TRA Environmental Sciences (TRA) was founded in 1972 in response to emerging state and federal environmental legislation. Our office is in Menlo Park, California on the San Francisco peninsula and our primary geographic service area is northern California.

The firm comprises thirteen professionals who provide project management over a wide range of projects and diverse technical disciplines. TRA works with qualified contractors and consultants to augment our own expertise to provide full-service for environmental documents. Conversely, TRA frequently provides specialized subcontract services to engineering, planning, and other environmental firms.

Project Management

• Victoria Harris, Vice President
  

  
  Ms. Harris is a Program Director with TRA. Since joining the firm in 1981, she has managed over 100 CEQA Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) and Initial Studies on diverse projects, including the construction of a recycled water project, stream improvement projects, small and large residential developments, office parks, road expansions, road bridges, landfill expansions, quarry operations, and general plan amendments. For the above studies she has acted as client liaison with the Lead Agency and researched and prepared the impact analysis sections for the following EIR or Initial Study disciplines: project description, plan consistency, land use, biology, noise, aesthetics, public services, socioeconomics, alternatives, and CEQA issues.
  
  Ms. Harris also has expertise in preparing Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and Natural Community Conservation Plans (NCCPs) for state and federally listed threatened and endangered species. She has participated in the preparation of several HCPs and HCP/NCCPs. The HCPs have ranged from small single species HCPs to large multi-species HCP/NCCPs covering several hundred acres and involving multiple political jurisdictions.
  
  In 2005, Ms. Harris was named Vice President of Conservation and Biological Studies. Her primary duties for these studies include project management and administration, attending task force meetings, coordinating biological studies for the covered species, and drafting HCPs. For most of these HCPs, Ms. Harris also directs the completion of the NEPA documentation required by the USFWS and the CEQA documentation required by land use agencies in California.
  

  Highlights

  Contributed to the preparation of the San Bruno Mountain HCP, which was the first HCP adopted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1982 and was the basis for the Incidental Take Permit provision (Section 10(a)(1)(B)) of the federal Endangered Species Act.
  
  Prepared numerous HCPs including: Placer County HCP/NCCP (vernal pool species), San Luis Obispo State Parks (snowy plover, Morro shoulderband snail), Kern Water Bank (San Joaquin kit fox and other species), Natomas Basin and Metro Air Park (giant garter snake and Swainson's hawk), Metropolitan Bakersfield (San Joaquin kit fox and other species), Seascape Uplands and Tucker Pond (Santa Cruz long-toed salamander), San Benito County (San Joaquin kit fox and other species), and Quail Hollow Quarry (listed insects)
  
  Conducted and overseen biotic surveys for four endangered butterflies in California: Mission blue, San Bruno elfin, callippe silverspot, and Smith's blue.
  
  Managed preparation of CEQA documents for several transportation related projects in the Bay Area including bridge replacements, highway widenings, roadway extensions, and bike and pedestrian pathways.
  
  Assists State Parks and Recreation Department with regulatory compliance at Off-Highway Vehicles Areas; review of OHV fund grants for CEQA compliance, reviews OHV fund grants for wildlife habitat management plan compliance.

  Educational Background

  University of California, Berkeley
       Bachelors of Science, Conservation of Natural Resources
  
  
• Christine Schneider, Vice President
  

  
  Ms. Schneider is a licensed Landscape Architect and an environmental planner with over 20 years of professional experience. She has over 15 years of project management experience with CEQA analysis, habitat restoration projects, and multi-tasked environmental planning projects. Her background as a landscape architect includes experience in all phases of landscape planning and analysis, design, and construction. In 2005 she was named Vice-President for Environmental Analysis at TRA.
  
  Since joining TRA in 1995, Ms. Schneider has used her management and problem-solving skills on a variety of environmental planning and natural resource projects. She has prepared environmental documentation for trail projects, open space studies, wetland and riparian maintenance operations, quarries and mixed-use projects. She has also prepared analysis and documentation for a wide variety of regulatory agencies, including Individual and Nationwide Permits for the US Army Corps of Engineers, Section 1602 permits for the California Department of Fish and Game, and Regional Permits through the California State and Regional Water Quality Control Boards. She is familiar with the "CEQA Plus" process used by the State Water Quality Control Board, which combines both CEQA and NEPA analyses for projects with federal funding.
  
  As a practicing landscape architect, Ms. Schneider specializes in habitat restoration. She works with TRA's ecological staff to design projects that minimize environmental impacts, protect endangered species, and promote healthy plant growth in native landscapes. She has worked on projects in the following native communities: Freshwater Emergent Narsh; Central Coast Riparian; Coastal Meadow/Prairie; Coastal Bluff; Serpentine Bunchgrass Grassland; Serpentine Wetland; and Northern Maritime Chaparral.

