Rare Species Reviews
Standard Rare Species Reviews
The Rare Species Review provides desktop-level information on the rare (federally and state special concern, threatened, and endangered) species in the immediate vicinity of your project. Once project information is provided, MNFI uses the Natural Heritage Database to evaluate potential impacts to rare species that are known within a specified buffer of the project. Results are compiled in a letter listing all species within the area and MNFI's evaluation of the potential impacts the project may have on those species.
This level of review corresponds to the Endangered Species Assessment previously provided by the Wildlife Division of the MDNR. The MNFI letter can be submitted for consideration when working with the State of Michigan and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
This is a desktop review based on the MNFI Natural Heritage Database. While we may be able to determine if there will be potential impacts to a rare species, MNFI cannot supply a "no impact" designation without an on-site assessment.
High-Speed Internet Reviews
High-Speed Internet Rare Species Reviews are reviews for fiber or other high-speed internet projects.
If you are working on a high-speed internet project, please contact the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office before requesting a review to confirm that you are in compliance with the law and to determine if your project crosses state lands. Projects that cross state land may require additional permits/easements with the Department of Natural Resources.
Visit High Speed Internet Application Guidance (DNR) or contact us at MNFI@msu.edu if you have any questions about the High-Speed Internet Review request process.
Information Provided with a Review Letter
No Species Present Letter
- A letter stating that there are no known species currently present based on the Natural Heritage Database. Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. A comprehensive survey of the entire state has not been conducted, so MNFI cannot state that no species exist at any location.
Species Present Letter
- Letter listing out ALL of the species that are located within the project area and buffer.
- Specific management recommendations and highlighting of those species that are considered to have potential impact by project activities.
- A listing of all State and/or Federal regulations that the requester needs to be aware of.
- Recommendations if MNFI science staff evaluate a project as needing more intensive review such as a field survey.
Section 7 Comments
- For project involving federal funding or a federal agency authorization to assist with Section 7 compliance of the Federal Endangered Species Act.
- Letter containing a list of the federally listed/proposed/candidate species that have been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to occur in the county/counties that the project area falls within.
- Whether or not there appears to be suitable habitat within 1.5 miles of the project area for each species.
- Further guidance and resources for the Section 7 consultation process.
Site Assessments
We offer site assessments of project areas. Site assessments vary widely in cost and time depending on the species being surveyed and the size of the area being surveyed. Please contact us at MNFI@msu.edu to discuss a site assessment or view the list of permitted threatened and endangered species consultants on the MDNR website.
| Fee | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Review Base Fee | $400 | 30 business day turnaround upon payment. Project area buffered by 1.5 miles. |
| High-Speed Internet Base Fee | $400 | 30 business day turnaround upon payment. Project area buffered by 1.5 miles. |
| Additional Fee for Large Areas | Varies | Data compilation fee for buffered review area greater than the standard review area of 7 mi2. For example, a pipeline corridor search. The fee is calculated based on a rate of $15/mi2 including a 1.5 mile buffer. Contact us for an estimate or for more details. |
Please note that we are no longer offering optional spatial data (EMR and mussel streams) as part of Rare Species Reviews.
We are not currently accepting rush orders due to a recent influx of review requests.
Procedure for Making a Request
- Requestors of Rare Species Reviews and High-Speed Internet Reviews should use the button below to submit their request.
- MNFI staff will respond with an information services agreement and invoice.
- Upon receipt of the signed information services agreement and payment, the response will be sent by email to the requester within 30 days of payment.
Credit Card Payment
You may pay for a Rare Species Review with a credit card after receiving an invoice. Credit card payments are handled through Michigan State University's secure payment system, which can be accessed by following the link below. Enter the amount of the payment, your company or agency name, and the invoice number. Add the "Rare Species Review" item to the shopping basket and click the "Continue Checkout" button to enter your billing information and complete the payment. The payment will appear on your statement as Michigan State University.