FOR PROCESSING FEDERAL LAND EASEMENTS IN IDAHO
(Last Updated 3-4-11)
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between:
The Federal Highway Administration's Idaho Division;
The Idaho Transportation Department;
The U.S. Forest Service Northern Region (R-1);
The U.S. Forest Service Intermountain Region (R-4); and
The Bureau of Land Management Idaho State Office
provides procedural guidance specific to project Planning & Design, Environmental Processing, Federal Land Appropriation, Construction, and Operation & Maintenance of transportation facilities on National Forest System (NFS) lands and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Public Lands in the State of Idaho
For the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), effectiveness is manifested by transportation projects that are planned, designed, constructed and maintained with appropriate engineering standards and safety considerations, in a timely and cost efficient manner.
For the US Forest Service (USFS) and BLM, effectiveness is measured by transportation projects that are planned, designed, constructed and maintained with appropriate consideration of public land management objectives and with emphasis on conservation and enhancement of NFS and public lands and resources.
This MOU seeks to enhance interagency coordination, cooperation and the mutual understanding of transportation projects on NFS and public lands and resources. It documents mutual agreement regarding the specific "Implementing Procedures" to be followed as a means to achieve these purposes (See Implementing Procedures attached).
The existing MOU and its Appendices A and B dated December 6, 1982 and May 3, 1985, respectively are superseded and replaced by this MOU. The old MOU and Appendices were between the ITD and Forest Service Regions 1 and 4. The BLM (Idaho State Office) does not currently have an MOU with ITD or FHWA.
This MOU does not supersede or replace the requirements of any national agreements (See Attachment 5 for copy of existing national agreement). Any easements or permits between the affected parties that are currently in place will not be affected by this MOU.
ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES
FHWA administers federal highway funding and is the lead agency for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) as it relates to federal-aid projects (40 CFR 1500-1508, Title 23 U.S.C.).Federal-aid highways (Chapter One, Title 23 U.S.C.) include the Interstate System, the National Highway System, and selected state, city and county routes. The National Highway System consists of all Interstate and most State arterial highway routes.
FHWA – Western Federal Lands, is the lead agency for the development of projects on Forest Highways, forest development roads or trails (Chapter 2, Title 23 U.S.C.). In the event ITD, under agreement with FHWA – Western Federal Lands, leads the development of a project on a Forest Highway, forest development road or trail, such work would be pursuant to the procedures outlined in this MOU.
FHWA also facilitates the establishment (through the Federal Land Appropriation process) of an easement deed for use of NFS land for transportation purposes.
ITD is responsible for the planning, location, design, construction, operation, and perpetuation of a safe and efficient public transportation system needed for the benefit of the public in accordance with Title 23, U.S.C. while protecting the environment. ITD is the primary agency responsible for implementation and administration of this MOU.
The USFS and BLM are Cooperating Agencies for Federal-Aid highway projects crossing their respectively managed lands. Both are responsible for the protection and multiple use management of their respectively managed lands and resources for the benefit of the people of the United States. This responsibility extends to the development of a public lands transportation system both within and providing direct access to their lands.
The Idaho State Highway System and Forest Transportation System (including the Forest Highway System) are interdependent and of mutual benefit to the public. ITD and FHWA need consent and will coordinate with the USFS on issues such as waste areas, staging areas, material sources and maintenance sites for highway operations and construction projects within or providing direct access to NFS lands. The USFS, when developing improvements or approving other uses that may impact an ITD right-of-way, will consult with ITD and seek approval or concurrence.
Actions defined in this MOU will be coordinated between personnel at equivalent organizational levels within each agency. Forest Supervisors, BLM District Managers and ITD District Engineers, as well as USFS District Rangers, BLM Field Managers and ITD Resident Engineers or Maintenance Foreman, are encouraged to confer and reach agreement on all matters within their scope of responsibility. Unresolved problems and items requiring approval of higher authority will be referred to the appropriate ITD Executive staff and/or Regional Forester and/or State Director level.
A. Development:
Step 1:
The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) will provide advance written notification to the responsible Federal land agency (FLA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) when it intends to request a permanent easement across Federal lands This notification will occur as early in the process as possible (See Attachment 1 for Federal and State contact information).
The notification letter will address the following:
Step 2:
The FLA will, unless otherwise documented, recognize FHWA's NEPA approval as being adequate to address the proposed action. In some situations it could be necessary for the FLA to make an additional decision when the proposed project does not conform to the existing land use plan. In these situations it is incumbent upon the FLA to insure the NEPA document prepared by the FHWA contains the analysis necessary for the FLA to make its own decision to amend its land use plan.
