Creek Fire Response and Restoration

SummitWest’s qualified biologists joined Southern California Edison (SCE) in October of 2020 to support efforts to reinstate infrastructure to multiple electrical grids affected by the Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest. The project contained critical habitat for numerous listed species requiring environmental compliance, such as the Yosemite toad, Pacific fisher, Western pond turtle, and Foothill Yellow-legged frog, as well as protected water resources.

The Creek Fire project was high intensity and multi-facetted, with numerous stakeholders and over 1000 contractors working simultaneously. SummitWest provided a biological lead Point of Contact (PoC) and biological monitors that could handle these logistical challenges and support environmental compliance among the multiple contractors involved. The PoC was well-versed in mitigation measures and ensured the emergency work efforts stayed in compliance in the absence of environmental documents and permits.

Project Highlights

Client: Southern California Edison
Date: 2020-2021
Location: Shaver Lake in the Sierra National Forest, CA
Size: 379,895 acres

Services Provided

Emergency Project Support
Threatened and Endangered Species Section 10(A) Recovery Permits
Resource Agency Consultation and Coordination
Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) Training
Habitat Assessments and Survey
Nesting Bird Surveys
Pre- and Post-construction Surveys
Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive Status Species Surveys
General Botanical and Rare Plant Surveys
Clearance Surveys
Biological Resource Construction Monitoring
Program Management
Program Coordination and Scheduling

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