Threatened and Endangered Species
The Perennial Environmental team functions as a trusted advisor in matters of threatened and endangered (T&E) species habitat assessments and surveys for federally- and state-listed species, including protected species of concern. We aid in informal and formal consultations with the applicable regional U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and/or regional National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) offices, and state agencies for impacts to federally- and state-listed species, including the development of mitigation plans.
At Perennial, each project undergoes an initial desktop evaluation to define the species of concern, the known species population boundaries, and the presence of potentially suitable habitat. Perennial then conducts field surveys as part of the presence/absence screening for individual species. Results of the field evaluation are presented to the applicable agency which often results in official clearance of a project or property. In the event that T&E species are present, Perennial coordinates and consults with the applicable agency to resolve issues in a timely and efficient manner.
Perennial has extensive experience performing species-specific surveys for large- and small-scale projects. In addition to performing species-specific surveys to determine the presence or absence of sensitive species, Perennial can also provide recommendations for re-routes and create relocation plans to minimize impacts on species of concern. Most recently, we have consulted on multiple large-scale gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) surveys and relocation projects in Florida and Mississippi.