Fish & Boat Commission Publishes New Requirements To Be A Qualified Endangered, Threatened Species Surveyor

The Fish and Boat Commission published new requirements for becoming qualified surveyors for endangered and threatened species and their habitat in connection with an application for a proposed or planned development activity in the October 12 PA Bulletin.  (formal notice)

The Commission reviews projects to be permitted in or near habitats that may be occupied by endangered or threatened species. 

Site-specific surveys are a component of the project review process when a project activity potentially conflicts with an endangered or threatened species and its habitat. 

The Commission has assembled lists of biologists who have documented their expertise to conduct surveys for endangered or threatened species in connection with a proposed or planned development activity. 

To conduct PFBC recognized surveys for endangered or threatened species or their habitat in connection with a proposed or planned development activity, a surveyor must first be deemed qualified by PFBC and placed on its qualified surveyors list. 

In addition, individuals who conduct presence/absence surveys for endangered or threatened species are required to have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license, a scientific collector's permit and threatened and endangered species permit issued by PFBC. 

Only individuals, not firms, organizations, or other entities, will be considered for inclusion on a qualified list because the necessary experience can only be individually developed.

Click Here for a copy of the requirements, related protocols and references.

Applications for the qualified surveyors list are handled by the Natural Diversity Section of the Commission at 595 E. Rolling Ridge Drive in Bellefonte.  Their phone number is 814-359-5237.

Visit the Fish & Boat Commission’s Qualified Threatened and Endangered Species Surveyors webpage for more information.

[Posted: October 16, 2024]  PA Environment Digest