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Biological Assessment
Species Recovery

EMI has extensive knowledge in the development and coordination of Endangered Species Act documents. This requires active coordination with the action agency, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, and appropriate State, Tribal and private entities.

• Colorado BLM – Cutthroat Trout. Three species of cutthroat trout are native to the State of Colorado – Rio Grande, Colorado, and Green Back. We have been involved in evaluating the potential land resource management impacts to these three species that may occur on BLM lands in the State of Colorado.
• Sloan Canyon, Nevada – The BLM is proposing to develop the Sloan Canyon area south of Las Vegas. We assisted in the development of the Biological Assessment on the potential impacts of development on the native Desert Tortoise, several native penstemon plants, and species of concern.
• Black Rocks Resource Management Plan and Biological Assessment – In northern Nevada the BLM has developed an updated Resource Management Plan for the Black Rocks area. We assisted in the development of the Biological Assessment evaluating native bats, fish, mammals, plants, and reptiles that may be impacted by planned management actions.
• Mississippi and Alabama Resource Management Plan and Biological Assessment – we have been involved in working with the BLM and other entities in the development of a biological assessment for the updated Resource Management Plan for Mississippi and Alabama. We began this project prior to Hurricane Katrina and are awaiting re-initiation and completion of this project.
• Resource Management Plan coordination and Biological Assessment development in Utah (Price and Kanab), Wyoming (Rawlins and Rock Springs), and Colorado (Little Snake).

South Dakota Sage Brush Study

In 2006 we initiated a field survey of sage brush habitats in western South Dakota. This information is being input into a GIS system that will be integrated with research on Greater sage grouse populations in South Dakota. The State of South Dakota is developing a conservation plan for sage grouse that is dependent on understanding the relationship between available habitats, anticipated habitat changes (climate change, oil and gas development, grazing, etc.) and sage grouse population dynamics.

Aztec Ruins National Monument

In 2005 and 2006 we joined with the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Park Service in field surveys of vegetation located within the monument and in the surrounding boundary area in northern New Mexico. Data collected from the field vegetation surveys will be input into a GIS system that will allow for an analysis of vegetation distribution and form the basis for the development of long-term monitoring programs and noxious weed management.

Keet Seel, Inscription House, and Betatikin – Navajo National Monument

In 2005 and 2006 we joined with the Bureau of Reclamation, the Navajo Nation and the National Park Service in field surveys of vegetation located within the three remote national park units within the Navajo Nation. Information developed from this program will be integrated into a GIS data base that will form the basis for long-term monitoring and specific management actions.

Lake Meredith National Recreation Area

In 2004, 2005 and 2006 we participated in a multi-agency assessment of vegetation distribution patterns at the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in northern Texas. An extensive field survey coordinated with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Reclamation, we developed a data intensive geospatially referenced approach to documenting vegetation types. The information has been input into a GIS data base that will provide the base line needed for the development and implementation of a long-term monitoring program. We developed and completed an extensive accuracy assessment program for the project.

Hells Canyon Complex – FERC Relicensing Project with BLM

We have been involved in issues related to the relicensing of the Hells Canyon Complex of three dams on the Snake River since 1998. Idaho Power Company is relicensing three dams and the BLM is providing input and advice on the resource issues of concern. Our role has been to focus on the aquatic issues that are associated with the FERC relicensing project. This includes the development of proposed alternatives, review of technical reports and recommendations, providing input to the BLM management and continued cooperation with NOAA, FWS, BLM, the States of Idaho and Oregon and the Native American Tribes.