This proposal outlines a 7-year salmonid protection project for Swanton Pacific Ranch. It would assess potential impacts to salmonids from construction of a new learning center near Little Creek. A task force would research historical salmonid populations, identify habitats, and monitor numbers for 7 years. The project aims to protect threatened coho salmon and protect the ranch's riparian ecosystems while allowing construction.

1. Swanton Pacific Ranch
​Salmonid Protection Proposal
Completed By:
Task Force Leader: Cole Deblock
Sarah Cusack
Kevin White
Alex Youngberg
Applicant Organization:​ ​Cal Poly Corporation
Authorized By:​ ​Santa Cruz County
Proposed Starting Date:​ May 2016
Project Duration:​ ​7 years
Project Cost:​ Estimated $240,000

2. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface………………………………………………………………………………………………2
Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………….…….........3
Introduction…………………………………………………………...……………….…………....4
Problem Statement………………………………………………………………………………...6
Alternatives………………………………………………………………………..………………..7
Objectives and Tasks…………………………………………………………………………..…..8
Methods and Procedures…………………………………………………………………....…….9
Project Management…………………………………………………………………………...…10
Budget Statement……………………………………………………………………………..…..12
Budget Matrix…………………………………………………………………………..……….…13
Operating Budget………………………………………………………………………………....14
Task Force Flowchart……………………………………………………………………….…....15
Project Flowchart………………………………………………………………………….……...16
Support Facilities and Staff……………………………………………………………...…....….17
Task Force Resumes………………………………………………………………………….....18
Appendices……………………………………………………………...…………………….…..23

3. 2
PREFACE
The following document is a proposal to assess the potential impacts to anadromous
salmonid species within the Scotts Creek Watershed due to the construction of the new
Learning Center within Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, CA. The intent of the proposed
assessment is to monitor numbers of salmonids in identified locations and measure potential
impacts. This document establishes a problem statement, develops objectives to consider the
potential environmental impacts, and discusses how this project would be managed to achieve
established objectives. The budget for this document organizes the financial aspect of the
potential assessment.
This proposal is prepared for the Natural Resource Management Department at Cal
Poly, and is a prerequisite to completing the NR 416 course. In formulating this document, the
Task Force gains comprehension of the proposal writing process and meets all course
requirements.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This document details our proposal for addressing impacts to salmonid species in Scotts
Creek Watershed in Davenport, CA. Within this document are management objectives that will
direct the project managers in the implementation of an Environmental Assessment for this
project. The purpose of this proposal is to protect populations of Salmonids establishing in the
area. It will also serve as a learning opportunity for Cal Poly graduate students, and will help
maintain the integrity of Swanton Pacific Ranch and its riparian ecosystem.

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INTRODUCTION
Arrangement of Sections
Each section will be discussed in the following order:
- Background Information
- Project Location
- Project Description
- Purpose and Need for Action
Background information
Swanton Pacific Ranch is owned by the Cal Poly Corporation and lies on the
west coast of Central California. This majestic 3200 acres is a valuable educational
resource for the school, especially for students and faculty involved in forestry,
livestock, and agriculture. When Al Smith donated this land to Cal Poly, his intent was
for students to connect with the natural environment in an educational setting. The
ranch itself has provided projects for research and ‘learn by doing’ opportunities to
undergraduates and graduates alike. Its growing popularity is noted by the increasing
number of students involved in research and courses taken there each year.
The landscape is defined by dense redwood forests, lush riverine ecosystems,
and expansive coastal grasslands overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The abundance of
resources has led to an extremely high biodiversity in the area creating a home for rare,
threatened, and endangered species such as the Coho salmon, Steelhead Trout,
red-legged frog, tidewater goby, San Francisco garter snake, Townsend’s big-eared bat,
coastal redwood, white alder, and Douglas-fir. Scotts Creek watershed is the
southernmost watershed in California with conditions notable for Coho Salmon survival.
This reason alone provides incentive to protect and preserve the Scotts Creek
watershed ecosystems especially when concerned with riparian quality. Lower Scotts
Creek expands into a depositional estuary, where every winter, salmonid pre-smolts
and other species require a breach in the lagoon sandbar in order to complete their life
cycle. Changes to the landscape by past land uses like agriculture and logging have
had significant long term watershed impacts. Any land management or development is
carefully scrutinized in order to limit any further impact to riparian ecosystems that
support the wide array of endangered and threatened species.

