Proposed Application of a Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act Limitation for Threatened Species of Salmon and Steelhead Associated with the Five Counties Salmonid Conservation Program's 'A Water Quality and Stream Habitat Protection Manual for County Road Maintenance in Northwestern California Watersheds.' Final Environmental Assessment

摘要

This document analyzes the potential effects of extending the Limit 10 routine road maintenance category to 4 ecologically significant units (ESU) of threatened salmonid species in the Northwestern California region of Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Siskiyou, and Trinity counties. These counties, under the Five Counties Salmonid Conservation Program, will soon be submitting their Water Quality and Stream Habitat Protection Manual for County Road Maintenance in Northwestern California Watersheds (Manual) to the Southwest Region of NOAAs National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), seeking concurrence that the proposed road maintenance program meets the criteria set forth in the Limit 10 rule, promulgated under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of the Five Counties Manual is to provide a user-friendly, fish-friendly guide for county road maintenance staff as part of each countys primary mission to provide a safe and open road system for the traveling public. The Manual covers best management practices (BMPs) related to the routine and emergency repair and maintenance of county roads and related facilities.