A botanical study is an inventory of plant species observed during the site surveys. An agency requirement for an “in-season” botanical report means that the surveys are to be timed during the seasonal period that the target species are identifiable, which is typically during the species-specific blooming period. The target list of plant species is determined during the background review for a biological resources assessment, or may be specified by the permitting agency based upon their review of occurrences documented from the area. Protocols developed for botanical studies involve visiting reference sites in the project vicinity to verify that the target species are identifiable at the time of the surveys.

Other aspects of botanical studies are the classification of vegetation communities, and whether those alliances are considered to be sensitive natural communities by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Local planning documents may also designate certain communities as sensitive, such as riparian habitat. Identification of sensitive natural communities is particularly important in the Coastal Zone.

Dr. Christopher has demonstrated expertise with the following botanical resources, and others, which are of interest in San Luis Obispo County: