Projects
HBC has delivered expert ecological assessments, regulatory compliance services, and conservation planning with a data-driven, science-based approach across a wide range of wildlife management programs and industries. In recent projects, HBC has served as an authorized Mojave desert tortoise biologist (USFWS & CDFW), conducting burrowing owl and migratory bird surveys, performing construction monitoring, and environmental compliance for utility-scale solar developments, infrastructure expansion, and transportation corridors.
Recent Projects
The Perkin Ranch Airfield Project involves the proposed development of a private airfield and associated infrastructure near Chino Valley, Arizona. HBC conducted a comprehensive Native Plant Inventory (NPI) within the project area to identify and document protected native plant resources in support of Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) requirements.
Perkins Ranch Airfield Project
Chino Valley, Arizona
GreenLink West Transmission Project
Nye & Clark County, Nevada
The Greenlink West project is a 525 kV line that spans approximately 350 miles from Las Vegas to Yerington, NV. HBC provided support for the Greenlink project as an Authorized Biologist, leading protocol-level clearance surveys for Mojave desert tortoises, burrowing owls, and migratory birds. HBC also conducted construction monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to minimize impacts to threatened and endangered species throughout project activities.
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City of Henderson Lake Mead Parkway Utilities and Drainage Channel Project
Clark County, Nevada
The City of Henderson Lake Mead Parkway Utilities and Drainage Channel Project involved construction of a new utility and drainage infrastructure for a new developed community in Henderson, Nevada. HBC supported the project as the on-site Authorized Biologist, providing Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training, daily biological clearance sweeps, construction monitoring, and biological compliance oversite to help ensure construction activities remained in compliance with applicable environmental requirements and project-specific conservation measures.
Death Valley NPS Road Improvement
Inyo County, California
The Death Valley Road Improvement project involved repairing and reinforcing flood-damaged sections of the road to restore access and improve long-term resilience to future flooding events. HBC served as the Lead Field Biologist and Authorized Biologist to ensure full compliance with federal environmental regulations. Responsibilities included conducting biological surveys for threatened and endangered species, such as the Mojave desert tortoise, and providing ongoing biological monitoring throughout the duration of the project. Additionally, HBC delivered Worker Environmental Awareness Program training to construction personnel to promote understanding of best practices for minimizing environmental impacts during project activities.
Lugo-Victorville Remedial Action Scheme (LVRAS) Project
San Bernardino, California
The LVRAS transmission telecommunications project is approximately 85 miles of fiber‑optic cable between the Pisgah Substation in San Bernardino County, CA and the Eldorado Substation in Clark County, NV. HBC provided comprehensive environmental compliance support for the project, offering expertise in the protection of sensitive species, including the Mojave desert tortoise, burrowing owl, migratory birds, desert kit fox, American badger, bighorn sheep, bats, and Mojave fringe-toed lizard. These efforts ensured that construction activities did not adversely impact protected wildlife.
Aratina Solar Project
Kern County, California
Aratina is a large-scale solar and battery energy storage project in eastern Kern County, CA, designed to generate up to 530 MW of clean energy. HBC conducted comprehensive environmental and biological assessments to satisfy both federal and state regulatory requirements. Serving as an Authorized Biologist on the project, HBC performed pre-construction and clearance surveys targeting sensitive species, including the Mojave desert tortoise, Mohave ground squirrel, Western Joshua tree, migratory bird nests, desert kit fox, and American badger. These efforts were essential in ensuring that the project remained in full compliance with environmental regulations throughout development.
Reno - Las Vegas Fiber Optic Project
Nye County, Nevada
The Reno - Las Vegas Fiber Optic project is a 450‑mile underground fiber‑optic communication line, featuring inline amplifier stations, that would extend from Reno to Las Vegas, NV. HBC supported the project by providing biological consulting services and technical expertise during construction activities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and the protection of threatened and endangered species, including the Mojave desert tortoise.
Past Projects
Planning-Level Surveys
Executed multidisciplinary biological surveys on federal lands using advanced field methodologies to assess species composition and abundance across multiple taxa, including bats, reptiles, amphibians, birds, predators, game species, and invasive flora and fauna. Performed detailed data analysis and synthesis to generate technical reports supporting ecosystem management objectives and informing long-term conservation strategies for natural resource stewardship on federal lands.
Mexican Gartersnake Monitoring
Designed and implemented a comprehensive training program to equip federal biologists with the skills necessary to accurately survey, detect, capture, and safely handle Mexican gartersnakes in accordance with federal and state guidelines. Conducted intensive biological surveys at historically occupied sites to assess presence/absence, estimate population size, predator and prey abundance, and evaluate potential threats or habitat-related impacts. Data collected informed conservation strategies and supported ongoing recovery efforts for this sensitive species on federally managed lands.
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Habitat Improvement
Biological Assessment
Conducted a biological assessment for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to evaluate the potential impacts of habitat improvement projects on federally listed species, as well as bald and golden eagles and other species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Assessed project activities in relation to species-specific habitat requirements and regulatory thresholds and provided science-based recommendations to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects in compliance with federal environmental regulations.
Water Well Biological Assessment
Conducted a comprehensive biological assessment for water well projects for the Navajo Nation to evaluate potential impacts on rare, sensitive, and federally or tribally protected species, including those listed under Navajo Nation regulations. Developed a detailed, agency-ready biological evaluation summarizing survey findings, impact analysis, and recommended mitigation measures. Coordinated directly with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to facilitate ESA Section 7 consultation, ensuring regulatory compliance and resource protection.
White-tailed Deer Management Plan (January 2020 - March 2021)
Conducted a comprehensive assessment of white-tailed deer populations on DoD lands, integrating population estimates, browse utilization surveys, predator presence, disease prevalence, and abundance metrics. Employed biostatistical analyses, including cohort analysis, fetal measurements, and sex ratio determination, to evaluate demographic trends, ecological pressures, and recruitment. Based on the findings, developed a data-driven, ten-year management plan aimed at enhancing population health and stability, while supporting ecosystem balance and long-term wildlife conservation objectives.
Snake Fungal Disease - Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Monitoring (April 2014 - September 2016)
Conducted long-term biological monitoring of the eastern massasauga rattlesnake to assess population size, distribution, and the presence of snake fungal disease. Led field crews in the implementation of standardized survey protocols, data collection, and handling procedures to ensure accurate, high-quality data. Evaluated potential disease impacts on population viability and habitat use. Compiled and submitted comprehensive annual reports detailing findings, trends, and management recommendations to support conservation efforts and informed decision-making by the state of Wisconsin.
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