 From public domain to private developments, our projects have been diverse in both size and nature. They include managing, analyzing, and interpreting land use data; surveying and measuring vegetation and assessing its response to various disturbances (livestock grazing, wildfire, recreation, etc.), wetland delineation, cultural surveys, and habitat mitigation/monitoring. ECS Staff Experience Special Status Species ProjectsSpecial Status Species Projects: Slickspot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) scientific committee for the state of Idaho Mr. Baun is currently the only private contractor on the Lepidium papilliferum scientific committee. This committee is made up of representatives from state and federal agencies, academic institutes, and one private contractor. It is this committee's responsibility to make recommendations to the State Steering Committee on monitoring, protections and other aspects. Mr. Baun was asked to be a member based on his experience with the species, issues, regulations, and conservation agreement associated with this species. He is considered an expert on the species. Slick-Spot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) Inventory, Idaho National Guards Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager in charge of conducting a field inventory for slick-spot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) found within shrub habitat in the Orchard Training Area, for the Idaho Army National Guard Office of Environmental Management (IDARNG-EMO). Mr. Hardin was one of the biologists involved in the field inventory. The primary focus of this study is to locate and delineate the distribution of slick-spots currently or historically containing Lepidium papilliferum populations. Mr. Baun is the lead biologist and is responsible for project related budgeting and logistics, as well as coordination of the project team. Environmental Assessment of slick-spot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) for the Lower Snake River District Four Rivers Field Office of the BLM, Idaho Mr. Baun was the PM responsible for preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Bureau of Land Management's Lower Snake River District (LSRD). The EA was for issuance of 34 grazing permits within the Lower Snake River District that are within potential slick-spot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) habitat. A Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) has been issued for this species involving the BLM, State of Idaho-Office of Species Conservation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho National Guard and nongovernmental cooperators. In order to comply with the CCA and NEPA, an EA was completed previous to grazing permit renewals and associated decisions for those permits. Slick-Spot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) & Predatory Spider Study with Boise State University in cooperation with Idaho Army National Guard (IANG), Idaho National Guard's Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise, Idaho Mrs. Maguire conducted multiple experiments to help clarify the life cycle of Lepidium papilliferum (LEPA), a rare plant endemic to SW Idaho. Potential threats to this species include habitat fragmentation resulting from land use patterns such as grazing and agriculture. Research included insect exclusion experiments, cross-pollination experiments, a variety of studies to determine the predation rate of an ambush spider on insects foraging on LEPA, and population assessments. All aspects of this research focused on the viability of LEPA. Insect-Mediated Pollination Study for a Rare Plant for Boise State University in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Southwest Idaho Mrs. Maquire conducted various research projects which provided important information for understanding the life cycle Lepidium papilliferum (LEPA). Research led to the development of a pollen slide collection of the flowers that co-exist with LEPA, a collection of the insects that forage on LEPA flowers, and evidence that insect mediated pollination serves as the primary means of reproduction. A complete species list of the surrounding sagebrush steppe habitat was developed which included plant, mammal, avian and invertebrate surveys. The viability of LEPA is important as the plant serves as an indicator species for the overall heath of sagebrush habitat within SW Idaho. Pygmy Rabbit and Special Status Species Mammal Survey, Idaho National Guards Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager in charge of conducting a directed wildlife biological survey of shrub habitat in the Orchard Training Area, for the Idaho Army National Guard Office of Environmental Management Office (IDARNG-EMO). Mr. Baun was the lead biologist and is responsible for project related budgeting and logistics, as well as coordination of the project team. Mr. Hardin was the lead technician for the survey The primary focus of this study is to determine the presence and population dynamics of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), Chisel-Tooth Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys microps), Townsend Pocket Gopher (Thomomys townsendi), Canyon Mouse (Peromyscus crinitus), and Desert Wood Rat (Neotoma lepida). Mr. Hardin was responsible for research, field inventories, data analysis, and report preparation. Pygmy Rabbit and Special Status Species Mammal Survey, Idaho National Guards Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager in charge conducting a directed wildlife biological survey of shrub habitat in the Orchard Training Area, for the Idaho Army National Guard Office of Environmental Management Office (IDARNG-EMO). The primary focus of this study is to determine the presence and population dynamics associated with potential pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) habitat