Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Memo on Threatened Species for the Lowell Tannery Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a memo detailing the threatened and endangered species that may be affected by the Lowell Tannery Hydroelectric Project. On August 21, 2025, Commission staff accessed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) website to generate a list of federally threatened, endangered, candidate, and proposed species that may occur within the project boundary. The list includes three federally listed species: the threatened Canada lynx, the endangered northern long-eared bat, and the endangered Atlantic salmon, as well as one proposed species: the monarch butterfly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three federally listed species were identified: the threatened Canada lynx, the endangered northern long-eared bat, and the endangered Atlantic salmon.
  • One proposed species was identified: the monarch butterfly.
  • No designated or proposed critical habitat is located within the project boundary.
  • The FWS recommends that the project proponent consider the conservation of threatened and endangered species in project planning.
  • The project proponent is responsible for complying with the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles.
  • The FWS encourages Federal agencies to include conservation of threatened and endangered species into their project planning to further the purposes of the Act.

Statistics:

  • Three federally listed species were identified.
  • One proposed species was identified.
  • No designated or proposed critical habitat is located within the project boundary.
  • The project proponent is required to comply with the ESA and MBTA by identifying potential impacts to migratory birds and eagles.
  • The FWS recommends that the project proponent consider conservation measures to avoid or minimize the production of project-related stressors.

Sources:

  • FERC Memorandum (FERC Project No. 4202-025)
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) website (https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov)
  • "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" (https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/endangered-species-consultation-handbook.pdf)
  • Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA)
  • Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA)
  • Executive Order 13186: Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds