5.1
Biological Resources (BIO)
Biological resources include plant & animal species and their related habitat that are
listed by federal and/or state agencies as threatened or endangered. Biological resources
may also include ‘species of concern’ that are living organisms in need of concentrated
conservation efforts and areas, such as wetlands and migratory corridors, that are critical
to the overall health and productivity of an ecosystem. The presence of sensitive
biological resources in an area where either increased use or development is planned,
may prompt special considerations and protective measures that should be identified as
a concern early in the planning process.
Two issues relating to Biological Resources have been
identified as part of this JLUS.
BIO-1 Endangered / threatened species and other species of concern
in the region around Florence Military Reservation.
BIO-2 Invasive plant species can impact operations at Florence Military
Reservation.
Key Terms
Candidate species. Species currently under consideration for listing under the
Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Critical habitat. Critical habitat is a specific area that is considered essential to the
conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special
considerations or protection. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) must review all
federal undertakings within a designated critical habitat area to ensure that threatened
and endangered species are protected.
Endangered species. An endangered species is a plant or animal species in danger of
extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or most of its range. The presence
of threatened or endangered species (T&E Species) may prompt special development
considerations, can delay or halt development, and can impact the performance of
military missions.
Endangered Species Act . The ESA provides a program for the conservation of
threatened and endangered plants and animals and the habitats in which they are found.
The lead federal agencies for implementing the ESA are the USFWS and the U.S. National
Background Report
5-7