127.7 Threatened and Endangered Species - Revision history

Hoskir: /* 127.7.6.2 Laws and Regulations */ updated per email

2024-09-06T19:36:26Z

127.7.6.2 Laws and Regulations: updated per email

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:36, 6 September 2024
Line 151:		Line 151:

	===127.7.6.2 Laws and Regulations===		===127.7.6.2 Laws and Regulations===
	[https://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/migtrea.html The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918] makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase or barter any migratory bird, or the parts, nests or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to Federal regulations. The migratory bird species protected by the act are listed in [https://www.~~fws~~.gov/~~migratorybirds~~/~~pdf~~/~~policies~~-~~and~~-~~regulations~~/~~MBTAListofBirdsFinalRule~~.~~pdf~~ 50 CFR 10.13]. “Take” refers to killing adults, eggs or young of the bird species protected by the act.		[https://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/migtrea.html The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918] makes it illegal for anyone to take, possess, import, export, transport, sell, purchase, barter, or offer for sale, purchase or barter any migratory bird, or the parts, nests or eggs of such a bird except under the terms of a valid permit issued pursuant to Federal regulations. The migratory bird species protected by the act are listed in [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-50/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-10/subpart-B/section-10.13 50 CFR 10.13]. “Take” refers to killing adults, eggs or young of the bird species protected by the act.

	===127.7.6.3 Process===		===127.7.6.3 Process===

Hoskir: /* 127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities */ updated JSP link

2023-03-06T13:37:19Z

127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities: updated JSP link

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:37, 6 March 2023
Line 161:		Line 161:

	===127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities===		===127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities===
	This district is responsible for reporting any nests known to be present on the structure when submitting and RES. If nests are present, the [https://~~spexternal~~.modot.~~mo.gov/sites/de/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/sites~~/de/JSP/NJSP1606.docx~~&action=default~~ JSP for avoidance] will be used and must be followed. If the district would like to include any bridges on the annual depredation permit, they must notify their Environmental contact. Bridges can be added to the permit at any time, but it is best to include it in the initial permit application (usually submitted to APHIS and USFWS each January). Removal of active nests under the depredation permit requires annual reporting to the USFWS. The Environmental contact will distribute a form to district Design and Construction Management staff late in the calendar year for reporting nests taken during the previous construction season.		This district is responsible for reporting any nests known to be present on the structure when submitting and RES. If nests are present, the [https://epg.modot.org/forms/JSP/NJSP1606.docx JSP for avoidance] will be used and must be followed. If the district would like to include any bridges on the annual depredation permit, they must notify their Environmental contact. Bridges can be added to the permit at any time, but it is best to include it in the initial permit application (usually submitted to APHIS and USFWS each January). Removal of active nests under the depredation permit requires annual reporting to the USFWS. The Environmental contact will distribute a form to district Design and Construction Management staff late in the calendar year for reporting nests taken during the previous construction season.

	===127.7.6.5 Environmental Section Responsibilities===		===127.7.6.5 Environmental Section Responsibilities===

Smithk: minor clarifications

2021-11-24T18:28:10Z

minor clarifications

Smithk: Removed "(T&E)" from title of article to accommodate a consultant who could not access the article because of the ampersand.

2019-08-22T15:46:43Z

Removed "(T&E)" from title of article to accommodate a consultant who could not access the article because of the ampersand.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:46, 22 August 2019
Line 2:		Line 2:

	===127.7.1.1 Overview===		===127.7.1.1 Overview===
	Threatened and endangered species considerations for MoDOT and FHWA federally funded projects include potential impacts to rare plants, animals, critical habitat, and natural communities (e.g., caves, prairies, karst).		Threatened and endangered (T&E) species considerations for MoDOT and FHWA federally funded projects include potential impacts to rare plants, animals, critical habitat, and natural communities (e.g., caves, prairies, karst).

