Transportation Projects

Cultural Resources

Abo Canyon Double Track Project – NM

Parametrix conducted an intensive historic property investigation and survey for a proposed second BNSF rail line through Abo Canyon. We identified 51 sites, 13 railroad structures, and 1 cultural landscape (NRHP district). In addition to a pedestrian survey, our staff conducted interviews with knowledgeable area residents and conducted extensive research at various locations including the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway archives and the Kansas State Historical Society. All of these investigations led to the development of an historical context for the Abo Canyon Railway Construction District. Development of a data recovery and archival research program for mitigation of project effects is ongoing.

Fiber Optic Cable Installation – New Mexico State Road 96 to Tierra Amarilla, NM

Parametrix conducted biological and cultural resource surveys and complete an environmental assessment for a proposed fiber-optic cable line installation in NMDOT right-of-way along US 84. This project involved coordination with the NMDOT, BLM, USDA-Forest Service, State Land Office, and the SHPO. The project area passes through sensitive environmental areas such as Canijilon Creek Canyon, as well as the historic villages of Cebolla and Las Nutrias. We documented 23 newly discovered archaeological sites and revisited 35 previously recorded sites. In addition, 11 historic buildings and one historic cemetery were identified and recorded within the project’s area of potential effects. Additional resources include wetlands, waters of the United States, and rare and sensitive species.

US 62/180 Cultural Resource Survey, Testing, and Data Recovery Investigations – NM

Parametrix worked with NMDOT to evaluate impacts of the proposed reconstruction of the US 62/180 corridor through Eddy County. Cultural, biological and NEPA evaluations were conducted. The cultural evaluation included survey, testing, and data recovery of sites affected by the proposed improvements. In consultation with NMDOT, State Land Office, BLM, and SHPO, we developed a testing and data recovery plan to minimize adverse effects to National Register eligible sites within the project’s area of potential effects.

US 50 Corridor East Project Tier 1 EIS – CO

Parametrix, as a subconsultant, assisted CDOT to assess future transportation and safety issues on over 100 miles of US 50 for a tiered EIS. The existing route runs directly through communities, essentially serving as their “Main Street.” Solutions being explored included the study of several potential bypasses. Parametrix served as a senior advisor for the tiered NEPA process as well as the lead for cultural resources. We helped coordinate with FHWA, CDOT, and the consulting team on an agreement for conducting the cultural resources element of the tiered process. We also assisted in leading visioning workshops for the communities along the corridor to help them understand how project alternatives could affect their future.

Hough Neighborhood Survey – WA

The Hough Neighborhood is one of the earliest in the Pacific Northwest. This reconnaissance survey project includes architectural assessments for a large portion of the neighborhood. The data gathered will be included in the Washington State Historic Resources Database and will be used to identify historically significant houses.

Jack Waite Mine Monitoring and Mitigation Planning – Duthie, ID

The Jack Waite Mine historic lode mining complex is located in the Idaho Pan Handle National Forest in Idaho’s remote mountains. The complex encompasses a wide range and complex maize of historic property types associated with mining and milling a wide variety of ores, but mostly lead, between the early 1900s and the 1960’s. Parametrix conducted archaeological monitoring investigations to describe current conditions of the archaeological resources. The complex’s historic landscape includes remnants of adits, underground workings, waste rock piles, ancillary industrial mining and milling structures and buildings, roadway features, water conveyance systems, power generation facilities, and domestic structural and artifact deposits. Parametrix has conducted field work to record the integrity of more than 60 cultural resource features, and identified changes in conditions from those evident when the site was first recorded in 1979. We are now collaborating with the US Forest Service, EPA, and the Army Corps of Engineers in generating recommendations for remediation design, and developing a phased Section 106 significance evaluation, effects assessment, and mitigation program that will allow the phased remediation activities to progress while archaeological investigations are occurring in other areas. .

Ecosystem Services

BC Hydro ELTG Performance Measures – Vancouver, BC

Parametrix assisted BC Hydro in developing an Environmental Performance Program encompassing dam operations, substation and transmission line construction and maintenance, fuel consumption from vehicle fleet and facility operations, land use impacts from facilities construction and operations, and new energy source production. We developed a strategic process that balances the long-term vision with short-term constraints. We worked with BC Hydro to evaluate a preliminary metrics, apply metrics to pilot test sites, and develop the approach for watershed. We also assisted BC Hydro to refine metrics and long-term recommendations for integrating ecosystem measurements and mitigation offsets.

