Endangered Species Act Support
R2 is experienced in all facets of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including the preparation of Biological Assessments (BAs), Biological Opinions (BOs), Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), Incidental Take Permit (ITP) Applications. It is notable that R2 is among the few firms with experience in preparing aquatic BOs and providing enforcement action assistance for the National Marine Fisheries Service, and HCPs for water resource projects in Washington and California concerning a number of listed species, including: bull trout, steelhead trout, Chinook salmon, sockeye salmon and chum salmon, as well as many non-game fish. R2 staff are experienced in all requirements of the ESA including:
Species Status Evaluations
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Assessment of the distribution and abundance of aquatic species
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Evaluation of the current and likely future listing status under ESA
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Review of literature and data on the species habitat needs, regional population status, and critical limiting factors
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Preparation of species status and life history
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Threatened/endangered species survey
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Evaluating potential effects to listed species and critical habitat
Evaluation & Mitigation of Take
Identification of Reasonable and Prudent Alternative and Measures
Identification of the management activities that could lead to take
Quantitative and qualitative assessments of the magnitude of take
Identification of management measures to reduce take
Assessments of the effectiveness of proposed BA and HCP measures and their ability to prevent a jeopardy ruling by NMFS or USFWS
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Collection permit and Incidental Take Statement requirements as they affect field studies
Implementation Agreements
Development of monitoring and “adaptive management” elements
Priority assessments for mitigation implementation
Project One: