HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESPONSE - RFP - 8220 STATE OF THE RIVER REPORTPROPOSAL
February 9, 2016
8220 State of the River Report
Submitted to the City of Fort Collins
Submitted by Th e Otak Team
RFP 8220 State of the River Report Page 8 of 18
VENDOR STATEMENT:
I have read and understand the specifications and requirements for this Request for Proposal
and I agree to comply with such specifications and requirements. I further agree that the method
of award is acceptable to my company. I also agree to complete PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT with the City of Fort Collins within 30 days of notice of award. If contract is not
completed and signed within 30 days, City reserves the right to cancel and award to the next
highest rated firm.
FIRM NAME:
ADDRESS:
EMAIL ADDRESS: PHONE:
BIDDER’S NAME:
SIGNATURE:
PRIMARY SERVICES ISSUES CONTACT:
TELEPHONE: CELL:
EMAIL:
COMMODITY CODES USED FOR THIS RFP:
918-43 Environmental Consulting
925-35 Environmental Engineering
918-32 Consulting Services (Not Otherwise Classified)
COMPENSATION AND CONTRACT PROCESS
A. After contract award, progress invoices shall be billed in monthly installments, subject to
review and approval by the City’s Project Manager. City payment terms will be Net 30 Days
from receipt of invoice.
B. The selected Contractor shall be expected to sign the City’s standard Professional Services
Agreement prior to commencing Services (see sample attached to this Proposal).
C. The City reserves the right to award directly as a result of the written proposals. The City
may or may not opt to conduct oral interviews.
D. The City reserves the right to negotiate with any vendor as determined at the City’s sole
discretion. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive any
irregularities.
Otak, Inc.
5345 Araphoe Avenue, Suite 1B, Boulder, CO 80303
julie.ash@otak.com (303) 575-4397
Otak, Inc.
Julie Ash, Colorado WNR Group Manager
(303)575-4397 (720)618-5032
julie.ash@otak.com
February 9, 2016
City of Fort Collins’ Purchasing Division
215 North Mason Street, 2nd Floor
Fort Collins, Colorado 80524
Submitted via email to: purchasing@fcgov.com
Re: Proposal for 8220 State of the River Report—Otak File No. 32692
Dear Ms. Shanahan and Selection Committee;
Fort Collins is a leader for Colorado in understanding, caring for, and living eff ectively with and within our river corridors.
Regulatory and technical accomplishments abound, including the highest Community Rating System (CRS) rating in our state (one
of the highest in the country), the 2015 River Health Assessment Framework (RHAF), the 2012 Stream Assessment Report, and
now the State of the River Assessment and Report for long-term monitoring on the Poudre River to help the City realize its vision of
a healthy and resilient river. We want to be part of this winning team to keep pushing positive momentum forward, applying strong
scientifi c bases to deliver clear, consistent, replicable, and defensible reporting that engages and helps align stakeholders, including the
Fort Collins community.
Even built on solid frameworks, success depends on getting things right with this fi rst assessment and report. With contentious
issues throughout the basin, high scrutiny, and even some skepticism, it will be crucial to stay on the promised schedule and synthesize
existing and supplemental data and methods to meet everyone’s needs and to develop a successful vehicle for communication within
the City organization and the public.
Th e Otak team is ready to get to work and has built a carefully selected and balanced team of experts in river assessment and
reporting. Our team off ers local leaders in our fi elds for each required specialty area:
• Otak—fl ow regime, sediment, water quality, fl oodplain connectivity, woody debris, river form, channel resilience, physical
structure, aquatic connectivity, hydraulic modeling, and GIS/aerial imagery analysis
• EcoMetrics—Habitat connectivity, contributing area, woodydebris, and stream functional assessment
• AlpineEco—Riparian condition metrics, including vegetation structure and complexity, and riparian wildlife
• Timberline Aquatic—Aquatic insects, native fi sh, and trout
Our collective vision of ecologic- and process-based understanding of complex ecological environments is a perfect fi t with your vision
of a healthy and resilient Poudre River and your need to generate scientifi c information that eff ectively guides management actions.
Our team members have walked, surveyed, and assessed habitat and stability along every mile of the urban streams within Fort
Collins and include developers of FACStream, the template upon which the RHAF is based.
Our experts are strong collaborators, specifi cally versed in laymen’s and technical discussions of complex ecological issues, which is
critical to fully vet issues, methods, and ideas with the groups they will aff ect. We look forward to working closely with City experts
and a diversity of stakeholders. Our team’s reputation and commitment to scientifi c excellence assures a process and fi nal product that
is built on strong collaboration and science. Our team members live and play often in Fort Collins, enjoying the recreational, scenic,
and utilitarian sides the river has to off er. For us, this project is a perfect blend of professional and personal interest and it is with this
personal stake that we make it our goal to ensure our expertise will help guide the City on future choices and management actions.
With the right start, we together will make certain the long-term monitoring project meets its goals and schedule and serves the
City well for years to come.
Otak acknowledges receipt of addendum one, and we appreciate the opportunity to submit our proposal to be a part of this important
eff ort for the City of Fort Collins and the Poudre River corridor, and as an example for our state. Our team has ample capacity and
welcomes the chance to serve.
Warm regards,
Otak, Incorporated
Johannes Beeby
Project Manager and Senior Hydrologist
integrated design = smar t solutions
5345 arapahoe avenue, suite 1B | boulder, colorado 80303
303.575.4397 | fax 303.296.3699
www.otak.com
Julie E. Ash, PE
Colorado WNR Group Manager and Senior River Engineer
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 1
1. METHODS AND APPROACH
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
Th e Otak team understands that the purpose of this project is
an ecological assessment of the Poudre River that will lead to
the fi rst State of the River Report. Utilizing the River Health
Assessment Framework (RHAF or Framework) this initial
report will lay the groundwork for a long-term monitoring
program that the City will use to inform management with
decisions that promote and maintain a healthy and resilient
Poudre River.
