EA__Template_508-Compliant__Jan2025_2.pdf

Draft Environmental Assessment

[Descriptive title of proposed action including refuge name]

[Month Year]

Prepared by [Insert Refuge]

NEPA Unique Identifier: [Insert ID provided by HQ]

U.S. Department of Interior

Fish and Wildlife Service

Draft Environmental Assessment: TITLE

Region # (Geographic Name, e.g. “Midwest” Region) [Refuge Name]

[City, State]

Table of Contents Executive Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

1.2 Purpose and Need for Action

1.3 Proposed Action

Chapter 2: Alternatives

2.1 Decision Framework

2.2 Alternatives

Alternative A - [insert short, descriptive title] - No Action Alternative

Alternative B - [insert short, descriptive title] - Preferred Alternative

Alternative C (if applicable) - [insert short, descriptive title]

Alternatives Considered but Dismissed (if applicable)

Mitigation Measures Applicable to All Alternatives

Monitoring Applicable to All Alternatives

Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences

3.1 General Description of Affected Environmental Applicable to All Affected Resources

3.2 Natural Resources

Habitat and Vegetation: Affected Environment

Habitat and Vegetation: Environmental Consequences

Floodplains: Affected Environment [Required if EO 11988 applies]

Floodplains: Environmental Consequences

Wetlands: Affected Environment [Required if EO 11990 applies]

Wetlands: Environmental Consequences

Vegetation of special management concern: Affected Environment

Vegetation of special management concern: Environmental Consequences

Fish and Wildlife Species: Affected Environment [TIP: Include terrestrial, aquatic and benthic species as necessary. Headings can be separated or added to improve information flow and reader comprehension.]

Fish and Wildlife Species: Environmental Consequences

Candidate, Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat: Affected Environment

Candidate, Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat: Environmental Consequences

Special Status Species: Affected Environment

Special Status Species: Environmental Consequences

Geology and Soils: Affected Environment

Geology and Soils: Environmental Consequences

Air Quality: Affected Environment

Air Quality: Environmental Consequences

Water Resources: Affected Environment

Water Resources: Environmental Consequences

Soundscape: Affected Environment

Soundscape: Environmental Consequences

Climate Change: Affected Environment

Climate Change: Environmental Consequences

Special Land Status Designations: Affected Environment

Special Land Status Designations: Environmental Consequences

3.3 Cultural and Historic Resources

Historic Properties: Affected Environment

Historic Properties: Environmental Consequences

Archeological Resources: Affected Environment

Archeological Resources: Environmental Consequences

Architectural Resources: Affected Environment

Architectural Resources: Environmental Consequences

3.4 Socioeconomics

Local and Regional Economies: Affected Environment

Local and Regional Economies: Environmental Consequences

Environmental Justice: Affected Environment

Environmental Justice: Environmental Consequences

Public Health and Safety: Affected Environment

Public Health and Safety: Environmental Consequences

Land use: Affected Environment

Land use: Environmental Consequences

3.5 Refuge Resources

Visitor Use and Experience: Affected Environment

Visitor Use and Experience: Environmental Consequences

Aesthetics, Viewsheds and Visual Resources: Affected Environment

Aesthetics, Viewsheds and Visual Resources: Environmental Consequences

Management and Operations: Affected Environment

Management and Operations: Environmental Consequences

Administration: Affected Environment

Administration: Environmental Consequences

Land Use and Planning: Affected Environment

Land Use and Planning: Environmental Consequences

3.7 Summary of Analysis

Alternative A – [insert short, descriptive title] – No Action Alternative

Alternative B – [insert short, descriptive title] – Preferred Alternative

Alternative C, etc. (as applicable) – [insert short, descriptive title]

Comparison of Alternatives

Chapter 4: Consultation and Coordination

4.1 Public Involvement

4.2 State, Federal, and Local Agency Coordination

Chapter 5: List of Preparers and Sources

5.1 List of Preparers

5.2 List of Sources Consulted

References

Appendix A: Applicable Statutes and Executive Orders

Appendix B: [insert plan title]

Appendix C: Summary of Comments

Appendix D: Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)

Executive Summary This environmental assessment evaluates [number; starting here, and throughout the rest of this document, text in brackets should be replaced with plan-specific text or deleted in cases where the text is informational for the writer] action alternatives and a no action alternative.

The proposed action would [brief description] at the [refuge name]. The proposed action would be achieved by [brief description]. The no action alternative would [brief description]. [Briefly explain why the proposed action is important and needed – approximately 2 sentences summarizing purpose and need].

