Wildlife
United States
Rosemont Copper Mine, Pima County, Arizona
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 Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA). He 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 including 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 tasked with evaluating the merits of multiple biological survey reports for habitat conservation measures, grazing impacts and management, frogs, and yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus). He was also tasked with evaluating potential impacts to ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) resultant from the proposed project.
Connecticut Transmission Reliability Reclamation Project, Middlesex County, Connecticut
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the design and implementation of surveys for multiple rare invertebrate species along an existing transmission right-of-way (ROW) in central Connecticut. Target species included midland clubtail (Gomphus fraternus), cobra clubtail (Gomphus vastus), purse web spider (Sphodros niger), and yellow-horned beaded lacewing (Lomamyia flavicornis). Surveys consisted of traversing proposed impact areas within the ROW, classifying potential suitable habitats, GPS-locating critical habitat features, and recording all invertebrate species observed. Surveys were completed during favorable weather conditions (e.g., warm, sunny days with low wind) during the species' active season. During the surveys, Mr. Bernier successfully identified an adult riverine clubtail (Stylurus amnicola), a previously-unknown occurrence of this rare species at this location. Survey reports for purse web spider and yellow-horned beaded lacewing were completed and included project-specific mitigation measures to protect these species and enhance existing habitat.
Cromwell Landing, Cromwell, Middlesex County, Connecticut
Mr. Bernier developed and directed a survey for midland clubtail (Gomphus fraternus), riverine clubtail (Stylurus amnicola), and northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens). Surveys consisted of chance-encounter meander surveys of all on site habitats during warm, sunny days with low wind throughout the species' active season. Dragonflies were capture and handling techniques included both active and passive methods including aerial netting and identification via binoculars. Captured individuals were photographed and their capture location GPS-located. All invertebrates observed during the surveys were recorded. On site habitats were also classified by vegetative community and their occurrences mapped. A survey report detailing the results of the in-field investigations was completed including mitigation recommendations to protect Odonates and enhance existing habitats.
Cape Cod Water Resources Restoration Project, Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Mr. Bernier supported the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance effort for a $30 million project initiated by the 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. He 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 eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina).
393 Transmission Line, Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Mr. Bernier completed wetland delineations, functions and services assessments, wildlife habitat evaluations, and construction monitoring for multiple projects along the 393 transmission line in Berkshire County extending from the Town of Hancock along the western Massachusetts border, southeast to the Town of Hinsdale. He directed field efforts to delineate all wetlands within the right-of-way (ROW) along the entire 15-mile ROW and was responsible for completing functions and services assessments of delineated wetlands. He was also responsible for completing wildlife habitat evaluations for impacts to wildlife habitat features and functions within regulated resource areas and for developing mitigation measures to replace lost habitat functions. In addition, he also directed field efforts to survey and evaluate vernal pool habitats within the ROW and assessing rare species habitat within the project area. During the project, he successfully identified a previously-recorded wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) population.
County Road Bridge and Culvert Replacement, Sheffield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts
Mr. Bernier completed a Phase 1 habitat assessment for the potential presence of bog turtles (Glyptemys 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 a proposed bridge and culvert replacement. He 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 those sensitive ecological receptors were avoided via changes in the proposed design.
Town of Wales Peer-Review, Wales, Hampden County, MA
Mr. Bernier completed a third-party peer-review of a proposed 2 MW solar development that would impact over 42,000-square feet of jurisdictional resource areas on a former agricultural field. As part of the review, Mr. Bernier completed a site investigation which identified multiple important wildlife habitat features. Through project review, the proposed development was amended to protect and mitigate important wildlife habitat features resulting in no significant adverse effect and the project was brought into compliance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Policy 17-1.
SuAsCo Supplemental Watershed Plans, Worcester and Middlesex Counties, Massachusetts
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 the proposed upgrading of floodwater retarding dams. He completed environmental impact analyses, economic and cost-benefit analyses, environmental consequences investigations, project 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. Mr. Bernier designed and completed a visual and auditory survey for the presence of grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum) as well as a chance encounter survey for wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) in addition to suitable breeding habitat surveys for both species.
Route 2 Crosby's Corner Safety Improvement Project, Lincoln and Concord, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development and implementation of a five year monitoring plan documenting wildlife usage of a constructed wildlife underpass tunnel across a heavily-travelled highway. 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. He directed all aspects of this project including study design, installation of track beds and camera traps, monitoring, data analyzation, and reporting. Monitoring began in late spring and continued through the end of fall. An annual report report was developed which analyzed the diversity of species utilizing the tunnel as well as the efficacy of the tunnel to successfully pass wildlife and recommendations to improve data collection and wildlife utilization of the tunnel. The results of this project of yielded Mr. Bernier numerous publications and presentations.
Davidson Park, Winchester, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Mr. Bernier completed a Wildlife Habitat Evaluation (WHE) in accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protecting Act in support of a baseline assessment in preparation of an ecological restoration plan. Numerous vegetative habitat communities were identified and mapped in addition to wildlife habitat features including hard mast and fruiting species, flowering species beneficial for pollinators, snags with cavities, large woody debris, and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) habitat. Results of the WHE were summarized in a report submitted to the Town.
