Attachment 5 Brevoort River Bridge Decision Memo.pdf

Decision Memo – Brevoort River Bridge 3303-2.6 Replacement Project

Decision Memo

Brevoort River Bridge 3303-2.6 Replacement Project

USDA Forest Service St Ignace Ranger District

Mackinac County, Michigan

Decision I have decided to authorize the replacement of the Brevoort River Bridge located on Forest Road 3303, Milepost 2.6

This action is categorically excluded from documentation in an environmental impact statement (EIS) or an environmental assessment (EA). The applicable category of actions is identified in agency procedures as 36CFR§ 220.6(e)(21) Construction, reconstruction, decommissioning, relocation, or disposal of buildings, infrastructure, or other improvements at an existing administrative site. This category of action(s) is applicable because the proposal is to remove the existing bridge and construct a new bridge at the same site.

I find that there are no extraordinary circumstances that would warrant further analysis and documentation in an EA or EIS. I took into account resource conditions identified in agency procedures that should be considered in determining whether extraordinary circumstances might exist:

♦ Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species – The project was submitted to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, who subsequently provided a consistency letter dated 12 April 2023. The findings include

• Canada Lynx - No Effect

• Gray Wolf - May Affect, Is Not Likely to Adversely Affect

• Hine's Emerald Dragonfly - No Effect

• Northern long-eared Bat - May Affect, Is Not Likely to Adversely Affect

• Piping Plover - No Effect

• Rufa Red Knot - No Effect

I find that there are no expected adverse effects to Federally listed threatened or endangered species or designated critical habitat, species proposed for Federal listing or proposed critical habitat, or Forest Service sensitive species. I direct that should species status or conditions change in the project area prior to or during implementation, the Forest will be notified to ensure the effects of the change are within the existing analysis.

♦ Flood plains, wetlands, or municipal watersheds – The project area is located in an area designated as flood zone A, with a 1 percent annual chance of a major (100-year) flood event. I find that there are no adverse effects expected as a result of the reconstruction of the Brevoort River bridge.

♦ Congressionally designated areas such as wilderness, wilderness study areas, or national recreation areas – There are no specially designated areas in the project area boundary.

♦ Inventoried roadless areas or potential wilderness areas – There are no inventoried roadless areas or proposed Wilderness within the project area boundary.

♦ Research natural areas – There are no Research Natural Areas located within the project area boundary.

♦ American Indians and Alaska Native religious or cultural sites – The project area has been reviewed by a qualified Forest Archaeologist. There are no known native religious or cultural sites known within the project area boundary.

♦ Archaeological sites, or historic properties or areas – The project area has been reviewed by a qualified Forest Archaeologist. There are no known archaeological or heritage sites known within the project area boundary.

Public Involvement This project was internally scoped among all resource groups. This action was originally listed as a proposal on the third quarter National Forest Schedule of Proposed Actions and updated periodically during the analysis.

Findings Required by Laws and Regulations and Policies This decision is consistent with the Hiawatha National Forest Land Management Plan. The project was designed in conformance with forest-wide standards and guidelines for Transportation (7700) and plan direction for Management Area 7.1 (forest plan 3- 34) which includes developed recreation and other facilities.

National Forest Management Act - The project proposal has been reviewed by resource specialists who found that it is consistent with the 2006 Hiawatha National Forest Plan.

Endangered Species Act - Endangered Species Act regulations of 1986 (50 CFR Part 402) and the 1998 ESA consultation handbook for sensitive species were consulted for this project.

Clean Water Act - The Forest Service complies with this Act through State of Michigan and Federal Best Management Practices.

Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act - See Extraordinary Circumstances.

National Historic Preservation Act - See Extraordinary Circumstances.

Archaeological Resources Protection Act - See Extraordinary Circumstances.

Environmental Justice (Executive Order 12898) - This decision complies with Executive Order 12898 and is not expected to adversely impact minority or low-income populations.

Administrative Review (Appeal) Opportunities This decision is not subject to notice, comment, and objection requirements as it is a decision for actions that have been categorically excluded from documentation in an EA or EIS.

Implementation Date The project may be implemented upon my signature.

Contact For additional information, contact: Todd Kenyon, Civil Engineer, Hiawatha National Forest, todd.kenyon@usda.gov or 906-298-8127 during normal business hours.

SAMUEL BARNES Date District Ranger (acting)

We make every effort to create documents that are accessible to individuals of all abilities; however, limitations with our word processing programs may prevent some parts of this document from being readable by computer-assisted reading devices. If you need assistance with any part of this document, please contact the Hiawatha National Forest at 906-428-5800.

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mailto:todd.kenyon@usda.gov