Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plans for the Pallid Manzanita and the Baker's Larkspur, 51297-51298 [2015-20846]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 163 / Monday, August 24, 2015 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–5851–N–02] Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD)—Alternative Requirements or Waivers: Waiving the Minimum Rent and Security Deposit Requirements for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City’s Specified RAD Projects Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) statute gives HUD authority to establish waivers and alternative requirements. This notice advises that HUD is waiving, for the Housing Authority of Baltimore City (HABC), minimum rent and security deposit requirements governing projectbased assistance with respect to an identified portfolio that includes projects converting assistance under RAD. These waivers are necessary to ensure that HABC can successfully operate these properties in accordance with the terms and conditions required under a consent decree from a fair housing case. Without these waivers, HABC would not be able to effectively operate the converted properties, as they have been operated under the consent decree, after their conversion under the RAD program. DATES: Effective Date: September 3, 2015. SUMMARY: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Thomas R. Davis, Director, Office of Recapitalization, Office of Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20410–7000; telephone number 202–708–0001 (this is not a tollfree number). Hearing- and speechimpaired persons may access these numbers through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339 (this is a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background and Action On July 2, 2013, HUD issued PIH Notice 2012–32 Rev–1 (as corrected by the technical correction issued February 6, 2014) (‘‘RAD Notice Rev–1’’), which superseded PIH Notice 2012–32. RAD Notice Rev–1 is found at the following URL: https://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/ documents/huddoc?id=pih201232rev1.pdf. RAD Notice Rev–1, at section 1.9, paragraph F, entitled ‘‘Portfolio Awards,’’ also sets forth a new option of a ‘‘portfolio award,’’ which allows public housing agencies VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:48 Aug 21, 2015 Jkt 235001 (PHAs) to apply for RAD conversions affecting a group of projects. This type of award is meant to enable PHAs to create a comprehensive revitalization plan for multiple buildings they oversee. HABC has submitted an application for a portfolio award under RAD, and seeks to convert assistance from public housing to Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA). While HUD has published a second revision of the RAD Notice (PIH Notice 2012–32 Rev–2), HABC has applied for a portfolio award under the terms and conditions of RAD Notice Rev–1. The RAD statute (Pub. L. 112–55, approved November 18, 2011, as amended) 1 gives HUD authority to waive or specify alternative requirements for various provisions of the law upon a finding that such waivers or alternative requirements are necessary for the effective conversion of assistance under RAD. In order to utilize this authority, the RAD statute requires HUD to publish by notice in the Federal Register any waiver or alternative requirement, no later than 10 days before the effective date of such notice. This notice meets this publication requirement. HABC is subject to certain restrictions on their programs pursuant to Bailey v. Housing Authority of Baltimore City and subsequent extensions, amendments, and other agreements with the plaintiffs of such case and the Department of Justice (collectively referred to herein as the ‘‘Bailey Consent Decree’’). In order for the covered project to comply with the Bailey Consent Decree requirements, residents of the projects for which HABC intends to convert assistance under RAD must retain the rights, privileges, and benefits that are provided to public housing residents. The PBRA regulations relating to minimum rent and security deposit payments differ from public housing requirements. 24 CFR 5.630(a)(3) establishes a minimum rent requirement of $25 for the PBRA program. 24 CFR 880.608(a) mandates that the owner of the converted unit require each family to pay a security deposit in an amount ‘‘equal to one month’s Total Tenant Payment or $50, whichever is greater.’’ Therefore, in order to continue its compliance with the Bailey Consent Decree, HABC has requested, and HUD 1 The RAD statutory requirements were amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Pub. L. 113–76, signed January 17, 2014) (2014 Appropriations Act) and the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. L. 113–235, signed December 16, 2014) (2015 Appropriations Act). The statutory provisions of the 2012 Appropriations Act pertaining to RAD, as amended, are referred to as the RAD Statute in this notice. PO 00000 Frm 00102 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51297 has granted, alternative requirements to the regulations above to permit a minimum rent amount of $0 and to allow the owners of units with converted assistance the ability to require each family to pay a security deposit equal to the lesser of either one month’s rent or $50. HUD has determined that the requested waivers and alternative requirements are necessary for the effective conversion of assistance under RAD of the properties contemplated under the HABC portfolio award. Dated: August 13, 2015. Edward L. Golding, Principal Deputy Assistant, Secretary for Housing. Approved on August 14, 2015. Nani A. Coloretti, Deputy Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–20826 Filed 8–21–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–ES–2015–N138; FXES11130000– 156–FF08E00000] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plans for the Pallid Manzanita and the Baker’s Larkspur Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of documents. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of final recovery plans for two plants, the pallid manzanita and the Baker’s larkspur. The recovery plan for pallid manzanita includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The recovery plan for Baker’s larkspur includes downlisting objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to reclassify the species from endangered to threatened on the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. ADDRESSES: You may obtain copies of the recovery plans from our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/ species/recovery-plans.html. Alternatively, you may contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W–2605, Sacramento, CA 95825 (telephone 916– 414–6700). SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1 51298 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 163 / Monday, August 24, 2015 / Notices FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor, at the above street address or telephone number (see ADDRESSES). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Recovery of endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to the point at which listing is no longer appropriate under the criteria specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The Act requires the development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. The purpose of a recovery plan is to provide a framework for the recovery of species so that protection under the Act is no longer necessary. A recovery plan includes scientific information about the species and provides criteria that enable us to gauge whether downlisting or delisting the species may be warranted. Furthermore, recovery plans help guide our recovery efforts by describing actions we consider necessary for each species’ conservation and by estimating time and costs for implementing needed recovery measures. Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to provide an opportunity for public review and comment prior to finalization of recovery plans, including revisions to such plans. We made the draft recovery plan for pallid manzanita available for public comment from March 3, 2014, through June 2, 2014 (79 FR 11816). We made the draft recovery plan for Baker’s larkspur available for public comment from January 13, 2015, through March 16, 2015 (80 FR 1659). We did not receive comments during the public comment periods for either of the draft recovery plans. tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Recovery Plan for Pallid Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pallida) Species’ History We listed pallid manzanita throughout its entire range on April 22, 1998 (63 FR 19842). The species is endemic to the San Francisco East Bay, and currently consists of two naturally occurring populations and an outplanted population, totaling 1,353 mature plants. Pallid manzanita requires frequent summertime fog, and, as a component of the maritime chaparral vegetation type, it occurs on relatively VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:48 Aug 21, 2015 Jkt 235001 cool, moist, and stable sites in close proximity to the San Francisco Bay. It is highly shade intolerant and adapted to a particular fire regime. The species requires fire for natural seed germination; however, too frequent a fire regime, one that depletes the soil seed bank before enough seeds have become deeply buried enough in the soil to withstand fire, represents a significant threat to the species. Approximately one-third of all plants occur within the backyards of homeowners, and almost all individuals occur in close proximity to human-built structures. These plants represent an extreme wildfire hazard to human-built structures, and have been targeted for removal to reduce the threat of wildfire. Finally, an incurable and virulent nonnative pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, has been identified as killing pallid manzanita plants at two locations. Recovery Plan Goals The ultimate goal of this recovery plan is to recover pallid manzanita so that it can be delisted. To meet the recovery goal, the following objectives have been identified: 1. Minimize the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi. 2. Treat stands infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi. 3. Manage native and nonnative vegetation that shades pallid manzanita. 4. Expand existing stands. 5. Establish additional stands. 6. Ensure stands are protected from incompatible uses and incompatible wildfire fuels-reduction activities. As pallid manzanita meets reclassification and recovery criteria, we will review its status and consider it for removal from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Recovery Plan for Baker’s Larkspur (Delphinium bakeri) Species’ History We listed Baker’s larkspur throughout its entire range on January 26, 2000 (65 FR 4156). The species is endemic to Marin and Sonoma Counties, California, and is currently known from one small historical occurrence along MarshallPetaluma Road in west Marin County. The remaining historical occurrence of Baker’s larkspur occurs on decomposed shale in the mixed woodland plant community at an elevation range of 295 feet (ft) (90 meter (m)) to 672 ft (205 m) in moderately moist, shaded conditions on a shallow veneer of soil along an extensive north-facing slope. These habitat requirements limit the PO 00000 Frm 00103 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 availability of suitable reintroduction sites with appropriate habitat conditions and compatible land use. Although habitat conversion and road maintenance were historically responsible for decreasing numbers, those threats have been curtailed. Because of the extreme range restriction of this already-narrow endemic, and its small population size, the plant is highly vulnerable to extinction from random events, including wildfire, herbivory, disease and pest outbreaks, and human disturbance. Recovery Plan Goals The goal of this recovery plan is to improve the status of Baker’s larkspur so that it can be downlisted. Due to the current lack of information about the species’ biology and habitat requirements, the magnitude of current threats, and the precarious environment where the single historical population of the species persists, we are unable to determine appropriate delisting criteria; therefore, we focus on meeting the goal of downlisting. To meet the recovery goal of downlisting, the following objectives have been identified: 1. Expand the existing populations of Baker’s larkspur and establish additional self-sustaining populations of Baker’s larkspur throughout its known ecological and geographical range, while preserving extant genetic diversity. 2. Ensure existing and future populations are protected from incompatible uses, such as road maintenance. 3. Reduce herbivory by slugs, snails, and gophers to the point that it does not affect the species at a population level. As Baker’s larkspur meets reclassification criteria, we will review its status and consider it for downlisting on the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Authority We developed our recovery plan under the authority of section 4(f) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this notice under section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Polly Wheeler, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region. [FR Doc. 2015–20846 Filed 8–21–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P E:\FR\FM\24AUN1.SGM 24AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 163 (Monday, August 24, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51297-51298]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20846]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2015-N138; FXES11130000-156-FF08E00000]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plans for 
the Pallid Manzanita and the Baker's Larkspur

