***[ Documentation Guide for]{.underline}:* CHANNEL MODIFICATION**

**[BACKGROUND]{.underline}**

The NRCS has stream channel guidelines to aid their personnel in
identifying when and where channel modification may be used as a
technique for implementing water and related land resource projects.
They will be used in the planning of all NRCS projects or measures which
qualify for either technical, financial, and/or credit assistance under
the authorities for flood prevention projects, small watershed projects,
and RC&D projects.

Channel modification can be thought of in two generalized concepts: 1)
restoration of the channel, and 2) straightening of the channel.
Restoration can include, but is not limited to, the restoration of
channel meanders patterns to improve geomorphic conditions.
Straightening the channel or moving a channel to a different location
(far to one side of its floodplain) is considered stream channelization.
The latter category can also include clearing and snagging, widening and
deepening the channel.

Channel modification is an alternative that may be utilized in solving
specific water management problems. It may be needed to restore a
watercourse impaired or damaged naturally or through improper management
of associated uplands. A thorough knowledge of stream dynamics is
essential in order to be able to identify existing and potential
problems and evaluate the viability of all alternatives.

High flows in rivers and streams and periodic overflows are dynamic
natural processes that periodically revitalize riparian habitats by
altering the characteristics of floodplains by redistributing substrates
in the process of moving water and sediments through a watershed.
Erosion, flooding, and sediment deposition are products of this process,
and can cause damage to the rivers and streams of the United States
where humans have developed infrastructure in or near these fluvial
systems. These occurrences may result in loss of life, property damage,
and may have short-term negative impacts to water quality and fish and
wildlife habitat. Flooding is an essential component of stream systems,
and generally result in improved stream conditions except in areas that
have been destabilized due to human impacts or [recent]{.underline}
natural disasters (such as wildfire).

Channelization of streams causes significant damage to fish and wildlife
resources. In addition to direct environmental impacts, the practice can
directly or indirectly involve the drainage of wetlands, clearing of
bottomland forests, and increase flooding and siltation in downstream
areas. Channelized streams are not naturally stable and therefore
require armoring of both the bed and banks of the channel. Annual
maintenance is generally required.

**[POLICY]{.underline}**

It is the policy of NRCS that care and effort will be made to maintain
and restore streams, wetlands, and riparian vegetation as functioning
parts of a viable ecosystem upon which fish and wildlife resources
depend. An interdisciplinary planning process will be used which will
permit a balancing of the need to maintain a viable, naturally
functioning ecosystem, food and fiber, economic, and other social needs.
The application of these guidelines, resource inventory, interpretation,
and planning assistance provided by NRCS shall ensure identification and
consideration of alternatives to channel modification.

*An EA is required for projects that include restoring stream channel
meander bends or other similar activities. An EIS is required for
projects that include stream channel realignment (channelization) or
work to modify channel capacity by deepening or widening where
significant aquatic or wildlife habitat exists. The EE will determine if
the channel supports significant aquatic or wildlife habitat* (GM Part
410.7). Channel realignment is defined in the General Manual 190, 410.27
(c)(2)(i) as actions including *the construction of a new channel or a
new alignment and may include the clearing, snagging, widening, and/or
deepening of the existing channel*.

Channelization will not be considered if a practical alternative exists.
A practical alternative is defined as one that: 1) makes a significant
contribution to project objectives, and 2) results in less damage to
fish and wildlife habitat.

The following categories of alternatives may be considered singly or in
combination:

1)  Soil and water conservation practices.

2)  Nonstructural measures may include but are not limited to, land use
    regulation, land acquisition, the maintenance of aquatic areas,
    floodplain zoning, flood-proofing existing buildings, flood
    forecasting, flood warning, flood hazard information, flood
    insurance, tax adjustments, emergency assistance, and relocation of
    properties and people.

3)  Structural alternatives may include but are not limited to, dams,
    floodways, dikes, levees, flood walls, pumping plants, diversions,
    wetland development, maintenance, and restoration

Formulation of alternatives will consider inputs from interested
agencies, organizations, or individuals interacting with sponsoring
local organizations. Compliance with NEPA is required . Alternatives to
channelization will be developed, evaluated and recommended when the
action is expected to cause measurable losses of fish and wildlife
resources.

Channel modification, if used, will be the minimum required, either
alone or in combination with other measures. It will be accomplished
using the least damaging construction techniques and equipment in order
to retain as much of the existing characteristics of the channel and
riparian habitat. Construction practices include seasonal construction,
minimum clearing, reshaping spoil, limiting bank modification to one or
alternating banks (to maintain a riparian corridor), and prompt
revegetation of disturbed areas.

Channel modification may be considered as an alternative, providing it
does not jeopardize the continued existence of State or Federally listed
endangered and threatened species, result in restricted access to use of
stream segments developed specifically for recreation or fish and
wildlife use by the public, and its intended purpose is not to alter
wetlands.

