Ecological and Biological Services

Buys & Associates staffs nine 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
• Northern Goshawk Nesting Surveys
• Boreal and Flammulated Owl Presence/Absence Surveys
• Sage-grouse Lek and Nest Inventories

Reclamation Monitoring & Noxious Weed Management

Numerous BLM Field Offices throughout the Rocky Mountain region have recently instituted more stringent annual reporting requirements for Invasive and Noxious Weed Control as well as Reclamation Monitoring for any land disturbance activities. B&A's biologists, ecologists, botanists, and hydrologists provide the following services:

• Detailed Site Assessments:  In order to document and map the current reclamation status of existing wells, roads and pipelines, B&A reclamation specialists record and assess:
  • General vegetation information including: vegetation distribution, diversity, growth & vitality;
  • Noxious weed species, location and abundance;
  • Comparison of landscape contours (compared to adjacent locations) and preliminary soil sampling.
  • This information is provided to client and agency and plays a crucial role in developing baseline data and reasonable success criteria.
• Erosion Control Assessment:  The liability and penalties associated with stormwater runoff are costly and could set a project back months, even years.
  • On-site erosion control assessment of all erosion fe4asures and assessment of current status of existing stormwater management infrastructure
  • Site specific recommendations to mitigate the potential for future erosion
  • On-site supervision of BMP installation and follow-up monitoring reports.
• Monitoring & Database Management:  B&A provides clients and public agencies with comprehensive reclamation monitoring database which typically contains a list of well sites and associated roads and pipeline and existing reclamation status of each site.  Data inventoried and managed for each site includes:
  • Inspection date
  • Reclamation category
  • Total acreage originally disturbed
  • Total acres re-seeded
  • Percent total ground cover
  • Percent desirable weeds
  • Percent noxious/invasive weeds
  • Species of noxious weeds present
  • Evidence of erosion and status of stormwater BMPs

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 and reclamation monitoring 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 five 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.  Wetland services include:

• Wetland Delineations and Assessments
• Wetland Treatment Designs for Oil & Gas, and Mining Discharges
• Riparian Area Evaluations and Enhancement Designs
• Stream Channel Morphology and Stability Evaluations
• Impact Mitigation and Monitoring
• Agency Coordination
• Army Corps of Engineers Consultation
• Design Wetland Mitigation Plans
• Agency Permitting