Biological Resources

"SALEM's team of professional biologists bring over 20 years of experience in the consulting industry. Because our experience and in-depth knowledge of various special-status species, local survey requirements and potential impacts on construction activities, we are able to creatively and cost-effectively provide our clients with practical solutions while maintaining regulatory compliance.”

SALEM utilizes strategically aligned Registered Professional Biologists, Botanists and Ecologists to conduct Biological Resources, Habitat, and Wetlands/Riparian Assessments of proposed sites for development. SALEM’s network of highly trained and experienced professionals have conducted thousands of biological assessments on many properties throughout California and the Western United States. SALEM's staff and network of professionals continue to provide progressive, professional, and practical consulting services and offer straight-forward, cost-effective solutions to a wide variety of biological issues associated with site development.  Our unique perspective allows our team to clearly understand our client's project objectives; therefore customizing an approach specific to each project. Our vision, coupled with our commitment to our valued clients, quality work and exceptional standards, is the key to our history of success.

Our clients include Fortune 500 companies, developers, municipalities and government entities that routinely utilize SALEM’s expertise throughout California and the United States on a repeat basis. 

Impact Assessment and Permitting

SALEM’s network of strategically aligned partners have conducted biological resource impact analysis for small and large projects alike. Salem has experience producing a variety of types of biological documentation to satisfy the needs of a multitude of entities, from Habitat Conservation Plans for the County of Riverside to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) biological technical reports for various types of projects, to Preactivity Survey Reports (PSRs) for San Diego Gas & Electric.

Pre-Construction Special Species Surveys

A pre-construction survey consists of a site reconnaissance on a property previously identified with special species and/or their habitat (and adjoining properties, if applicable) where construction activities are set to begin. A pre-construction survey determines if the previously identified special-status species are presently located on the project site. The findings and observations are then compiled in a report illustrated with figures and photographs which is then submitted to the lead regulatory agency. Typically, a pre-construction survey is required within a certain timeframe (7 to 30 days prior to construction start date) and is mandated by a local, state or federal agency, and are included as a provision to obtain a permit for site development.

Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plan & Wildlife Species Assessment

SALEM’s staff and network of professional biologists have conducted countless field surveys, habitat assessments and population studies for special status species protected under the California State and Federal Endangered Species Acts, as well as local environmental efforts including the Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). 

Rare, threatened and endangered species must be surveyed and protected during the project planning and construction phase of development. SALEM’s network of biologists have expertise with a wide range of special-status wildlife species and currently hold appropriate state and/or federal permits to conduct studies and recovery actions for a large number of special-species, enabling us to effectively and accurately identify the presence of a rare species located within the project site, if present.  In addition, our team of biologists assess habitat, quantify population and abundance, and are able to prepare mitigation impact assessment and obtain appropriate permits, if required.