
Managing Habitats for CA Red-Legged Frog Certification
Climate Smart Riparian Restoration Certification
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∗ Lake Chabot Regional Park Campus Modernization Firesafe Landscape Plan;
Castro Valley, Alameda County, California. Role: Landscape Architect / Restoration
Ecologist. Developed firesafe landscape design plan that utilized native fire-resistant plants,
provided defensible space around proposed structures, and reduced wildfire risk
∗ Bear Gulch Upper Diversion Fish Passage, Woodside, San Mateo County,
California Role: Principal Biologist/Restoration Specialist. Conducted oversight of
environmental permitting, biological monitoring, and stormwater compliance required to
construct fish passage improvement project to benefit steelhead trout; prepared habitat
mitigation plan, tree preservation plan, and long-term operations and maintenance
monitoring and vegetation management plan; and worked closely with Cal Water on agency coordination and compliance, including long-
term mitigation plan for water diversion projects.
∗ Los Gatos Creek Bridge and Guadalupe River Restoration Projects; San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. Role: Principal
Restoration Specialist. Revised and adapted existing restoration plans to provide feasible restoration components to benefit steelhead,
western pond turtle, and California red legged frog habitat adjacent to bridge improvements along the railroad corridor; working with
CalTrain on long-term mitigation strategy for cumulative project impacts along corridor; providing grant assistance for stewardship and
education programs to improve safe, clean access to watershed resources; and provided post-fire recovery (homeless source) vegetation
management strategy as part of long-term monitoring and maintenance program. Los Gatos Creek Bridge restoration is in year 3 of
monitoring.
∗ Coyote Point Eastern Promenade Renovation Project, Coyote Point Recreation Area, San Mateo County, California.
Role: Restoration, Permitting, and Biology Lead. Managed biological and regulatory permitting tasks for renovation of shoreline promenade
within recreation area; provided specifications for native plant species to replace/supplement recreation area renovation landscape;
prepared tree removal and maintenance plan to coincide with County Park’s Vegetation Management Plan policies for risk reduction; and
provided grant support.
∗ Tolay Lake Master Plan; Sonoma County Parks; Sonoma County, California. Role: Senior Biologist / Restoration Specialist. Led
review of biological and hydrological studies to identify opportunities and constraints for enhancement of wide range of habitat types, and
identified serpentine habitat with opportunities to restore and enhance habitat for California tiger salamander, California red-legged frog,
and ponded, seasonal, and riparian wetlands. Habitat restoration goals and identified projects were incorporated into master plan. Master
Plan EIR was certified in January 2019.
∗ Stevens Creek Corridor Parks Master Plan; Cupertino, Santa Clara County, California. Role: Senior Biologist / Restoration
Specialist. Led biological studies, stream and meadow restoration opportunities and constraints analysis, regulatory permitting support,
and environmental education opportunities for master plan. Restoration focuses on McClellan Ranch Preserve portion of project, which
provides opportunities for stream, wetland, meadow, off channel pond, and upland habitat restoration for variety of special-status species.
∗ Joseph D. Grant County Park California Red-Legged Frog and California Tiger Salamander Pond Improvements. Santa Clara
County, California. Role: Principal Biologist / Restoration Specialist. Oversaw population data review and analysis to plan for restoration
and enhancement of series of ponds for benefit of California red-legged frog and California tiger salamander, and ranked feasibility of pond
restoration relative to climate change water budget projections.
∗ Former Oak Knoll Naval Hospital Site; Oakland, Alameda County, California. Role: Senior Project Manager / Restoration Lead.
Prepared biological assessment and conceptual creek restoration plan, tree mitigation, and open space management plan for proposed
development of hospital site; coordinated interagency permitting for project; participated in public outreach sessions; coordinated with City
planning staff; prepared biological resources section and contributed to hydrology section of supplemental EIR, completed in 2007; and
created mitigation and monitoring plan for complex project involving all phases of proposed buildout through 2017 (demolition, remediation,
restoration, construction, and monitoring). Key biological issues included Alameda whipsnake habitat monitoring, 1.3 miles of riparian
wetland restoration, oak woodlands, and native grasslands preservation and enhancement.
AWARDS / HONORS
On the River’s Edge Competition, Salt Lake County, Utah “Jordan Rising” -Winner People’s Choice and Conservation Innovation Awards
MEMBERSHIPS
SER, CNPS, SWS
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JESSIE HENDERSON-MCBEAN, B.S., BIOLOGIST
Ms. Henderson-McBean is a biologist with biological resource experience throughout the Bay Area, Central
Coast, and Central Valley. She is an experienced biological surveyor who uses various sampling techniques and
protocols to conduct environmental inspections, preconstruction surveys and biological monitoring for a variety of
projects. Her experience includes extensive surveys in the Carrizo Plains focusing on nesting bird, avian point
count, and avian fatality surveys, as well as radio telemetry tracking, wildlife camera deployment, spotlighting
surveys for San Joaquin kit fox, and spotlighting and crepuscular surveys for burrowing owl.
Ms. Henderson-McBean has completed focused preconstruction surveys, biological technical reports, and
conducting habitat assessments for numerous species throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, including
burrowing owl, Swainson’s hawk, western snowy plover, California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake,
San Francisco dusky-footed woodrat, western pond turtle, California tiger salamander, Santa Cruz long-toed
salamander, salt marsh harvest mouse, and Ridgway’s rail.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
Enhanced Vegetation Management Program; Utility Client; Multiple Counties, California. SWCA provided on-call support for the AWRR/EVM Program by deploying
experienced natural resource and cultural resource specialists, often under rapid
response times, to basecamps throughout the client’s service territory. SWCA was
tasked with conducting field coordination, botanical surveys, special-status species
surveys, wetland and riparian mapping, cultural resource identification and flagging,
environmental trainings, biological and cultural monitoring, and meetings with local land
management agencies. Role: Biologist. Coordinated with environmental leads and on-
site basecamp leads, conducted preconstruction surveys, provided environmental
awareness training to crews, and performed biological monitoring during tree trimming
and removal work.