Th e State of the River Report must eff ectively communicate
the current health of the river in a concise and scientifi cally
defensible manner. For the sake of effi ciency, accuracy, and
repeatability, it is critical that the initial baseline monitoring
be conducted by a team with expert knowledge of each metric
and the framework as a whole. Our team is fl exible and will
collaborate with City staff and other agencies throughout the
project to maintain an organized and well managed approach.
Th e fi nal product will include a methodology that is optimized
for future repeatability, an organized dataset that can be easily
supplemented as monitoring continues, and presentation of
results in intuitive visually-appealing graphics that the City can
disseminate in future reports, educational materials, and other
outlets.
CITY INTERACTION
Our team anticipates and desires a high level of interaction
with the City throughout the project, and City involvement
is a common thread in each of our project tasks. We envision
working closely with the City in early project phases to work
out specifi cs of the methodology such as the sampling locations,
study reaches, and reference sites. Th is early collaboration will
allow us to fully explore and understand all data format options,
management decisions to be informed by the Report, and eff orts
to date in determining or estimating current conditions of the
river. As the project progresses to fi eld assessment and data
analysis, the Otak team will involve the City to promote mutual
understanding of the project status and support repeatable
success in future monitoring and reporting.
TASK 1: PREPARATION
Clear communication and close collaboration with City staff
is essential for the success of this project. We take a deliberate
approach to project management as it takes dedication and
fl exibility to balance a project’s goals, objectives, and schedule
while keeping it under budget. If we are selected, we will engage
the City immediately to familiarize ourselves with existing
data that explain the range and context of each RHAF metric.
Having Mark Beardsley on our team and Dr. Brad Johnson as
the City’s technical advisor expedites our understanding of the
RHAF and lends continuity to the project, allowing more time
for us to focus on the details.
During this fi rst phase of the project we plan to:
• Arrive at the launch meeting fully prepared to begin work
• Utilize our expertise with the RHAF metrics to work with
City staff to refi ne the methodology to ensure data sampling
eff orts are replicable, specifi c to project goals, and defensible
• Create a data platform, based upon City input and
preferences, using Microsoft Excel data sheets and/or
Microsoft Access databases to ensure that future monitoring
data can be seamlessly integrated. Th e data platform will
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 2
rest of the metrics during desktop and rapid fi eld assessment.
We will also take responsibility, under the City’s guidance, for
delegating sampling eff orts and organizing data from these
various sources into a central database. All data will be collected
and stored using the platform created in consultation with
the City in Task 1. We will keep the City abreast of progress
through the data collection phase with monthly updates, and we
welcome the involvement of City staff . We have key staff based
in Fort Collins that makes it easy for us to meet on short notice
and adapt our schedules to accommodate weather and other
contingencies. Our team will keep notes and, at the end of the
phase, provide the City a summary of lessons learned and a list
of suggested procedural refi nements.
Indicator Metric Data source Lead Supporting data
Flow Regime Peak Flow Desktop (modelling) Otak Existing models (ERM), gauge data
Base Flow Desktop (modelling) Otak Existing models (ERM), gauge data
Rate of Change Desktop (modelling) Otak Existing models (ERM), gauge data
Sediment Land Erosion Desktop (GIS/aerials) Otak Standards, reference data
Channel Erosion Desktop (GIS/aerials) Otak Standards, reference data
Transport Desktop (GIS/aerials) Otak Standards, reference data
Water Quality Temperature City WQ Monitoring Fort Collins Standards, reference data
Nutrients City WQ Monitoring Fort Collins Standards, reference data
pH City WQ Monitoring Fort Collins Standards, reference data
Dissolved Oxygen City WQ Monitoring Fort Collins Standards, reference data
Floodplain Connectivity Extent Desktop (modelling), RA (fi eld) Otak Existing models (ERM), gauge data
Saturation Duration Desktop (modelling), RA (fi eld) Otak Existing models (ERM), gauge data
Debris Detritus Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Large Wood
Rapid Assessment (fi eld)
EcoMetrics/AlpineEco Comparative reference site data
Woody Debris EcoMetrics/AlpineEco Comparative reference site data
Riparian Condition Veg. Str. & Complexity Rapid Assessment (fi eld) EcoMetrics/AlpineEco Comparative reference site data
Habitat Connectivity Desktop (GIS/aerials), RA (fi eld) EcoMetrics/AlpineEco Standards, reference data
Contributing Area Desktop (GIS/aerials), RA (fi eld) EcoMetrics/AlpineEco Standards, reference data
River Form Planform Desktop (GIS/aerials), RA (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Dimension Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Profi le Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Channel Resilience Dynamic Equilibrium Desktop (GIS/aerials) Otak Comparative reference site data
Channel Recovery Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Physical Structure Coarse Scale Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Fine Scale Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Aquatic and Riparian
Wildlife
Aquatic Insects Timberline sampling Timberline Standards, reference data
Native Fish CPW fi sh monitoring CPW Comparative reference site data
Trout CPW fi sh monitoring CPW Comparative reference site data
Aq. Habitat Connect. Rapid Assessment (fi eld) Otak Comparative reference site data
Birds City bird monitoring Fort Collins Comparative reference site data
RHAF Metric Assignments Table
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 3
During the data collection phase, we plan to do the following:
• Rapid Assessment: We will provide a core team of
experienced local experts representing fi elds of hydrology,
fl uvial geomorphology, riparian ecology, and botany to
join City staff and Dr. Brad Johnson in gathering data to
complete rapid assessments. Primary data sources include
documentation of stressors, direct indicators of impairment,
precious studies, and existing data.