	Federal laws require FHWA and MoDOT to thoroughly address any potential impacts their projects might have on federally listed T&E species and eliminate or minimize those impacts.		Federal laws require FHWA and MoDOT to thoroughly address any potential impacts their projects might have on federally listed T&E species and eliminate or minimize those impacts.

Smithk: Smithk moved page 127.7 Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E) to 127.7 Threatened and Endangered Species: Removed "(T&E)" from title of article to accommodate a consultant who could not access the article because of the ampersand.

2019-08-22T15:45:59Z

Smithk moved page 127.7 Threatened and Endangered Species (T&E) to 127.7 Threatened and Endangered Species: Removed "(T&E)" from title of article to accommodate a consultant who could not access the article because of the ampersand.

← Older revision	Revision as of 10:45, 22 August 2019
(No difference)

Smithk: /* 127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities */ link to JSP

2016-08-26T14:22:25Z

127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities: link to JSP

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:22, 26 August 2016
Line 161:		Line 161:

	===127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities===		===127.7.6.4 District Responsibilities===
	This district is responsible for reporting any nests known to be present on the structure when submitting and RES. If nests are present, the JSP for avoidance will be used and must be followed. If the district would like to include any bridges on the annual depredation permit, they must notify their Environmental contact. Bridges can be added to the permit at any time, but it is best to include it in the initial permit application (usually submitted to APHIS and USFWS each January). Removal of active nests under the depredation permit requires annual reporting to the USFWS. The Environmental contact will distribute a form to district Design and Construction Management staff late in the calendar year for reporting nests taken during the previous construction season.		This district is responsible for reporting any nests known to be present on the structure when submitting and RES. If nests are present, the [https://spexternal.modot.mo.gov/sites/de/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/sites/de/JSP/NJSP1606.docx&action=default JSP for avoidance] will be used and must be followed. If the district would like to include any bridges on the annual depredation permit, they must notify their Environmental contact. Bridges can be added to the permit at any time, but it is best to include it in the initial permit application (usually submitted to APHIS and USFWS each January). Removal of active nests under the depredation permit requires annual reporting to the USFWS. The Environmental contact will distribute a form to district Design and Construction Management staff late in the calendar year for reporting nests taken during the previous construction season.

	===127.7.6.5 Environmental Section Responsibilities===		===127.7.6.5 Environmental Section Responsibilities===

Smithk: /* 127.7.2 Process */ video upload

2016-08-26T14:02:17Z

127.7.2 Process: video upload

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:02, 26 August 2016
Line 35:		Line 35:
	\|'''Video'''		\|'''Video'''
	\|-		\|-
	\|[[Tumbling Creek Outflight]]		\|[[media:127.7 Tumbling Creek Outflight.wmv\|Tumbling Creek Outflight]]
	\|-		\|-
	\|This video is an example of nightly summer activity at a gray bat colony in southwest Missouri as the maternity colony prepares to exit the cave for nighttime feeding. Tens of thousands of bats call this cave home every summer. MoDOT Environmental Section organizes a Highways, Caves, and Karst workshop once or twice a year for employees to travel to this cave and learn about karst, surface-to-groundwater connections and cave ecosystems.		\|This video is an example of nightly summer activity at a gray bat colony in southwest Missouri as the maternity colony prepares to exit the cave for nighttime feeding. Tens of thousands of bats call this cave home every summer. MoDOT Environmental Section organizes a Highways, Caves, and Karst workshop once or twice a year for employees to travel to this cave and learn about karst, surface-to-groundwater connections and cave ecosystems.
Line 68:		Line 68:
	\|}		\|}
	</center>		</center>

	==127.7.3 Project Development Milestones==		==127.7.3 Project Development Milestones==

Smithk: /* 127.7.6.3 Process */ minor clarification

2016-08-26T13:56:08Z

127.7.6.3 Process: minor clarification

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:56, 26 August 2016
Line 153:		Line 153:

