Revised Manual Section 6840 and Section 7(a)(2) Consultation Resources

This Information Bulletin (IB) provides available resources for conducting section 7(a)(2) consultation under the Endangered Species Act of 1974, as revised (ESA). This IB should be used as complementary information for implementing the revised BLM Manual Section (MS)-6840. BLM MS-6840 was revised on September 9, 2024 (Rel. 6-142), replacing the 2008 Rel. 6-125.  

The revised MS-6840 (Rel. 6-142) includes substantial updates to Rel. 6-125, including an intentional focus on providing only policy and responsibilities for the management of special status species. As such, the extensive instructions and procedures for ESA section 7(a)(2) consultation provided in Rel. 6-125 were removed for the MS-6840 revision. Instead, a handbook will be developed for BLM implementation of ESA responsibilities, including section 7(a)(2) consultation. We anticipate completing an ESA Implementation Handbook in FY25. 

In the interim of completing an ESA Implementation Handbook, BLM employees can continue to use the following resources for understanding and applying section 7(a)(2) consultation procedures with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service, as consistent with applicable law and regulation: 

1. Regulations - The procedures for carrying out Section 7(a)(2) are included in 50 CFR Part 402, Interagency Cooperation. 

2. BLM Science in Practice Portal Threatened and Endangered Species Program – Provides policy, resources, and training related to implementation of the ESA and management of threatened and endangered species. 

3. Manual 6840, Rel. 6-125 (section .1 F) – The previous MS-6840 version includes substantial instructions and procedures on conducting section 7(a)(2) consultations and may be referred to until the new ESA Implementation Handbook is completed. 

4. US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Endangered Species Consultation Handbook – This handbook provides information and guidance on the consultation processes outlined in the 50 CFR Part 402 regulations. Although the FWS and NMFS handbook is intended to guide biologists within those agencies, it includes useful information on procedures, timelines, and content of consultation documents. 

In addition to these resources, employees should coordinate regularly with their Threatened and Endangered Species State Office Program Leads for guidance in section 7(a)(2) consultations. ESA section 7(a)(2) consultation trainings are also available through DOI Talent with the BLM National Training Center and USFWS National Conservation Training Center. 

This IB was developed in coordination with HQ-600.