COLUMBIA, Mo. — We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are pleased to announce the release of the Missouri Determination Key on March 2, 2026, ensuring projects move forward responsibly while safeguarding Missouri’s natural heritage. The Missouri Determination Key helps federal agencies meet their responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act and improves efficiency in project planning.
This release is part of a nationwide effort to modernize how agencies evaluate projects under the Endangered Species Act. Determination keys are being implemented across the country to make consultations more consistent, transparent and efficient. These keys reflect a shared commitment to conserving wildlife while reducing unnecessary delays for infrastructure, energy and habitat projects.
The Missouri key includes every federally listed species and designated critical habitat in the state, such as bats, fish, mussels, plants and other vital components of Missouri’s ecosystems. By consolidating all these species into a single review process, the Missouri Determination Key offers a streamlined approach that saves time and reduces confusion for project planners. While consultations under the Endangered Species Act can be complex, the Missouri Determination Key simplifies this process by eliminating repetitive steps and providing clear, consistent guidance. This allows agencies to complete evaluations in a single location and receive immediate documentation, saving both time and resources while ensuring conservation remains a priority.
Available through our Information for Planning and Consultation system, the Missouri Determination Key uses a series of science-based questions to guide project planners. Based on responses, it provides regulatorily defined outcomes and generates documentation that agencies can use to meet their legal requirements under the Endangered Species Act. This approach improves predictability and reduces administrative steps while maintaining strong protections for species and habitats.
The Missouri Determination Key can be used for a wide range of activities, including vegetation management, utility work, prescribed fire and habitat restoration. It accounts for Missouri-specific conditions, such as forest cover thresholds and areas where surveys show certain species are unlikely to occur.
In addition to supporting federal agencies, the Missouri Determination Key offers technical assistance for non-federal partners, such as private landowners, businesses and consultants, who want to avoid unintended impacts to wildlife. While these projects do not require formal consultation, using the key provides clarity and helps determine whether additional steps, such as applying for an incidental take permit, may be needed.
By using the Missouri Determination Key, we are demonstrating that conservation and development can work together. This effort reflects our commitment to protecting Missouri’s natural heritage while improving the efficiency of government processes.
Learn more about the Missouri Determination Key or start your Missouri based project review in IPaC.
