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Essential Fish Habitat


STEP 1. Is the proposed action or activity in an area designated as Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) or in an area where effects could indirectly or cumulatively affect EFH?

NO [  ]                YES [  ]        UNKNOWN [  ]

  1. If your answer is "No,” additional evaluation is not needed concerning essential fish habitat. Document the finding on form NRCS-CPA-52 or equivalent and proceed with planning.

  2. If your answer is "Yes,” go to step 2.

  3. If your answer is “Unknown,” consult section II of the FOTG for a list or the location of essential fish habitat areas and repeat step 1.

STEP 2.  Will the proposed action or activity result in short-term or long-term disruptions or alterations (i.e., may adversely affect) of essential fish habitat?

NO [  ]                YES [  ]

  1. If your answer is “No,” additional evaluation is not needed concerning essential fish habitat.  Document the finding, including the reasons, on form NRCS-CPA-52 or equivalent and proceed with planning.

  2. If your answer is "Yes,” go to step 3.

STEP 3.  Can the proposed action or activity be modified to avoid the potential adverse effect?

NO [  ]             YES [  ]

  1. If your answer is “No,” document the effects, including the reasons, on form NRCS-CPA-52 or equivalent. Go to step 4.

  2. If your answer is “Yes,” modify the action or activity and repeat step 2.

STEP 4.  Is NRCS providing financial assistance or otherwise controlling the action? 

NO [  ]                 YES [  ]

  1. If your answer is “No,” go to step 5.

  2. If your answer is “Yes,” inform the client the NRCS District Conservationist or NRCS State Biologist must consult with NOAA Fisheries before further action or activity can proceed. When consultation is complete, document on the NRCS-CPA-52 the agreements reached, and reference or attach them.

STEP 5.  Will a Federal agency other than NRCS provide funding or otherwise control implementation of the action?

NO [  ]             YES [  ]

  1. If your answer is “No,” an alternative conservation system that avoids the adverse effect must be identified as the proposed action or NRCS must discontinue assistance. If assistance is terminated, indicate the circumstances in the Remarks section of the NRCS-CPA-52 or equivalent or contact the NRCS State office for assistance.

  2. If your answer is “Yes,” document on the NRCS-CPA-52 that the lead Federal agency should consult with NOAA Fisheries before the action is implemented. Inform the client and proceed with planning.

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