Rare Species
United States
Rosemont Copper Mine, Pima County, Arizona
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier served as a third-party reviewer of proposed compensatory mitigation credits for wetlands and endangered species for a proposed open-pit copper mine in southern Arizona as part of an Environmental Impact States (EIS) under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). Mr. Bernier was responsible for determining the equitability of mitigation credit ratios for a wetland mitigation project encompassing over 3,700 acres. The evaluation included assessing the proposed mitigation work plan which included multiple properties and habitats across several watersheds, developing mitigation credit ratio checklists, and evaluating the impartiality and objectivity of credit ratios proposed by regulatory agencies. Additionally, Mr. Bernier was also tasked with evaluating the merits of multiple biological survey reports for habitat conservation measures, grazing impacts and management, frogs, and the yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).
County Road Bridge and Culvert Replacement, Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Ecological Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed a Phase 1 habitat assessment for the potential pressence of bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenbergii) as well as an assessment of existing coldwater fisheries at a location in the Town of Sheffield as part of a Section 7 Endangered Species Act consultation in support of proposed bridge and culvert replacement. Mr. Bernier successfully identified two areas of suitable emergent wetland habitat for bog turtles in addition to multiple migration corridors within and in proximity to the Project. Mr. Bernier was also able to identify multiple existing coldwater fisheries that could potentially be impacted by the Project. Through careful review, adverse impacts to these sensitive ecological receptors were avoided via changes in the proposed design.
Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project, Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance effort for a $30 million project initiated by Natural Resources Conservation Service-Massachusetts and numerous project partners throughout Cape Cod. The project involved over 75 projects which were broken down by restoration type, including salt marsh, shellfish habitat, and fish passage. Mr. Bernier was also responsible for the completion of an Environmental Assessment (EA) under NEPA for the rehabilitation of Santuit Pond Dam, a project add-on, which included the rehabilitation of a pre-20th century dam, construction of a new fish ladder, compensatory wetland mitigation of impacted bogs, and a wetland habitat assessment and functional evaluation. Additionally, Mr. Bernier designed and completed an in-field chance encounter survey and suitable breeding habitat survey for the state-protected eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina).
SuAsCo Supplemental Watershed Plans, Worcester and Middlesex Counties, Massachusetts
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development of six Environmental Assessments (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in support of six individual Supplemental Watershed Plans for floodwater retarding dams. Mr. Bernier completed environmental impact analyses, economic and cost-benefit analyses, environmental consequences, partner coordination, and public comment outreach. All of the dams contained sensitive ecological habitats ranging from mature upland forests to wetlands. Two of the six dams contained habitat for suitable for state-listed rare species. As such, Mr. Bernier designed and completed a visual and auditory survey for the presence of the state-protected grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus svannarum) as well as a chance encounter survey for the state-protected wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in addition to suitable breeding habitat surveys for both species.
Nexamp Solar Photovoltaic Facility, Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported efforts to survey for state-protected wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) and other turtles along an area of exclusion fence separating natural habitats from an area of habitat restoration. Surveys included traversing the area adjacent to the exclusion fencing as well as throughout the restoration work area to locate any turtles and safely relocate them outside of the potential impact area. Mr. Bernier also oversaw construction efforts to remove deposited fill material from within the wetland and the subsequent seeding and mulching of the disturbed areas. Additionally, Mr. Bernier was responsible for working with the Town Conservation Commission and the U.S. Army of Corps Engineers to ensure the Site was in compliance with the applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Route 2 Crosby's Corner Safety Improvement Project, Lincoln and Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Ecological Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development and implementation of a monitoring plan documenting wildlife usage of a constructed underpass tunnel. The study utilized track beds, camera traps, road mortality surveys, and snow tracking to determine the diversity of wildlife using the tunnel and the frequency of usage. Mr. Bernier directed all aspects of this project inculding study design, installation, monitoring, data analyzation, and reporting. Montoring began in late spring and continued throught the end of fall. An end of year report was developed which analyzed the diversity of species utilizing the tunnel as well as the efficacy of the tunnel to successfully pass wildlife.
Sister Lakes Transmission Line, Cass and VanBuren Counties, Michigan
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed a wetland delineation and rare species habitat assessment for an approximately 25-mile transmission line in southwestern Michigan. More than 20 individual wetlands were identified as part of the delineation including several high quality buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) scrub-shrub wetlands and a peat bog. Mr. Bernier also completed a rare species habitat assessment for federally-listed Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) and northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) and the state-listed Blanding’s turtle (Emys blandingii).
Bog Turtle Surveys, Dutchess and Columbia Counties, New York
Project Volunteer
Mr. Bernier completed Phase II surveys for federally-threatened bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenbergii). Surveys included traversing several sites for the presence or absence of bog turtles. Additionally, as part of the project, vegetation was documented at each location using transects through each site. In total, Mr. Bernier found three individuals, including a yearling and a previously unidentified male.
South Hills, Poughkeepsie, Dutchess County, New York
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for completing a survey to determine the presence or absence of state-protected pied-billed grebes (Podilymbus podiceps) for a proposed retail facility. The habitat assessment was conducted within the boundaries of the project site to identify the existence of any potential habitat for this species. Potential habitat for federally-endangered Indiana bats was also evaluated. Vegetative and habitat communities present at the project site were also identified and mapped and a wetland delineation was also completed.
