Opinion ID: 902303
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Informal Consultation and Concurrence

Text: In April 2008, the Forest Service engaged in informal consultation with the FWS. The FWS concurred with the Forest Service’s determination that the Mudflow Project “is not likely to adversely affect” the Owl or its critical habitat. 5 The conclusion “is not likely to adversely affect” is appropriate “when effects on listed species are expected to be discountable, or insignificant, or completely beneficial.” U.S. Fish & W ildlife Serv. & Nat’l Marine Fisheries Serv., Endangered Species Consultation Handbook: Procedures for Conducting Consultation and Conference Activities Under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act 3-12 (1998) (hereinafter, ESA Handbook). “Beneficial effects” means contemporaneous positive effects without any adverse effects to the species”; “insignificant effects” pertain “to the size of the impact and should never reach the scale where take occurs”; and “discountable effects” are effects that are “extremely unlikely to occur.” Id. at 3-12 (bolding removed). CONSERVATION CONGRESS V . U.S. FOREST SERV . 9 In late 2011 and early 2012, the Forest Service engaged in further consultation with the FWS regarding the Mudflow Project, in light of new literature and additional updated information. In February 2012, the FWS reconcurred with the Forest Service that the Mudflow Project “may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect designated critical habitat,” given that (1) treatments were not proposed within nesting or high-quality foraging habitat, and (2) 171 acres of treated foraging habitat would retain its function. On June 7, 2011, the Forest Service approved the Mudflow Project in its record of decision, thereby ending the consultation process. 50 C.F.R. § 402.13(a). In December 2012, while this appeal was pending, the Forest Service reinitiated additional informal consultation with the FWS regarding the potential effects of the Mudflow Project on the Owl, in light of the 2013 revised habitat rule. On April 22, 2013, the FWS issued a third concurrence letter agreeing with the Forest Service’s determination that the “Project may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect designated critical habitat” for the Owl.