2024 – Weekly Highlights from the Asheville Field Office, Asheville, North Carolina

2024 – Weekly Highlights from the Asheville Field Office, Asheville, North Carolina

Forest Service meeting

Asheville Field Office biologist Rebekah Reid recently conducted a session with U.S. Forest Service staff from the National Forests of North Carolina to educate them on resources for evaluating projects for threatened or endangered species impacts under the Endangered Species Act. The session included information on the Service’s online Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) tool and determination keys to help project proponents assess potential impacts on listed species.

Bio-blitz

Biologist Mark Endries assisted biology students at the University of North Carolina – Asheville in conducting a bio-blitz at a nearby natural area, working with the town of Weaverville to host the event on town land under a conservation easement.

New pollinator garden

Student volunteers from Buncombe County Early College installed a pollinator garden at Asheville-Buncombe Technical College, arranged by biologist Bryan Tompkins. This initiative is part of a partnership between the Service and Buncombe County Schools to promote pollinator conservation.

Land conservancy presentation

Representatives from the Asheville Field Office, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service participated in the North Carolina Land Trust Federation Assembly to discuss collaboration with land conservancies for habitat protection.

Bat detection training

Biologist Rebekah Reid completed training on the use of acoustic sensors to detect bats, a crucial skill as more bat species face protective measures under the Endangered Species Act.