Page 1 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form Project Number: VI NP VIIS 100(3) Date: 6/18/2025 Project Name: Rehabilitation of Lameshur Road Location: Virgin Islands National Park, St. John U.S. Virgin Islands CE Category 23 CFR 771.117 (c)(23): Federally funded projects (i) That receive less than $5,000,000 [now $5,500,515.05 as adjusted for inflation] (ii) With a total estimated cost of not more than $30,000,000 [now $33,003,090.30 as adjusted for inflation...] See 23 CFR 771.117 for full description of CE categories, including additional requirements when applying (c)26-28. Project Description The Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), proposes to repair and rehabilitate Lameshur Road in Virgin Islands National Park located on the island of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Lameshur Road provides access to the Lameshur Bay area, including NPS buildings, housing, and public recreational areas. After multiple active hurricane seasons, the road has washed out in places, leaving the roadway unlevel and untraversable by most vehicles without four-wheel drive capability. The proposed project will rehabilitate approximately 1.5 miles of the roadway ensuring park visitors can continue to access recreational areas within the Lameshur Bay area. Proposed repair and rehabilitation work will include the following: rehabilitation of roadway subgrade and base as needed; roadway grading; aggregate surface course; installation of cellular confinement system (CCS) adjacent to low water crossings; drainage improvements, including installation of new low water crossings where needed; ditch reconditioning; construction of a new parking area with rockery retaining wall; and other miscellaneous work. The new parking area will be constructed adjacent to a recently constructed toilet facility and will alleviate roadside parking which has resulted in damage to vegetation in the area. The NPS, acting as the lead federal agency for compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act, Categorically Excluded the project from preparing either an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement in a Categorical Exclusion (CE) Documentation Form under PEPC Project Number 125111. See the NPS CE for a detailed description of proposed work and a detailed project purpose and need. Page 2 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures For a complete list of Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures, refer to the NPS Categorical Exclusion (CE) Documentation Form and associated compliance documentation under PEPC Project Number 125111. Below is a summary of project Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures: • Archeological monitoring will be required during project construction. • Trimming and/or clearing and grubbing shall be done in accordance with the Community and Heritage Tree Law (Law 32-0062, 2019) and design protection for Heritage and Roadside Trees. o Potential Specimen Trees will be identified as all mature trees with a dbh of 24- inches or greater.  Permits will be required for removal and pruning, unless otherwise exempted • Aggregate used shall match the existing as much as practical. • No road widening or horizontal changes in road alignment will occur. • Appropriate temporary erosion and sediment control measures, including sediment barriers, will used during project construction. Summary of Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act Compliance FHWA obtained an official species list of threatened and endangered species through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Information for Planning and Consultation (IPaC) system on 10/18/2022. According to IPaC, following species have the potential to occur in the project vicinity: the Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), Marron Bacora (Solanum conocarpum), St. Thomas Prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum thomasianum), and Calyptranthes thomasiana. The NPS, acting as the lead federal agency for compliance under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), conducted a habitat assessment and plant survey targeting federally endangered shrub species on 12/1/2022. The results of the habitat assessment and plant survey were submitted to the FWS Caribbean Field Office along with a request to initiate informal consultation under Section 7 of the ESA. Based on the results of the habitat assessment and plant survey, NPS determined that the proposed project would have no effect on the Hawksbill and Leatherback Sea Turtles and may affect but is not likely to adversely affect listed plant species. Additionally, NPS determined that the proposed project would result in no adverse modification to final critical habitat for the Page 3 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form Marron Bacora. In a letter dated 1/31/2023, the FWS Caribbean Field Office concurred with NPS’s determinations. Due to a two-year lapse in time from the original ESA compliance, FHWA obtained an updated official species list through IPaC on 6/17/025. The updated species list indicates three previously unassessed species have the potential to occur in the project area, including the West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas), and Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii). FHWA has determined that the proposed project will have no effect on the Green Sea Turtle or West Indian Manatee as the project does not occur within marine or beach habitat. Additionally, the proposed project consists of a gravel roadway that is partially paved, which does not provide suitable foraging or nesting habitat for the Roseate Tern, as such, the proposed project will have no effect on the Roseate Tern. FHWA will reevaluate Section 7 compliance under the ESA prior to construction if additional species not addressed above and enclosed have the potential to occur in the project vicinity. Summary