  Highlights

  One of the major authors of the SCVWD's Steam Maintenance Program EIR. Assisted the District on issues related to that project starting in 1995. Assisted the District's Environmental Planning Unit on obtaining various US Army Corps of Engineers permits for temporary maintenance work from 1995-1997.
  
  Project Manager for the San Francisquito Creek Levee Restoration and Floodwall Demolition and Reconstruction Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, a joint venture between the District and the City of East Palo Alto.
  
  Currently, Project Manager for the Stevens Creek Trail Corridor project, a joint venture between the City of Cupertino and the District. Preparing the biological studies for this park master plan that includes a creek side trail, park facilities, environmental education center, realignment and restoration of Stevens Creek to its historic channel and extensive habitat restoration. Working with the hydrological consultant to prepare the creek restoration plan, and preparing the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration on the entire park and restoration project.
  
  Prepared the habitat restoration plan and implementation guidelines for an 8,000-acre working ranch in Merced County, California, that presents a working model for ranch staff to implement over the next five years. Has also prepared restoration and revegetation plans for many riparian projects within San Mateo County, especially within the San Francisquito Creek watershed.

  Educational Background

  California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
       B.S. Landscape Architecture
  Environmental Management, University of San Francisco
       Master of Science (in preparation)

  Professional Registration and Affiliation

  Licensed Landscape Architect, California registration #3261 [1990]
  Member, California Native Plant Society (CNPS)
  Member, Society for Ecological Restoration - California (SERCAL)
  Open Space Committee Chair, San Francisco Tomorrow, 1993-1996
  Member, Park and Open Space Citizen's Advisory Commission, San Francisco, 1992-1996
  
  
• Taylor Peterson, Program Director
  

  
  Ms. Peterson is a Program Director who has been with the firm since 1980. Ms. Peterson applies her technical expertise and management skills in assessing the impacts of a wide range of projects including sanitary landfills, materials recovery and transfer stations, quarries, housing developments, wastewater treatment plant expansion, water well development, and high-voltage transmission line alignments.
  
  In her capacity as Program Director, Ms. Peterson directs TRA staff in the technical analysis and preparation of environmental documents, prepares her own technical sections, and maintains contact with the client, project engineers, and the lead agency. As such, she is familiar with every aspect of the preparation of environmental documents that must comply with CEQA. Several of the projects that she has managed have been controversial in nature, and she has extensive experience in responding to public concerns and comment.
  
  Ms. Peterson has a background in biology and has been a long-time observer of California's natural history. She is experienced in identification of plant and animal species, in mapping plant communities, in mark/release/recapture work with butterflies, and in survey methods for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox. She is familiar with special habitats such as vernal pools, serpentine grassland, and riparian zones, and she is a trained wetland delineator. She has had much practice in the use of biological data sources such as the California Natural Diversity Database, the California Native Plant Society, agency and local contacts, and numerous field guides and floras.
  

  Highlights

  Managed numerous projects, most recently including the Stanford University HCP EIS, an initial study on the Woodside Priory School Master Plan, initial studies on the Arastradero Preserve Trails Management Plan and the Foothills Park Trail Management Plan, and various studies in support of an Amended Reclamation Plan for the Hanson Quarry.
  
  Provides technical expertise on a variety of work products and has prepared constraints analyses, biological assessments, initial studies, environmental assessments, environmental impact reports, mitigation monitoring plans, US Army Corps of Engineers, California Department of Fish and Game and Regional Water Quality Control Board permit applications, and revegetation plans.
  
  Contributing author of the Habitat Conservation Plan for San Bruno Mountain, in which she applied the principles of the Plan in order to develop the specific activities required for each administrative parcel on the mountain.
  
  Principal author of the Kirby Canyon Landfill Bay Checkerspot Butterfly Conservation Plan, and the Revegetation Plan for serpentine grassland at the project site.

  Educational Background

  Stanford University, Stanford, CA
       A.B. Human Biology
  
  
• Barbara Beard, Senior Associate, Director of Human Resources
  

  
  Ms. Beard is a TRA Senior Associate and Project Manager. She has been Project Manager or a contributing author for environmental documents on a variety of projects including mixed commercial developments, residential developments, recreational trail projects, waste transfer stations, landfills and yard waste composting facilities, habitat conservation plans and endangered species studies. She has been a contributing author to a variety of CEQA documents, including EIRs, Initial Studies, and Negative Declarations. She is also experienced in the preparation of conservation planning documents, having contributed sections to Habitat Conservation Plans and Preservation Studies.
  
