Biologist /Environmental Analyst/Wetland Delineator

Joining TRA in 2006, Ms. Jones has a background in environmental policy, ecology, and watershed science. She is an experienced project manager with skills in formulating project approach and in training and directing field crews. She has supervised field crews in data collection, species identification and data reporting on various biological elements such as wildlife, vegetation, and water quality.

One of Ms. Jones’ areas of expertise is in watershed monitoring, assessment and analysis. Her responsibilities in this area have included lake and stream water quality sampling, shoreline and riparian assessments, and biological data collection. She has extensive experience collecting benthic macroinvertebrates and using backpack electroshock methods to voucher and tag fish. In her studies on watersheds, she has used ArcGIS, GPS and aerial photo interpretation in data analysis and in the production of figures for scientific reports. In conjunction with the University of Montana’s Watershed Health Clinic, Ms. Jones spent four years performing field and laboratory work with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality using EPA assessment and monitoring protocols for water quality, riparian vegetation, fisheries and shoreline on Montana lakes and streams.

Ms. Jones’ thesis work for her Master’s degree investigated the chemical, riparian and land use changes along a tributary of the Clark Fork River in Montana. This tributary is known to be a principal contributor of phosphorus into the already nutrient rich Clark Fork River. These components were analyzed in comparison to a geologic study performed a decade previous.

Highlights

Assisting with projects for California State Parks including an EIS/EIR for the Oceano Dunes District HCP in San Luis Obispo County.

Prepared a comprehensive biological impact assessment for the Over Snow Vehicle Program EIR for California State Parks. Project involved maintaining 1761 miles of winter groomed trails for motorized use in 11 national forests throughout California. Work required coordination with U.S. Forest Service biologists and GIS staff, mapping trail routes and sensitive biological resources, and assessing biological impacts of winter motorized recreation in study area.

Prepared the permit package application for a fuels management plan for a property owned by the Peninsula Open Space District (POST).

Experience with research and assessment of existing conditions and environmental impacts of activities to the natural and human environment; habitat assessments for rare and endangered species.

Performed numerous biological assessments in a variety of habitats and has compiled lists of potentially-occurring special-status species. She has written mitigation and monitoring plans for the creation and/or enhancement of wetland, riparian, and grassland habitats, and has provided monitoring and year-end reporting services for mitigation plans. Performed restoration and construction monitoring.

Contributing author on numerous CEQA documents, and has prepared Initial Studies and Mitigated Negative Declarations for a variety of projects.

Peace Corps Volunteer, Agroforester, Kenya, East Africa, 2000-2001.

Educational Background

University of Montana, Missoula
Master of Science, Environmental Studies

University of Colorado, Boulder
Bachelor of Science, Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature

Professional Training

Trained Wetland Delineator, National Wetland Science Training Cooperative with a focus on the Arid West and Western Mountains, Valleys and Coast Region Supplements.