Habitat Assessments & Protocols

A habitat assessment or survey may be necessary to aid in the review of certain projects.

Under certain circumstances, a habitat assessment or targeted survey may be necessary.  This provides additional information to aid in our review of your project.

These protocols should lead to a more successful survey and final report. Implementing these guidelines will also help you avoid potential violations of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MGL c. 131A) and its implementing regulations (321 CMR 10.00).

In order to legally handle any state-listed species or collect samples of plants, a valid Commercial Scientific Collection Permit Application for the project site is required.

Habitat Assessment Guidelines

The following protocols are guidelines to assist in these efforts.

Additional Resources

State-Listed Species Habitat Assessment Guidelines: Wildlife

State-Listed Species Habitat Assessment and Survey Guidelines: Plants

Guidelines for Collecting Rare Plants

Guidelines for Ethical Field Research on Rare Plant Species

The Vascular Plants of Massachusetts: A County Checklist