Since 2013, ERO has been assisting Jefferson County Open Space and Clear Creek County as the primary environmental manager for multiple segments of the Peaks to Plains Trail through Clear Creek Canyon west of Golden. Most segments of the trail are being constructed via the design-build model, with construction of the first segment completed in 2016 and construction for the Gateway segment currently underway. This work has included completing technical reports and field reviews to document wetlands and waters of the U.S., threatened and endangered species (specifically Preble’s meadow jumping mouse and Ute ladies’-tresses orchid), and cultural and historic resources to support the Categorical Exclusion process for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Efforts also include preparing biological resource reports, wetland finding reports, SB40 certification requests and mitigation plans, noxious weed management plans, initial site assessments, and cultural and historic resource reports. In addition, ERO has prepared an individual permit and multiple preconstruction notifications for Clean Water Act Section 404 compliance required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and prepared two biological assessments for Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ERO has been closely involved in agency and stakeholder coordination at every step, including coordination with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) regarding impacts on wildlife, aquatic habitat, and golden eagles. ERO has also prepared revegetation and mitigation plans for Preble’s mitigation requirements, annual monitoring for mitigation areas, including completing vegetation transects to assess vegetative cover, and has assisted with construction observation services for riparian plantings and migratory bird surveys.