	===127.7.6.3 Process===		===127.7.6.3 Process===
	All projects that involve impacts to the underside of bridge decks, or the substructure, should be checked for the presence of nesting birds. This inspection can be performed by the district, bridge crews, or Environmental staff. Presence of nests should be noted on the RES. For LPA projects, the project sponsor or their consultant is expected to perform the inspection and report it on the RER.		All projects that involve impacts to the underside of bridge decks, or the substructure, should be checked for the presence of nesting birds. This inspection can be performed by the district, bridge crews, or Environmental staff. Presence of nests should be noted on the RES. For LPA projects, the project sponsor or their consultant is expected to perform the inspection and report it on the Request for Environmental Review (RER).

	Inspections should take place within a year of the anticipated letting date. If no nests are noted, the project will be cleared and nothing further is required. If nests are noted, a Job Special Provision will need to be placed in the contract that provides guidance on how to avoid violating the MBTA. Often, removal of the old, inactive nests (those without eggs or young) before the project starts, and maintenance of the bridge in a nest-free condition until construction, is necessary. Nest removal should be done in the non-breeding season. Generally speaking, the assumed active breeding season for the majority of the birds that would use bridge and culvert structures as habitat is between April 1 and July 31. However, these are just general dates and no active bird nests should be disturbed without a permit, even outside of these dates.		Inspections should take place within a year of the anticipated letting date. If no nests are noted, the project will be cleared and nothing further is required. If nests are noted, a Job Special Provision will need to be placed in the contract that provides guidance on how to avoid violating the MBTA. Often, removal of the old, inactive nests (those without eggs or young) before the project starts, and maintenance of the bridge in a nest-free condition until construction, is necessary. Nest removal should be done in the non-breeding season. Generally speaking, the assumed active breeding season for the majority of the birds that would use bridge and culvert structures as habitat is between April 1 and July 31. However, these are just general dates and no active bird nests should be disturbed without a permit, even outside of these dates.

Smithk: Per Env'l, updated text to match LPA EPG, clarified several practices, added info on migratory birds

2016-08-25T14:19:37Z

Per Env'l, updated text to match LPA EPG, clarified several practices, added info on migratory birds

Show changes

Smithk: /* 127.7.1.2 Laws and Regulations */ Per Environmental, updated link

2012-11-27T13:46:12Z

127.7.1.2 Laws and Regulations: Per Environmental, updated link

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:46, 27 November 2012
Line 7:		Line 7:

	===127.7.1.2 Laws and Regulations===		===127.7.1.2 Laws and Regulations===
	* [http://www.fws.gov/endangered/~~consultations~~/~~index~~.html Section 7] of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 requires all federal agencies (MoDOT represents FHWA for this) to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species. It also requires agencies to do consultation with the FWS for any project that might impact a federally listed species or its designated critical habitat. [http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/index.html Click] for more information on the Endangered Species Act.		* [http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/section-7.html Section 7] of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 requires all federal agencies (MoDOT represents FHWA for this) to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species. It also requires agencies to do consultation with the FWS for any project that might impact a federally listed species or its designated critical habitat. [http://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/index.html Click] for more information on the Endangered Species Act.