  She has up-to-date working knowledge of federal and state regulations and permit requirements, resulting in legally "bulletproof" CEQA documents in the face of controversy and strong public opposition. She collaborates with lead agencies, project staff, clients, and subcontractors to produce documents that represent a project's potential impacts to the public. She has been a contibuting author to EIRs and other CEQA documents on a variety of residential and commercial projects in the Bay Area, having researched and prepared the impact analysis for disciplines such as land use, aesthetics, project conformance with federal, state and local policies, public services, public health and safety, noise, traffic, and air quality.
  

  Highlights

  Contributing author to several EIRs on various municipal waste handling facilities, including the Zanker Road Material Processing Facility EIR (City of San Jose), Greenwaste Recovery Facility Initial Study (City of San Jose), Guadalupe Disposal Site Expansion EIR (City of San Jose), the Guadalupe Property Supplemental EIR (City of San Jose), research and documentation for Guadalupe Landfill for a materials processing building, Kirby Canyon Landfill Revegetation Plan (City of San Jose), CEQA documentation for permit renewals for the Guadalupe Landfill, and the Sunnyvale Materials Recovery and Transfer Station EIR (City of Sunnyvale).
  
  Project Manager for the constraints analysis and detailed Initial Study for the City of San Jose portion of the San Francisco Bay Trail. Directed the preparation of a constraints analysis designed to flesh out the project proposal of where the trail would go and what the potential environmental impacts would be so that the public and local, regional and federal agencies whose lands the trail would cross would be able to understand the details of the project and identify any potential land use or environmental conflicts that might arise. Directed the preparation of a comprehensive Initial Study on the project, once the trail route was developed. Contributing author on other trail projects including several reaches of the Stevens Creek Trail in the City of Cupertino, the reach of the Stevens Creek Trail in the City of Santa Clara, and a Class II bike lane project along San Juan Highway in San Benito County.
  
  Authored sections of several projects involving endangered species including the Metropolitan Bakersfield Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), the Kirby Canyon Conservation Plan, and the Southern San Joaquin Valley Habitat Preservation Study.
  
  Currently working on two projects for the State Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Off-Highway Vehicles. One project is an EIS/EIR for the State Parks San Luis Obispo Coast District and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Habitat Conservation Plan for endangered and threatened species found in the six coastal state parks in San Luis Obispo County. The second project consists of reviewing numerous annual off-highway vehicle grants for CEQA and Grant Regulation compliance.
  

  Educational Background

  University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
       Bachelors of Science, Natural Resource Policy & Management
  
  
• Paula Hartman, Esq., Acting President, Senior Associate
  

  
  Ms. Hartman is a natural resources specialist and also a trained environmental lawyer, with over 15 years of experience as a resources planner, biologist, and attorney. Her skills apply broadly to natural resources planning, environmental impact documentation, permitting, and biological resource assessment. She works closely with clients, TRA staff, local government, and agencies to ensure timely production of documents that thoroughly evaluate projects and provide workable mitigation strategies.
  
  Ms. Hartman utilizes her multi-disciplinary education and experience to coordinate and complete complex projects. Her specialty is the biological aspect of regulatory compliance, which she applies to NEPA and CEQA documentation, endangered species consultations, habitat conservation plans, mitigation and monitoring plans, and resolving issues between clients and agencies. Her environmental planning work has focused on preparing and managing Initial Studies, EIRs, and HCPs. She has also contributed extensively to natural environmental studies for Caltrans, 404(b)(1) alternatives analyses for wetlands permitting, preparation and review of NEPA documents, and consultation under section 106 of the Natural Historic Preservation Act.
  

  Highlights
  

  Currently managing preparation of the San Luis Obispo Coast District and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area HCP and the associated EIS/EIR for the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR). Assists with extensive public outreach, permit compliance, and coordination with California Coastal Commission staff.
  
  Currently program manager for regulatory assistance to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division of CDPR. Work includes preparing Initial Studies and other CEQA support, grant program environmental review, development of regulations, HCP development support, and permitting assistance.
  
  Currently assisting with the Placer County Conservation Plan, an HCP/NCCP. The current planning phase covers almost 270,000 acres in western Placer County.
  
  Assisted the Santa Clara Valley Water District with finalizing its Stream Maintenance Program. The project involved preparing an EIR and detailed Best Management Practices and formulating methodology to assess impacts from bank protection measures.
  
