Scientific Research Permits Projects Guide

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In the summer of 2025, the scientific permitting process will transition from a paper-based system to an online platform. The new system will be a “fresh start”, meaning there will be no data migration; all historical permit holders will need to apply for a new permit once their current permit expires. All active permits will remain valid until their expiration date.

A key policy change is the move to a one-project-per-permit system. This contrasts with the previous paper-driven process, which allowed permit holders to authorize multiple projects under a single permit. This webpage aims to provide guidance on how many permits an individual may need and explains what the Department considers a 'project' for permit purposes.

Given the wide variety of entities that utilize scientific research permits, creating a single piece of guidance that covers all uses and types of entities is challenging. Therefore, this guidance is broken down into sections based on the purpose or need for permit coverage. If the permit applicant does not fit into one of the categories listed above, select the closest match and follow the corresponding guidance.

The primary types of entities that need permit coverage are listed below. Refer to the section indicated for guidance relevant to that type of permit.

1. Scientific Investigations
2. Museums and Repositories
3. Governmental Entities
4. Consultancies and Other Construction/Development Mitigation

Applicants will be required to submit a proposal for each permit. The online application will prompt applicants to upload a proposal for the given project for which a permit is requested. If a project involves multiple scientific investigations, each investigation should be thoroughly described and proposed. There are some situations that TPWD would not permit as a single project. Factors that influence this include:

1. Excessively broad combinations of investigations. Permit applications that attempt to group investigations into highly broad studies (e.g., “Ecology of Texas Lizards”, “Predators of South Texas”, etc.) will not be approved.
2. Highly protected species (e.g., threatened or endangered species, game animals). Investigations centered on highly sensitive species will likely require separate permits if the other investigations are not similarly focused.
3. Intrusive/invasive activities. Activities that can result in damage to the resource or environment may require separate permitting.
4. Investigations funded by TPWD. Due to specific workflows built into the database and different reporting requirements, research projects funded by TPWD each require their own permit.

Scientific Investigations

Guidance for academics and other researchers

We expect that academics and other individuals conducting wildlife research will typically need to manage five or fewer permits. Some researchers may only need one permit. The number of permits needed will vary depending on the number of investigations being conducted along with the similarity between those investigations.

The first step in determining how many permits are needed is to list all current and planned investigations. These investigations may then be grouped together based on shared objectives, scope, geography, or taxonomy and may be considered a single 'project' for the purpose of this permit. The key parameters to consider when grouping investigations are as follows:

1. Research centered around specific species, genera, and other related groups.
Examples

1. Dr. Doe is conducting several investigations related to urban raptor ecology, each using similar methods and procedures. These can likely be grouped together into a single project.

2. Dr. Smith has several ongoing investigations related to reptiles in south Texas. Each investigation involves similar objectives, methods, and procedures. He is also investigating Texas tortoise translocation viability and spot-tailed earless lizard survey viability. Due to the sensitivity of these species and the dissimilar objectives, separate permits would be needed. Dr. Smith could obtain one permit for the ongoing reptile study with a separate permit for each of the sensitive species investigations.

3. Dr. Dolphy manages a fisheries lab that focuses on largemouth bass population dynamics in Texas reservoirs. Her lab conducts studies on bass spawning behavior, growth rates, feeding ecology, and movement patterns. Despite involving different methodologies (electrofishing, mark-recapture, telemetry, and diet analysis), all these studies target the same species and could be grouped under a single permit.

2. Research centered around a specific question, issue, or system.
Examples

1. Dr. Lightfoot runs a parasitology research program studying parasites across wildlife hosts. Despite working with different animal groups in diverse environments, all her investigations focus on the central theme of parasite ecology and transmission.

2. Since all these investigations share the unified purpose of understanding wildlife parasitology, use similar laboratory analysis techniques, and are conducted with consistent methodology, they can be appropriately grouped under a single permit despite the taxonomic diversity of hosts.

3. Dr. Coleman leads a research program focused on aquatic ecosystems across Texas. Despite the shared aquatic focus, her work requires three separate permits because each investigation has distinct objectives and methodologies:

• Her aquatic food web study examines predator-prey relationships using stomach content analysis and stable isotope sampling.
• Her reproductive ecology study involves collecting fish gonads and analyzing tissue samples for aquatic pollutant impacts.
• Her stream fish community assessment uses electrofishing to evaluate species composition changes in urbanized watersheds.