∗ City of Santa Cruz North Coast Pipeline Phase 3, Rehabilitation Project; Santa
Cruz County. The North Coast Pipeline Phase 3 Rehabilitation Project replaced
approximately 16,500 linear feet of raw water transmission main supplying municipal
water to the City of Santa Cruz. Running parallel to Highway 1, this project crossed and
impacted California red-legged frog habitat. Role: Designated Biologist. Acted as
designated biologist, approved by USFWS and CDFW to handle and relocate California
red-legged frog under project Biological Opinion (08EVEN00-2015-F-0416); conducted
daily sweeps of access roads and work areas for rare plants and sensitive wildlife
including California red-legged frog and provided guidance on adjusting work activities
for avoidance; and observed over 300 California red-legged frogs, from larvae to adults,
during course of monitoring road grading, vegetation clearing, excavations, and Best
Management Practive installation activities.
PV Water Blend Well Improvements Project Environmental Permitting and
Documentation Support; Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency; Monterey and
Santa Cruz Counties, California. SWCA provided environmental permitting and
document sufficiency assessments for a water management project in Watsonville. The
project included construction of additional water storage tanks and a disk filtration system
within the agency’s existing water treatment facility and the addition of two new
distribution pipelines to better serve Santa Cruz and Monterey County customers.
Role: Biologist. Performed preconstruction surveys for California red-legged frog and
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
10
EXPERTISE
Environmental compliance and construction monitoring
Natural resource surveys
Bird behavior/nesting surveying and identification
California red-legged frog, San Joaquin kit fox, burrowing owl preconstruction surveys
San Joaquin kit fox and burrowing owl spotlighting nighttime surveys
EDUCATION
B.S., Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology; University of California, Davis; 2012
PERMITS
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Scientific Collecting Permit (SC13432); 2016
TRAINING
California Red-legged Frog Workshop, Alameda County Resource Conservation District; 2015
California Tiger Salamander Workshop, Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program; 2014
Burrowing Owl Workshop Training, Elkhorn Slough Coastal Training Program; 2014
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nesting birds; provided bi-weekly nesting bird surveys throughout the nesting bird season
for duration of project construction; worked with contractor throughout construction
activities to avoid impacts to nesting birds; and created environmental training brochure
and provided environmental awareness trainings to contractor.
AIMCO Storm Drain Restoration Project Biological Assessment; AIMCO Esplanade
Avenue Apartments, LLC; Pacifica, San Mateo County, California. SWCA prepared
a Biological Assessment suitable for use by the USACE during Section 7 consultation
with the USFWS and NOAA Fisheries. Special-status species reviewed included western snowy plover, Coho salmon, and Chinook
salmon. Role: Biologist. Conducted nesting bird surveys focusing on western snowy plover.
Santa Clara Valley Water District Biological Monitoring; Ranger Pipelines Inc.; San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. SWCA
provided nesting bird surveys, nesting bird deterrence, and ongoing biological monitoring services for a water pipeline project site
supporting nesting red-tailed hawk. SWCA also provided environmental awareness program training. Role: Biologist. Conducted nesting
bird and raptor surveys throughout project construction, and provided monitoring of red-tailed hawk nest and guidance to contractor to
adjust work activities for avoidance.
Travis Air Force Base Gas Pipeline System Upgrade Project; PG&E; Solano County, California. SWCA provided biological surveys
and monitoring services to assure compliance with mitigation measures from the Project ERTC. Species of concern include: Contra Costa
goldfields, vernal pool tadpole shrimp, California tiger salamander, burrowing owl and nesting birds. Role: Biologist. Performed
preconstruction surveys for sensitive species presence and nesting birds. Providing monitoring for special-status species during
construction activities, crew environmental awareness training, communicating with the client about project concerns and producing daily
activity reports.
L-191-1 Site 7 Pipeline Replacement Biological Monitoring; PG&E; Contra Costa County, California. SWCA provided biological
survey and monitoring services to assure compliance with mitigation measures from the Project Environmental Release To Construction
and East Bay Regional Park Encroachment Permit. Species of concern included Alameda whipsnake and nesting birds. Role: Biologist.
Provided monitoring for special-status species during construction activities and crew environmental awareness training, communicated
with client about project concerns, and produced daily activity reports.
PG&E’s Valve Automation / Valve Repair and Replacement Program Environmental Services; Surf 2 Snow Environmental
Resource Management; Multiple Counties, California. SWCA provided environmental services in support of the program throughout
PG&E's service territory, including preparation of permit applications, agency consultation, project biological review, preconstruction
nesting bird surveys, special-status species surveys, and biological monitoring/training. Role: Biologist. Conducted preconstruction surveys
for sensitive species presence and nesting birds/raptors, conducted crew environmental awareness training and special-status species
monitoring during construction activities, and produced daily activity reports.
1300 Block Cedar Street Paving Project Biological Study; Walt Wyckoff; Montara, San Mateo County, California. SWCA completed
a biological study, consisting of background research and a site visit, and prepared a biological report. Role: Biologist. Conducted habitat
assessment surveys for California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter snake.
South Lake Solar Project Environmental Impact Report; County of Fresno Planning Department; Fresno, Fresno County,
California. SWCA is preparing an EIR for an up to 80-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic solar energy facility, up to 80 MW battery storage
system, and 70 kilovolt (kV) overhead generation tie line on an approximately 585 acres in western Fresno County. Key issues addressed
in the EIR included air quality impacts resulting from construction emissions, biological impacts from the loss of Swainson’s hawk foraging
habitat, and the potential for cumulative impacts caused by the project. Role: Biologist. Drafted EIR biological resources section.
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, The Wildlife Society; 2014–present
Member, Raptor Research Foundation, 2015–present
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ERICH SCHICKENBERG, B.S., ARBORIST
Mr. Schickenberg received a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany from San Francisco State University in 2012.