of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act Compliance NPS, acting as the lead federal agency for compliance under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, defined the project Area of Potential Effect as the 1.5-mile segment of roadway including base, drainage features, road surface, signage and limited expansion of an existing parking lot at the west end of the project area. Based on previous archaeological investigation within the park, the NPS determined that the proposed project would have no adverse effect on historic properties and requested concurrence from the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The SHPO concurred with NPS’s findings in a letter dated 6/11/2025, conditioned to archeological monitoring at locations of known historic resources. Additional Agency Coordination and Compliance Additional environmental compliance documentation has been prepared by the NPS under PEPC Project Number 125111. A Federal Consistency review will be completed with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) in accordance with Section 307 of the Federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Act of 1978, prior to project construction. Page 4 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form Categorical Exclusion Recommendation: On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I believe the project should be categorically excluded from further NEPA analysis. ____________________________________ ________________ Kim Campo-Allen Environmental Protection Specialist Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division Federal Highway Administration Date Categorical Exclusion Determination: On the basis of the environmental impact information in the statutory compliance file, with which I am familiar, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. The project meets the 23 CFR 771.117(a) definition of a categorical exclusion. No unusual circumstances per 23 CFR 771.117(b) apply. ____________________________________ ________________ Kevin S. Rose Environmental Team Leader Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division Federal Highway Administration Date KEVIN S ROSE Digitally signed by KEVIN S ROSE Date: 2025.06.18 12:48:24 -04'00' KIMBERLY DIANE CAMPO-ALLEN Digitally signed by KIMBERLY DIANE CAMPO-ALLEN Date: 2025.06.18 08:02:45 -04'00' Page 5 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form Appendix A: Environmental Checklist Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act: • Are Federally-listed species potentially present in the study area? ☒Yes, see Notesi ☐No If Yes, effects determination: ☒No Effect ☒May Affect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect ☐May Affect, Likely to Adversely Affect Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act: • Are historic properties known to be present in the study area? ☒Yes ☐No If Yes, will they be impacted by the project? ☒Yes ☐No • Will previously undisturbed ground be disturbed? ☐Yes ☒No • Effects determination: ☐No Historic Properties Affected ☒No Adverse Effect ☐Adverse Effect, MOA Executed • Was tribal consultation completed? ☐Yes ☒No Water and Wetlands: • Section 404 of the Clean Water Act Are impacts to Waters of the US anticipated? ☒Yes ☐No If Yes, approval anticipated: ☒Nationwide Permit (NWP) ☐Regional General Permit ☐Individual Permit • Section 401 of the Clean Water Act ☒NWP certified by State ☐Individual Certification • Section 402 of the Clean Water Act (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) Will the land disturbance threshold likely be exceeded to require a permit and SWPPP? ☒Yes ☐ No • Is post-construction stormwater management review/approval anticipated? ☐Yes ☒No • ☒Project is consistent with Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands Floodplains: • Is the project in a FEMA floodplain? ☒Yes ☐No ☐ Floodplain not mapped • ☒ Project is consistent with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act: • Does the project meet the Section 4(f) exemption for Federal lands transportation facilities under Section 1119(c)(2) of MAP-21, 23 U.S.C. 138(a)? ☒Yes ☐No • Is there a use of a Section 4(f) property in the study area? ☐Yes ☒No If Yes, De Minimis Finding:☐ Programmatic:☐ Individual 4(f): ☐ Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund: • Was the property purchased with grant funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund? Page 6 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form ☐Yes ☒No • If Yes, was documentation of approval from National Park Service Director received for the conversion or replacement of 6(f) property? ☐Yes ☐No Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972: • Is the project in a Coastal Zone? ☒Yes ☐No • If yes, will a Federal Consistency Review be completed? ☒Yes ☐No Right of Way: • Is the project completely within the transportation facility’s right-of-way? ☒Yes ☐No • If no, will the project require relocations or easements? ☐Yes ☐No Hazardous Waste and Materials: • Are hazardous materials or contamination exceeding regulatory thresholds (as set by U.S. EPA, County Environmental Health, etc.) present? ☐Yes ☒No • If Yes, is the nature and extent of the hazardous materials or contamination fully known? ☐Yes ☐No, plan for securing information provided in Notes Section 7(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act: • Are there Wild and Scenic Rivers? ☐Yes ☒No ☐Eligible If Yes, has review by the river-administering agency been completed? ☐Yes ☐No Clean Air Act: • Is the project in a non-attainment area? ☐Yes ☒No If Yes, is the project on the Transportation Improvement Program(TIP)/State Implementation Plan(SIP)? ☐ Yes ☐No Highway Traffic and Construction Noise Regulations: • ☐ The proposed project is a Type I project (highway on a new location, substantial horizontal or vertical alteration, new through or auxiliary lanes). Noise analysis is required. • ☐ The proposed project