January 7, 2014
David Flick, Principal and Founder, announces that the firm has successfully completed a Critical Habitat Assessment for the Smooth Earth Snake and Redbelly Snake at a proposed multifamily development site in Overland Park, Kansas. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), Environmental Services Section, administers the Kansas Non-game and Endangered Species Conservation Act. To that effect, proposed projects impacts within the probable range of a threatened or endangered species requires consultation with the KDWPT as to whether preferred habitat exists for the species of concern within the limits of proposed disturbance.
Scientists at Terra Technologies performed a detailed forestry survey of tree species, morphological characteristics, food sources, microhabitat, and waters sources in order for the governing agency to determine the eligibility for habitat protection. The Smooth Earth Snake and Redbelly Snake prefer certain mature tree species including hickories and oaks. Mature forests of oaks and Hickories and other relevant characteristics of the forest are often used as indices to determine the quality of habitat .
Within the approximately 51 acre site a total of 6.28 acres of Smooth Earth Snake and Redbelly Snake Critical Habitat was discovered and confirmed by the KDWPT. Because the Critical Habitat Assessment was completed early in the development process, the Developer was able to slightly modify the development plan and completely avoid all Critical Habitat areas negating the need for any mitigation.
For more information about endangered species evaluations, contact your local office of Terra Technologies.
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