Biological Resources Services

Sage has expertise in biological surveys, technical reporting, permit compliance and consultation. Our work has a focus on habitat restoration and open space conservation.
Sage has a strong background and excellent reputation among resource agencies for providing thorough study documentation and hands-on project management that includes a strong and constant communication with each client.
Sage coordinates upfront with agency staff to develop reasonable mitigation requirements and presents scientific findings before agency boards, governing bodies and at public hearings. We assist with Biological Assessments, Mitigation Monitoring, and Habitat Restoration, and additional biological resources services, as needed.

Biological Assessments

Pursuant to Section 7 of the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), federal projects or projects federal funding with the potential to adversely affect plant or wildlife species listed or proposed for listing under the FESA must be evaluated. Sage can support the project by preparing all necessary biological assessments (BA).
Sage’s biologists will review, evaluate, and provide assistance in compliance with existing Biological Opinions and ongoing Section 7 consultations, and prepare new BAs required by future projects. The BA is prepared as a component of formal Section 7 consultation, but may also be valuable as an element of informal consultation.
The BA analyzes the potential impacts due to the proposed project and the alternatives on listed or proposed species, including an analysis of the impacts on designated and proposed essential and/or critical habitat, within the project’s area of effect. Sage’s team can review, evaluate, and provide assistance to the client in support of Section 7 consultations, and prepare new BAs required by future projects.

Biological Monitoring

Sage can support the project by conducting any necessary biological monitoring. Biological monitoring provides a field presence to record and document project effects to biological resources. Monitoring can also provide valuable assistance in the avoidance of sensitive resources, while allowing the project to proceed without delay.
Sage understands the delicate mix of scientific knowledge, sensitivity to project schedules, and expertise with local, state and federal regulations that projects require. Sage can provide clearance surveys for construction right of way and extra work areas (i.e. pipe storage yards, contractor work yards, temporary work spaces, access roads, borrow and fill areas).
Construction monitoring will also assist with site selection of spoil pile placement and control, topsoil segregation and topsoil stripping methods. Large public works projects are often located in areas that host threatened or endangered species, or contain habitat designated as ‘critical habitat’ for these species. Frequently there is a need for authorized biologists with specific permits to handle these situations.
Sage biologists have comprehensive working knowledge of environmental resources, erosion control measures, restoration requirements, air quality, water quality and sensitive species/habitats. Our experience with both large-scale and small-scale projects throughout the Southern California has given the firm an unmatched ability to coordinate and communicate clearly and diplomatically with construction personnel.

Environmental Awareness Training

Sage conducts Personnel Environmental Awareness Training (PEAT) that trains all onsite construction-contractor personnel in, and assures adherence to, standard biological resource avoidance and impact-minimization measures during construction activities in areas supporting habitat suitable for the threatened and endangered species in the area.
The firm uses a team approach, and stress to the workers that the firm’s goal is to keep the crew working while remaining in compliance with permit requirements. Sage can prepare PowerPoint programs for large groups or tailgate training for small groups, or as new staff begin work on a project. The training can also include project-specific features designed to reduce impacts on sensitive species and biological resources.