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<br />. The Biological Services I"rogram was'establishedwithin the u.s.
<br />and Wildlife Service to supply scientific information and methodologies on
<br />key environmental issues which have an impact fish and wildlife resources
<br />and their supporting ecosystems. The mission of" the Program is as follows:
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<br />To strengthen the Fish and Wildlife Service in its role as a primary
<br />source of information on natural fish and wildlife resources, pare
<br />ticularly with respect to environmental impact assessment.
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<br />To gather, analyze. and present information that will aid decision-
<br />makers in the identification and resolution of problems associated
<br />with major land and water use changes. .
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<br />To provide better ecological information and evaluation for Depart-
<br />. ment of the Interior development programs. such as those relating
<br />to energy development.
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<br />Information developed by the Biological Services Program is intended
<br />for use in the planning and decisionmaking process, to prevent Of minimize
<br />the impact of development on fish and wildlife. Biological Services research
<br />activities and technical assistance services are based on an analysis of the
<br />issues, the decision makers involved and their information needs, and an
<br />evaluation of the state-of-the-art to identify information gaps and determine
<br />priorities. This is a strategy to assure that the products produced and dis-
<br />seminated will be timely and useful. .
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<br />Coal extraction and conversion
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<br />Biological Services projects have been initiated in the following areas:
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<br />Geothermal. mineral, and oil shale development
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<br />Power plants
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<br />Water resource analysis. including stream alterations and western
<br />water allocation
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<br />Coastal ecosystems and Outer Continentai Shelf development.
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<br />Systems and inventory, including National Wetlands Inventory, habi-
<br />tat classification and analysis. and information transfer
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<br />The Program consists of the Office of Biological Services in Washington.
<br />D.C., which is responsible for overall planning and management; National
<br />",.TE!ams which provide the Program's central, scientific and technical expertise. .,..,.
<br />. nd which arrange for contracting of Biological ServIces studies with States;"'. ..'
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<br />niversities.i:onsulting firms. and others; Regional staff who provide a link
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<br />o problems at the operating level; and staff at certain Fish and Wildlife
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<br />eniice,r~earch facilities who conduct,inhouse research ~tudies:'
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