Threatened and endangered plants

Ecological Resource Characterization

Protecting species and habitats of concern

The shrub-steppe ecosystem supports unique assemblages of plants and animals adapted to the semi-arid climate of the western U.S. In eastern Washington, some of the last relatively undisturbed shrub-steppe communities occur on federal lands that have been off limits to development for decades. The Hanford Reach of the Columbia River, which flows through this region, provides rich and nurturing environments for fish, shellfish, and other macro-invertebrates. It supports one of the largest populations of wild fall Chinook salmon remaining in the Pacific Northwest and lamprey, a species of concern. The Reach also is designated critical habitat for federally listed spring Chinook salmon and steelhead, and bull trout, a threatened species.

The EAS team offers extensive experience in characterizing and assessing terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in this region. Our staff members have supported and led monitoring projects in the shrub-steppe and inland waterways for decades. Our long-term studies of the region provide clients with a unique breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding not readily available. We have a long and successful history working with natural resource managers on the Hanford Site and in the Federal Columbia River Hydropower System to ensure their actions don’t jeopardize the survival of important biological species or impact habitats crucial to their conservation.

Featured Projects

Hawk chicks Public Safety & Resource Protection - Ecological Monitoring Project

Protecting priority species and habitats on the Hanford Site

Photo credit: Larry Ridenhour

Winter bat survey Locating and Protecting Bat Roosting Locations

Identifying and protecting priority roosting habitats for state monitor species

Field team members document the newly discovered hibernacula on Gable Butte Mapping Known and Potential Snake Hibernacula Locations

Monitoring known essential habitat to maintain populations of common and rare snake species

Surveying rare plants along the Hanford Reach Surveying Rare Plants on the Hanford Site

Mapping the distribution of rare plants to minimize disturbance

Salmon redds Counting Fall Chinook Salmon Redds and Identifying Redds Located in Areas of Potential Contaminated Groundwater Upwelling

Supporting national and regional efforts to protect Northwest salmon populations

Characterizing Aquatic Habitat for Steelhead Spawning Characterizing Aquatic Habitat for Steelhead Spawning

Conducting surveys in the 100 Area, 300 Area, and inter-areas of the Hanford Reach to determine if steelhead spawning habitat exists in these locations, according to accepted habitat suitability criteria, and documenting any steelhead spawning activity (fish or redds) at these sites

Steelhead Assessing Steelhead Spawning Habitat in the Hanford Reach

Identifying potential spawning areas of an ESA-listed species that provides a primary component of tribal fisheries in the Columbia Basin

Lamprey surveys Characterizing Juvenile Pacific Lamprey Habitat

Performing the first assessment of larval Pacific lamprey on the Hanford Reach to better define the basic biology of the species and identify available habitat

Blue crayfish Characterizing Mollusks and Other Macro-Invertebrates

Evaluating species diversity, abundance, and biomass and measuring contaminant uptake

Mussel species observed along the Hanford Reach during 2004 Assessing Species Composition, Densities, and Distribution of Native Freshwater Mussels

Providing a more comprehensive characterization of freshwater mussel species composition and distribution in the Hanford Reach

Diver with a mussel Performing Freshwater Mussel Surveys in the Hanford Reach

Mapping the distribution, abundance, and habitat characteristics of federal and state species of concern and assessing potential impacts from hazardous waste site operations

Columbia River Drawdown Assessing Potential Benthic Community Impacts from a Columbia River Drawdown

Conducting land- and water-based surveys to characterize benthic communities potentially affected by the water-level reduction

Goose nest Evaluating the Status and Condition of Canada Geese on the Hanford Reach

Conducting long-term monitoring to assess potential effects of Hanford Site operations on wildlife

McNary Dam Identifying and Counting Migrating Fish

Assisting resource managers evaluate the status of fish stocks in the Columbia River, particularly threatened and endangered species

Elk cow and calf Documenting Rocky Mountain Elk Use Areas and Relative Abundance

Documenting elk use areas, relative abundance, and possible changes in elk use patterns as a result of hunting

© Lawrence E. Bowman 2000, used with permission

Mule deer Assessing Age, Sex Ratios, and Frequency of Testicular Atrophy in Mule Deer

Conducting mule deer surveys on the Hanford site to assess population characteristics

Sage thrasher Preserving Avian Habitats and Populations – Sagebrush-Obligate Species

Documenting species abundance and distribution and evaluating potential disturbance of valued habitats over large portions of the Hanford Site

Photo credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Frog Monitoring Washington State-Listed Frogs and Toads

Conducting surveys for anurans to help protect sensitive breeding areas from project operations