Celebrating National Wildlife Day
Responsible development starts with understanding what is already there.
KLJ Environmental Specialist Leah Fischer is supporting a proposed improvement project within the White River National Forest in Colorado.
As part of the environmental review, project partners are looking at how the proposed improvements could affect the surrounding environment and wildlife.
One key focus is the boreal toad, a Colorado state-endangered species native to the Rocky Mountains that lives near the project area. Over the past few decades, boreal toad populations have declined across much of their historic range, largely due to chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by a fungus that affects amphibians.
Leah is preparing the boreal toad section of the Biological Assessment/Biological Evaluation (BA/BE), helping assess how the proposed improvements and construction activities could affect a nearby population and its habitat.
This work involves more than one person or discipline. Leah is working with a team of biologists, hydrologists, wildlife consultants, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) specialists. Together, the team is evaluating the project and surrounding habitat to identify ways to reduce potential impacts while meeting the project goals.
Bringing wildlife into the planning process
For Leah, one of the most notable parts of the project has been the approach to conservation.
“Rather than viewing the toads as a hurdle for the project to proceed, they have approached their protection as a vital part of the project,” Leah said.
That perspective matters. Environmental work gives project teams a better understanding of the wildlife and habitat around a proposed project. It also gives them information they can use as plans develop.
This National Wildlife Day, we're highlighting how environmental specialists help balance progress and conservation, ensuring projects are designed with both people and wildlife in mind.
