Many native plants and animals are listed as endangered, threatened or in need of conservation in Maryland. State law requires that all State agencies conserve and protect these species. The Environmental Review system is the primary method used to ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by other State agencies do not jeopardize the continued existence of listed species. Through this system, the Wildlife and Heritage Service reviews hundreds of projects each year to identify potential impacts to known locations of rare, threatened, or endangered species and their habitats. When potential impacts are identified, Regional Ecologists work with the applicant to avoid or minimize disturbance.

Other organizations, such as county planning and zoning agencies and private consulting firms, also frequently request a review of their project for potential impacts to rare species. Discovering the possibility for potential impacts early in the planning process is extremely important. It is usually much easier and less expensive to make any necessary changes to avoid negative impacts early in the planning process than after project development is under way.

If you are interested in submitting an environmental review request, please send a cover letter describing the entire project and the full nature of your request along with a map with the project location and site boundaries clearly delineated. Examples of map sources include a USGS 7.5 minute topographic quadrangle, ADC book map, Mapquest image, etc. Send your request to:

Lori Byrne
DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service
580 Taylor Ave.
Tawes Office Bldg E-1
Annapolis MD 21401

Phone: 410-260-8573
Toll-Free in Maryland: 1-877-620-8DNR, Ext. 8573

This information can also be faxed to the attention of Lori Byrne
at 410-260-8596. 

Please Note: This review is provided free of charge and can take an average of 30 days to complete, depending on the overall scope of potential impacts of the proposed activity.