WETLANDS & LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL SERVICES

Terrestrial

Normandeau conducts habitat assessments and field surveys for terrestrial mammals, from boreal forests that provide habitat for Canada lynx, to scrub-shrub habitat associated with transmission lines and New England cottontail populations. With the survey results and habitat data Normandeau evaluates a project’s potential impacts and designs proactive impact avoidance and mitigation strategies. Normandeau has assisted numerous clients with navigating the regulatory process to maximize positive outcomes for both the project and the species of interest.

Marine

Our scientists are experienced in characterizing, identifying, and evaluating potential issues associated with offshore development and maintenance activities. Normandeau uses state-of-the-art ultra-high resolution aerial imagery to record and identify the locations of marine mammals including turtles, whales and sea lions. Our scientists are experienced in characterizing and evaluating potential issues associated with undersea cables, such as electromagnetic fields and thermal plumes. Normandeau develops Biological Assessments for federally threatened and endangered species in support of Section 7 Endangered Species Act consultation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service.

Normandeau’s biologists provide services to avoid and minimize impacts to rare insects, including dragonflies, tiger beetles, moths, and butterflies. These services include habitat assessment, direct surveys, minimization and mitigation planning, and monitoring mitigation outcomes. Because some insect species are wholly dependent on specific plant species, Normandeau’s biologists are skilled in species-specific host plant identification and coordinate with our staff botanists for habitat assessments if needed. Surveys may involve observation, collection, and photographic documentation to verify species presence, as appropriate.

Normandeau conducts surveys and research on a wide variety of amphibian and reptile species, from the northern black racer in New Hampshire to indigo snake in Florida. Our experience includes call surveys for frogs and toads, active searching surveys for presence/absence of a wide variety of snakes and turtles, trapping and telemetry studies for turtles, and habitat assessments for all species. Normandeau’s biologists have the qualifications to receive state handling permits as required to survey for and handle a wide variety of state-listed amphibian and reptiles, including well-qualified FWC Authorized Agents to perform all aspects of gopher tortoise permitting and relocation in Florida. Additionally, Normandeau’s biologists and wetland scientists have extensive experience conducting vernal pool assessments and identifying the amphibian egg masses present, including blue spotted salamander and wood frog.

Normandeau botanists have extensive experience surveying rare plants, including state and federal-listed species and their habitats, such as the northeastern bulrush. Coordination and surveys may be required to successfully obtain state and federal permits for energy, transportation and land development projects. Our botanists work closely with agencies to develop comprehensive survey protocols designed to maximize detection of known and undocumented rare plant populations. Our nationwide staff are well versed in the various regional flora, and botanical surveys are always performed to comply with state and federal methodologies. Surveys are performed during the specific survey windows for target species, and habitat surveys can be performed throughout most of the year. Field documentation includes a description of the type, condition, and dominant vegetation cover for all habitats within the project area, and plant populations are mapped with a Trimble® global positioning system (GPS) unit capable of sub-meter accuracy.