Washoe County Regional Open Space and Natural Resource Plan – NV

Parametrix completed a regional Open Space and Natural Resource Management Plan for Washoe County, home to the cities of Reno and Sparks. The County includes a remarkably diverse series of ecosystems, ranging from the alpine country of Lake Tahoe to the dry and stark landscape of geysers and alkaline lakes of the Black Rock Desert. The region’s economic and cultural priorities are also shifting. Gaming is no longer playing the role it used to, and ecotourism and adventure-based travel are growing. These changes have led to the development of innovative ecosystem service based planning, which is centered on developing measures and mechanisms to fully assess the impact the built environment has on the landscape. The plan is focused on developing charges or tradable credits to assure the region’s green infrastructure is maintained to provide recreation, biodiversity, natural hazard protection and cultural values well into the future.

Arizona State Lands Ecosystem Marketplace Management Feasibility Study

Parametrix evaluated opportunities to turn existing urban/rural interface development pressures in Arizona into a management strategy that helps fund protection and restoration of sensitive lands. Many properties located near rapidly developing communities are owned by the State Land Department and have significant natural value. The Land Department is charged with generating revenue from the management of these properties for 14 beneficiaries (e.g. schools). Traditionally, they have satisfied this fiduciary obligation by leasing, developing, and/or selling property. We are helping to determine if conservation based revenue can be generated.

Mirror Lake Restoration – OR

The Mirror Lake site is a 390-acre parcel located approximately 30 miles east of Portland along the Columbia River. The site provides spawning, rearing, and off-channel habitat for several species of salmon, as well as habitat for lamprey, bald eagles, great blue heron, and a variety of waterfowl. The property was first homesteaded in 1857 and until its acquisition by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in the early 1980’s was used for farming and grazing. During its use as a farm, the site was cleared and graded, and its streams were cleaned of woody debris. When farming ceased, invasive species established expansive, dominant communities that prevented re-establishment of native forests and healthy in-stream habitat. Parametrix worked with a partnership of Oregon Parks, ODOT, and the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership to improve fish passage through a culvert (the only access point into the site) by creating a low flow channel and providing hydraulic refugia; enhance fish habitat by installing 13 large woody debris structures (each composed of between one and 10 logs); and replanting 29-acres of riparian forest.

Energy

Wells, Rocky Reach and Rock Island HCPs and EIS – WA

Parametrix prepared the NEPA EIS for three dam-associated HCPs located in the mid-Columbia River. Listed species included bull trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead. The PUD objectives in developing the HCP were to avoid future listings of Mid-Columbia River fish species under the ESA by helping to maintain healthy populations of fish; and in the event of a listing, to obtain a Section 10 permit from the NMFS under the ESA and proceed legally with PUD hydroelectric project operations that might otherwise result in illegal take of listed species. Parametrix documented the effects of existing and proposed mitigation measures designed to minimize impacts of Columbia River hydropower projects on all listed species. Primary issues involved upstream and downstream fish passage, dissolved gas supersaturation, water temperature, predation, and the effects of dams and reservoirs on spawning and rearing habitat.

Spokane River Project Relicensing – WA

As part of our assistance to Avista in FERC relicensing we conducted redband/rainbow tagging and tracking to determine their behavior in the Spokane River to document distribution and movements. Parametrix surveyed redband trout spawning in the Spokane River in the free flowing reach from Post Falls to Upriver Dam and downstream from Spokane Falls to identify spawning habitat characteristics and distribution. We evaluated the potential entrainment and passage of fish in at Spokane River HEDs based on physical and operational characteristics of the projects and the biological characteristics of the fish potentially present. Parametrix prepared an evaluation of the biological effects of Lake Spokane reservoir fluctuations using existing information.

Pathfinder Pipeline Environmental Assessment – WY

Parametrix prepared an environmental assessment for Sinclair Oil Company’s 102-mile pipeline between Sinclair to Casper, which is scheduled to deliver Canadian crude oil from their Casper storage facilities to the Sinclair refinery. The pipeline right-of-way is located on BLM administered lands, State of Wyoming owned lands, and private property. The pipeline right-of-way crossed a wide region of rolling plains interspersed with uplifts, draws, drainages, alkaline flats, spring-fed playa lakes, and active and vegetated sand dunes. The primary environmental issues associated with the project included wildlife resources, BLM sensitive plant species, cultural resources, and topography constraints. Parametrix conducted biological surveys along the right-of-way to document federally and BLM listed plant and animal species, and to delineate wetlands.

Medicine Bow Pipeline – Larimer and Weld Counties, CO

Parametrix conducted wetlands delineation and mapped the location of raptor nests along the proposed 35-mile Medicine Bow Pipeline. Parametrix also prepared a Section 404 permit and monitored the stormwater construction best management practices along the pipeline corridor.

New Mexico Products Pipeline Biological Assessment – NM and TX

Parametrix completed a biological assessment and draft environmental assessment for a proposed renovation and extension of the New Mexico Products Pipeline, connecting Odessa, Texas and Bloomfield, New Mexico. The project was a complex plan to reverse the flow of an existing pipeline and add facilities and additional pipe to transport refined petroleum products north, rather than crude oil south. The BA and EA addressed 100 miles of new pipeline, eight pump stations and two pressure control stations along the pipeline route, a product distribution terminal in Moriarty, and approximately 115 miles of new electrical power line to serve the pump stations. The BA analyzed project-related impacts on fish, wildlife, vegetation, and wildlife habitat, and served as the basis upon which to determine project effects on federally listed and proposed threatened and endangered species and critical habitat. The BA addressed New Mexico and Texas state-listed species and species identified as sensitive by the BLM.

Makah Bay Wave Energy Pilot Project – WA

Parametrix assisted the AquaEnergy Group to develop a 2 MW wave energy pilot project off the Washington Coast near Makah Bay. Using their patented wave energy buoy, AquaEnergy proposed anchoring four wave energy buoys approximately three miles off the coastline and laying an electrical cable to a land-based energy regulator station, where the electrical energy would be transmitted to the local (Clallam PUD) power grid. Parametrix helped perform underwater surveys and coordinated data gathering on water conditions such as tides, currents, bathymetry, local habitat conditions, etc. We also provided information on permitting and strategies for obtaining permits and approvals and helped AquaEnergy Group prepare materials for obtaining approval of the project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Middle Rio Grande ESA Collaborative Program – NM

The Middle Rio Grande ESA Collaborative Program is a congressionally funded consortium of federal, tribal, state, and local governments and non-governmental agencies working to understand the needs of and restore habitat for two federally endangered species, the Rio Grande silvery minnow and the southwestern willow flycatcher. Parametrix is developing reach-specific restoration plans to restore habitat for two different 40-mile reaches of the Middle Rio Grande. The Middle Rio Grande runs through New Mexico and is approximately 180 miles. These restoration plans will incorporate in-depth analyses of existing information and provide detailed recommendations for site-specific restoration treatment prescriptions that would sustain and improve habitat conditions for silvery minnow and willow flycatchers.

Montana DNRC HCP/EIS – MT

Parametrix is responsible for preparation of an HCP and programmatic NEPA EIS for a project term of 50 years. The EIS involves the effects of forest management activities on TES mammals (grizzly bear and Canada lynx) and fish (redband trout, bull trout, and cutthroat trout) on more than 700,000 acres of Montana state trust lands. The project involves extensive alternative development with screening criteria; negotiations between state and federal agencies; and substantial GIS analysis for wildlife modeling, alternative development, and resource analysis.

Washington DNR Aquatic Lands HCP/EIS – WA

Parametrix is responsible for the preparation of this NEPA EIS to evaluate the environmental effects of implementing the Washington DNR’s proposed Aquatic Lands HCP. The Washington DNR manages approximately 2.4 million acres of state-owned aquatic lands. DNR is preparing an HCP for 23 species of fish and wildlife that occur on these lands and that might be affected by activities that DNR conducts or authorizes. With the Aquatic Lands HCP, DNR plans to maintain, improve, or provide habitat for covered species of fish and wildlife, including several that are listed as threatened or endangered. Aquatic land management activities currently proposed for coverage in the HCP include aquaculture of fin fish and shellfish; overwater structures (docks, boat ramps, boat launches, mooring buoys, nearshore buildings, floating homes, marinas, and shipyards and terminals); and log booming and storage.

