Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Species Consultation

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RTE Species Consultation

BioSurvey Group takes pride in our ability to conduct multi-species inventory surveys. Our experienced team is adept at assessing and documenting species diversity. Whether your project involves single or multiple species considerations, we possess the skills and knowledge to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the ecological landscape. Trust us to deliver meticulous, accurate, and efficient multi-species inventory surveys tailored to meet your project’s unique requirements.

Comprehensive Species Management Services

Our expertise extends beyond fieldwork; our team boasts a proven track record in effectively managing consultations related to rare, threatened, and endangered species (RTE). We specialize in addressing intricate environmental challenges and offering practical solutions.

We excel in providing tangible, real-world strategies that align project objectives with both state and federal regulations. When seeking federal authorization or funding for your project, it is crucial to document and address its impact on RTE species. BioSurvey Group excels in providing cost-effective and efficient solutions for this essential aspect of project management.

Our RTE Species Services Include:

  • Habitat assessments for targeted RTE species
  • Presence/absence surveys using approved protocols
  • Section 7 and Section 10 consultation support
  • Biological assessments and evaluations
  • Incidental take permit assistance
  • Habitat Conservation Plan development
  • Species-specific mitigation planning
  • Post-construction monitoring
  • Agency coordination and negotiation

What We Provide:

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Compliance

Endangered Species Act consultations with USFWS may be required under ESA Section 7 for projects involving federal funds or permits, or ESA Section 10 for non-federal projects. BioSurvey Group’s senior biologists have a provable track record of guiding clients through this formal USFWS review process. Experienced experts in this process are the key to minimizing project timeline impacts and additional project expenses when a federal species is being impacted.

Comprehensive ESA Consultation Services

  • Species-specific habitat assessments
  • Presence/absence surveys using approved protocols
  • Technical assistance with USFWS
  • Preparation of Biological Assessments
  • Development of conservation measures
  • Negotiation of reasonable and prudent alternatives
  • Incidental Take Permit applications
  • Habitat Conservation Plan development
  • Implementation of mitigation requirements
  • Compliance monitoring and reporting

Section 7 Consultation Expertise

  • Coordinate with federal action agencies
  • Conduct thorough effects analyses
  • Prepare concise, defensible Biological Assessments
  • Facilitate informal and formal consultation processes
  • Help secure Biological Opinions with workable terms and conditions

Section 10 Permit Solutions

  • Habitat Conservation Plan development
  • Incidental Take Permit application support
  • Minimization and mitigation strategy design
  • Long-term compliance planning
  • Implementation assistance
      Biological Assessments

      Preparation of a Biological Assessment is a key component of Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation.

      BioSurvey Group’s staff have prepared numerous Biological Assessments and are familiar with the required document content, minimizing revision requests and keeping your project moving forward.

      Comprehensive Biological Assessment Services

      Our experienced team delivers thorough, agency-ready Biological Assessments that include:

      • Detailed project descriptions
      • Species-specific habitat evaluations
      • Action area determinations
      • Environmental baseline conditions
      • Effects analysis for listed species and critical habitat
      • Cumulative effects considerations
      • Conservation measures and impact minimization strategies
      • Defensible effect determinations

      The BioSurvey Group Advantage

      Our Biological Assessment expertise provides significant benefits:

      • Streamlined agency review process
      • Minimized requests for additional information
      • Strategic presentation of project impacts
      • Practical conservation solutions
      • Accelerated consultation timelines
      • Focused documentation tailored to project needs
      Presence / Absence Surveys

      If your project is within the known range of a rare, threatened, or endangered species, your state or federal agency may require a survey to determine the presence or probable absence of that species.

      BioSurvey Group’s understanding of habitat and sampling methods provides data and results that both clients and regulators can rely on.

      Comprehensive Survey Capabilities

      Our experienced biologists provide thorough, protocol-compliant surveys for a wide range of species groups:

      • Freshwater mussels
      • Bats
      • Aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates
      • Fish and crayfish 
      • Amphibians and reptiles
      • Birds 
      • Mammals 

      Survey Excellence Through Expertise

      Our presence/absence surveys are distinguished by:

      • Adherence to agency-approved protocols
      • Appropriate timing to match species life cycles and activity periods
      • Comprehensive coverage of suitable habitat
      • Detailed documentation of survey efforts and conditions
      • Definitive findings that withstand regulatory scrutiny
      • Clear reporting that facilitates agency review
      Conservation Planning

      If project impacts to rare, threatened, or endangered species cannot be avoided, mitigation can help offset these impacts.

      Our knowledge of species ecology and conservation practices allows us to develop meaningful mitigation strategies to benefit and preserve rare species and their habitat.

      Mitigation Services

      BioSurvey Group provides expert conservation planning that includes:

      • Impact assessment and quantification
      • Species-specific conservation strategies
      • Habitat restoration and enhancement
      • Population management approaches
      • Monitoring program development
      • Long-term stewardship planning

      Effective Conservation Approaches

      Our team designs customized conservation solutions that may include:

      • Habitat creation and restoration
      • Enhancement of existing habitat
      • Preservation of key habitat areas
      • Species translocation and reintroduction
      • Management of invasive competitors
      • Removal of barriers to species movement
      • Population monitoring and management

      Benefits of Strategic Planning

      • Streamlined permitting process
      • Reduced project delays
      • Optimized mitigation investments
      • Demonstrated environmental stewardship
      • Regulatory certainty through approved plans
      • Positive contributions to species conservation
      Environmental Assessments

      Environmental Assessments describe potential environmental impacts of a proposed project or action. Our familiarity with species ecology, habitat requirements, and survey methods allows us to provide scientifically-defensible information to support an Environmental Assessment.

      Environmental Assessment Services

      • Baseline environmental conditions documentation
      • Impact identification and characterization
      • Alternatives analysis and comparison
      • Mitigation strategy development
      • Cumulative effects evaluation
      • Interdisciplinary resource assessment

      Resource Areas We Evaluate

      • Biological resources (flora and fauna)
      • Wetlands and aquatic ecosystems
      • Protected species and critical habitats
      • Land use and cover types
      • Water resources and quality
      • Air quality considerations
      • Cultural and historical resources
      • Socioeconomic factors
          Biodiversity Inventories

          Not sure if rare, threatened, or endangered species are present in your project area?

          BioSurvey Group can design and conduct surveys to assess species richness and diversity on project sites ranging from a few hundred square meters to several miles of stream.

          Tailored Biodiversity Assessment Services

          Our experienced field biologists provide customized inventory solutions including:

          • Multi-taxa biological surveys
          • Targeted taxonomic group assessments
          • Seasonal biodiversity monitoring
          • Habitat-specific inventories
          • Baseline ecological documentation
          • Special status species screening

          Benefits of Comprehensive Biodiversity Assessment

          • Early identification of potential regulatory concerns
          • Informed project design to minimize species impacts
          • Reduced uncertainty in permitting processes
          • Documentation of site ecological values
          • Scientific foundation for environmental decision-making
          • Support for sustainable development practices

          Contact Us

          BioSurvey Group

          Physical Address
          3 East Maple St.
          Liberty, IN 47353
          (888) 712-0566

          Mailing Address
          PO Box 593
          Morgantown, WV 26507
          (304)-810-8099

          Email Us

          Questions? We Have Answers!

          Ready to discuss how we can help you?  Simply fill out the form below, and one of our experts will reach out to you quickly to talk!