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4.1690.0007 MPG Survey Memorandum 2023-10-26 FINAL Soundview Consultants LLC Environmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use Solutions 2907 Harborview Dr., Gig Harbor, WA 98335 Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954 1690.0007 Killion Road SW 1 Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 To: Bob Dobler, Killion Crossing LLC File Number: 1690.0007 From: Jon Pickett, Soundview Consultants LLC Ryan Krapp, Soundview Consultants LLC Date: October 26, 2023 Re: Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey 9548 Killion Road Southeast, Yelm, WA 98597 Dear Mr. Dobler, Soundview Consultants LLC (SVC) conducted a Mazama pocket gopher (MPG) survey on an approximately 2.43-acre property located at 9548 Killion Road Southeast in the City of Yelm, Washington (Figure 1). The subject property consists of one parcel located in the Northeast ¼ of Section 24, Township 17 North, Range 01 East, W.M. (Thurston County Tax Parcel Number 21724130100). SVC performed formal MPG surveys to identify potential presence of MPG (Thomomys mazama) on the subject property. This MPG survey was conducted to support potential future commercial development on the subject property. Figure 1. Subject Property Location. Technical Memorandum Subject Property Location 1690.0007 Killion Road SW 2 Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Background Data Prior to the site investigation, SVC staff conducted background research using Thurston County Geographic Information System (GIS) data, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) Priority Habitat and Species (PHS) maps, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil survey, and U.S. Geological survey topographic maps (Attachment A). The NRCS soils map (Attachment A1) identifies one soil type on the subject property: Spanaway gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 3 percent slopes (110), which is a “more preferred” soil type for MPG (City of Yelm, n.d.). Additionally, the Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan map shows areas northwest-adjacent to the subject property as occupied by MPG; the subject property is classified as “near” to MPG-occupied areas on this map (Attachment A2). The WDFW PHS map (Attachment A3) does not identify MPG presence on the subject property, though an offsite MPG occurrence is mapped approximately 415 feet northwest of the subject property. The topography on the subject property is relatively flat with a slight slope towards the west of the property. Onsite elevations range from approximately 350 feet to 346 feet above mean sea level (Attachment A4); the site topography is well below the 40 percent slope threshold for limiting MPG presence. Mazama Pocket Gopher Habitat Requirements MPG primary habitat includes open meadows, prairie, and/or grassland areas with friable, well- drained soils that are not too rocky (Maser et al., 1981; Stinson, 2005). The majority of sites with pocket gophers generally have friable, loamy, deep soils with less than 15 percent slopes and less than 10 percent by weight of medium sized rocks (Steinberg and Heller, 1997). Roads, inhospitable soil types or substrates, development, and buildings present impermeable barriers to MPG movement and dispersal (USFWS, 2014). MPG do not require high quality prairie systems but utilize a wide range of grassland environments that may sometimes be in close proximity to moderate- and high-intensity land uses (Stinson, 2005). MPG forage requirements include an assortment of plant material including leafy vegetation, succulent roots, shoots, and tubers such as clover (Trifolium spp.), lupine (Lupinus spp.), false dandelions (presumably Hypochaeris radicata), and grasses, with a preference towards plant species with bulbs such as wild onion and wild garlic (Maser et al., 1981; Stinson, 2005). Methods Four subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher found in Thurston and Pierce counties were listed in 2014 by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The Olympia pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama pugetensis), Tenino pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama tumuli), and Yelm pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama yelmensis) are three subspecies of MPG that occur in Thurston County, while the Roy Prairie pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama glacialis) occurs in Pierce County. Of the four subspecies, only the Yelm pocket gopher’s range is mapped onsite. These MPG subspecies are regulated locally under Yelm Municipal Code (YMC) 18.21.110 (Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas) and subject to restricted uses/activities under the same title. Formal surveys were performed by a USFWS-trained MPG survey biologist on September 21, 2023 (Visit 1) and October 24, 2023 (Visit 2). The surveys followed the City of Yelm’s Protocol and Procedure for MPG inspections in the City (City of Yelm, n.d.), and the objective of the surveys was to document the presence of any burrowing rodent mounds constructed by MPG or native mole species such as 1690.0007 Killion Road SW 3 Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 the Townsend mole (Scapanus townsendii) or Pacific mole (Scapanus orarius). The investigations included walk-through assessments of the entire subject property to determine onsite habitat conditions. Based on desktop aerial photograph review and the onsite habitat assessment, a MPG Survey Area for walking transects was established. Forested areas with greater than 30% tree canopy were assessed but excluded from the MPG Survey Area. Within the MPG Survey Area the onsite MPG survey consisted of walking evenly spaced, parallel transects in a straight line less than five meters apart while scanning approximately two to three meters on each side, looking for potential mounds. Each mound or grouping of mounds observed were identified as either MPG or mole mound(s). Any positive MPG mounds or indeterminant mound identifications were documented, photographed, and marked with a GPS unit. Two formal surveys were conducted greater than 30 days apart within the required survey window (June 1 to October 31) to determine MPG presence in conformance with the established City survey protocol. Results The 2.43-acre subject property is located in a mixed residential and commercial land use setting and is currently undeveloped and dominantly forested apart from a section of field located in the southeast section of the site. The subject property is bound by a senior living facility to the north, undeveloped pastureland to the west, Killion Road Southeast to the east and West Yelm Avenue to the south. Soils across the site are loose sandy gravelly soils. The MPG Survey Area is mostly located on the southeastern portion of the site where vegetation consists predominantly of a field dominated by Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) with minor presence of western yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and non-native perennial peppercress (Lepidium latifolium), houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale), bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare), Queen Anne’s lace (Dacus carota), and wild marjoram (Origanum vulgare). Forested areas in the northern and central portions of the site were dominated by Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) trees with approximate diameter-at-breast-heights (dbh) of 6” to 24” and were surrounded by dense Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus). Additionally, a couple scattered Douglas fir, cultivated apple trees (Malus spp.) and one lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) were identified within the southernmost corner of the site. The site provides poor quality MPG foraging habitat due to a very low cover of forbs (less than 2 percent cover) for MPG to forage on. Areas with higher forb density were observed near the eastern edge of the survey area but had no presence of MPG mounds. Following the City’s MPG inspection protocol, SVC did not positively identify MPG mounds on the subject property. Multiple rodent mounds were identified during both site visits; however, none of the identified mounds exhibited distinctive characteristics of active MPG presence (e.g. soft and sifted soils, irregular mound shapes, and off-center entrance holes). Some of the mounds were determined to be likely mole mounds due to high and circular mound shapes with large roots and gravels on top of the pile. The remaining mounds were classified as indeterminant mounds that lacked distinctive identification characteristics. These mounds consisted of soils that appear to have been previously excavated by rodents but are currently vegetated with grasses. During Visit 2, none of the indeterminant mounds had indicators of fresh use or excavation. Refer to Attachment B for photographs of the typical habitat conditions and identified mounds onsite. A map depicting the survey results are provided in Attachment C. City of Yelm MPG Screening Field data sheets are provided in Attachment D. 1690.0007 Killion Road SW 4 Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Conclusion SVC conducted two formal site investigations surveying the subject property for the presence or evidence of active MPG. Surveys followed the City of Yelm Protocol & Procedure for Mazama Pocket Gopher Inspections in the City of Yelm (City of Yelm, n.d.). No MPG mounds were identified during the site investigations. During both site investigations, several rodent mounds were identified and classified as indeterminant or likely mole mounds. These mounds were either vegetated with herbaceous vegetation or exhibited characteristics of mole mounds. Indeterminant mounds had no indicators of fresh use or excavation during Visit 2. Additionally, the subject property was identified as poor-quality MPG foraging habitat. Due to the lack of positive MPG mound determinations, lack of evidence of fresh mound use, and poor-quality foraging habitat onsite, the site is not likely occupied by active MPG. If you have any further questions, please contact us at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, ____________________________ October 26, 2023 Jon Pickett Date Principal ____________________________ October 26, 2023 Ryan Krapp Date Senior Environmental Scientist / USFWS Trained MPG Surveyor 1690.0007 Killion Road SW 5 Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 References City of Yelm. N.d. Protocol & Procedure for Mazama Pocket Gopher Inspections in the City of Yelm. Website: Yelm Survey Protocol.pdf (revize.com) Accessed October 25, 2023 Maser, C., B. R. Mate, J. F. Franklin, and C. T. Dyrness. 