MEMO NO. ESA-2 February 14, 2011 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS SUPPLEMENTAL INFO – ESA - CONSIDERATION OF GRAY WOLF SUBJECT: Environmental practitioners FOR ATTENTION OF: Environmental Process Manual REFERENCE: Sec 1050.02 ESA Procedures Memo Purpose: To clarify and streamline recommended procedures for addressing Gray Wolf Applicable for Categorical Exclusion projects south of I-90 NO JEOPARDY LANGUAGE. FHWA has issued a programmatic No Jeopardy determination for Gray Wolf south of I-90. When discussing Gray Wolf in your biological evaluations, please use the boilerplate language below: In September 2010, FHWA issued a Programmatic Determination of No Jeopardy to Gray Wolf for Federal Aid Transportation Projects in Idaho. FHWA determined that Federal Aid transportation projects in Idaho, either individually or cumulatively, will not jeopardize the continued existence of the gray wolf. This determination was applied to projects south of Interstate 90 (I-90) in Idaho, where gray wolf has been re-introduced as a non-essential, experimental species under Section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A full copy of the programmatic determination is on file at ITD and FHWA. The determination is herein incorporated into the project record by reference. REEVALUATIONS/ADDENDUMS. The addition of Gray Wolf language to the project No Effect determination is treated as a change’ reevaluation to the NEPA ‘no documentation and approval. Complete the Environmental Reevaluation form (ITD 674) and submit to ITD HQ. No further approvals or concurrence is needed. Memo Review: Concurrence was received from FHWA Feb 2011. Future action: Review guidance for inclusion in Environmental Process manual.
MEMO NO. ESA-2 February 14, 2011 ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESS – SUPPLEMENTAL INFO SUBJECT: ESA - CONSIDERATION OF GRAY WOLF FOR ATTENTION OF: Environmental practitioners REFERENCE: Environmental Process Manual Sec 1050.02 ESA Procedures Memo Purpose: To clarify and streamline recommended procedures for addressing Gray Wolf Applicable for Categorical Exclusion projects south of I-90 NO JEOPARDY LANGUAGE. FHWA has issued a programmatic No Jeopardy determination for Gray Wolf south of I-90. When discussing Gray Wolf in your biological evaluations, please use the boilerplate language below: In September 2010, FHWA issued a Programmatic Determination of No Jeopardy to Gray Wolf for Federal Aid Transportation Projects in Idaho. FHWA determined that Federal Aid transportation projects in Idaho, either individually or cumulatively, will not jeopardize the continued existence of the gray wolf. This determination was applied to projects south of Interstate 90 (I-90) in Idaho, where gray wolf has been re-introduced as a non-essential, experimental species under Section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A full copy of the programmatic determination is on file at ITD and FHWA. The determination is herein incorporated into the project record by reference. REEVALUATIONS/ADDENDUMS. The addition of Gray Wolf language to the project No Effect determination is treated as a ‘no change’ reevaluation to the NEPA documentation and approval. Complete the Environmental Reevaluation form (ITD 674) and submit to ITD HQ. No further approvals or concurrence is needed. Memo Review: Concurrence was received from FHWA Feb 2011. Future action: Review guidance for inclusion in Environmental Process manual.