natural resource management
aci successfully navigates complex projects
The natural resources consulting experts at aci are qualified professionals with the ability to successfully navigate the complexities of environmental projects.
aci environmental consulting specializes in Natural Resource Management, offering tailored solutions to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of vital resources. Our team of experts works closely with clients to develop effective strategies for managing land, water, and biodiversity.
We provide comprehensive assessments, regulatory compliance support, and innovative planning services that promote sustainable practices while balancing ecological health with economic needs.
By integrating science-based approaches and stakeholder engagement, we help organizations navigate the complexities of resource management, ensuring that both current and future generations can thrive.
Trust us to guide your initiatives in responsible natural resource stewardship.
aci has extensive experience to ensure compliance with the primary federal environmental regulatory acts:
1) The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
2) The Clean Water Act
3) The Endangered Species Act, including Section 7 consultations and 10(a) permits
Under the NEPA
aci prepares categorical exclusions, environmental assessments, and environmental impact statements.Under the Endangered Species Act
aci conducts habitat evaluations, censusing surveys and permitting for protected species including most recently: the Texas ayenia in southern Texas; the Preble’s meadow jumping mouse along the front range of Colorado; red-cockaded woodpecker in East Texas; and aquatic species in New Mexico.Under the Clean Water Act
aci has conducted hundreds of wetland delineations, processed permit applications, and established wetland and stream mitigation banks.Under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972
The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is responsible for regulating activities within “waters of the U.S.” aci has conducted hundreds of wetland delineations for public and private sector projects, many of which required permitting through the USACE for discharges into local streams and rivers.
Jurisdictional Waters Determinations and Report Preparation
Desktop Assessments
Field Surveys
Wetlands Delineations / Rapid Assessment Models
Plant Identification, Soils Analysis
Riparian Corridor Assessments
Nationwide Permit Authorizations
Impacts Analysis (Discharges)
Document Preparation
Mitigation Plan Preparation
USACE Negotiations
Public Notice Preparation
Mitigation Banking
Develop Environmental Lift Concepts
Stream Restoration, Mitigation Banking Documentation
Negotiations with USACE
Individual Permit Authorizations / Letters of Permission
Impacts Analysis (Discharges)
Document Preparation
Avoidance and Minimization Strategies
Compensatory Mitigation Planning
USACE Negotiations
Section 401 and 402 Certification
Public Notice Preparation, Public Comment Resolution
Consulting Agency Comment Resolution
Post Permit Compliance
Mitigation Enhancement / Creation Design
Develop Success Criteria
Restoration and Planting Implementation
Monitoring for Success
Public Comments Preparation for Interested Parties
Permit Analysis, Draft Comments to USACE
Endangered Species
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), regulates impacts to federally-listed threatened and endangered species.
aci has extensive experience working with both public and private sector clients to ensure Endangered Species Act compliance, including Section 10 Incidental Take Permits
Desktop Analysis—GIS analysis based on In-house and agency data
Habitat Evaluations—Site Visits to Determine Potential for Species to Occur
Censusing Surveys—USFWS Protocols to Determine Locations and Numbers of Species
Take or Adverse Affects Determinations—Analysis Direct, Indirect, and Cumulative Affects of Proposed Activity on Species
Section 4 Listing Issues—Analysis and Preparation of Public Comments
Section 4(d) Threatened Species Rule Review—Analysis of Special Conditions that may Alter “Take” Assessments and Mitigation Requirements
Federal-State Cooperative Agreements—Compile, Update, and Maintain Lists of Federal-State Agreements; Prepare and Process Documents as Required By Agreements
Section 7 Consultations
Action Agency Interaction, Obtaining Federal Designee Authorization
Drafting Biological Assessment, USFWS Negotiation, & Finalizing Biological Assessment
Review and/or Draft Biological Opinion; Finalize Biological Opinion
Finalizing Section 7 Consultation
Post-Consultation Compliance (Field Work/Annual Report, Incorporate BO into NEPA documentation)
Transfer of Federal Programs to States/Interagency Cooperative Agreements
Section 9—Take, Harm, Adverse Affects
Conduct Site Investigations
Censusing Surveys; and Habitat Evaluations; Draft Reports, Produce Maps
Review Best Scientific Information to Make Take/No Take Determinations
Section 10—Incidental Take Permits, Experimental Population Permits, Post Permit Authorization Compliance
Processing Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permits
Conduct Site Investigations including Censusing Surveys and Habitat Evaluations
Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Related NEPA Documentation
Develop Take and Mitigation Strategies, Negotiate Permit Conditions with USFWS
Negotiation Conditions to Implement Agreement; Complete Work Associated with Expected/Unexpected Issues Identified in Post Permit Authorization Compliance