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• 41. [Image] The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress conflicting values and difficult choices

  	IB10144 04-22-05 The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices SUMMARY The 109th Congress is likely to consider various proposals to amend the ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress conflicting values and difficult choices Author: Buck, Eugene H Year: 2006, 2008, 2005 IB10144 04-22-05 The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices SUMMARY The 109th Congress is likely to consider various proposals to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; P.L. 93-205; 16 U.S.C. ??1531-1543 ). Major issues in recent years have included changing the role of science in decision-making, modifying critical habitat procedures, reducing conflicts with Department of Defense activities, incorporating further protection and incentives for property owners, and increasing protection of listed species, among others. In addition, many have advocated enacting as law some ESA regulations promulgated during the Clinton Administration. The ESA has been one of the more contentious environmental laws. This may stem from its strict substantive provisions, which can affect the use of both federal and non-federal lands and resources. Under the ESA, species of plants and animals (both vertebrate and invertebrate) can be listed as endangered or threatened according to assessments of their risk of extinction. Once a species is listed, powerful legal tools are available to aid its recovery and protect its habitat. The ESA may also be controversial because dwindling species are usually harbingers of broader ecosystem decline: the most common cause of listing species is habitat loss. The authorization for spending under the ESA expired on October 1, 1992. The prohibitions and requirements of the ESA remain in force, even in the absence of an authorization, and funds have been appropriated to implement the administrative provisions of the ESA in each subsequent fiscal year. In the 108th Congress, two bills were reported by the House Committee on Resources, but not enacted, that would have amended the ESA to modify scientific peer review and critical habitat procedures. Interior appropriations measures funded Fish and Wildlife Service programs related to endangered species (P.L. 108-108 provided $265 million for FY2004; P.L. 108-447 provided $262 million for FY2005). P.L. 108-136 (Defense authorization) included an ESA amendment to direct that critical habitat not be designated on military lands under certain conditions when Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans are in effect. P.L. 108-137 (Energy and Water appropriations) prohibited use of FY2004 or earlier funds to reduce water deliveries under existing contracts for ESA compliance for the silvery minnow on the Middle Rio Grande River unless water is obtained from a willing seller or lessor; this prohibition appears to have been made permanent by ?205 of Div. C of P.L. 108-447. P.L. 108-148 (Healthy Forests Act) authorized hazardous fuels reduction projects on BLM and national forest lands, including those containing habitat for listed species; directed establishment of a healthy forests reserve program to promote recovery of listed species; and directed the Secretary of the Interior to provide property rights assurances to landowners enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program. Congressional Research Service ? The Library of Congress CRS Title: The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress conflicting values and difficult choices Author: Buck, Eugene H Year: 2006, 2008, 2005 IB10144 04-22-05 The Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the 109th Congress: Conflicting Values and Difficult Choices SUMMARY The 109th Congress is likely to consider various proposals to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; P.L. 93-205; 16 U.S.C. ??1531-1543 ). Major issues in recent years have included changing the role of science in decision-making, modifying critical habitat procedures, reducing conflicts with Department of Defense activities, incorporating further protection and incentives for property owners, and increasing protection of listed species, among others. In addition, many have advocated enacting as law some ESA regulations promulgated during the Clinton Administration. The ESA has been one of the more contentious environmental laws. This may stem from its strict substantive provisions, which can affect the use of both federal and non-federal lands and resources. Under the ESA, species of plants and animals (both vertebrate and invertebrate) can be listed as endangered or threatened according to assessments of their risk of extinction. Once a species is listed, powerful legal tools are available to aid its recovery and protect its habitat. The ESA may also be controversial because dwindling species are usually harbingers of broader ecosystem decline: the most common cause of listing species is habitat loss. The authorization for spending under the ESA expired on October 1, 1992. The prohibitions and requirements of the ESA remain in force, even in the absence of an authorization, and funds have been appropriated to implement the administrative provisions of the ESA in each subsequent fiscal year. In the 108th Congress, two bills were reported by the House Committee on Resources, but not enacted, that would have amended the ESA to modify scientific peer review and critical habitat procedures. Interior appropriations measures funded Fish and Wildlife Service programs related to endangered species (P.L. 108-108 provided $265 million for FY2004; P.L. 108-447 provided $262 million for FY2005). P.L. 108-136 (Defense authorization) included an ESA amendment to direct that critical habitat not be designated on military lands under certain conditions when Integrated Natural Resources Management Plans are in effect. P.L. 108-137 (Energy and Water appropriations) prohibited use of FY2004 or earlier funds to reduce water deliveries under existing contracts for ESA compliance for the silvery minnow on the Middle Rio Grande River unless water is obtained from a willing seller or lessor; this prohibition appears to have been made permanent by ?205 of Div. C of P.L. 108-447. P.L. 108-148 (Healthy Forests Act) authorized hazardous fuels reduction projects on BLM and national forest lands, including those containing habitat for listed species; directed establishment of a healthy forests reserve program to promote recovery of listed species; and directed the Secretary of the Interior to provide property rights assurances to landowners enrolled in the healthy forests reserve program. Congressional Research Service ? The Library of Congress CRS Close

• 42. [Image] Historical landscape overview of the upper Klamath River Canyon of Oregon and California

  	"Submitted to Klamath Falls Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management, Lakeview District, Klamath Falls, Oregon." ; "Contract no.: HAP032021."; Includes bibliographical references (p. 178-200)
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Historical landscape overview of the upper Klamath River Canyon of Oregon and California Author: Beckham, Stephen Dow Year: 2006, 2008, 2007 "Submitted to Klamath Falls Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management, Lakeview District, Klamath Falls, Oregon." ; "Contract no.: HAP032021."; Includes bibliographical references (p. 178-200) Title: Historical landscape overview of the upper Klamath River Canyon of Oregon and California Author: Beckham, Stephen Dow Year: 2006, 2008, 2007 "Submitted to Klamath Falls Resource Area, Bureau of Land Management, Lakeview District, Klamath Falls, Oregon." ; "Contract no.: HAP032021."; Includes bibliographical references (p. 178-200) Close

• 43. [Image] Western water supply : hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, second session, to receive testimony regarding water supply issues in the arid West, March 9, 2004

  	CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page American Farm Bureau Federation 26963 Bell, Craig, Executive Director, Western States Water Council 26945 Domenici, Hon. Pete V., U.S. Senator From New Mexico 2691 Gaibler, Floyd, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Western water supply : hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, second session, to receive testimony regarding water supply issues in the arid West, March 9, 2004 Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Year: 2004, 2005 CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page American Farm Bureau Federation 26963 Bell, Craig, Executive Director, Western States Water Council 26945 Domenici, Hon. Pete V., U.S. Senator From New Mexico 2691 Gaibler, Floyd, Deputy Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Department of Agriculture 26932 Grisoli, Brigadier General William T., Commander, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 26918 Hall, Tex G., President, National Congress of American Indians, and Chair man, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation 26950 Raley, Bennett, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior 2695 Uccellini, Dr. Louis, Director, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 26926 APPENDIX Responses to additional questions 2620 67 Title: Western water supply : hearing before the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, second session, to receive testimony regarding water supply issues in the arid West, March 9, 2004 Author: United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Year: 2004, 2005 CONTENTS STATEMENTS Page American Farm Bureau Federation 26963 Bell, Craig, Executive Director, Western States Water Council 26945 Domenici, Hon. Pete V., U.S. Senator From New Mexico 2691 Gaibler, Floyd, Deputy Undersecretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, Department of Agriculture 26932 Grisoli, Brigadier General William T., Commander, Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 26918 Hall, Tex G., President, National Congress of American Indians, and Chair man, Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation 26950 Raley, Bennett, Assistant Secretary, Department of the Interior 2695 Uccellini, Dr. Louis, Director, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 26926 APPENDIX Responses to additional questions 2620 67 Close

• 44. [Image] Klamath River Basin Conservation Area Restoration Program: limited assurance regarding the federal funding requirements: report to congressional requesters

  	Includes bibliographical references; "GAO-05-804"
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Klamath River Basin Conservation Area Restoration Program: limited assurance regarding the federal funding requirements: report to congressional requesters Author: United States. Government Accountability Office Year: 2005, 2006 Includes bibliographical references; "GAO-05-804" Title: Klamath River Basin Conservation Area Restoration Program: limited assurance regarding the federal funding requirements: report to congressional requesters Author: United States. Government Accountability Office Year: 2005, 2006 Includes bibliographical references; "GAO-05-804" Close

