FINAL 4(d) RULES FOR PACIFIC SALMON

September 30, 2003

NOAA Fisheries Updates Its July 2000 4(d) Rule Implementation Binder PDF format 770k

NOAA Fisheries has updated its July 2000 4(d) rule Implementation Binder for threatened salmon and steehead with new information and guidance to 4(d) rule practitioners about individual limit application processes and requirements. The updated 4(d) rule Implementation Binder (September, 2003) does not change or amend the July 2000 rule governing take (i.e., ESA section 9(a)(1)) for 14 groups of salmon and steelhead listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The updated guidance:

• Identifies programs approved by NOAA Fisheries under the 4(d) rule;
• Updates guidance on NOAA Fisheries' ESA Section 7 and Magnuson-Stevens Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) consultation requirements and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements;
• Udates information on the 4(d) application process for each limit;
• Identifies whom to contact at NOAA Fisheries to discuss ESA compliance options; and
• Provides web site links to documents and staff members working on the 4(d) rule

May 29, 2002

Notice of availability and seeking public comment: Draft Limit 10 Environmental Assessment
Comments deadline: June 28, 2002.

January 17, 2002

Seven Washington counties and more than a dozen Washington cities have submitted to NMFS a joint routine road maintenance program aimed at protecting salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act. The fisheries service is asking for public comment on the proposed program before it makes any final decision on whether or not to approve it. You can read the notice published in the Federal Register about the program or go to the proposal itself by clicking on these links. Comments on the proposal should be sent to Laura Hamilton, NMFS, 510 Desmond Drive, Suite 103, Lacey WA 98503.
Comments deadline extended to April 12, 2002.

   June 2000

Endangered Species Act (ESA) 4(d) rules provide protections for species listed as "threatened." These 4(d) rules put take prohibitions in place except for specific categories of activities that contribute to conserving listed salmon and steelhead.

• 4(d) Rules Workshop Final Report    PDF Format (90K)
• 4(d) Rules Workshop Appendix    PDF Formant (73K)

• 4(d) Rules Workshops Announced for Fall 2000
• Implementation Binder (pdf 318 kb)
• Workshop Packet Materials List
• Press Release - June 20, 2000
• Federal Register Notices for the Final 4(d) Rules
• Salmon and Steelhead 4(d) Rule
• Tribal 4(d) Rule
• References used in final 4(d) rule
• Overview
• Questions and Answers
• Common Myths about the 4(d) Rules
• Citizen's Guide to the 4(d) Rule (html or pdf [904k])
• 4(d) Summary Presentation
• Contact Information
• The ESA and Local Governments: Information on 4(d) Rules - May 7, 1999
• Maps of NMFS Actions
• All Affected ESUs  (pdf) or (jpg)
• Areas affected by 4(d) rules versus ESA section 9 protections for endangered species

 See information and Federal Register notices for the proposed 4(d) rules (December 1999/January 2000)

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