is a Type II project (retrofit for noise abatement). • ☒ The proposed project is a Type III project (noise analysis not required). • ☐ Does not apply. Farmland Protection Policy Act for Highway Projects: • Does the project displace, require acquisition of, or require an easement from farmland? ☐Yes ☒No Does the project affect any other resources not listed above? Explain below and list anticipated permits: Anticipated permits: DPNR Building Permit, DPNR Flood Hazard Permit. Page 7 of 7 EFLHD NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form EFL-TM-ENV-23(02) VI NP VIIS 100(3) Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division NEPA Categorical Exclusion Form i Federally-listed species per FWS IPaC on 6/17/2025: Leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate), Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus), Marron Bacora (Solanum conocarpum), St. Thomas Prickly-ash (Zanthoxylum thomasianum), Calyptranthes thomasiana, Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii dougallii), and Marron Bacora (Solanum conocarpum) desigated critical habitat. Section 7 ESA Documentation United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office PO Box 491 Boquerón, PR 00622 In Reply Refer To: FWS/R4/CESFO/78020-041 Mr. Nigel Fields Superintendent Virgin Islands National Park 1300 Cruz Bay Creek St. John, VI 00830 Re: VIIS 244622 Repairs to Lameshur Road Dear: Mr. Fields: This is in reply to the above referenced National Park Service (NPS) project located in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Our comments are issued as technical assistance in accordance with the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (48 Stat. 401, as amended; 16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.) and the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. as amended). The proposed work consists of rehabilitating approximately 0.6 mile of Lameshur Road from the end of the existing concrete pavement to approximately 130 feet west of the Research Lab Road (Route 0417) intersection. The work will include grading, aggregate surface course, concrete LWC, ditch reconditioning, retaining wall, and other miscellaneous work. There will not be any horizontal alignment changes; however, the profile grade at certain locations will be raised by up to 12 inches to improve drainage. All work will be performed within the footprint of the existing road except for the construction of new parking at the west end of the project. Two layers of silt fencing will be erected on the seaward side to prevent and control silt runoff during construction and to protect adjacent wetlands. The proposed new parking are would require clearing approximately 1,100 square feet of vegetation and access and construction. Of this, approximately 532 square feet fall within the Final Critical Habitat boundary for marron bacora (Solanum conocarpum). Based on available data and vegetation surveys, NPS has the following effect determinations for IPaC listed species and critical habitat predicted in the area: You have determined that the project will have no effect on hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), because all work will be carried out on the road right of way and will not affect sea turtle nesting habitat. We acknowledge receipt of your NE determination for the sea turtle species. Currently we do not have any information to refute your determination. Because you made a NE determination, Mr. Fields 2 you are not required to conduct formal or informal section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), and the Service is not required to concur with your NE determination You have determined that the proposed action may affect not likely to adversely affect the following species: RESOURCE STATUS EFFECT DETERMINATION JUSTIFICATION Calyptranthes thomasiana Endangered MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT No species occurrence within the project area, per vegetation survey conducted 12/01/2022. Semideciduous Dry Forest habitat occurs in project area, but is degraded with frequent disturbance and significant invasive species pressure along roadside, and therefore is not likely suitable for this species. (See attached vegetation survey) Marron Bacora Solanum conocarpum Endangered MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT No species occurrence within the project area, per vegetation survey conducted 12/01/2022. Semideciduous Dry Forest habitat occurs in project area, but is degraded with frequent disturbance and significant invasive species pressure along roadside, and therefore is not likely suitable for this species. (See attached vegetation survey) St. Thomas Prickly- ash Zanthoxylum thomasianum Endangered MAY AFFECT, NOT LIKELY TO ADVERSELY AFFECT No species occurrence within the project area, per vegetation survey conducted 12/01/2022. Semideciduous Dry Forest habitat occurs in project area, but is degraded with frequent disturbance and significant invasive species pressure along roadside, and therefore is not likely suitable for this species. (See attached vegetation survey) Final Critical Habitat, Solanum conocarpum Final NO ADVERSE MODIFICATION Proposed project would result in clearing 532 square feet of vegetation within designated CH. This area is frequently disturbed roadside with little native forest canopy and extremely dense invasive vegetation. Clearing this vegetation will not adversely modify the approx. 1700 acres of critical habitat designated in the Lameshur and Reef Bay area We have reviewed the information provided in your letter and in our files and concur with your determination that the proposed action may affect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the above referenced species. No adverse modification to designated critical habitat is anticipated. In view of this, we believe that requirements of section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (Act) have been satisfied. However, obligations under section 7 of the Act must be reconsidered if: (1) Mr. Fields 3 new information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a manner that was not previously considered; (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner not previously considered in this assessment; or, (3) a new species is listed, or critical habitat determined that may be affected by the identified action. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this action, if you have any questions, please contact Félix López of my staff at (305) 304-1128. Sincerely yours, Edwin E. Muñiz Field Supervisor fhl cc: DPNR, DFW EDWIN MUNIZ Digitally signed by EDWIN MUNIZ Date: 2023.01.31 12:55:08 -04'00' 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 491 Boqueron, PR 00622-0491 Phone: (939) 320-3135 Fax: (787) 851-7440 Email Address: CARIBBEAN_ES@FWS.GOV In Reply Refer To: Project Code: 2023-0005583 Project Name: Virgin Islands National Park, Lameshur Road Rehabilitation Subject: List of threatened and endangered species that may occur in your proposed project location or may be affected by your proposed project To Whom It May Concern: *THE FOLLOWING SPECIES LIST IS NOT A SECTION 7 CONSULTATION. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE TO COMPLETE THE CONSULTATION PROCESS* The purpose of the Endangered Species Act (Act) is to provide a means whereby threatened, and endangered species and the ecosystems upon which they depend may be conserved. Under sections 7(a)(1) and 7(a)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 402 et seq.), Federal agencies are required to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the conservation of threatened and endangered species and to determine whether projects may affect those species and/or their designated critical habitat. Federal agencies are required to "request of the Secretary of Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". The enclosed species list provides information to assist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) consultation process under section 7 of the Act. However, the enclosed species list does not complete the required consultation process. The species list identifies threatened, endangered, proposed and candidate species, as well as proposed and designated critical habitats, that may occur within the boundary of your proposed project and/or may be affected by your proposed project. A discussion between the Federal agency and the Service should include what types of listed species may occur in the proposed action area and what effect the proposed action may have on those species. This process initiates informal consultation. Once a species list is obtained for the proposed project, an effect determination for endangered and threatened species should be made. The applicant could make an effect determination by using available keys on IPaC for specific species. For species with no determination keys, the applicant should request concurrence from the Service by sending a project package Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    2 of 11 to caribbean_es@fws.gov. To obtain guidance for completing this process and the minimum requirements for project packages, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/consultation-under-section-7-of-the- endangered-species-act-with-the-caribbean-ecological%20Services-field-office-template- letter.pdf When a federal agency, after discussions with the Service, determines that the proposed action is not likely to adversely affect any listed species, or adversely modify any designated critical habitat, and the Service concurs, the informal consultation is complete, and the proposed project moves ahead. If the proposed action is suspected to affect a listed species or modify designated critical habitat, the Federal agency may then prepare a Biological Assessment (B.A.) to assist in its determination of the project’s effects on species and their habitat. However, a B.A. is required for construction projects (or other undertakings having similar physical impacts) that are major Federal actions significantly affecting the quality of the human environment as defined in the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2) (c)). For projects other than major construction activities, the Service suggests that a biological evaluation similar to a B.A. where the agency provides the Service with an evaluation on the likely effects of the action to determine whether the project may affect listed or proposed species and/or designated or proposed critical habitat. Recommended contents of a B.A. are described at 50 CFR 402.12. If a federal agency determines, based on its B.A. or biological evaluation, that listed species and/ or designated critical habitat may be affected by the proposed project, the agency is required to further consult with the Service pursuant to 50 CFR 402. In addition, the Service recommends that candidate species, proposed species, and proposed critical habitat be addressed within the consultation process. More information on the regulations and procedures for section 7 consultation, including the role of permit or license applicants, can be found in the "Endangered Species Consultation Handbook" at: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/endangered-species-consultation- handbook.pdf New information based on updated surveys, changes in the abundance and distribution of species, changed habitat conditions, or other factors could change this list. Please feel free to contact us if you need more current information or assistance regarding the potential impacts to federally proposed, listed, and candidate species. This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". Please use this list to determine whether your project requires consultation and to make your effects determination. For more guidance, use the Guideline for Consultation under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act