Can a Wildlife Management Plan be e‑signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally acceptable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are demonstrable.

Who is authorized to sign the plan?

Authorized signatories are normally the legal owner, an appointed agent, or a designated project manager. Confirm signatory authority in organizational resolutions or power of attorney documents.

Are notarization or witnesses required?

Most wildlife plans do not require notarization, but specific permit attachments or land conveyance documents may. Check state or agency rules and use RON if accepted by the receiving authority.

How do I update a submitted plan?

Document amendments in a revision section, date each change, obtain approvals from original signatories or delegated authorities, and resubmit to agencies per their amendment procedures.

How long must records be kept?

Retain the plan for the active project term plus at least three years; industry standards and HIPAA or tax rules may require longer retention periods, see retention timeline above.

What happens if permit reviewers request changes?

Respond with revised sections, supporting survey data, or clarifying language. Maintain version control and capture approvals with a dated signature or electronic audit trail for the record.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Wildlife Management Plan

Wildlife Management Plan

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN

This Wildlife Management Plan (the "Plan") is made and entered into on by and between Client Name: and Contractor Name: .

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Client requires professional wildlife management services at the project site located at (the "Site");

WHEREAS, Contractor possesses the necessary expertise, personnel, permits, and equipment to implement wildlife management, monitoring, and mitigation measures described herein; and

WHEREAS, the parties desire to set forth the scope, performance standards, reporting obligations, compensation, and legal terms governing the delivery of wildlife management services at the Site.

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this Plan: "Sensitive Species" means species listed by applicable authorities as endangered, threatened, or of special concern; "Mitigation Measures" means the avoidance, minimization, or compensation actions described in Section Mitigation Measures; "Report" means written monitoring and incident reports delivered pursuant to this Plan.

PROJECT IDENTIFICATION

Project Name Primary Contact for Client Primary Contact for Contractor

SCOPE OF WORK

Contractor shall perform wildlife management services at the Site including but not limited to surveys, exclusion and deterrent measures, habitat modification, relocation of wildlife when authorized by applicable law, and implementation of mitigation measures described below. Contractor's obligations include obtaining necessary permits, executing avoidance procedures, and providing monitoring and reporting as set forth in this Plan.

Detailed Scope of Work (describe tasks, frequencies, and deliverables)

MITIGATION MEASURES & BEST PRACTICES

Contractor shall implement mitigation measures to avoid and minimize impacts to wildlife and sensitive habitats. The parties agree that the following measures will be used as applicable:

Erection of exclusion fencing and physical barriers

Seasonal work-window and timing restrictions to avoid breeding seasons

Habitat restoration and post-activity revegetation

On-site biological monitoring and immediate cessation of work if sensitive species are encountered

Additional Mitigation Measures

MONITORING AND REPORTING

Contractor shall provide monitoring of mitigation effectiveness and comply with reporting obligations. Reports shall document field observations, incidents, corrective actions, and recommendations.

Monitoring Frequency Reporting Requirements (format, recipients, and timing)

PERMITS AND COMPLIANCE

Contractor warrants it shall obtain and maintain all permits, licenses, and approvals required by applicable law to perform the services under this Plan and shall comply with all conditions thereof.

Are permits required? Permit Numbers / Authorizations

INSURANCE, INDEMNITY, AND LIABILITY

Contractor shall maintain insurance coverage sufficient to cover liabilities arising from performance of the services, including commercial general liability and professional liability as applicable. Contractor shall defend, indemnify, and hold Client harmless from third-party claims to the extent caused by Contractor's negligent acts, omissions, or willful misconduct.

Insurance Coverage Types and Limits

PAYMENT TERMS

Client shall pay Contractor for services performed under this Plan in accordance with the compensation and schedule set forth below. Invoices are due within the number of days specified below from receipt unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Total Contract Amount Payment Schedule and Milestones Payment Due Days After Invoice Late Fee

TERM AND TERMINATION

This Plan shall commence on the Start Date and shall continue in effect until the End Date unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section.

