Will the "no known and recorded" unique natural features response I get from the automated assessment system satisfy the need to get clearance on federal species?

In some cases, no. You would need to have a clearance statement from the US Fish & Wildlife Service for federal species if project activities are carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency. You can contact the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at the East Lansing field office at (517) 351-2555.

What happens if I go ahead with my project even though I am notified there are unique natural features in the area?

If you harm a protected species, as listed on the Michigan Threatened & Endangered Species List, you can be prosecuted as described in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Part 365 of PA 451, 1994).

How long does the formal review procedure take?

It usually takes 30-45 days from receiving the request to sending out the response.

Do I have to have a survey conducted if there are unique natural features in the area of my project?

Possibly but not necessarily. After you have requested a Formal DNR Response and it has been determined that there is a potential to impact unique natural features we will respond by mail and let you know what your options are. In most situations there are three options available to the landowner. See the following DNR website for a description of the options: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12141_12168-30516--,00.html#Options%20Available%20to%20Landowner

Will the DNR come out and do a survey of my property? If not, where do I find someone that can do a survey of my property?

No, unfortunately the DNR does not have the staff to do such work. You can find consultants in a list we have developed. Consultants are not required to be certified, licensed, or bonded in order to conduct endangered species surveys in Michigan but they are required to have a current Endangered Species Permit to conduct surveys. The DNR cannot endorse or represent the quality of work they provide. The list is available on the DNR website (www.michigandnr.com/publications/pdfs/huntingwildlifehabitat/TE_consultants.pdf) or can be faxed or mailed to you by request. Please contact 517-373-9418 for this information.

What do I have to do if a threatened or endangered species is found on my property?

Provide photo documentation of the species along with a brief report of survey conditions. If the site is planned for development please include the site plan and description of the proposed activities to the DNR Wildlife Division, Attn: Endangered Species Assessment, PO Box 30180, Lansing, MI, 48909. The DNR Wildlife Division will review the information and decide what, if any, next steps are needed. If harm to endangered and threatened species cannot be avoided an Endangered Species Permit will be required.

What does "special concern" mean?

This classification is given to species that are believed to be declining or to a species for which there is not enough population information to assign threatened or endangered status. The "special concern" classification is not a part the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. There are no legal obligations to protect a special concern species, except reptiles or amphibians as provided for under Director's Order No. DFI-166.93 (1993).

What is this Director's Order that protects amphibians and reptiles?

Director's Order No. DFI-166.93 (1993) prohibits killing, taking, trapping, possessing, buying, selling, offering to buy or sell, bartering, attempting to take, trap, posses or barter any special concern, threatened, or endangered reptile or amphibian from the wild, or the eggs of any reptile or amphibian from the wild without a permit from the DNR. Prosecution under this Director’s Order has recently been successful.