1981. Natural History of Oregon Coast Mammals. Gen. Tech. Report PNW-133. USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Forest and Range Experiment Station, Portland, OR. 496 pp. Steinberg, E. K. and D. Heller. 1997. Using DNA and Rocks to Interpret the Taxonomy and Patchy Distribution of Pocket Gophers in Western Washington Prairies. Pages 43–51 in P. Dunn and K. Ewing, eds. South Puget Sound prairie landscapes. The Nature Conservancy of Washington, Seattle. Stinson, D.W. 2020. Mazama Pocket Gopher Recovery Plan and Periodic Status Review. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Olympia, Washington. USFWS. 2014. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Mazama Pocket Gophers; Final Rule. Federal Register. 50 CFR Part 17, Volume 79, No. 68, Part II. Yelm Municipal Code (YMC). 2023. Chapter 18.21 - Critical Areas and Resource Lands. Website: https://www.codepublishing.com/WA/Yelm/#!/Yelm18/Yelm1821.html#18.21. Accessed October 24, 2023. 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Attachment A – Background Maps This Attachment includes a NRCS Soil Survey (A1), Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan (A2), WDFW PHS Map (A3), and Thurston County Contour Map (A4). 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 A1 – NRCS Soil Survey Map Subject Property Location 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 A2 – Thurston County Habitat Conservation Plan Subject Property Location 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 A3 – WDFW Priority Habitat and Species Map Subject Property Location 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 A4 – Thurston County Contour Map Subject Property Location 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Attachment B — Site Photographs Forested Undeveloped Conditions Onsite Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Area Conditions Onsite 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Habitat Conditions of the Eastern Edge of the Site Habitat Conditions of the Eastern Edge of the Site Adjacent to Sidewalk Edge 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Typical characteristic of mounds observed in MPG Survey Area during Survey 1 Typical characteristic of mounds observed in MPG Survey Area during Survey 1 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Typical characteristic of mounds observed in MPG Survey Area during Survey 2 Typical characteristic of mounds observed in MPG Survey Area during Survey 2 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Typical characteristic of mounds observed in MPG Survey Area during Survey 1 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Attachment C— MPG Survey Maps MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER SURVEY ¢ 0 75 15037.5 Fe et PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ON LYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTION www.soundviewconsultants.com 2907 Harbor view Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954 Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use SolutionsLLC 9548 KILLION ROAD SEYELM, WA 98597 THURSTON COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER:21724130100 KILLLION ROAD SW DATE: JOB: BY: SCALE: FIGURE NO. 10/23/2023 1690.0007 RJK 1 SOUN DVIEW CONSULTANTS LL C ASSUMESNO L IABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS , ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PL AN SET Sur vey Transect #1 (2023-09-24) '&Indeter minate M ound (2023-09-24) Forest/Shr ub (non-MP G habitat) Site Boundar y 1 " = 70 ' MAZAMA POCKET GOPHER SURVEY FINAL ¢ 0 75 15037.5 Fe et PRELIMINARYINFORMATION ON LYNOT FOR CONSTRUCTION www.soundviewconsultants.com 2907 Harbor view Dr., Suite D, Gig Harbor, WA 98335Phone: (253) 514-8952 Fax: (253) 514-8954 Soundview ConsultantsEnvironmental Assessment • Planning • Land Use SolutionsLLC 9548 KILLION ROAD SEYELM, WA 98597 THURSTON COUNTY PARCEL NUMBER:21724130100 KILLLION ROAD SW DATE: JOB: BY: SCALE: FIGURE NO. 10/25/2023 1690.0007 RJK 2 SOUN DVIEW CONSULTANTS LL C ASSUMESNO L IABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FORCONSTRUCTION, IMPROVEMENTS , ORESTIMATES BASED ON THIS PL AN SET Sur vey Transect #1 (2023-09-24) Sur vey Transect #2 (2023-10-24) '&Indeter minate M ound (2023-10-24) '&Likely Mole Mound (2023-10-24) Forest/Shr ub (non-MP G habitat) Site Boundar y 1 " = 70 ' 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Attachment D— Data Forms Site Name and Parcel # Parcel #: _________________________________________________ How were the data collected? (circle the method for each) Transect: Trimble Garmin Aerial Mounds Trimble Garmin Aerial Notes: ARROW GPS (sub-meter) Field Team Personnel: (Indicate all staff present, CIRCLE who filled out form) Name: Name: Name: Others onsite (name/affiliation) Site visit # (CIRCLE all that apply) 1st 2nd Unable to screen Notes: Do onsite conditions preclude the need for further visits? Yes No Dense woody cover that encompasses the entire site (trees/shrubs) that appears to preclude any potential MPG use. Impervious Compacted Graveled Flooded Other ______________ Notes: Describe visibility for mound detection: Poor Fair Good Notes: Request mowing? (CIRCLE and DESCRIBE WHERE MOWING IS NEEDED and SHOW ON AERIAL PHOTO Yes No N/A Notes: City of Yelm Mazama Pocket Gopher Data Sheet Site Visit Date: ______________ Page 1 of 2 Ryan Krapp 21724130100 1690.0002Project #: ________________________________________________ Site/Landowner: 9548 KILLION ROAD SE, YELM/ Killion Crossing LLC 9-27-2023 Survey #1 Mounds observed over the whole site are characteristic of: Quantify or describe amount of each type and approx. # of mounds Group = 3 mounds or more No MPG mounds (circle) MPG mounds in GPS? (CIRCLE and DESCRIBE) If MPG mounds present, entered in GPS? None All Most Some Notes: Yes No N/A Does woody vegetation onsite match aerial photo? Yes No - describe differences and show on parcel map/aerial: What portion(s) of the property was screened? (CIRCLE and DESCRIBE) All Part - describe and show on parcel map/aerial: Notes - Describe, and show on parcel map/aerial if applicable: Team reviewed and agreed to data recorded on form? (CIRCLE, and EXPLAIN if “No”) Yes No Reviewed by initials: RK Notes: MPG Mounds Likely MPG Mounds Indeterminate Likely Mole Mounds Mole Mounds Information provided by Thurston County Government Page 2 of 2 0 0 14 0 0 Former farmsted area now grassy field in the southeast portion of parcel was surveyed see attached map Mature conifer trees with no understory vegetation and dense invasive blackberry on the northern and western 1/2 of property Site Name and Parcel # Parcel #: _________________________________________________ How were the data collected? (circle the method for each) Transect: Trimble Garmin Aerial Mounds Trimble Garmin Aerial Notes: ARROW GPS (sub-meter) Field Team Personnel: (Indicate all staff present, CIRCLE who filled out form) Name: Name: Name: Others onsite (name/affiliation) Site visit # (CIRCLE all that apply) 1st 2nd Unable to screen Notes: Do onsite conditions preclude the need for further visits? Yes No Dense woody cover that encompasses the entire site (trees/shrubs) that appears to preclude any potential MPG use. Impervious Compacted Graveled Flooded Other ______________ Notes: Describe visibility for mound detection: Poor Fair Good Notes: Request mowing? (CIRCLE and DESCRIBE WHERE MOWING IS NEEDED and SHOW ON AERIAL PHOTO Yes No N/A Notes: City of Yelm Mazama Pocket Gopher Data Sheet Site Visit Date: ______________ Page 1 of 2 Ryan Krapp 21724130100 1690.0007Project #: ________________________________________________ Site/Landowner: 9548 KILLION ROAD SE, YELM/ Killion Crossing LLC -10- 24-2023 Survey #2 Mounds observed over the whole site are characteristic of: Quantify or describe amount of each type and approx. # of mounds Group = 3 mounds or more No MPG mounds (circle) MPG mounds in GPS? (CIRCLE and DESCRIBE) If MPG mounds present, entered in GPS? None All Most Some Notes: Yes No N/A Does woody vegetation onsite match aerial photo? Yes No - describe differences and show on parcel map/aerial: What portion(s) of the property was screened? (CIRCLE and DESCRIBE) All Part - describe and show on parcel map/aerial: Notes - Describe, and show on parcel map/aerial if applicable: Team reviewed and agreed to data recorded on form? (CIRCLE, and EXPLAIN if “No”) Yes No Reviewed by initials: RK Notes: MPG Mounds Likely MPG Mounds Indeterminate Likely Mole Mounds Mole Mounds Information provided by Thurston County Government Page 2 of 2 0 0 8 6 0 Former farmsted area now grassy field in the southeast portion of parcel was surveyed see attached map Mature conifer trees with no understory vegetation and dense invasive blackberry on the northern and western 1/2 of property All mounds located onsite were GPS'd (inactive and likely mole) 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 Attachment E— Qualifications All field inspections and supporting documentation, including this Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey Technical Memorandum prepared for the Killion Road SW project, were prepared by, or under the direction of, Jon Pickett of SVC. In addition, site inspections were performed by Ryan Krapp, and report preparation was completed by Catherine Mills. Final quality assurance was performed by Laura Livingston. Jon Pickett Principal Professional Experience: 15 years Jon Pickett is a Principal and Senior Scientist with a diverse background in environmental and shoreline compliance and permitting, wetland and stream ecology, fish and wildlife biology, mitigation compliance and design, and environmental planning and land use due diligence. Jon oversees a wide range of large-scale industrial, commercial, and multi-family residential projects throughout Western Washington, providing environmental permitting and regulatory compliance assistance for land use entitlement projects from feasibility through mitigation compliance. Jon performs wetland, stream, and shoreline delineations and fish & wildlife habitat assessments; conducts code and regulation analysis and review; prepares reports and permit applications and documents; provides environmental compliance recommendation; and provides restoration and mitigation design. Jon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University and Bachelor of Science and Minor in Forestry from Washington State University. Jon has received 40-hour wetland delineation training (Western Mountains, Valleys, & Coast and Arid West Regional Supplements) and regularly performs wetland, stream, and shoreline delineations. Jon is a Whatcom County Qualified Wetland Specialist and Wildlife Biologist and is a Pierce County Qualified Wetland Specialist. He has been formally trained by WSDOE in the use of the Washington