His studies focused on plant taxonomy, plant anatomy, plant ecology, and mycology. He has worked in a wide
variety of habitats throughout California, and his experience includes special-status plant surveys, invasive
species management, restoration monitoring, native seed collection, restoration planting, mitigation land
monitoring, and vegetation community mapping. Mr. Schickenberg has extensive experience providing biological
services to quarry and mining projects, including the Santa Clara County Permanent Quarry project in Cupertino.
Mr. Schickenberg has training in wetland delineation and plant pathogen identification, and extensive experience
working with various sensitive wildlife species, including San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog,
California tiger salamander, salt marsh harvest mouse, and Alameda whipsnake. He is also an International
Society of Arboriculture (ISA)-certified arborist and an expert in environmental compliance, including biological
monitoring and stormwater inspection.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
∗ Permanente Quarry; Cupertino, Santa Clara County, California. Managed multiple
aspects of Santa Clara County SMARA Conditions of Approval (COA) compliance of
long-term Reclamation Plan at 3,500-acre quarry. Role: Biologist. Coordinated
subcontractors; conducted tree and plant surveys, storm water management and
compliance, BMP installations, mining safety, and restoration and reclamation
compliance; prepared COA compliance report presented to County on annual basis; and
assisted in monitoring of revegetation test plots and associated data analysis.
∗ Bat Emergence Surveys and Breeding Bird Surveys; Confidential Client; Santa
Clara County, California. Role: Biologist. Assisted with systematic area-confined
breeding bird nest searches for confidential client conducting geologic exploration in
grassland, chaparral, forested and riparian habitats, and conducted breeding bird
surveys along historic and green-field access roads prior to grading activities and within
proposed drill pads. When nests were discovered, established buffers using construction
flagging and conducted monitoring to determine when breeding activities were complete
or nests predated. Worked closely with project personnel to ensure no nests were lost as
result of standard operations, and assisted with bat emergence surveys to determine if
bat roosts were present in any proposed work areas prior to work initiation.
∗ Santa Clara County Bridge Scour Biological Studies and Permitting; Santa Clara
County, California. Role: Biologist. Oversaw team conducting vegetation monitoring for
12 bridge sites and prepared annual vegetation monitoring reports.
∗ Santa Margarita Quarry Expansion Project; Hanson Aggregates; Santa Margarita,
San Luis Obispo County, California. Hanson Aggregates is applying for a modification
to an existing Conditional Use Permit and seeking approval for a Reclamation Plan
Amendment to expand the existing operations of the Santa Margarita Quarry, a hard-rock
aggregate mining facility. Role: Biologist. Conducted oak woodland assessment and assisted with preparation of oak woodland mitigation
plan to identify suitable coast live oak woodlands for preservation, in compliance with County of San Luis Obispo compensatory mitigation
requirements pursuant to CEQA.
∗ Pilarcitos Quarry Biological Surveys; Vulcan Materials Company; San Mateo County, California. The Pilarcitos Quarry is a 53-
acre aggregate mining facility located on approximately 593 acres just east of Half Moon Bay. As part of the planned expansion and
ongoing operations, and in compliance with the USFWS Biological Opinion (81420-2008-F-0294-1), West Coast Aggregates placed a
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
7
EXPERTISE
Project management
Special-status flora and fauna surveys
Plant ecology
Restoration planning and monitoring
EDUCATION
B.S., Botany; San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California; 2012
REGISTRATIONS / CERTIFICATIONS
ISA Certified Arborist No. #WE-10211A
TRAINING
40-hour basic wetland delineation
California Department of Fish and Wildlife rare plant survey protocols
Carex Workshop
Brassicaceae Workshop
Forest Diseases Workshop
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conservation easement on 192.5 acres of the northern portion of the property, and constructed two mitigation ponds to provide habitat for
federally listed California red-legged frog and San Francisco garter snake. Role: Biologist. Conducted invasive weed mapping and
California red-legged frog surveys during post-construction monitoring of on-site biological resources, and successfully identified California
red-legged frog on-site during surveys.
∗ Antonio Mountain Ranch Mitigation Bank; Placer County, California. Role: Biologist. Performed hydrologic monitoring of aquatic
resources and performed brachiopod surveys in support of completing mitigation bank enablement requirements on a site containing
extensive vernal pool, perennial marsh, and seasonal wetland habitat
∗ Breuner Marsh Restoration Project; East Bay Regional Parks District; Contra Costa County, California. This project involved the
restoration of previously filled tidal marsh habitats, enhancement of marsh transition zones, and creation of seasonal wetlands and passive
recreation opportunities on over 150 acres of land. The site contains large expanses of tidal marsh wetlands and associated federally
endangered species such as salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgeway’s (California) clapper rail. Role: Biologist. Approved by USFWS
project biological monitor; monitored for salt marsh harvest mouse and Ridgeway’s rail during various project activities; monitored
extensive wetland vegetation removal phase, which included observation of over 130 salt marsh harvest mice; and implemented avoidance
measures to prevent take of animals during the vegetation removal process.
∗ Mare Island Dry Dock Fish Salvage; Vallejo, California. Mothballed vessels from the National Defense Reserve Fleet in Suisun Bay
are brought to the dry docks at the former Mare Island Naval Shipyard to be recycled under contract by Allied Defense Recycling. In
accordance with permit requirements of the USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, and CDFW, biologists are required to be present during final stages
of dewatering to salvage (rescue) stranded fish from the dry dock. Captured fish were placed in aerated holding coolers, identified to
species, counted, and measured before being returned to the Mare Island Channel of the Napa River. Role: Biologist. Assisted in multiple
salvages and has captured and identified several native and invasive fish species.
