Regional roadside maintenance
The Regional Road Maintenance Program improves roadway safety while safely maintaining our highways and following the Endangered Species Act.
Regional Road Maintenance Endangered Species Act Program
Program guidelines
These guidelines include input from local government agencies, WSDOT, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and other interested parties.
Regional program elements (Part 1)
Regional Program Elements (PDF 2MB) requires ten program elements and use of best management practices to achieve environmental outcomes, including the protection of habitat and water quality.
Best management practices (Part 2)
- Best Management Practices (PDF 5MB) includes checklists and guidance to help lessen the negative effects of soil movement during a project.
- Regional Road Maintenance Program Best Management Practices Guide (PDF 45MB)
Application (Part 3)
- Regional Road Maintenance Program List of BMPs (PDF 14MB)
- Section and Definition of Maintenance & Structure (PDF 426KB)
- Public Road Maintenance Agencies Covered by ESA 4D - 2024 (PDF 89KB)
Addendum
RRMP Guidelines Addendum 1 is regularly updated with new technologies, best management practices developed by field crews and lessons learned over the years of regional program implementation and adaptive management. NOAA Fisheries and the Regional Forum may also add new guidelines as needed.
Regional Road Maintenance Program Biological Opinion
In the Regional Road Maintenance Program Biological Opinion (PDF 252KB), NOAA Fisheries shows how the Regional Road Maintenance Program is not likely to jeopardize ESA-listed salmon or their critical habitat.
This document also contains information on Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) based on section 305 (d) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR Part 600). NOAA Fisheries concludes that MSA may adversely affect designated EFH for 47 species of ground fish, five coastal aquatic species, and three species of Pacific Salmon. As required by section 305 (b)(4)(A) of the MSA, included are conservation recommendations NOAA fisheries believes will avoid, minimize, mitigate or otherwise offset adverse effects on EFH resulting from the proposed action.
NMFS clarification of ESA Section 7 compliance
Take prohibitions under section 9 of the ESA, and applicable 4(d) rules will not apply to the routine road maintenance practices carried out by WSDOT following the plan and this FHWA letter (PDF 52KB) requirements.
WSDOT guidance documents
- WSDOT Best Management Practices Field Guide for ESA § 4 (d) Habitat Protection (PDF 368KB) - When and where to apply and report the Regional Road Maintenance Endangered Species Act (ESA) Program Guidelines (RRMP) Best Management Practices
- Sequential Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)
- SEPA DNS Determination for the ESA 4d RRMP (PDF 1MB) - State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) adoption for a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) of NOAA Fisheries NW Region Sequential Environmental Assessment (EA) for Routine Road Maintenance Activities.
- FEMA Disaster PA Greenbook (PDF 2MB) - General guidance for environmental and historic compliance needed during disaster recovery efforts.
Slow down on ice and snow.
It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.
Carry chains, practice installing them.
Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.
Pack your winter car kit.
Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.