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Project Location
The project location is Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, CA on the west
coast of central California. For over two decades, Cal Poly has built a work ethic of
informed land management, education, and continued research on the land for forestry,
agricultural, and biological applications within the Scotts Creek Watershed. In continuing
this legacy, a new learning center is under proposal for construction. The projected site
location is midway up the Little Creek sub-basin, next to existing facilities associated
with the Swanton Pacific Ranch educational program. For the site area border with
nearby waterways and identified measuring and monitoring locations, see Figure 2 in
the Appendix.
Project Description
The project proposed for assessment involves the construction of a learning
center approximately 10 acres in size. The learning center will include 12 student
bedroom units with laundry rooms, restrooms and lounge areas as well as two staff
duplexes and a large amphitheater. The existing Al Smith House will be expanded to
include a large dining hall suitable for dozens of students and staff. There will be
multiple new roads constructed as well. The Learning Center is positioned in the
westernmost area of the Little Creek Watershed and is split between range and forested
regions of the watershed. There is a paved road as well as multiple horse trails
surrounding the Learning Center, with two seperate class I watercourses within 800ft of
the projected work site.
Identifying the boundary of the project site, obtaining appropriate permits,
gaining support from the public, involving all agencies with jurisdiction, and receiving
funding will all be necessary before establishing a starting date. The addition of a new
learning center will be a long term investment to the students and faculty involved in the
natural resources and environmental sciences department and will bring more value to
the school as a whole.
Purpose and Need for Action
The topic of focus for this project will be anadromous salmonid protection. The
preservation of these species depends upon mitigating for erosion and maintaining
existing water quality characteristics necessary for salmonid habitat. As resource
managers, the objective is to organize and manage a team of environmental
professionals to assess threats and evaluate impacts over time.

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PROBLEM STATEMENT
Scotts Creek watershed is the southernmost watershed with conditions notable
for Coho Salmon survival. Threats to anadromous salmonid species’ habitat, including
stream temperatures, oxygen levels, nutrients and food, inputs of large woody debris,
and diversity of pool or riffle habitats, could occur as a result of the construction of the
learning center.Cal Poly’s approach to managing a project that does not hinder the
continued growth of the salmonid populations will determine the approval of the project.
Salmonid species population densities, rearing, and spawning locations must be clearly
identified, and potential impacts to this habitat thoroughly examined, in order to safely
implement the construction of the new learning center.

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ALTERNATIVES
Alternatives to the proposed project:
1. Change the project site to a different location. This could be an area farther away
from fish bearing streams and road networks with known erosional patterns. This
could also be elsewhere in the watersheds where steep slopes do not facilitate
sedimentation into watercourses and disruption of proper functioning riparian
systems.
2. Decline the proposed construction of a new Learning Center. This would be the
extreme solution if the assessment returned results that reveal significant
impacts to salmonid populations. The biological importance of the Coho
populations is such that this response is a possibility. Significant impacts to Coho
populations in the Scotts Creek watershed would counteract the mission of
Swanton Pacific Ranch and their current research and stream restoration
projects.

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OBJECTIVES & TASKS
Objective 1: ​Research historical records in identified locations
Task A. ​Identify spawning habitat locations in Little Creek and Scotts Creek
Task B. ​Research historic numbers of Salmonids in identified locations
Task C. ​Count numbers of salmonids in identified locations
Task D​. Monitor number of salmonids in identified locations at 1-year for 7 years
Objective 2: ​Conduct scientific research in identified areas
Task A. ​Identify water quality threats
Task B.​ Identify erosion impacts
Task C. ​Identify mass wasting risks
Objective 3:​ Review project findings
Task A. ​Collaboration between scientists, graduate students, faculty from Cal
Poly, and Staff from Swanton Pacific Ranch

