About this Collection
Note: Solar and wind projects are currently not eligible to utilize the Information for Planning and Consultation website and associated Dkeys (per the July 15, 2025, DOI memo titled, “Departmental Review Procedures for Decisions, Actions, Consultations, and other Undertakings Related to Wind and Solar Energy Facilities” ).
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About the Missouri D-key:
The Missouri Endangered Species Determination Key (DKey) is an interactive tool developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Missouri Ecological Services Field Office to help project proponents navigate the requirements of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) more efficiently. Delivered through the Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) platform, this tool serves as a streamlined pathway for evaluating potential impacts of proposed projects on federally listed species and their critical habitats across Missouri. The Missouri DKey simplifies the often-complex ESA consultation process by guiding users through a structured series of questions tailored to their project’s location and scope. Based on responses and spatial data, the tool produces pre-determined biological effect outcomes such as “no effect,” “not likely to adversely affect,” or “may affect.” These outcomes are designed to reflect the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recommended determinations and may be used to complete section 7 consultations for federal actions or to obtain technical assistance for non-federal projects.
- Accessible to Many Users: Open to federal agencies, consultants, landowners, developers, and others—whether a project is federally funded, permitted, or privately initiated.
- Species Covered: All federally listed species in Missouri are included, such as listed bats, mussels, fish, insects, and plants. The Dkey does not generally cover species proposed for listing, critical habitat proposed for designation, or nonessential experimental populations (NEPs)
- Missouri-Only Coverage: Projects must fall entirely within Missouri to use the tool.
- Limitations: Certain high-impact or complex actions are excluded and require direct consultation with the Missouri Field Office. These include Wind turbine facilities, dam or cave modifications, stream or sinkhole discharges, chemical applications, and purposeful take or collection of listed species
- Benefits: The Missouri DKey provides clarity and consistency in ESA compliance, reduces delays and uncertainty in project planning, and supports the conservation of Missouri’s at-risk species.
Standing Analysis Supporting the Missouri Dkey
The standing analysis for the Missouri DKey provides the regulatory justification for decisions and effect determinations derived from the key. It documents the statutory and policy framework under the Endangered Species Act, the biological considerations specific to each species, and the geographic and project-based applicability of the DKey. This analysis ensures that each outcome of the key is transparent, legally defensible, and supported by the best available scientific information.
Missouri Instructions for using IPaC
Missouri ESA Consultation and Technical Assistance Contact Information
For most projects within Missouri, the DKey offers a user-friendly way to meet ESA requirements while supporting wildlife protection and habitat conservation.