It is understood that additional processing may be necessary in the event that the FLA determines that the proposed Federal land transfer would not be in conformance with the current land use plan for the affected area.
Step 3:
The FLA will be provided the opportunity to review the preliminary and final plans for the proposed activities on the easement to verify that adequate protection and utilization of the land has been addressed. For FHWA funded activities, FHWA or the ITD will be responsible for final approval of the design plans in accordance with Title 23 U.S.C. For non-FHWA funded activities, ITD will be responsible for final approval of the design plans.
B. Processing:
Step 1:
The ITD files its application for an easement with the FHWA Division Office setting forth its need for the lands in accordance with 23 CFR 710.601(d). Included in the application will be the following:
Step 2:
The FHWA Division Office will review the application for completeness and accuracy in accordance with 23 CFR 710.601(d) and make a determination as to the necessity of the requested land for the project or activity.
Step 3:
If the application is determined to be both satisfactory in content and necessary and reasonable in purpose and scope, the FHWA Division Office will forward the application and supporting documentation to the designated contact for the FLA office having jurisdiction over the land in question (See Attachment 1 for Federal and State contact information) and request the FLA to issue a Letter of Consent.
Step 4:
The FLA, after receipt of the request with the accompanying complete application, shall review the material and, within a period of four months, notify FHWA, in writing, either (a) that the FLA is in agreement with the easement subject to conditions of adequate protection and utilization of the public lands or (b) that the easement would be contrary to the public interest or inconsistent with the purpose for which the public lands or materials are being managed.
The FLA's concurrence to the easement will be in the form of a Letter of Consent (LOC). The LOC will clearly state any conditions under which agreement to the easement is given in addition to those in the standard deed conditions list (See Attachments 3 and 4). The FHWA Division Office and the ITD will review the FLA's conditions and may coordinate with the FLA if it determines that further discussion on the content or intent of these conditions is necessary.
The signing date of the easement deed will constitute the date at which the right of entry to the land commences.
Denial by the FLA of the easement request will be in the form of a letter, signed by the USFS Regional Forester or the BLM State Director, as appropriate, which explains and provides supporting documentation to clearly substantiate that:
If, within a period of four months, the FLA has not responded in writing to the request for a LOC, the easement will be approved by FHWA as requested.
Step 5:
Upon receipt of an LOC, the FHWA reviews it for content and forwards it to the ITD for incorporation of conditions into the easement deed.
Upon receipt of a letter in which the FLA does not consent to the requested easement, the FHWA Division Office will consult with the ITD and the FLA to determine if there is reasonable opportunity for resolving the impasse.
Step 6:
Upon receipt of the LOC, the ITD prepares the easement deed, including the incorporation of all conditions specified in the LOC along with any other conditions previously cited in the request and subsequently agreed to by the FLA. The ITD then submits the easement deed to the FHWA Division Office. Included with this submission should be a request for authorization of the easement, the responses of the FLA, the conditions of the easement, the easement deed with the legal property description, and findings that the easement is reasonably necessary for the proposed highway project.
Step 7:
The FHWA Division Office reviews the deed and accompanying information for completeness and accuracy, signs the deed as appropriate, and returns the signed easement deed to the ITD.
Step 8:
The ITD signs and records the easement deed and forwards three copies to the affected FLA and two copies to the FHWA.
Step 9:
The FHWA forwards a copy of the recorded easement deed to the BLM Records Office (at the BLM State Office in Boise, ID) for notation on the Master Title Plat.
Step 1:
The ITD, when constructing or operating the highway or the materials source, shall comply with the conditions set forth in both the LOC and the easement deed. The FLA will act as agent for FHWA in the monitoring and enforcement of the easement deed conditions. FHWA will, in coordination with the FLA, issue written notification to the ITD of any violations of the deed conditions. If the noncompliance is not corrected within 30 days, the FHWA will, upon notification from the FLA, first pursue compliance by ITD informally and, if necessary, follow up with action pursuant to 23 CFR 1.36.
Step 2:
The ITD will notify the FLA when the need for the easement no longer exists. Upon notification from the ITD the FLA shall determine whether to accept relinquishment of the easement as is, or shall specify facility removal and rehabilitation requirements for completion by the ITD. The ITD shall include these rehabilitation measures in a Scope of Work Report.
