To evaluate potential effects to botanical resources as a result of implementing the U.S. Forest Service-proposed Upper American River Hydroelectric Project (UARP) Transmission Line Fuel Break Project (Project), Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) contracted Stillwater Sciences to complete botanical surveys and prepare environmental documentation. The Project proposes to minimize the risk of uncharacteristic wildfires on U.S. Forest Service lands.

Stillwater botanists conducted targeted botanical surveys on approximately 2,418 acres (24 linear miles) adjacent and contiguous to portions of the 230 kilovolt (kV) and 69kV transmission lines. The field effort involved identifying and documenting sensitive habitats and populations of special-status plants and invasive weeds along roads, transmission line corridors, trails, campgrounds, and a variety of other features. The data were processed in a GIS database and combined with previous datasets to generate population data (number of occurrences and a sum of acres and individuals) for evaluation in a botanical Biological Evaluation (BE).

Stillwater staff mobilized within one week of contracting to ensure the field surveys were conducted during the phenological phases necessary for identification and to meet project implementation deadlines. When there was an addition of 7.5 linear miles (a 45% increase) that required surveying, Stillwater was able to meet the need with only a 6% increase in costs. Additionally, during the final surveys, a request was made for the report to be prepared earlier and Stillwater successfully accommodated the request by delivering the draft BE prior to the contracted due date.