  Worked on a programmatic EIR for the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District for expansion of the District's Boundary and Sphere of Influence into 140,000 acres of unincorporated western San Mateo County. The large, undeveloped nature of the area raised a range of resource issues and required extensive coastal community outreach.
  
  Other projects have included EIRs for the Terman Middle School Reopening and Serramonte Condominiums and Hotel Projects, environmental documentation for a watershed planning study/flood control project and highway improvement projects in Santa Clara County, and a draft HCP for a 575-acre residential golf project in San Jose.
  

  Educational Background

  University of California, Davis
       Juris Doctor, School of Law
  California State University, Humboldt
       B.S., Natural Resources Planning and Interpretation, magna cum laude
  
  
• Thomas Reid, Principal
  

  
  Mr. Reid has directed his firm and participated in much of its technical work since its inception in 1972. He has managed the performance of work on over 300 environmental impact assessments and other technical studies. Mr. Reid has extensive experience in public representation of TRA's work products. He is especially skilled at communicating in meetings and public hearings, and has a well-earned reputation for excellence of communication in the public forum and for technical input to conflict resolution.
  
  Mr. Reid has particular skills to interface with project applicants and their engineers, architects, and other professionals to develop a full and accurate description of projects for the purpose of impact evaluation. His understanding of the interaction of many factors in causing environmental impacts also contributes to his aptitude to develop practical, effective and enforceable mitigation and performance standards for many projects.
  
  Mr. Reid is well versed in the technical aspects of environmental impact modeling. His skills include aerial photo interpretation, computerized mapping, and modeling of noise, air and water quality. His skills in air quality impact assessment have kept pace with the steady increase in sophistication in the state-of-the-art analysis demanded by federal and state regulatory agencies. His work in this discipline has earned him the respect of air quality regulatory agencies at different governmental levels, and he has a good working relationship with these agencies.

  Highlights

  Conducts or oversees air quality modeling studies from data collection to plume dispersion analysis. Projects include Quail Hollow Quarry, Bonny Doon Quarry, USS-POSCO Steel Mill, Aromas San Juan School District, Guadalupe Valley Quarry, RMC Cement Plant Material Storage Facility, Yuba Goldfields Operating Engineers Training Center, and Hollister Sand Plant.
  
  Conducts on-site noise impact analyses using sound level meters as well as computer-modeling traffic-related noise impacts with noise models recently developed by Caltrans. Noise study projects include: Lowes Facility, Yuba Goldfields Operating Engineers Training Center, Andreini Brothers Property, Berryessa Road Materials Recycling Plant, Hickey Boulevard Extension, Hollister Motorcycle Classic Event, San Mateo Skateboard Park, San Mateo Regency Plaza, and Sand Hill Road.
  
  Personally directs the AutoCAD staff in developing three-dimensional terrain grid models useful in demonstrating impacts to viewshed from the perspective of sensitive receptors and alternative project design possibilities. Visual studies include: Serramonte Condominiums, Burlingame Holiday Inn, RMC Cement Plant Material Storage Facility, Burlingame Storage Facility, Crespi School Site, Phillips-Brooks School Site, Sunshine Condominium Project, Castlewood Tract 6130, and a private residence in Half Moon Bay.
  
  Works extensively with AutoCAD to assess other environmental impacts such as loss of vegetative communities, maintenance of wildlife corridors and the graphic depiction of results gained from modeling of air and noise impacts.
  
  Served as the primary facilitator working with the State Resources Agency and private participants involved in the Headwaters Forest project, which is the last privately held old-growth forest in Humboldt County, California. Served as scientific advisor to review the preparation of the Sustained Yield Plan, Habitat Conservation Plan and EIR/EIS.
  

  Educational Background

  Yale University, New Haven, CT
       Bachelors of Science, Chemistry
  Stanford University, Stanford, CA
       Graduate study in Biology
  National Science Foundation graduate fellowship
  

  Professional Societies

  Member, Association of Environmental Professionals
  Member, American Chemical Society
  Member, Air and Waste Management Association
  State of California Qualified Applicator Licensee (pesticides)
  
  
• Karen Weissman, Principal
  

  
  Dr. Weissman has been a Principal of TRA Environmental Sciences since she completed her doctorate in late 1972 and Vice-President of the firm since 1982. Her areas of expertise include ecology, population biology, demography, land use, land use economics, governmental planning and policies and regional environmental issues. Dr. Weissman provides public representation of many of her cases in the EIR process. She has provided expert witness testimony in administrative law proceedings.
  