Although all three investigations concern aquatic systems, the different research questions, sampling techniques, and types of data collected require separate permits to properly account for the distinct objectives and methodologies of each project.

3. Dr. Kenedy and colleagues study aquatic ecosystem responses to drought. Despite the unified research focus, they require multiple permits because:

• Their endangered salamander monitoring in karst springs involves sensitive species with strict handling limitations.
• Their riverine fish community assessment uses electrofishing and gill netting across multiple watersheds.

3. Research confined to a specific geographic area or habitat.
Examples

1. Dr. Shepp coordinates songbird research in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, conducting multiple investigations within this distinct biogeographic region. Her team's work includes:

• Neotropical migrant movement tracking using radio telemetry.
• Parasite and disease screening in resident songbirds through fecal sampling.
• Assessment of songbirds through blood sampling and morphometric measurements.

Although these investigations involve significantly different field methods, they can be appropriately combined under a single permit because they: (1) share the same limited geographic focus, (2) target a specific taxonomic group, and (3) contribute to an integrated understanding of similar issues.

2. Dr. Quinn's carnivore ecology program in South Texas requires multiple permits despite the geographic proximity of study sites. Her research includes:

• Black bear recolonization monitoring in the western South Texas Plains using GPS collars and hair snares.
• Ocelot population viability assessment on Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge using camera traps and genetic sampling.
• Mesocarnivore (coyote, bobcat, fox) community ecology on the same refuge using standard trapping and tracking methods.

This work requires two separate permits because:

• The black bear study targets a state-threatened species requiring specialized handling protocols and covers a broad geographic range.
• The mesocarnivore study can be combined with the ocelot research due to shared geography and complementary methodologies at the refuge.

Dr. Quinn could choose to separate the ocelot research from the mesocarnivore work if doing so makes for a more efficient workflow for managing her permits.

Scenario 1: A researcher has 10 graduate students working on the following 7 investigations. How many and which permits should she apply for?

1. Effects of predator control on wild turkeys in the Panhandle.
2. Evaluating supplemental feed on wild turkeys in the Panhandle.
3. Impacts of hog competition on wild turkey foraging in the Panhandle.
4. Long-term population trends of wild turkey in the panhandle.
5. Spatial ecology of the Texas kangaroo rat in the panhandle.
6. Effects of rodenticide on barred owls in south Texas.
7. Ecology and conservation of urban raptors.

Answer: The researcher should likely apply for four permits. The wild turkey investigations, because they share a common focal taxon and geographic area can cleanly be grouped into one project. The Texas kangaroo rat, even though the investigation is occurring in the panhandle, would require a separate permit because it is both a listed species and belongs to a significantly different group. The urban raptor investigation and barred owl investigation need to be separate permits due to a lack of significant overlap in objective and geography.

• One permit for the turkey investigations.
• One permit for the Texas kangaroo rat investigation.
• One permit for the barred owl investigation.
• One permit for the urban raptor investigation.

Scenario 2: Dr. Hancock is managing approximately 13 investigations consisting of both her own projects and a suite of graduate students. How many and which permits should she apply for?

1. West Texas Quail parasite project that involves 2 MS students and 1 PhD student (3 separate investigations).
2. West Texas Quail disease ecology.
3. West Texas and South Texas Quail survey methodology involving capture (1 MS Student).
4. West Texas Spatial ecology of quail (2 separate investigations).
5. Window strikes of urban songbirds requiring capture.
6. Diseases of South Texas songbirds.
7. Parasites of songbirds.
8. Two urban raptor projects (disease & habitat use).
9. Spotted skunks in the Panhandle.

Answer: Dr. Hancock will likely need 4 permits: one for quail, one for songbirds, one for urban raptors, and one for spotted skunks. If Dr. Hancock adds a quail project in a different geographic area, she would likely need a separate permit for that work.

Scenario 3: Dr. Waldron is the lead scientist of a major research institute that examines coastal issues. Instead of each researcher paying for their permits out of their own budget, her organization organizes and pays for all the permits required for their work. Her organization currently funds 36 graduate students and staff members conducting many long-term monitoring projects throughout the coast. How would Dr. Waldron structure her organization’s permits?