Step 3:
Upon approval of the easement relinquishment, the FLA shall notify the FHWA of this approval and the ITD shall issue and record the easement termination document with the County. The ITD shall forward three copies of the recorded termination document to the affected FLA and two copies to the FHWA.
Step 4:
The FHWA shall forward a copy of the recorded easement termination documents to the BLM Records Office Idaho State Office for notation on the Master Title Plat.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The signatory agencies to this memorandum of understanding agree:
The Agencies further understand and agree that this memorandum of understanding and its included procedures have been established for the convenience and mutual benefit of the Agencies and that it is neither expressed nor implied that these procedures supersede or supplant the requirements for Federal land transfers governed by Title 23 USC 317 or its implementing regulations; 23 CFR 710.601.
FHWA, ITD, USFS, and BLM Officials
Federal Highway Administration
Peter J. Hartman Date
Division Administrator - Idaho
Idaho Transportation Department
Brian W. Ness, Director Date
U.S.D.A. Forest Service - Northern Region (R-1)
Leslie Weldon, Regional Forester Date
The authority and format of this instrument has been approved for signature by:
Northern Region Agreements Coordinator Date
U.S.D.A. Forest Service - Intermountain Region (R-4)
Harv Forsgren, Regional Forester Date
The authority and format of this instrument has been approved for signature by:
Intermountain Region Agreements Coordinator Date
U.S.D.I. Bureau of Land Management
K. Lynn Bennett, Idaho State Director Date
ATTACHMENT 1: FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCY CONTACTS
ATTACHMENT 2: IDAHO PLAT SPECIFICATIONS FOR
BLM AND USFS FEDERAL LAND TRANSFERS
ATTACHMENT 3: STANDARD HIGHWAY EASEMENT DEED CONDITIONS
FOR USFS AND BLM FEDERAL LAND TRANSFERS
IN IDAHO
ATTACHMENT 4: STANDARD MATERIALS SOURCE DEED CONDITIONS
FOR BLM FEDERAL LAND TRANSFERS IN IDAHO
ATTACHMENT 5: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
ATTACHMENT 6: INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN BLM and FHWA ATTACHMENT 1
FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCY CONTACTS - 06/26/06 update(* denotes primary contact where more than one office contact is listed)
CONTACT | ADDRESS | PHONE/FAX/EMAIL |
---|---|---|
FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION (FHWA) | ||
FHWA Idaho Division Office | ||
*Scott Frey Transportation Engineer |
3050 Lakeharbor Ln. Suite 126 Boise, ID 83703 |
Phone: 208/334-9180x115 Fax: 208/334-1691 Email: scott.frey@fhwa.dot.gov |
Peter Hartman Division Administrator |
Same | Phone: 208/334-9180x118 Fax: 208/334-1691 Email: Peter.Hartman@fhwa.dot.gov |
IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (ITD) | ||
ITD Headquarters ROW Office | ||
*Andrew White Senior ROW Agent |
P.O. Box 7129 Boise, ID 83707 |
Phone: 208/334-8509 Fax: 208/334-8501 Email: Andrew.white@itd.idaho.gov |
Janet Brown ROW Agent |
Same | Phone: 208/334-8511 Fax: 208/334-8501 Email: Janet.brown@itd.idaho.gov |
Jesse (Bill) Smith ROW Manager |
Same | Phone: 208/334-8521 Fax: 208/334-8501 Email: Jesse.smith@itd.idaho.gov |
ITD District 1 Office | ||
Ron Harvey ROW Supervisor ITD District 1 |
600 West Prairie Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815-8764 |
Phone: 208/772-1217 Fax: 208/772-1203 Email: Ron.Harvey@itd.idaho.gov |
ITD District 2 Office | ||
Tim Long ROW Supervisor ITD District 2 |
P.O. Box 837 Lewiston, ID 83501-0837 |
Phone: 208/799-4216 Fax: 208/799-4301 Email: Tim.long@itd.idaho.gov |
ITD District 3 Office | ||
Lana Servatius ROW Supervisor ITD District 3 |
P.O. Box 8028 Boise, ID 83707-2028 |