∗ Sherman Island Whale’s Mouth Wetland Restoration Project; Ducks Unlimited, Inc. and California Department of Water
Resources; Sacramento County, California. This is a habitat restoration project on Sherman Island, located in the extreme western
Delta near the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, would restore approximately 600 acres of palustrine wetlands on
lands owned by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), which are currently managed for flood-irrigated pasture lands. This project is
part of ongoing restoration efforts by DWR to stop or reverse subsidence in the delta, create wildlife habitat, and sequester atmospheric
carbon. Role: Biologist. Assisted with permitting process, overseeing several special-status plant surveys and assisting with associated
reports.
∗ San Vicente Redwoods Public Access Plan; Santa Cruz County, California. The San Vicente Redwoods is an approximately 8,500-
acre property located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Conservation Vision for the property envisions integration of preservation,
restoration, and sustainable timber harvesting with research, education, and recreation, and is the result of a successful collaboration
between Land Trust of Santa Cruz County and Save the Redwoods League, with additional assistance from six other organizations.
Role: Biologist. Assisted with biological resources surveys for planned extensive multi-use trail system on property.
∗ Wavecrest Coastal Trail Northern and Southern Alignments; Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California. Role: Biological
Monitor. Conducted biological monitoring during construction activities for California red-legged frog, San Francisco garter snake, and San
Francisco dusky-footed woodrat; conducted preconstruction wildlife surveys and led a special-status plant survey for Choris’ popcorn
flower; involved in Southern Alignment portion of project and assisted with preparation of biological constraint analysis for wildlife and
Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHAs), and results of analysis were incorporated into trail location and design planning to limit
impacts to ESHAs and wildlife species.
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LEROY LAURIE, B.S., CULTURAL RESOURCES LEAD
Mr. Laurie is an archaeologist and cultural resources lead with cultural resource project experience throughout
California and Nevada. He has conducted work in a variety of cultural and geographic regions including, but not
limited to, the Sierra Nevada, Great Basin, San Joaquin Valley, Central and Coast Ranges, Mojave and Sonoran
Deserts, San Francisco Bay area, and Yosemite Valley. In addition to the organization and execution of field
projects, he has been the primary or contributing author to several planning-level documents for large- and small-
scale projects.
Mr. Laurie has worked on a variety of cultural resources studies and has helped manage and implement several
Phase I and Extended Phase I studies. He has authored or co-authored numerous technical reports and cultural
resources sections for EIRs, Environmental Assessments, and Expanded Initial Studies. Mr. Laurie has technical
experience in archaeological fieldwork, laboratory analyses, archaeological testing plans, and graphics and
mapping. He has been the primary point of contact for Native American coordination for CEQA and NHPA Section
106 compliance projects.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Enhanced Vegetation Management Program; Utility Client; Multiple Counties,
California. SWCA provided on-call support for the AWRR/EVM Program by deploying
experienced natural resource and cultural resource specialists, often under rapid
response times, to basecamps throughout Client’s service territory. SWCA was tasked
with conducting field coordination, botanical surveys, special-status species surveys,
wetland and riparian mapping, cultural resource identification and flagging, environmental
trainings, conducting biological and cultural monitoring, and meeting with local land
management agencies. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist. Conducted records search,
Native American Consultation, and background and archival research.
North American Electric Reliability Corporation Priority II Environmental Services;
Pacific Gas and Electric Company; Various Counties, California. SWCA provided
environmental management and biological support services to assist Pacific Gas and
Electric Company (PG&E) with programmatic support for the National Electric Reliability
Corporation (NERC) compliance program on the modification of over 400 electric
transmission structures on approximately 60 transmission lines throughout California. For
each NERC project, SWCA completed a resource constraints review and analysis,
identified permits and regulatory approvals, addressed California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) General Order 131-D compliance, and drafted release to
construction documents. Additional services included resource surveys, construction
monitoring, and GIS mapping. Role: Archaeologist. Assessed cultural resources
sensitivity and risk for hundreds of PG&E transmission line infrastructure improvement
projects; provided management recommendations; conducted necessary fieldwork; and
prepared desktop reviews and cultural resources reports.
Confidential Electric Transmission Project Proponent’s Environmental
Assessment; Confidential Client; San Luis Obispo County, California. SWCA is
providing planning and permitting support for a new 230 kV/70 kV substation, 8 miles of
new aboveground 70 kV power line, 6 miles of reconductoring of a 70 kV line, and a 230
kV interconnection. Services include cultural, biological, and paleontological resource
surveys; PEA preparation; permit to construct application filing and noticing; and post-
filing CEQA and permitting support. The application for Permit to Construct was filed in
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
18
EXPERTISE
Archaeology
Report preparation
Cultural resources analysis
Mapping
Graphic Design
Molluscan Identification and Analysis
EDUCATION
B.S., Social Sciences, e: Env. Geography, m: Anthropology/Geography; California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; 2001
PERMITS
USDA Forest Service Archaeological Investigations Permit (LAR9058), Field Director; SCE Service Territory within Federal Lands
USDA Forest Service Archaeological Investigations Permit (BDFSWCA01), Field Director; San Bernardino National Forest - San Jacinto and Arrowhead Ranger Districts
U.S. Bureau of Land Management Cultural Resource Use Permit (CA-17-23), Field Director; CA
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January 2017 and the PEA is under CEQA review (Application No. A.17-01-023). Role:
Cultural Resources Lead. Conducted records search, Native American Consultation, and
background and archival research, and prepared archaeological technical reports.
Morro Bay-Templeton 230kV Tower 0/4 Replacement Project Extended Phase I of a
Portion of CA-SLO-499; PG&E; Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo County, California.
SWCA conducted an Extended Phase I study including the excavation of 14 shovel test
units within the project’s Area of Direct Impact. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist.
Conducted records search, Native American Consultation, and background and archival
research; acted as field director for excavations; and prepared technical report
summarizing findings and providing management recommendations.
Diablo Canyon Power Plant 500 kV Tower and Owner-Controlled Area Camera
Tower Access Project Environmental Services; PG&E; San Luis Obispo County, California. SWCA conducted biological and cultural
resources surveys, reporting, training, and monitoring for the project. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist. Conducted records search,
Native American Consultation, and background and archival research, and prepared archaeological technical report.