• 45. [Image] Final progress report for fisheries investigations on Blue Creek, tributary to Klamath River, northern California, FY 1993

  	FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK, TRIBUTARY TO K1AMATH RIVER, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FY 1993 (October 1992 - September 1993) ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final progress report for fisheries investigations on Blue Creek, tributary to Klamath River, northern California, FY 1993 Author: Longenbaugh, Matthew H.; Chan, Jeffrey R. Year: 1994, 2008, 2005 FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK, TRIBUTARY TO K1AMATH RIVER, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FY 1993 (October 1992 - September 1993) ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office (CCFRO) in Arcata, CA, was funded to investigate chinook salmon spawning use, juvenile salmonid emigration and characterize habitats in Blue Creek, Klamath Basin, CA. Investigations that began in October, 1988, have continued to date, with this reporting period covering Fiscal Year 1993 (FY 1993, October, 1992, through September, 1993). In addition, some information already presented in previous progress reports, FY 1989 - FY 1992, is summarized. In 1993, adult chinook spawner escapements were addressed by snorkel surveys of redds and carcasses. Spawner numbers were very low, with only 17 redds observed in fall/winter 1992-93. The peak count of adult chinook was 136 fish in early November. Emigrating juvenile s&lmonids were trapped at river kilometer (rkm) 3.35 with a screw trap and panel weir. The screw trapping period extended from April through July for a total of 91 trapping nights. Screw trap catches totaled 14,526 chinook, 912 steelhead and 69 coho. Chinook emigration was spread over the entire trapping period, with increases during mid-May, and from mid-June throughout July. A juvenile weir was operated 60 nights, and caught a total of 6,334 chinook, 992 steelhead, 49 coho salmon, and 0 juvenile cutthroat. The total index of production for emigrating chinook during the 1993 juvenile trapping period was 101,819. Chinook that were marked with coded-wire tags (n-12,299) were released, with other juvenile fish, into Blue Creek at rkm 3.3. Mean temperatures varied from 6.3 to 18.6 ?C and flows ranged from 0.91 cubic m/s (32 cubic feet/s) to 202.6 cubic m/s (7,160 cubic feet/s) during FY 1993. Extreme flows for FY 1993 were the lowest and highest observed by CCFRO since the project began in 1989, and lower than the previous low of the 13 years of record. Title: Final progress report for fisheries investigations on Blue Creek, tributary to Klamath River, northern California, FY 1993 Author: Longenbaugh, Matthew H.; Chan, Jeffrey R. Year: 1994, 2008, 2005 FINAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS ON BLUE CREEK, TRIBUTARY TO K1AMATH RIVER, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FY 1993 (October 1992 - September 1993) ABSTRACT The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Coastal California Fishery Resource Office (CCFRO) in Arcata, CA, was funded to investigate chinook salmon spawning use, juvenile salmonid emigration and characterize habitats in Blue Creek, Klamath Basin, CA. Investigations that began in October, 1988, have continued to date, with this reporting period covering Fiscal Year 1993 (FY 1993, October, 1992, through September, 1993). In addition, some information already presented in previous progress reports, FY 1989 - FY 1992, is summarized. In 1993, adult chinook spawner escapements were addressed by snorkel surveys of redds and carcasses. Spawner numbers were very low, with only 17 redds observed in fall/winter 1992-93. The peak count of adult chinook was 136 fish in early November. Emigrating juvenile s&lmonids were trapped at river kilometer (rkm) 3.35 with a screw trap and panel weir. The screw trapping period extended from April through July for a total of 91 trapping nights. Screw trap catches totaled 14,526 chinook, 912 steelhead and 69 coho. Chinook emigration was spread over the entire trapping period, with increases during mid-May, and from mid-June throughout July. A juvenile weir was operated 60 nights, and caught a total of 6,334 chinook, 992 steelhead, 49 coho salmon, and 0 juvenile cutthroat. The total index of production for emigrating chinook during the 1993 juvenile trapping period was 101,819. Chinook that were marked with coded-wire tags (n-12,299) were released, with other juvenile fish, into Blue Creek at rkm 3.3. Mean temperatures varied from 6.3 to 18.6 ?C and flows ranged from 0.91 cubic m/s (32 cubic feet/s) to 202.6 cubic m/s (7,160 cubic feet/s) during FY 1993. Extreme flows for FY 1993 were the lowest and highest observed by CCFRO since the project began in 1989, and lower than the previous low of the 13 years of record. Close

