Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program FY17_FY21

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they relate to game animal management and how they were used to develop and coordinate activities in this program. Federal Assistance Section 7 Assessment In developing these projects, precautions have been taken to evaluate potential impacts to threatened and endangered species and to incorporate measures that will protect listed species that may be affected by project activities. Hawaii currently has 503 species listed as threatened or endangered, an additional 49 proposed or candidate species under consideration for listing. (See Appendix II for a list of endangered and threatened species found on the various Islands throughout the State). A Federal Assistance Assessment (Section 7 Evaluation Form) has been completed by the State Federal Assistance Coordinator for each project to identify potential impacts to listed species and to incorporate measures to avoid impacts. The following considerations provide a general framework for the game program and the evaluation of potential program impacts on listed species. 1. The majority of the activities carried out under this program are routine, ongoing and located in disturbed areas with no or very few listed species. Improvements are located to avoid impacts to listed species during construction and use. 2. A small percentage of the State's Federal Assistance PR Program is dedicated to Nongame/Endangered Species wildlife activities that directly benefit and enhance listed species. 3. Many of the Game Management Program activities indirectly benefit and enhance listed species. For example, predator control and water unit development for game birds also benefit nene in many areas. Roads, trails and facilities developed or maintained in remote areas increase opportunities for wildlife viewing and increase hunter pressure which helps control game mammal populations. Access also facilitates fire control, which benefits listed species and native species and habitats. 4. DOFAW's Resource Management Guidelines and distribution maps of listed species were used as Planning tools in developing game management project activities and in assessing potential impacts to listed species in completing the State's portion of the Section 7 Assessments. The major focus of the game enhancement program utilizing Federal funds is for game birds, which involves activities that are unlikely to adversely affect listed species. 5. Program activities that might enhance game mammal populations have been purposefully designed, with specific mitigative actions identified, to avoid activities that directly affect listed species. Program activities that do enhance game mammal populations are done in a small number of "Game Production" areas (less than 10% of all hunting areas) and these projects include a commitment to identify and protect listed species in the areas that are at risk from game mammals. 6. Where there is a potential for adverse impacts to listed species, DOFAW has included actions to mitigate impacts such as fencing endangered plants, creation of "No Hunting" safety zones for nene, and educational materials for hunters to increase