Alamo Water Tank Replacement Environmental Services; Golden State Water Company; Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County,
California. SWCA is preparing technical studies and the CEQA environmental document for the demolition and replacement of an existing
84,000-gallon bolted steel reservoir with a new 84,000-gallon welded steel reservoir, as well as construction of a driveway to provide
access to the site, in the community of Los Osos. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist. Conducted archaeological survey and Native
American outreach.
Bello Bridge Replacement Environmental Services; Quincy Engineering Inc.; Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California.
SWCA is providing environmental services, including preparation of all CEQA/NEPA documentation, technical studies, and permitting, for
the replacement of the Bello Street bridge over Pismo Creek in the city of Pismo Beach. Due to sensitive archaeological resources in the
area, SWCA also performed an Extended Phase I Archaeological Survey of the project area. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist.
Conducted archaeological survey and Expanded Phase I, and prepared associated technical reports.
Butano Creek Bridge Feasibility Study; Quincy Engineering Inc.; Pescadero, San Mateo County, California. SWCA compiled
background data for the project, ultimately proposing a two-phased approach to complete the feasibility-level environmental evaluation of
the project consisting of an initial constraint memorandum, mapping, and a detailed environmental review to be incorporated into the study.
SWCA also prepared a Preliminary Environmental Analysis Report to determine initial environmental constraints for incorporation into the
Draft Feasibility Study Report. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist. Reviewed background materials, conducted literature review, and
prepared constraints document.
Seawall Archaeological and Biological Monitoring; City of Pismo Beach; Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California.
SWCA conducted archaeological and biological monitoring for the Emergency Upper-Bluff Stabilization Project in Pismo Beach, which
included stabilizing the natural coastal bluff erosion taking place along the bluff edge of Price Street, threatening to undermine the road and
sidewalk and impact existing utility pipelines and other infrastructure. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist. Conducted archaeological
monitoring during stabilization.
Concord Reuse Project Environmental Impact Report; City of Concord; Concord, Contra Costa County, California. SWCA is
currently preparing an EIR for the Concord Reuse Project (CRP) Specific Plan for the City of Concord. The CRP Specific Plan addresses a
phased mixed-use development on approximately 2,300 acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station site. The project would
include up to 13,000 residential units and 8.4 million square feet of commercial/campus/institutional uses, and greenway and park uses.
SWCA successfully published the Notice of Preparation on schedule and under budget. Role: Cultural Resources Specialist. Conducted
records search, Native American Consultation, and background and archival research, and prepared archaeological technical report.
TRAINING
First Aid / CPR Certification, American Red Cross; 2008
Competent Person / Trench Safety Certification (8-Hour), United Rentals; 2007
MEMBERSHIPS
Member, Society for California Archaeology
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ANNA BELK, M.A., GIS SPECIALIST
Ms. Belk is the GIS specialist that provides support for projects in northern California. She provides maps,
analysis, and survey collection resources for project managers and SWCA clients. Ms. Belk has a background in
environmental science related to climate and ocean science and using GIS for natural resource and conservation
planning. She is an experienced user of ESRI ArcGIS pro, ArcMap, ArcGIS online, Collector, Survey123, and
ENVI software, and has additional technical training in spatial analysis using R, programming using python, and
remote sensing.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
Fire Fuel and Invasive Weed Reduction Program Environmental Compliance;
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside; Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California.
SWCA is providing environmental compliance services including herding coordination
and monitoring for the Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) Fire Fuel and Invasive
Weed Reduction Program in Half Moon Bay. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps,
analysis, and relevant data based on project needs, and organized mapping and data
collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
Concord Reuse Project Specific Plan CEQA Analysis; City of Concord; Concord,
Contra Costa County, California. SWCA is currently preparing an EIR for the Concord
Reuse Project (CRP) Specific Plan. The CRP Specific Plan addresses a phased mixed-
use development on approximately 2,300 acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons
Station site. The project would include up to 13,000 residential units and 8.4 million
square feet of commercial/campus/institutional uses, and greenway and park uses.
Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project
needs, and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
Chanticleer Park Phase I Development Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan;
Granite Construction Company; Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California. SWCA
is providing permitting support including the preparation of a Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP), SWPPP inspections, and pH/turbidity monitoring for a park
improvement project. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data
based on project needs, and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits
where necessary.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company Community Pipeline Safety Initiative Initial
Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration; City of Half Moon Bay; Half Moon Bay, San
Mateo County, California. SWCA is preparing an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration (IS/MND) pertaining to the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit to support vegetation maintenance (e.g., removing trees
and brush) within PG&E’s existing rights-of-way that contain a high-pressure natural gas transmission pipeline within Half Moon Bay.
Vegetation maintenance activities would improve emergency access and allow for routine leak surveys, which are necessary to maintain
natural gas pipeline integrity. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project needs, and organized
mapping and data collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
PV Water Coastal Distribution System F-Line Expansion Planning Support; Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency;
Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, California. SWCA is preparing a CEQA Addendum and technical background studies for the PV water
coastal distribution system pipeline expansion. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project needs,
and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
3
EXPERTISE
Esri GIS mapping software and programming
EDUCATION
M.S., Climate Science: Ocean Atmospheric Dynamics; University of California Berkeley; 2019
Graduate Certificate Program, Geographic Information Science and Technology; University of California Berkeley; 2019
B.S., Marine Science; University of California Berkeley; 2017
Certification, Business for Arts, Sciences, and Engineering; Hass School of Business BASE Program; 2017
TRAINING
ESRI Geospatial Data Management
AWARDS / HONORS
Prior ESRI GIS Dangermond Fellow
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Magnolia Street Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration; City of Half Moon Bay; Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, California.