in the area. Wintering Bald Eagle Biological Assessment for Six Mile Engineering and the Idaho Department of Transportation in Payette County, ID Mrs. Maguire conducted Biological Assessment to identify and analyze the potential effects of reconstruction of the Payette River Bridge on listed and proposed Threatened and Endangered species and their critical habitat. Analyzed possible effects of proposed action and developed mitigation measures to avoid or reduce adverse impacts where appropriate. Documented population status and delineated critical habitat for wintering bald eagles, southern Idaho ground squirrels, grey wolves, bull trout, slickspot peppergrass, Idaho springsnails, and yellow-billed cuckoos. Sensitive Snail Survey – Utah valvata snail (Valvata utahensis: Valvatidae) for GeoSense on the Little Wood River near Gooding, ID Mrs. Maquire performed this study that identified Utah valvata snail habitat and sampled those areas for possible Utah valvata occurrences within the proposed Little Wood River Ranch II Hydroelectric Project (FERC #P-12063). The Utah valvata snail is one of five federally listed snail species that occur in the Snake River watershed. Transportation Projects: S95 Smokey Boulder to Hazard Creek Project-Idaho Mr. Baun prepared a Biological Assessment (BA) for the proposed expansion, and safety-up grade, of a four-mile section of State Highway 95 north of New Meadows in Adams and Idaho Counties, Idaho. He evaluated threatened and endangered species of concern including: bald eagle, Canada Lynx, North Idaho Ground Squirrel, Ute ladies'-tresses, Water howellia, MacFarlane's four-o'clock, and Spalding's catchfly. Mr. Baun's responsibilities also included wetland delineation within the project area and preparation of a wetland delineation report. Development Projects: Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological Reports for Proposed Southern Crossroads Planned Community, Idaho ECS is the acting lead ecologist for a proposed 657-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and conducting the background research and site surveys associated with biological surveys and the final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological Reports for Proposed Dry Creek Ranch Planned Community, Idaho ECS is assisting with the development of a final wildlife mitigation plan for the proposed 1,400-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and assisting with the final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological Reports for Proposed Vista Planned Community, Idaho ECS is the acting lead ecologist for a proposed 1,100-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and conducting the background research and site surveys associated with biological surveys and the final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological Reports for Proposed Bryan's Run Planned Community, Idaho ECS is the acting lead ecologist for a proposed 2,000-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and conducting the background research and site surveys associated with biological surveys and the final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological Reports for Proposed Orchard Ranch Planned Community, Idaho ECS is the acting lead ecologist for a proposed 3,000-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and conducting the background research and site surveys associated with biological surveys and the final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological Reports for Proposed Arbor Hills Planned Community, Idaho ECS is assisting with the development of a final wildlife mitigation plan for the proposed 2,200-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, conducting the background research and site surveys associated with biological surveys, and assisting with the final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Biological/Cultural Reports for Proposed Mayfield Springs Planned Community, Idaho ECS is the acting project manager and lead ecologist for a proposed 900-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and conducting the background research and site surveys associated with the final biological/ cultural reports and wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. Wildlife Mitigation Plan and Habitat Modeling for Proposed Avimor Planned Community, Idaho ECS is the acting project manager and lead ecologist for a proposed 840-acre planned community. Their responsibilities include budgeting, staffing, and conducting the background research and site surveys associated with habitat mapping on 138,000-acres and a final wildlife mitigation plan. These reports are required by the Ada County Commissioners for site approval and project permitting. SunCor Development in Spring Valley Ranch- Idaho Mr. Baun was responsible for an on-site survey associated with special status wildlife and threatened plant species, including Slickspot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum). In addition, he created a sensitive species map for the proposed project on Spring Valley Ranch, north of Boise, Idaho. He was responsible for obtaining background information from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game Conservation Data Center on possible sensitive species in the area. Mr. Hardin assisted in limited field work associated with this project. Bureau of Land Management Projects: Windland Energy Facility on Cottrell Mnt. – Idaho Windland Inc. is proposing a wind energy facility on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered lands with 15 a mile of turbine strings using 130 modern scale wind turbines with a total capacity of 200MW. Mr. Baun assisted in writing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and is responsible for the livestock grazing, vegetation, and special status plant species sections. He