• Reconnaissance-level Assessments
• Protocol Surveys
• California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM)
• Vegetation Community and Habitat Mapping

Habitat assessments are the first step in understanding a project’s potential to affect biological resources. Horizon performs habitat assessments for a broad array of ecosystems, ranging from coastal salt marshes to montane meadows. We regularly perform reconnaissance-level habitat assessments for CEQA/NEPA compliance as well as focused studies and protocol surveys to support Endangered Species Act (ESA)/California ESA compliance. Our team of biologists and ecologists are skilled in identifying the diverse flora and fauna of California and the broader western U.S., and also experienced in using standardized assessment methods such as the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM) to evaluate baseline conditions of streams and wetlands. This experience allows us to quickly understand and describe habitat functions and values at a site and develop site-specific avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures. Our biologists and GIS specialists develop vegetation community and habitat maps based on habitat assessments and other readily available data.

• Site Selection and Evaluation
• Conceptual Planning and Design

Horizon takes a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to successfully planning and designing habitat restoration and mitigation projects. We begin with historical resources (maps, photos, surveys, etc.) and reference sites to understand the site context and historic function. We then evaluate and describe the current geomorphic and hydrologic processes at work that shape the site today and maintain habitat functions. This includes developing an understanding of the factors influencing site conditions at multiple spatial scales. Our existing conditions assessment may include detailed surveys (e.g., subsurface investigations or groundwater monitoring) or a more general characterization of the site.

Using this framework, we identify the constraining or limiting factors at the site (or system) and develop a method and approach to improve, enhance, or restore the system. Our design process incorporates techniques to enhance the site-specific biotic and abiotic conditions. We consider a myriad of site-specific factors, including soils, aspect, micro-topography, drainage, seed bank, substrate and propagule sources, construction access, and maintenance considerations, among others.

Throughout the design process, we integrate the expertise of biologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, landscape architects, civil and geotechnical engineers, and construction contractors. This multidisciplinary approach to habitat restoration and mitigation results in highly functioning and sustainable ecologic projects.

• ESA section 7 Compliance
• CESA Incidental Take Permitting

Horizon’s biologists are experts in preparing Biological Assessments (BAs) for Endangered Species Act (ESA) compliance and Incidental Take Permit (ITP) applications for California ESA (CESA) compliance. We have prepared numerous BAs, including many for California’s most imperiled species such as delta smelt, Coho salmon, and mountain yellow-legged frog. We have helped our clients obtain ITPs for longfin smelt, California freshwater shrimp, and Swainson’s hawk. Our in-depth understanding of the ESA and CESA allows us to prepare BAs and ITP applications that are frequently deemed complete by resources agencies on the first submittal. We then work collaboratively with our clients and resource agencies to refine conservation strategies so that they are effective in minimizing impacts and protective of rare and endangered plants, fish, and wildlife.

• Pre-construction Surveys
• Environmental Training
• Construction Monitoring

Horizon is skilled at managing all aspects of environmental compliance for land- and water-based construction projects. Our construction management and monitoring experience includes pre-construction plant and wildlife surveys, environmental awareness trainings, water quality testing, and construction oversight/inspections. Our staff has been approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to serve as Qualified Biologists and Biological Monitors for projects throughout California. When issues arise during construction, our staff is adept at communicating with regulatory agencies to develop impact minimization strategies that protect sensitive resources while minimizing schedule delays and cost overruns. While on the job site, we take pride in being part of the construction team while communicating our responsibility for environmental stewardship.

• Surface and Groundwater Quantity and Quality
• Geomorphology
• Vegetation, Fish, and Wildlife
• Post-project Reporting

Horizon provides a wide-range of services for monitoring environmental conditions. Our core service areas include water quantity and quality monitoring, geomorphic surveys, and vegetation studies. We design and implement site-specific monitoring programs that range from baseline studies to post-project evaluations. We employ state-of-the-art technology including ArcGIS field applications and UAVs (drones) to maximize the efficiency and quality of data collection. We analyze and communicate data in a manner that allows for unbiased, informed decision-making and adaptive management.