Biological Consulting Services

Swift Biological provides a full complement of biological services for all project phases from initial resource planning to support regulatory compliance through project implementation and monitoring. We have extensive experience documenting baseline conditions, evaluating project impacts, and identifying avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to support resource agency permits and CEQA compliance. We use the latest resource databases and GIS mapping software to evaluate and map biological resources.  We collect sub-meter GPS field data using a Bad Elf GNSS surveyor and ArcGIS Field Maps application.  

• Biological resource assessments* 
• Park and open space management plans 
• Species-specific habitat assessments 
• Special-status species surveys 
• Nesting bird surveys 
• Preconstruction surveys 
• Worker education trainings
• Construction and post-construction biological monitoring 
• Terrestrial wildlife and aquatic species relocations (for permitted projects)
• Invasive species management planning 
• Aquatic resource delineations 
• Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA) assessments 
• Formal Biological Assessments for USFWS and NMFS consultations
• Biological support for permit applications and CEQA compliance 
• GIS mapping  

*Biological assessments are completed for a range of projects. Representative projects include restoration and habitat enhancement projects, public infrastructure, single-family residences, small-scale development, SB9 applications, etc. 

Swift Biological has worked in a variety of systems including seasonal wetlands, riparian woodlands, freshwater marshes, estuaries, and artificial ponds. We are certified in the US Army Corps of Engineers wetland delineations and  have been completing wetland and water delineations since 2006. We have completed the Practitioner training course for the California Rapid Assessment Method (CRAM).

• US Army Corps of Engineers wetland and waters delineations
• California Coastal Commission wetland delineations
• California Rapid Assessment Methods assessments
• Dewatering and aquatic species protection plans
• Construction oversight and monitoring in sensitive aquatic habitats
• Salmonids (coho salmon and steelhead) and other aquatic species relocation activities - qualified biologist with NMFS and CDFW

Swift Biological holds a current California Department of Fish and Wildlife Scientific Collection Permit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10(a)(1)(A) Permit, and State MOUs for California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and California freshwater shrimp and is qualified to conduct habitat assessments and surveys for variety of special-status species.

• Western pond turtle 
• California red-legged frog 
• Northern red-legged frog 
• Foothill yellow-legged frog 
• California tiger salamander 
• California freshwater shrimp 
• Burrowing owl 
• American badger 
• Special-status and common bats 
• Point Arena mountain beaver 
• Monarch butterfly and host plants for special-status butterflies 
• Nesting birds (protected under Migratory Bird Treaty Act, California Fish and Game Code and threatened and endangered species) 
• Salmonids and other native fish  

Swift Biological provides biological services for construction projects from initial assessments and resource impact determinations to on-the-ground support. We work with contractors to ensure the protection of biological resources while working in sensitive areas and permit compliance. 

• Resource protection plans  
• Worker education trainings for individual construction projects and on-going routine maintenance projects
• Preconstruction surveys  
• Daily monitoring and reporting  
• Dewatering support and species relocations (see above)
• Exclusion fencing recommendations and installation oversight  
• Post construction monitoring and reporting