Can the Fish and Wildlife Service provide ESA coverage for subbasin planning?
Through the subbasin planning process, we will work to identify possible mechanisms to provide ESA coverage for the protection and restoration measures and actions outlined in subbasin plans. We will take a flexible approach to address the range of factors and actions outlined in the plans. We can potentially provide coverage to specific entities through a combination of ESA tools and regulatory flexibility. The bull trout recovery plan ensures subbasin planners have the opportunity to identify actions necessary to recover the bull trout in specific tributaries and, ultimately, the Columbia Basin. We will bring the individual bull trout recovery unit chapters to the subbasin planners for their consideration in the subbasin planning process. The actions described in a subbasin plan may be eligible for incidental take authorizations if they are described in sufficient detail, are adequate for the biological requirements of the population and the recovery unit, and their implementation is
Related Questions
- Will subbasin planning affect the Fish and Wildlife Services ESA responsibilities, particularly if final subbasin plans are not completed in the Councils time frame?
- Will subbasin planning affect the Fish and Wildlife Services other fish and wildlife management responsibilities in the Columbia Basin?
- Can the Fish and Wildlife Service provide ESA coverage for subbasin planning?
