Louisiana Ecological Services Federal Projects

Federal Projects

The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on all projects that impact wetlands, bayous, coulees, streams, lakes and rivers, and to give fish and wildlife resources equal consideration during the project planning process, while at the same time accomplishing the objectives of the proposed action.

We work to conserve fish, wildlife and their habitats by avoiding and minimizing impacts and recommending mitigation for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) flood risk reduction and navigation projects. We improve the design and function of the Corps’ ecosystem restoration projects and provide recommendations for beneficial use of dredge material from federally authorized navigation projects. Our staff assists the Corps by serving as members of planning teams, reviewing and providing recommendations on proposed project plans and designs, conduct impact assessments, developing mitigation plans, and providing knowledge and expertise about wildlife and habitat management and wetland restoration.

Other authorities under which we provide assistance and guidance to help achieve environmental compliance include the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA), Bald and Golden Eagle Management and the Magnuson-Stevens Act (for Essential Fish Habitat). 

Our office works with the three Corps’ Districts that cover Louisiana: New Orleans District, Vicksburg District, and Galveston District. The first two districts are in the Corps Mississippi Valley Division, while the Galveston District is located in the Corps Southwestern Division. 

Information for Planning and Consultation ( IPaC IPaC
Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) is a project planning tool that streamlines the USFWS environmental review process

Learn more about IPaC ) ( https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/) is a project planning tool that streamlines the Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation process. You will be able to determine whether any threatened or endangered species or their critical habitats may exist within your project area and if your proposed action may affect (potential for negative impacts to federally listed species or critical habitat, if applicable) them. More information is available on our Project Review page.

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