• Aquatic Insects: Field work for each season (spring and fall)
will consist of approximately one day of macroinvertebrate
sampling (including preparation time) for two people in
the Poudre River study area. Macroinvertebrate sampling
will include one kick-sample (semi-quantitative) taken from
riffl e habitat at each of fi ve sites (fi ve total macroinvertebrate
samples per season). Sampling methodology will follow
the protocols adopted by the WQCD of the Colorado
Department of Public Health and Environment. Th is
methodology should also provide results that are consistent
with the Lower Poudre River Sampling Program.
Macroinvertebrates will be preserved in an 80% ethanol
solution before they are transported to the lab at Timberline
Aquatics, Inc.
• Desktop assessments: Desktop assessments will utilize
existing data sources, hydraulic models, GIS and time-series
aerial imagery. Prior fl ow regime modeling and the ERM
will be the basis for fl ow regime and fl oodplain connectivity
metrics. Aerial images will be used to assess channel
sediment metrics, habitat connectivity, contributing area,
planform, and dynamic equilibrium. Historic aerial analysis
is especially valuable for analyzing land use changes and
channel morphogenesis to indicate stability and resilience.
• Water Quality: Initial water quality sampling locations
should provide enough information to determine if
additional sampling sites are necessary. Ideally the
macroinvertebrate collection would occur at the same time
as water quality sampling to allow for more meaningful
comparisons to be drawn between the two datasets.
TASK 3: DATA ANALYSIS
Analysis of all collected data will be performed in a timely
fashion using appropriate statistical analysis determined by our
team and approved by the City staff . Future monitoring eff orts
should increase the statistical analysis as more data is collected
over time. A fi nal data package will be delivered in Excel/Access
and will be turned in with separate sub-reports created for the
fi nal report appendix.
During the data analysis phase of the project we plan to do the
following:
• Rapid Assessment: Compile data for each metric.
• Aquatic Insects: Th e sorting process will involve separating
macroinvertebrates from debris in each sample. Subsamples
are obtained by using a standardized gridded tray such as
the Caton Gridded Tray (recommended for subsampling
by EPA – Barbour et al. 1999). Macroinvertebrates will be
picked from a random number of grids until 300 individual
macroinvertebrates are obtained or exceeded. Benthic
macroinvertebrates will be identifi ed to a taxonomic level
consistent with the Operational Taxonomic Unit (OTU)
developed by the Colorado WQCD. Data analysis will
include 2 types of evaluation. Th e fi rst will be a calculation
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 4
During report development, the Otak team will:
• Develop a reporting framework and graphics for the State
of the River Report that is based on City input and can be
used for the future reports
• Work with City staff to develop the content that will make
up the fi nal Report
• Provide fi nal recommendations and lessons learned to
the City to help facilitate their eff orts with future RHAF
monitoring, management, and reporting
SUSTAINABILITY
Otak’s interdisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, and
technical experts address the complex challenges and
opportunities of each project in a holistic and highly
collaborative manner. Regardless of the size, we consider each
project a part of a larger system to develop integrated design
solutions that are responsive to their local community, economy,
and ecology. Th is includes the methods we use to achieve our
project goals. It would not make sense for us to deliver products
that help the environment if we’re being wasteful while doing
so. Otak takes the necessary steps to be sustainable not only for
the project, but for ourselves and our planet. Th ese steps range
from using recycled paper, to composting and recycling in our
own offi ces, to carpooling.
At Timberline Aquatics, Inc. all fi eld work and offi ce work is
consistently conducted in a manner to promote sustainability
and minimize environmental impacts. Our offi ce is located in
a solar powered building, all offi ce products are recycled (when
appropriate), reports are printed on 100% recycled paper, and
each employee bikes to work during a signifi cant portion of the
year.
EcoMetrics is run from their home offi ces, which eliminates
commuting and the utilities and other resources that would
otherwise be needed to support a separate workplace. Th eir
electrical use is off set 100% by PV solar. Th eir restoration
designs rely almost exclusively on native materials.
AlpineEco has long been committed to environmental
stewardship and overall sustainability. Th is philosophy starts
in the offi ce with minimal printing of e-mails, maps, and
other project work; almost exclusive submittal of electronic
deliverables; and recycling and composting offi ce waste.
Somewhat uniquely, this philosophy also extends into all
other aspects of their business; from the simple consolidation
of project work to minimize travel, to creative ecological
restoration designs that salvages on-site vegetation and other
materials, and maximizes the use of other on-site or nearby
materials to reduce trucking. Environmental sustainability is a
major consideration in all their work.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Th e Otak team brings complementary strengths in all aspects
of this study including project management, assessment
methodology, and proven expertise in all metrics. Our diverse
backgrounds cover a broad range of technical knowledge
including: geomorphology, hydrology, ecology, and aquatic life.
We understand the importance of getting the City’s long-term
monitoring project built on a solid, replicable, and defensible
methodology. Our team’s reputation and commitment to
scientifi c excellence assures a process and fi nal product that
meets all goals and serves the City well for years to come.
Our team has the background knowledge and expertise
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 5
for the rapid assessment metrics since professional opinion
requires interpretation of evidence based on experience and
familiarity. We assembled a multidisciplinary team of subject
experts to specifi cally handle this task led by EcoMetrics
which brings a deep understanding of stream functional
assessment and detailed knowledge of the specifi c metrics and
foundation of RHAF. Otak will provide a senior hydrologist
and geomorphologist to weigh in specifi cally on the river
form, channel resilience, and physical structure metrics.
