Protected Species
Protected Species Survey and Identification —Detailed surveys often must be conducted to confirm presence or absence of a species regulated by the Federal and State governments for land development. The most typical protected species found on-site in Florida is the gopher tortoise, listed as Threatened by the state of Florida. Other protected species less prevalent, such as Florida scrub jay, eastern indigo snake, burrowing owl, and others have potential to occur on certain sites.
AES has extensive experience in survey methodologies acceptable to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for determining presence of species occurring in Florida and the Caribbean. Backed by years of experience, AES can quickly determine suitability of a site for a particular species to then recommend an appropriate survey methodology.
Protected Species Permitting and Mitigation —Impact to protected species and in some instances to its habitat requires permitting and mitigation to offset the loss to the population. AES has extensive experience in protected species permitting, whether it is for incidental take, relocation, or assistance in creative design for avoidance of impact. AES provides expertise in the lengthy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Section 10 Permitting and Habitat Conservation Plan Development.
