Jess Kuchera Earns Dakota Skipper Recovery Permit

Jess Kuchera Earns Dakota Skipper Recovery Permit 

​​Bismarck, ND –​ April 29, 2025 –   

KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ) is pleased to announce that Jess Kuchera, Environmental Specialist, has earned her Dakota Skipper Recovery Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

The Dakota skipper, federally protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), is a small butterfly native to north-central United States and southern Canada prairie regions. The permit authorizes work that aids the recovery of the threatened Dakota skipper, including scientific research, occupancy surveys, and habitat delineations in an effort to support the species’ survival and propagation. This specialized work provides essential data used in recovery planning, land management decisions, and ESA consultations. 

This certification allows Kuchera to support conservation efforts in prairie habitats, particularly for projects involving prairie ecosystems. It enhances KLJ’s environmental team’s ability to deliver thoughtful, regulatory-compliant solutions for clients. “Jess’ commitment to native rangeland conservation efforts and in-depth knowledge of species-specific permitting requirements adds great value to our team and the clients we support.” said Jackie Dylla, Vice President of KLJ’s Environment and Corridor Services. “This certification allows Jess to take her work to the next level and further her impact,” she added.  

Kuchera’s environmental experience includes numerous comprehensive vegetation surveys and inventories, wildlife surveys, land reclamation inspections, Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) inspections, pipeline construction monitoring, and extensive permitting work. Her core focus areas include wetland delineations, presence and habitat surveys for threatened and endangered species, drafting environmental documents, and managing right-of-way permitting for local, state, and federal clients. She earned her bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University of Jamestown. 

Since the 1930s, KLJ has worked alongside communities and clients of all sizes; partnering with cities, counties, and developers — just to name a few. At KLJ, we plan, design, and support infrastructure across the country such as roads, runways, pipelines, and parks. We create solutions that turn visions into reality and improve the lives of people and communities across the nation. We do this by focusing on a business model that puts the customer first, providing an exceptional experience that truly reimagines what projects can become. KLJ has office locations that span several states and cities, but that doesn’t mean we only work from those locations. We’re proud to say we work in various geographies and markets across the nation and with the right people, in the right place, at the right time, we’re helping communities move forward and grow. For more information about KLJ, visit www.kljeng.com.