AlpineEco’s vast knowledge of local fl ora in the Poudre
Valley will be indispensible for accurate interpretation of the
riparian condition metrics. Th e results from these monitoring
eff orts will be brought together by Otak and delivered in an
organized data platform with a GIS interface. Th e fi nal report
will be professional, visually appealing, and most importantly
defensible.
In Summary, the Otak team brings: expertise of the framework
and metrics to be used, a profound understanding of the
dynamic between the urban environment and the Poudre River
Watershed, previous working relationships with many key City
staff and collaborating agencies involved in the project, but also
a personal stake in maintaining a healthy and resilient Poudre
River Watershed into the future.
Otak has built our Colorado Water and Natural Resources
Group, based in Boulder and Denver, consists of scientists,
engineers, and landscape architects that bring multidisciplinary
skills and backgrounds to watershed, stream, and drainage
resource problems. Group members have been working on
river systems in the Front Range and Rocky Mountains for a
combined 60 years providing planning, design, and engineering
solutions that are innovative, practical, cost eff ective, and
sustainable. Many of Otak’s experts have spent much of the last
two years fully immersed in Front Range fl ood recovery eff orts,
including emergency fl ood protection and long-term restoration
planning eff orts. We are motivated by a shared vision of
ecologically- and process-based river restoration that is founded
on a comprehensive understanding of river and hillslope
processes, and strives to utilize natural materials that optimize
ecologic function. Otak’s approach has been proven by projects
that maximize stream health and function and simultaneously
increase safety and reduce future infrastructure damage. We
believe that it is only through this combination of improved
fl ood protection and stream health that we can create resiliency
in our communities, economies, and river systems.
EcoMetrics specializes in measuring ecological, hydrologic,
geomorphic, and water quality parameters of streams, riparian
areas, and wetlands. Th ey put these data to use in functional
assessments, monitoring, restoration, project planning, and
basic science. Over the past ten years, EcoMetrics has performed
approximately 40 level three (intensive, quantitative), hundreds
of level two (rapid, fi eld), and over a thousand level one
(recon, remote) reach-scale stream assessments that consider
all aspects of ecological health including fl ow, sediment, and
debris regimes, water quality, fl oodplain connectivity, riparian
condition, channel form, stability, resilience, physical habitat,
and biota. Th eir assessments focus on the causes and degree
of impairment to identify potential for improvement via
the restoration of natural processes, and results are used to
develop restoration designs, mitigation plans, management
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 6
• Perform a geomorphic assessment on a segment-by-segment
basis of the ten streams listed above to determine channel
evolution stage, channel susceptibility to vertical and lateral
erosion, and stream habitat condition.
• Use the resulting data to identify geomorphic thresholds
that sustain meandering channels and other heterogeneous
physical habitats and use this information to assess
candidate restoration sites by determining if the local
geomorphic controls are compatible with sustaining
sinuosity and habitat diversity.
• Identify and prioritize future stream management and
rehabilitation work through the development of a Multi-
Criterion Decision Analysis (MCDA) matrix that can
be used to select projects that simultaneously improve
habitat, reduce susceptibility, and provide the geomorphic
conditions that sustain diverse and stable channels.
Currently the City of Fort Collins Stormwater Division is using
the fi nal report and MCDA from this project to prioritize future
stream rehabilitation eff orts on urban streams within the city.
• Client organization: City of Fort Collins Stormwater
Department, Shane Boyle - Civil Engineer II, (970)-221-
6682, sboyle@fcgov.com
Colorado River Inventory and Assessment; Eagle
County, CO; (2012-2014)
Th is project was conducted by an Otak staff member (while
previously employed by Colorado State University). Th e
overarching goal of the project was to assess the Colorado River
corridor within Eagle County by: conducting a systematic
inventory of channel, riparian, and upland characteristics in the
main stem river corridor and use data collected and analyzed
during the inventory to assess pertinent parameters and
characteristics that aff ect the ecological integrity, recreational
amenities, and aesthetic values of the Eagle County portion
of the river. Specifi c objectives of the inventory and assessment
were to:
• Perform an analysis of existing monitoring data and
information to assess the status of the river corridor.
Existing water quality data may be used to bracket sources
of nonpoint source pollution and to identify the spatial
distribution of water quality infl uences and biological
stressors.
• Conduct synoptic fi eld surveys of riparian condition,
chemical, physical, and biological water quality, and
geomorphic attributes to supplement existing information.
Th e spatial domain of this survey was defi ned as the
Colorado River main stem from Pumphouse to Dotsero.
• Identify and describe candidate rehabilitation projects
(structural and non-structural) and link to current issues
and likely outcomes.
Th e fi nal report from this project is currently being used to
better inform project and policy decisions along the Colorado
River.
• Client organization: Eagle River Watershed Council, Holly
Loff , Executive Director, (970)-827-5406, loff @erwc.org
Colorado Stream Mitigation Program Development,
CO; (2013-2015); EcoMetrics
Th is project was a Functional Assessment of Colorado Streams
(FACStream), a holistic method for evaluating the functional
condition of stream habitats. Th e work involved a thorough
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 7
• Client organization: Colorado State University, Dr. Brad
Johnson, Research Scientist, Study Team Lead, (970) 490-
1388, bjohnson@lamar.colostate.edu
Peanut Lake Reach Assessment; Crested Butte, CO;
(2014-2015); EcoMetrics
Th is project was a history and functional assessment of the Slate
River near Crested Butte to quantify restoration opportunities
and feasibility of protecting Peanut Lake from imminent breach.
Th e combined eff ect of system stressors was considered to
determine the degree of current impairment and potential for
stream and wetland functional lift, resulting in a restoration
plan that was implemented in fall 2015.
