Rare Species Surveys and Permitting

Minnesota’s endangered species law (MS 84.0895) and associated rules (Chapter 6212.1800 , 6212.2300 and 6134) impose a variety of restrictions, a permit program, and several exemptions pertaining to species designated as endangered or threatened. Sometimes as part of a development project, a mining project, a water conveyance channel maintenance project, timber harvest effort, or other land disturbing activity it becomes necessary to take or impact populations of rare plants. The taking of these plants involves the completion of a professional survey by an approved rare plant surveyor and the issuance of a permit.

CCES has extensive experience in the detection and identification of rare species in the field and has also navigated the State of Minnesota’s rare species permitting and mitigation program countless times. Our specific rare species services include basic determination of a sites potential to support rare species, development of approved site specific survey methodologies, completion of rare plant surveys which includes the collection of all required information – species information, number of populations and individuals, GPS locations using sub-meter GPS technologies – required reporting, permit applications, mitigation plans, general consulting, representation at meetings, and recommendations to our clients on how to best proceed. We also offer additional services such as mitigation planning, on a case by case basis.

CCES has assisted numerous local, state, and federal agencies as well as private individuals and developers with rare species related projects. CCES has detected and documented 100’s of rare plant populations throughout the State of Minnesota and the upper Midwest.

Jason Husveth is approved by the Minnesota DNR to complete rare plant surveys in the State, he also holds a special collectors permit which allows him to collect voucher specimens, when required.

Recently, we’ve completed rare species related work for the Chippewa National Forest, Rice Creek Watershed District, the Minnesota DNR, the City of Blaine, the City of Lino Lakes, and Kjolhaug Environmental Services Company