Ecological and Biological Services

Buys & Associates staffs eight full time professional biologists and ecologists, plus several seasonal biologists and field technicians who collectively provide the full spectrum of biological services ranging from large-scale Biological Assessments (BAs) to small-scale, site-specific clearances.  The B&A biology team has completed countless biological studies and surveys on USFS, BLM, BIA, BOR, State and private lands throughout the Rocky Mountain region.

Threatened and Endangered Species Surveys

Buys & Associates' scientists conduct threatened or endangered (T/E) surveys with meticulous care to ensure accuracy. A determination of presence/absence of plant and wildlife species listed as threatened or endangered (T/E) by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and/or state agencies is usually an integral part of baseline environmental investigations and impact analyses. In a typical T/E species study, we interview T/E species specialists, access federal and state databases for existing information, and review applicable literature to determine the status of sensitive species in a project area. If necessary, field surveys are performed by qualified Buys & Associates (B&A) biologists. B&A has completed field surveys for the following T/E or otherwise sensitive species and habitats:

Wildlife Studies & Wildlife Habitat Management

In addition to T/E species studies, B&A provides a number of additional wildlife consulting services, including:

• Wildlife Habitat Evaluations
• Big Game Population Assessments
• Raptor Nest Inventories
• Prairie Dog Habitat Mapping
• Song Bird Population and Community Studies
• Migratory Bird Surveys
• Human/Wildlife Interaction Studies
• Bald Eagle Winter Roost Monitoring
• Nothern Goshawk Nesting Surveys
• Boreal and Flammulated Owl Presence/Absence Surveys
• Sage-grouse Lek and Nest Inventories

Vegetation Inventories and Mapping

B&A's biological team has plant ecology knowledge in both terrestrial and aquatic vegetation communities. In addition to T/E plant species survey, B&A has completed large-scale vegetation inventories and community mapping projects in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. B&A also develops operation plans for the prevention and eradication of non-native, noxious weeds. Our sensitive plant survey experience includes the following:

• Uintah Basin Hookless Cactus
• Shrubby Reed-Mustard
• Clay Reed-Mustard
• Ute Ladies'-tresses
• Graham's Beardtongue
• White River Penstemon

Wetland Investigation & Delineations

B&A has four Army Corp of Engineer certified wetland delineators on staff and has performed numerous wetland evaluations and jurisdictional wetland delineations. All investigations are completed according to the 1987 Corps of Engineers' Wetlands Delineation Manual. When jurisdictional wetlands are identified, B&A staff make recommendations to avoid or minimize impact to wetland habitat or prepare Nationwide Permits. In addition, B&A has established a strong working relationship with the Army Corp of Engineers, Utah Department of Water Rights and the Colorado Department of Water Quality.