Answer: Each institution or researcher is encouraged to group their projects into a limited number of permits. The person on the permit must be the Primary Investigator and should have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to design, conduct, and supervise all activities authorized under their permit(s). Dr. Waldron and her staff may carefully combine similar objectives based on who coordinates the project, research goals, assemblages of species, expertise required, and authorizations needed. Together with TPWD, they thoughtfully grouped their work into 10 permits, based either on PI, issue, species, authorization needed, or geography:

1. Long-term monitoring of gamefishes of the Texas coast.
2. Long-term monitoring of nongame fishes of the Texas coast.
3. Captive breeding of Gulf gamefish.
4. Understanding the captive breeding chronology of sharks.
5. Open-water shark research in the Gulf of Mexico.
6. Estuarine ecology of the Texas coast.
7. Benthic invertebrate investigations of the lower Texas coast.
8. Benthic invertebrate investigations of the upper Texas coast.
9. Swordfish behavioral studies.
10. Avian ecology of the Gulf of Mexico.

Scenario 4: Professor Brown’s lab is called “Professor Brown’s Lab of Gamebird Ecology.” She has 4 ongoing game bird investigations listed below. How many and which permits should she apply for?

1. West Texas turkey reintroduction and management.
2. West Texas turkey diet ecology.
3. Parasites of turkeys in the Trans Pecos.
4. Parasites of West Texas doves.

Answer: Professor Brown is likely to need 1-2 permits. Since all the projects cover a similar geography and group of species, she could apply for a single permit to cover all activities. TPWD instead recommends that she applies for 2 permits, either by organism (whereby the 3 turkey projects are covered under 1 permit with a second permit for the dove work), or by activity type/research question/issue (whereby 1 permit covers the parasite work and 1 permit authorizes her to capture, mark, and telemeter gamebirds). If the turkey parasite project is an offshoot of the other projects, she might decide to justify a single lab-wide turkey permit.

Scenario 5: A high school teacher takes their class into nature and has always had a scientific research permit that enables him to catch and release common and abundant herpetofauna and rodents for the purpose of educating his students about the ecology of wildlife. He does this for teaching purposes only and does not plan to publish or disseminate any research findings. How many and which permits should he apply for?

Answer: This teacher likely does not need a scientific research permit for these activities provided these activities are restricted to his duties as a teacher. He can conduct these activities under a general hunting license.

Scenario 6: A graduate student is a permitted bird bander and uses her banding trips to teach local schoolchildren. She bands throughout the state and also takes undergraduate students on collecting trips for rodents and reptiles. How many permits will she need?

Answer: Because she must have a permit to capture birds, this graduate student must possess a permit. She should likely apply for 1 permit related to both general surveys and general use of wildlife for instructional purposes.

Scientific Investigation Proposal Guidance

Project proposals submitted with permit applications for scientific investigations should follow the format below. Note: If requesting a permit associated with a TPWD grant, you should instead submit the proposal associated with that grant.

Project Title: Provide a clear, concise, and descriptive title for the study that accurately reflects its scope and focus.

Objectives: Describe in detail the objectives and purpose of the study/investigation; if multiple investigations are being grouped into this project, break down each investigation being included. A title must be provided for each individual investigation under the project. Be sure to address the following:

• The specific scientific questions or hypotheses being addressed.
• The predictions or expected outcomes of the study.
• Desired accomplishments of the study.
• Include any additional background information, historical context, and other supporting details.

Justification: Provide a detailed justification for the project by addressing the following items:

• Why is this research important for the target species, ecosystem, or environmental issue?
• What are the expected benefits of the research to the environment or resource being studied?
• How will this research contribute to scientific knowledge and the broader scientific community?
• How will the results of this work be published or disseminated?
• Provide any additional background information, historical perspective, and other supporting information.

Procedures: This section should include the following:

Methods: Describe the methods that will be used to capture, detain, restrain, or handle wildlife. Include the following:

• A clear description of each technique, tool, or device to be used (e.g., traps, nets, chemical immobilization). Provide trap check frequency where applicable.
• The rationale for selecting each method.
• Any potential risks to wildlife or the environment associated with each method (e.g., hoop nets), along with how these risks will be minimized.

Personnel: Identify the individuals involved in the project and their relevant experience with the methods being employed.

Impact Minimization: Outline the measures that will be taken to minimize the impact of the research on wildlife, their habitats, and the surrounding environment. Include:

• Steps taken to reduce stress or harm to wildlife (e.g., minimizing capture time, handling precautions).
• Procedures for avoiding damage to habitats or disruption of wildlife activities.
• Any special considerations for handling sensitive or threatened species.

Target Wildlife and Quantities

Provide a description of the target species/groups, including:

• The species that will be captured, observed, or studied under the permit. Include the specific activity type associated with the proposed activities (i.e., catch and release, lethal take, salvage).
• The estimated number of individuals of each species involved in the study. For studies using indiscriminate capture techniques or studies focused on groups instead of species, you may include quantities as “per species” (e.g., 20 individuals per species of reptile).
• Any considerations for handling or selecting individuals, particularly if the study involves vulnerable or rare species.

Sampling and Processing: Describe any sampling, tagging, or marking methods that will be used, as well as the procedures for handling the wildlife during these activities. Including:

• If any animals will be held for extended periods (e.g., detained for fecal samples), detail the protocols for their care.
• Explain the statistical framework that will be used to analyze mark-recapture data, if applicable.

Drugs and Medications: If drugs, medications, or other chemical substances will be used (e.g., anesthetics, tranquilizers, antibiotics), include:

• A detailed description of any substances that will be administered to wildlife.
• The purpose of each drug or medication and the dosage range.
• The method of administration (e.g., injection, oral, topical).
• Any monitoring procedures that will be followed after administration.
• Potential side effects or risks, and how these will be managed.

Disposition of Wildlife: Describe the final disposition of the wildlife involved in the study. This should include:

• The plan for the release of animals after being captured and handled (e.g., location and timing of release).
• Any animals that will not be released (e.g., those that are euthanized or kept for further study). If live wildlife will be transported to a captive setting or otherwise held for an extended period of time, describe the experimentation that will take place, the biosecurity precautions in place, and the final disposition of such animals.
• Procedures for euthanizing wildlife, if applicable, including a detailed euthanasia protocol and methods. Describe the final disposition for these specimens (e.g., disposal, use in scientific collections).
• The outcome of any wildlife salvaged under the permit (e.g., disposal, use in teaching collections), if applicable.

Location: Provide a detailed description of the study area for each investigation. If possible, include coordinates or map references to ensure the study area is well-defined. Mention any relevant geographic features or protected areas that might be involved.

Museums and Repositories

Guidance for individuals managing and collecting for natural history repositories

Natural history repositories managed by educational institutions, governmental entities, nonprofits, or other similar entities may request a permit to collect wildlife for the purpose of building and enhancing a research or teaching collection, documenting biodiversity, and other similar purposes. Generally speaking, this type of activity is considered a single project for the purpose of this permit. However, an organization may apply for multiple permits based on its size, structure, and preferences. For example, taxa-specific curators may individually request permits for their focus taxa, or the organization may prefer to manage one permit under a supervising individual.

Special Case Examples:

Example 1: A large institution that collects across various taxa might submit a single permit application under the supervision of a collection manager.

Example 2: A curator focused on amphibians and reptiles may apply for a separate permit from the curator of mammals.

Example 3: A nonprofit organization not affiliated with an established museum or educational institution may need to provide additional justification for its application.

Museum and Repository Proposal Guidance

Project proposals submitted with permit applications for museums and repositories should follow the format below.

Project Title: Provide a clear, concise, and descriptive title that includes the name of the museum or repository and the target taxa, if applicable. Example: “Scientific Collection [of Target Taxa] Supporting the [Natural History Collection Name]”.

Objectives: Provide a detailed description of the objectives and purpose of the collection. This may include:

• The research, educational, or conservation goals of the collection.
• How the specimens will be used or accessed (e.g., for research, public education, biodiversity documentation).
• Any specific plans for how the specimens will be organized and cataloged.

Justification: Justify the need for the collection by detailing:

• The benefit to the resource, environment, or species.
• The educational or scientific value of the collection to the broader community.
• Any historical, ecological, or cultural context for why the collection is important.
• How specimens will be made available for other researchers, institutions, or educational purposes.

Procedures: This section should include the following:

Methods: Describe the methods used to capture, detain, restrain, or handle wildlife, including:

• A clear description of each technique, tool, or device to be used (e.g., traps, nets, chemical immobilization). Provide trap check frequency where applicable.
• The rationale for selecting each method, with emphasis on why it is appropriate for the species involved.
• Any potential risks to the wildlife or environment associated with each method (e.g., hoop nets), along with how these risks will be minimized.

Personnel: Identify the individuals involved in the project and their relevant experience.

Impact Minimization: Outline the measures that will be taken to minimize the impact of the collection on wildlife, their habitats, and the surrounding environment. Include:

• Steps taken to reduce stress or harm to the wildlife (e.g., minimizing capture time, handling precautions).
• Procedures for avoiding damage to habitats or disruption of wildlife activities.
• Any special considerations for handling sensitive or threatened species.

Target Wildlife and Quantities: Provide a description of the species targeted for collection, including the estimated number of individuals for each species or group.

• Explain how target numbers were determined.
• Specify the activity type associated with the proposed activities (i.e., catch and release, lethal take, salvage).

Sampling and Processing: Describe any sampling, tagging, or marking methods that will be used, as well as the procedures for handling the wildlife during these activities. If any animals will be held for extended time (e.g., detained for fecal samples), detail the methods and protocols for their care.

Drugs and Medications: If any drugs, medications, or anesthetics will be used during collection or processing, describe each substance in detail:

• The name of the drug, purpose, dosage, and administration method.
• The potential risks or side effects, and how these will be managed.

Disposition of Wildlife: Outline the final disposition of all wildlife involved in the study, including:

• Whether wildlife will be released at the capture site, euthanized, or retained for the collection.
• If euthanasia is necessary, provide a clear euthanasia protocol (e.g., method, dosages, and approval procedures).
• Whether any animals will be accessioned into a natural history collection, and how this will be done.
• The fate of deceased specimens (e.g., stored in collections, used for educational purposes).

Location: Identify the geographic area where collection will occur. Be as specific as possible, including GPS coordinates and specific regions or habitats when possible.

Governmental Entities

Guidance for entities managing a tract of public land for activities that require a Scientific Research Permit

Governmental entities responsible for managing specific tracts of public land or river channels/basins, conducting permitted activities required for regulatory compliance, and other similar purposes may request a permit for activities such as bird banding, sensitive species monitoring, predator control, population surveys, and other management and conservation activities. Generally, public land managers and river authorities will only need one permit to cover their management responsibilities. Private citizens seeking a permit to manage wildlife on private property do not qualify for a scientific research permit and may not need one in many cases.

For the purposes of this permit, a 'project' refers to the management and conservation of wildlife on a specific tract of public land or within a river channel/basin. Within this broader project, there may be smaller, specific 'sub-projects' (e.g., predator control, bird mist-netting, listed species monitoring). These sub-projects should be detailed in the permit application proposal.

Note: If an organization manages multiple tracts of land or river systems, they may need multiple permits depending on the diversity of activities, locations, and species involved. The primary decision on whether multiple permits are required depends on the diversity of activities, locations, and species involved.

Governmental Entities Proposal Guidance

Project proposals submitted with permit applications for public land managers and river authorities should follow the format provided below.

Project Title: Provide a clear, concise, and descriptive title that includes the name of the managing entity and the tract of public land/waterway. Examples:

• “Long-Term Monitoring, Conservation, and Management of Wildlife on the [Name of Tract of Public Land]”
• “Management and Conservation of Aquatic Resources in the [River Basin/Channel] by the [River Authority Name]”

Objectives: Describe in detail the objective, purpose, and intended outcomes of the management activities occurring on the property, broken down by sub-project. Provide a brief title for each sub-project. Ensure to include:

• The specific goals of each sub-project (e.g., improving habitat, monitoring wildlife populations, increasing species diversity).
• The predictions or expected outcomes of the management activities (e.g., increase in species diversity or population health).
• The desired accomplishments of each management sub-project.
• Any broader scientific, conservation, or management goals associated with the project (e.g., contributing to regional conservation plans or informing policy decisions).