This environmental assessment examines the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed action and complies with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in accordance with the Council on Environmental Quality NEPA regulations (40 Code of Federal Regulations, or CFR, 1500-1508), the Department of the Interior NEPA regulations (43 CFR 46;

516 Department Manual, or DM, 8), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy (550 Service manual, or FW, 3), and other relevant regulations and requirements. NEPA requires examining the proposed action's effects on the natural and human environment.

The following resources were analyzed in the environmental assessment: [list from main headings under the Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences chapter] (see Chapter 4 for more information). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service initially considered several other resources, which were ultimately dismissed from further analysis because neither the proposed action nor its alternatives would have the potential to result in impacts on these resources.

Based on the analysis presented in the environmental assessment and coordination and consultation with all appropriate federal, state, and local agencies, as well as federally recognized Native American tribes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the impacts associated with the proposed action and its alternative would not individually or cumulatively have a significant impact on the quality of the natural and human environment.

The draft EA was made available for public comment from [month day, year] to [month day, year]. Public comments and agency responses are available in Appendix C of this environmental assessment. Intraservice Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation [is/was ongoing, initiated on X date, was completed on x date] and National Historic Preservation Act section 106 consultation [is/was ongoing, initiated on x date, was completed on x date].

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background

National Wildlife Refuges are guided by the mission and goals of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the purposes of an individual refuge, federal laws and executive orders, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy, and international treaties. Relevant guidance includes but is not limited to the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 United States Code [U.S.C.] 668dd et seq.); the Refuge Recreation Act of 1962; and selected portions of the CFR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manual.

See Appendix A for a list of relevant laws and regulations.

The mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, as outlined by the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd), is:

“to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management and, where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.”

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 directs the Secretary of the Department of the Interior to ensure that refuges are fulfilling the intended mission of the refuge system and the purposes of individual refuges (16 U.S.C. 668dd(5)(a)(3)(A-M)).

[Insert refuge name] was established in [insert year] [insert text - refuge establishing legislation and primary purposes. Cite legislation and quote language from the establishment document to demonstrate why the refuge was established].

[Include refuge goals, objectives, history and any other laws, policy or information relevant to the proposed action].

[Use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

1.2 Purpose and Need for Action

[Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

The purpose of the proposed action is to [insert text].

[Insert text describing the need].

1.3 Proposed Action

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes [insert text – use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

A proposed action is an initial proposal and may evolve during the development of alternatives, the impact analysis, and public involvement. The lead federal agency may determine that there are other, better, or less impactful ways to address the purpose and need, resulting in a different preferred alternative. The proposed action and alternatives may change during the NEPA process as the agency refines its proposal and gathers feedback from the public, federally recognized tribes and tribal entities, and other agencies or organizations. Therefore, the final preferred alternative may differ from the initial proposed action and will be finalized at the conclusion of the public comment period after the incorporation of substantive comments. A decision to implement a proposed action will not be made until the environmental review process is complete.

Chapter 2: Alternatives

2.1 Decision Framework

Following completion of the EA, the [insert decision maker] in [insert region] of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service will determine if the selected alternative(s) is a major federal action that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment and, require preparation of an environmental impact statement or, alternatively, determine there would be no significant effects to the human environment and complete a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).

The [insert refuge] recommends Alternative [select letter]: [insert preferred alternative title] to the [insert decision maker title]. The [insert plan name] was developed based on this recommendation (delete this sentence if not applicable).

2.2 Alternatives

Alternative A - [insert short, descriptive title] - No Action Alternative [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Alternative B - [insert short, descriptive title] - Preferred Alternative [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Mitigation Measures [If applicable, insert text – include avoidance, minimization, or compensation measures specific to this alternative].

Alternative C (if applicable) - [insert short, descriptive title] [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Mitigation Measures [If applicable, insert text – include avoidance, minimization, or compensation measures specific to this alternative].

Alternatives Considered but Dismissed (if applicable) [If applicable, insert text - Provide an overview of why these alternatives were dismissed. Use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Mitigation Measures Applicable to All Alternatives [If applicable, insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Monitoring Applicable to All Alternatives [If applicable, insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Chapter 3: Affected Environment and Environmental Consequences This section is organized by affected resource categories. Each affected resource section discusses the existing environmental baseline in the impact zone (potential area of impact of any of the alternatives) and the effects of the alternatives on each resource. Effects from the proposed action or alternatives are reasonably foreseeable changes to the human environment, whether adverse or beneficial (40 CFR 1508.1(i)) as compared to the environmental baseline for the no action alternative. The impact analysis directly follows the description of the affected environment for a resource and is organized by alternative.

The impact analysis will evaluate various criteria, as defined below, to describe the context and intensity of impacts on affected resources. The Council on Environmental Quality does not require the use of these terms; however, they are commonly used in NEPA documents and will be referenced in the subsequent sections.

Impact analysis criteria and terminology are listed below.

Adverse effects: negative or detrimental effects to the resource (40 CFR 1501.3, 1508.1(i))

Beneficial effects: positive effects on the resource (40 CFR 1501.3, 1508.1(i)) Cumulative effects: effects on the environment resulting from the incremental effects of the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions regardless of what agency (e.g., federal or non-federal) or person undertakes the action (40 CFR 1508.1(i))

Direct effects: caused by the action and occur at the same time and place (40 CFR 1508.1(i))

Indirect effects: caused by the action and are often later in time or farther in distance but are still reasonably foreseeable (40 CFR 1508.1(i))

Irreversible: unable to be undone or altered Irretrievable: unable to regain, recover, or repair Short-term effects: occurring in or relating to a relatively short period of time (40 CFR

1501.3) Significant effects: substantial adverse effects with respect to the context and intensity of a proposed action’s impacts on resources Long-term effects: occurring in or relating to a relatively long period of time (40 CFR

1501.3) If a resource is not expected to be affected, a brief justification will be provided for why it was dismissed.

[Insert dismissed resources and justification. Use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include]

3.1 General Description of Affected Environmental Applicable to All Affected Resources [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

[Review the list of resource topics in the guidance document for possible inclusion in this section of the EA. Delete or add resources as appropriate. These resource headings can be changed to address more specifically the resource being analyzed. For example, separate out specific species or habitats if they are especially important for discussing impacts, and then separately discuss other wildlife or broad habitat types. Plain and clear resource topic headings will benefit your audience. In addition to direct and indirect effects, include cumulative effects for each retained resource topic.]

3.2 Natural Resources

Habitat and Vegetation: Affected Environment

Habitat and Vegetation: Environmental Consequences Alternative A

Cumulative Effects

Alternative B Cumulative Effects

Floodplains: Affected Environment [Required if EO 11988 applies]

Floodplains: Environmental Consequences

Cumulative Effects

Alternative B Cumulative Effects

Wetlands: Affected Environment [Required if EO 11990 applies]

Wetlands: Environmental Consequences

Alternative B

Vegetation of special management concern: Affected Environment

Vegetation of special management concern: Environmental Consequences

Fish and Wildlife Species: Affected Environment [TIP: Include terrestrial, aquatic and benthic species as necessary. Headings can be separated or added to improve information flow and reader comprehension.]

Fish and Wildlife Species: Environmental Consequences

Candidate, Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat: Affected Environment

Candidate, Threatened and Endangered Species and Critical Habitat: Environmental Consequences

Special Status Species: Affected Environment

Special Status Species: Environmental Consequences

Geology and Soils: Affected Environment

Geology and Soils: Environmental Consequences

Air Quality: Affected Environment

Air Quality: Environmental Consequences

Water Resources: Affected Environment

Water Resources: Environmental Consequences

Soundscape: Affected Environment

Soundscape: Environmental Consequences

Climate Change: Affected Environment

Climate Change: Environmental Consequences

Special Land Status Designations: Affected Environment

Special Land Status Designations: Environmental Consequences

3.3 Cultural and Historic Resources

Historic Properties: Affected Environment

Historic Properties: Environmental Consequences

Archeological Resources: Affected Environment

Archeological Resources: Environmental Consequences

Architectural Resources: Affected Environment

Architectural Resources: Environmental Consequences

3.4 Socioeconomics

Local and Regional Economies: Affected Environment

Local and Regional Economies: Environmental Consequences

Environmental Justice: Affected Environment

Environmental Justice: Environmental Consequences

Public Health and Safety: Affected Environment

Public Health and Safety: Environmental Consequences

Land use: Affected Environment

Land use: Environmental Consequences

3.5 Refuge Resources

Visitor Use and Experience: Affected Environment

Visitor Use and Experience: Environmental Consequences

Aesthetics, Viewsheds and Visual Resources: Affected Environment

Aesthetics, Viewsheds and Visual Resources: Environmental Consequences

Management and Operations: Affected Environment

Management and Operations: Environmental Consequences

Administration: Affected Environment

Administration: Environmental Consequences

Land Use and Planning: Affected Environment

Land Use and Planning: Environmental Consequences

3.7 Summary of Analysis

Alternative A – [insert short, descriptive title] – No Action Alternative [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Alternative B – [insert short, descriptive title] – Preferred Alternative [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Alternative C, etc. (as applicable) – [insert short, descriptive title] [Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Comparison of Alternatives [Optional: Insert table - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Chapter 4: Consultation and Coordination

4.1 Public Involvement

This draft environmental assessment will be available for public review and comment for 30 days, from [insert date] to [insert date, year]. Members of the public will be notified of the availability of the draft documents [insert method], and the notification will also be posted on the refuge website. The draft document will be made available at the [inert refuge name] visitor center [(insert address)], via email [(insert email)], or it can be downloaded from the refuge website [(insert website)]. To access the document in an alternative format, contact the refuge. Comments may be submitted in writing via email [(insert email if different from above)] or by mail to the refuge [(insert address if different from above)]. Any comments, concerns, suggestions, or other feedback will be incorporated into the final environmental assessment if a substantive response is required.

4.2 State, Federal, and Local Agency Coordination

information to include].

4.3 Tribal Consultation[Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

Chapter 5: List of Preparers and Sources

5.1 List of Preparers

[Insert text - use the NEPA EA Template Guidance for requirements and suggestions about what information to include].

5.2 List of Sources Consulted

information to include].

References [Insert cited literature and other resources following APA formatting or other accepted source formatting. Source formatting must be consistent across all references. See https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples]

[DELETE PAGE] Environmental Assessment Appendices

Appendix information may vary depending on the purpose, need and proposed action of the project.

Information in the environmental assessment appendix may include but is not limited to:

Regulatory requirements (Appendix A – required) Public involvement Comments o Response to comments o Tables and figures (if not included in the body of the environmental assessment)

Copies of referenced documents (e.g., refuge plans) Background materials prepared with the environmental assessment Definitions and acronyms

Appendix A: Applicable Statutes and Executive Orders [Instructions – This appendix and the information described below is optional. Please consult with your regional refuge planning lead. If opting to use this appendix, include a brief description (1-2 sentences) as to why and how the following laws, regulations, statutes, policies, executive orders and/or other rules apply to the proposed action or project. If not applicable, explain why the resource does not need to be considered. If applicable, explain why the resource needs to be considered. Briefly describe the potential effects to this resource and include mitigation measures by reference if already documented.]

Example: Not applicable (no) EO 11988 (floodplains): Not applicable. The (insert action/project) would not occur in an official floodplain.

Example: Applicable (yes) EO 11988 (floodplains): The project would occur in a floodplain. (Insert action/project) and associated federal funding would not contribute to flood damage or negative impacts on the floodplain. Mitigation measures, as outlined in (reference document), would be used to (select text - protect this resource, minimize impacts, etc.).

Statutes Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, as amended American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) of 1978 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 Anadromous Fish Conservation Act of 1965 Antiquities Act of 1906 Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974 Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) of 1979, as amended Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940, as amended Clean Air Act of 1970 Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended Coastal Barriers Resources Act of 1982 Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, as amended Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986 Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended Farmland Protection Act of 1981, as amended Federal Cave Protection Act (FCRPA) of 1988 Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1990 Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (FWCA) of 1958 Fishery (Magnuson) Conservation and Management Act of 1976 Lacey Act of 1900 Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended

Magnuson Stevens Fishery and Conservation Management Act of 1976, as amended Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of 1934 Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990 Noise Control Act of 1972 Paleontological Resources Protection Act of 2009 Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, as amended Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899 Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 Water Resources Planning Act of 1965 (sole-source aquifers) Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, as amended Wilderness Act of 1964, as amended

Executive Orders EO 11593, Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment EO 11644, Use of Off-Road Vehicles on Public Land EO 11987, Exotic Organisms EO 11988, Floodplain Management EO 11990, Protection of Wetlands EO 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review EO 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice for Minority Populations and Low- Income Populations EO 12962, Recreational Fisheries EO 12996, Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System EO 13007, Indian Sacred Sites EO 13084, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments EO 13175, Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments EO 13186, Responsibilities of Federal Agencies to Protect Migratory Birds EO 13563, Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review EO 13990, Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis EO 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad

Other Consultations for Essential Fish Habitat

Appendix B: [insert plan title] [As applicable, reference the corresponding refuge plan(s)]

Appendix C: Summary of Comments

Appendix D: Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) [Do not include prior to public comment. Should only be included in the final EA.]