Altman Lighting, Newburgh, Orange County, New York
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed an in-field survey to determine the presence or absence of state-protected upland sandpipers (Bartramia longicauda) and their critical breeding habitat for a proposed commercial facility. The survey involved traversing the site to document existing baseline conditions and the presence or absence of any potential critical breeding habitat. Vegetative and habitat communities present at the project site were also identified and mapped.
Hudson International Business Center, Montgomery, Orange County, New York
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed numerous surveys for wildlife on an approximately 281-acre site for a proposed commercial facility. Surveys included a breeding bird survey which targeted grassland, water/wading, and forest dwelling birds through a point count survey, transect listening survey, and chance encounter survey. Mr. Bernier also supported an auditory survey and chance encounter survey for amphibians. Chance encounter surveys were also completed for reptiles, mammals, and arthropods. In addition, state-protected spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata), federally-threatened bog turtles (Clemmys muhlenbergii), and federally-endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) federally- and state-endangered) were identified as potentially occurring on the site. A Phase I and Phase II bog turtle survey which also targeted spotted turtles, Phase I and Phase II Indiana bat surveys, and a biodiversity assessment were also completed. Mr. Bernier was also responsible for the environmental permitting for this project including a Joint Permit Application for a Section 404 Individual Permit, Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands Permit, Article 15 Protection of Waters Permit, and a Section 401 Water Quality Certificate. Mr. Bernier was also responsible for the design of an approximately 6.85-acre compensatory wetland mitigation plan. Additionally, he completed the wetland impacts section for an Environmental Impact Statement under the State Environmental Quality Review Act and developed a Habitat Management Program detailing conservation measures for undisturbed areas of the site.
Messenger Realty, Montgomery, Orange County, New York
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible competing a habitat assessment for a proposed commercial facility for the presence or absence of state-protected northern cricket frogs (Acris crepitans) and their critical breeding habitat on an approximately 10-acre site. The assessment involved traversing the site to document any individuals or other Anuran species occupying the site and any potential breeding habitat on-site. Additionally, ecological communities and dominant vegetation were documented and mapped.
Overton Subdivision, Tuxedo Park, Orange County, New York
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier conducted a telemetry study of the state-protected timber rattlesnake (Crotalis horidus) which included the utilization of dermal patch and surgical implant telemetry transmitters. The study sought to determine dispersal and migration patterns as well as onsite habitat utilization of a known offsite den population. Mr. Bernier also completed a supplemental tree survey of all trees greater than 5 inches diameter at breast height as well as an ecological assessment report documenting the biodiversity and ecological resources of the site and was responsible for the completion of the aquatic resources permits.
Golub Corporation, Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for conducting surveys for multiple species of protected species along an electric utility right-of-way including Karner blue butterflies (Lyaeides melissa samuelis), frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), worm snakes (Carphophis amonus), and eastern hognose snakes (Heterodon platychinos). Aerial net surveys for Karner blue butterflies and frosted elfin involved transecting the right-of-way and capturing and identifying all Lepidoptera species observed. Additionally, the extent of blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) present on the site was mapped using global positioning system technology. Surveys for worm snakes and eastern hognose snakes involved placing cover boards in strategic locations throughout the right-of-way in potential habitats and monitoring these stations for the presence of any snake species which occupied them.
Grand Forks Air Force Base, Grand Forks County, North Dakota
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development of multiple habitat management plans for the Grand Forks Air Force Base including plans for the wetlands and watercourses, amphibians and reptiles, shelterbelts, and the management of invasive species. The management plans identified existing onsite resources, identified existing and potential areas of concerns, and provided appropriate management recommendations including timelines for implementation.
Asian Longhorned Beetle Survey, Glocester, Providence County, Rhode Island
Project Volunteer
Mr. Bernier supported efforts to survey portions of northwestern Rhode Island that had a high likelihood of becoming exposed to the accidental translocation of the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis). Areas investigated for the potential occurrence of this devastating invasive species were selected due to their high utilization as recreational areas by people from areas where this pest has known to occur. The surveys included traversing target areas and investigating host species trees for any signs of the beetle. Trees that were suspect for infestation were geolocated using a global positioning system waypoint for later monitoring and further investigation.
New England Cottontail Project, Providence County, Rhode Island
Project Volunteer
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the establishment and operation of multiple survey point locations throughout northwestern Rhode Island in support of the New England Cottontail Project. The survey point locations included the establishment of individual survey stations located in habitats known or believed to be able to support populations of the New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis), a species proposed to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Survey efforts including investigating each quadrant of the survey stations for the presence of cottontail browse, tracks, remains, or scat. Any scat that was found was collected for later DNA analysis to determine if it was deposited by New England cottontails as opposed to the more common eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus).
