SECTION 7 STRUCTURED COORDINATION PROCES7部分结构化的协调过程.docVIP

SECTION 7 STRUCTURED COORDINATION PROCESS SECTION 7 STRUCTURED COORDINATION PROCESS One of the most effective methods of streamlining section 7 consultation is for the Service, action agencies, and applicants to coordinate early and often throughout the consultation and design processes. This guidance is designed to assist consultation participants in conducting the appropriate level of coordination at the appropriate times in the consultation process. The guidance presented in this document is optional and is not intended to supersede the procedures presented in the Endangered Species Consultation Handbook (March 1998); however, it is strongly recommended that these coordination steps be implemented to help ensure the establishment of a complete administrative record and a smooth consultation process. The attached guidance describes sixteen steps, in four distinct stages, for efficiently coordinating the section 7 consultation process. Additional cross references (green text boxes) for NEPA and Permitting development have been incorporated to ensure parallel process development at each section 7 step. FLEXIBLE USE Optional “initialing” steps provide opportunities for achieving and documenting collaborative agreement among Project Coordination Team members. A basic elevation process is included to identify decision-makers and to provide a pathway for resolution of issues, if needed. A project development Table (template) is included as an optional tool for stakeholders to identify contact names and dates for initiation and completion of steps. Proposed actions that require section 7 consultation vary in complexity and collaboration needs. The Service and Action Agency should jointly consider these factors when determining the extent to which this process applies to project development. This process is recommended for complex projects, contentious projects, or those where development needs to be tracked by multiple parties. The sixteen steps described belo