Environmental and Biological Assessments

The presence of protected species on a property may have a profound effect on the type and extent of development which may be achieved on a property.  It does not preclude development; but may affect the extent and configuration of the development and the type of permitting required.  The overall impact of protected species on a proposed development can vary depending on the species involved, the adopted management plans for the species, and the extent of the species on the site.

SME can assess the suitability of habitat for protected species within your project area, to determine the possibility of occurrence of listed species within the site.  In accordance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) of 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668-668c), and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (16 U.S.C. 703-712), impacts or disturbances located on state, tribal or federal lands that have the potential to impact threatened and endangered species, bald or golden eagles, or other migratory birds require a biological or environmental assessment (depending upon the agency involved).

Biological and environmental assessments are an evaluation of the potential for a proposed action to impact species covered under the ESA, BGEPA, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.  These documents are submitted to governmental agencies to assist in their processing of requested permits/actions.

SME professionals are highly skilled in the identification of both the species themselves and suitable habitat for these species, and have completed hundreds of assessments to assist the governmental agencies in Section 7 consultations with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Professionals at SME are especially experienced in the identification of regional special-status species and their habitats, which are protected by federal and state regulations, including:

Birds

• Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
• Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
• Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus)
• Gunnison sage grouse (Centrocercus minimus)
• Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
• Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
• Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Mammals

• Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)
• Canada lynx (lynx canadensis)
• New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus)

Fish

• Razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus)
• Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius)

Invertebrates

• Uncompahgre fritillary butterfly (Boloria acrocnema)

Plants

• Aztec gilia (Aliciella formosa)
• Brack’s cactus (Sclerocactus cloveriae ssp. brackii)
• Mancos milk vetch (Astragalus humillimus)
• Mesa Verde cactus (Sclerocactus mesae verdae)
• Pagosa Skyrocket  (Ipomopsis polyantha)

Avian Surveys and Habitat Assessment. Since 1986, the firm has conducted hundreds of habitat assessments and presence/absence surveys for various avian species (as related to the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act).  Experience in the Four Corners region includes projects involving species such as the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, Mexican spotted owl, Southwestern willow flycatcher, and Yellow-billed cuckoo.

Wildlife Restoration, Habitat Enhancement, and Compensation Planning. Projects may involve unavoidable impacts to jurisdictional wetlands/streams and wildlife habitat.  Compensatory mitigation will be required by the governing agencies to ensure no net loss of aquatic/habitat functions and values.

• SME has designed and implemented wetland and wildlife restoration, enhancement, and compensation plans since 1986.  Our multi-discipline team works closely with project planners to integrate detailed habitat design into projects.

Weed Management Plans. The Plant Protection Act (PPA) was signed into law in 2000.  It replaces the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1975 and combines all or a portion of 11 existing USDA plant health laws into one comprehensive law, including the authority to regulate plants, plant products, certain biological control organisms, noxious weeds, and plant pests.

• There are currently 112 federally-listed noxious weeds and 76 state-listed noxious weeds in the State of Colorado.

• Under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act, Title 35, Article 5.5, the Colorado general assembly has placed all Colorado lands under the jurisdiction of local governments that have been delegated the responsibility and power to assure the management of state and locally designated noxious weeds.  Likewise, a weed management plan is required by La Plata County under the authority of the Colorado Noxious Weed Act.

SME has several years of experience with the identification of weed species within La Plata County and works closely with the La Plata County Energy Council and La Plata County Weed Office.  SME maintains current training including knowledge about the latest Integrated Pest Management techniques in order to provide the most cost effective and efficient methods in identification, management, and treatments of weedy species.