Common use of Response Planning Clause in Contracts

Response Planning. ‌ The primary purpose of the Wildlife Branch is to provide the best achievable care for impacted wildlife and to minimize wildlife losses, which includes preventing injury to wildlife or habitats from both the oil and the implementation of response countermeasures. However, undertaking an effective response requires planning and preparation before the need to respond to an actual incident. State and federal trustees are encouraged to work with the oil industry and Northwest Area wildlife recovery and rehabilitation organizations to prepare an adequate response capability for Wildlife Branch operations. Preparation involves assessing potential impacts to wildlife; ensuring that adequate equipment, personnel, and wildlife response protocols are available; and practicing the planned response through oil spill exercises. In particular, oiled wildlife rehabilitation requires large amounts of space, water, and personnel, and these resources are not readily available without prior planning. The Wildlife Task Force of the Regional Response Team/NWAC will continue to work with state and federal trustees to develop a list of trained personnel and existing and needed equipment.