with the Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office by clicking here. This species list is provided by: Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    3 of 11 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office caribbean_es@fws.gov Post Office Box 491 Boqueron, PR 00622-0491 (786) 244-0081 Attachment(s): Official Species List USFWS National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries Bald & Golden Eagles Migratory Birds Marine Mammals Coastal Barriers Wetlands OFFICIAL SPECIES LIST This list is provided pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, and fulfills the requirement for Federal agencies to "request of the Secretary of the Interior information whether any species which is listed or proposed to be listed may be present in the area of a proposed action". This species list is provided by: Caribbean Ecological Services Field Office Post Office Box 491 Boqueron, PR 00622-0491 (939) 320-3135 Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC  4 of 11 PROJECT SUMMARY Project Code: 2023-0005583 Project Name: Virgin Islands National Park, Lameshur Road Rehabilitation Project Type: Road Repair Project Description: The proposed work consists of rehabilitating approximately 1.5 mile of Lameshur Road from the end of the existing concrete pavement to approximately 130 feet west of the Research Lab Road (Route 0417) intersection. The work will include grading, aggregate surface course, concrete LWC, ditch reconditioning, retaining wall, and other miscellaneous work. There will not be any horizontal alignment changes; however, the profile grade at certain locations will be raised by up to 12 inches to improve drainage. All work will be performed within the footprint of the existing road except for the construction of new parking at the west end of the project Project Location: The approximate location of the project can be viewed in Google Maps: https:// www.google.com/maps/@18.319323150000002,-64.72114416220941,14z Counties: St. John County, Virgin Islands Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    5 of 11 1. ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT SPECIES There is a total of 8 threatened, endangered, or candidate species on this species list. Species on this list should be considered in an effects analysis for your project and could include species that exist in another geographic area. For example, certain fish may appear on the species list because a project could affect downstream species. IPaC does not display listed species or critical habitats under the sole jurisdiction of NOAA Fisheries , as USFWS does not have the authority to speak on behalf of NOAA and the Department of Commerce. See the "Critical habitats" section below for those critical habitats that lie wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. Please contact the designated FWS office if you have questions. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. 1 Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    6 of 11 MAMMALS NAME STATUS West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat. This species is also protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and may have additional consultation requirements. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469 General project design guidelines: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/IOVKXJXITZC2JPC6WJ2XKECFG4/documents/ generated/7138.pdf Threatened BIRDS NAME STATUS Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii dougallii Population: Western Hemisphere except NE U.S. No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2083 Threatened REPTILES NAME STATUS Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas Population: South Atlantic DPS There is proposed critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/6199 General project design guidelines: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/IOVKXJXITZC2JPC6WJ2XKECFG4/documents/ generated/7134.pdf Threatened Hawksbill Sea Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/3656 General project design guidelines: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/IOVKXJXITZC2JPC6WJ2XKECFG4/documents/ generated/7131.pdf Endangered Leatherback Sea Turtle Dermochelys coriacea There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location does not overlap the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/1493 General project design guidelines: https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/project/IOVKXJXITZC2JPC6WJ2XKECFG4/documents/ generated/7132.pdf Endangered FLOWERING PLANTS Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    7 of 11 1. 2. 3. NAME STATUS Calyptranthes thomasiana No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2743 Endangered Marron Bacora Solanum conocarpum Population: There is final critical habitat for this species. Your location overlaps the critical habitat. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2227 Endangered St. Thomas Prickly-ash Zanthoxylum thomasianum No critical habitat has been designated for this species. Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/102 Endangered CRITICAL HABITATS There is 1 critical habitat wholly or partially within your project area under this office's jurisdiction. NAME STATUS Marron Bacora Solanum conocarpum https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/2227#crithab Final USFWS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE LANDS AND FISH HATCHERIES Any activity proposed on lands managed by the National Wildlife Refuge system must undergo a 'Compatibility Determination' conducted by the Refuge. Please contact the individual Refuges to discuss any questions or concerns. THERE ARE NO REFUGE LANDS OR FISH HATCHERIES WITHIN YOUR PROJECT AREA. BALD & GOLDEN EAGLES Bald and Golden Eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) . Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to Bald or Golden Eagles, or their habitats, should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate avoidance and minimization measures, as described in the various links on this page. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a) 2 1 Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    8 of 11 1. 2. 3. Bald and Golden Eagles are protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to Bald or Golden Eagles, or their nests, should follow appropriate regulations and implement required avoidance and minimization measures, as described in the various links on this page. The data in this location indicates that no eagles have been observed in this area. This does not mean eagles are not present in your project area, especially if the area is difficult to survey. Please review the 'Steps to Take When No Results Are Returned' section of the Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles document to determine if your project is in a poorly surveyed area. If it is, you may need to rely on other resources to determine if eagles may be present (e.g. your local FWS field office, state surveys, your own surveys). Any person or organization who plans or conducts activities that may result in impacts to bald or golden eagles, or their habitats, should follow appropriate regulations and consider implementing appropriate conservation measures, as described in the links below. Specifically, please review the ''Supplemental Information on Migratory Birds and Eagles''. MIGRATORY BIRDS The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits the take (including killing, capturing, selling, trading, and transport) of protected migratory bird species without prior authorization by the Department of Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). The Migratory Birds Treaty Act of 1918. The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940. 50 C.F.R. Sec. 10.12 and 16 U.S.C. Sec. 668(a) THERE ARE NO FWS MIGRATORY BIRDS OF CONCERN WITHIN THE VICINITY OF YOUR PROJECT AREA. COASTAL BARRIERS Projects within the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) may be subject to the restrictions on Federal expenditures and financial assistance and the consultation requirements of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) (16 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). For more information, please contact the local Ecological Services Field Office or visit the CBRA Consultations website. The CBRA website provides tools such as a flow chart to help determine whether consultation is required and a template to facilitate the consultation process. 1 Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    9 of 11 1. 2. 3. OTHERWISE PROTECTED AREA (OPA) OPAs are denoted with a "P" at the end of the unit number. The only prohibition within OPAs is on Federal flood insurance. CBRA consultation is not required for projects within OPAs. However, agencies providing disaster assistance that is contingent upon a requirement to purchase flood insurance after the fact are advised to disclose the OPA designation and information on the restrictions on Federal flood insurance to the recipient prior to the commitments of funds. UNIT NAME TYPE SYSTEM UNIT ESTABLISHMENT DATE FLOOD INSURANCE PROHIBITION DATE VI-22P Great Lameshur Bay OPA N/A 11/16/1991 MARINE MAMMALS Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some are also protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora . The responsibilities for the protection, conservation, and management of marine mammals are shared by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [responsible for otters, walruses, polar bears, manatees, and dugongs] and NOAA Fisheries [responsible for seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, and porpoises]. Marine mammals under the responsibility of NOAA Fisheries are not shown on this list; for additional information on those species please visit the Marine Mammals page of the NOAA Fisheries website. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the take of marine mammals and further coordination may be necessary for project evaluation. Please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office shown. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is a treaty to ensure that international trade in plants and animals does not threaten their survival in the wild. NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration within the Department of Commerce. NAME West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus Species profile: https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/4469 1 2 3 Project code: 2023-0005583 06/17/2025 12:46:11 UTC    10 of 11 ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ WETLANDS Impacts to NWI wetlands and other aquatic habitats may be subject to regulation under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, or other State/Federal statutes. For more information please contact the Regulatory Program of the local U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District. Please note that the NWI data being shown may be out of date. We are currently working to update our NWI data set. We recommend you verify these results with a site visit to determine the actual extent of wetlands on site. ESTUARINE AND MARINE WETLAND E2USM E2SS3N E2SS3N3 RIVERINE R4SBC Section 106 SHPO Concurrence GOVERNMENT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS --------0-------- DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCES Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office Fort Frederik National Historic Landmark Site Strand Street 198, Frederiksted, Virgin Islands 00840 Telephone: (340) 719-7089 June 11, 2025 Ms. Penelope Del Bene Superintendent National Park Service Virgin Islands National Park 1300 Cruz Bay Creek St. John, VI 00830 Ref: NPS Virgin Islands National Park Request to VISHPO for Concurrence on Finding of “No Adverse Effect” for the Lameshur