Start Date: End Date:

Notice Period for Termination Without Cause

Termination for material breach shall be effective upon written notice if the breaching party fails to cure within the notice period specified herein. Upon termination, Contractor shall deliver all completed work and an itemized invoice for work performed through the effective termination date, subject to offsets for damages.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Each party shall maintain in confidence all proprietary or non-public information disclosed by the other party in connection with this Plan, including wildlife location data, survey results, and mitigation strategies ("Confidential Information"). Confidential Information shall not be disclosed except to employees, consultants, or regulatory authorities with a need to know, or as required by law. Confidential Information does not include information that is or becomes publicly available without breach of this Plan, or information rightfully received from a third party without an obligation of confidentiality.

AMENDMENT

This Plan may be amended only by a written instrument signed by authorized representatives of both parties. Minor changes to operational procedures that do not materially alter obligations may be documented in field memos signed by both parties' project managers and incorporated into the Plan.

GOVERNING LAW

This Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to principles of conflicts of law.

ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Plan, together with any attachments, appendices, and referenced permits, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings, and representations, whether oral or written.

NOTICES

Client Notice Address Contractor Notice Address

CERTIFICATIONS

Contractor certifies that all work performed under this Plan will be carried out by personnel qualified for wildlife handling and monitoring, in compliance with all applicable laws and permit conditions, and that records of monitoring and incidents will be maintained and provided to Client upon request.

Contractor Qualifications and Licenses (brief)

Client:

By:

Date:

Contractor:

By:

Date:

What a Wildlife Management Plan Is and When It Applies

A Wildlife Management Plan is a written, site‑specific document that identifies species and habitats, describes management objectives, and sets out actions, timelines, monitoring, and responsibilities to sustain or restore wildlife values. It typically covers surveys, impact assessments, avoidance and mitigation measures, permitting needs, and adaptive monitoring. Agencies, landowners, developers, conservation organizations, and consultants use the plan to demonstrate regulatory compliance, document commitments in permit applications, and coordinate multi‑party implementation across construction, habitat restoration, and long‑term stewardship activities.

Why a Wildlife Management Plan Matters

A clear plan reduces project risk by documenting compliance requirements, measurable mitigation steps, funding needs, and monitoring protocols. It provides a defensible record for regulators, supports permit approval, and improves transparency with stakeholders. For electronic approvals, use an ESIGN‑compliant eSignature provider such as signNow to capture intent, audit trails, and retention evidence.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs These Plans

Multiple stakeholders prepare, review, and approve wildlife management plans depending on project scale and regulatory context.

Government agencies and regulators reviewing permit applications and enforcing mitigation commitments.
Private landowners, developers, and project managers coordinating site work and contractor obligations.
Conservation organizations, environmental consultants, and biological surveyors producing technical content and monitoring reports.

Roles may overlap: technical authors prepare species and habitat sections, legal or permitting staff manage submission, and authorized signatories execute commitments.

Core Sections Every Professional Plan Should Include

A comprehensive Wildlife Management Plan documents objectives, baseline conditions, actions, responsibilities, and monitoring while linking to permits and funding.

Project Scope

Define project area, ownership, project phases, and legal obligations so reviewers understand the plan's geographic and operational limits.

Species Inventory

List surveyed species, status (e.g., listed, sensitive), population data, survey methods, and seasonality to support mitigation choices.

Habitat Assessment

Describe habitat types, connectivity, critical features, and disturbance thresholds that guide avoidance and restoration decisions.

Management Actions

Detail avoidance, minimization, mitigation, restoration, and timing for each action, including contractor responsibilities and success criteria.

Monitoring Plan

Specify metrics, methods, frequency, thresholds for adaptive action, reporting cadence, and responsible parties for long‑term compliance.

Budget & Funding

Provide cost estimates, funding sources, contingency allowances, and who will hold long‑term stewardship or financial responsibility.

Essential Data Fields to Include

Project title: Short descriptive name

Project location: Address plus coordinates

Responsible parties: Owner and primary contacts

Permit numbers: Agency IDs if available

Effective date: MM/DD/YYYY format

Signatures: Authorized signer names

Step‑by‑Step: Completing a Wildlife Management Plan

Follow a sequential approach: collect baseline data, define objectives, design measures, assign responsibilities, and finalize approvals before implementation.