• Client organization: Crested Butte Land Trust, Danielle
Bearner, Stewardship Director, (970)-349-1206,
stewardship@cblandtrust.org
Mechanical Stream Treatment Eff ectiveness Study;
Park County, CO; (2009-2010); EcoMetrics
In this study, EcoMetrics compiled data fi ve years of monitoring
data to determine the eff ectiveness of seven mechanical stream
restoration projects towards fi ve stated objectives related to
width/depth ratio, bank erosion, woody vegetation, overhead
cover, and pool area. Th e treatments resulted in very little
measureable benefi t, causing Park County to rethink its
approach to stream improvement eff orts.
• Client organization: Park County, Gary Nichols, Director,
Tourism and Community Development Offi ce, (719) 836-
4279, GNichols@park.co.us
Northern Integrated Supply Project; Fort Collins,
CO; (2015); AlpineEco
Lead ecologist for the review of the Wetland and Riparian
Sections of the NISP Supplemental Environmental Impact
Statement and supporting technical documents. Work included
a detailed review of technical information, collaboration with
Natural Areas staff to craft meaningful and concise comments
on the documents, and general coordination and consulting.
• Client organization: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas,
Jennifer Shanahan – Environmental Planner, (970)-221-
6281, jshanahan@fcgov.com
Stream Rehabilitation and Enhancement; Fort
Collins, CO; (2014-Present); AlpineEco
Lead ecologist for a project that involves the rehabilitation
of multiple streams within the City. Work includes wetland
delineation, Section 404 permitting, Endangered Species
Act compliance, general vegetation assessments, noxious
weed mapping, coordination with multiple agencies, and
participation in the design and implementation of rehabilitation
strategies.
• Client organization: City of Fort Collins Utilities, Sue
Paquette, Special Projects Manager, (970) 224-6068,
spaquette@fcgov.com
Big Th ompson River Master Plan; Loveland, CO;
2014 (AlpineEco)
Lead ecologist for the Riparian Section of a master plan for
the Big Th ompson Watershed. Th e work involved fi eld data
collection to identify and rank riparian habitat restoration
opportunities in the basin, making recommendations regarding
revegetation and Clean Water Act permitting for restoration
projects, and participation in meetings and other coordination
with an interdisciplinary team.
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 8
3. PROJECT PERSONNEL
Following are brief biographies for our project manager and key
staff that highlight their qualifi cations and skills relevant to their
role on this project.
JOHANNES BEEBY (OTAK)
Role: Project Manager, Main Point-of-Contact,
Hydrologist
Johannes is a ydrologist who holds a Master of Science in
Watershed Science from Colorado State University and has
lived and worked in Fort Collins for the past nine years.).
He has eight years of experience as a project manager and
hydrologist on various projects involving: river restoration,
environmental engineering, hydrology, water resource analyses,
fl uvial geomorphology, and water quality. His goal is to help
protect and conserve our natural resources through sound
scientifi c research. Johannes is experienced in managing projects
that involve a multidisciplinary team and cover a wide range
of subjects such as: river restoration, hydrologic and hydraulic
analyses and modeling, watershed and geomorphic assessments,
and biologic and ecologic assessments. He is qualifi ed in
riparian area Proper Functioning Condition and Channel
Evolution Model assessments and profi cient with fi eld survey
techniques and equipment including: total station, GPS, data
loggers, pressure transducers, 3D ADVs, and velocimeters.
Selected project experience includes:
• Assessments and Rehabilitation Decision-Making
Framework for the Streams of Fort Collins; CO
• Colorado River in Eagle County Inventory/Assessment; CO
• Upper Arkansas River Assessment; CO
LUKE SWAN (OTAK)
Role: Geomorphology Lead
Luke is a fl uvial geomorphologist with ten years of experience
in sediment transport, fl ood and watershed planning, river
restoration, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, GIS, and
remote sensing. He has spent much of the last two years
providing technical support for both emergency and long-term
fl ood recovery eff orts, including master planning, geomorphic
assessments, and channel design. Luke’s training is based in the
morphologic approach to fl uvial geomorphology, where process
is inferred from the precise measurement of landform change
through time. Watershed and river processes are fundamentally
spatial in nature and Luke has found that GIScience can greatly
facilitate an understanding of physical processes. Process-based
strategies to restore sections of channel can then be linked to
watershed-scale phenomena. To determine these relationships,
he has developed technical profi ciencies in GIS and spatial
data modeling; fi eld survey, data collection, and interpretation;
hydrologic and hydraulic modeling; processing remotely sensed
(satellite and aerial) data; GPS, DGPS, and total station survey;
softcopy photogrammetry; and terrain modeling. Selected
project experience includes:
• Big Th ompson River Fish Passage and Ditch Diversion
Resiliency Design Services; CO
• Idylwilde Dam Removal and River Restoration on Big
Th ompson River; Loveland, CO
• Fall River and Fish Creek Corridor Master Planning;
Estes Park, CO
JULIE ASH, PE (OTAK)
Role: Quality Control/Senior Oversight
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 9
MARK BEARDSLEY, MS (ECOMETRICS)
Role: River Health Assessment Framework Lead and
Ecology
Mark is an ecologist with a diverse multidisciplinary
background, expertise in fl uvial geomorphology, hydrology,
and biology, and 25 years fi eld experience as a stream, riparian,
and wetlands scientist. He founded EcoMetrics in 2003 to
bring a rigorous scientifi c approach to ecological assessment,
monitoring, and restoration in the Colorado Rockies. Mark
and EcoMetrics do stream and wetland restoration, assist
local governments and NGOs with project planning and
prioritization, and work with universities and federal and state
agencies to develop science-based tools for ecological assessment,
environmental regulation, and project performance appraisal.
Selected project experience includes:
• Colorado Stream Mitigation Program Development. CO
• Peanut Lake Reach Assessment/Design; Crested Butte, CO
• Colorado State Land Board Mitigation Banking project.
