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. Introduction • • FSM 2670 directs the Forest Service to review all Forest Service planned, funded, executed, or permitted programs and activities for possible effects on endangered, threatened, proposed, candidate, or sensitive species. The biological evaluation is_ the means of conducting the review and of documenting the findings. The objectives of the biological evaluation are: 1) To ensure that Forest Service actions do not contribute to loss of viability of any native or desired non-native plant or animal species or contribute to trends toward federal listing of any species. 2) To comply with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act that actions of federal agencies not jeopardize species or adversely modify critical habitat of federally listed species. 3) To provide a process and standard by which to ensure that endangered, threatened, proposed, candidate and sensitive species receive full consideration in the decieionmaking process. Proposed Action The Forest Service proposes to implement a plan to rehabilitate the South Fork San Miguel River and the mainstem above its confluence with the South Fork. The need for this project resulted from conducting gravel mining operations within the San Miguel River. The proposal is designed to: 1) halt further headcutting of the channel by installation of grade control structures; 2) reduce accelerated bank erosion; 3) create a single channel and eliminate the braided pattern which now exists; 4) restore aquatic and riparian habitat quality; 5) reduce the potential impact of future flood damage; and 6) restore the visual, aesthetic, biological and physical qualities of the riverine environment. Restoration efforts will include boulder and log placement for bank protection and instream structure and re-aligning the channel into a configuration consistent with this particular channel type. Additional work will be conducted to reconstruct the floodplain and riparian area, and bring the channel(s) back to a stable condition. The time frames outlined in the proposal require the Forest to undertake this work before winter freeze-up (typically November). The project will take place between August 1, 1996, and October 1, 1996, if weather conditions and flows allow. Maps and other additional information on the proposed action can be found in the project NEPA document and file located at the GMUG National Forest Supervisors Office in Delta, Colorado. Habitats and Species Affected Significant adjustments to channel stability and function of the South Fork and mainstem San Miguel Rivers have occurred, due primarily to gravel mining and extraction of materials. Activities associated with the mining operation have modified the floodplain and riparian vegetation, and lowered base level (flows) by excavating the bed of the river and its valley. Riparian vegetative loss has destabilized the streambanks adding to the 12