Hicks & Company has a long history of providing quality field work and relevant expertise relating to the evaluation of natural resources potentially impacted by development projects and associated ecological planning.

Hicks & Company has a reputation for  providing quality field work and relevant expertise relating to evaluation and documentation of potential project impacts on fish and wildlife resources, sensitive species, and habitats.  Our staff demonstrates mult-faceted experience with t wetland delineation and permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 (Clean Water Act) program, as well as providing wetland mitigation planning and monitoring services. We are equally adept at assessing and evaluating endangered species habitat, conducting presence/absence surveys for listed wildlife and plant species according to required protocols,  and providing guidance to project sponsors to assure regulatory compliance of proposed projects with the Endangered Species Act.  Hicks & Company has assisted clients with the development of Habitat Conservation Plans under Section 10(a) of the Act,  and has provided assistance in consulting with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and developing biological assessments under Section 7.

Ecological staff has conducted numerous vegetation surveys and  quantitative wildlife habitat appraisals and assessments to identify the kinds and extent of potential resource impacts, and develop appropriate mitigation measures to assure regulatory compliance. Our capabilities include expertise with  water resources, including aquatic ecology and water quality assessments and mitigation, watershed planning, and stream channel and riparian corridor restoration. Hicks and Company maintains updated permits issued by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct endangered species surveys. 

These broad services provide a strong background for assisting clients with specific needs.

• Early identification and avoidance of natural resource constraints
• Wetland delineation and permitting through U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Clean Water Act Section 404 program
• Wetland mitigation planning and long-term monitoring
• Endangered species habitat assessments/presence or absence surveys/regulatory consultation under the Endangered Species Act
•  Regional habitat conservation planning and coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to address potential “incidental take”  of endangered species under Section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act
• Regulatory consultation and preparation of Biological Assessments under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act
• Vegetation community surveys and quantitative sampling
• Development of plans to create, restore, or enhance habitat
• Aquatic ecology and water quality assessment and mitigation
• Watershed Planning,  stream channel and riparian corridor restoration
• Investigation of sensitive environmental features identified by city or county ordinances such as Critical Environmental Features (CEFs) included under City of Austin environmental regulations
• Ecological Risk Assessment
• Tree Surveys
• Habitat Appraisal and Damage Assessment