When environmentally acceptable and unacceptable actions are identified early in the planning process, the need for subsequent intensive Service review of environmental documents and other project reviews is reduced and fewer project revisions are required late in the planning process.
Early involvement can occur prior to scoping, during scoping, or as a cooperating agency.
2.2 Cooperating Agencies. Basic procedures for cooperating agencies are described in 40 CFR 1501.6. 516 DM 2.5. A. NEPA Regulations. If the Service has significant jurisdiction by law, CEQ's NEPA regulations state that the Service shall be a cooperating agency, if requested. Examples of significant jurisdiction by law include actions that may significantly affect lands and water administered under the National Wildlife Refuge System, or lands and waters administered as national fish hatcheries.