By definition, rare species are uncommon and usually do not represent a problem for developers. But sometimes projects do have the potential to impact an endangered or threatened species. The risk varies by the project location. Certain parts of New York, such as the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and the Lake Ontario shoreline, have a greater potential for conflicts with rare species than other regions of the state.

    In the event of a potential conflict, it is important to conduct field surveys at the appropriate time. What constitutes the "right time" varies depending on the species at issue and should take into account: (1) the geographic range of the species, (2) habitat preferences, (3) phenology, (4) behavior, (5) time of year, (6) time of day, (7) temperature, and (8) precipitation patterns. An endangered species issue can be a real project stopper. Because survey timing is so critical, a development plan can be delayed a whole year if a window of opportunity is missed.

    Many rare plants are found in unusual, easily definable habitats, such as limestone outcroppings. Surveys can thus focus on such places. However, timing can affect the ability to find or identify a rare plant. Seasonal timing determines if above ground plant parts are visible and if those parts are in the proper stage of development for identification. Usually rare plant surveys should be conducted at least twice, once in spring and again in fall. Occasionally a third survey is recommended depending upon the list of potentially occurring species. However, the one advantage of dealing with rare plants is the fact that they don’t move. Wherever you find them, that’s where they’ll stay.

    Rare animals are a little tougher to address sometimes. They come and go, and they move around a lot. For example, migratory birds are only present for part of the year, which can range from mid April to mid July, with June being the peak of most breeding activity. Breeding birds vocalize to advertise their presence and tend to sing most intensively very early in the morning. Therefore, breeding bird surveys should be conducted over the course of several days and usually from before sunrise to late morning.

    Surveys of amphibians are a different matter. Many frogs are only conspicuous when calling in or near breeding ponds, especially at night and more so when it’s raining. Salamanders, on the other hand, are quiet. They spend their time under rocks or logs or underground in the woods, and some migrate to breeding ponds on a single night, and typically when it’s raining. Not only is the timing of these movements very specific and limited, it can vary considerably among species, with some species moving to breeding ponds very early in the spring when ice is still present. If salamanders are found at a breeding pond, it may be necessary to determine where they came from. Just because a project avoids the breeding area of a rare salamander doesn’t mean the non-breeding habitat is not impacted.

    Turtles can pose other sampling problems. The females of some aquatic turtle species, which are normally found in ponds, wander around before nesting, often far from water bodies. After nesting, they cover the nest so it is nearly impossible to detect.

    In summary, timing is everything with rare species surveys. Anticipating the need for rare species surveys and planning ahead can avoid costly time delays in project development.

TES, Inc. 23 County Route 6, Suite A, Phoenix, NY 13135.  Tel: 315.695.7228  Fax: 315.695.3277

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