Opinion ID: 763739
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The 1995 Biological Opinion and the BPA's 1995 Record of Decision

Text: 15 In contrast to the previous BiOps, the 1995 BiOp concluded that the operation of the FCRPS jeopardizes the continued existence of the listed salmon and adversely modifies their critical habitat. Before reaching this conclusion, NMFS participated in a series of discussions with two groups formed to assist the federal consulting and action agencies in complying with the district court's judgment in Idaho: (i) the Biological Requirements Work Group (BRWG), and (ii) the Actions Work Group (AWG). 4 These groups were composed for the most part of the parties to Idaho, including the BPA. The BRWG and AWG began meeting shortly after the Idaho court issued its decision in the spring of 1994 and continued discussions throughout the summer and fall. 16 In January 1995, following a coordinated effort, NMFS and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the FWS) issued separate draft BiOps concerning FCRPS operations, and solicited comments. In February 1995, the BPA, along with several other entities, submitted written comments and participated in meetings regarding the draft BiOps. This joint effort culminated in March 1995 with NMFS's issuance of its final 1995 BiOp, in which it recommended a multi-part RPA for avoiding jeopardy. The RPA consisted of immediate and intermediate/long term actions, including plans for further study. 17 The Corps and the Bureau formally adopted the 1995 BiOp shortly after its issuance. At the same time, the BPA issued the 1995 ROD, documenting its decision to participate with [the Corps] and [the Bureau] to operate the Federal Columbia River Power System ... for 1995 and future years consistent with these alternatives [suggested by NMFS and the FWS 5 ] and the measures in the incidental take statements. The DSIs now petition for review of the BPA's 1995 ROD.