South Park, CO
ANDY HERB (ALPINEECO)
Role: Ecology Lead
Andy, owner of AlpineEco (founded in 2007) has worked as
an ecologist in the Rocky Mountain Region for over 16 years.
Although most of his work has been in Colorado and Utah, he
has worked in nearly all the Rocky Mountain , Great Plains,
and Great Basin States, as well as in Korea, Japan, Guam, and
Puerto Rico. His work involves most aspects of fi eld ecology,
with a focus on wetland, wildlife, and vegetation studies. Andy
is currently the president of the Rocky Mountain Chapter of
the Society of Wetland Scientists, which is an international
organization committed to the understanding, scientifi cally-based
management, and sustainable use of wetlands. He is also the
founder and chairperson of SWS’s Wetland Restoration Section,
which brings together professionals from around the world to
share information on wetland restoration. His commitment
to science and the environment, combined with his practical
approach to problem-solving results in creative, cost-eff ective,
and ecosystem-friendly approaches to projects. Andy is also the
owner of AlpineEco Nursery which provides native wetland and
riparian plants for ecological restoration. Selected experience
includes:
• Northeast College Corridor Outfall; Fort Collins; CO
• Kederike Property Wetland Delineation; Fort Collins; CO
• East Side Detention Facility; Boxelder Basin Stormwater
Authority, Fort Collins, CO
DAVID REES (TIMBERLINE AQUATICS)
Role: Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Lead
David is the owner and principal scientist at Timberline
Aquatics Inc. His responsibilities include macroinvertebrate
identifi cation, data analysis, and report preparation. He is
also responsible for quality control of the macroinvertebrate
sorting process. David graduate work relied (in part) on benthic
macroinvertebrate sampling, identifi cation, and analysis to
determine the direct and indirect eff ects of heavy metals on
aquatic life resulting from historical mining operations in
the Arkansas River, Colorado. Since then, he has supervised
and assisted with numerous projects using fi sh, aquatic
macroinvertebrates, and periphyton to assess the ecological
integrity of aquatic environments at many western US locations.
Proposal for State of the River Report Otak, Inc. 10
suckers in Wyoming streams, and has completed gill net and
trap net surveys for fi sh species in Boulder County. Ashley has
recently been assisting the US Geological Survey working on
an ecological study requiring the collection and identifi cation
of aquatic macroinvertebrates. She is an active member of the
American Fisheries Society national and CSU student chapter.
She has been with Timberline Aquatics since 2012 and her
responsibilities include collecting, sorting, and identifi cation of
aquatic macroinvertebrates, and quality control. Selected project
experience includes:
• Eagle River Biomonitoring Program
• Colorado Riverwatch Macroinvertebrate Identifi cation
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe Biomonitoring Program
4. ORGANIZATION CHART/PROPOSED
TEAM
Th e organization chart below illustrates the structure of our
team and indicates lines of reporting.
5. AVAILABILITY
Our team of talented professionals is ready immediately and
excited to serve the City of Fort Collins. We work aggressively
on every project to achieve excellent results on schedule and
within budget. Th is is both a source of professional pride for our
employees and good business for our clients.
Our team sees no issue with the City of Fort Collin’s timing.
We are confi dent that we can complete the State of the River
Report by the end of 2016. For 2016, Otak’s two major projects
will fi nish by March 1st with smaller projects lined up for the
rest of the year that will not interfere with this project schedule.
Workload capacity is a signifi cant Otak strength for this project.
Timberline Aquatics will complete the processing of spring
and fall samples within six to eight weeks following sampling.
Macroinvertebrate data analysis and the corresponding section
of the State of the River Report will be completed by early
December, 2016.
ON-SITE INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY
• Otak is available anytime during the weeks of February
22nd and 29th, 2016.
• EcoMetrics is available February 26th and 29th through
March 4th, 2016.
• AlpineEco does not have availability during those weeks.
• Timberline Aquatic is available anytime during the weeks of
February 22nd and 29th, 2016
6. SCHEDULE OF RATES
Based on our understanding of the project and the scope of
work, our estimated cost and hours for the team to complete
each task of the project are shown in the table below. Costs
were carefully calculated and we can provide more detail if the
City needs further breakdown of. Also included below is our
schedule of rates for each team member.
PROJECT DIRECTION
City of Fort Collins
Jennifer Shanahan
Project Manager
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Johannes Beeby (Otak)
Project Manager
PROJECT TEAM
QUALITY CONTROL /
SENIOR-LEVEL OVERSIGHT
e
APPENDIX
A. Samples of Work Products
State of the River Report Appendix
SAMPLES OF WORK PRODUCTS
Th e following three projects are samples of work products for
similar projects. Two are web links (below) and the third is
separate PDF sent as an attachment with this submittal.
1) COLORADO RIVER INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
Th e report, executive summary, and timelapse GIS animations
on the page are all prior work from proposed project manager,
Johannes Beeby.
http://www.erwc.org/projects/current-projects/colorado-river-
restoration-conservation-project/
2) ASSESSMENTS AND REHABILITATION DECISION-
MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR THE STREAMS OF FORT
COLLINS
Please see attached fi le “Sample_2_Stream_Assessment_Report.
pdf”.
