E. Threatened and Endangered Species Revision as of 15:24, 28 October 2016 by Bfische (talk | contribs) (Changed web link)(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) E. Threatened and Endangered Species

E. Threatened and Endangered Species

It is the engineer's responsibility to complete due diligence to avoid impacts to threatened and endangered species.

Public drainage systems may encounter situations where Minnesota’s Endangered Species Statute (Minn. Stat. 84.0895) and the associated rules apply. The endangered species program regulates activities that take, import, transport, or sell any portion of an endangered or threatened species where these acts may be allowed by permit issued by the DNR. The statutes exempt activities on certain agricultural lands, ditches, and roadways; plants destroyed in consequence of certain agricultural practices; and the accidental, unknowing destruction of designated plants.

It is the responsibility of the Engineer when preparing a final report to complete due diligence to avoid impacts to threatened and endangered species. This due diligence may include checking the DNR Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) for observances of rare species within the project corridor and notating these occurrences within the report, or may include more extensive field surveys and avoidance planning in extremely sensitive locations and as required by permitting agencies. The Engineer may consider completing this due diligence early in the project cycle to allow for design modifications or changes to the estimate of project costs necessary for impact avoidance.

More information regarding endangered and threatened species can be found on the DNR website.