USFS Tasks GeomorphIS to Conduct Botany/CSE Surveys on Los Padres National Forest

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) has issued an LMIR BPA task order to GeomorphIS to conduct botany surveys and Common Stand Exams (CSE) on the Los Padres National Forest, as part of the Forest’s Ecological Restoration Project (ERP). A GeomorphIS-Mason, Bruce & Girard team will conduct CSE Plot surveys within several project areas on the Forest. The team will review the existing CSE data to determine which forest successional stages are lacking. The team will use the RAVG GIS data layers to determine which forested areas need surveying to achieve adequate representation of existing condition of the forest CWHR-types and their successional stages in the project area. As part of the CSE Quick Plot Exam protocol, a fuel photo series code, or Residual Descriptive Code, will be used to determine fuel loadings for each plot. Data for each photo will include size, weight, volumes, residue depths, and percent of ground coverage. A GeomorphIS-SummitWest team will conduct botanical surveys for federally listed threatened and endangered species (TES), Regional Forester Sensitive Species (RFSS), and invasive/noxious weeds that occur on LPNF within the ERP. The survey observations will be recorded and mapped, and all geo-referenced digital and paper records will be submitted. The team will provide photos and GIS data of target species; provide treatment recommendations for invasive/noxious weed species; and summarize survey results in a final report.

GeomorphIS Team Awarded USFS OWNF Bighorn Sheep EIS Support Project

The USDA Forest Service (USFS) awarded the GeomorphIS team (includes Harris Environmental, Confluence, and Hamer Environmental) a Land Managment Integrated Resources (LMIR) BPA task order to provide NEPA support to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (OWNF). The OWNF is proposing forest plan amendments and allotment-specific analysis to reduce the risk of disease transmission from domestic sheep and goats grazing on National Forest System lands to bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis). The proposed forest plan amendments will make suitability determinations for domestic livestock grazing on allotments on lands covered by the Okanogan Forest Plan and the Wenatchee Forest Plan and add guidelines to both forest plans regarding the management of domestic sheep and goats. Both the forest plan suitability determinations and the guidelines are intended to reduce the risk of disease transmission from domestic sheep and goats to bighorn sheep on or near National Forest System lands managed by the OWNF. The GeomorphIS team will provide specialized input regarding wildlife, fisheries, and heritage as part of the OWNF project Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).