University of California, Merced Campus Phase 6 & 2020 Project
Live Oak Associates provided ecological services that permitted the University of California to construct Phase 6 of the UC Merced Campus. Phase 6 entailed site preparation and initial infrastructure development across approximately 1,500 acres of the project site.
The project site provides habitat for a number of special-status species, including:
California tiger salamander (CTS)
San Joaquin kit fox
Succulent owl’s-clover
Burrowing owl.
Live Oak Associates’ work on the project included consulting with CDFW, pre-construction surveys for special-status species, passive relocation of burrowing owls, construction monitoring, and off-site burrowing owl habitat enhancement. In consulting with CDFW, Live Oak Associates successfully negotiated an ITP amendment allowing for more reasonable take minimization measures for CTS. Live Oak Associates supervised the installation of one-way CTS exclusion fencing and consulted as needed with the University and fencing contractors to troubleshoot design issues. Live Oak Associates modified 40 small mammal burrows on adjacent conservation lands to be suitable for use by burrowing owl, and passively relocated 37 burrowing owls from project impact areas. Live Oak Associates liaised effectively with all project participants, appropriately timing the survey, monitoring, and passive relocation effort with project progress across the vast site.
Our involvement with the 2020 Project included monitoring construction activities, completing education programs, and ensuring compliance with the project’s environmental documents and permits (USFWS Biological Opinion, CDFW ITP, Environmental Impact Report, Clean Water Act 401 and 404 permits, etc.) for construction of the campus.
Client
University of California, Merced
Location
Merced County, California
Dates
2011 - 2021
Project Description
Expansion of the UC Merced campus.