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METHODS & PROCEDURES
On May 16, 2016, 1 cold water ichthyologist, and 2 graduate students will be
hired along with ​a project director, project manager, and administrative assistant. During
the next three months, this team will work together​ monitoring and researching the
historical data of salmonid species in Little Creek and lower Scotts Creek. On June 16,
a geologist and hydrologist (Cal Poly graduate prefered) will be hired to join the
established team for the remaining monitoring period. On July 16, this team will compile
their monitoring data and historical research into a report focusing on the four
categories of concern: where ​spawning habitat locations are present in Little Creek and
Scotts Creek, historic numbers of Salmonids in identified locations, numbers of
salmonids in identified locations, and number of salmonids in identified locations in
1-year intervals. After review of this historical research report by the project director, ​the
geologist, hydrologist, ​project director, project manager, and administrative assistant will
continue research, focusing on the potential threats to water quality in the salmonid
habitat locations established earlier. A report on threats to water quality from the
proposed construction project will be completed by August 16. On September 16, the
same team will complete a report on potential surface erosion impacts as well as
potential risks of mass wasting from the construction project which will then be handed
in to the project director for analysis. Over the course of the next month, all scientists,
researchers, and graduate students who have been involved will meet up once every
week for four hours. In these meetings, team members will collaborate and review their
findings. They will determine the present state of the Little Creek and Scotts Creek
stream channels regarding the salmonid species present, as well as possible threats to
the possible salmonid habitats from the proposed construction project. October 16 will
mark the end of these review meetings for all hired scientists and graduate students.
For the next month, only the project director and project manager (with help from the
administrative assistant) will continue to meet once a week for 4 hours to review all
findings. Conclusions will be made from the previously completed reports and
collaborative meetings in order to create a final proposal document. This final document
will outline potential threats to salmonid species in Little Creek and Scotts Creek
downstream from the proposed construction of the Swanton Pacific Ranch Learning
Center. This document will due on November 16, 2016 marking the end of all methods
and procedures outlined by this proposal.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT
This assessment will be managed to meet all agency requirements and include
the public in determination of the best project design and construction plans for the
learning center.
Public involvement
Perceived public response to the project includes concerns over traffic and construction
noise, increased use and access to the surrounding land by students, wildlife and forest
impacts, and water quality. A public meeting will be conducted by the project manager,
administrative secretary, and some of the resource specialists at the beginning of the
assessment process in order to gather a full array of public input and to fully cover any
problems that may delay the construction project otherwise. These concerns raised by
the public can be addressed directly in the meeting by informative discussions, or
incorporated into research and evaluations, and communicated to the public in a
follow-up meeting several months later.
Regulatory compliance and collaboration
NEPA compliance and agencies
Species listed under the Endangered Species Act include coho salmon, steelhead trout,
tidewater goby, and red-legged frog. All regulations and procedures established by the
USFWS for the protection of habitat of these species will be addressed in research and
assessment outcomes. Further, work will be conducted in collaboration with NOAA to
protect salmonids from any potential impacts. NOAA has conducted extensive salmonid
research and rehabilitation work in the watershed. Collaboration with NOAA will be
approached by studying and supplementing their research and identification of salmonid
rearing and spawning locations in the watershed, and comparing current populations to
historic salmonid activity in the watershed.
CEQA Compliance and agencies
Further regulation of species listed as California endangered and sensitive species will
be adhered to and considered in consultation with CDFW. Species of concern such as
sensitive raptor species, and other birds like herons and marbled murrelets will be
considered and protected by assessment procedures as well.
Water quality and sediment effects from the construction of the learning center will be
monitored by the Erosion Control Board and the Central Coast Regional Water Quality

12. 11
Control Board. All threats to regulations and limits regarding water quality will be
assessed and the construction project will be adapted to comply to these standards.
Project Timeline
The implementation of the proposed assessment will be organized
chronologically according to project objectives. A project director, manager, and
administrative secretary will organize and direct resource specialists and their research
teams to carry out field assessment objectives. Facilitation of discussion and analysis of
field assessments over the first two project objectives will then follow as objective three.
For a more detailed layout of project tasks and management, please refer to the budget
matrix below on page 11.

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BUDGET STATEMENT
The budget plan for the proposal is based on the first 6 months of the project
covering the technical and financial aspect of the proposal. During the middle of the
6-month period, the resource managers will evaluate the financial standing of the
project to see where finances can be mitigated to improve cost efficiency of the project
for the remainder of the operation period. The budget was structured from the goal and
objectives of the proposal to meet three areas of interest (Physical, Biological,
Evaluation).
The physical category involved acquiring historical research and identifying areas
necessary to count salmonids in both Little and Scotts Creek. This involved employment
of a coldwater ichthyologist to perform said tasks, as well as the assistance from 2
graduate students per task. The biological category involved hiring consultants to
identify and mitigate all potential negative impacts that threaten anadromous salmonids
in the Scotts Creek Watershed. The project will require 2 separate hydrologists to
assess water quality and surface erosion impacts, and a geologist to determine mass
wasting risks. The last and final technical category covers the evaluation process that
produces findings and interpretations. Scientists, project managers, students, and Cal
Poly faculty and Swanton staff will all collaborate during the final month long period to
establish key findings and ways to mitigate impact. During the entire process, the task
force of resource managers will be advising the project managers and directors for
appropriate actions to be taken.