Rhode Island Army National Guard, Burrillville, Providence County, Rhode Island
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development of an Environmental Assessment under the National Environmental Protection Act for the relocation of an Army Guard Readiness Center as well as a Regional Training Institute from their existing locations to larger, more modernized facilities. As part of the project, Mr. Bernier completed an evaluation of a previously unrecorded great blue heron (Ardea herodias) rookery on a site located in northwestern Rhode Island. That rookery was located in an unrecorded bog wetland and included seven nests. Five of those nests were found to be active during subsequent investigations. Mr. Bernier was also responsible for documenting the biodiversity of the site, habitat mapping, and evaluating project alternatives.
American Black Bear Project, Providence County, Rhode Island
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the operation of hair snare traps survey plots located in northern Rhode Island in support of efforts to document the population dynamics and genetics of southern New England black bears (Ursus americanus). The plots consisted of two strands of barbed wire strung around the perimeter of a survey plot. The center of each plot contained a scent rag and debris pile which was baited with various food flavorings. Plots were checked weekly for evidence of any snagged hair which was then collected and analyzed for DNA.
Texas LNG Project, Cameron County, Texas
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier developed a Biological Assessment (BA) for a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Brownsville, Texas. The BA evaluated the potential impacts of the project on federally-listed endangered species including northern aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), red knot (Calidris canutus), red-crowned parrot (Amazona viridigenalis), Sprague’s pipit (Anthus spragueii), Gulf Coast jaguarondi (Puma yagourandi), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), South Texas ambrosia (Ambrosia cheiranthifolia), Texas ayenia (Ayenia limitaris), green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Mr. Bernier also supported in-field surveys and habitat assessments for those federally-listed rare species as well as Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri)
Loudon County Wetland Bank IV, Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the design and implementation of a for a great blue heron (Ardea herodias) rookery located adjacent to Broad Run stream. The survey included the identification of nesting locations and positive visual confirmation of over 35 individual nests. The inventory also included the identification of each nesting tree species including diameter at breast height as well as demarcation of the nesting colony limits.
Appalachian Shale Cracker Enterprise, Washington, Woody County, West Virginia
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the environmental permitting of a proposed industrial manufacturing facility in western West Virginia. Mr. Bernier supported the efforts to identify, avoid, reduce, and mitigate potential impacts to species of rare freshwater mussels within the potential area of impact resultant from the project footprint. Additionally, he was responsible for the aquatic resource permitting efforts including a Jurisdictional Determination, Section 401 Water Quality Certificate, Section 404 and Section 10 Individual Permit, analyses and assessment of proposed project impacts and alternatives, and a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit.
New Zealand
Moehau Environmental Group, Coromandel Peninsula
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for implementing in-field efforts to support the study of population dynamics and trends monitoring for North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli). Monitoring included radio-tracking individual birds and locating them in their burrows with the assistance of a specially-trained tracking canine. Birds were weighed, measured, sexed, and inspected for general health. Burrows were inspected for the presence of eggs or accompanying birds.
Tawharanui Open Sanctuary, North Auckland
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported the re-introduction of a breeding population of pateke (Anas chloritis). The re-introduction involved the release of 24 individuals (male and female) into an area of critical coastal breeding habitat which had been recently restored.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve, Waikanae
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported rare species re-introductions for endemic species including the New Zealand longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachia), Northern tuatara (Sphenodon puctatus), moorepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae), kaka (Nestor meridionalis), and kea (Nestor notabilis). Mr. Bernier also contributed to numerous habitat restoration efforts for native forest types, mainly podocarp-hardwood forest.
Bushy Park Forest Reserve, Wanganui
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for several ecological restoration efforts on an approximately 243-acre forest reserve. He supported multiple restoration efforts for endemic forest wildlife communities as well as the eradication and exclusion of non-native predators and monitoring their presence and populations within the park. Additionally, Mr. Bernier completed a breeding songbird study to observe and document re-introduced populations of the endemic New Zealand robin (Petroica australis).
Rimutaka Forest, Wellington
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier completed point-count surveys for endemic New Zealand songbirds including fantails (Rhipodura fulginosa), silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis), and bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) to collect data regarding breeding bird population trends. Visual and auditory recognition was utilized to identify individuals along transects. Vegetation and habitat communities were identified at each survey location.
New Zealand Fur Seal Population and Behavioral Surveys, North Island South Coast
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the implementation of population and behavior surveys of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) along four areas of coastline on the southern portion of the North Island of New Zealand. Population monitoring involved traversing the seal colony and documenting species, sex, and age of each individual. Mr. Bernier was also responsible for training volunteers, directing survey group efforts, and data quality management.
Ceteacacean Survey, Cook Strait
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported a cetacean survey of Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour in order to monitor marine mammal populations. The survey utilized sail boats which traversed the waters while spotters with spotting scopes and binoculars identifying target species. Once an animal was spotted, the individual was classified to species level and any specific physical characteristics that would identify that particular individual noted along with the location of the sighting.
Nicaragua
Project Scientist
Mr. Bernier supported the development of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for a proposed trans-oceanic canal in southern Nicaragua. He was responsible for evaluating existing baseline conditions and project impacts throughout the project footprint. Mr. Bernier was responsible for completing multiple sections of the ESIA including biodiversity, deforestation, ecosystems, rare species and habitats, and vegetative communities.