Home > Services:Expertise > Terrestrial Resources >

Species and Habitats at Risk

Background

The Species At Risk Act (SARA) is new legislation aimed at protecting federally listed species. Selected sections of the Act came into force on June 5, 2003. As the Act is being implemented in a phased way, additional sections of the Act will become enforceable in coming months and years.

SARA Watch Newsletter

To help proponents stay informed of new developments with the SARA and the associated implications for their operations, our Wildlife and Vegetation staff are producing the SARA Watch: What You Need to Know newsletter. The first issue was released in February 2004. New issues will be released as new information about the SARA becomes available.

Current Issue

February 2004 (PDF, 749 KB)

AXYS Services

AXYS has dedicated staff members who are continually tracking the progression of the SARA, and the implications of the Act on the planning, approval, construction, and operations of client projects.

Screening for Species At Risk

AXYS can perform desktop screenings of your proposed developments and operations for species and habitats at risk using an array of digital data sources, combined with expert scientific knowledge of species and habitat. Such issues-scoping exercises will help you to identify and assess potential SARA-related liabilities and to subsequently reduce potential risks.

Professional biologists at AXYS can conduct field surveys for species at risk and their habitat to provide further site-specific information for mitigation planning.

Project Application Support

AXYS understands the implications of the SARA on regulatory applications for recreational, industrial, and housing/ commercial developments. AXYS can assist proponents in the planning, consultation, and approval processes to ensure compliance with SARA requirements.

AXYS can also help to identify potential cost-effective stewardship opportunities that will meet the intent of the SARA and foster positive relationships with the public and regulators.

Company Knowledge and Education

AXYS can provide information and perspectives on what this legislation means for your business, both for day-to-day operations and for larger applications. AXYS can also prepare background discussion papers, presentations, and information packages on the SARA for your employees, contractors, and stakeholder groups.