Common use of FOREST SERVICE SHALL Clause in Contracts

FOREST SERVICE SHALL. 1. Address the conservation of migratory bird habitat and populations when developing, amending, or revising management plans for national forests and grasslands, consistent with NFMA, ESA, and other authorities listed above. When developing the list of species to be considered in the planning process, consult the current FWS Birds of Conservation Concern (updated 2002 and available at xxx.xxx.xxx/xxxxxxxxxxxxxx/xxxxxxx/XXX0000.xxx), State lists, and comprehensive planning efforts for migratory birds (see Definitions for a list of comprehensive plans). Evaluate and consider management objectives and recommendations from conservation planning efforts for migratory birds. Acknowledge special designations that may apply to all or part of the planning area, such as Globally Important Bird Areas in the United States, and acknowledge such designations in the appropriate plan documents. 2. Participate in planning efforts of Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs) to facilitate development of conservation actions that benefit migratory bird species across multiple land ownerships, such as large-scale watersheds and coastal area restoration projects. Increase awareness within the agency of information contained within these plans and within other comprehensive planning efforts for migratory birds. 3. Within the NEPA process, evaluate the effects of agency actions on migratory birds, focusing first on species of management concern along with their priority habitats and key risk factors. To the extent practicable: a. Evaluate and balance long-term benefits of projects against any short- or long- term adverse effects when analyzing, disclosing, and mitigating the effects of actions. b. Pursue opportunities to restore or enhance the composition, structure, and juxtaposition of migratory bird habitats in the project area. c. Consider approaches, to the extent practicable, for identifying and minimizing take that is incidental to otherwise lawful activities, including such approaches as: 1. altering the season of activities to minimize disturbances during the breeding season; 2. retaining snags for nesting structures where snags are underrepresented; 3. retaining the integrity of breeding sites, especially those with long histories of use and; 4. giving due consideration to key wintering areas, migration routes, and stop- overs. 5. minimizing or preventing the pollution or detrimental alteration of the environments utilized by migratory birds whenever practical by assessing information on environmental contaminants and other stressors relevant to migratory bird conservation. d. Coordinate with the appropriate FWS Ecological Services office when planning projects that are likely to have a negative effect on migratory bird populations. Cooperate in developing approaches to minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits to migratory birds. 4. For wind energy development projects, use existing Forest Service guidance and other relevant information for minimizing adverse effects to migratory birds and for monitoring. 5. Cooperate with willing landowners to conserve important migratory bird habitat on non-federal lands, using purchases, easements, contributions, exchanges, and other means. 6. Initiate and support management studies and research to identify the habitat conditions needed to conserve migratory birds, and to evaluate the effects of management activities on habitats and populations of migratory birds. 7. Recognize and promote the value of migratory birds to the public through support of, and participation in, International Migratory Bird Day events; through development of Naturewatch viewing sites that focus on bird conservation; and by sponsoring bird watching and appreciation activities (e.g., bird festivals and celebrations) that draw visitors to the national forests and grasslands. 8. Promote international collaboration for migratory bird conservation through the Wings Across the Americas program. 9. Within the scope of its statutorily-designated authorities, control the import, export, and establishment on National Forest System lands of live exotic animals and plants that may be harmful to migratory bird resources. 10. Follow all migratory bird permitting requirements for activities subject to 50 CFR Part 21. 11. Advise the public of the availability of this MOU through a notice published in the Federal Register.