• 46. [Image] Water-quality data from 2002 to 2003 and analysis of data gaps for development of total maximum daily loads in the Lower Klamath River basin, California

  	By Lorraine E. Flint, Alan L. Flint, Debra S. Curry, Stewart A. Rounds, and Micelis C. Doyle Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected water? quality data during 2002 and 2003 In ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water-quality data from 2002 to 2003 and analysis of data gaps for development of total maximum daily loads in the Lower Klamath River basin, California Author: Flint, Lorraine E.; Flint, Alan L.; Curry, Debra S.; Rounds, Stewart A.; Doyle, Micelis C. Year: 2004, 2006, 2005 By Lorraine E. Flint, Alan L. Flint, Debra S. Curry, Stewart A. Rounds, and Micelis C. Doyle Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected water? quality data during 2002 and 2003 In the Lower Klamath River Basin, in northern California, to support studies of river conditions as they pertain to the viability of Chinook and Coho salmon and endangered suckers. To address the data needs of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board for the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and pH were continuously monitored at sites on the Klamath, Trinity, Shasta, and Lost Rivers. Water-quality samples were collected and analyzed for selected nutrients, organic carbon, chlorophyll-a, pheophytin-a, and trace elements. Sediment oxygen demand was measured on the Shasta River. Results of analysis of the data collected were used to identify locations in the Lower Klamath River Basin and periods of time during 200 Title: Water-quality data from 2002 to 2003 and analysis of data gaps for development of total maximum daily loads in the Lower Klamath River basin, California Author: Flint, Lorraine E.; Flint, Alan L.; Curry, Debra S.; Rounds, Stewart A.; Doyle, Micelis C. Year: 2004, 2006, 2005 By Lorraine E. Flint, Alan L. Flint, Debra S. Curry, Stewart A. Rounds, and Micelis C. Doyle Abstract The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected water? quality data during 2002 and 2003 In the Lower Klamath River Basin, in northern California, to support studies of river conditions as they pertain to the viability of Chinook and Coho salmon and endangered suckers. To address the data needs of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board for the development of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs), water temperature, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, and pH were continuously monitored at sites on the Klamath, Trinity, Shasta, and Lost Rivers. Water-quality samples were collected and analyzed for selected nutrients, organic carbon, chlorophyll-a, pheophytin-a, and trace elements. Sediment oxygen demand was measured on the Shasta River. Results of analysis of the data collected were used to identify locations in the Lower Klamath River Basin and periods of time during 200 Close

• 47. [Image] Endangered species consultation handbook : procedures for conducting consultation and conference activities under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act