SWCA prepared an IS/MND and supporting technical studies, including a biological resources evaluation, addendum to the biological
resources evaluation, and wetland and waters delineation and assessment for the construction of two residences and a fire truck
turnaround on a dead end street. In order to achieve CEQA compliance, SWCA prepared the MND and requisite technical studies for
submittal to the Half Moon Bay Planning Department. SWCA prepared deliverables on accelerated schedule and worked closely with the
project planner to deliver defensible documents. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project needs,
and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
Estrella Substation and Paso Robles Area Reinforcement Project Permitting and Licensing Support; Confidential Client; Paso
Robles, San Luis Obispo County, California. SWCA is providing permitting and licensing support, including preparation of a Proponent’s
Environmental Assessment (PEA), for a new 230/70 kV substation, 7 miles of new aboveground 70 kV power line, 3 miles of
reconductored 70 kV line, and a 230 kV interconnection. Services include cultural, biological, and paleontological surveys; PEA
preparation; Permit-to-Construct (PTC) application filing support and noticing; and post-filing CEQA and permitting support. Role: GIS
Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project needs, and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site
visits where necessary.
Highland Estates Environmental Compliance Support Services; County of San Mateo; San Mateo, San Mateo County, California.
SWCA is providing oversight and ensuring compliance with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and Project
Conditions of Approval in conjunction with the certified Final EIR. Highland Estates Development I, LLC has set aside 93 acres of land for
the construction of a total of 11 houses on a 97-acre parcel in the San Mateo Highlands area of unincorporated San Mateo County.
Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project needs, and organized mapping and data collection
efforts for site visits where necessary.
Suncrest Dynamic Reactive Power Support Project Planning and Permitting Support; Confidential Client; San Diego County,
California. [Client is still confidential] SWCA is currently providing planning and permitting support for a dynamic reactive power support
facility and associated 230-kV transmission line in California. Services include routing and siting support; alternatives analysis; cultural,
biological, and paleontological surveys; preparation of a Proponent’s Environmental Assessment; certificate of public convenience and
necessity application filing and noticing; and post-filing CEQA and permitting support. SWCA also provided WEAP training and
environmental compliance services during the construction phase. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based
on project needs. Organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
Marquette Residential Development Mitigated Negative Declaration; Pizzulli Associates, Inc.; Los Angeles, Los Angeles County,
California. SWCA prepared an MND and supporting technical studies, including a tribal cultural resources study, historical resources
assessment, biological assessment, and air quality analysis in support of the proposed project in Pacific Palisades. The proposed project
includes the demolition of two residences and the construction of eight new single-family homes. In order to achieve CEQA compliance,
SWCA prepared the MND and requisite technical studies for submittal to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. SWCA prepared
deliverables on accelerated schedule and worked closely with the project owner to deliver defensible documents. Role: GIS Specialist.
Produced maps, analysis, and relevant data based on project needs, and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits
where necessary.
Zzyzx Block Valve Mojave National Preserve Environmental Services; Kinder Morgan Contracting Services LLC; Mojave National
Preserve, San Bernardino County, California. SWCA has provided natural and cultural resources and land planning services for Kinder
Morgan pipeline maintenance projects in Imperial, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Kern Counties. Our specialists have
conducted sensitive species surveys, mapping, and reporting; prepared jurisdictional wetland determinations and associated permitting;
conducted cultural resource studies; developed NEPA and CEQA documents such as EAs for operations and maintenance; provided on-
site construction monitoring and construction crew natural resource training; and provided expertise to avoid impacts and comply with
federal and state regulations for threatened, endangered, and sensitive resources. Role: GIS Specialist. Produced maps, analysis, and
relevant data based on project needs, and organized mapping and data collection efforts for site visits where necessary.
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JENNIFER PEREZ TORRE, B.A., PROJECT CONTROLLER
Ms. Perez Torre has 25 years of administrative experience, including supporting and assisting attorneys in case
management, logistics, accounting, record keeping, and policy analysis. She organizes and implements field team
staffing, including support in recruitment and hiring, timesheet and attendance, expenses/allowances, and payroll
questions. She also supports project set-up and review, resources allocation and multi-project scheduling, budget
tracking, invoicing, health and safety compliance, file organization and documentation management, and project
closeout. Ms. Perez Torre has experience reviewing and compiling data, establishing schedules, arranging
meetings, and preparing status reports.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE (∗ denotes project experience prior to SWCA)
Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan; Santa Clara County Fire
Department; Santa Clara County, California. SWCA developed a high-end CWPP and
Unit Plan for the County that incorporates a multitude of agencies and jurisdictions.
SWCA coordinated all stakeholder and community meetings and facilitating an extensive
outreach effort through an online survey portal and other online media. The CWPP
comprises a comprehensive risk/hazard analysis that includes an assessment of wildland
and urban fuels. Role: Project Coordinator. Participated in stakeholder meetings and
public outreach meetings.
Enhanced Vegetation Management Program; Utility Client; Multiple Counties,
California. SWCA provided on-call support for the AWRR/EVM Program by deploying
experienced natural resource and cultural resource specialists, often under rapid
response times, to basecamps throughout Client’s service territory. SWCA was tasked
with conducting field coordination, botanical surveys, special-status species surveys,
wetland and riparian mapping, cultural resource identification and flagging, environmental
trainings, conducting biological and cultural monitoring, and meeting with local land
management agencies. Role: Project Controller. Developed project structure, billing
guidelines, and field logistic guidelines; prepared progress reports and managed
invoicing; and provided field coordination and safety compliance.
Fire Fuel and Invasive Weed Reduction Environmental Compliance Services; Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside; Half Moon Bay, San
Mateo County, California. SWCA provided environmental compliance services including herding coordination and monitoring for the
Sewer Authority Mid-Coastside (SAM) Fire Fuel and Invasive Weed Reduction Program in Half Moon Bay. Role: Project Controller.
Managed contract, budget, and invoicing, and coordinated project logistics, field staffing, and safety compliance.