Southwestern Willow Flycatcher Habitat Restoration Project – Pueblo de Cochiti, NM

The Pueblo de Cochiti received a grant from the Bureau of Reclamation to enhance riparian habitat along the Rio Grande for the federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. Parametrix assisted the Pueblo in developing and implementing a habitat enhancement project to meet the grant requirements. Our tasks involved evaluating site potential; designing restoration features; developing methodologies and contractor bid documents; monitoring restoration; training tribal members in willow collection, storage, and installation; and training the Cochiti project coordinator in restoration planning.

Tri-County Model 4(d) Rule Proposal – WA

Parametrix coordinated a scientific review of the plan prepared by the Tri-County (King, Pierce, Snohomish) group for obtaining protection under the ESA. The plan defines management practices for temperature, flow, stormwater, land use, and road maintenance that are needed to support natural habitat conditions. Key elements of the plan include management of toxic chemicals and point and non-point pollutants, shoreline development, adaptive management, basin management, and funding for habitat restoration and acquisition. Parametrix scientists evaluated the plan’s scientific credibility, likelihood to restore salmonid populations in the region, and the incremental contribution of each program, of which the plan is comprised, to restore salmonid populations. Our evaluation is based on a thorough review and assessment of the technical information used to develop the plan and ground-truthing in sample subbasins. The biological review will be used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Tri-County package and the likelihood of the package being accepted by NMFS and USFWS for providing protection under the 4(d) rule.

Habitat Restoration

Idaho Department of Lands Forestry Program EIS – ID

Parametrix is working with the Idaho Department of Lands to prepare an EIS to gain acceptance of its Idaho Forestry Program as the basis for an ESA Section 6 Cooperative Agreement. In addition to the Department of Lands, the project will involve coordination with the USFWS and the NMFS. The ultimate goal is to find an alternative that will both satisfy the ESA and optimize Idaho’s use of its forest resources. The benefits to be gained are: more comprehensive conservation for listed species, a long-term perspective on forest resource management, protection of listed fish species and habitat, and an accepted protocol for implementing incidental take coverage. Incidental take coverage is a permit that allows you to continue engaging in a legal activity that may be harming a listed species.

Middle Rio Grande ESA Collaborative Program – NM

The Middle Rio Grande ESA Collaborative Program is a congressionally funded consortium of federal, tribal, state, and local governments and non-governmental agencies working to understand the needs of and restore habitat for two federally endangered species, the Rio Grande silvery minnow and the southwestern willow flycatcher. Parametrix is developing reach-specific restoration plans to restore habitat for two different 40-mile reaches of the Middle Rio Grande. The Middle Rio Grande runs through New Mexico and is approximately 180 miles. These restoration plans will incorporate in-depth analyses of existing information and provide detailed recommendations for site-specific restoration treatment prescriptions that would sustain and improve habitat conditions for silvery minnow and willow flycatchers.

Sammamish River Habitat Restoration Project – WA

The Sammamish River was channelized in the 1960s as a flood control measure, resulting in the loss of many miles of river meanders and the valuable fish and wildlife habitat associated with them. Parametrix developed an enhancement program and design that restores the river’s structure, ecology, and associated wildlife and plant habitat, while welcoming the community to the banks of the river. The steep banks of the river were re-graded, creating gentler slopes that support a palette of native plant species, and allow people to make their way down to the water’s edge. The Sammamish River Trail itself was re-aligned to fit comfortably into the restored landforms, and to allow for safe access to the river. Planning and design of the project actively embraced the idea that this would be a sustainable landscape: native plants species within the project will require no supplemental water when mature, and are irrigated by a low-cost temporary system that will be deactivated after the plants have become established. Recycled and salvaged construction materials were used extensively throughout the project.

Cibola National Wildlife Refuge Fire Revegetation Plan – AZ

The Cibola fire consumed 4,662 acres of land along the Colorado River on the Cibola National Wildlife Refuge. We performed a burned area assessment of the area and developed a rehabilitation plan outlining a 3-year strategy for habitat rehabilitation. The rehabilitation plan was completed on time, and was accepted and funded as written.