Phone: 208/334-8343 Fax: 208/334-8917 Email: Lana.Servatius@itd.idaho.gov |
ITD District 4 Office | ||
Michael Scott ROW Supervisor ITD District 4 |
P.O. Box 2-A Shoshone, ID 83352-0820 |
Phone: 208/886-7806 Fax: 208/886-7895 Email: Mike.Scott@itd.idaho.gov |
ITD District 5 Office | ||
Chuck Heisler ROW Agent ITD District 5 |
P.O. Box 4700 Pocatello, ID 83205-4700 |
Phone: 208/239-3355 Fax: 208/238-3367 Email: Chuck. Heisler@itd.idaho.gov |
ITD District 6 Office | ||
Mark Layton ROW Supervisor ITD District 6 |
P.O. Box 97 Rigby, Idaho 83442-0097 |
Phone: 208/745-5626 Fax: 208/745-8735 Email: Mark.Layton@itd.idaho.gov |
Bureau of land Management (BLM) | ||
BLM Idaho State Office | ||
Cathie Foster Realty Program Mgr |
1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709 |
Phone: 208/373-3863 Fax: 208/373-3974 Email: cathie_foster@blm.gov |
Natalie Cooper Realty Specialist |
1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709 |
Phone: 208/373- Fax: 208/373-3974 Email: natalie_cooper@blm.gov |
Kimberly Werven Records Office |
1387 S. Vinnell Way Boise, ID 83709 |
Phone: 208/373-3895 Fax: 208/373-3974 Email: kimberly_werven@blm.gov |
BLM BOISE District | ||
Michael Truden Realty Specialist |
3948 Development Ave Boise, ID 83705 |
Phone: 208/384-3450 Fax: 208/384-3493 Email: michael_truden@blm.gov |
BLM Bruneau Field Office | ||
Cecil Werven Realty Specialist |
3948 Development Ave Boise, ID 83705 |
Phone: 208/384-3455 Fax: 208/384-3493 Email: cecil_werven@blm.gov |
Morley Nelson Birds of Prey National Conservation Area | ||
Kelley Moore Realty Specialist |
3948 Development Ave Boise, ID 83705 |
Phone: 208/384-3339 Fax: 208/384-3338 Email: john_sullivan@blm.gov |
BLM Four Rivers Field Office | ||
Vacant Realty Specialist |
3948 Development Avenue Boise, ID 83705 |
Phone: 208/384-3339 Fax: 208/384-3493 Email: @blm.gov |
Effie Schultsmeier Realty Specialist |
Same | Phone: 208/384-3357 Fax: 208/384-3493 Email: effie_schultsmeier@blm.gov |
BLM Owyhee Field Office | ||
Kelley Moore Realty Specialist |
20 1st Avenue West Marsing, ID 83639 |
Phone: 208/896-5917 Fax: Email: kelley_moore@blm.gov |
BLM COEUR D'ALENE District | ||
BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office | ||
Scott Forssell Realty Specialist |
1808 North Third St. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814-3407 |
Phone: 208/769-5044 Fax: 208/769-5050 Email: scott_forssell@blm.gov |
BLM Cottonwood Field Office | ||
Vacant Realty Specialist |
House 1, Butte Drive, Route 3, Box 181 Cottonwood, ID 83522-9498 |
Phone: 208/962-3680 Fax: 208/962-3275 Email: @blm.gov |
BLM idaho falls District | ||
BLM Challis Field Office | ||
Tim Vanek Realty Specialist |
801 Blue Mountain Rd Challis, ID 83226 |
Phone: 208/879-6200 Fax: 208/879-6219 Email: tim_vanek@blm.gov |
BLM Idaho Falls Field Office | ||
Skip Staffel Realty Specialist |
1405 Hollipark Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83401-2100 |
Phone: 208/524-7562 Fax: 208/524-7505 Email: skip_staffel@blm.gov |
BLM Salmon Field Office | ||
Gloria Jakovac Realty Specialist |
50 Highway 93 South Salmon, ID 83467 |
Phone: 208/756-5421 Fax: 208/756-5436 Email: gloria_jakovac@blm.gov |
BLM Pocatello Field Office | ||
Candi Miracle Realty Specialist |
4350 S. Cliffs Drive Pocatello, ID 83204 |
Phone: 208/478-6357 Fax: 208/478-6376 Email: candi_miracle@blm.gov |
BLM TWIN fALLS District | ||
BLM Burley Field Office | ||
*Scott Barker Realty Specialist |
15 East 200 South Burley, ID 83318 |
Phone: 208/677-6678 Fax: 208/677-6699 Email: scott_barker@blm.gov |
Vacant Realty Specialist |
15 East 200 South Burley, ID 83318 |
Phone: 208/677- Fax: 208/677-6699 Email: @blm.gov |
BLM Jarbidge Field Office | ||
Fred Pence Realty Specialist |