State Wetland Rating System 2014, How to Determine the Ordinary High-Water Mark (Freshwater and Marine), Using Field Indicators for Hydric Soils, and the Using the Credit-Debit Method for Estimating Mitigation Needs. Ryan Krapp Senior Environmental Scientist / Field Lead Professional Experience: 16+ years Ryan Krapp is a Senior Environmental Scientist and Field Lead with a background in conducting wetland delineations, habitat assessments, botanical surveys, avian surveys, threatened & endangered species surveys, and fisheries studies. He has considerable experience in production of Environmental Assessments and Biological Assessments and Evaluations under NEPA guidelines for projects regulated by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Indian Affairs as well as leading Section 7 ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Project planning, permitting, and compliance are all part of his professional experiences and practices at SVC. Ryan is a USFWS-approved Mazama pocket gopher survey biologist and received Mazama pocket gopher survey training from USFWS in 2019.Ryan has managed environmental investigation projects including wetlands, streams, and critical habitats data collection on large pipeline corridors, overhead 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 electrical transmission corridors, and oil/natural gas drilling development. He has extensive experience in utilizing GIS to collect, manage, and analyze large volumes of spatial and temporal field data to aide in project management, monitoring, analysis, and mapping. In addition, he is a FAA trained recreational pilot and a PADI certified SCUBA diver with fresh and saltwater diving experience. Laura Livingston Senior Environmental Planner Professional Experience: 10 years Laura Livingston is an Environmental Planner with a background in natural resource monitoring and environmental science education. Laura has conducted water quality, aquatic invasive species, and wildlife monitoring fieldwork in the Northwest, Northeast and Southwest United States. She has also worked on a variety of environmental science research, grant, and teaching projects requiring scientific writing, science communication, laboratory work, and statistical analysis. Her graduate work used large monitoring datasets to investigate the effects of streamflow regime and temperature on benthic macro-invertebrate community composition in Washington streams. Laura currently performs ordinary high water delineations; conducts environmental code analysis and prepares environmental assessment and mitigation reports, biological evaluations, and permit applications to support clients through the planning and permitting process. Laura has a particular interest in mitigation projects and has worked on a variety of stream realignment, wetland creation, shoreline restoration, and buffer enhancement and restoration projects. Laura earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science from Washington State University, Pullman. She has received training from the Washington State Department of Ecology in How to Administer Shoreline Development Permits in Western Washington’s Shorelines, Determining the Ordinary High Water Mark, the revised Washington State Wetland Rating System, Puget Sound Coastal Processes, How to Conduct a Forage Fish Survey, and Using the Credit-Debit Method for Estimating Mitigation Needs. Laura has also received training from the Washington State Department of Transportation in Biological Assessment Preparation for Transportation Projects and is listed by WSDOT as a junior author for preparing Biological Assessments. Laura is interested in stormwater management and has received a certificate in Low Impact Development Design from the Washington Stormwater Center. Catherine Mills Environmental Scientist Professional Experience: 3 years Catherine Mills is a Staff Scientist with a background in fish, wildlife, and conservation biology in Colorado State. Catherine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Biology from Colorado State University, Fort Collins. There she received extensive, hands-on experience working in lab and field settings, and studying wildlife management, biodiversity and natural resource policy. Catherine also spent a semester abroad at Lincoln University in Christchurch New Zealand, where she studied island ecology, wildlife management and environmental planning. One of her more exceptional projects was constructing a research proposal entitled, Impacts of Anthropogenic Pollutants on Fibropapillomatosis in Chelonia mydas in Florida. This project required research, report writing, project budgeting, and an extensive methodology for data analysis. Amidst her undergraduate career, Catherine also interned in the Pollination Lab at CSU. There she conducted research to study the role phytochemicals play on honeybee health, through field work, data collection, and chemical 1690.0007 Killion Road SW Soundview Consultants LLC Mazama Pocket Gopher Survey October 26, 2023 assays. Catherine currently assists in wetland, stream, and shoreline delineations and fish and wildlife habitat assessments; conducts environmental code analysis; and prepares environmental assessment and mitigation reports, biological evaluations, and permit applications to support clients through the regulatory and planning process for various land use projects.