2) 2014 SLATE PEANUT REPORT
Please see attached fi le “Sample_3_2014_Slate_Peanut_Report.
pdf”.
www.otak.com
5345 arapahoe avenue, suite 1B,
boulder, colorado 80303
Julie Ash, PE (Otak)
Senior Water
Resource Engineer
GEOMORPHOLOGY
Luke Swan (Otak)
WATER RESOURCES
ENGINEERING
Blair Vajda, PE (Otak)
ECOLOGY
Andy Herb (AlpineEco)
MACROINVERTEBRATE/
BIOLOGY
David Rees (AlpineEco)
Ashley Brown (Timberline)
Erica Ricci (Timberline)
RHAF/RIPARIAN
Mark Beardsley (EcoMetrics)
Otak Role Hourly Rate
Julie Ash, P.E. Quality Control/Senior Oversight $ 169
Blair Vajda, P.E. Water Resources Engineer $ 135
Luke Swan Geomorphologist $ 123
Johannes Beeby PM/Senior Hydrologist $ 108
EcoMetrics
Mark Beardsley RHAF Lead and Ecology $ 120
AlpineEco
Andy Herb Ecology Lead $ 125
Timberline Aquatics
Dave Rees Aquatic Life $80
Tasks Estimated Hours Estimated Cost
Task 1 Preparation 100 $11,180
Task 2 Data Collection 300 $32,454
Task 3 Data Analysis 140 $18,752
Task 4 Report 170 $22,526
Total Project Cost 710 $84,910
David has more than 25 years of experience in collection,
identifi cation, and analysis of benthic macroinvertebrate
data from a wide range of areas in the U.S. (including much
of Colorado). He has conducted benthic macroinvertebrate
studies on nearly 100 streams and rivers and is a SFS (Society
for Freshwater Science) certifi ed taxonomist for western
Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Chironomidae at
the genus level. Selected experience includes:
• Boulder Creek Biomonitoring Program
• Coal Creek/Rock Creek Biomonitoring Program
• Eagle River Biomonitoring Program
ERICA RICCI (TIMBERLINE AQUATICS)
Role: Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Technician
Erics received a BS in Biology with Environmental Resource
Management from Chadron State College, which included
extensive work in aquatic entomology, limnology, ecology, and
botany. While working on her degree, she completed taxonomic
research on the plant Order Dipsacales. Her work is expected
to be published in the next edition of South Dakota Flora.
She has also presented results from her research at the 2012
Black Hills Area Botanist & Ecologist Workshop and assisted
the US National Forest Service in locating rare plant species
communities. Now, at Timberline Aquatics, herresponsibilities
include sample processing, data entry, and quality control. She
has sorted and processed benthic macroinvertebrate samples
from multiple watersheds in Colorado and is familiar with
Genus level identifi cations, tolerance values, and trophic
relationships for aquatic macroinvertebrates from across the
western US Selected experience includes:
• Eagle River Biomonitoring Program
• Colorado Riverwatch Macroinvertebrate Identifi cation
• Southern Ute Indian Tribe Biomonitoring Program
ASHLEY BROWN (TIMBERLINE AQUATICS)
Role: Aquatic Macroinvertebrate Technician
Ashley received a BS in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation biology
with a concentration in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from
Colorado State University in Fall 2014. She has worked with
Colorado Parks and Wildlife assisting in fi sheries management
work, including boat and backpack electrofi shing, fi sh surveys,
and fi sh spawning. She has also worked with the Colorado State
University Larval Fish Laboratory collecting data on native
Julie is a senior project manager and water resource engineer.
She has 20 years of experience in restoration and engineering
to support ecological, development, and redevelopment
projects. Julie has worked on a broad range of restoration
projects, including stable channel design, streambed and bank
stabilization, bioengineering treatments, instream structures,
wetland and riparian habitat improvement, fl oodplain analyses
and permitting, wetland mitigation design, surface water
control, and erosion and sedimentation control. Julie focuses
on restoring health and resiliency to natural systems challenged
by today’s reality of myriad and unavoidable constraints.
She believes that intact natural systems, with their inherent
resiliency, are the key to successfully meeting the diverse and
often competing goals. Selected project experience includes:
• Fall River and Fish Creek Corridor Master Planning;
Estes Park, CO
• Big Th ompson River Fish Passage and Ditch Diversion
Resiliency Design Services; CO
• Idylwilde Dam Removal and River Restoration on the Big
Th ompson River; Loveland, CO
BLAIR VAJDA, PE (OTAK)
Role: Water Resources Engineering Lead
Blair is a registered professional engineer in Colorado, with ten
years of experience specializing in rehabilitation of the natural
function of stream ecosystems in Colorado. She has successfully
completed all aspects of stream channel rehabilitation projects,
including hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, Civil3D design
drafting, fl oodplain development and Section 404 permit
applications, site assessment, construction supervision, and
site monitoring for Section 404 permit compliance. Blair
has completed numerous fl oodplain development permit
applications for counties in Colorado, handling all project
components including site surveys, hydraulic modeling, and
fl oodplain and fl oodway determination and mapping. Her site
assessment and construction supervision experience provides
essential background and understanding for modeling and
design work. Selected project experience includes:
• Fall River/Fish Creek Corridor Master Plan; Estes Park, CO
• Idylwilde Dam Removal and River Restoration on Big
Th ompson River; Loveland, CO
• Client organization: Dustin Robinson, River Engineering,
(970) 797-3533, robinsond@AyresAssociates.com
FORT COLLINS STREAM REHABILITATION AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
PEANUT LAKE REACH ASSESSMENT
review of existing methodologies, research into every aspect of
stream health, method development, and multiple iterations of
testing and refi nement. EcoMetrics coauthored a draft stream
mitigation crediting protocol for the state of Colorado and
supporting documents that explain the mitigation process. Th e
study was a collaboration with the Army Corps of Engineers,
US EPA, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, State Land
Board, Parks and Wildlife, and Department of Transportation.
COLORADO RIVER IN EAGLE COUNTY INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENTS AND REHABILITATION DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR THE STREAMS OF FORT
COLLINS
recommendations, or long-term monitoring sites.
