Terrestrial Resources

Regional Rare Plant Survey

US Forest Service
Meridian conducted surveys of plant community types to identify the presence and abundance of rare plants across four project areas on the Thorne Bay, Ketchikan, and Wrangell Ranger Districts of the Tongass National Forest. Projects included all or portions of the following survey areas: North Prince of Wales Island, Kosciusko Island, Heceta Island, Tuxekan Island, Zarembo Island, and Neets Bay-Shrimp Bay Peninsula on Revillagigedo Island. The surveys were completed to provide land managers with an understanding of the potential to find undocumented rare species in similar habitats across the Forest. Our surveys included searches for 101 vascular species on unique geological features in remote sites during 2010, 2012, and 2013. Meridian staff managed all project logistics, coordination with Forest Service staff, electronic data management and mapping, and technical reporting.

Wildlife Habitat Management Plan

Cowlitz PUD
Meridian developed a Wildlife Habitat Management Plan for the Swift No. 2 Wildlife Management Area. 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. Meridian continues to assist the PUD with implementation of the plan, including annual invasive plant and public access surveys, wetland and meadow assessments, and design of silvicultural treatments.

Vegetation Cover Type Mapping and Habitat Assessment

Snohomish County PUD
Meridian conducted a wildlife habitat study for the proposed Sunset Fish Passage and Energy Project to evaluate the potential effects of a proposed 30-MW hydropower project on sensitive habitats and wildlife species with legal protection or special conservation or management designations. The study involved classifying and mapping existing vegetation, calculating changes in cover type acreages that would occur as a result of construction, and comparing habitat requirements of special status species with attributes of habitat in the project area. Results of the study will be included in the FERC license application and used to design a terrestrial resource management plan to offset project impacts.

Tyee Transmission Line Invasive Plant Study

Southeast Alaska Power Agency
Meridian conducted several field studies as part of an environmental assessment to evaluate the effects of SEAPA's proposal to use an off-road vehicle to access approximately 27 miles of the Tyee Transmission Line. Meridian prepared an invasive species survey report and risk assessment, developed a list of priority species, and identified a set of cost-efficient best management practices and mitigation measures to minimize the introduction and spread of invasive plants without increasing the risk of additional ground disturbance.

Terrestrial Resource Protection Plan

Tacoma Power
As part of license implementation for the Cushman Hydroelectric Project, Meridian developed a Terrestrial Resource Protection Plan for Tacoma Power that includes two components. The first identifies measures to minimize short-term wildlife disturbance during construction and habitat enhancement activities, while the second presents guidelines for long-term land management. The plan evaluates all the license conditions that could cause adverse effects on wildlife, provides a list of best management practices, and defines specific measures to protect key species and habitats.