Biological Surveys, Reporting, and Planning
Resource Concepts, Inc. biologists and ecologists have conducted numerous vegetation and wildlife surveys in Nevada and California and are familiar with habitat features for most species of concern. RCI frequently coordinates biological issues with state and federal agencies to determine threatened, endangered, and sensitive species that require evaluation and monitoring. The subsequent biological reports are required for agency approval prior to land disturbing activities. RCI has participated in Section 7 consultations and has prepared multi-species habitat conservation plans. Federally listed threatened and endangered vegetation and wildlife species are protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and are also protected by state statutes.
Biological Assessments / Biological Evaluations
RCI has conducted numerous rare plant and animal surveys for a variety of projects involving federally managed lands as required by U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service. Surveys for State and Federally recognized threatened and endangered plant and animal species and their potential habitat are completed during the appropriate time of year and may require more than one survey depending on the species. Recent projects have included surveys near Mesquite, Yerington, Walker River, and Carson City in Nevada, as well as Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, Heavenly Valley, and Sonora Pass in California.
Habitat Conservation Plans
Resource Concepts, Inc. has assisted in the preparation of two multiple-species Habitation Conservation Plans (MSHCP) and Environmental Impact Statements in Southern Nevada – one for Lincoln County and one for Coyote Spring Investments. The plans detail how private landowners and public land agencies cooperate in land use activities that benefit native wildlife and habitats, and supports agricultural, ranching, recreational, and/or business development activities in southern Lincoln County. The documents provide information related to the Mojave population of the desert tortoise, which is federally listed as threatened, and the southwestern willow flycatcher, federally listed as endangered. The plans include United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) designated critical habitat and Bureau of Land Management designated Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) for the desert tortoise. USFWS approval of the MSHCP allows for the issuance of a Section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Extensive involvement from the USFWS, BLM, Nevada State Lands, Nevada Department of Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, and private landowners was used in the development of the MSHCPs.