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15. 14
OPERATING BUDGET
Swanton Pacific Ranch Salmonid Protection Proposal
May 16th, 2016 to November 16th, 2016
A. PERSONNEL: SALARIES AND WAGES
1.Project Director,
a. 310 hrs. @ $80 per hour (310 x $80) $24,800
2. Project Manager
a. 360 hrs. @ $75 per hour (360 x $70) $25,200
3. Graduate Students
a. 8 students @$15 per hour @70 hours each (8 x $15 x 70) $8,400
SUBTOTAL, SALARIES AND WAGES………….……………………...$​58,400
B. FRINGE BENEFITS: 30% OF SALARIES AND WAGES…………………...​$17,520
C. MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES
1. Field Work (water chemicals, traps, tests, maps, hand tools) $2,500
2. Office (graphic supplies, postage, etc.) $1,500
3. Computer Use (Software, laptops, etc.) $2,600
SUBTOTAL, MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES………………………..…...$​6,600
D. Travel
1. Rental Vehicles 4WD Pickups
a. 2 Ford F-150 4-week: $1,350, for 5 months $13,500
2. Gas $2,000
SUBTOTAL, TRAVEL………………………………….………………….$​15,500
E. Equipment
1. Survey Equipment $7,300
2. 2 Cal Poly Corporation owned ATV’s $0.00
SUBTOTAL, EQUIPMENT……………………………………………… $​7,300
F. Services
Hired Consultants
a. Geologist- 110hrs. @$75 per hour $8,250
b. Water Quality Hydrologist- 310 hrs. @$75 per hour $23,250
c. Surface Erosion Hydrologist- 210 hrs. @$75 per hour $15,750
d. Ichthyologist- 140hrs. @$50 per hour $7,000
SUBTOTAL, SERVICES………………………………………………………...$​54,250
TOTAL DIRECT COSTS……… ……………………………………………….$159,570
INDIRECT COSTS: 50% OVERHEAD………………………………………...$79,785
GRAND TOTAL…………………………………………………………………………$239,355

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SUPPORT FACILITIES & STAFF
1. Sarah Cusack
a. GIS modeling skills
b. HEC-HMS hydrologic modeling skills
2. Kevin White
a. GIS modeling skills
b. HEC-HMS hydrologic modelling skills
3. Cole Deblock
a. HEC-HMS hydrologic modeling skills
4. Alex Youngberg
a. GIS modeling skills
5. Consulting hydrologist
6. Consulting cold water ichthyologist
7. Consulting geologist
8. Project Manager
9. Project Director
10. Administrative Secretary
11. Graduate Students

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TASK FORCE RESUMES
C​ OLEMAN​ ​D​EBLOCK
8500 Glen Arbor Road, Ben Lomond, CA 95005 ​– ​831-440-6470
cdeblock@calpoly.edu​ - www.linkedin.com/in/colemandeblock
WATERSHED MANAGEMENT AND HYDROLOGY
Enthusiastic student looking for a meaningful opportunity related to water resources
and management. Utilizing education and background, I am looking to further
develop my skills and work towards professionalism. Through my superior work ethic,
I believe I have a positive influence anywhere I am placed. I hope to engage with a
team that will help guide my understanding and overall comprehension.
Technical Skills:
Excel​–​GIS​–​Word​–​PowerPoint
E D U C AT I O N
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY​– ​San Luis Obispo, CA
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management & Protection
Concentration: Watershed Management & Hydrology
Degree Conferred: December 2016
SCOTTS VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ​– ​Scotts Valley, CA, 2009-2012
National Honors Society
R E L E V A N T C O U R S E W O R K
Advanced Watershed Hydrology (GIS / HEC-HMS) ​– ​Calculus II ​– ​GIS ​–
Physics ​–​ NR Economics and Valuation ​–​ Measurements and Interpretation ​–​ Organic
Chemistry ​–​ Soil Science ​–​ Geology ​–​ Geomorphology ​– ​Ecology & Habitat Management ​–
Biology ​–​ Environmental Impact & Analysis

