Environmental Review Approaches by Fish and Wildlife Agencies in the United States and Canada

We surveyed U.S. state and Canadian provincial fish and wildlife agencies regarding their participation and approach to environmental review (i.e., review of project permit applications or proposals for environmental impacts). Most agencies dedicated a personnel unit to environmental review ranging from 1 individual to a staff of 38, and staffs are administered within various divisions or programs. Agencies annually reviewed from 10 to 7,500 projects for environmental impact, and state and provincial agencies spent an average of 3,681 hours (state) and 700 hours (provincial) on projects monthly. An average of 1,760 hours (state) and 390 hours (provincial) was spent annually on proactive measures such as environmental education and land use planning. Most agencies viewed environmental review as very important; however, agencies generally reported limited success in influencing the outcome of reviewed projects, and many identified this as a dissatisfying aspect of the review process. State and provincial agencies have adopted a variety of approaches to accomplish environmental review. Examining the alternative strategies and approaches employed among agencies may add perspective and provide successful models to enhance other agencies' programs.