Caltrans Willits Bypass Mitigation Monitoring

Industry: Public, Transportation

Services: BIOLOGIST AND BOTANIST SERVICES, MITIGATION MONITORING, VEGETATION MAPPING, CRAM WETLAND ASSESSMENTS

S2S serves as lead consultant for the ICF to provide mitigation monitoring for the Willits Bypass Mitigation Project in Mendocino County, California. The project includes over 2000 acres of mitigation for wetland, riparian, and oak woodland habitats, as well as mitigation for two rare plants, and is managed by Caltrans in coordination with the Mendocino County Resource Conservation District (MCRCD).

S2S’s field work focused on qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the site. S2S developed standard data entry forms, a survey transect map and sampling protocol for approval prior to initiation of field activities. Quantitative monitoring included collection of data for both established wetlands and rehabilitated wetlands. Data collection and analysis included wetland cover and plant survival documentation. Species richness surveys and data analysis were also conducted for all wetlands areas.  S2S biologists performed vegetation monitoring using California Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands, and also conducted invasive plant species surveys. Surveys were conducted in a variety of areas including wet meadows, forested wetlands, and riverine wetlands.