2620 Kimberly Road Twin Falls, ID 83301 |
Phone: 208/736-2360 Fax: 208/736-2375 Email: fred_pence@blm.gov |
BLM Shoshone Field Office | ||
Debra Kovar Realty Specialist |
400 West F Street PO Box 2-B Shoshone, ID 83352 |
Phone: 208/732-7201 Fax: 208/732-7317 Email: debra_kovar@blm.gov |
Tara Hagen Realty Specialist |
Same | Phone: 208/732-7205 Fax: 208/732-7317 Email: tara_hagen@blm.gov |
US FOREST SERVICE | ||
USFS NORTHERN REGION (1) | ||
Terry Egenhoff Realty Specialist |
Northern Region P.O. Box 7669 Missoula, MT 59807-7669 |
Phone: 406/329-3601 Fax: 406/329-3132 Email: tegenhoff@fs.fed.us |
Clearwater National Forest | ||
Roberta Morin Realty Specialist |
12730 Highway 12 Orofino, ID 83544 |
Phone: 208/476-8354 Fax: 208/476-8329Email: rmorin@fs.fed.us |
Idaho Panhandle National Forests | ||
Tom Ball | 3815 Schreiber Way Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815-8363 |
Phone: 208/765-7289 Fax: 208/765-7307 Email: teball@fs.fed.us |
Nez Perce National Forest | ||
Mike Cook | Route 2, Box 475 Grangeville, ID 83530 |
Phone: 208/983-1950 Fax: 208/983-4099 Email: mjcook@fs.fed.us |
USFS INTERMOUNTAIN REGION (4) | ||
David Ream Special Uses |
324 25th Street Ogden, UT 84401 |
Phone: 801/625-5688 Fax: 801/625-5378 Email: dream@fs.fed.us |
Kay Shurtz Transportation Engineer |
Same | Phone: 801/625-5222 Fax: 801/625-5229 Email: kshurtz@fs.fed.us |
Boise National Forest | ||
Jeff Alexander Christensen Forest Engineer |
1249 S. Vinnell Way Suite 200 Boise, ID 83709 |
Phone: 208/373-4141 Fax: 208/373-4114 Email: jalexander@fs.fed.us |
Alan Tschida Realty Specialist |
1249 S. Vinnell Way Suite 200 Boise, ID 83709 |
Phone: 208/373-4250 Fax: 208/373-4114 Email: atschida@fs.fed.us |
Payette National Forest | ||
Susan Rainville Forest Supervisor |
800 West Lakeside Ave Box 1026 McCall, ID 83638 |
Phone: 208/634-0700 Fax: 208/634-0744 Email: srainville@fs.fed.us |
Sawtooth National Forest | ||
Terry Clark | 2647 Kimberly Road East Twin Falls, ID 83301-7676 |
Phone: 208/737-3216 Fax: 208/737-3236 Email: toclark@fs.fed.us |
Caribou-Targhee National Forest | ||
Brent Larson Forest Supervisor |
1405 Hollipark Drive Idaho Falls, ID 83401-2100 |
Phone: 208/524-7500 Fax: Email: blarson@fs.fed.us |
Salmon-Challis National Forest | ||
Frank Guzman Forest Supervisor |
50 Highway 93 South Box 729 Salmon, ID 83467-0729 |
Phone: 208/756-5100 Fax: 208/756-5151 Email: fguzman@fs.fed.us |
ATTACHMENT 2
IDAHO PLAT SPECIFICATIONS FOR
BLM AND USFS FEDERAL LAND TRANSFERS
Easement plats are used to identify the boundaries of Federal lands approved for transportation related activities. These easements are granted by the Federal Highway Administration to States across Public Lands administered by the BLM or National Forest System (NFS) Lands administered by the Forest Service. To ensure permanence in the location of these easements, the plats shall contain sufficient survey information for a subsequent resurvey. To this end, these plats1 shall contain2 the following information:
1. Title block containing federal aid number, project designation, etc.
2. Master sheet showing relation of each sheet to others (when applicable).
3. Sheet number of each sheet and total number of sheets, e.g., 1 of 3, etc.
4. Vicinity map showing project location in relation to nearby cities, towns, or prominent natural features (when applicable).
5. Legend explaining any symbols used.
6. Scale.3
7. North arrow, state, county, meridian, township, range, and section(s).
8. Reported bearings shall be true or grid bearings derived from GPS or astronomic observations or control ties to existing control nets. For grid bearings, either a project mapping angle or the actual mapping angle at a coordinated corner shall be provided on each sheet.
