This bulletin provides oil and natural gas operators with information on conservation measures to support planning and execution of onshore oil and natural gas projects in the United States for conventional and unconventional (shale) developments. The species and habitat conservation fundamentals presented are processes and practices used to manage potential risks of project related impacts on wildlife and habitats. These processes and practices are aimed primarily at industry professionals responsible for managing the potential risks of project impacts on biodiversity, but may also be used by contractors, subcontractors, and vendors.

This document provides a brief explanation of the typical technology, practices, and processes employed by the oil and natural gas industry to identify, explore, develop, and produce hydrocarbon resources, with conservation processes and practices discussed in more detail. The industry employs a wide variety of operational practices in conjunction with environmental site screening and baseline environmental surveys to identify and mitigate adverse impacts during the exploration and production project life cycle. This bulletin provides flexible and adaptable strategies, acknowledging that the application will vary between operators and environmental settings.