Threatened and Endangered Species (Section 7)


The Endangered Species Act (ESA), (16 USC 1531-1544), amended 1988, establishes a National program for the conservation of threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants and the habitat upon which they depend. Section 7(a) of the ESA requires Federal agencies (including the Corps) to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or adversely modify or destroy their critical habitats. Section 7(c) of the ESA and the Federal regulations on endangered species coordination (50 CFR § 402.12) require that Federal agencies prepare biological assessments of the potential effects of major actions on listed species and critical habitat.

The Corps evaluates permit applications on a case-by-case basis to determine a project’s potential to affect on threatened and endangered species.

It is recommended that applicants contact their local USFWS office EARLY in their project planning for listed species and critical habitat information when applying for a Corps permit.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Homepage

USFWS Endangered Species Program

Regional Webpages


Section 7 & Consultation Info

Species Lists

USFWS Offices by State