9. Centerline geometry (curve elements and bearing and length of tangent) with specified width from centerline to easement boundary at each change of width and stationing of change point or, as an alternative, the bearings and distances along each easement boundary.
10. Ties to the Public Land Survey System (PLSS). Show only surveyed PLSS ties to the centerline where the easement crosses each Federal Land property boundary between private and federal interests. These boundaries include subdivision of sections lines, reservation boundaries, and various types of metes and bounds surveys. No scaled or calculated ties shall be shown. Graphic locations of corners, without tie information, can be shown in solid NFS or BLM ownership where no ties are made. Regardless of solid federal ownership, a tie to the PLSS shall occur not less than one corner for every two sections crossed, except through areas (townships) where the PLSS remains unsurveyed.
11. Geo-references and the method of geo-referencing, by annotating points along the right-of-way at centerline stations with coordinate pairs. This shall require, at a minimum, two points for the entire project (plat) and at least one point per sheet for a multi-sheet plat. If the plat is based on a plane coordinate projection, indicate the projection, system and zone, and datum used (e.g., US State Plane, Idaho West, NAD83(1999)). If geographic coordinates are used to reference the plat (i.e., latitude and longitude), indicate the datum used.
12. Legal description of each parcel of NFS or BLM land crossed (40-acre aliquot part or government lot, or the appropriate irregular metes and bounds tract, as a minimum). NFS parcels should be labeled "NFSL" and BLM parcels should be labeled "BLM."
13. Acreage of easement on NFS and/or BLM land (may be stated "approximately" when servient parcel is unsurveyed).
14. Easement area identified by shading, crosshatching or other appropriate means reproducible in black and white. In realignment projects or other cases where new easement area would be granted adjacent to existing DOT easement area, the identification should show both new easement area requested and existing easement area to be retained.
15. Statement on each NFS or BLM property line showing how it was placed on the plat (by survey, projection of GLO record, other surveys of record, fence lines, etc.).
16. Approval for easement purposes by responsible Forest Service or BLM official(s) with date(s) of signing and title(s) of official(s).
17. Plat signed and stamped by a state licensed land surveyor or accepted and filed under federal authority.
18. Monuments placed on the easement boundaries shall be of a type that meets or exceeds minimum state monumentation standards for boundary surveys and be conducted by or under the direction of the surveyor responsible for the approved plat.
ATTACHMENT 3
STANDARD HIGHWAY EASEMENT DEED CONDITIONS
FOR USFS AND BLM FEDERAL LAND TRANSFERS IN IDAHO
ATTACHMENT 4
STANDARD MATERIALS SOURCE DEED CONDITIONS
FOR BLM FEDERAL LAND TRANSFERS IN IDAHO
ATTACHMENT 5
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
and
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Highway Administration
Regarding the Appropriation and Transfer of
National Forest System Lands for Highway Purposes
I. Purpose: The United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (hereinafter called the FS) and the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (hereinafter called the FHWA) recognize the need for streamlined, nationally consistent procedures by which the FHWA may appropriate National Forest System lands for the use of Interstate and certain highways under Chapters 1 and 2 of Title 23, United States Code (23 U.S.C.). Chapter 1 highways are owned, planned, developed, constructed, operated and maintained by State and local governments (hereinafter called State) ; the FHWA's responsibilities consist of transferring rights-of-way, providing funds for the construction of the facility, and ensuring compliance with Federal requirements. Forest highways are generally constructed by the FHWA and then transferred to State ownership and control. Within this agreement, the term Highway Agent is used to identify the organization that undertakes the construction and/or maintenance of the highway facility, which organization is typically a State or local government, or the Federal Lands Highway Office of the FHWA.
As a result of our mutual desire to reduce the time and effort of processing Federal land transfers for public projects, this Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) provides procedures by which the Secretary of Transportation, acting through the FHWA may appropriate and transfer, to States, National Forest System lands for highway rights-of-way. The appropriation is subject to conditions the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the FS authorized officer, may deem necessary for adequate protection and utilization of National Forest System lands and protection of the public interest.
FS requirements imposed by this MOU on States will be 1) negotiated by the FS with the State; and 2) implemented pursuant to contractual requirements and guidance between the FHWA and the States.
