Environmental Services to Government Agencies

Stillwater Sciences provides Federal Agencies our creative, science-based technical approach to environmental problem-solving via our GSA contract. Examples of the types of services we can provide are described below.

 Online access to contract ordering information is available at: www.GSAAdvantage.gov
 

SIN 899-1: ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING SERVICES & DOCUMENTATION
Stillwater Sciences supports its clients to ensure regulatory compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and has developed strategies to address proposed or listed species (including bull trout and spring Chinook salmon) under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).  The company has also supported its clients in preparing responses to the designation of critical habitat.  In addition, our staff is familiar with Clean Water Act regulations and information needs for Section 401 certification. 

Stillwater’s staff members have conducted numerous studies and prepared management plans for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are familiar with a variety of protocols for various sensitive species surveys, and have completed this type of work for fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and plants. In addition to working with TES amphibians, Stillwater has relevant experience with coho and Chinook salmon, steelhead, cutthroat, Pacific lamprey, and other TES fish species.  Stillwater Sciences staff have prepared numerous Biological Assessments for Federal and state ESA take permits, and understand the requirements of the agencies for these documents.

SIN 899-7: GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SERVICES
GIS tools are frequently utilized by Stillwater to characterize resource conditions. We typically approach environmental problems by integrating the insight and expertise of physical and biological scientists to establish quantitative ecosystem linkages.  We have developed a number of quantitative assessment techniques that integrate ecological, geomorphic, and hydrologic models with GIS.

We typically use GIS as a key analytical tool and organizing framework to:

• Characterize the study area
• Guide generation of hypotheses
• Stratify the study area and develop appropriate sampling schemes
• Analyze data from a field surveys and other sources
• Extrapolate data from field survey sites to the full study area
• Develop predictive models linking management actions to alterations in ecosystem processes, habitat conditions, and biotic responses.
• Guide field sampling and surveying efforts.
  

Examples of GIS tools typically used by Stillwater Sciences on behalf of our clients include both modeling and mapping:
Digital elevation and digital terrain models (DEMs and DTMs)

• Stream channel network classification, which may include extension of USGS blueline streams to add smaller headwater streams that might have been missed, stream gradient and channel confinement categories, and predicted dominant bed particle size;
• Aquatic habitat mapping;
• Stream temperature modeling, including modeling of entire channel networks using the BasinTemp^© model developed by Stillwater Sciences and UC Berkeley;
• SHALSTAB, a shallow landslide slope stability model developed by UC Berkeley with assistance from Stillwater Sciences staff;
• Riparian vegetation and stream shade classification and mapping;
• Soil erosion hazards;
• Geomorphic channel classification and mapping;
• Road network classification and sediment hazard modeling, including stream crossing hazards and surface erosion modeling;
• Fish migration barriers; and
• Distribution and timing of surface flow in intermittent reaches.