Missouri IPaC Instructions

Under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), a Federal agency or its designated representative must determine whether their proposed projects may affect threatened and endangered species or designated critical habitat. In addition to the ESA, section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (CWA) regulates the discharge of dredged or fill material into waters (including wetlands) of the United States. Regulations require that activities permitted under the CWA do not jeopardize the continued existence of species listed as endangered or threatened. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) developed the online Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) tool to help streamline the ESA review process. IPaC IPaC
Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) is a project planning tool that streamlines the USFWS environmental review process

Learn more about IPaC can assist users through the section 7 consultation process when a Federal agency authorizes, funds, permits, or carries out an action. Other project proponents without a federal nexus may also use IPaC to review proposed projects for potential impacts to Federally-listed threatened and endangered species. The following instructions outline the process for how to use IPaC to obtain an official species list and use available assisted determination keys in order to help them make determinations on effects to listed species. 

This guide is intended to help Federal action agencies or their designated representatives, project proponents, and consultants complete project reviews under the ESA and obtain official documentation to ensure that their proposed projects will be in compliance with the ESA. These instructions were developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)’s Missouri Ecological Services Field Office (MOFO) for projects located in the state of Missouri and may not be applicable to other states. 

Process Overview and Summary 

1. Define the Action and Action Area of your Project
2. Obtain a Species List in IPAC
3. Evaluate effects to threatened and endangered (TE) species and designated critical habitat, using one of the following options:
   1. a. Use Determination keys (Dkeys), if available and applicable, to evaluate effects in IPaC, and/or
   2. Evaluate the effects outside of IPaC
4. Additional consultation with the USFWS (when needed) 

If you use a Dkey and your output letter indicates no further action is needed for all species, your TE review is complete. If you choose not to use available Dkeys, your project does not qualify for a Dkey, or your Dkey output letter indicates further action is needed for one or more species, you should continue on to another option in order to evaluate the effects of your projects to those species. If you evaluate the details of your project and conclude “no effect,” document your findings, and your TE review is complete. If you cannot conclude “no effect,” you should coordinate/consult with the MOFO. 

Step 1. Define the Action and Action Area

Before using IPaC, define the Action and the Action Area consistent with Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations.

The Action Area includes all areas that may be directly or indirectly affected by the Action, not just the immediate project footprint. This includes:

• Areas where physical work occurs.
• Areas affected by indirect changes (e.g., altered water levels, sedimentation, or water quality).
• Downstream or off-site areas influenced by project-related effects.
• Areas impacted by project-related noise or vibration.
• Areas used to offset impacts, such as mitigation sites or relocation areas.

The Action Area is determined by the effects of the Action, which include all consequences to listed species or designated critical habitat that are caused by the proposed Action. An effect is considered caused by the Action if it would not occur but for the Action and is reasonably certain to occur.

Effects may occur outside the immediate project area and may occur later in time. For example, if a permitted outfall pipe requires installation of a secondary connecting pipe that would not occur but for the primary project and is reasonably certain to be constructed, the secondary pipe and its effects must be included in the Action Area and considered as effects of the Action when completing IPaC.

Step 2. Obtain an Official Species List

1. Go to the IPaC website and select Get Started.
2. Define your project location (i.e., the Action Area):
   • Method 1: Enter an address or latitude/longitude (decimal degrees), then use the drawing tools to delineate the project boundary.
   • Method 2: Upload a GIS shapefile (.zip containing all required files).
   • Method 3: Select by county if the exact location is uncertain, or by state to generate a general statewide species list.
3. Select Continue to confirm the project location, or Start Over to redefine it.

After confirming the location, review the resource information displayed. Use the left-hand navigation to explore species present in the Action Area and view available habitat information and project design guidelines.

To generate an official species list for ESA review:

1. Select Define Project from the left-hand menu.
2. Log in to your IPaC account or create one.
3. Enter a Project Name using the following format:
   Agency or Company Name, Project Proponent (if applicable), Project Name, Project Code and/or Permit/Application ID.
   • Example: Big Tree Consulting, City of Big Trees, Happy Lane Development, EGLE Permit HGYL-6789
   • Example: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Development Company, North Wetland Fill Project, PN 2022-01002
   • Example: NRCS, Smith Grassland Project, G678Smith
4. Provide a Project Description that clearly describes all project components, timing, duration, and the effects of the Action, including any secondary or connected actions.
5. Review the project name, description, and location, then select Start Review.
6. Select Continue on the ESA Review overview page.
7. When prompted, select Yes, Request a Species List.
8. Complete all required Contact Information, verify project details, identify the lead agency, and select a project classification.
9. Select Submit Official Species List Request.

IPaC will generate a project tracking number (consultation code) and an official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service letter containing an official species list valid for 90 days. The letter will be emailed to the address associated with your IPaC account.

If an updated species list is needed, select Need an updated species list? on the IPaC homepage and provide the original consultation code and email address. The updated list will retain the same consultation code.

After obtaining the official species list, you are not required to continue using IPaC. However, use of the IPaC determination keys is recommended to streamline ESA review. If making effects determinations independently, ensure they are consistent with ESA requirements. For Federal actions, refer to the Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.

Learn more about Section 7 consultation step-by-step guidance before finalizing determinations.

Step 3. Effect Determinations

The Missouri Endangered Species Determination Key (DKey) is an interactive tool developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Missouri Ecological Services Field Office to assist project proponents in efficiently meeting Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements. The tool is accessed through the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) platform and supports evaluation of potential effects of proposed actions on federally listed species and designated critical habitat within Missouri.

The Missouri DKey guides users through a structured, project-specific series of questions based on project location and scope. Using user inputs and spatial data, the tool generates standardized effect determinations, such as no effect, not likely to adversely affect, or may affect. These outcomes reflect U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service–recommended determinations and may be used to support completion of section 7 consultation for Federal actions or to obtain technical assistance for non-Federal projects.

Effect determinations may also be made without use of the Missouri DKey, provided they are developed in accordance with the Endangered Species Act, its implementing regulations (50 CFR Part 402), and best available scientific and commercial information. In these cases, the action agency or applicant is responsible for independently evaluating the direct, indirect, and cumulative effects of the proposed action on listed species and designated critical habitat within the defined Action Area. Determinations such as no effect, not likely to adversely affect, or likely to adversely affect must be clearly supported by project-specific information, impact analyses, and applicable conservation measures. When concurrence from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required (e.g., for a not likely to adversely affect determination for a Federal action), sufficient documentation must be provided to demonstrate that effects are insignificant, discountable, or wholly beneficial, consistent with ESA consultation standards.

Step 4. Additional Consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (When Required)

If a project may affect listed species or designated critical habitat and has a Federal nexus, consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is required under the Endangered Species Act. For projects without a Federal nexus that may adversely affect a listed species, contact the Missouri Ecological Services Field Office for assistance in determining appropriate next steps.

The preferred method for submitting project information, including any effects determination requiring concurrence, is electronic submission to the Missouri Field Office. Find the appropriate contact here.  

Include the IPaC-generated official species list with your submission. When requesting status updates, reference the Consultation Code provided in your IPaC letter.