	* Section 2 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) of 1958 (as amended) requires consultation with the FWS and the state fish and wildlife agency if a project is going to control or modify a stream or any other body of water. This consultation is to prevent loss of and damage to wildlife resources.		* Section 2 of the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) of 1958 (as amended) requires consultation with the FWS and the state fish and wildlife agency if a project is going to control or modify a stream or any other body of water. This consultation is to prevent loss of and damage to wildlife resources.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 24 November 2021
Line 27:		Line 27:
	The ESA requires federal agencies to evaluate every project and determine whether it could have a negative impact on any federally listed T&E species or their critical habitat. FHWA and MoDOT must use the best available scientific information to evaluate their projects and they must provide data to support their determination of impact. Under the ESA, no action can be taken that will jeopardize the continued existence of any federally listed threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat for such species. If an action will impact a T&E species or critical habitat, FHWA and MoDOT must consult with the FWS to determine how to eliminate or minimize those impacts. The assessment of potential impacts to T&E species should occur frequently throughout the development of each project because information regarding T&E species is constantly changing and being updated. To get an idea of how MoDOT assesses impacts to some species, refer to the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJrQ9LMXo7c&feature=youtu.be MoDOT T&E Program Guidance video] developed for the Local Public Agency program sponsors and consultants.		The ESA requires federal agencies to evaluate every project and determine whether it could have a negative impact on any federally listed T&E species or their critical habitat. FHWA and MoDOT must use the best available scientific information to evaluate their projects and they must provide data to support their determination of impact. Under the ESA, no action can be taken that will jeopardize the continued existence of any federally listed threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat for such species. If an action will impact a T&E species or critical habitat, FHWA and MoDOT must consult with the FWS to determine how to eliminate or minimize those impacts. The assessment of potential impacts to T&E species should occur frequently throughout the development of each project because information regarding T&E species is constantly changing and being updated. To get an idea of how MoDOT assesses impacts to some species, refer to the [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJrQ9LMXo7c&feature=youtu.be MoDOT T&E Program Guidance video] developed for the Local Public Agency program sponsors and consultants.

	The district must complete and submit a Request for Environmental Services ([[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]]) to make the ~~design division’s~~ environmental section aware of a proposed project. Upon receiving an RES from the district, environmental staff will use publications, reports, and databases to screen the project and determine whether there are any known locations of federally or state listed species, critical habitat, or rare natural communities within the project limits or whether the project has the potential to impact a species that occurs nearby. The environmental specialist may also coordinate with FWS and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to determine whether the project is likely to impact any sensitive biological resources.		The district must complete and submit a Request for Environmental Services ([[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]]) to make the Design Division’s environmental section aware of a proposed project. Upon receiving an RES from the district, environmental staff will use publications, reports, and databases to screen the project and determine whether there are any known locations of federally or state listed species, critical habitat, or rare natural communities within the project limits or whether the project has the potential to impact a species that occurs nearby. The environmental specialist may also coordinate with FWS and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) to determine whether the project is likely to impact any sensitive biological resources.

	[[image:127.7.2.jpg\|center\|800px\|thumb\|<center>'''Missouri is home to 14 species of bats. Three of these species are federally protected and call Missouri caves and forests home. Occasionally, they also call our infrastructure “home”, at least temporarily. Bats can form colonies on or in bridges or use them as temporary day or night roosts, sleeping during the day, or stopping over at bridges to rest at night while feeding. Only one of these photos shows bats in a “natural” habitat; the top left photo is of Indiana bats clustering in a cave, which would be during winter hibernation. The rest are all photos of bats, even federally protected species, taking advantage of the cracks and crevices in our bridge structures. MoDOT environmental takes care to check our bridges for signs of bat use prior to bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects. If you do ever see bats utilizing bridges, please do not disturb them and report the occurrence to the Environmental Staff at MoDOT. </center>''']]		[[image:127.7.2.jpg\|center\|800px\|thumb\|<center>'''Missouri is home to 14 species of bats. Three of these species are federally protected and call Missouri caves and forests home. Occasionally, they also call our infrastructure “home”, at least temporarily. Bats can form colonies on or in bridges or use them as temporary day or night roosts, sleeping during the day, or stopping over at bridges to rest at night while feeding. Only one of these photos shows bats in a “natural” habitat; the top left photo is of Indiana bats clustering in a cave, which would be during winter hibernation. The rest are all photos of bats, even federally protected species, taking advantage of the cracks and crevices in our bridge structures. MoDOT environmental takes care to check our bridges for signs of bat use prior to bridge rehabilitation or replacement projects. If you do ever see bats utilizing bridges, please do not disturb them and report the occurrence to the Environmental Staff at MoDOT. </center>''']]
Line 74:		Line 74:
	At the initial project screening stage, the environmental specialist performs a cursory identification of potential issues related to T&E species or other sensitive biological resources. The environmental specialist reviews recent publications, reports, and databases related to these resources to determine whether any T&E species are known to occur in the area and the likelihood that the project will have a negative impact on such species or other biological resources.		At the initial project screening stage, the environmental specialist performs a cursory identification of potential issues related to T&E species or other sensitive biological resources. The environmental specialist reviews recent publications, reports, and databases related to these resources to determine whether any T&E species are known to occur in the area and the likelihood that the project will have a negative impact on such species or other biological resources.

