The Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA)

The FWCA requires any department or agency of the United States proposing to design a water development project, that will potentially control or modify a body of water, must first consult with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The Act was passed to ensure developers designing water-related projects (e.g., flood control, irrigation, navigation, hydroelectric power) consider conserving fish and wildlife resources into project plans.

Two general types of activities exempt from the Act are (1) water impoundments with a surface area of less than ten acres (approximately 4 ha) and (2) programs for land management and use carried out by federal agencies on land under their jurisdiction. In addition, the provisions of the Act do not apply to the Tennessee Valley Authority.

aci consulting coordinates with USFWS on behalf of public works projects regarding their activities.