Vegetation Management and Fire Abatement Program Biological Services; City of Half Moon Bay; Half Moon Bay, San Mateo
County, California. SWCA provided biological resources services including surveys and reporting for the City Vegetation Management
and Fire Abatement Program. Role: Project Controller. Managed contract, budget, and invoicing, and coordinated project logistics, field
staffing, and safety compliance.
Canyon Lane Roadway Improvements EIR; County of San Mateo; Redwood City, San Mateo County, California. SWCA is preparing
an EIR and technical background studies for the project for the improvement of Canyon Lane, which includes development of a single-
family residence on one parcel, and future development of residences on 11 parcels, as well as the construction of new utilities, including a
waterline and an underground distribution line. Role: Project Controller. Managing budget and invoicing; preparing progress reports,
change orders, and reallocation of existing funds; and coordinating project logistics, field staffing, and safety compliance.
Highland Estates Environmental Compliance Support Services; County of San Mateo; San Mateo, San Mateo County, California.
SWCA is providing oversight and ensuring compliance with a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and Project
Conditions of Approval in conjunction with the certified Final EIR. Highland Estates Development I, LLC has set aside 93 acres of land for
the construction of a total of 11 houses on a 97-acre parcel in the San Mateo Highlands area of unincorporated San Mateo County.
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
25
EXPERTISE
Coordination
Scheduling
Budget tracking and forecasting
Large document control
Policies and procedures
Preparing agendas
Local, state, and federal court rules and procedures
EDUCATION
B.A., Psychology; Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas; 2003
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Role: Project Controller. Managing budget and invoicing; preparing progress reports, change orders, and reallocation of existing funds; and
coordinating project logistics, field staffing, and safety compliance.
PV Water Recycled Water Facility Treatment Compliance Support; Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency; Multiple Counties,
California. SWCA provided document sufficiency assessments, environmental document, environmental permitting, and technical studies
support for three separate water management projects located in Watsonville and Moss Landing. SWCA prepared a CEQA-Plus
environmental document addendum, two CEQA addendums, NHPA Section 106 and CEQA archaeological surveys and reports, provided
consultation assistance with the SHPO; and conducted Extended Phase I archaeological presence absence testing, a wetland delineation,
and biological technical reporting; provided preparation assistance for funding applications; and managed environmental compliance
monitoring, preconstruction surveys, and field staff training. Role: Project Coordinator. Provided field coordination; prepared progress
reports; and managed budget and invoicing.
CSU Dominquez Hill Master Plan; WSP USA INC.; San Bernardino County, California. SWCA conducted technical studies and
prepared EIR sections for compliance with state and federal statutes, particularly CEQA and NEPA, in support of the 2019 Master Plan.
Technical work included a desktop archaeological sensitivity study and a preliminary jurisdictional delineation. Role: Project Coordinator.
Provided project management support including field coordination, budget management, and invoicing.
Monterey Sewer Rehabilitation Packages 3, 5, 6 Construction Monitoring; City of Monterey; Monterey, Monterey County,
California. SWCA provided environmental support services for over 100 sewer repair projects throughout Monterey, including biological
and cultural environmental compliance monitoring, preconstruction surveys, archaeological surveys and reports, field staff training, and
report preparation to document CEQA mitigation and monitoring requirements. Role: Project Coordinator. Provided project management
support including field coordination, budget management, and invoicing.
Green Beanworks Solar Projects C and D Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration; sPower Development Company, LLC;
Lancaster and Palmdale, Los Angeles County, California. SWCA provided biological resources services for a proposed solar
generation facility and a 500-foot buffer surrounding the project site. SWCA conducted a biological constraints analysis (BCA) for the
projects, which provided the technical basis for the planning-level assessment of potential impacts to biological resources that had the
potential to result from project implementation, and supported the Conditional Use Permit from the City of Lancaster. After completion of
the BCA, SWCA prepared two IS/MNDs satisfying the CEQA review. Role: Project Coordinator. Provided project management support
including field coordination, budget management, and invoicing.
Confidential Electric Transmission Project Proponent’s Environmental Assessment; Confidential Client; San Luis Obispo
County, California. SWCA is providing planning and permitting support for a new 230 kV/70 kV substation, 8 miles of new aboveground
70 kV power line, 6 miles of reconductoring of a 70 kV line, and a 230 kV interconnection. Services include cultural, biological, and
paleontological resource surveys; PEA preparation; permit to construct application filing and noticing; and post-filing CEQA and permitting
support. The application for Permit to Construct was filed in January 2017 and the PEA is under CEQA review (Application No. A.17-01-
023). Role: Project Controller. Coordinating project logistics, field staffing, safety compliance, accounting, and recordkeeping; developing
project structure, billing guidelines, and budget tracking system for multiple-client project; and preparing monthly forecasts, monthly
progress reports, and change orders.
Carol Henson P. O. Box 461179 Leeds, UT 84746 Phone number: 805-895-2750 Email: carol@geoelementsllc.com
Summary of Qualifications
I have over thirty-eight years of experience in all phases of wildland fire and fuels management,
which include over 29 years with the Forest Service. I’ve served in various capacities on engines
and hotshot crews promoting to Battalion Chief and Forest Fuels Officer prior to my final position
as a Fire Management Specialist for an Enterprise Team with the Washington Office.
My expertise includes fire behavior modeling, weather analysis, risk and hazard assessments,
development of wildfire hazard mitigation strategies, and community wildfire protection planning.
Professional Experience
Geo Elements, LLC, October 2009 - present
I own and operate a wildland fire and fuel consulting business. Serve as fire management
specialist and principle author on wildland fire and fuels related plans and reports, community
wildfire protection plans, risk and hazard mitigation specialist, development of wildfire mitigation
strategies including structure hardening and vegetation management, and firesafe planning.
Conduct fire behavior modeling and weather data analysis in support of wildfire hazard and risk
assessments. I’ve managed a range of projects, including twelve community wildfire protection
plans, a wildland fire urban interview case study, and a myriad of other wildfire related projects.
My duties include all aspects of business including customer service, billing, marketing, sales,
purchasing, accounting, contracting, and hire and supervise subcontractors.
U.S. Forest Service, WO, Adaptive Management Services Enterprise Team, May 2003 to
Oct 2009
Served as project manager for a variety of wildland fire and fuels projects including fire behavior
assessments, fire behavior modeling, fire behavior research, fire management plans, fuels
technical input for environmental analyses, validating requirements for structure protection,
multiple National Fire Plan success stories, and coordinated with multiple federal, state, and local
agencies. Utilized ESRI ArcGIS for multiple projects.
U.S. Forest Service, Los Padres National Forest, July 1997 to May 2003
Served as Santa Barbara Ranger District and the Los Padres National Forest Fuels Officer where
I was responsible for overall program management including the budget, program planning, and
supervising a team of four. Duties included developing a forest-wide fuel treatment strategy that
included planning and implementing numerous fuel treatment projects across the 1.7 million acre
forest that led to 5-year program of work.
Wrote multiple burn plans of various complexity, managed a complex prescribed fire burn
program, provided formal and informal fire and safety training, utilized ESRI ArcView to develop
database and spatial historical forest fuel treatment maps, provided public education on fire and
hazardous fuels, provided technical input for NEPA; provided technical input for forest land
management plans. Also, contracted and coordinated with local, state, and federal agencies and
served on numerous Forest Service and public committees involved with various fuels and fire-
related issues. Represented the Forest on the Santa Barbara County Fire Safe Council.
U.S. Forest Service, Lassen National Forest, July 1994 to July 1997
Served as Assistant District Fire Management Officer/Suppression Battalion Chief where I
supervised and provided oversight for 16 employees including engines, prevention technicians,
and a lookout. My duties included acting as a duty officer, district fire training coordinator,
maintained several fire databases for the district, and coordinated and scheduled projects
assigned to district suppression personnel.
U.S. Forest Service, Sierra National Forest, October 1991 to July 1994
Served as Assistant District Fire Management Officer/Suppression Battalion Chief where I
supervised and provided oversight for 14 employees including engines and a prevention
technician. Served as duty officer, district fire training coordinator, prepared district preparedness
plans and fire reports, and coordinated and scheduled projects assigned to district suppression
personnel.
U.S. Forest Service, Angeles National Forest, December 1977 to July 1991
Served in a variety of field level fire management positions including engine crewmember, hotshot
crewmember, squad boss, assistant fire engine operator, engine operator, engine captain, and
hotshot captain in fire suppression duties. Supervised engine and hotshot crews in all aspects of
wildfire suppression, prescribed burning, and forest project work.
Certifications and Training
I’ve held a variety of fireline positions. My National Wildfire Coordinating Group red card
qualifications included Incident Commander Type 3, Fire Behavior Analyst, Division/Group
Supervisor, Burn Boss II, Strike Team Leader Crews and Engines, Field Observer, Situation Unit
Leader, and Crewboss. Attended CA Fire Safe Planner training, S-590 Fire Behavior Analyst,
Fire History Workshop, Farsite Workshop, RX-310 Fire Effects, WFDSS – Region 5 training, and
a myriad of other fire and fuels related training.
Education
Colorado State University, Technical Fire Management, 18 units
College of the Canyons, General Education, 9 units
Glendale Community College, Aviation, 3 units
Pasadena City College, Forestry & Fire, 3 units
Other experience
Although no longer current, I was certified as a single-engine private pilot in a Cessna 152 and
172 aircraft.
JOHN JUSTICE
1111 Broadway Santa Cruz, Ca · 408.896.6878
jjustice95062@gmail.com
EXPERIENCE
AUGUST 2018 – TO DECEMBER 2019
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF, SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Duties included strategic oversight of the Fire Department, including the budget, and the
Operations, Planning and Administration, Prevention, Support Services, and Training divisions.
Also worked closely with the Business Services Division and the Personnel Services Division.
DECEMBER 2012 TO AUGUST 2018
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF/ PREVENTION SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Provide oversight of the division which, which included construction document reviews,
construction inspections, maintenance inspections, hazardous material inspections, urban runoff
inspections, community education, and investigations.
Provided oversight of contracts for services including the West Valley Clean Water (inspection)
Program, providing fire marshal services for all of the County of Santa Clara and Stanford
University.
Served in an advisory position to the Santa Clara County FireSafe Council. Secured a grant for the
Countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan, and oversaw the creation and adoption of the
CWPP. Served as the President of the Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs’ Fire Marshals’ Association
for 3 years.
DECEMBER 2011 TO DECEMBER 2012
DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF/ SUPPORT SERVICES SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPT
Plan, organize and budget for the ongoing and future needs of the Departments facilities, fleet,
and supplies. The facilities included 17 fire stations, headquarters, a training facility, a fleet
maintenance shop and a craftworkers shop. The fleet included approximately 50 fire apparatus
and 50 sedans, pickup trucks and vans.
FEBRUARY 2009 TO DECEMBER 2012
BATTALION CHIEF SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
Assigned to the Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) management team, serving as
program manager for the CBRNE (chemical, biological, radioactive, nuclear, explosive) and
Training and Exercise projects. Duties included managing numerous antiterrorism grants
throughout the bay area’s law enforcement, fire, emergency medical and emergency
management communities. Major exercises included Golden Guardian 2010, and multiple Urban
Shield events.
DEBEMBER 2000 TO FEBRUARY 2009
SENIOR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPECIALIST SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPT
2
Provided oversight of the Department’s hazardous materials regulatory section, which included
hazardous material business plans, underground storage tanks, plan reviews, construction and
maintenance inspections, urban runoff inspections, and investigations. Duties included writing
quarterly and annual reports on various programs to local and state agencies and supervising
staff.
EDUCATION
DECEMBER 1980
B.S. BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO
MAY 1993
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATE, UNIVERSITY OF
CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