  A biologist by training, Dr. Weissman has done biological reconnaissance and impact assessment of projects ranging from oil and gas pipelines, transmission lines, marine terminals for oil and liquid natural gas, port expansion, landfill expansion and residential subdivisions. She has worked closely with wildlife agencies in the study of impacts on rare or endangered species in California and other parts of the western region.
  
  Dr. Weissman plays a key role in conceptualizing, planning, contracting and executing projects. She has served as client liaison for technical information transfer and review on numerous cases, and she has expert familiarity with the methods of data collection and analysis from diverse sources, including governmental agencies, universities, public service organizations, public and private interest groups, and private industry and commerce. Dr. Weissman has primary responsibility for administering subcontracts and assuring the delivery of acceptable work products by subcontractors. Dr. Weissman also reviews work of TRA staff for CEQA adequacy and overall quality control.
  
  Dr. Weissman's expertise encompasses up-to-date knowledge of the requirements of CEQA and other environmental statutes, regulations, and case law as they pertain to environmental documents. She is frequently hired by private and public clients to provide detailed, formal technical review of numerous EIR's prepared by others, including industrial projects, "new towns," other mixed-use developments, high-voltage electrical transmission lines, sewage sludge disposal, and solid waste/hazardous waste transfer facilities. To date, Dr. Weissman has reviewed more than 100 environmental documents prepared by others.

  Highlights

  Principal for a multi-year contract with the Off-Highway Vehicle Division of California DPR to evaluate applications from federal agencies for state OHV management and development grants for environmental compliance.
  
  Prepared a study for the California Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a methodology for assessing carrying capacity as part of the General Planning process for state parks.
  
  Managed numerous recent projects including the Merced County Expanded Case Study which explored the economic relationships between agriculture, wetlands, and urban growth. Other work includes the Pacifica Police Station EIR, Stonebridge Subdivision EIR, and Palo Alto Main Library Renovation Project EIR.
  
  Principal Investigator for the Brisbane General Plan EIR, the Pacifica Wastewater Management Plan EIR, Gilroy Hot Springs Resort, Gilton Solid Waste Transfer Station, and Outdoor Resorts Recreational Vehicle Park EIRs, Farm Labor Housing Project EIR and Devers-Serrano Transmission Line EIS/EIR.
  
  Provided technical review and advised the Morgan Hill School District on the CEQA adequacy of an EIR prepared by another consultant on a proposed, controversial new high school.
  
  Principal Investigator for the Grasslands Land Planning Guidance Study (1995), Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (1994-97), and the Southern San Joaquin Valley Habitat Preservation Study (1986-89) and was principal author of the Coachella Valley Fringe Toed Lizard Habitat Conservation Plan and EIS/EIR (1984-1985) and the Carrizo Plain Land Acquisition Study (1985). Provided expertise in theoretical ecology for the Biological Study for Endangered Species and Habitat Conservation Plan for San Bruno Mountain. Prepared the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the Headwaters Forest HCP/Sustained Yield Plan (SYP). The MMRP is the essential link for the regulatory agencies to track the applicant's (Pacific Lumber's) compliance with the HCP.

  Educational Background

  University of California, Los Angeles
       Bachelor of Arts, Zoology, magna cum laude, with Highest Departmental Honors, elected to Phi Beta Kappa
  Stanford University, Stanford, CA
       Ph.D., Biology
  National Science Foundation Graduate fellowship
  
  
• Kate Werner, Senior Associate
  

  
  Ms. Werner is a Senior Associate and project manager with expertise in CEQA analysis, planning and land use issues. She joined TRA in 1986. As a case manager, Ms. Werner maintains day-to-day communication among the project team and lead agency staff, manages the case budget, prepares technical sections, and reviews the work of others.
  
  Ms. Werner has managed CEQA documents on an array of land use projects including quarries, schools, residential and commercial developments, and recreational uses. The projects have been located throughout the greater Bay Area including Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, and the projects have varied in size and complexity. Many projects involve the review and incorporation of technical documents from outside contractors (e.g. geotechnical feasibility studies, transportation studies, special status species reports).
  

  Highlights

  EIRs for quarry projects including: Hollister Sand Plant, Lapis Sand Plant, Brigantino Overburden (Wilson Quarry), Guadalupe Valley Quarry, Bonny Doon Quarries, Quail Hollow Quarry, and RMC Cement Plant. Impact assessments include noise, dust, aesthetics, sensitive biological resources, and water quality.
  