  	EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Act) [16 U.S.C. 1531 etseq.] outlines the procedures for Federal interagency cooperation to conserve Federally listed species and designated critical ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Endangered species consultation handbook : procedures for conducting consultation and conference activities under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Year: 1998, 2005 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Act) [16 U.S.C. 1531 etseq.] outlines the procedures for Federal interagency cooperation to conserve Federally listed species and designated critical habitats. Proactive Conservation Efforts by Federal Agencies Section 7(a)(l) directs the Secretary (Secretary of the Interior/Secretary of Commerce) to review other programs administered by them and utilize such programs to further the purposes of the Act. It also directs all other Federal agencies to utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of the Act by carrying out programs for the conservation of species listed pursuant to the Act. This section of the Act makes it clear that all Federal agencies should participate in the conservation and recovery of listed threatened and endangered species. Under this provision, Federal agencies often enter into partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for implementing and funding conservation agreements, management plans, and recovery plans developed for listed species. Biologists for the Services should encourage the development of these types of partnerships and planning efforts to develop pro-active approaches to listed species management. Avoiding Adverse Effects of Federal Actions Section 7(a)(2) states that each Federal agency shall, in consultation with the Secretary, insure that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. In fulfilling these requirements, each agency must use the best scientific and commercial data available. This section of the Act defines the consultation process, which is further developed in regulations promulgated at 50 CFR ?402. The Handbook This handbook was primarily developed to aid FWS and NMFS biologists implementing the section 7 consultation process. The purpose of the handbook is to provide information and guidance on the various consultation processes outlined in the regulations. Additionally, the handbook will ensure consistent implementation of consultation procedures by those biologists responsible for carrying out section 7 activities. Chapters of the handbook deal with major consultation processes, including Informal, Formal, Emergency, and Special Consultations; and Conferences. Standardized language is provided for incorporation into Biological Opinion documents to achieve consistency and to ensure that all consultation documents are complete from a regulatory standpoint. Background information and example documents are provided in Appendices. Although primarily targeted towards employees of the Services, other groups participating in the consultation process, including other Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal governments; and private individuals, consultants, and industry groups should find the handbook helpful in explaining section 7 processes and providing examples of various types of consultations. This handbook will be updated periodically as new regulations and policies are developed affecting implementation of the section 7 regulations, or as new consultation or assessment techniques evolve, and as additional examples or graphics become available. The Washington Offices of the Services have the lead for preparation of the handbook. Regional offices are encouraged to develop example documents appropriate for their geographical area and individual situations, and to coordinate with other Federal and State agencies in distributing these documents. Consultation Framework Use of Sound Science An overriding factor in carrying out consultations should always be the use of the best available scientific and commercial data to make findings regarding the status of a listed species, the effects of a proposed action on the species or critical habitat, and the determination of jeopardy/no jeopardy to listed species or destruction or adverse modification/no destruction or adverse modification to designated critical habitats. The Services have jointly published a policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered Species Act [59 FR 34271 (July 1, 1994)]. This policy calls for review of all scientific and other information used by the Services to prepare biological opinions, incidental take statements, and biological assessments, to ensure that any information used by the Services to implement the Act is reliable, credible, and represents the best scientific and commercial data available. Flexibility and Innovation The section 7 process achieves greatest flexibility when coordination between all involved agencies and non-Federal representatives, and the Services, begins early. Often, proposed actions can be modified so there is no need for formal consultation. The Services should ensure that all information needed to make an informed decision is made available. It is particularly critical when formal consultation begins that all parties are fully involved in providing information and discussing project options. Although it is the responsibility of the Services to make the determination of jeopardy or destruction/adverse modification in the biological opinion, action agencies and applicants should be fully informed and involved in the development of Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives, Reasonable and Prudent Measures, and Terms and Conditions to minimize the impacts of incidental take. Biologists should be creative in problem solving and look for ways to conserve listed species while still accommodating project goals. Coordination The Services have a policy to ensure coordination with State Agencies for gathering information in implementing the consultation program. [59 FR 34274-34275 (July 1, 1994)] The Services have a joint policy on coordination with tribal governments. Secretarial Order #32306 (June 5, 1997) entitled "American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act" recognizes that the consultation process should include input from affected tribal governments. State and tribal government biologists often have information available that is pertinent to the description of the action area or to the species of interest in the consultation. Shortening Timeframes Recently, the Services have been implementing measures to streamline consultation processes. Examples include projects reviewed under the Northwest Forest Plan and nationwide Timber Salvage Program. These procedures have been able to effectively shorten consultation timeframes without giving up any protection for listed species/designated critical habitats or the use and review of the best available information. This has been achieved through enhanced interagency coordination, development of guidelines for implementation of a larger program (i.e. timber salvage) which can tier to an individual project (timber sale), and by providing consultation simultaneously with project analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Biologists for the Services are encouraged to review examples of these streamlined consultations and to look for ways to