Endangered Species Act

Private companies, individuals, and public agencies all must comply with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which prohibits the "taking" of listed species. Compliance may be as simple as determining that the species or their habitat are not present. For projects with federal funding or where a federal permit is required, a Biological Assessment is frequently prepared; this assessment describes the proposed project, project impacts, and the conservation measures used to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impacts. Private companies or landowners not requiring a federal permit may pursue a "no take" letter, or a "take avoidance" letter. Incidental take may be authorized where nonfederal parties prepare a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describing their proposed actions to conserve listed species.

MB&G biologists have many years of experience with all aspects of ESA compliance. Our goal is to provide the necessary species protections while maintaining economically feasible projects. We work with the client to ensure that ESA compliance issues are resolved at the design stage, not thereafter. Our biologists conduct field surveys, analyze new and existing data, and assess the potential for "take" of listed species. We maintain a good working relationship with the state and federal regulators implementing the ESA, thus facilitating the permitting process.

MB&G biologists conduct surveys for the presence/absence of endangered species, including birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and plants. Surveys for northern spotted owls and marbled murrelets are conducted according to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol. MB&G fisheries biologists are experienced in performing electrofishing and snorkel surveys to determine presence/absence and population estimates of listed fish species.

State Forest Practice Acts

Our biologists are knowledgeable about Forest Practice Rules in Washington and Oregon. They have assisted in the preparation of Timber Harvest Plans and Sustained Yield Plans. They have also prepared numerous Biological Evaluations for actions requiring permits from the U.S. Forest Service, such as use of national forest system roads to access private inholdings.

Clean Water Act

Water quality regulations are driven by the federal Clean Water Act and state regulations implementing this act. MB&G Environmental Services staff include certified wetland delineators and Professional Wetland Scientists (SWS certification) who can perform all aspects of wetland delineation, mitigation, and permitting.

MB&G fisheries and hydrology staff are experienced in assisting clients with other aspects of Clean Water Act permitting. We are involved in ongoing work to complete Section 401 permitting and are performing water quality monitoring work to evaluate Section 303(d) issues for timberland owners.