AGENCY:  Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of documents.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY:  We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the 
availability of final recovery plans for two plants, the pallid 
manzanita and the Baker's larkspur. The recovery plan for pallid 
manzanita includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific 
actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The recovery 
plan for Baker's larkspur includes downlisting objectives and criteria, 
and specific actions necessary to reclassify the species from 
endangered to threatened on the Federal Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

ADDRESSES:  You may obtain copies of the recovery plans from our Web 
site at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/recovery-plans.html. 
Alternatively, you may contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-2605, 
Sacramento, CA 95825 (telephone 916-414-6700).

[[Page 51298]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor, at 
the above street address or telephone number (see ADDRESSES).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Recovery of endangered or threatened animals and plants to the 
point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their 
ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program and the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to 
the point at which listing is no longer appropriate under the criteria 
specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The Act requires the 
development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan 
would not promote the conservation of a particular species.
    The purpose of a recovery plan is to provide a framework for the 
recovery of species so that protection under the Act is no longer 
necessary. A recovery plan includes scientific information about the 
species and provides criteria that enable us to gauge whether 
downlisting or delisting the species may be warranted. Furthermore, 
recovery plans help guide our recovery efforts by describing actions we 
consider necessary for each species' conservation and by estimating 
time and costs for implementing needed recovery measures.
    Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to provide an opportunity for 
public review and comment prior to finalization of recovery plans, 
including revisions to such plans. We made the draft recovery plan for 
pallid manzanita available for public comment from March 3, 2014, 
through June 2, 2014 (79 FR 11816). We made the draft recovery plan for 
Baker's larkspur available for public comment from January 13, 2015, 
through March 16, 2015 (80 FR 1659). We did not receive comments during 
the public comment periods for either of the draft recovery plans.