Road Repair and Rehabilitation (PEPC 125111) Dear Superintendent Del Bene: The Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (VISHPO) has reviewed the United States Department of the Interior National Park Service (NPS) Virgin Islands National Park scope of work for the proposed Lameshur Road Repair and Rehabilitation Project in St. John, Virgin Islands. The National Park Service Virgin Islands National Park in review of the project’s Area of Potential Effects (APE) identified known historic, cultural, and archaeological resources. As a result of these findings, NPS has developed mitigation steps that will be taken to avoid adverse effects to those known resources within the Project’s APE. Therefore, based on NPS’s outlined scope of work and plans for archaeological monitoring, the VISHPO concurs on the Findings of “No Adverse Effect” to historic and archaeological resources for the Lameshur Road Repair and Rehabilitation Project (PEPC 125111), St. John, Virgin Islands. Thank you for consulting with the VISHPO on this federal undertaking. Sincerely, Sean L. Krigger Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer NPS CE Documentation Form National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Virgin Islands National Park Date: 06/12/2025 Categorical Exclusion Documentation Form (CE Form) Project: Repair and Rehabilitate Lameshur Road PEPC Project Number: 125111 Description of Action (Project Description): Virgin Islands National Park (VIIS) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) intend to engage in a project to repair the Lameshur Road (Route 100) on the island of St. John. This project entails the repair and recapitalization of a 1.5 mile of traffic surface road. Specific elements of work to be accomplished include: grading, aggregate surface course, cellular confinement system (CCS), Portland cement concrete (PCC) low water crossings, a retaining wall, replacement of the existing drainage with a new system capable of handling large rainfall events; construction of a new subgrade and base as needed; installation of a replacement road surface; striping/signage; and installation of guardrails along sections of the roadway. VIIS extends over approximately 2/3 of the island of St. John. The park is very popular for its pristine, world class beaches and its rich history. The road that provides access to the Lameshur Bay area, including park buildings, housing, and the beach is in dire conditions and in need of repairs. The road leads to the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) and camp. Lameshur Road is washed out in places, unleveled and almost not fit for any type of vehicle traffic. Driving on this road is a safety hazard and causes damage to tires and other parts of vehicles. This situation creates an unpleasant visitation for park visitors who wish to enjoy the Lameshur Bay area. For staff members it generates a safety issue as they travel with heavy equipment, cleaning and work materials. With this project the park looks to correct this deficiency and provide a safe access road to visitors and staff alike. Many visitors are unable to visit the area due to their vehicles not being 4WD. Failure to complete this project will have a negative impact on the visitation experience for park visitors. Staff maintenance costs will continue to increase as additional time and precautions need to be taken every time that work is performed on the areas. Potential closures will occur due to the poor condition of the road. UPDATE: A Scope Verification and Field Review meeting was held on November 13, 2024 in VIIS. The purpose of the meeting was to review the site conditions on Lameshur Road, which have deteriorated since the 70% design review meeting and site visit held on March 31, 2022, and to discuss design revisions that may be necessary to address the changed conditions. The revised scope of work includes grading, aggregate surface course, cellular confinement system (CCS), Portland cement concrete (PCC) low water crossings, a retaining wall, and other miscellaneous work. The site visit report is uploaded to this project's documents, but summarized below. 1. Pavement structure. In order to avoid disturbing natural and cultural resources along the road, the work should be restricted to the original limits of disturbance to the maximum extent possible. Consequently, the roadbed could be excavated to an estimated maximum depth of 8 inches where needed to minimize raising the grade. However, since one of the major problems with the road now is that continual flooding over the years has washed away much of the aggregate surfacing, it is more likely that the road will need to be built up to restore the previous grades and improve drainage. 2. Low Water Crossings (LWC). The wet conditions highlighted the drainage patterns and problems. It was observed that many of the existing LWC were overtopping, even though it wasn't raining during the visit so the drainage was only residual runoff from the uplands. The overtopping appeared to have been caused, or exacerbated, by poor drainage off the shoulders on the downstream side, which resulted in water backing up onto the road. The buildup on the shoulders had been noted during the 70% site visit, and the decision at the time was to regrade the roadside from 10 feet to 25 feet downstream of the LWC to drain. The 70% plans have been updated to reflect the site visit decisions. There was discussion about how to reduce the loss of aggregate material on the approaches to the LWC. One solution proposed by the NPS would be to use cellular confinement system (CCS) to contain the material. The CCS would need to be topped with an unconfined layer of aggregate surfacing. It was agreed to use 4-inch depth CCS filled with aggregate and a 4-inch (minimum) thick layer of aggregate surface course for approximately 50 feet on each side of all existing and proposed LWC. In addition to using CCS, approximately 20 feet of new PCC pavement will be constructed from 382+45 to 382+65 to mitigate heavy flow across the road west of a large LWC that drains a blue line stream crossing. 3. Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) intersection. The original 70% plans did not include doing any work at the VIERS intersection, but it was agreed to add resurfacing the gravel turnaround at this intersection to the scope. The 70% plans have been updated to reflect the site visit decisions. Project Locations: Location County: St. John State: VI There are no required mitigations identified. NHPA Conditions and Stipulations: 1) Archeological monitoring by SOI-standards archeologist. NPS archeologist or contracted archeologist with issued ARPA permit. 2) To avoid disturbing natural and cultural resources along the road, the work shall be restricted to the original limits of road disturbance to the maximum extent possible. CE Citation: 3.3.C.9 Repair, resurfacing, striping, installation of traffic control devices, repair/replacement of guardrails, etc., on existing roads. CE Justification: Repair and rehabilitation within the existing footprint of a heavily-used, existing road, in order to correct safety and accessibility issues. Decision: I find that the action fits within the categorical exclusion above. Therefore, I am categorically excluding the described project from further NEPA analysis. No extraordinary circumstances apply. Executive Order 14154, Unleashing American Energy (Jan. 20, 2025), and a Presidential Memorandum, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (Jan. 21, 2025), require the Department to strictly adhere to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), 42 U.S.C. §§ 4321 et seq. Further, such Order and Memorandum repeal Executive Orders 12898 (Feb. 11, 1994) and 14096 (Apr. 21, 2023). Because Executive Orders 12898 and 14096 have been repealed, complying with such Orders is a legal impossibility. The NPS verifies that it has complied with the requirements of NEPA, including the Department's regulations and procedures implementing NEPA at 43 C.F.R. Part 46 and Part 516 of the Departmental Manual, consistent with the President's January 2025 Order and Memorandum Signature Superintendent: Date: Penelope Del Bene PENELOPE DEL BENE Digitally signed by PENELOPE DEL BENE Date: 2025.06.12 17:03:20 -04'00' Extraordinary Circumstances: If implemented, would the proposal... Yes/No Explanation A. Have significant impacts on public health or safety? No Failure to correct safety issues may result in injury to visitors, staff, and property. B. Have significant impacts on such natural resources and unique geographic characteristics as historic or cultural resources; park, recreation, or refuge lands; wilderness areas; wild or scenic rivers; national natural landmarks; sole or principal drinking water aquifers; prime farmlands; wetlands (Executive Order 11990); floodplains (Executive Order 11988); national monuments; migratory birds; and other ecologically significant or critical areas? No The repairs and rehabilitation work will be conducted within the current footprint of the existing road, and will not have significant impacts on natural or cultural resources. C. Have highly controversial environmental effects or involve unresolved conflicts concerning alternative uses of available resources (NEPA section 102(2)(E))? No This work does not include actions with controversial or unresolved conflicts for uses of natural resources. D. Have highly uncertain and potentially significant environmental effects or involve unique or unknown environmental risks? No The project-related work has been reviewed for potential environmental impacts and there is no expectation of significant effects. E. Establish a precedent for future action or represent a decision in principle about future actions with potentially significant environmental effects? No Repairs to an aged and deteriorating road within its existing footprint is not precedent setting. F. Have a direct relationship to other actions with individually insignificant, but cumulatively significant, environmental effects? No The actions proposed in this project are not related to any other actions. G. Have significant impacts on properties listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as determined by either the bureau or office? No NHPA Specialist review has resulted in a determination of No Adverse Effect. SHPO consultation is required. H. Have significant impacts on species listed or proposed to be listed on the List of Endangered or Threatened Species, or have significant impacts on designated Critical Habitat for these species? No The proposed actions of this project are to repair and rehabilitate an existing, heavy-use road within its existing footprint. I. Violate a federal, state, local or tribal law or requirement imposed for the protection of the environment? No Repair and rehabilitation of an existing road does not violate any laws. J. Have a disproportionately high and adverse effect on low income or minority populations (EO 12898)? No The President has revoked Executive Order 12898. K. Limit access to and ceremonial use of Indian sacred sites on federal lands by Indian religious practitioners or adversely affect the physical integrity of such sacred sites (EO 130007)? No This is a public road and therefore does not limit access to any religious populations or, individuals, and is not considered sacred or used as such. L. Contribute to the introduction, continued existence, or spread of noxious weeds or non-native invasive species known to occur in the area or actions that may promote the introduction, growth, or expansion of the range of such species (Federal Noxious Weed Control Act and Executive Order 13112)? No This road work will utilize clean tools and equipment. Additionally, the nature of the proposed work would not support the introduction, existence, or spread of non-native or weedy species.