Natural Environment Study (NES. Xxxxxxxx will prepare a draft NES following field surveys of the Biological Study Areas (BSA). The NES documents will be prepared taking into consideration the information obtained from the respective wetland delineations, field surveys, project specific impacts, water quality assessment technical memorandum, stream realignment plans, and mitigation. Based on our recent site visit and preliminary review of the CNDDB, it appears that there suitable habitat for federal and state listed salmonids. Xxxxxxxx assumes that most work related to the bridge construction component of the project can be completed when the creek is dry or with minimal flows. We further assume that all stream channel realignment/restoration work will be completed when the creek is dry. There is also suitable habitat and documented occurrences of state species of special concern, including foothill yellow-legged frogs, migratory birds, and raptors at the project site. Therefore, mitigation that would require avoidance and minimization measures can be expected. The project description and stream restoration plan will be crafted to establish on-site mitigation to compensate for all impacts to Waters of the United States. Xxxxxxxx Enterprises will conduct botanical and biological surveys, including migratory bird surveys, per CDFW, California Natural Plant Society (CNPS), and all other appropriate protocols. Xxxxxxxx Enterprises will document all vegetation communities, plant species observed on-site and will report any sensitive species per CNPS and CDFW guidelines to the California Natural Diversity Database. The NES reports will follow Caltrans’ most recent guidance and document formats. Deliverables:
Natural Environment Study (NES. This task assumes that baseline existing conditions data for the project site will be provided by GPA Consulting to facilitate preparation of a Natural Environment Study (NES). The biological resources studies for the proposed project will be conducted in accordance with Caltrans guidance to satisfy the requirements of CEQA. Primary components of the NES are as follows.