	The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the ~~design division~~. A complete RES should include the amount of tree clearing, if any, whether or not bridges in the project area are exempted out of the project, if there is evidence of birds or bats using the underside of bridges or box culverts as habitat, a map of the project locations, complete footprint and aerial of the project limits, and a full description of the project components. If the RES is completed in its entirety, usually no additional information will be required from the district. Any findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response, which will also indicate what type of coordination with FWS is believed necessary, if any.		The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the Design Division. A complete RES should include the amount of tree clearing, if any, whether or not bridges in the project area are exempted out of the project, if there is evidence of birds or bats using the underside of bridges or box culverts as habitat, a map of the project locations, complete footprint and aerial of the project limits, and a full description of the project components. If the RES is completed in its entirety, usually no additional information will be required from the district. Any findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response, which will also indicate what type of coordination with FWS is believed necessary, if any.

	===127.7.3.2 Location/Conceptual Plan Stage===		===127.7.3.2 Location/Conceptual Plan Stage===
	At the location/conceptual plan stage, the environmental specialist screens the project again but may also contact resource and regulatory agencies to determine whether they have any concerns with the project.		At the location/conceptual plan stage, the environmental specialist screens the project again but may also contact resource and regulatory agencies to determine whether they have any concerns with the project.

	The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\|RES]] to the Design Division or for projects that require an Environmental Assessment ([[127.26 Environmental Classification\| EA]]) or an Environmental Impact Statement ([[127.26 Environmental Classification\| EIS]]), the ~~design division~~ and the district will determine when to begin this process. The district may be required to obtain and submit additional information about the project at this stage. Any findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response and through core team participation.		The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\|RES]] to the Design Division or for projects that require an Environmental Assessment ([[127.26 Environmental Classification\| EA]]) or an Environmental Impact Statement ([[127.26 Environmental Classification\| EIS]]), the Design Division and the district will determine when to begin this process. The district may be required to obtain and submit additional information about the project at this stage. Any findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response and through core team participation.

	===127.7.3.3 Interagency Coordination (Scoping)===		===127.7.3.3 Interagency Coordination (Scoping)===
Line 90:		Line 90:
	===127.7.3.5 Preliminary Plans Stage===		===127.7.3.5 Preliminary Plans Stage===

	At the preliminary plans stage, if no T&E issues have been identified to date, a process similar to that described for the initial project screening is repeated. The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the ~~design division~~. The environmental specialist screens the project and verifies that no new information has become available since the last screening. Any new findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response and the environmental specialist will discuss appropriate actions with the project manager.		At the preliminary plans stage, if no T&E issues have been identified to date, a process similar to that described for the initial project screening is repeated. The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the Design Division. The environmental specialist screens the project and verifies that no new information has become available since the last screening. Any new findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response and the environmental specialist will discuss appropriate actions with the project manager.