Justification: Provide a detailed justification for the project by addressing the following items:

• Why is this management and research necessary for the species, ecosystem, or environmental issue?
• What are the expected benefits to the resource or environment being studied? (e.g., habitat restoration, improved species monitoring, better management strategies)
• How will this project contribute to scientific knowledge and the broader community? (e.g., increasing understanding of species behavior, providing data for future conservation efforts)
• How will the results be published or disseminated? (e.g., peer-reviewed publications, reports to local authorities, outreach to the public)
• Provide any additional background information, historical perspective, and other supporting information to justify the activities proposed.

Procedures: This section should include the following:

Methods: Describe the methods that will be used to capture, detain, restrain, or handle wildlife. Include the following:

• A clear description of each technique, tool, or device to be used (e.g., traps, nets).
• The rationale for selecting each method, emphasizing its suitability for the species involved.
• Potential risks to wildlife (e.g., trap injuries, stress) and how these risks will be minimized.
• Frequency of trap checks, if applicable.

Personnel: Identify the individuals involved and their relevant experience. Training and expertise of staff members in the methods used (e.g., experience in bird banding).

Impact Minimization: Outline the measures that will be taken to minimize the impact of the collection on wildlife, their habitats, and the surrounding environment. Include:

• Steps to reduce wildlife stress or harm (e.g., limiting handling time, using the least invasive methods).
• Procedures for minimizing habitat disruption (e.g., avoiding critical nesting sites during sensitive times).
• Special handling considerations for sensitive or threatened species, including adherence to legal guidelines and best practices.

Target Wildlife and Quantities: Provide a description of the species targeted for collection, including the estimated number of individuals for each species/group, and the rationale for determining these numbers.

• Species description (e.g., species of birds, mammals, or amphibians to be monitored).
• The specific activity type for each species (i.e., capture and release, monitoring, marking, tagging).
• The estimated number of individuals of each species to be involved in the project (e.g., 50 individuals per species).
• Any specific criteria for selecting individuals, particularly if the study involves vulnerable or rare species (e.g., selecting for age classes, sex, health, or other relevant traits).

Sampling and Processing: Describe any sampling, tagging, or marking methods that will be used, as well as the procedures for handling the wildlife during these activities. If any animals will be held for extended time (e.g., detained for fecal samples), detail the methods and protocols for their care.

Drugs and Medications: If any drugs, medications, or anesthetics will be used during collection or processing, describe each substance in detail. Include:

• The name of the drug, its purpose, dosage, and administration method.
• The potential risks or side effects, and strategies to manage these risks.

Disposition of Wildlife: Outline the final disposition of all wildlife involved in the study, specifying the following:

• The plan for the release of animals after being captured and handled (e.g., location and timing of release).
• Procedures for euthanizing wildlife, if applicable, including a detailed euthanasia protocol and methods. Describe the final disposition for these specimens (e.g., disposal, use in scientific collections).
• The outcome of any wildlife salvaged under the permit (e.g., disposal, maintained for educational purposes), if applicable.

Location: Identify the area being managed and describe the study area for each sub-project as specifically as possible. Include any relevant geographic features, specific coordinates or map references, if applicable, and areas within the tract that are protected or have sensitive habitats.

Consultancies and Other Construction/Development Mitigation

Guidance for entities conducting construction and development mitigation

Individuals seeking a permit to mitigate the impacts of construction, development, or other human activities on wildlife, conduct activities in the scope of work of an environmental consultancy, or conduct other similar activities may follow this guidance. This guidance is most applicable to commercial firms, but other organizations may also fall under this category. Individuals will often only need to apply for one permit but may at times be required to hold multiple permits depending on the scope of work being conducted.

For the purposes of this permit, a 'project' can be divided into two categories: generalized project authorizations and project-specific authorizations. These categories differ based on the frequency, complexity, and scope of the requested activities.

• Generalized Project Authorizations: These involve regular activities with simple methodologies and broad geographic coverage. For example, a permit may cover the survey and relocation of common wildlife for construction/maintenance projects. A permit of this type may authorize a broader geographic scope and our Department would not necessarily need to review and approve the activities being conducted at each location provided authorization for those activities exists within the permit.
• Project-Specific Authorizations: These represent less frequent, more complex activities that may involve potentially harmful methodologies, are focused on narrow geographic areas, or involve species/taxa that require a greater depth of review. Projects of this nature will need project-specific information in the proposal and will typically be more restricted in the scope of its authorizations. For example, alligator snapping turtle projects need project-specific information due to the more detailed review of these projects.

