PROPOSAL
CONSULTING SERVICES
BIOLOGICAL MONITORING
2C RANCH/TRABUCO CREEK HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECT
Table of Contents
1. STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF PROJECT AND METHODOLOGY
a. Photo Monitoring
b. Transect Monitoring
c. Species Monitoring: Targeted Species
d. Species Monitoring: Invasive Species
e. Reports
2. PROJECT APPROACH / SCOPE OF SERVICES
a. Approach to Methodology
b. Approach to Precision
c. Scope of Services
3. PROJECT SCHEDULE
4. BUDGETS
a. Billing Rates
b. Calendar with Budget
5. DESCRIPTION OF SIMILAR PROJECTS
6. EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
a. Employment
b. Education / Certificates
c. Courses Taught
c. Published Material
7. ACCEPTANCE FORM
Submitted by Douglas Kent
April 25, 2011
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1. STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING OF PROJECT AND METHODOLOGY
With the greatest degree of accuracy possible, the biological monitor is not only
responsible for documenting the effects of restoration, but also plotting the ecological
trends and trajectories. To meet these goals the biological monitor will evaluate the
landscape on species diversity, plant survival, plant growth, percent of cover of desired
and invasive species, and the occurrence of sensitive fauna and flora. The RFP has
outlined the following tasks to reach this goal:
a. Photo Monitoring
Use a GPS to establish permanent photo locations, create a photo log form (date,
camera and lens, conditions, height, and angle) and take photos 2 times a year.
b. Transect Monitoring
Riparian: Create two sets of data from two sampling units: transects and
quadrats. There are approximately 25 data points in the transects and about 50
quadrats. Measurements will include species composition, structure, volume,
recruitment and the trees’ height and diameter at breast height (dbh).
Coastal Scrub: Create two sets of data from two sampling units: transects and
quadrats. There are approximately 50 data points in the transects and about 100
quadrats. Measurements will include species composition, percent of cover, and
volume.
c. Species Monitoring: Targeted Species
Riparian: Survey the riparian corridor 3 times a year for approximately 6 hours
each visit between March and July. The survey will document distribution, relative
abundance, and/or breeding activity and success of targeted species. Furthermore,
provide a qualitative assessment of invasive specie recruitment and distribution.
Coastal Scrub: Survey the 40 acre area using point monitoring, documenting
specie type and abundance. Moreover, provide a qualitative assessment of invasive
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specie recruitment and distribution. The survey will begin at dawn and be performed 4
times a year, twice in two seasons (breeding and not).
d. Species Monitoring: Invasive Species
Riparian: The riparian corridor will be surveyed for plant and animal invasives as
an incidental part of transect, quadrat, and targeted species monitoring. The goal is to
use qualitative assessment to assist the project manager in the eradication of unwanted
species.
e. Reports
The reports and documentation due includes a report on the methods, techniques and
tools employed to collect data, GIS maps, all field data sheets, all photos and photo
logs, annual reports that summarizes all data, and the final report that synthesizes all
the work listed above.
2. PROJECT APPROACH / SCOPE OF SERVICES
This section on approach is broken into two: my approach to methodology and
precision.
a. Approach to Methodology
Communication and documentation are the keys to successfully collecting data with a
high degree of accuracy, especially in the early stages of the monitoring process.
Adaptive restoration practices suggest that methods, surveys, data points, and data
analysis must be somewhat adaptive too. Monitoring a landscape for the first time not
only collects data about the landscape, but about the methodology. Consequently, my
approach to monitoring and my relationship with the Restoration Manager will follow the
prescription below:
1. Agree to initial methodology
2. Collect field data and evaluate field methods, time, resources, and problems
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3. Analyze data and evaluate whether or not it meets the needs of the objective, ie.
population representation, reliability, and validity
4. Reassess methodology and time and resource requirements
5. If needed, and with the Restoration Manager, develop new protocols for monitoring
6. Thoroughly document new methodologies, ensuring continuity if monitoring personal
changes
After protocols and methodologies have been finalized, then you can expect:
1. Collect field data on prescribed and committed dates and deadlines
2. Immediately input and categorize data after each measurement cycle
3. Continue to evaluate monitoring methodology
4. Continue to communicate with Restoration Manager about successes and problems,
especially as it relates to invasives
5. Organize all field data in such a manner that it can be handed over at any time
6. Complete seasonal and annual reports
7. Complete final analysis and reports
b. Approach to Precision
Statistical precision is typically measured in terms of reliability and validity; is the data
consistently reliable over a span of time and does it measure the things you are trying to
measure? I am in a unique position to reduce threats to both.
The reliability and validity of data is designed into the methodology, processes of data
analysis, and the consistency of data collection. While the methodology and analysis
may be tightly defined, if the researcher deviates from the prescription, then the data
can be skewed. For instance, if after the first year a new monitor collects data but uses
a different foot path along a transect to measure a quadrat, then all subsequent
examinations of the transect will be measuring the impact of the different path as well as
the restoration work and naturally occurring events.
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I will diligently work with the Restoration Manager to ensure the methodology is tightly
defined. And because I will be the only individual collecting data as the contracting
monitor, the precision of reliability and validity are greatly enhanced; the same person
using the same techniques over five years greatly reduces the greatest threat to
precision: researcher error.
Simply put, having only one, deeply committed monitor over the span of the project
greatly enhances the reliability and validity of the data, ensuring the highest possible
statistical precision.
c. Scope of Services
Douglas Kent can provide all the services and tools needed to complete the tasks listed
in the RFP. Tools required are a remote sensing device, access to GIS, and camera.
