he Natural Resources Team at JDW provides environmental services throughout the Pacific Northwest. Team members have broad-ranging experience in compliance with NEPA, SEPA, and the ESA as well as environmental regulations and permitting; wetland delineation, assessment, and mitigation design; wildlife inventory and analysis; and fisheries. The staff at JDW includes scientists with specialties in aquatic, terrestrial, and wetland ecology; fisheries and wildlife management; forestry; geographic information systems; geomorphology; and soil science. Our Natural Resources Team uses its substantial professional knowledge, technical expertise, and experience to develop comprehensive, interdisciplinary solutions for natural resources challenges.

Regulatory Compliance

JDW is well versed in preparing the diverse environmental technical documents and application forms necessary for project approval for public and private clients. Documents include those needed for projects reviewed under Washington's State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). JDW is particularly skilled at understanding the balance between environmental constraints and the demands of providing infrastructure for growth and development. (...read more)

Wetlands

JDW's wetland-related experience numbers several hundred projects throughout Washington and Oregon. Typical wetland projects include delineations, mitigation plans, planting plans and specifications, permitting, and function assessments. JDW monitors project construction to ensure that the effects on wetlands are minimized. JDW collects baseline, as-built, and annual monitoring data on natural and created wetlands. Our staff includes qualified wetland ecologists, botanists, and landscape designers. (...read more)

Habitat

JDW has completed wildlife-related studies associated with natural resource assessments, SEPA/NEPA documents, and resource management activity. Studies have involved establishing protocols, conducting field surveys, searching databases, coordinating with agency staff and experts, and preparing technical documentation. JDW staff members have wide-ranging Pacific Northwest experience and a strong understanding of the life history, habitat, and regulatory requirements of wildlife species. Particular areas of expertise include avian fauna, terrestrial mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. (...read more)

Endangered Species Act

JDW staff members have conducted threatened, endangered, and sensitive (TES) surveys on a large variety of federally and state listed species. These have included peregrine falcon, salmonid species, Larch Mountain salamander, bald eagle, several species of bats, Bradshaw's lomatium, howellia, and tall bugbane. JDW ecologists work closely with agency staff on sensitive species issues, and are adept at completing project-specific studies. (...read more)

Fisheries

The issue of fish, in particular salmon and trout and their critical habitat, continues to take an increasingly crucial role in projects such as land development, road improvements, and habitat restoration. A number of salmon and trout species are now federally listed as endangered or threatened. With the listings will come regulations and rules from federal and local governments to deal with the listed fish and their habitat. JDW ecologists have expertise and experience in assessing project-related fish issues, conducting stream surveys and habitat evaluations, and completing project Biological Assessments as part of the Section 7 consultation project review under ESA. (...read more)