1. The inclusion of the new…

1. The inclusion of the new Indigenous Consultation requirement is great to see.
2. One Page 10, 2nd Paragraph of the Fish Guide (Pt 1) determine is spelled incorrectly.
3. It would be nice to see field investigation requirements higher in the steps/ a step on its own. It is understood that it indicates that field investigations may be required to confirm a waterbody (Step 1) and to support BMP (step 3) but in practice at least one field investigation in the spring is needed for larger projects with potential smaller features/drains/ ditches to determine if it is a waterbody, understand general bankfull conditions (to determine if within 30 m of project works), and to determine if significant habitat is present (as if it is some BMPs do not apply).
4. In March 2024, DFO released updated Pathway of Effects - now there is 9 (rather than 11), will this be updated in the Fish Guide? Should consultants be using the PoE's within the Fish Guide or using the updated versions provided by DFO?
5. Under the majority of the steps it has a documentation box. Should consider adding a box under Step 1 identifying if anything is required such as, documentation/Screening memo that no waterbodies are present/how this was confirmed, distances were confirmed, routine works, etc.
6. Has safety and Book 7 been considered in the Fish Guide? Should there be a requirement for staff working on these projects to have Book 7 training? Important when considering area of field investigations/ effort and what would be required for full detailed assessment (i.e., potential requirement for block trucks).