Nurturing Nature

Langan Conducts Habitat Assessments for Utility Clients

For Bob March and his natural resources team, the birds and the bees are a daily topic of conversation—literally. As utility clients seek balance between physically maintaining their vast network of utility lines and the diverse ecosystems that have adapted around them, Langan conducts comprehensive habitat assessments that help protect threatened and endangered species and enable energy projects to power ahead.

Whether installing new utility infrastructure in undeveloped areas, implementing storm hardening measures in a residential neighborhood, or decommissioning outdated transmission lines, these projects could have immediate and long-term effects on the surrounding habitats and wildlife. To proactively counteract potential negative impacts, Langan’s natural resources group assesses the ecology of each project area. Assignments range from routine wetlands and wildlife assessments to more unique assessments focused on invasive species, pollinator habitats, trees, and wildlife diversity sampling and evaluation.

Once collected, the team shares updates with clients, sends samples to associated laboratory facilities, and uploads information to databases of partnering conservation organizations and entities. As these types of requests become more common, it supports the expansion of public awareness and the data necessary to help inform government agencies responsible for conservation regulations.

“It should come as no surprise that natural resources specialists are passionate about protecting native species and improving the environments that we work in,” said March, Associate, Langan Natural Resources/Permitting. “At the same time, we are committed to helping our clients achieve their project goals. For utility providers, this means minimizing environmental impacts and nurturing ecosystems while also optimizing the services they distribute to the homes and businesses in their territories.”