Rare Species
Rare species permitting at the surface is the most difficult challenge in Massachusetts; however, with the proper due diligence, schedule, and design, a project involving rare species can be relatively simple. Lucas Environmental has a good working relationship with the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program (NHESP) and understands the requirements of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA). Lucas Environmental professionals also provide key rare species services throughout New England.
Lucas Environmental has successfully avoided costly and time consuming rare species surveys by working closely with NHESP and our clients to develop a site design that avoids or minimizes impacts to rare species. A standard due diligence task for each project also involves rare species review to determine if our clients’ sites are located within rare species habitat so proper planning can be initiated early. Many rare species have unique timing requirements that may impact the project schedule.
Lucas Environmental offers the following rare species services:
- Rare Species Habitat Assessments, Classification & Mapping
- Rare Species Evaluations, Compliance & Mitigation
- MESA Applications
- Conservation & Management Permits
- Vernal Pool Surveys
- Telemetry Studies
Lucas Environmental biologists have worked with numerous rare species. The following list is a sample of some of those species:
- Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina)
- Wood Turtle (Clemmys inculpta)
- Spotted Turtle (Clemmys guttata) (delisted)
- Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale)
- Marbled Salamanders (Ambystoma opacum)
- Four-Toed Salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum) (delisted)
- Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus)
- Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis) – California
- Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris) – California
- Oak Hairstreak Moth (Satyrium favonius)