Town of Norfolk, Norfolk, MA
Mr. Bernier conducted a Detailed Wildlife Habitat Evaluation (WHE) for a proposed roadway improvement project that exceeded the impact threshold for Inland Bank and would also impact Bordering Vegetated Wetland (BVW) and Land Under Water (LUW). As part of the site investigation, important wildlife habitat features including overhanging branches, snags, large woody debris, rock crevices, dense herbaceous vegetation, and others were identified. Limited space and mitigation options resulted in the need for creative solutions. Through working with the Town and an adjacent landowner, an area was identified adjacent to the proposed impact that would benefit from enhancement plantings to replace lost habitat functions. As a result, a finding of no adverse effect was determined for the project by the Conservation Commission and upheld by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) through the issuance of a Superseding Order of Conditions.
Nexamp Solar Photovoltaic Facility, Hubbardston, Worcester County, Massachusetts
Mr. Bernier supported efforts to survey for 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. He also oversaw construction efforts to remove deposited fill material from within a wetland complex and the subsequent restoration of the disturbed areas. Additionally, Mr. Bernier was responsible for coordinating with the Town Conservation Commission and the U.S. Army of Corps Engineers to ensure the site was in compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Sister Lakes Transmission Line, Cass and VanBuren Counties, Michigan
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 including several high-quality buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) scrub-shrub wetlands and a peat bog. He also completed a rare species habitat assessment for Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis), northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis), and Blanding’s turtle (Emys blandingii).
Bog Turtle Surveys, Dutchess and Columbia Counties, New York
Mr. Bernier completed Phase II surveys for bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) at multiple locations throughout upstate New York. Surveys included traversing sites in chance encounter survyes for the presence or absence of bog turtles. Additionally, 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
Mr. Bernier was responsible for completing a survey to determine the presence or absence of 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 Indiana bats (Myotis sodalist) 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
Mr. Bernier completed an in-field survey to determine the presence or absence of 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
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 interior forest birds through a point count survey, transect listening survey, and chance encounter survey. He also supported an auditory survey and chance encounter survey for amphibians. Chance encounter surveys were also completed for reptiles, mammals, and arthropods. In addition, spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata), bog turtles (Glyptemys muhlenbergii), and Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis) 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 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. He 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 (EIS) under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and developed a Habitat Management Program detailing conservation measures for undisturbed areas of the site.
Messenger Realty, Montgomery, Orange County, New York
Mr. Bernier was responsible competing a habitat assessment for a proposed commercial facility for the presence or absence of 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
Mr. Bernier conducted a telemetry study of timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) which included the utilization of dermal patch and surgical implant telemetry transmitters. The study sought to determine dispersal and migration patterns as well as on site habitat utilization of a known off site 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.
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Golub Corporation, Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York
Mr. Bernier was responsible for conducting surveys for multiple species of protected species along an electric utility right-of-way (ROW) including Karner blue butterflies (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), worm snakes (Carphophis amoenus), and eastern hognose snakes(Heterodon platirhinos). Aerial net surveys for Karner blue butterflies and frosted elfin involved transecting the ROW and capturing and identifying all Lepidoptera species observed. Additionally, the extent of blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) present on the site was mapped using GPS technology. Surveys for worm snakes and eastern hognose snakes involved placing cover boards in strategic locations throughout the ROW 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
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development of multiple habitat management plans (HMPs) for the Grand Forks Air Force Base including HMPs for wetlands and watercourses, amphibians and reptiles, shelterbelts, and management of invasive species. The HMPs identified existing on site 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
Mr. Bernier supported efforts to survey portions of northwestern Rhode Island that had a high likelihood of becoming exposed to the accidental translocation of 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
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. Survey point locations included the establishment of individual survey stations located in habitats known or believed to be able to support populations of New England cottontail (Sylvilagus transitionalis). Survey efforts included 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
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the development of an Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) 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, he identified and completed an evaluation of a previously unrecorded great blue heron (Ardea herodias) rookery located in an unrecorded fen wetland and included seven nests. Five of the 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
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the operation of hair snare trap survey plots located in northern Rhode Island in support of efforts to document the population dynamics and genetics of southern New England American 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. At select plots, camera traps equipped with remote-sensing wildlife cameras were also deployed,.
Texas LNG Project, Cameron County, Texas
Mr. Bernier developed a Biological Assessment (BA) for a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Brownsville, Texas. The BA evaluated potential impacts of the project on 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 yagouaroundi), 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), leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), and Texas tortoise (Gopherus berlandieri).
Loudon County Wetland Bank IV, Ashburn, Loudoun County, Virginia
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the design and implementation of an in-field survey 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
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the environmental permitting of a proposed industrial manufacturing facility in western West Virginia. He supported the efforts to identify, avoid, reduce, and mitigate potential impacts to species of rare freshwater mussels within the project footprint. Additionally, he was responsible for aquatic resources 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 (NPDES) General Permit.
New Zealand
Moehau Environmental Group, Coromandel Peninsula
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
Mr. Bernier supported the re-introduction of a breeding population of pateke (Anas chlorotis). 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
Mr. Bernier supported rare species re-introductions for endemic species including the New Zealand longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii), northern tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus), moorepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae), kaka (Nestor meridionalis), and kea (Nestor notabilis). Mr. Bernier also contributed to numerous habitat restoration efforts for native forest types including podocarp-hardwood forest.
Bushy Park Forest Reserve, Wanganui
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
Mr. Bernier completed point-count surveys for endemic New Zealand songbirds including fantails (Rhipidura fuliginosa), 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
Mr. Bernier was responsible for the implementation of population dynamic 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.
Cetacean Survey, Cook Strait
Mr. Bernier supported a cetacean survey of Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour to monitor marine mammal populations. The survey utilized sail boats which traversed the waters while spotters with spotting scopes and binoculars identified 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
Nicaragua Canal Project
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.