How to Apply for ES Permits

Permits for Endangered Species 
Native to the United States
Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act regulates a range of activities that a
threatened plants and animals. With some exceptions, the Act prohibits activit
protected species and their habitats unless authorized by a permit from the U
Service. Permitted activities must be designed to be consistent with the conse
species.
If you want permitting information for species that are not native to the Unite
not threatened or endangered, follow the links below to go to sites with inform
you.
Permits Issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - general informatio
permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Permits for International Species

Three Permit Types
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues three types of permits for endangere
species native to the United States. An overview of these permits is provided i
- Permits for Native Species Under the Endangered Species Act - with additi
provided below.

Recovery Permits and Interstate Commerce Perm
Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Ac
Recovery and interstate commerce permits are issued to allow for take a
activities intended to foster the recovery of listed species. A typical use o
permit is to allow for scientific research on a listed species in order to un
the species’ long-term survival needs. Examples include: abundance surv
research, relocations, capture and marking and telemetric monitoring. In
commerce permits also allow transport and sale of listed species across s
for recovery purposes such as a breeding program).
For Permit Holders
Permit Contact Information for Region 3 (Midwest Region) - list inc

purpose of your activity is not scientific research or enhancement of a lis
you may need to obtain an Incidental Take Permit (section 10(a)(1)(B)).
Examples of activities that may require an Incidental Take Permit include
limited to: construction and/or development activities or in-stream or wa
activities that may impact listed species.
Incidental Take Permits and Habitat Conservation Plans
HCPs in the Upper Midwest (Region 3)
Principal Deputy Director's Memorandum Regarding Guidance on W
Seek an Incidental Take Permit (April 26, 2018) [1.2MB]

Enhancement of Survival Permits
This type of permit is different than the two previous types. It was
as a mechanism to promote endangered species conservation on n
lands and is used in conjunction with Safe Harbor Agreements and
Conservation Agreements with Assurances. The enhancement perm
conjunction with one of these Agreements, allows landowners to im
habitat for listed species without incurring additional restrictions if
the area occupied by the species increases or their number increas
Enhancement of Survival Permits
Safe Harbor Agreements
Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances

How to Apply for a Permit
First, contact your nearest USFWS Ecological Services Office. Service staff can
whether your proposed project or action is likely to result in "take", whether a
or if there are other options to consider. Our staff can also provide technical as
design your project to avoid take. For example, the project could be designed
restrictions on construction to minimize disturbance during the nesting season
the need for an incidental take permit.
If you decide that a permit is needed, the next step is to complete an applicat
This link will take you to the forms and application instructions on our nationa
How to Apply

Additional Information about Endangered Speci

In writing:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Program - Permits
5600 American Blvd. West, Suite 990
Bloomington, MN 55437-1458
By phone:
(612) 713-5339