What are biological assessments?
How can we measure the health of a wetland and be sure that it really is healthy? To evaluate the biological integrity or “health” of wetlands, scientists utilize biological assessment (bio assessment) methods. A bio assessment consists of a scientist visiting a wetland, collecting information about the types and numbers of different organisms living there; collecting information about the habitat quality, water level, and chemistry to support the biological information; then analyzes the information and compares the wetland’s biological information to reference conditions. Then the wetland scientist can compare the biological information to a known range of conditions and determine the health of the wetland.
7Q10 is highly experienced in Biological Assessments as well as Environmental Services and Impact Analysis. This expertise covers areas such as:
- Advance ID of sensitive habitats for project site selection and long-range planning
- Impact avoidance, minimization and mitigation strategies
- Habitat value and impact assessment using HEP (Habitat Evaluation Procedures) and wetland functional assessment methods, HGM, PFC, or landform process geomorphology to assess habitat evolution, thresholds and restoration potential
- Development of ecologically based management/preservation plans for wildlife utilizing natural history data to construct models detailing habitat requirements
- Cultural resource evaluations
- Assessments pursuant to local coastal planning requirements
- Ecological inventory and impact assessment in a variety of terrestrial, freshwater, estuarine and marine environments
- Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on projects subject to the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act; Section 7 consultation
- Consultation with state agencies on projects subject to state environmental laws and regulations
- Database interpretation for siting evaluation
- Assistance with preparation of Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements
- Coordination of EIS and multiple permit requirements
- Public participation programs and public hearings
- Evaluation of land use and natural resource issues
