Wildlife tools, by location.

From field notes to a report

Report preparation checklist

Review the building blocks of a clear biological report. Adapt this general TTB checklist to the assignment, current protocol and applicable project requirements.

Download report outline (.txt)

This is an organizing aid. Completing the checklist does not establish regulatory compliance or replace a qualified review.

Mark each item as you review it

Project scopeIdentify the project, location, proposed work, footprint and decision the report supports. Sources and datesRecord data providers, dataset dates, access dates and the boundaries used for each search. Survey methods and effortDescribe observers, dates, start and end times, weather, methods, equipment and coverage. Observations and evidenceSeparate desktop records from field observations. Link species IDs, habitat notes, photographs and maps to the findings. Limitations and uncertaintyDocument access gaps, visibility, seasonal or detection limits, and unconfirmed identifications. A non-detection alone does not establish absence. Measures and their basisDistinguish agency guidance, project commitments and permit conditions. Record the source and who will implement each applicable measure. Follow-up and communicationIdentify unresolved questions, next steps, responsible parties, and any coordination or review still needed. Attachments and quality reviewCheck dates, units, species names, map legends, photo references, source citations and consistency with the supporting field records.