incorporate streamlining techniques into other consultation procedures. Title: Endangered species consultation handbook : procedures for conducting consultation and conference activities under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Author: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Year: 1998, 2005 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Act) [16 U.S.C. 1531 etseq.] outlines the procedures for Federal interagency cooperation to conserve Federally listed species and designated critical habitats. Proactive Conservation Efforts by Federal Agencies Section 7(a)(l) directs the Secretary (Secretary of the Interior/Secretary of Commerce) to review other programs administered by them and utilize such programs to further the purposes of the Act. It also directs all other Federal agencies to utilize their authorities in furtherance of the purposes of the Act by carrying out programs for the conservation of species listed pursuant to the Act. This section of the Act makes it clear that all Federal agencies should participate in the conservation and recovery of listed threatened and endangered species. Under this provision, Federal agencies often enter into partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding with the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) for implementing and funding conservation agreements, management plans, and recovery plans developed for listed species. Biologists for the Services should encourage the development of these types of partnerships and planning efforts to develop pro-active approaches to listed species management. Avoiding Adverse Effects of Federal Actions Section 7(a)(2) states that each Federal agency shall, in consultation with the Secretary, insure that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat. In fulfilling these requirements, each agency must use the best scientific and commercial data available. This section of the Act defines the consultation process, which is further developed in regulations promulgated at 50 CFR ?402. The Handbook This handbook was primarily developed to aid FWS and NMFS biologists implementing the section 7 consultation process. The purpose of the handbook is to provide information and guidance on the various consultation processes outlined in the regulations. Additionally, the handbook will ensure consistent implementation of consultation procedures by those biologists responsible for carrying out section 7 activities. Chapters of the handbook deal with major consultation processes, including Informal, Formal, Emergency, and Special Consultations; and Conferences. Standardized language is provided for incorporation into Biological Opinion documents to achieve consistency and to ensure that all consultation documents are complete from a regulatory standpoint. Background information and example documents are provided in Appendices. Although primarily targeted towards employees of the Services, other groups participating in the consultation process, including other Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal governments; and private individuals, consultants, and industry groups should find the handbook helpful in explaining section 7 processes and providing examples of various types of consultations. This handbook will be updated periodically as new regulations and policies are developed affecting implementation of the section 7 regulations, or as new consultation or assessment techniques evolve, and as additional examples or graphics become available. The Washington Offices of the Services have the lead for preparation of the handbook. Regional offices are encouraged to develop example documents appropriate for their geographical area and individual situations, and to coordinate with other Federal and State agencies in distributing these documents. Consultation Framework Use of Sound Science An overriding factor in carrying out consultations should always be the use of the best available scientific and commercial data to make findings regarding the status of a listed species, the effects of a proposed action on the species or critical habitat, and the determination of jeopardy/no jeopardy to listed species or destruction or adverse modification/no destruction or adverse modification to designated critical habitats. The Services have jointly published a policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered Species Act [59 FR 34271 (July 1, 1994)]. This policy calls for review of all scientific and other information used by the Services to prepare biological opinions, incidental take statements, and biological assessments, to ensure that any information used by the Services to implement the Act is reliable, credible, and represents the best scientific and commercial data available. Flexibility and Innovation The section 7 process achieves greatest flexibility when coordination between all involved agencies and non-Federal representatives, and the Services, begins early. Often, proposed actions can be modified so there is no need for formal consultation. The Services should ensure that all information needed to make an informed decision is made available. It is particularly critical when formal consultation begins that all parties are fully involved in providing information and discussing project options. Although it is the responsibility of the Services to make the determination of jeopardy or destruction/adverse modification in the biological opinion, action agencies and applicants should be fully informed and involved in the development of Reasonable and Prudent Alternatives, Reasonable and Prudent Measures, and Terms and Conditions to minimize the impacts of incidental take. Biologists should be creative in problem solving and look for ways to conserve listed species while still accommodating project goals. Coordination The Services have a policy to ensure coordination with State Agencies for gathering information in implementing the consultation program. [59 FR 34274-34275 (July 1, 1994)] The Services have a joint policy on coordination with tribal governments. Secretarial Order #32306 (June 5, 1997) entitled "American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act" recognizes that the consultation process should include input from affected tribal governments. State and tribal government biologists often have information available that is pertinent to the description of the action area or to the species of interest in the consultation. Shortening Timeframes Recently, the Services have been implementing measures to streamline consultation processes. Examples include projects reviewed under the Northwest Forest Plan and nationwide Timber Salvage Program. These procedures have been able to effectively shorten consultation timeframes without giving up any protection for listed species/designated critical habitats or the use and review of the best available information. This has been achieved through enhanced interagency coordination, development of guidelines for implementation of a larger program (i.e. timber salvage) which can tier to an individual project (timber sale), and by providing consultation simultaneously with project analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Biologists for the Services are encouraged to review examples of these streamlined consultations and to look for ways to incorporate streamlining techniques into other consultation procedures. Close