  EIRs for residential projects including: Sunset Vista, Rancho Mai, Rajkovich Property, Scenic Southside Estates, and San Juan Vista Estates, Connemara Project Supplemental EIRs. Impact assessments addressed loss of agricultural land, growth inducement of urban services expansion, adequacy of community services and utilities, viewshed impacts caused by projects in hillside locations, and conformance with local planning policies.
  
  Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for a Class II bike lane project along San Juan Highway in San Benito County. Project constraints included an adjacent drainage channel with wetland vegetation providing potential refuge habitat to California red-legged frog, a 100-year flood zone, and the San Andreas Fault. Directed technical studies for Caltrans.
  
  Initial Study for the Stream Flow Augmentation Project for the experimental release of recycled water into the Upper Silver Creek/Coyote Creek watershed in San Jose. The primary issues of concern were impacts to water quality and biotic species within the riparian corridor.
  
  Access Feasibility Study for Pajaro Valley Unified School District in Watsonville. Study assessed the feasibility of an alternate access road required by the California Coastal Commission as a condition of approving a new high school campus in the coastal zone. Several feasibility factors were assessed including acquisition of easements, regulatory approval process, environmental constraints, costs, and timing constraints.
  
  Sphere of Influence Study for Alameda County LAFCO involving a disputed area between Cities of Livermore and Dublin. The study assessed whether existing sphere boundaries should be modified and the likely environmental impact associated with the sphere change.
  
  Mitigation Monitor for the Guadalupe Valley Quarry in San Mateo County since 1996. Conducts both scheduled and unannounced site visits to inspect conditions at the quarry and assess compliance with county permit conditions. The primary issues include adequate controls of dust emissions, surface water runoff, water quality, import of recycled material, and noise from night haul truck traffic.
  

  Educational Background

  University of California, Davis
       Bachelors of Science, Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning
  
  

Technical Team

• Sandy Ho, Associate
  

  
  Sandy Ho is an Associate at TRA with a variety of experience in graphic design, project scheduling, and administrative support. She has worked on graphics for projects such as Habitat Conservation Plans, Environmental Impact Reports and Studies, and Biological Assessments. Another of Ms. Ho's areas of expertise is project scheduling. She has completed several presentation ready schedules for various projects.
  
  Ms. Ho is proficient with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, CorelDraw, AutoCAD, and ArcView. She is experienced in using Arcview GIS for mapping and data analysis. Ms. Ho has prepared a series of GIS-based maps for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan Activities Report. This project involved digitizing invasive species control areas, and Callippe Silverspot and Mission Blue butterfly observations on San Bruno Mountain. Recently, Ms. Ho has assisted with preparation of a Riparian Restoration Planting Plan Detail map using AutoCAD. She is specialized in project location and aerial maps.
  
  Furthermore, Ms. Ho formats and produces many of TRA's publications. For example, she has participated in the preparation of several HCPs. These HCPs include: Placer County HCP/NCCP (vernal pool species), San Bruno Mountain HCP, and Stanford University EIS/HCP.
  
  At TRA, Ms. Ho's work also includes coordinating and organizing office archives, keeping track of office supplies and maintaining inventory, backing up files, and other assigned projects. She performs a variety of administrative and staff support duties.

  Highlights

  Assisted with the preparation of graphics for San Luis Obispo Coast District and Oceano Dunes SVRA HCP DEIS/DEIR, Stevens Creek Corridor CEQA project, and San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Five Year Plan.
  Completed dam location graphics for the Dam Instrumentation Project Phase 1B and II IS (Santa Clara Valley Water District).
  Formatted and produced the San Mateo Coastal Annexation DEIR, San Carlos Airport DEIR, Stevens Creek Trail Study Area A IS/MND, Sharp Park Dog Park DIS, and Juvenile Justice Center DIS/MND.
  Prepared the project schedule for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan, City of Millbrae Cogeneration Plant Impact Evaluation, and Operating Engineers Yuba Goldfields JATA Project.
  GIS mapping for the Rare Plant Mitigation/Juvenile Justice Facility Project (Results of Crystal Spring Lessingia Monitoring Efforts 04-05).

  Educational Background

  San Jose State University, California.
       Bachelor of Science, Business Administration
  
  
• Virginia Justus, Associate
  

  
  Virginia Justus is an Associate at TRA with experience in graphic design and environmental analysis. She has prepared graphics for a wide variety of projects, including Habitat Conservation Plans, Environmental Impact Reports and Studies, and Biological Assessments. She has provided environmental analysis for Initial Studies and Environmental Impact Reports for CEQA projects and Environmental Assessments for NEPA projects.
  
  Ms. Justus has skills in AutoCAD, ArcView, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, and Adobe Photoshop that she employs in the creation of graphics for TRA.
  
