Pinecrest Herring Creek

Stanislaus National Forest, California

Composite Recreation Study

This comprehensive recreational study was for a heavily used region of the Stanislaus National Forest. Existing recreation offerings included camping, boating, swimming, wilderness hiking and nordic and alpine skiing. Potential recreational demands for 10-year and 30-year horizons were determined and a resource inventory was prepared as the basis for assessment of impacts on traffic, local economy, water quality, hydrology, timber management and visual quality.

 

Surface Mining Operations

U.S. (Nationwide)

Environmental Impact Analysis

More than 1.1 million acres of land have been impacted by surface mining operations in the United States. As a result, stringent federal regulations have been adopted to protect environments endangered by surface mining operations. One of these requirements involve provision of sediment and erosion control facilities to prevent stream siltation.

 

JA was retained by the Office of Surface Mining to conduct a nationwide study addressing the potential environmental consequences and economic requirements for either removing or maintaining existing sediment control facilities. The study is particularly concerned about the impacts on wildlife habitat, site revegetation, stream ecology and general site restoration.

 

Existing Hydroelectric Facility

Sequoia National Park, California

Environmental Impact Analysis

Commissioned by the National Park Service, JA conducted a comprehensive analysis of the ecological and hydrological impacts to the Kaweah River in Sequoia National Park resulting from the operation of an existing hydroelectric facility. The study, which was mandated by Congress to objectively determine the relicensing of the plant, included a three-year monitoring program to evaluate physical/chemical parameters associated with the distribution of vertebrate and invertebrate species native to the area. Other issues, including recreational uses, riparlan vegetation, impact on wildlife and migratory patterns were also evaluated.