Conservation Planning Assistance

Cooperation and Coordination in Action

The Conservation Planning Assistance program works directly with other Federal agencies and programs, as well as the American public, on infrastructure development projects to protect the environment and preserve our Nation's biological, terrestrial and aquatic natural resources.

Field biologists in the Habitat Conservation Division assist project proponents, planners, and agency personnel in developing plans that conserve, restore or enhance fish and wildlife while at the same time accomplishing the objectives of proposed development. Our biologists in the field have numerous duties and bring numerous tools to bear on their challenging jobs: reviewing and providing recommendations on plans and development designs, crafting mitigation plans, providing expertise in wildlife and habitat science, and serving as members on planning teams.

Coordination with Federal Agencies

The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act and the National Environmental Policy Act provide the authority for the Service's involvement in evaluating impacts to fish and wildlife from proposed water resource development projects.

Habitat Conservation Plans

Looking for information on Habitat Conservations Plans? Visit our HCP Page under the Endangered Species category.

Habitat Conservation Division

• We assist the Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources in the planning, design, and implementation of flood damage reduction projects and their operation and maintenance.
• We assist the Corps in planning and designing fish and wildlife habitat restoration projects.
• We assist the Corps and others with biological monitoring studies such as endangered species surveys, migratory bird nesting surveys, and compliance monitoring.
• We provide recommendations to ensure equal consideration for fish and wildlife resources, including ways to avoid, minimize, and compensate for adverse impacts to fish and wildlife in accordance with the Service's Mitigation Policy (Federal Register 46:15; January 23, 1981).
• We serve as the lead agency for coordinating the evaluation of impacts of projects for other State and Federal agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
• We are working closely with the Department of Water Resources in implementing the Central Valley Flood Protection Plan and development of its Conservation Strategy.
• We work closely with the Military Installations in our office jurisdiction in implementing their Integrated Natural Resouce Management Plans, conducting resource inventories, and environmental permitting for construction projects.

	1. Unique and irreplaceable areas (Shaded Riverine Aquatic Habitat) Putah Creek
	2. areas scarce or becoming scarce regionally (Wetland Habitat) Pescadero Marsh