Threatened & Endangered Species Consultations

We have extensive experience working with Federally Threatened & Endangered species (TES), State protected species, and U.S. Forest Service sensitive species. If your project is involved in any way with a Federal agency, including needing Federal permits or licenses, or receives any type of Federal funding or approval, it is required to consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (considered a Section 7 consultation). Beyond projects with a Federal nexus, even on private land any actions that could impact a TES species directly or to the species habitat can lead to a violation of the Endangered Species Act.

Working with legally protected species can be a complicated matter. The Endangered Species Act is a complex law and to assess habitat and survey for species often requires special permits and qualifications. Beyond specialized scientific expertise it is essential to understand how to work within the law to design solutions that provide for the conservation of species but also allow for economic development projects to proceed. We have a proven track record for successfully working with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and other regulatory agencies to develop creative conservation plans that ensure protection of wildlife but also work to meet our clients needs of conducting their development activities. We are also experts in figuring out the fastest and most cost efficient approaches to such issues, often consultants recommend time consuming and expensive Habitat Conservation Plans when there are much simpler options that could gain approval within 30 days and at a tiny fraction of the cost. Our commitment to Rapid Response Solutions means we will quickly detail the potential solutions and guide you to the most efficient outcome for your business.

We offer the following services for Threatened & Endangered Species and for those protected by other entities such as State listed or Forest Sensitive:

• Section 7 (TES) Consultation, both formal and informal
• Habitat Assessment/Biological Assessment and Evaluations
• Habitat Clearance
• Presence/absence surveys
• Field surveys for population and habitat use
• Not likely to affect reports
• Incidental take permits
• Block clearances
• Large scale management plans
• Incidental take permits (Section 10 permit)
• Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)
• Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA’s)
• Mitigation plans
• Monitoring programs

The following are some (not all) of the species we can consult on:

Federally Threatened & Endangered Species

Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)
Colorado Butterfly Plant (Gaura neomexicana var. coloradensis)
Lynx (Lynx canadensis)
Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
Pawnee montane skipper (Hesperia leonardus Montana)
Preble’s meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei)
Southwest willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)
Ute Ladies’ tresses orchid (Spiranthes diluvialis)

Eagle Protection Act

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
(Note: The Bald Eagle is no longer listed on the ESA but this Act affords similar protection)

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Virtually all native birds are protected by this act. Any activity that may disturb nests or communal roosts could be in violation of this act. Raptors, which are birds of prey including eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls are considered sensitive and often protected via this law. Consultation should take place before disturbing any nests.

State Threatened and Endangered Species

• Boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas)
• Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia)
• Kit fox (Vulpes macrotis)
• Swift fox (Vulpes velox)

Forest Sensitive Species

Each U.S. Forest or National Grassland has their own list of sensitive species of concern that needs to be included in Biological Assessments for Forest Service projects. These can include a large variety of species of all taxa. We have worked with species from butterflies to bears and well prepared to do the analysis needed for all sensitive species.