Recovery Plan for Pallid Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pallida)

Species' History

    We listed pallid manzanita throughout its entire range on April 22, 
1998 (63 FR 19842). The species is endemic to the San Francisco East 
Bay, and currently consists of two naturally occurring populations and 
an out-planted population, totaling 1,353 mature plants. Pallid 
manzanita requires frequent summertime fog, and, as a component of the 
maritime chaparral vegetation type, it occurs on relatively cool, 
moist, and stable sites in close proximity to the San Francisco Bay. It 
is highly shade intolerant and adapted to a particular fire regime. The 
species requires fire for natural seed germination; however, too 
frequent a fire regime, one that depletes the soil seed bank before 
enough seeds have become deeply buried enough in the soil to withstand 
fire, represents a significant threat to the species. Approximately 
one-third of all plants occur within the backyards of homeowners, and 
almost all individuals occur in close proximity to human-built 
structures. These plants represent an extreme wildfire hazard to human-
built structures, and have been targeted for removal to reduce the 
threat of wildfire. Finally, an incurable and virulent nonnative 
pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, has been identified as killing pallid 
manzanita plants at two locations.

Recovery Plan Goals

    The ultimate goal of this recovery plan is to recover pallid 
manzanita so that it can be delisted. To meet the recovery goal, the 
following objectives have been identified:
    1. Minimize the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
    2. Treat stands infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi.
    3. Manage native and nonnative vegetation that shades pallid 
manzanita.
    4. Expand existing stands.
    5. Establish additional stands.
    6. Ensure stands are protected from incompatible uses and 
incompatible wildfire fuels-reduction activities.
    As pallid manzanita meets reclassification and recovery criteria, 
we will review its status and consider it for removal from the Federal 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Recovery Plan for Baker's Larkspur (Delphinium bakeri)

Species' History

    We listed Baker's larkspur throughout its entire range on January 
26, 2000 (65 FR 4156). The species is endemic to Marin and Sonoma 
Counties, California, and is currently known from one small historical 
occurrence along Marshall-Petaluma Road in west Marin County. The 
remaining historical occurrence of Baker's larkspur occurs on 
decomposed shale in the mixed woodland plant community at an elevation 
range of 295 feet (ft) (90 meter (m)) to 672 ft (205 m) in moderately 
moist, shaded conditions on a shallow veneer of soil along an extensive 
north-facing slope. These habitat requirements limit the availability 
of suitable reintroduction sites with appropriate habitat conditions 
and compatible land use. Although habitat conversion and road 
maintenance were historically responsible for decreasing numbers, those 
threats have been curtailed. Because of the extreme range restriction 
of this already-narrow endemic, and its small population size, the 
plant is highly vulnerable to extinction from random events, including 
wildfire, herbivory, disease and pest outbreaks, and human disturbance.

Recovery Plan Goals

    The goal of this recovery plan is to improve the status of Baker's 
larkspur so that it can be downlisted. Due to the current lack of 
information about the species' biology and habitat requirements, the 
magnitude of current threats, and the precarious environment where the 
single historical population of the species persists, we are unable to 
determine appropriate delisting criteria; therefore, we focus on 
meeting the goal of downlisting. To meet the recovery goal of 
downlisting, the following objectives have been identified:
    1. Expand the existing populations of Baker's larkspur and 
establish additional self-sustaining populations of Baker's larkspur 
throughout its known ecological and geographical range, while 
preserving extant genetic diversity.
    2. Ensure existing and future populations are protected from 
incompatible uses, such as road maintenance.
    3. Reduce herbivory by slugs, snails, and gophers to the point that 
it does not affect the species at a population level.
    As Baker's larkspur meets reclassification criteria, we will review 
its status and consider it for downlisting on the Federal Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Authority

    We developed our recovery plan under the authority of section 4(f) 
of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this notice under section 
4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.).

Polly Wheeler,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2015-20846 Filed 8-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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