• 48. [Image] Final report, evaluation of pond rearing of chinook salmon, project (5.12), Modification no. 1

  	Abstract: Totals of 37,655 and 31,807 adipose-fin clipped, coded-wire tagged (Ad+CWT) 1990 brood year (BY) fall chinook salmon were released from ponds on Indian and Elk creeks, respectively, in 1991. ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Final report, evaluation of pond rearing of chinook salmon, project (5.12), Modification no. 1 Author: Pisano, Mark S Year: 1993, 2005 Abstract: Totals of 37,655 and 31,807 adipose-fin clipped, coded-wire tagged (Ad+CWT) 1990 brood year (BY) fall chinook salmon were released from ponds on Indian and Elk creeks, respectively, in 1991. Numbers of fish in both ponds were inventoried and mark quality was checked shortly before the fish were released. An additional 40,078 and 41,272 1991 BY chinook salmon were Ad+CWT and transferred to Bluff Creek and Indian Creek ponds, respectively in spring JL992. These fish will be released in October 1992. Title: Final report, evaluation of pond rearing of chinook salmon, project (5.12), Modification no. 1 Author: Pisano, Mark S Year: 1993, 2005 Abstract: Totals of 37,655 and 31,807 adipose-fin clipped, coded-wire tagged (Ad+CWT) 1990 brood year (BY) fall chinook salmon were released from ponds on Indian and Elk creeks, respectively, in 1991. Numbers of fish in both ponds were inventoried and mark quality was checked shortly before the fish were released. An additional 40,078 and 41,272 1991 BY chinook salmon were Ad+CWT and transferred to Bluff Creek and Indian Creek ponds, respectively in spring JL992. These fish will be released in October 1992. Close

• 49. [Image] Water availability for Oregon's rivers and streams: Volume 2; Technical guide and appendixes

  	Title from cover; "May 1991"
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Water availability for Oregon's rivers and streams: Volume 2; Technical guide and appendixes Author: Robison, E. George Year: 1991, 2004 Title from cover; "May 1991" Title: Water availability for Oregon's rivers and streams: Volume 2; Technical guide and appendixes Author: Robison, E. George Year: 1991, 2004 Title from cover; "May 1991" Close

• 50. [Image] Age composition of the 1995 Klamath River fall Chinook run

  	The age composition of the in-river run of Klamath River fall chinook is an integral part of the database used to manage this salmon stock. Age composition is used in conjunction with annual estimates ...
  	Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Age composition of the 1995 Klamath River fall Chinook run Year: 1996, 2005 The age composition of the in-river run of Klamath River fall chinook is an integral part of the database used to manage this salmon stock. Age composition is used in conjunction with annual estimates of in-river harvest and escapement to estimate the ocean stock size of Klamath River fall chinook for fishery managment purposes. A total of 13,994 scale samples were examined to estimate the age composition of fall chinook in the Klamath River in 1995. The scales were collected from 13 locations and were aged using scales from coded wire tag recoveries as references. Age composition estimates from each sampling location were weighted by the magnitude of that location's contribution to the inriver run. Because some locations were inadequately sampled, surrogate samples were used represent to them. Angler harvest and in-river run size for 1995 were estimated by applying the age composition to the California Department of Fish and Game's population 'megatable". Seven versions of these estimates are given, using different combinations of surrogate samples. Title: Age composition of the 1995 Klamath River fall Chinook run Year: 1996, 2005 The age composition of the in-river run of Klamath River fall chinook is an integral part of the database used to manage this salmon stock. Age composition is used in conjunction with annual estimates of in-river harvest and escapement to estimate the ocean stock size of Klamath River fall chinook for fishery managment purposes. A total of 13,994 scale samples were examined to estimate the age composition of fall chinook in the Klamath River in 1995. The scales were collected from 13 locations and were aged using scales from coded wire tag recoveries as references. Age composition estimates from each sampling location were weighted by the magnitude of that location's contribution to the inriver run. Because some locations were inadequately sampled, surrogate samples were used represent to them. Angler harvest and in-river run size for 1995 were estimated by applying the age composition to the California Department of Fish and Game's population 'megatable". Seven versions of these estimates are given, using different combinations of surrogate samples. Close