Endangered Species Management
Surveys of Threatened and Endangered Species (TES)
Surveys of threatened and endangered species may be required by law for many projects. We can quickly and efficiently inventory protected species and their habitats by a variety of accepted techniques performed by field biologists that have in depth experience in these types of surveys. We perform both plant and animal surveys.
Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP)
BEC personnel have years of experience with federal agencies and training in using Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP). This process involves a review of historical projects of impact and development of mitigation plans. The HEP process is a comparison of existing habitat value for a species to optimal habitat value for a species. It is often used in development of an EIS. This method is widely used to evaluate the various types of impacts on wildlife habitat and species. We are experienced in evaluating all types of habitats.
Incidental Take Permits (ESA, 10A1b)
If landowner activities may result in the accidental "take" of threatened or endangered species, an Incidental Take Permit is required. "Take" means harming, collecting, trapping, killing, hunting or altering habitat that is essential to the reproduction or behavior of a listed species. BEC staff biologists specialize in endangered species management and can help our clients through the steps required to obtain the permit. Getting an incidental take permit requires a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to accompany the permit application. The HCP insures that there is minimal disturbance and assures mitigation. It is the responsibility of the permit applicant to complete the application which includes the HCP. A permit may also involve a NEPA analysis and subsequent EA or rarely an EIS. We can assist the applicant in the entire process and develop an HCP that will assure success in gaining the permit.
Safe Harbor Permits (ESA, 10A1b)
Our biologists have been directly involved in helping landowners participate in a Safe Harbor Agreement which is an incentive program to restore endangered species on private land. A safe harbor permit is a binding agreement between the landowner and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or NOAA-fisheries in which the landowner agrees to undertake management practices that benefit a listed species in return for a release from further regulation at a future date. It also gives the landowner authorization for incidental take to return the habitat to baseline levels at the end of the agreed time period. We can assist the landowner in gathering the information like maps, proposed management practices and information on listed species on the property. We will also do a baseline study that will provide agencies with the appropriate baseline species information that will insure meeting the requirements of the policy. We can also assist in development of the draft Safe Harbor Agreement which includes a plan for monitoring the management activities. We have biologists that can monitor the implementation of the Safe Harbor Agreement.
Mitigation Plans
Mitigation for the adverse effects of human activities has now become an integral part of environmental laws and conservation plans. There are a variety of mitigation alternatives including compensatory mitigation in the form of enhancement, restoration or creation and mitigation banks. A successful mitigation plan is difficult at best. Our team of biologists have been involved in the mitigation planning process for numerous projects and can help our clients find the best mitigation method that will be acceptable to state and federal agencies and meet all legal requirements. Let us help you find the best mitigation solution. Monitoring mitigation often becomes a problem and we offer reasonable monitoring solutions to ensure successful mitigation.
Management Plans for Rare species and Communities
The state of Texas offers a landowner incentive program to encourage conservation of rare species and communities. The program requires resource management and planning to identify and prioritize species and communities. The participant must design a management plan that realistically endeavors to provide optimal habitat and species conservation and restoration. Many of these plans address non game species as well as at risk game birds like scaled quail and lesser prairie chicken. We have the knowledge and background to assist in this process. Our personnel have specialized training in developing conservation easements that can be a way to preserve these critical habitats and species. This program offers many incentives to the landowner including cost share options for activities like exclusion fences, prescribed burns, brush management and fees to develop conservation easements.