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W O R K E X P E R I E N C E
CAMP REDWOOD GLEN, SALVATION ARMY – Scotts Valley, CA
April 2012 – Present
Maintenance – Irrigation, Watershed, Landscape, Infrastructure
◆​ ​Collaborate with team to prepare camp infrastructure for incoming clients
◆​ ​Investigate and implement solutions to subsurface drip irrigation
◆​ ​Communicate closely with conference leaders and management to meet all group
demands
◆​ ​Ensure camp accreditation safety standards are met or exceeded
COASTAL WATERSHED COUNCIL– Santa Cruz, CA
June 2015 – September 2015
Stewardship Coordinating Intern
◆​ ​Compiled Excel data related to water quality and use within the San Lorenzo
watershed
◆​ ​Conducted a water quality monitoring project along the San Lorenzo watershed
◆​ ​Contributed towards R&D of Santa Cruz County Mobile Ranger Eco-tour smartphone
application
◆​ ​Facilitated environmental education of watershed functions
P R O J E C T S
PROPOSAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
Jan 2016
Team Manager
◆​ ​Addressed potential impacts to Salmonid species associated with
construction of a new learning center on Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, CA
◆​ ​Collaborated with colleagues to identify areas for measurement
◆​ ​Met with ranch directors to visualize scope of project under CEQA
guidelines
◆​ ​Conducted cost analysis
SCOTTS CREEK WATERSHED ASSESSMENT & CONCEPTUAL RESTORATION PLAN
Jan 2016 – present
◆​ ​Compile technical watershed resource assessments for Scotts Creek, Swanton
Pacific Ranch, Davenport, CA
◆​ ​Synthesize and interpret key findings to meet water quality and aquatic habitat goals
◆​ ​Develop comprehensive presentation of Scotts Creek watershed assessment and
conceptual restoration plan

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Resume
Sarah Cusack
Phone: (916) 295-8535
Email: cusack.sarah@ymail.com
Address: 1354 Peach St. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Education: Third year Environmental Management and Protection major with a concentration in
Hydrology and Watershed Management at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo,
working towards a B.S. with minors in Soil Science, Land Rehabilitation, and Water Science.
Work Experience:
·​ Current: Part time employee at Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop. Employed for 7 months thus far.
Supervisor: Eric Eberiling.
·​ Participated in NR 475- Sustainable Forestry summer class at Swanton Pacific Ranch in
Davenport, CA. Participated in fieldwork including calculations of watercourse discharge and writing
a Timber Harvest Plan for a 10-acre area of Scotts Creek Watershed.
·​ Completed an independent senior project- writing a Cumulative Impacts Report for the Timber
Harvest Plan written for Scotts Creek Watershed.
·​ Part time shift leader at Tacos To Go Grill on the Cal Poly campus. Experience with customer
service, and leading a team. Employed for one year. Supervisor: Julio De Los Santos.
·​ Volunteer at the Oyster Festival 2013: worked with the Zero Waste Club to sort trash into
recyclable and compostable materials, making the event completely zero waste. Worked
cooperatively with my club and with the event coordinators. Educated attendees about compostable
and recyclable materials.
Technical Skills:
·​ Microsoft programs: Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
·​ ArcMap GIS software
·​ HEC-HMS hydrologic modeling software
References:
·​ Eric Eberiling. Supervisor at Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop.
Phone: (714) 271-9469
·​ Brian Swenson. Supervisor at Tacos to Go Grill.
Email: bjswenso@calpoly.edu
Phone: (209) 658- 1070
·​ Julio De Los Santos. Supervisor at Tacos to Go Grill.
Email: jadeloss@calpoly.edu
Phone: (805) 264-9268
·​ Lisa Andreano. I constructed educational posters to be used in teaching her Dendrology class.
Email: landreano@gmail.com

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APPENDICES
Figure 1. Map of the project location in the western corner of Little Creek within
Swanton Pacific Ranch in Davenport, CA.

25. 24
Figure 2. Map showing the locations of salmonid monitoring locations to be used in
Objective 1, Task D.