Environmental Considerations

At each step of the concept development and screening process, we study the potential environmental impacts of the concepts. This initial screening aims to identify significant environmental issues that may arise and determine whether further detailed analysis is necessary. These concerns may require avoidance, minimization, or mitigation, as determined through further environmental review.

Environmental Resource Categories

Transportation resources, including trails and railroads
Hazardous materials
Fish and wildlife, including wildlife crashes and corridors
Palouse prairie remnants and locally important habitats
Threatened and endangered species, including Spalding's catchfly and essential fish habitat for Chinook Salmon
Historic properties
Tribal and public lands, including national forests, trails, University of Idaho campus and agricultural lands
Wetlands and waters of the U.S.
Floodplains
Additional categories
- May include cemeteries and substations