PROJECT EXPERIENCE

Aquatic Weed & Waterfowl Monitoring for Ocean Shores, Washington
As part of a long-term monitoring effort to study the effect of introduced grass carp on Brazilian Elodea populations in the Duck Lake waterway, Turnstone biologists and botanists conduct aquatic vegetation and waterfowl surveys utilizing vegetative sampling equipment and performing scuba sampling surveys. Findings are presented in a bi-annual report and include survey results and detailed assessments of changes to the plant and waterfowl communities in order to satisfy grass carp restocking permits, in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Biological Assessment & Evaluation at a private camp in Mt. Hood and Willamette National Forests
Designed and implemented a survey prescription for federally-listed species of concern likely to be present at sites that were being developed on National Forest land. In conjunction with the USFS, Turnstone biologists and botanists assessed project areas to determine the types of surveys that were required and conducted survey and habitat assessments for fish, wildlife and botanical species, including a stream survey for listed salmon species. Findings were presented in a Biological Evaluation and Biological Assessment and results were incorporated into NEPA documents.

Bridge Replacement Project for Oregon Department of Transportation
Coordinated survey and manage surveys on federal lands that would be impacted during bridge repairs throughout the western half of Oregon. Our staff conducted surveys of vascular plants, fungi, lichens, bryophytes, mollusks, amphibians, bats, mammals and birds at potentially impacted locations. This project involved extensive consultation, coordination and contact with federal agency staff (USFS, BLM) as well as with the Project Management staff to coordinate survey activities. Findings and recommendations were presented in a detailed final report.

Comprehensive Avian & Bat Use Study for a wind power developer in southern Oregon
Conducted an extensive avian use study for a site being considered for a wind power development project. Conducted breeding bird surveys, point count surveys and bat surveys using anabat bat detectors. Project area was extremely wildlife-rich with as many as six threatened or endangered avian species likely to be present.

Habitat Assessment & Section 7 Documentation for Bonneville Power Administration
Conducted habitat analysis for northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets on lands that may be impacted during transmission line rebuilds. Recommendations and findings were presented in a detailed report and were used to prepare a Biological Assessment. Assisted with Section 7 consultation with USFWS and client.

Long-Term Soil Productivity Monitoring for US Forest Service
Provided technical services for the Long-Term Soil Productivity (LTSP) program, which is a national framework of permanent and large-scale experiments intended to evaluate the effects of soil porosity and organic matter on plant production. Data collected was used to evaluate timber management programs on LTSP, the sustainability of managed stands, set calibration and soil monitoring standards and to evaluate forest practices to enhance productivity. Collected tenth-year measurements including aboveground plant biomass (trees, shrubs, herbs), soil bulk density in 10 cm profiles and physical tree measurements (diameter, height, crown base height and crown width) on 42, one-half acre plots in the El Dorado National Forest and on participating private lands. Weekly reports and field samples were delivered to the client and details of findings were entered into the USFS database.

Marbled Murrelet Surveys & Habitat Assessment for Oregon Department of Forestry
Conducted comprehensive surveys on more than 32,000 acres of lands managed by Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF). Assisted ODF in assessing suitable habitat, delineating survey boundaries and establishing thousands of survey stations. Administered the successful completion of over 11,000 protocol surveys. Findings have been presented annually in a final report with GIS layers and detailed graphics.

Natural Resources & Stream Ecology Inventory for Washington Army National Guard
To assist in analysis of potential impacts from planned activities and to monitor current mitigation efforts, Turnstone prepared a natural resources inventory on two military installations in Washington State. Conducted macroinvertebrate surveys to assess stream ecology and landscape-level flora and fauna surveys that included rare and sensitive species. Findings were presented in a final report that included voucher specimens, comprehensive vegetation maps, GIS layers and detailed graphics.

Non-Native & Invasive Plant Inventory on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
Conducted an inventory of the non-native plant species on USFS-administered lands, totaling over 584 miles of public-access roadways and 3,000 survey points.. Implemented a survey prescription for comprehensive species identification including special status species and noxious weeds. Coordinated with a wide variety of USFS staff to ensure successful completion of project objectives. Findings were presented in a final report that included voucher specimens, detailed survey results, comprehensive vegetation maps and photographic logs.

Northeast Lands Data Project for Bureau of Land Management
The purpose of the project was to conduct an inventory of the biological resources on BLM-administered lands, providing baseline information to facilitate future land use planning efforts. Conducted an extensive botanical, fish, wildlife and mine feature inventory on over 200 federally-owned land parcels in Northeast Washington State totaling over 23,000 acres. Findings were presented in a detailed final report with vegetation maps and comprehensive photographic catalog.

Ozone Bio-Monitoring Project for US Forest Service in western states
As part of a long-term monitoring project to identify foliar distress related to ozone-caused damage in forested environments, Turnstone identified and surveyed bio-sites in AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV and UT. Specific plant species, identified as bio-indicators, were used to monitor changes in air quality across a region. Findings were entered into personal data recorders and uploaded into a spatially - related database.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment in Roseburg, Oregon
Conducted a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the lender whose client (a national retail chain) owns property that was being developed for additional small retailers Findings were presented in a detailed report and included historical review, photos, maps and detailed graphics.

Significant Natural Resource Assessment in Washington County, Oregon
Conducted a Significant Natural Resource Assessment for client to aid in permitting process requiring the identification and protection of resources including riparian corridors, wetlands and fish/wildlife habitat. A site visit was conducted and a detailed report was created to satisfy the client’s development permit requirements.

Threatened & Listed Avian Species Survey Management Plan on private timberlands throughout Western Oregon.
Designed and implemented a northern spotted owl survey management plan and now includes several additional avian species of interest. Habitat was delineated to improve locations of calling routes  and ensure that surveys would effectively call suitable habitat adjacent to potential harvest units. Activity centers are monitored yearly, recording spotted owl status. Findings are annually summarized into a final report, detailing sites surveyed and responses recorded. All information collected is integrated into an annually updated GIS layer.

Transaction Screen Process in Lane County, Oregon
Conducted a Transaction Screen Process in Lane County for the lender whose client (a local developer) was purchasing a large tract of farmland for commercial development. Findings were presented in a detailed report and included historical review, photos, maps and detailed graphics.

Wetland Delineation & Mitigation Project in Benton County, Oregon
Property historically used for farmland was purchased for future development purposes. As part of the development process, conducted a wetland determination which expanded into a wetland delineation. Assisted the developer in developing and analyzing wetland mitigation plans and acted as liaison with the government agencies during the permit process.

Wetland Habitat Restoration for NW Natural Gas
Restored 12 unique sites with native vegetation in wetland habitat for a NW Natural gas pipeline replacement project in the Coast Range of Oregon.

Wetland Restoration & Mitigation Bank Project in Corvallis, Oregon
Converting and restoring 115 acres of farmland property to historical wetland status for use as a wetland mitigation bank. Includes site assessment, wetland delineation, guidance and assistance through permitting process, site preparation, restoration of site hydrology, re-grading, planting plan, re-vegetation and long-term monitoring.