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. . Section 7 consultation will be conducted by the Service in accordance with the ESA Section 7 Regulations (50 CFR Part 402), as summarized below and in Figure 1. Step 4(B)(I). The Service in consultation with the Federal agency that is responsible for approving the project will determine if a the proposed stocking may adversely effect any listed species or adversely modify critical habitat. If the stocking proposal is not likely to adversely affected a listed species or modify critical habitat, the Section 7 consultation ends. If this event, the proposal would be reviewed in accordance with Step 4(A), above. Step 4(B)(2). If a "may effect" determination is made, the Service would then enter into formal Section 7 consultation with the lead Federal agency to ensure that the proposed stocking does not jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or adversely modify their critical habitat. The Service has 90 days to complete formal Section 7 Consultation Step 4(B)(3). The Service will issue its biological opinion within 45 days after completion of Section 7 consultation. The Service's biological opinion will include a detailed discussion of the effects of the action on listed species and critical habitat and the Service's opinion on whether or not the action is or is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. If the biological opinion concludes the project will jeopardize and/or result in adverse modification of critical habitat, "reasonable and prudent alternatives" if available will be provided. An alternative is considered to be "reasonable and prudent" if it (a) can be implemented in a manner consistent with the intended purpose of the project, (b) can be implemented within the scope of the Federal agency's authority or jurisdiction, (c) is technologically feasible, and (d) avoids jeopardy to the species or adverse modification of critical habitat. Upon issuance of the biological opinion, the Federal agency shall determine whether and in what manner to proceed with the Project. If the project concludes with a no jeopardy biological opinion the proponent would submit the stocking , proposal to the other States for a 30-day review. Resolution of any issues over a stocking proposal among the States would be in accordance with Step 4(A), above. VI. MODIFICATIONS OF THE PROCEDURES Any signatory party to these Procedures can request a review or update of this document at any time. 10