Wetlands & Ecological Services
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Wetland and Ecological Services
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Total acreage of field studies performed in the past 5 years
Total mileage of field studies performed in the past 5 years
Threatened and endangered species worked with
Wetlands & Streams
Our diversified experience includes projects of all sizes, from delineating wetlands and streams on individual residential lots to large-scale project sites spanning multiple parcels, towns, and counties in major watersheds.
Our team is knowledgeable in wetland laws and regulatory requirements for federal, state, county, and local municipalities. LaBella’s wetland professionals are highly trained in current methodologies for delineating federal and state regulated resources.
When impacts to wetlands and streams cannot be avoided, permitting is required. Wetland and stream permitting is a complicated process that is project and region specific, with many agencies involved. We utilize our established relationships with regulatory agencies to ensure that projects are advanced in a timely manner and the goals of the project are met.
LaBella’s staff is experienced in wetland and stream mitigation, including wetland and stream creation, restoration, enhancement, and monitoring programs that ensure the successful establishment of created wetlands and streams. In addition, we can expertly advise clients on the use of wetland in-lieu fee and mitigation bank programs and purchasing credits for projects that require compensatory mitigation.
Our Wetland & Stream Service Capabilities
LaBella offers permitting and compliance services throughout Eastern US and some Central US regions. From identification of wetland areas to regulatory compliance, our services include:
- Wetland & Stream Assessments, Delineations, & Jurisdictional Determinations
- Wetland & Stream Mitigation, Restoration, & Enhancement Design
- Wetland Mitigation Site Implementation & Monitoring
- Floodplain Permitting
- Wetland & Stream Reporting & Mapping
- Wetland & Stream Federal, State, & Local Regulatory Permitting
- Perennial Flow Determinations
- GIS Mapping & Analysis
Ecological Services
LaBella’s knowledgeable ecological team ensures protection of ecological habitats and compliance with regulations while also taking care of our clients’ interests. Our ecological professionals are highly trained in federal and state regulations associated with rare, threatened, and endangered species.
We have very diversified project experience related to protected habitat and species ranging from rare plant surveys on small development parcels to multi-year protected bird surveys. In addition, we have experts on staff with federal and state licenses and certifications to perform presence/absence surveys and handle protected species.
Protected species regulations and permitting requirements vary based on the location and potential impacts of your project. Throughout project development, our team is able to advise clients on avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and conservation measures to help projects not affect protected species and/or habitats.
Our staff is also very knowledgeable about the incidental take permit process with both federal and state agencies when impacts to protected species habitat are unavoidable.
Our Ecological Service Capabilities
We believe in the importance of protecting natural habitats and the species that call them home. Our ecological services include:
- Vegetation Management & Wildlife Studies
- Natural Resource Surveys & Analyses
- Rare, Threatened, & Endangered, Species Studies, Surveys, Evaluation. & Monitoring
- Habitat Assessments
- Protected Species Reporting & Mapping
- Invasive Species Surveys
- Winter Raptor, Forest Raptor, & Breeding Bird Surveys
- Federal & State Agency Coordination
- Edinger Community Studies
- GIS Mapping & Analysis
- Incidental Take Permits
- Pollinator Plans
- Specialist Species Services:
- Small Whorled Pogonia, Karner Blue Butterfly, Blanding’s Turtle, & Phase II Bog Turtle Surveys
- Bat Acoustic Surveys
- Rattlesnake Surveys & Handling
Small Whorled Pogonia Survey Season
The Small Whorled Pogonia is a species of orchid that is currently threatened due to habitat loss and degradation. Small Whorled Pogonia is protected by both federal and state endangered species laws and can be found in Eastern US states and into Canada.
If you have an upcoming project, it is important to survey for this protected species. The survey window is almost here (varies by state but is generally May through July).
LaBella has environmental scientists certified to survey for Small Whorled Pogonia and are able to differentiate between Small Whorled Pogonia and other similar species which are not on the endangered list.
If you need a survey, please contact us so we can get you on the schedule.
Reclassifications of Northern Long-Eared Bat and Tricolored Bat
The Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis) has been reclassified from “threatened” to “endangered,” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In addition, the Tricolored Bat (Perimyotis subflavus), previously a candidate species, has been proposed for listing as “endangered” under the ESA. As a result, state and federal regulators are shifting their focus toward locating and safeguarding critical roosting and hibernation sites. In this fast evolving compliance landscape, developers and project planners must stay informed and in compliance to move projects forward, avoid costly delays, and ensure responsible stewardship of important habitats.
Time-of-Year restrictions are a primary consideration for projects that may impact listed bat species. Regulations typically restrict tree clearing activities during certain months—often in late spring and summer—when bats are most active and are raising young in maternity colonies. Regulatory agencies may impose limits on the acreage of forested area removed at any one time and can require large buffers around both known and potential hibernacula (caves or mines). These buffers may extend for several miles, depending on the site’s significance, to protect bats’ essential winter hibernation sites. Time-of-Year tree clearing restrictions can vary based on site proximity to these buffers, as well.
LaBella Associates closely monitor these regulatory changes to help clients maintain compliance while advancing their projects. Our experienced team coordinates with state and federal wildlife agencies, provides habitat assessments and acoustic surveys, and can develop site-specific strategies that minimize disruptions to critical bat habitats. Whether you need assistance navigating tree clearing restrictions, developing a conservation plan, or obtaining the necessary permits, we can guide you through the review process, ensuring your project remains in regulatory compliance.
Contact us with any questions you may have!
Featured Insight
Endangered Species Day
Celebrated the third Friday in May, Endangered Species Day was established by Congress in 2006 to promote the importance of protecting endangered species and highlight actions that have been taken to conserve species since the passing of the Endangered Species Act in 1973.
LaBella has specialists on staff to perform endangered and threatened species surveys and habitat assessments for a myriad of species. Celebrate Endangered Species Day with us by learning about a few of the endangered and threatened species our team works with every day.
Read More Here
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