By planning ahead and taking into account various seasonal constraints posed by many protected species, surveys conducted during designated survey seasons provide valuable knowledge on whether protected species may or may not occur within an applicant’s project area. 

Surveys can avoid potential delays in the permitting process, or enable construction to occur within an area found to be absent of protected species.  Surveys may also provide applicants with valuable information on the potential effects of defined actions on populations of rare species, and decisions can be made to avoid, seasonally restrict, or mitigate impacts upon sensitive species habitat.