Watershed Planning

We strive to ensure the protection, wise management and appropriate use of diminishing and important habitat, with prevention of wetland loss as our goal.

By providing information early in the planning process, we: help project proponents avoid and minimize harm to fish and wildlife resources (or to compensate for impacts if unavoidable), avoid unnecessary conflicts and delays, and discourage unsustainable development.

The Watershed Planning Branch of the Habitat Conservation Division . . .

• assists federal, state, and local governmental agencies, like the Bureau of Reclamation, and non-government organizations plan and implement water-related development and restoration projects.
• participates in planning processes, conduct biological studies, provide recommendations to ensure equal consideration for fish and wildlife resources, including ways to avoid, minimize, and compensate for adverse impacts to fish and wildlife in accordance with the Service's Mitigation Policy (Federal Register 46:15; January 23, 1981).
• prepares or assists in the preparation of various environmental documents, including those related to construction, water operations, and environmental regulatory compliance for actions to protect, enhance, and restore fish and wildlife resources. [i.e., National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, etc.]