Swainson’s hawk photographed during a California field survey

Biological Resources Consulting

Know what’s on your site before it changes your plans. Soar’s California biologists identify sensitive species, habitats, wetlands, and other biological constraints early⁠—helping you avoid missed survey windows, permitting surprises, redesign, and costly schedule impacts.

Discuss your project → Species we work with
ESA Federal listed species · §7 and §10 CESA California listed species · CDFW protocol Initial consultations are always complimentary Scroll

What you don’tidentify earlycan become yournext delay.

California’s biological resources are diverse, highly regulated, and often seasonal. Sensitive habitat, wetlands, nesting birds, rare plants, and threatened or endangered species can affect design, permitting, mitigation, and when work can begin.

Some biological surveys can only be completed during specific breeding, migration, or flowering periods. Identifying those requirements early gives you more options⁠—helping protect survey windows, avoid costly surprises, and keep your project schedule moving.

SOAR botanist examining vegetation during a rare plant survey

When you look can be just as important as where you look.

Some biological surveys only count during a narrow seasonal window. Miss the bloom, breeding season, or required survey period⁠—and your answer may have to wait months. That’s why early biological planning matters. Knowing the right survey window before it closes can mean the difference between staying on schedule and waiting for the next season.

California biology gets specific

Species that canchange the schedule.

Finding a sensitive species doesn’t have to derail a project. Finding it too late can. Soar’s biologists bring hands-on California field experience with species that can influence survey timing, permitting, mitigation, and construction.

Biologist holding a California tiger salamander
California Tiger SalamanderVernal pool breeder. Surveyed in the wet season, in the rain, at night.
Swainson’s hawk in a California field
Swainson’s HawkState threatened. Nest surveys run through the breeding season.
Bald eagle
Bald EagleState endangered and federally protected. Buffers and timing govern the work.
Western spadefoot toad held during a field survey
Western SpadefootVernal pool species. Above ground for a narrow window each year.

Also worked on: California Red-Legged Frog · Yosemite Toad · San Joaquin Valley Kit Fox · Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle · Western Pond Turtle · Burrowing Owl · Desert Tortoise · vernal pool species · avian species. Knowing the species is only part of the job. Knowing what its presence means for your project⁠—and what to do next⁠—is where experience matters.

Biological resources services

Survey. Assess.Permit. Keep moving.

From the first biological assessment through permitting and construction monitoring, Soar connects field science with regulatory strategy⁠—helping you understand what’s there, what it means for your project, and what needs to happen next.

Surveys & assessments

Biological Resource Assessments · Protocol-Level Surveys · Threatened & Endangered Species · Rare Plant & Botanical Surveys · Wildlife & Habitat Assessments

Aquatic resources & habitat

Wetland Delineation · Wetland & Vernal Pool Assessments · Fisheries & Aquatic Studies · Habitat Restoration · Revegetation

Compliance & permitting

ESA Biological Assessments · CEQA/NEPA Technical Studies · Environmental Permitting · Mitigation Planning

Construction & mitigation

Biological Monitoring · Permit Compliance · Compensatory Mitigation · Habitat Restoration Monitoring

Valued Partners

“The Soar Environmental team can be trusted to complete all your environmental studies and mitigation. The team will perform your studies, review your project and create a mitigation plan that allows you to begin construction with the confidence that all your environmental compliance and mitigation has been handled in a professional manner.”
Steve MaciasCivil Engineer, Sequoia Consulting
“We have used Soar to assist compliance with California environmental regulations and our experience was very good. Clear and helpful communication, always keeping us informed with the work activities and overall project progress.”
Michel MenezesConvergent Energy + Power
“Soar’s fees are very reasonable considering the level of service, dedication and drive one receives as a client. We will certainly look to Soar again in the future for our environmental consulting needs.”
Loren RoyCEO, M and EM Homes LLC
“The Chukchansi Indian Housing Authority did work with Soar Environmental Consulting and we were very satisfied with the work they completed for CIHA.”
Lorita SilvasPicayune Rancheria Housing Director

Biological work across California

Boots on the ground.

All projects →
Night stormwater pollution prevention works on an active construction site California High-Speed Rail, biological monitoring and Biological Opinion compliance, CP1View details → Caltrans highway corridor at Tulare and Mooney Caltrans corridor biological surveys, ADL at Tulare and MooneyView details → Sierra National Forest Sierra National Forest, National Forest Foundation habitat workView details → Botanist examining vegetation during a rare plant survey Rare plant and botanical survey program, Central ValleyView details →

One integrated team

Part of the full service line.

Biological resources is one of six integrated environmental services, so one coordinated team supports your project from first survey through final permit.

CEQA and NEPA environmental planningPlanningCEQA & NEPA Archaeological resource surveyResourcesArchaeological Consulting Environmental permittingApprovalsEnvironmental Permitting Soil sampling for site assessmentSubsurfaceHazardous Materials Geological servicesSubsurfaceGeological & Hydrological

Know what’s there. Know what comes next.

Survey windowsdon’t wait.

Tell us where your project stands and what’s ahead. Soar can help you identify the biological work your project may require, understand when it needs to happen, and build it into your schedule before a missed survey window limits your options.

Some biological windows are measured in weeks, not months. If a season is closing, the time to understand what your project needs is now.

Complete the form and let’s discuss your project.

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Pasadena · Sacramento · Fresno · Bakersfield
Initial consultations are always complimentary.