Channel modification will not be considered as an alternative unless it
can be accomplished with little or no direct or indirect adverse effect
on: 1) streams proposed or designated as Wild and Scenic Rivers, or
officially designated by Federal or State legislative actions for their
important natural, esthetic, or recreational values; 2) streams located
in, or flowing through, or contiguous to, established wilderness areas,
parks, refuges, or other areas that have been set aside pursuant to
Federal or State legislative actions for fish and wildlife esthetic or
recreational values; 3) important fish and wildlife habitat values in
the project area, State or Nation after providing for all appropriate
mitigation, compensation, or preservation measures.

Detailed coordination procedures shown in GM 410.28 will be used in the
planning of water resource projects.

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**[[Casefile Documentation]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}: CHANNEL
MODIFICATION**

When correctly and completely evaluated this will provide adequate
documentation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA). Attach to NM-ENV-1 when completed.

**STEP 1.** Is the proposed action or activity scheduled to occur,
involve channelization of a stream or restoration of a stream, wetland,
or riparian area?

Neither Channelization Restoration

a.  If your answer is "Neither", no additional documentation is needed
    concerning channel modification. Proceed with planning.

b.  If your answer is "Channelization", go to step 3.

c.  If your answer is "Restoration", go to step 2.

**STEP 2.** What effect (short-term and long-term) will the proposed
restoration action or activity have on fish and wildlife resources?
Effects determinations must be reviewed by a Wildlife Biologist.

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

a.  If there are \"Positive\" effects and the effects are consistent
    with the maintaining, protecting and preserving fish and wildlife
    resource characteristics, document (describe) the positive effects
    and attach it to the *Environmental Evaluation and Resource
    Inventory Checklist* (NM-ENV-1) send it to a Wildlife Biologist for
    review and concurrence. Positive effects can be long-term,
    short-term or both. An Environmental Assessment (EA) will need to be
    completed. Contact the State Biologist as soon as possible. An EA
    involves public scoping to determine if the public has any concerns
    with the project, several 30-day comment periods to allow the public
    to review the EA and to provide comments, and the determination of
    whether or not the project will significantly impact the human
    environment.

b.  If there are \"Negative\" effects, document (describe) the effects
    and attach it to the *Environmental Evaluation and Resource
    Inventory Checklist* (NM-ENV-1) refer to the *Documentation Guide*
    regarding the NRCS policy on Natural Area consultations with other
    groups. Send this to the State Biologist for review and concurrence.
    Negative effects can be long-term, short-term or both. An
    Environmental Assessment will need to be completed. Contact the
    State Biologist as soon as possible. Detailed coordination
    procedures are shown in GM 410.28. Contact the Team Leader about a
    need for an Environmental Assessment according to NRCS regulations
    in the General Manual (GM 190 Part 410). An EA involves public
    scoping to determine if the public has any concerns with the
    project, several 30-day comment periods to allow the public to
    review the EA and to provide comments, and the determination of
    whether or not the project will significantly impact the human
    environment.

**STEP 3**. What effect (short-term and long-term) will the proposed
restoration action or activity have on fish and wildlife resources?
Effects determinations must be reviewed by State Biologist.

POSITIVE NEGATIVE

a.  If there are \"Positive\" effects and the effects are consistent
    with the maintaining, protecting and preserving fish and wildlife
    resource characteristics, document (describe) the positive effects
    and attach it to the *Environmental Evaluation and Resource
    Inventory Checklist* (NM-ENV-1) send it to the State Biologist for
    review and concurrence. Positive effects can be long-term,
    short-term or both. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will
    need to be completed. Contact the State Biologist as soon as
    possible. An EIS involves a Notice of Intent to prepare and EIS,
    public scoping to determine if the public has any concerns with the
    project, preparation of a document with several alternatives,
    several 30-day comment periods to allow the public to review the EIS
    and to provide comments, and a Record of Decision.

b.  If there are \"Negative\" effects, document (describe) the effects
    and attach it to the *Environmental Evaluation and Resource
    Inventory Checklist* (NM-ENV-1) refer to the *Documentation Guide*
    regarding the NRCS policy on Natural Area consultations with other
    groups. Send this to the State Biologist for review and concurrence.
    Negative effects can be long-term, short-term or both. An
    Environmental Impact Statement will need to be completed. Contact
    the State Biologist as soon as possible. Detailed coordination
    procedures are shown in GM 410.28. Contact the Team Leader about a
    need for an Environmental Impact Statement according to NRCS
    regulations in the General Manual (GM 190 Part 410). An EIS involves
    a Notice of Intent to prepare and EIS, public scoping to determine
    if the public has any concerns with the project, preparation of a
    document with several alternatives, several 30-day comment periods
    to allow the public to review the EIS and to provide comments, and a
    Record of Decision.

Documentation Notes:

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