(Intentionally left blank)
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3. PROJECT SCHEDULE
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
CSS target
CSS target
CSS target
CSS target
species
species
species
species
Photos; transect
Photos; transect
Photos; transect
Photos; transect
monitoring (rip
monitoring (rip
monitoring (rip
monitoring (rip and
and css)
and css)
and css)
css
Riparian target
Riparian target
Riparian target
Riparian target
species; CSS
species; CSS
species; CSS
species; CSS
target species
target species
target species
target species
Establish initial
Riparian target
Riparian target
Riparian target
Riparian target
methodology
species
species
species
species
Create photo
Riparian target
Riparian target
Riparian target
Riparian target
points; riparian
species
species
species
species
CSS target
CSS target
CSS target
CSS target
species
species
species
species
Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
July
target species
Aug
Sept
Oct
Photos
Photos
Photos
Photos
Photos
Nov
Annual report;
Annual report;
Annual report;
Annual report;
Annual and final
CSS target
CSS target
CSS target
CSS target
report; CSS target
species
species
species
species
species
Dec
Refine
methodology
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4. BUDGETS
The following budgets are based on the billing schedule listed below, the scope of work
in the RFP, and the assumption that monitoring will last for 5 years.
a. Billing Rates
$80 an hour
$560 a day ($70 an hour)
$2,400 a week ($60 an hour)
b. Estimate of Costs
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
TOTALS
480
480
480
480
1,920
480; 5040
480; 5040
480; 5040
480; 5040 (9
22,080
(9 days)
(9 days)
(9 days)
days)
480; 480
480; 480
480; 480
480; 480
3,840
Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
560
480
480
480
480
2,480
July
480; 480
480
480
480
480
2,880
480
480
480
480
1,920
Aug
Sept
Oct
480
480
480
480
480
2,400
Nov
480; 480
480; 480
480; 480
480; 480
1120; 480
5,440
Dec
480
TOTALS
3,440
9,840
9,840
9,840
10,2480
43,440
Inflation/Incidentals
400
738
738
738
738
3,352
480
TOTAL ESTIMATE
$46,792
Note: Administrative tasks and expenses are estimated as a percentage per unit of time
and built into the estimate of costs above.
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3. DESCRIPTION OF SIMILAR PROJECTS
On behalf of Douglas Kent & Associates, Douglas Kent MS, MLA will be the only
individual monitoring for the 2C Ranch/Trabuco Creek Habitat Restoration Project.
Along with a strong commitment to measurable success, Kent has a long and
successful background in ecological restoration, research methodology, monitoring, and
statistical analysis. His most recent projects are listed below.
Restoration of Black Walnut Ecosystem, Cal Poly Pomona
March 2010 to Present
As restoration manager and lead instructor, I have developed and taught the
methodology for surveying existing conditions and monitoring the progress of
restoration work on this 10 acre site. The monitoring employs the use of GIS, transects,
quadrats, and random sampling and examines both favored and invasive fauna and
flora.
Contact: Kyle Brown Ph.D., Director of the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies
(909) 8695155, kdbrown@csupomona.edu
Lead Instructor for Ecological Restoration Certificate Program, Saddleback College
August 2009 to Present
I have written the curriculum for a certificate in Ecological Restoration. While the
program covers nearly every aspect of restoration, there is a primary focus on plant and
animal identification and monitoring methodology and practices, if for no other reason
than those are the skills most needed to secure work.
Morgan Barrows Ph.D., Department Chair, Environmental Studies, Saddleback College
(949) 582-4624, mbarrows@saddleback.edu
Timber Production in Public Spaces, Orange County Parks and Recreation
June 2008 to June 2010
Developed the methodology, collected the data, and analyzed the results of a survey
that examined the potential to harvest urban timber from Mile Square Park in Fountain
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Valley. The survey area spanned 213 acres and involved measuring 1,716 trees.
Measurement attributes included type of tree, height, dbh, condition, and health. This
project was funded by County of Orange, but administered by Cal Poly Pomona.
Contact: Gerald Taylor, Professor, Cal Poly Pomona
(909) 869-4431, jotaylor@csupomona.edu
A Tool to Determine the Average Residential Property
April 2005 – June 2006
Developed the methodology needed to examine any community and determine the
composition of the average homesite. These methods were tested in Huntington Beach,
where 36,000 properties were sampled and a composite of the average homesite was
generated with a degree of error of 4.06%. AcrView GIs was extensively employed,
along with ground measurements and government data. This work was part of my
master’s thesis at Cal Poly Pomona.
Contact: Lin Wu Ph.D., Cal Poly Pomona
(909) 869-3578, lwu@csupomona.edu
Furthermore, I have lent my services and/or time to the following organizations and/or
endeavors:
2007 – 2010: Coastal Orange County Annual Christmas Bird Count, Newport Back Bay.
2008: Snow Creek Restoration Plan, Walnut Creek, CA: Provided a design for
restoration of flood plains for this perennial creek.
2006 – Present: Have volunteered time and services to Donna O’Neil Land
Conservancy, San Mateo State Park restoration work, Starr Ranch Conservancy, and
Irvine Ranch Conservancy
* Should be noted that as the lead horticulturalist for FireSafe Marin, Marin County, I
was part of a small team in charge of documenting the composition and distribution of
native plants before and after the county performed prescribed burns. The work lasted
for four years, from 1994 to 1998.
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4. EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
Douglas Kent MS, MLA started working in landscapes at the age of 14 and was a
California native plant enthusiast by 21. He has sharpened his knowledge of plants and
native landscapes with experiences across the state. A brief biography is below.
a. Employment
Douglas Kent & Associates Orange, CA
Principal / 1994 – Present
Responsibilities: Provide consultation, design, public education, and construction
services to individuals and organizations throughout California. The business focuses
on ecological land management practices and has worked in hundreds of landscapes
across the state, has run three public education campaigns, won design awards, and
helped many communities solve complex environmental problems. Work has been
featured in the Los Angeles Times, Fine Gardening, Sunset Magazine, HGTV, National
Wildlife, and CNN Comcast. Douglas Kent & Associates, Orange, CA.
b. Education / Certificates