01

Gather records: Compile permits, maps, and prior surveys
02

Conduct surveys: Field inventory during appropriate seasons
03

Draft measures: Define avoidance, mitigation, and schedule
04

Review and sign: Obtain regulatory and stakeholder approvals

Configuring an Online Approval Workflow

Set up digital routing to ensure the plan reaches reviewers, signatories, and archival storage in the correct order.

Field	Configuration
Document Source	Upload PDF or DOCX
Authentication	Email link with optional SMS code
Routing Order	Sequential signers or parallel reviewers
Storage Location	Cloud archive PDF/A with audit trail

Where to Submit or File the Completed Plan

Identify recipient agencies and internal records locations before finalizing the plan so routing and public notice steps are clear.

State wildlife agency: Submit plan or application per agency instructions
County planning office: Include with land use and permit filings
Internal records: Store certified copy with project manager
Public notice: Provide required notices or comment periods

Technical Considerations for Digital Submission and Signing

Choose file formats, authentication strength, and integrations that satisfy agency requirements and preserve evidentiary value.

File formats: PDF/A, DOCX supported
Authentication: Email plus optional SMS or KBA
Integrations: Connect to cloud storage and permit systems

Ensure the platform provides an audit trail, tamper‑evident signing, and secure storage consistent with ESIGN and applicable agency guidance for admissible electronic records.

Typical Timing and Submission Deadlines to Track

Track key dates tied to permits, seasonal work windows, and reporting to avoid noncompliance and potential fines.

Plan effective date:

Date when obligations begin; set as MM/DD/YYYY

Permit application:

Submit per agency schedule; timelines vary

Public comment window:

Often 14–30 days for notices

Annual monitoring report:

Due annually or as specified by permit

Adaptive action review:

Trigger within 30 days of threshold exceedance

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Using outdated survey data or wrong seasonal windows that invalidate mitigation timing and trigger agency re‑reviews.
Omitting precise coordinates, parcel IDs, or permit numbers, causing routing errors or incomplete applications.
Vague or unconstrained mitigation measures without success criteria, resulting in unenforceable commitments and regulatory pushback.
Failing to assign clear responsibility and funding for long‑term monitoring and maintenance, causing plan implementation gaps.

Potential Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Plan

Permit denial: Application rejection

Civil fines: Monetary penalties

Enforcement action: Cease‑work orders

Habitat loss: Unmitigated damage

Funding withdrawal: Loss of grants or bonds

Legal liability: Litigation exposure

Real‑world Examples of Plan Use and Execution

Teams across sectors use formal wildlife plans to speed approvals and document compliant mitigation during property transactions and project buildouts.

Martin Properties

A small development needed remote approvals to keep schedules during construction season.

They emphasized mobile and offline signing to close quickly.
"I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built‑in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently." — Tim Martin, Founder

Optica Ventures LLC

A consultancy standardized plan templates for multiple clients to reduce drafting time and review cycles.

Templates captured species lists and monitoring windows.
"The interface is simple and easy‑to‑use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers." — Brian Fitzgibbons, COO

Comparing eSignature Options for Wildlife Management Plans

Select an ESIGN/UETA‑compliant provider that supports audit trails, required authentication, and file formats accepted by agencies. Pricing and caps vary by vendor and plan.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7‑day free trial	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Wildlife Management Plans

Answers to common procedural, legal, and technical questions about preparing, signing, and maintaining a Wildlife Management Plan.

Need help? Contact support

Can a Wildlife Management Plan be e‑signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally acceptable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided intent, consent, attribution, and reliable record retention are demonstrable.
Who is authorized to sign the plan?
Authorized signatories are normally the legal owner, an appointed agent, or a designated project manager. Confirm signatory authority in organizational resolutions or power of attorney documents.
Are notarization or witnesses required?
Most wildlife plans do not require notarization, but specific permit attachments or land conveyance documents may. Check state or agency rules and use RON if accepted by the receiving authority.
How do I update a submitted plan?
Document amendments in a revision section, date each change, obtain approvals from original signatories or delegated authorities, and resubmit to agencies per their amendment procedures.
How long must records be kept?
Retain the plan for the active project term plus at least three years; industry standards and HIPAA or tax rules may require longer retention periods, see retention timeline above.
What happens if permit reviewers request changes?
Respond with revised sections, supporting survey data, or clarifying language. Maintain version control and capture approvals with a dated signature or electronic audit trail for the record.

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