Information Request Examples
For Private Industry
- A consulting firm preparing an assessment for a major power company requested information on all sensitive species within one mile of the mainstem of a Montana river. MTNHP provided summary information accompanied by a map showing general species locations within the river corridor.
- A rural electric cooperative asked us to review upcoming projects in order to address the issue of Threatened and Endangered species, as required by the USDA Rural Electrification Administration. MTNHP provided the cooperative with information on the presence (or absence) of any sensitive species in the vicinity of 19 project areas--within 5 working days.
- A mining company requested information on sensitive species or habitats occurring in the vicinity of a potential mine site. Information on a fish species of special concern occurring in a nearby creek was forwarded to the company.
For State Government
- A section of highway was being upgraded that passed through an area with a high density of sensitive plant species. MTNHP provided detailed maps of population locations, along with reports and references detailing the species' biology, distribution and phenology.
- A state agency preparing a large-scale land-use analysis needed data on all vertebrate species, both common and rare, occurring in specific Montana counties. Within 10 days, MTNHP provided information on over 600 species in a format compatible with the agency's statistical analysis program.
- An innovative technique for diverting irrigation water was being tested, and the bureau in charge contacted us for information on sensitive species susceptible to disturbance by construction equipment during the installation of the diversion mechanisms. MTNHP provided data on sensitive species populations occurring within 200 meters of major streams in eight drainages.
- In 1997, MTNHP reviewed over 300 individual projects or permit applications submitted by various state agencies and provided information on sensitive species occurring in the project vicinities.
For Local Government
- MTNHP responded to dozens of requests placed by county and local weed boards, helping them to fulfill their requirement of addressing Threatened and Endangered species as part of their noxious weed control planning process.
- MTNHP also responded to requests placed by various county commissions planning local improvements using Inter-modal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) funds. Our responses helped these local governments address the issue of Threatened and Endangered species as required by the Act.
- Numerous requests were also placed by county planning boards and surveying offices across Montana, seeking information relating to subdivision review, local restoration projects, and county master plans.
For Federal Government
- Federal land management planners regularly access MTNHP information on species throughout their range in Montana.
- Federal agencies use MTNHP information when preparing environmental assessments for timber sales and oil and gas leases, inclduing information on the life-history of several sensitive species.
- In almost two dozen cases, MTNHP has provided information that allowed the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service to determine that the species was not threatened or endangered, and did not need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act.
For Private Individuals/Businesses
- Numerous consulting firms regularly contacted MTNHP for information regarding sensitive species related to environmental documentation that they were preparing for Montana projects.
- A landowner called with questions about a plant species that he had recently noticed growing near his irrigation ditches. MTNHP identified the plant as a non-noxious native species.
- A high-school biology teacher wanted to know which species of frogs were native to her county and whether any were considered rare. MTNHP provided a summary printout with information on each species.
