Endangered Species Permits

Applying for a Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

 

One of the first things you need to do to apply for a permit is contact your nearest USFWS Ecological Services Office. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff can help you determine whether your proposed project or action is likely to result in "take", whether a permit is required, or if there are other options to consider. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service personnel can also provide technical assistance to help you design your project so as to avoid take. For example, the project could be designed with timing restrictions on construction to minimize disturbance during the nesting season.

 

When and if you decide that a permit is needed, the next thing you will need to do is complete an application for the permit. Applications for permits are available on the web. Please read the instructions on how to fill out the online forms before accessing the forms.

• For Recovery Permits and Interstate Commerce Permits, use this form. (288 KB Adobe pdf file)

• For Incidental Take Permits associated with Habitat Conservation Plans, use this form. (282 KB Adobe pdf file)
  NOTE: Please do not fill out or submit the application form until you contact our nearest Field Office. The Field Office will provide guidance on developing complete and adequate application materials and will determine when the application form and materials are ready for submission. Go here for additional information about Incidental Take Permits and Habitat Conservation Plans.
• For Enhancement of Survival Permits Associated with Safe Harbor Agreements and Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances, use this form. (278 KB Adobe pdf file)
  NOTE: Please do not fill out or submit the application form until you contact our nearest Field Office. The Field Office will provide guidance on developing complete and adequate application materials and will determine when the application form and materials are ready for submission. Go here for additional information about Enhancement of Survival Permits, Safe Harbor Agreements, and Candidate Conservation Agreements.

Contact Us

For more information on obtaining an endangered species permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for activities occurring in the Upper Midwest Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin), contact:

 

In writing:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Ecological Services (Permits)
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056

 

By phone:

(612) 713-5343

 

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