WYOMING’S PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT & OPINION

1. WYOMING’S PROGRAMMATIC BIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT & OPINION

2. PURPOSE • To clear 5 years worth of highway projects programmatically for threatened and endangered species.

3. Background • Discussions on programmatic processes were held over the years. • Originally, we took a programmatic approach based on type of projects. • With objections to that approach the FWS suggested switching to the 5 year STIP approach. • One model was the WA state bridge BA/BO.

4. Background • The PBA/PBO covers all Wyoming listed TE species, 3 designated critical habitats and all proposed, candidate and experimental non-essential species under the ESA (21 species total). • The assessment documented project location, type of improvement, project category, species determination, project impacts, and effect determinations.

5. Project Types • New construction/roadway relocation • Reconstruction – added capacity, major widening • Reconstruction – no added capacity, minor widening • Restoration or resurfacing • Environmental only – ie. rest areas, bike paths • Safety improvements

6. Continued • Conservation measures were identified. • The PBA will be re-evaluated every five years with FWS consultation. • THE FWS PBO has determined that the effects of the WYDOT STIP for five years is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these species and will not affect critical habitat.

7. Continued • The PBO provides an Incidental Take Statement for two species. • Reasonable and Prudent Measures were included to minimize take. • Included are annual monitoring and reporting requirements.

8. Contacts • FWS – Jodi Bush, jodi_bush@fws.gov • WYDOT – Tom Hart, thomas.hart@dot.state.wy.us • FHWA – Rod Vaughn, rodney.vaughn@fhwa.dot.gov