Master of Landscape Architecture, Cal Poly Pomona 2010.

Master of Sciences in Regenerative Studies, Cal Poly Pomona 2006.

Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Policy Cal State Long Beach 1991.

Studied Ornamental Horticulture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, 1986.

American Red Cross certificates for First Responder, Wilderness First-Aid, Sports
First-Aid and Oxygen Provider.

California State Landscape Contractor # 905192
c. Courses Taught

Adjunct Professor, Center for Regenerative Studies, Cal Poly Pomona (2008 to
present). Teach Ecological Restoration Regenerative Life Support Systems,
Regenerative Landscape Construction, and, 10 week courses.
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
Adjunct Professor, Saddleback College, Mission Viejo (2009 to present). Ecological
Restoration 1 & 2, 18 week courses.

Lecturer (2005 to Present) Firescaping seminars throughout California funded
mostly by water districts and FireSafe Councils.

Guest lecturer Pomona and Pitzer Colleges (2007 to Present). Presentations on
ecological processes and ecological restoration in urban areas.
c. Published Material
Books
Ocean Friendly Gardens: A how-to gardening guide to help restore a healthy coast and
ocean. Surfrider Foundation 2009.
Firescaping: Creating fire-resistant properties, landscapes, and gardens in California’s
diverse environments. Wilderness Press 2005.
A New Era of Gardening: A guide to gardening for oxygen and a healthier atmosphere .
Garden Shed Productions 2001.
A Guide to Your Nature Center. Newport / Mesa School District 1988.
Articles
Either as a columnist or freelance writer I have written for the Los Angeles Times,
Orange County Register, Southern Sierra, Coastkeeper Magazine, Marin Independent
Journal, Pacific Sun, Fine Gardening, and all of the Marin Scope Publications
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