Section One in the Manual

This revised manual was prepared by natural resources team members of the Savannah District Corps of Engineers to assist in identifying endangered animals and plants in the Georgia and South Carolina counties surrounding the Upper Savannah River Basin.  David Brady, retired Savannah District Wildlife Biologist and Judy Gordon, Augusta State University edited the original manual in October 1994. 

The manual's purpose is to provide practical guidance in identifying endangered and threatened species listed by federal and state agencies.  The manual includes descriptions of critical habitat with emphasis placed on the unique habitat needs of each species.  It should assist natural resource professionals in identifying endangered or threatened species and their habitat(s).

Georgia counties covered by this manual are Stephens, Franklin, Hart, Elbert, Wilkes, Lincoln, Columbia, and McDuffie Counties.  South Carolina counties include Oconee, Pickens, Anderson, Abbeville, and McCormick.  A map of these counties and adjacent counties is included on page 4, Section One, for quick reference.  A map identifying a listed species' known range within the upper basin is available as part of each species description; maps and listings are based on both historical and extant population records.

Endangered species surveys that are to be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for approval must include Federally listed endangered species found in all adjacent counties to include those counties not normally associated with the Upper Savannah River Basin (USRB).  Ranger personnel are not usually involved with the preparation of endangered species surveys, however all resource management personnel should be aware of endangered and threatened species listed in immediate and neighboring counties.  Appendix A contains a list of adjacent counties and the endangered species listed for those counties.  Appendix B describes protected fish species, which are usually checked by federal and state fisheries biologists or the District Fisheries Biologist.  Appendix C includes rare plants found on USRB Corps projects.  Additional information on species outside the USRB can be obtained from the District Wildlife Biologist.

An up-to-date list of protected species is maintained by the USFWS.  State natural resource agencies also keep current lists of state and federally protected species. The District Wildlife Biologist will maintain current information and updated materials.  As information becomes available, this manual will be updated.  

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