• Project management
• Biological assessment
• Biological evaluation
• Wetlands delineation and analysis
• Public/Interagency Meetings and Coordination
• Environmental Studies
• Hazardous Waste Initial Site Assessment (ISA) Investigations
• Visual Impact Analysis/Noise
• Erosion, Flood plains/Hydraulics Impacts/Construction Impacts
• Cultural Resources
• Land Use, Recreation, and Forest Resources
• Socioeconomic Impacts
• Air Quality
• Secondary and Cumulative Impacts
• Permits

As prime consultant, Dean Ryan was tasked to prepare a biological assessment/biological evaluation and a delineation and analysis of wetlands in the project area. The existing roadway width varies from 5.5 to 7.5 m, but is typically 6.7 meters. It is proposed to reconstruct this road for a 40 to 55km/h (25 to 35 mph) design speed.

Biological Assessment (BA)/Biological Evaluation (BE): Dean Ryan staff performed a plant survey for species within the designated survey corridor. Recorded all plants to species level. Recorded the locations of sensitive species (and elderberry bushes) using a global positioning system (GPS). Measurements will be accurate t within 1 meter (3 ft). Wildlife surveys will be conducted by Plumas National Forest personnel (including surveys for the California red-legged frog and California spotted owl), and they will provide information for inclusion in the BA/BE. Five categories of wildlife species are considered in an evaluation of project impacts on Plumas National Forests lands: Threatened, Endangered, Proposed, Species of Concern, and Sensitive Species (TEPS). Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species are those listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). Endangered species are species, which are in danger or extinction throughout all, or a significant portion of their range (16U.S.C. 1532).

The BA portion of the report was prepared in accordance with the Endangered Species Act Section 7 coordination with the Fish and Wildlife Service. The BA report addressed each of the plants in the "Plumas National Forest R5 Sensitive Plant Species"/ Species not found during the survey were included in a table without a separate section in the BE. The BA/BE Report included the following information: Names of field investigators; Background information on the species, including views of recognized experts; Dates of survey; Description of biological setting; Description of survey methodology.

Waters of the United States. Wetlands: In accordance with the Corps of Engineersº 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual, delineate the boundaries of wetlands that may be affected by the proposed project. The entire boundary of very large wetlands did not require determination, however, enough was shown so that any areas of potential effect were included. Performed an assessment of the functions of wetlands in the defined survey corridor. Wetland Evaluation Technique or other corps of Engineersº approved method was used. Functions were determined for each unique wetland type but not exceeding four. Other Waters of the U. S. Provided a list showing the locations of "other waters of the U. S." Most of these were minor channels crossing the road.

Riparian Areas. Delineated the boundaries of riparian areas that were affected by the proposed project. Riparian areas were defined to be non-wetland areas that were adjacent to water bodies and have a prevalence of hydrophytic vegetation. The survey corridor is the same as for wetlands. AS with wetlands, the entire boundary of very large riparian areas need not be determined, but enough will be show so that any areas of potential effect are included. Riparian areas will be mapped in the same a manner as wetlands.

Environmental Studies: Dean Ryan staff conducted an ISA (also known as Phase I Environmental Site Assessment) in accordance with the current ASTM Standard E1527-97, Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Process. The ISA involves identifying areas of hazardous and potentially hazardous waste related problems within the study corridor.