Example 1: A consulting firm operates statewide on pipelines and transmission projects involving short-distance translocation of state-listed threatened or endangered species (primarily reptiles). They also conduct presence/absence surveys for an endangered bat in central Texas using mist nets and work with the Alligator Snapping Turtle in the Houston area. Three permits are required: one for statewide herpetofauna capture and relocation, one for bat mist netting, and one for alligator snapping turtle work.

Example 2: A consulting firm conducts carcass persistence trials on wind farms, involving bird and bat salvage. They also engage in surveys for an endangered bat in central Texas using mist nets. Despite both projects involving bats, the differing methodologies warrant two permits: one for carcass persistence trails and one for bat mist netting.

Example 3: A consulting firm conducts freshwater fish and mussel surveys and relocations statewide, as part of an approved Aquatic Resource Relocation Plan, as well as Section 404 compliance work and long-term stream assessments with a river authority. Three permits are required: one for aquatic survey and relocation, one for Section 404 work, and one for the river authority contract work.

Consultancies and Other Construction/Development Mitigation Proposal Guidance

Project proposals submitted with permit applications for consultancies and other related entities should follow the format below.

Project Title: Provide a clear, concise, and descriptive title reflecting the scope and objectives of the mitigation or consultancy work. The title should clearly capture the focus of the work and its relationship to the target species, habitat, or issue.

Objectives: Provide a detailed description of the objectives and goals of the proposed activities. If the project includes multiple distinct activities, break down each one and clearly outline its purpose. Key points to address include:

• Environmental or Wildlife Issues: What specific issues or impacts does the project aim to address (e.g., habitat fragmentation, disturbance from construction)?
• Expected Benefits: What benefits will the project provide to wildlife, habitat, or ecosystem health?
• Long-Term Plans: Will the project result in any long-term monitoring or mitigation efforts (e.g., establishing a habitat restoration plan or ongoing species monitoring)?

Justification: Provide a comprehensive justification for why the permit is being requested and how the proposed activities will benefit the resource or environment. The justification should focus on:

• Ecological or Environmental Necessity: Describe why the mitigation or consultancy is needed, including any environmental or ecological challenges being addressed (e.g., construction impacts on wildlife, habitat loss).
• Species or Habitat Impact: Detail the specific impacts the project seeks to mitigate and how these efforts will contribute to the protection of species or habitats.
• Background Information: Include relevant species or habitat background, including any ecological concerns or status (e.g., threatened/endangered species, critical habitats).
• Practical Value: Explain how the project will contribute to conservation efforts, land management, or regulatory compliance.

Procedures: This section should include the following:

Methods: Provide a description of each technique, tool, or device to be used for wildlife capture, translocation, or monitoring. This could include traps, nets, radio transmitters, cameras, or other devices. Include trap check frequency where applicable and the rationale for selecting each method, emphasizing its appropriateness for the species involved.

Personnel: Identify the individuals involved in the project and describe their experience with the proposed methods. Include any relevant credentials or training.

Impact Minimization: Outline the steps that will be taken to minimize harm to wildlife, habitats, or the surrounding environment. This may include protocols for minimizing stress to wildlife (e.g., minimizing capture time), handling precautions, and habitat protection during monitoring activities.

Wildlife Target and Quantities: List the species to be targeted for capture, monitoring, or relocation, and provide estimated quantities for each. Be specific about the type of activity for each species (e.g., catch and release, lethal take, salvage). For activities involving indiscriminate capture techniques or groups of species, note quantities “per species” (e.g., 20 individuals per species of reptile).

Sampling and Processing: Describe any sampling, tagging, or marking methods that will be used, as well as the procedures for handling the wildlife during these activities.

Drugs and Medications: If drugs (e.g., anesthetics, tranquilizers) are to be used, provide the names, dosages, method of administration, and any monitoring or follow-up procedures.

Disposition of Wildlife: Detail the final disposition of wildlife involved in the study. Specify whether animals will be released at the site of capture. If euthanasia is involved, provide a detailed euthanasia protocol.

Location: Provide detailed geographic information about the areas where activities will occur. This should include any relevant coordinates, maps, or descriptions of project locations, such as construction zones, mitigation sites, or protected habitats.