	At this stage if it has been determined that the project could have an impact on a T&E species or critical habitat, the environmental specialist will begin coordinating with FWS to determine the type of consultation (formal or informal, as discussed in [[#127.7.2 Process\|EPG 127.7.2 Process)]] that will be necessary. Depending on the project’s schedule, the extent of the potential impact, the type of consultation necessary, the species impacted, etc., the environmental specialist may begin consultation with FWS at this stage. Many MoDOT projects require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permits and some require U.S. Coast Guard permits. These agencies will not issue permits until all ESA requirements have been completed with the FWS so it is important that coordination with the FWS begin early in the project development process. The district will need to provide additional information during consultation with FWS.		At this stage if it has been determined that the project could have an impact on a T&E species or critical habitat, the environmental specialist will begin coordinating with FWS to determine the type of consultation (formal or informal, as discussed in [[#127.7.2 Process\|EPG 127.7.2 Process)]] that will be necessary. Depending on the project’s schedule, the extent of the potential impact, the type of consultation necessary, the species impacted, etc., the environmental specialist may begin consultation with FWS at this stage. Many MoDOT projects require U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permits and some require U.S. Coast Guard permits. These agencies will not issue permits until all ESA requirements have been completed with the FWS so it is important that coordination with the FWS begin early in the project development process. The district will need to provide additional information during consultation with FWS.
Line 96:		Line 96:
	===127.7.3.6 Right of Way Plan Stage===		===127.7.3.6 Right of Way Plan Stage===

	At the right-of-way plan stage, if no T&E issues have been identified to date, the process described for earlier stages is repeated. The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the ~~design division~~, whereupon the environmental specialist will screen the project and make sure no new information has become available since the last screening. Any new findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response and the environmental specialist will discuss appropriate actions with the project manager.		At the right-of-way plan stage, if no T&E issues have been identified to date, the process described for earlier stages is repeated. The district initiates this process by submitting an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the Design Division, whereupon the environmental specialist will screen the project and make sure no new information has become available since the last screening. Any new findings pertinent to the project will be relayed to the district in the RES response and the environmental specialist will discuss appropriate actions with the project manager.

	At this stage, if it has been determined that the project could have an impact on a T&E species or critical habitat, consultation with FWS should be underway or should begin (refer to previous discussion in [[#127.7.2 Process\|EPG 127.7.2 Process]] for details on consultation). The district will be asked to provide additional information about the project during consultation. District staff may also be asked to attend meetings/site visits and to help develop or comment on suggested conservation measures. The environmental specialist will keep the district involved throughout the consultation process to assure that no commitments are made that cannot be met.		At this stage, if it has been determined that the project could have an impact on a T&E species or critical habitat, consultation with FWS should be underway or should begin (refer to previous discussion in [[#127.7.2 Process\|EPG 127.7.2 Process]] for details on consultation). The district will be asked to provide additional information about the project during consultation. District staff may also be asked to attend meetings/site visits and to help develop or comment on suggested conservation measures. The environmental specialist will keep the district involved throughout the consultation process to assure that no commitments are made that cannot be met.

	===127.7.3.7 Final Design Stage===		===127.7.3.7 Final Design Stage===
	At final design stage, if no T&E issues have been identified to date, the process described for earlier stages is repeated. The district submits an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the ~~design division~~ and the environmental specialist screens the project to verify that no new information has become available. Any new findings pertinent to the project are relayed to the district in the RES response and the environmental specialist will discuss appropriate actions with the project manager. If no threatened or endangered species issues are identified, the district will be notified that T&E issues are clear for this project.		At final design stage, if no T&E issues have been identified to date, the process described for earlier stages is repeated. The district submits an [[127.1 Request for Environmental Services\| RES]] to the Design Division and the environmental specialist screens the project to verify that no new information has become available. Any new findings pertinent to the project are relayed to the district in the RES response and the environmental specialist will discuss appropriate actions with the project manager. If no threatened or endangered species issues are identified, the district will be notified that T&E issues are clear for this project.

	At this stage, if it has been determined that the project could impact a T&E species or critical habitat, consultation with the FWS should be underway or already completed. The environmental specialist will keep the district informed of the status of this consultation and the projected completion date.		At this stage, if it has been determined that the project could impact a T&E species or critical habitat, consultation with the FWS should be underway or already completed. The environmental specialist will keep the district informed of the status of this consultation and the projected completion date.