II. Authority: The Act of August 27, 1958, as amended,
23 U.S.C., Sections 107(d), 204(f) and 317.
III. Procedures: Existing procedures for the development of forest highways are contained in the ?Memorandum of Understanding Related to Forest Highways Over National Forest Lands" dated May 11, 1981. This MOU amends and supplements the 1981 MOU, providing simplified appropriation/transfer procedures for both forest highways and Chapter 1 highways. The FHWA and the FS agree to the following procedures:
A. The Highway Agent will notify the FS, as far in advance as possible, of any highway project being contemplated and arrange a meeting with the FS, the FHWA, and the participating Highway Agent to discuss the proposal and to determine if the appropriation of the lands or interest in lands for the highway is consistent with the appropriate National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan) . If the proposal is consistent with the Forest Plan, a time schedule will be developed to assure that the requested appropriation will be processed within a reasonable time. The time schedule will identify any reports, public scoping requirements, or other information required from the FHWA, the FS, or the Highway Agent.
If the proposal is not consistent with the Forest Plan, the FS will determine whether the proposal justifies a plan amendment. If so, then a time schedule will be developed for the FS to complete the plan amendment prior to processing the requested appropriation.
B. The FHWA or the Highway Agent is responsible for final approval of road design for both Chapter 1 and Chapter 2 highways.
C. In accordance with 23 CFR Part 771, 40 CFR 1501.6, and 1501.5(b), (c), and (e), it will be the responsibility of the FHWA to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other legal requirements in arriving at its determination that the lands are necessary for the project, and the FS will act as a cooperating agency or in limited situations as a joint lead agency in the development of any required NEPA document. The FHWA and the FS will coordinate on the determination of the appropriate environmental analysis.
D. The FHWA will submit to the FS, a detailed and documented request for lands needed for the project including lands required for temporary construction activities. This will include a map, a copy of the environmental documentation, and other required reports.
E. Within a period of four months, the FS will review the material submitted by the FHWA and will notify the FHWA, in writing, (a) that the FS is in agreement with the appropriation subject to terms and conditions for construction, operation and maintenance of the highway that assures adequate protection and utilization of National Forest System lands, or (b) that the action is inconsistent with the purposes for which the lands are being managed. If the FS has not responded, in writing, within a period of four months to the request for appropriation, the requested right-of-way will be deemed appropriated by the FHWA, for transfer to the Highway Agent.
F. The FS agrees to participate in the project development process once the required information has been presented by the Highway Agent and/or the FHWA. Every effort will be made by all parties to resolve major differences identified through this cooperation in the project development process. If agreement cannot be reached, the details of the disagreement must be stated in the form of a letter from the FS to the FHWA, within four months of the FHWA request for the right-of-way. This letter must clearly state the reasons why an appropriation would be contrary to the public interest or would be inconsistent with the purpose for which the National Forest System lands are being managed.
G. Forest Service agreement to the appropriation will be in the form of a "Letter of Consent" which clearly states the conditions under which the agreement is given and will be sent to both the FHWA and the State. These conditions involve the following considerations:
1. Any valid existing claims and/or use authorizations outstanding to third parties, not administratively waived by the FS, shall be eliminated.
2. The right-of-way should be nonexclusive with the FS retaining all rights to issue authorizations for uses not inconsistent or incompatible with highway use. The FS shall consult with the Highway Agent on appropriate stipulations to protect the roadway facility prior to the issuance of such authorization.
3. The FS will retain the right to any merchantable timber and all other resource materials not specifically appropriated, within the boundaries of the appropriation. The Highway Agent will notify the FS which timber or other resource materials within the appropriation are scheduled to be removed and the FS will determine whether a timber sale or other authorization for removal is appropriate
4. All signing within the right-of-way will be installed and maintained by the Highway Agent. The Highway Agent will provide signs to mark National Forest boundaries (both for entering and leaving) , intersecting Forest Service roads, directional signs to nearby National Forest information facilities which are staffed throughout the year, and signs to geographic or recreation areas. All signing will be in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Where feasible, the Highway Agent will install displays (panels or posters), furnished by the FS, at Interstate rest stops near National Forests.
5. The FS may provide conditions protecting the adjacent National Forest System lands from construction and maintenance activities which may cause off-right-of-way adverse effects, such as wildfire, chemical control of vegetation and animals, runoff drainage, and re-vegetation with nonnative species.
H. The FHWA shall provide in the contractual guidance between the FHWA and the State that the State is responsible for the removal and cleanup of all releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances originating on the highway right-of-way, including those that extend beyond the boundaries of the appropriated right-of-way to adjacent National Forest System lands and resources. The FHWA will not assume or undertake the construction or maintenance of any highway described in Section I unless the State has agreed to be responsible for the removal and cleanup of all releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances described in the previous sentence. In the event of threat or damage to adjacent National Forest System lands, the FS will notify the Highway Agent of its concerns and, if necessary, request assistance from the FHWA as provided in Section 111(J) of this MOU. Nothing in this MOU or the contractual guidance between the FHWA and the State shall affect the authority of the FS pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, 42 U.S.C. 9601, et. seq., or any other law.