Mirror Lake Restoration - OR

The Mirror Lake site is a 390-acre parcel located approximately 30 miles east of Portland along the Columbia River. The site provides spawning, rearing, and off-channel habitat for several species of salmon, as well as habitat for lamprey, bald eagles, great blue heron, and a variety of waterfowl. The property was first homesteaded in 1857 and until its acquisition by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in the early 1980’s was used for farming and grazing. During its use as a farm, the site was cleared and graded, and its streams were cleaned of woody debris. When farming ceased, invasive species established expansive, dominant communities that prevented re-establishment of native forests and healthy in-stream habitat. Parametrix worked with a partnership of Oregon Parks, ODOT, and the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership to improve fish passage through a culvert (the only access point into the site) by creating a low flow channel and providing hydraulic refugia; enhance fish habitat by installing 13 large woody debris structures (each composed of between one and 10 logs); and replant 29-acres of riparian forest.

Permitting

ODOT Bridge Replacement Strategy – OR

Parametrix, working with ODOT, developed a new streamlined environmental compliance approach to replacing and repairing 400 bridges across the state. We facilitated workshops with multiple federal, state, and local agencies, during which we clarified existing barriers and shortcomings in the environmental permitting process and developed a new and better approach to meet the missions of all agencies and stakeholders. Parametrix negotiated programmatic permits and developed a mitigation program to cover the major federal and state permitting requirements for all of the bridges in this $1.3 billion program, thus removing permits and mitigation from the critical path. ODOT estimates this approach will cut at least two years off the program delivery schedule and save millions of dollars.

Alaskan Way Viaduct Permitting Strategy – WA

Parametrix led the effort to prepare a permit guide and permitting strategy for the Alaskan Way Viaduct replacement project. The guide identifies federal, state, and local permits and approvals that could potentially be necessary for the project, and provides specific information for each permit/approval including regulatory authority, approval criteria, prerequisite considerations, application procedure, permit fee, permit duration, extension procedure, permit review process, timeline, public process, and appeal process. We prepared an additional permit strategy report, providing an overview of permitting challenges, the activities triggering permits, the project permit team and organization, change management strategies, development and negotiation of permit conditions, tracking permit and mitigation commitments through construction, risk management, permit close out, and formal agency coordination.

Snohomish County On-Call – WA

Parametrix has had consecutive on-call contracts with Snohomish County Public Works for over 10 years, totaling over 100 task orders. The work orders have frequently required quick responses on short notice to a range of capital improvement projects. Projects have included construction, expansion, or redesign of roads, bridges, detention ponds, and solid waste facilities in urban, rural, and forested regions throughout the county. Permitting services have included 404, 401, Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA), and consistency determination with the Shoreline Management Act and county Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO).

Watershed Management

Miles City RMP and EIS – Miles City, MT

Parametrix is responsible for multiple disciplines for this programmatic EIS encompassing the eastern half of the state of Montana. Responsibilities included an extensive 17 county public involvement and cooperating agency programs, alternative modeling and GIS resource analysis, and preparation of the scoping report, resource reports, and EIS.

Taos Pueblo DNR Program Development – NM

After assisting the Pueblo of Taos War Chief’s Office with a successful grant application to the New Mexico Water Trust Board, Parametrix helped to implement tasks related to watershed stabilization, monitoring, and restoration in the Rio Pueblo de Taos watershed. In the first phase of this project, we expanded the water quality program to include automated water sampling, biological monitoring, and surveys of physical stream habitat characteristics. Parametrix developed protocols, documented the methods for quality assurance project plans, and trained Pueblo staff to implement the monitoring and reporting. Phase 2 included evaluating the feasibility of early warning systems to alert Pueblo residents to approaching floods, modeling flood hazard areas, evaluating the use of existing irrigation diversions for flood protection, and developing recommendations for erosion controls and site stabilization in the watershed. Phase 3 included developing preliminary designs and cost estimates for in-stream protection structures.

Puget Sound Region Hatcheries EIS – Puget Sound, WA

Parametrix is responsible for this programmatic EIS evaluating the effects of two RMPs and 117 salmonid hatchery and genetic management plan (HGMP) programs on threatened, endangered, and sensitive fish species in the Puget Sound. The effort involves scoping, alternative development, and preparation of the EIS.