also reviews and edits other sections for technical accuracy and consistency as needed. Grazing permit renewals for Adams and Washington counties- Idaho Mr. Baun was responsible for collecting and assessing vegetative and soils data associated with plant physiology studies and range readiness evaluations, as well as allotment and site delineation with GPS and GIS. In addition, he assisted the staff ecologist in writing the environmental assessments for the BLM to reissue grazing permits on public lands within Adams and Washington Counties. Three Rivers Quarry Expansion EIS, Challis, Idaho Mr. Baun was the assistant project manager/ lead biologist for a proposed quarry expansion near Challis, Idaho on BLM lands. His responsibilities included client interaction, preparation and facilitation of public scoping meetings, assessing current conditions and potential affects to biological resources, and creating a final draft with incorporated public comments. Rangeland Health Assessments for Idaho Standard and Guides, BLM Boise District Office, Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager of a directed survey, which is responsible for assessing the rangeland health conditions of lands administered by the Bruneau Field Office of the Idaho BLM. He was responsible for managing a three-man field crew and assessing the ecological condition of rangelands according to Indicators of Rangeland Health associated with Standards and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing on Public Lands. Standards and Guides Assessments for Rangeland Health, BLM Boise District Office-Idaho Mr. Baun was responsible for written and oral reports to district specialists on the ecological condition of rangelands according to Indicators of Rangeland Health associated with Standards and Guidelines for Livestock Grazing on Public Lands. In addition, he assisted in creating ecological site reference documents for use in the field. Mr. Baun also participated in interdisciplinary team meetings and assisted in preparing and authoring environmental reports for NEPA documentation. Third Party EA for Anemometer Station on BLM Lands near King Hill–Idaho Mr. Baun assisted in writing the Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed anemometer station on BLM lands administered by the Four Rivers Field Office of the Boise District. He is responsible for the livestock grazing, vegetation, and special status plant species sections. He also reviews and edits other sections for technical accuracy and consistency as needed. Environmental Assessment of slick-spot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) for the Lower Snake River District Four Rivers Field Office of the BLM, Idaho Mr. Baun was the PM responsible for preparing an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Bureau of Land Management's Lower Snake River District (LSRD). The EA was for issuance of 34 grazing permits within the Lower Snake River District that are within potential slick-spot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) habitat. A Candidate Conservation Agreement (CCA) has been issued for this species involving the BLM, State of Idaho-Office of Species Conservation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho National Guard and nongovernmental cooperators. In order to comply with the CCA and NEPA, an EA was completed previous to grazing permit renewals and associated decisions for those permits. Vegetation and Range Specialist Lead for the Tri-Counties EIS/RMP, Las Cruces Field Office, New Mexico Mr. Baun assisted in developing and preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the New Mexico Bureau of Land Management's Las Cruces Field Office. The EIS/RMP would replace the current White Sands RMP and amend the Mimbres area RMP in Sierra, Otero and Dona Ana Counties. Mr. Baun is the lead range and noxious weed specialist, and is assisting with the vegetation and special status plant species sections. Environmental Consequences Analysis for the Socorro EIS/RMP, Socorro Field Office, New Mexico Mr. Baun prepared a Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Sonoran Desert National Monument and a Resource Management Plan for the Phoenix South area along with an associated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS/RMP is for the Socorro and Catron Counties. Mr. Baun is the lead range specialist. He is primarily responsible for preparation of the resource impact analysis on grazing and rangeland resources impacted. Environmental Consequences Analysis for the Bruneau Planning Area / Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area Environmental Impact Statements Mr. Baun prepared two Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and Resource Management Plans (RMP) for the Bureau of Land Management's Lower Snake River District (LSRD). The EIS/RMP's are for the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) and the Bruneau Planning Area. The NCA includes 138,000 acres of public lands designated for military training purposes. The training area, called the Orchard Training Area (OTA), has been used by the Idaho Army National Guard (IDARNG) and other military units since the 1940's and consists of an 80,000-acre Maneuver Area used for practicing tank and vehicle maneuvers, and a 58,000 acre Impact Area into which live artillery is fired. Mr. Baun is primarily responsible for preparation of the resource impact analysis on grazing, upland vegetation, and military training. Natural Resource Specialist Consultant for Lower Snake River District Four Rivers Field Office of the BLM, Idaho Mrs Maquire consulted as a member of the BLM Four Rivers Field Office, Emergency Stabilization & Rehabilitation (ES & R) Plan Identification Team for wildfire rehabilitation. Wildfire burned areas were assessed within days of containment either by foot or aerially, depending