I. The Highway Agent, when constructing the highway will comply with the conditions set forth in the Letter of Consent. The FS, acting as the Agent for the FHWA, will be responsible for the monitoring and enforcement of these conditions, including written notification, to the Highway Agent, of violations of these conditions and any subsequent action necessary to enforce compliance of the conditions. If necessary, the FS will request assistance from the FHWA as provided in Section 111(1) of this MOU.
J. The highway easement deed issued by the FHWA will incorporate and subject the conveyance to the conditions and terms provided by the FS. The FS, acting as the Agent for the FHWA, will work directly with the Highway Agent in monitoring these conditions. If a Highway Agent is not complying with FS conditions, the FS will give notice of noncompliance. If the noncompliance is not corrected within 30 days, the FHWA upon notice from the FS will secure compliance informally or, if necessary, take action pursuant to 23 CFR 1.36.
K. An executed copy of the Highway Easement Deed issued by the FHWA to the Highway Agent will be furnished to the FS.
L. The Highway Agent will notify the FS when the need for the appropriation no longer exists. Upon notification the FS will either (1) accept the road as is, or (2) If a roadway or other improvements are in place and are to be removed, identify rehabilitation standards that the Highway Agent must complete. Upon completion of the rehabilitation and acceptance of same by the FS, the Highway Agent will notify the FHWA, in writing, of the relinquishment. In either case, upon receipt of this notice of relinquishment by the FHWA, the lands appropriated will immediately revert to the FS and a formal relinquishing document will be prepared.
M. The appropriation will terminate if construction is not started within twenty (20) years, unless agreed otherwise.
IV. Other MOUs: To the extent that it is inconsistent, this MOU amends and supersedes existing MOUs for Federal-aid and Forest highways.
This MOU expressly amends and replaces the following provisions in the "Memorandum of Understanding Related to Forest Highways over National Forest System Lands" signed May 11, 1981:
1. Relating to consent and appropriation, Item I - Final Plan Approval, and Item 2 - Right-of-Way (a) (b) (c), and
2. On-the-ground approval of deviation of the highway location without a Letter of Consent, Item 3 - Construction (e).
V. Term This MOU becomes effective upon signing by both agencies. Section III, items G(6) and K apply to existing and future appropriations. This MOU will remain in effect unless terminated by mutual agreement or by either agency giving the other agency thirty (30) days' prior written notice. Amendments to or modifications of this MOU may be initiated by either agency, but will not become effective or binding until agreed upon by both agencies.
Mike Dombeck //s//
Chief, USDA, Forest Service
8-20-98
Date
ATTACHMENT 6
INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT
Bureau of Land Management
and
Federal Highway Administration
I. Purpose. This Interagency Agreement provides procedures by which the Secretary of Transportation acting through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) may appropriate public lands for highway rights-of-way and sources of materials for the Federal-aid Highway System and those classes of highways provided for in Chapter 2, 23 U.S.C. The lands appropriated are for use by the States for highways and/or highway material purposes. The appropriation is subject to conditions the Secretary of the Interior acting through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may deem necessary for adequate protection and utilization of the public land and protection of the public interest.
II. Authority.
III. Procedures. BLM and FHWA recognize the need for streamlined procedures by which the FHWA may appropriate BLM-administered public lands for highway and highway materials for the Federal-aid System and those classes of highways provided for in Chapter 2, 23 U.S.C. To accelerate the appropriation process, FHWA and BLM agree to the following procedures:
IV. Tenure. This document shall become affective upon the revocation of 43 CFR 2820-Roads and Highways and shall remain in effect unless terminated by mutual agreement or one agency after giving the other agency 30 days prior written notice.
/s/ Robert F. Burford
Director, Bureau of Land Management
7/1/82
Date
/s/ Ray A. Barnhart
Administrator, Federal Highway Administration
7/27/82
Date
1 Where possible, the State should provide plats and plat data to the Federal land agencies in a digital format as well as in document form.
2 When older surveys of existing highways are used for easement applications, the application should discuss the difficulties in obtaining the listed specification data, explain any alternative methods used, and request an exception to those requirements, which cannot reasonably be met.
3 Bar scale is preferred to allow scaling in plat reductions.