I. Purpose. 



The purpose of tiiis Memorandtm of Understanding is to establish 

 guidelines for the identification and evaluation of wetland 

 resoxirces impacted by the need to maintain and improve (^(^ 



transportation corridors in the State of Montana. In addition, 

 with conservation as a goal, guidance is provided to identify 

 appropriate and practicable steps to minimize impacts to valuable 

 wetland resources and where possible, to enhance the environment. 



The tenets of this Memorandum of Understanding are founded on the 

 principles of the Montana Environmental Policy Act and the 

 National Environmental Policy Act which recognize the right of 

 every citizen to a clean and healthy environment, as well as the 

 responsibility of government agencies to make wise and informed 

 decisions when assessing the impacts of legitimate competing 

 needs. Additionally, activities conducted in accordance with the 

 guidance provided within will ensure compliance with the 

 following: 



4 



U.S. Department of Transportation Order 5660.1a 



Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands 



Section 404, Water Quality Act of 1987 as implemented by: 



3 3 CFR 320-330: Corps Regulatory Program Rules 



40 CFR 230: Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines 

 Section .401, Water Quality Act of 1987 

 23 CFR 777 : Mitigation of Environmental Impacts to Privately 



Owned Wetlands 

 Montana Water Quality Act 



II. Goals (^ 



1. Establish a process to ensure the early involvement of 

 concerned agencies in addressing wetland impacts due to 

 highway construction. 



2. Satisfy the requirements of applicable state and federal 

 environmental regulations and directives pertaining to 

 wetland resources. 



3. Expedite highway project development by minimizing 

 administrative delays and coordination requirements. 



III. Objectives 



The primary objectives clarified by this Memorandum of 

 Understanding are to: 



1. Categorize wetlands potentially impacted by highway projects 

 as follows: 



a. NavigcQ:le and other waters of the U.S. (including 



1 



