The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 protects endangered and threatened animal and plant species as well as their associated habitats. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) provides protection for those listed species and maintains a county specific database of such species.
Other state and federal agencies, such as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) provide varying levels of protection for listed species as well. Both federal and state regulations must be adhered to during the land development process.
Trico Engineering Consultants, Inc. has considerable experience evaluating land for the presence of threatened and endangered species. Field observation consists of pedestrian reconnaissance over a number of transects. Existing natural habitats are thoroughly inspected for the direct presence and/or direct evidence of endangered and threatened species.
After the field observation, an endangered species evaluation report is compiled and presented to the client. This report contains the documentation of findings along with a conclusion regarding the presence or absence of the endangered and threatened species within the subject property.
If listed species are observed on site, Trico Engineering Consultants, Inc. is experienced in consultations with both state and federal governments in regard to listed species permitting and mitigation. Early and clear communication with appropriate agencies on endangered and threatened species issues is the key to ensuring a successful development project.
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