AlpineEco specializes in wetland, wildlife, and botanical studies.
It was created by Andy Herb in February 2007 when he left
his position as Ecology Team Leader at a large international
consulting fi rm. Andy has worked as an ecologist for over 18
years and has successfully completed projects in most western
states, as well as internationally. AlpineEco has successfully
completed ecological tasks for both research-oriented and
infrastructure-related projects for nearly all types of clients in
the private and public sectors. AlpineEco also has established
relationships with an assortment of technical professionals in the
region that can be utilized as subcontractors if additional staff is
needed to successfully complete a project.
Timberline Aquatics, Inc. is a company that specializes in
evaluation of aquatic life and stream ecosystems. Much of the
focus of these assessments is based on the evaluation of benthic
macroinvertebrate communities. Th e quality of information
obtained from macroinvertebrate sampling is directly related
to the processing methodology (sorting and identifi cation)
and knowledge of the researchers. Th ey have acquired the
most recent species keys for aquatic insects in Colorado, and
have built an extensive voucher collection that includes many
common and uncommon species. Th eir staff also has extensive
knowledge of current metrics and indices that are used to
accurately evaluate and explain the results of benthic sampling.
RELEVANT PROJECT EXAMPLES
Assessments and Rehabilitation Decision-Making
Framework for the Streams of Fort Collins; Fort
Collins, CO; (2011-2012)
Th is study was conducted by an Otak staff member (while
previously employed by Colorado State University), on behalf
of the City of Fort Collins Stormwater Division, to help
prioritize future stream management and rehabilitation work
within the City. Th e following ten streams within the city
limits of Fort Collins were included in the study: Boxelder
Creek (downstream of Vine Drive), Burns Tributary, Clearview
Channel, Foothills Creek, Fossil Creek, Langs Gulch, Mail
Creek, McClellands Creek, (9) Spring Creek, and (10) Stanton
Creek. Th e objectives of the work were to:
necessary to refi ne the sampling methodology, lead the data
collection and analysis of the individual RHAF metrics,
and create a fi nal product that is organized, replicable, and
defensible. Team member Mark Beardsley (EcoMetrics) is the
lead author of FACStream, the template upon which the RHAF
is based, as well as a recognized expert in stream and riparian
assessment and monitoring. Mark will bring his expertise in
using the Framework to help lead the monitoring eff ort and
interpret the resulting metric data.
Andy’s recent work reviewing and commenting on the NISP
EIS for the City allowed him to work very closely with City
staff while gaining a deeper understanding of the RHAF and
the overall interests of the City relative to the Poudre River.
He had many in-depth and technical conversations with City
staff regarding riparian vegetation regeneration, wetland and
fl oodplain functions, and other key ecological concepts related
to the river. Th is recent experience, combined with Andy’s
extensive project work in and around Fort Collins, and close
working relationship with EcoMetrics makes him uniquely
qualifi ed to lead the riparian assessment work for this project.
Having walked, surveyed, and assessed habitat and stability
along every mile of the urban streams within Fort Collins,
team member Johannes Beeby has fi rsthand knowledge of the
health and condition of these streams that drain into Poudre
River. Th is intimate knowledge, held uniquely by our team,
will be extremely useful when collaborating with the City staff
on sampling sites and methodology; and provide us a better
understanding of the Poudre River Watershed as a whole and
the role its urban watershed plays.
Otak is the lead fi rm and will be responsible for project
management, coordination with the City, and compiling the
fi nal report. Otak staff will also handle the desktop analyses
related to fl ow regime, sediment, fl oodplain connectivity, and
habitat connectivity metrics, including hydraulic modeling and
GIS/aerial imagery analysis. Timberline Aquatic will sample and
analyze macroinvertebrates to score this quantitative metric.
Qualifi ed and experienced veterans are especially important
of the Multi-Metric Index (MMI) that has been adopted by
the WQCD. Metrics used by the WQCD for site classes 1
and (Colorado transition zone and plains zone) currently
include: Percent Non-insect Taxa, EP Taxa, Percent
Chironomidae, Percent Sensitive Plains Families, Predator-
Shredder Taxa, Clinger Taxa, Insect Taxa, Percent Dominant
Taxa, and Sprawler Taxa. Th ese metrics will be employed at
the appropriate site locations to assist in the evaluation of
this data. Th e second type of analysis will include a selection
of individual metrics specifi cally chosen to address potential
perturbations that commonly occur in Colorado Front
Range streams.
• Ideally this desktop assessment will be performed at the
beginning of Task 2 to better guide the refi ning of sampling
methods and choice of sampling locations.
TASK 4: REPORT DEVELOPMENT
Developing a fi nal product that is comprehensive, defensible,
and visually appealing will allow the City to easily disseminate
the results from the monitoring eff ort, and serve as a common
platform for future monitoring and reporting. Resulting GIS
maps will be created with the potential for use as stand-alone
images that the City can use in future reports, educational
materials, and other outlets. Th e fi nal data package with GIS
products will be delivered along with the fi nal report and
executive summary.
also have an interface within GIS to allow for improved
data analysis and easier and more visually appealing
dissemination of results
• Participate in other meetings with collaborating agencies
and City staff to coordinate how the data they collect will be
integrated into the overall assessment and State of the River
report
• Finalize the fi eld work schedule, create data collection
forms, and gain property access
TASK 2: DATA COLLECTION
Th e goal of this task is compile the data to support scores for
each of the 27 metrics. Bird, fi sh, and water quality data will
be provided by the City or other agencies, and our team will
collect aquatic insect data directly. We will gather data on the
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Methods and Approach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2. Qualifi cations and Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Project Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4. Organization Chart/Proposed Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
5. Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
6. Schedule of Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Appendix
- A. Sample Work Products