Wilder Ecological was contracted by JPL to complete baseline biological surveys, desert tortoise clearance surveys, Biological Assessment reporting, mitigation plan development, and on-site biological monitoring during Joshua tree transplanting and fence construction for new antenna site on the NASA Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex associated with the US Army Fort Irwin National Training Center.
Pre-construction surveys and habitat assessment for presence of sensitive desert animal species, including:
Mojave desert tortoise, Mohave ground squirrel, feral burros, American badger, desert kit fox, and protected avian species.
Surveys and habitat assessment for sensitive plants within action area noted the presence of western Joshua trees, and as a result a mitigation plan was developed and included in the report.
Wilder personnel remained onsite for the monitoring and oversight of Joshua Tree transplanting and perimeter exclusion fence installation as the site was prepared for antenna construction activities.