Montana Forested Trust Lands HCP EIS – MT

Parametrix is responsible for preparation of an HCP and programmatic NEPA EIS for a project term of 50 years. The EIS involves the effects of forest management activities on TES mammals (grizzly bear, Canada lynx, fisher, wolverine, and wolf), birds (northern goshawk, bald eagle, black-backed woodpecker, pileated woodpecker, and flammulated owl) and fish (redband trout, bull trout, and cutthroat trout) on more than 700,000 acres of Montana State trust lands. The project involves extensive alternative development with screening criteria; negotiations between state and federal agencies; and substantial GIS analysis for wildlife modeling, alternative development, and resource analysis, including support for the USFWS biological opinion.

BIA Range Vegetative Survey – NM

Parametrix is conducting a range vegetation survey for the Acoma, Isleta, and Zia Pueblo Indian reservations. We are categorizing habitats according to the NRCS eco-site descriptions and sampling a representative number of transects within each eco-site. We will determine the range condition, make recommendations for improvement, and develop livestock stocking rates.

Road Maintenance and Abandonment Planning EIS – WA

Parametrix prepared a draft and final programmatic SEPA EIS that evaluated the effects of proposed modifications to rules governing road maintenance and abandonment planning for small forest landowners throughout the state of Washington. The existing permanent rules were developed in 2001 and placed an excessive burden on forest landowners who do not generate substantial income from timber harvest on their lands.

NEPA Compliance

Makah Whale Hunt EIS – Neah Bay, WA

Parametrix was responsible for a nationally and internationally significant EIS that reviews and evaluates the effects of the Makah tribe’s request to resume hunting of the gray whale off the coast of Washington. The EIS reviews compliance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Whaling Convention Act, and whaling regulations associated with the International Whaling Commission. The effort involved extensive scoping, public meetings, alternatives analyses with screening criteria, and preparation of the draft EIS. Parametrix is currently responding to comments and will be supporting NMFS in preparation of the final EIS.

NMDOT Environmental Services On-Call – NM

Parametrix has been awarded on-call environmental services contracts with NMDOT since 1996. In addition, we have served as a subconsultant for other firms’ on-call contracts with NMDOT. We have completed about 200 assignments, most of which were for NMDOT in-house design and maintenance projects. The projects have included many cultural resource surveys as part of the package of environmental services. The work has required coordination with NMDOT personnel, contractors, environmental interest groups, and the public at large. Many of the on-call projects have been relatively simple clearance surveys, however, others have involved large-scale linear surveys including many types of resources, such as prehistoric and historic archaeological sites and historic buildings, bridges, road and railroad segments, and irrigation systems.

I-5 Columbia River Crossing – OR and WA

The objective of this project is to evaluate the Columbia River Crossing alternatives for I-5 between Portland and Vancouver. The project team includes nationally recognized experts in bridge, freeway, and transit design; combined FHWA and FTA NEPA studies; and project financing. Parametrix is part of a multi-consultant team and is managing the NEPA process for the project, developing natural and built environment and cultural resources technical reports in support of the EIS, writing the EIS, conducting an alternatives analysis and is responsible for bi-state agency coordination.

Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement EIS – Seattle, WA

Parametrix was the lead environmental consultant responsible for developing the first reader-friendly EIS and permits on a fast-track schedule for replacing the seismically vulnerable SR 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct. Nationally, the EIS has been distinguished for its clear writing and ground-breaking approach to streamlining the environmental review process.

Idaho Department of Lands Forestry Program EIS – ID

Parametrix is working with the Idaho Department of Lands to prepare an EIS to gain acceptance of its Idaho Forestry Program as the basis for an ESA Section 6 Cooperative Agreement. In addition to the Department of Lands, the project will involve coordination with the USFWS and the NMFS. The ultimate goal is to find an alternative that will both satisfy the ESA and optimize Idaho’s use of its forest resources. The benefits to be gained are more comprehensive conservation for listed species, a long-term perspective on forest resource management, protection of listed fish species and habitat, and an accepted protocol for implementing incidental take coverage. Incidental take coverage is a permit that allows you to continue engaging in a legal activity that may be harming a listed species.