on the number of acres burned. After the field assessment the team developed objectives for wildfire rehabilitation and identified treatment specifications and estimated cost. The objectives and treatments were developed to rehabilitate and/ or improve pre-fire conditions. For example, re-establishment of vegetation was often crucial to maintaining mule deer and elk wintering habitat. This information was then compiled in Emergency Stabilization and Burned Area Rehabilitation Plans. Military Related Projects: Pygmy Rabbit and Special Status Species Mammal Survey, Idaho National Guards Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager in charge conducting a directed wildlife biological survey of shrub habitat in the Orchard Training Area, for the Idaho Army National Guard Office of Environmental Management Office (IDARNG-EMO). The primary focus of this study is to determine the presence and population dynamics associated with potential pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) habitat in the area. Pygmy Rabbit and Special Status Species Mammal Survey, Idaho National Guards Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager in charge of conducting a directed wildlife biological survey of shrub habitat in the Orchard Training Area, for the Idaho Army National Guard Office of Environmental Management Office (IDARNG-EMO). Mr. Baun was the lead biologist and is responsible for project related budgeting and logistics, as well as coordination of the project team. Mr. Hardin was the lead technician for the survey The primary focus of this study is to determine the presence and population dynamics of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), Chisel-Tooth Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys microps), Townsend Pocket Gopher (Thomomys townsendi), Canyon Mouse (Peromyscus crinitus), and Desert Wood Rat (Neotoma lepida). Mr. Hardin was responsible for research, field inventories, data analysis, and report preparation. Slick-Spot Peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) Inventory, Idaho National Guards Orchard Training Area (OTA), Boise Idaho Mr. Baun was the project manager in charge of conducting a field inventory for slick-spot peppergrass (Lepidium papilliferum) found within shrub habitat in the Orchard Training Area, for the Idaho Army National Guard Office of Environmental Management (IDARNG-EMO). Mr. Hardin was one of the biologists involved in the field inventory. The primary focus of this study is to locate and delineate the distribution of slick-spots currently or historically containing Lepidium papilliferum populations. Mr. Baun is the lead biologist and is responsible for project related budgeting and logistics, as well as coordination of the project team. Orchard Training Area (OTA)-Idaho Mr. Baun headed a team responsible for Land Condition Trend Analysis (LCTA), NEPA, and ESA data collection and analysis for projects and environmental reports associated with the OTA, including long-term data associated with grazing and military impacts to sagebrush and salt desert shrub communities, including Lepidium papilliferum (slick spot peppergrass). Mr. Hardin was a team member responsible for Land Condition Trend Analysis (LCTA), NEPA, and ESA data collection and analysis for projects and environmental reports associated with the OTA, including long-term data associated with grazing and military impacts to sagebrush and salt desert shrub communities, including Lepidium papilliferum (slick spot peppergrass). Other Projects: Idaho Conservation League-Idaho Mr. Baun authored papers summarizing the ecology and socioeconomic aspects of Owyhee County, concerning the controversial Owyhee Initiative proposed by Senator Mike Crapo. He also, co-authored a report summarizing hardrock and phosphate mining in Idaho that included the associated regulations. Idaho Power Dam Relicense Project-Idaho and Oregon Mr. Baun was a sub-consultant to Idaho Power on their bid to relicense Brownlee, Oxbow, and Hells Canyon Dams with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). He was responsible for collected and analyzing data on noxious weed and rare plant populations to provide descriptive and predictive data that was used to characterize the distribution, habitat requirements, and phenotypic stages of the species within the project area. Middle Owens River Wildlife Habitat Monitoring Plan for Ecosystem Sciences, LLC and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on the Middle Owens River, CA Mrs. Maquire developed long-term monitoring plan for wildlife habitat conditions in the Middle Owens River and collected baseline data for comparison of current habitat conditions to future conditions based on changes in water management in the Owens Valley. Performed bird point counts, vegetation community composition surveys, GIS habitat suitability analyses, and qualitative habitat assessments. West Valley A & B Hydroelectric Project, FERC no. 12053 Vegetation Communities & Sensitive Species Survey for GeoSense, South Fork Pit River near Likely, CA The proposed West Valley A&B Hydroelectric Project potentially affected vegetation communities along the South Fork Pit River. Mrs. Maquire's study mapped vegetation communities of the project area, and sampled those communities for the presence or absence of Federal and State listed sensitive plant species. Talache Mine- Atlanta, Idaho Mr. Hardin assisted in quarterly mine tailing water sampling and measuring of ground water levels at sample sites throughout the mine tailings. He was also an advisor for the vegetation monitoring portion of the project. American Trailer Sales Natural Features Analysis - Boise, Idaho Mr. Hardin was the biologist assigned to the vegetation identification portion and collection of all field data for the expansion project for American Trailer Sales.  |