  As Webmaster for TRAenviro.com, Ms. Justus redesigned the site's look and expanded its functionality. She coordinates updates for it, including making TRA's publications accessible through the web. She created the San Bruno Mountain Cooperative Site, which gave the public web access to the San Bruno Mountain HCP.
  
  Ms. Justus also has expertise in noise analysis. She has conducted noise monitoring at project sites and assists in data analysis.

  Highlights

  Assisted with the environmental analysis for Initial Studies on the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Master Plan for the County of San Mateo's Parks and Recreation Department, Faculty/Staff Housing Project for the San Mateo Community College District, and the Water Recycling Plan for the City of Pacifica.
  
  Prepared the cultural resources section of the Environmental Assessment for the Joint Training Center in the Yuba Goldfields.
  
  Contributed to Plan Consistency, Geology and Soils, and Traffic sections of the Serramonte Condominiums and Hotel EIR for Daly City.
  
  Completed several noise monitoring efforts for public facilities, industrial, and residential projects. Experienced in both the proper collection and analysis of noise data. Examples of past projects include: analysis of traffic noise near proposed residences in the Town of Woodside, analysis of existing site conditions for the Initial Study for the Faculty/Staff Housing Project at the College of San Mateo, and analysis of potential noise generated from proposed tennis and basketball courts at Terman Middle School in Palo Alto. She has also collected noise data from quarry operations at Bonny Doon in Santa Cruz County and at a Lowe's hardware/building supply location.
  
  GIS mapping for resource management projects including San Mateo County Coastal Annexation Program EIR.
  

  Educational Background

  University of California, Santa Cruz
       Bachelors of Arts, Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Departmental Honors
  University of California, Santa Cruz
       Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Departmental Honors

  
  
• Sara Krier, Associate Biologist
  

  
  Ms. Krier is an Associate Biologist at TRA with 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 crew in data collection, species identification and data reporting on various biological elements such as wildlife, vegetation, and water quality.
  
  One of Ms. Krier's areas of expertise is in watershed analysis. Her responsibilities in this area have included lake water quality sampling, shoreline assessments, and biological data collection. In her studies on watersheds, she has used Geographic Information Systems, Geographic Positioning Systems, and aerial photo interpretation in data analysis and in the production of figures for scientific reports.

  Highlights

  As a field technician, Ms. Krier assessed the quantity of Arctic Grayling contained in Montana's Big Hole Watershed irrigation ditches.
  
  As part of an assessment of the Total Maximum Daily Load of pollutants in the Shields River watershed, Ms. Krier used GPS and aerial photo interpretation extensively to survey road erosion.
  
  Ms. Krier researched and compiled a model Off-Road Vehicle monitoring report, which was used as a basis for forming monitoring programs for public lands.
  
  Ms. Krier also has experience monitoring avian behavior during incubation and nestling periods using video recordings. Parental behavior was documented and interpreted through observation of feeding patterns and offspring interactions.
  
  For the University of Montana's Watershed Health Clinic, Ms. Krier collected field data and prepared riparian stream assessments focusing on streams in the Deer Lodge Valley of Western Montana.

  Educational Background

  University of Montana
       Masters of Environmental Studies
  University of Colorado
       Bachelor of Science, Environmental, Population, and Organismic Biology
       Bachelor of Arts, English Literature

  
  
• Christina Lau, Associate
  

  
  Ms. Lau joined TRA in 2005 and has experience writing and reviewing various types of CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. She has managed and written several CEQA and NEPA projects, ranging from categorical exemptions to EIS/EIRs, including managing the subconsultants that brought expertise to each project.
  
  Currently, she is assisting with the EIS/EIR for the Habitat Conservation Plan for a number of Off-Highway Vehicular parks in San Luis Obispo, for the State Parks Department of Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) Division and the EIS for a Habitat Conservation Plan for Stanford University. She is also assisting with another project for the State Parks Department which involves the review of numerous grant applications for compliance with CEQA. The grants would fund a variety of trail projects throughout federal parks in California, and are being reviewed for potential significant environmental impacts under CEQA because the funding would come from the State.
  
  Christina also has previous experience in the preparation of joint NEPA/CEQA documents for transportation projects while working as an environmental planner for Caltrans.

  Highlights

  Currently assisting with an EIR for a small housing development in Pacifica, California. The development will incorporate many "green" construction practices including grey water reuse, wind, and solar energy. She is also assisting with sections for an EIS for Stanford University's Habitat Conservation Plan and preparing an IS/ND for a solar panel installation for Alza Corporation in Vacaville.
  
