Terrestrial and Wetland Resources

Terrestrial Resources

Wildlife Habitat Management Plan

Cowlitz PUD
Meridian developed a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for the Swift No. 2 Wildlife Management Area, to be operated and maintained as a condition of a new FERC license. The plan specifies measures to accelerate the development of old-growth characteristics in young, dense forest stands, improve elk forage, control noxious weeds, minimize disturbance to wildlife, and protect wetlands and riparian habitat. These measures benefit species such as pileated woodpeckers, northern spotted owl, black-capped chickadee, yellow warbler, Roosevelt elk, dabbling ducks, and pond-breeding amphibians.

South Fork Siletz River Watershed Analysis

Boise Cascade
Meridian's forest ecologist assisted a team of scientists evaluating watershed conditions in the Oregon Coast range for proposed timber harvesting and road construction prior to submitting forest practices applications. Meridian assessed the condition of the riparian vegetation and proposed treatment plans that would lead to long-term improvement of riparian habitat.

Transmission Line Rare Plant Survey

Alaska Energy Authority
In order to upgrade the Tyee Hydroelectric Project transmission line, Meridian biologists surveyed sensitive and rare plants along the 84-mile transmission line corridor. We reviewed soils, plant association, and wetland maps and aerial photographs to identify the probability of occurrence for sensitive and rare plant species. Then a hierarchical sampling design was employed using the Forest Service Region 10 protocols. Meridian prepared a Biological Evaluation and assisted the client in completing a Forest Service Special Use Permit application.

Wetland Resources

Watershed Management Plan

Unified Sewerage Agency
Developing the Beaverton Creek Watershed Management Plan involved addressing wetlands, riparian and wildlife habitat, and integrating findings with an evaluation of channel condition, fish habitat quality, soils mapping, water quality and the results of hydrology/hydraulics and pollutant loading models along 45 miles of urban stream. Meridian compiled a menu of treatments to minimize erosion, stabilize streambanks, address overbank flood storage and enhance off-channel wetlands which involved re-contouring and re-planting wetlands to improve their benefits for fish, waterfowl and wading birds, and native plant communities. Throughout the process, we participated in workshops, public meetings and site visits, and prepared technical materials for presentation and publication.

Wetland Evaluation of Proposed Lower Elwha Valley Road

Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
Meridian delineated all wetlands and streams along a road proposed by the Elwha Tribe, drafted a wetland delineation report, and developed conceptual strategies to mitigate unavoidable wetland impacts. These were favorably received by the Department of Ecology, Corps of Engineers, WDFW, and the Tribe. As a follow-up assignment, we are obtaining environmental permits for road construction.

Ash Way Stream and Wetland Delineation

Homewood Development, LLC
Meridian biologists determined the presence, extent, and classification of wetlands, streams, and critical habitat of an approximately two-acre site. We determined stream and wetland types, buffer requirements and fish use of two stream systems, all of which were approved by Snohomish County. Meridian also assessed the wetlands along one mile of road right-of-way.