I am glad to see regulators, in this case, the feds, clarify what has always been the case – but poorly communicated to the public. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has recently added a pop-up disclaimer for wetland location data offered through its National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) mapper. The disclaimer explains that wetland locations […]
Federal Wetland Disclaimer Read More »
I am monitoring a wetland mitigation site in Yakima for which I collaborated with the Department of Ecology to modify the site performance standards to include orthophoto mosaic documentation of native woody cover. At my recommendation, the Client agreed to retain Dan Lierman, PLS, of Cypher Land Surveying to assist. Dan is efficient, knowledgeable, friendly,
Drone flight for a mitigation site! Read More »
Professional certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) is issued by the Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS). Certification signifies that the academic foundation and work experience of a PWS meets the standards expected by the peers of a practicing wetland professional and provides acknowledgment of adherence to standards of professional ethics with regard to the
PWS Certification Renewed! Read More »
I’ve been working as a subconsultant for Southern Road & Bridge (SRB) since last fall. SRB was awarded a contract to repaint portions of the US 395 Pioneer Memorial Bridge that spans the Columbia River between Kennewick and Pasco. I have been helping SRB remain compliant with WSDOT contract specifications in regard to bird protection.
Monitoring birds from a boat! Read More »
Fieldwork during winter is typically slow for two reasons. The first, obvious, reason is that snow on the ground makes it difficult. Second, it is not the recommended window of opportunity for a wetland delineation. I explain why in detail over on the FAQ page. That said, sometimes enough data can be garnered to develop
Wetland work in the snow….. Read More »
Once the boundary of a wetland is delineated, the wetland’s “value” must be quantified per a Department of Ecology rating form. A wetland can be rated from Category I (highest value) to Category IV (lowest value). City and county ordinances identify how far away a project should remain from a wetland, per its Ecology rating.
Wetland Buffer Demarcation Read More »
As expected, groundwater is now rising in the Kittitas Valley due to the advent of irrigation and spring runoff. It is amazing how high it rises. From dry pit to almost full in a short period (I typically monitor groundwater pits every 14 days). The reason for monitoring? The wetland indicator is fulfilled by the
Groundwater Rising! Read More »
It’s still a relatively cold spring, but at least the snow is gone. The irrigation districts start to open the spigots in April and canals and ditches are flowing. Groundwater hydrology in the Ellensburg Valley is quite curious. Sans irrigation, groundwater would be influenced by natural climatic dynamics such as springtime snowmelt, river freshets, and
It’s groundwater monitoring time. Read More »
Well, at least the most snow I’ve observed at my house since 2006. I’ve measured 9.2 inches so far which is ten times the MONTHLY average of 0.96 inches! That’s pretty impressive. Although it’s melting fast, the snowfall has nevertheless delayed spring fieldwork. Jobs are stacking up as a result, and as soon as people
Record Snow in March! Read More »
Back in 2019 I wanted to create a unique business logo that would reflect my business name and what I do for a living. A biologist by training and profession, my professional focus includes wetlands, fish, and wildlife. I’ve always liked my “GG” initials and wanted to blend them into the logo. I shied away