  Currently assisting with projects for the State Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Off-Highway Vehicles including an EIS/EIR for the Habitat Conservation Plan for OHV parks in San Luis Obispo County, other IS/MNDs for OHV parks, and the review of numerous grant applications for compliance with CEQA. The grants fund a variety of trail projects throughout federal lands in California, and are being reviewed for potentially significant environmental impacts under CEQA because the funding would come from the State.
  
  Principal author of IS/NDs for a drainage project at Hollister Hills State Vehicle Recreation Area (SVRA)(2005) and a fence replacement project at Oceano Dunes SVRA (2006).
  
  Previous experience as principal author for the IS/EA, ND/FONSI for the I-238 Widening Project (2004). This 80 million dollar project will widen I-238 between I-580 and I-880 in San Leandro from four to six lanes.
  
  

  Educational Background

  University of the Pacific, California
       Bachelors of Arts, Environmental Studies and Economics, Biology Minor
  California State University, San Jose
       M.S. related coursework, Environmental Studies

  
  
• Autumn Meisel, Associate Biologist
  

  
  Autumn Meisel is an ecologist specialized in habitat assessment and management. She earned a Master's degree in conservation ecology from San Francisco State University in 2002, and joined TRA as a staff biologist in 2005. She is competent in overall site and habitat assessment, biological monitoring, and landscape level planning and management. In the field, Mrs. Meisel has experience in plant and wildlife identification, nesting bird surveys and burrowing owl focused surveys, butterfly monitoring, construction monitoring, red-legged frog surveys, reconnaissance-level site surveys, wetland delineations, hydrologic monitoring, and vegetation and wildlife monitoring. She has worked in both conservation and land development settings and is familiar with on-the-ground conditions and/or concerns that may arise.

  At TRA, Autumn aids in the management of the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan. Tasks include grassland and coastal scrub management, invasive plant control, endangered butterfly monitoring, education, and reporting to lead and regulatory agencies. While at TRA, Mrs. Meisel has also worked on numerous CEQA documents, and has prepared Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies, and Mitigated Negative Declarations for a variety of projects. She has also completed numerous biological assessments, restoration monitoring, and has worked on the preparation of Habitat Conservation Plans.
  
  Prior to joining TRA, Mrs. Meisel worked as an environmental analyst, providing start to finish consultation services related to Clean Water Act Section 401 and California Department of Fish and Game 1602 permits. She has performed numerous biological assessments and has experience in analyzing the potential for occurrence of special-status species in a variety of habitats. She has written numerous 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, applying adaptive management when needed to ensure that sites meet their performance standards.
  
  Mrs. Meisel also has expertise in habitat restoration at degraded sites and has overseen invasive weed control efforts, native out-planting, and plant establishment maintenance. She has led volunteer groups in restoration work and provided education to others about ecology and resource management. Mrs. Meisel has aided in prioritizing restoration needs when resources were limited and has designed experimental vegetation management methods to better understand how to best meet desired goals so that resources may be put to the greatest use.
  
  Highlights

  Manager for the San Bruno Mountain Habitat Conservation Plan. Tasks include grassland and coastal scrub management, invasive plant control, endangered butterfly monitoring, education, and reporting to lead and regulatory agencies.
  
  Contributing author on numerous CEQA documents, and has prepared Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies, and Mitigated Negative Declarations for a variety of projects.
  
  Has completed numerous biological assessments, restoration monitoring, and has worked on the preparation of Habitat Conservation Plans.
  
  Worked as an environmental analyst, providing start to finish consultation services related to Clean Water Act Section 401 and California Department of Fish and Game 1602 permits.
  
  Performed numerous biological assessments in a variety of habitats and has compiled lists of potentially-occurring special-status species. She has written numerous 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, applying adaptive management when needed to ensure that sites meet their performance standards.
  
  Experienced in plant, butterfly, and bird identification, nesting bird surveys and burrowing owl focused surveys, construction monitoring, reconnaissance-level site surveys, wetland delineations, hydrologic monitoring, and vegetation monitoring.
  
  Expertise in habitat restoration at degraded sites and has overseen invasive weed control efforts, native out-planting, and plant establishment maintenance. She has lead volunteer groups in restoration work and provided education to others about ecology and resource management. Mrs. Meisel has aided in prioritizing restoration needs when resources were limited and has designed experimental vegetation management methods to better understand how to best meet desired goals so that resources may be put to the greatest use.

  Educational Background

  San Francisco State University
       M.A. Conservation Ecology
  U.C. San Diego
       B.S. Ecology
  

  
  

«Qualifications