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Home My WebLink AboutLynn_dh.doc June 6, 2000 Bill Lynn National Marine Fisheries Service 10215 W. Emerald, Suite 180 Boise, ID 83704 Re: Abandonment of the Camas Prairie Line Dear Bill, Pursuant to our telephone conversation today, I have enclosed for your review several documents relating to the abandonment of the Camas Prairie RailNet’s Grangeville line. This 66.8 mile line generally runs from Spalding (on the Clearwater River) to Grangeville. I have enclosed an enlarged map highlighting the area in question. I have also enclosed the Idaho Department of Fish & Game’s letter outlining its concerns, particularly related to the threatened steelhead trout and its habitat on Lapwai Creek. As indicated in the Fish & Game letter, the Department estimates there is approximately 18 miles of anadromous fish habitat in Lapwai Creek. The authority to grant or deny an abandonment and discontinuance of rail service is governed by federal law. The agency with authority over abandonment applications is the Surface Transportation Board (STB) which is now an entity of the U.S. Department of Transportation. The STB’s predecessor was the Interstate Commerce Commission. If abandonment is approved the Railroad normally will dismantle and salvage the tracks, ties, bridges, switches and other structures. As mentioned in the Fish & Game letter, there are at least 9 structures/bridges that cross Lapwai Creek and its tributaries. The railbed runs immediately adjacent to Lapwai Creek. I have also enclosed a copy of the Railroad’s Environmental and Historical Repot (EHR). You will note that the “biological resources” section provides that the STB “consult with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.” See page 8 of the EHR. The STB’s environmental regulations (found at 49 C.F.R. ( 1105.7) do not even acknowledge that threatened or endangered species may fall under NMFS’s jurisdiction. I hope you find this information helpful. If I can be of further assistance, please contact me at 334-0312. Sincerely yours, Donald L. Howell, II Deputy Attorney General Enclosures vld/L:Lynn_dh