Fish and Wildlife Service 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the status review of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) to determine if listing this species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), is warranted. This action will provide all interested parties with an additional opportunity to submit written comments for our status review of this species. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in any final decision.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) are extending the comment for the proposed rule re-opening the public comment period on the proposal to remove the bald eagle from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act. We are also extending the comment period on the proposed rule to establish a regulatory definition of ``disturb'' under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, and on the draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines via two additional notices published separately in today's issue of the Federal Register. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision and rule.

Cedar City and the Paiute Tribe of Utah (Applicants) have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for incidental take permits pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. The requested permits, which are for a period of 20 years, would authorize incidental take of the Utah prairie dog (UPD) (Cynomys parvidens), a species federally-listed as threatened. The proposed take would occur as a result of maintenance of the Cedar City Golf Course and Paiute Tribal recreational grounds in Cedar City, Utah. We also announce the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for public review and comment. The Service requests comments from the public on the permit application, EA, and HCP. The permit application includes the proposed HCP and associated draft Implementation Agreement. The HCP describes the proposed action and the measures the Applicants will undertake to minimize and mitigate to the maximum extent practicable the take of UDP. All comments on the EA, HCP, and permit application will become part of the administrative record and will be available to the public. A determination of whether jeopardy to the species will occur, a Finding of No Significant Impact, and/or issuance of the incidental take permits, will not be made before 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

Debra Jorden and Edward Webster (Applicants) each request an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate taking a total of about 0.48 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of two single-family homes and supporting infrastructure, each over a one-year term, in Brevard County, Florida (Projects). The destruction of 0.48 acre of foraging habitat is expected to result in the take of two families of scrub- jays. The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) describe the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Projects to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for 11 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies Drosophila aglaia, D. differens, D. hemipeza, D. heteroneura, D. montgomeryi, D. musaphilia, D. neoclavisetae, D. obatai, D. ochrobasis, D. substenoptera, and D. tarphytrichia. We determine threatened status pursuant to the Act for one species of Hawaiian picture-wing flyD. mulli. This final rule implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for these 12 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies.

The following permits were issued.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) and the availability of the draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat. The draft economic analysis identifies potential costs of approximately $532 million over a 20-year period, or approximately $47 million per year, as a result of the proposed designation of critical habitat, including those costs coextensive with listing. If this cost is annualized (adjusted for inflation and value over the time period to equate to an annual cost) over the 20 year period, the potential costs are predicted to be approximately $47 million per year. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be incorporated into the public record as part of this comment period, and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list a distinct population segment (DPS) of the roundtail chub (Gila robusta) in the lower Colorado River basin, and to list the headwater chub (G. nigra) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The petition also asked the Service to designate critical habitat. After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that the petitioned action is not warranted for a DPS of the roundtail chub in the lower Colorado River basin, as explained below, but that listing is warranted for the headwater chub. Currently, however, listing of the headwater chub is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, the headwater chub will be added to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list the headwater chub as our priorities allow. Any determinations on critical habitat will be made during development of the proposed rule.

This proposed rule would revise the jurisdiction of the Federal Subsistence Management Program by adding submerged lands and waters in the area of Makhnati Island, near Sitka, Alaska. This would then allow Federal subsistence users to harvest marine resources in this area under seasons, harvest limits, and methods specified in Federal Subsistence Management regulations.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Siskiyou Mountains salamander (Plethodon stormi) and Scott Bar salamander (Plethodon asupak) as threatened or endangered, under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). We find that the petition and additional information in our files do not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing these species may be warranted. We will not be initiating a status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of, or threats to these species.

This notice announces the availability of the final Coachella Valley Association of Governments Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (Plan), final Implementing Agreement, and final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/ EIR) for public review and comment. The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is considering the proposed action of issuing a 75-year incidental take permit, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA), for 27 species in response to receipt of an application from the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG), Coachella Valley Conservation Commission, County of Riverside, Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Riverside County Parks and Open Space District, Riverside County Waste Management District, Coachella Valley Water District, Imperial Irrigation District, California Department of Transportation, California Department of Parks and Recreation, Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, and the cities of Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, La Quinta, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and Rancho Mirage (Applicants). The proposed permit would authorize take of individual members of animal species listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The permit is needed because take of species could occur during proposed urban development activities, rural infrastructure projects, and preserve management activities within a 1.1 million-acre planning area located in the Coachella Valley, California. The Final Plan also incorporates a Public Use and Trails Plan which includes proposals that address non-motorized recreation activities on Federal and non-Federal lands in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a Cooperating Agency in this planning process and will use this EIR/EIS to make decisions on BLM-administered public lands pertaining to trail use in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. These proposals constitute activity (implementation) level actions in furtherance of the California Desert Conservation Area Plan (1980), as amended, and the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Management Plan (2004). The BLM will issue a separate record of decision regarding non-motorized recreation activities on public lands.

The County of San Bernardino (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 10-year incidental take permit for one covered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis) associated with the proposed realignment of the intersection of Valley and Pepper Avenues in the City of Colton, San Bernardino County, California. A conservation program to mitigate for the project activities would be implemented as described in the proposed Valley/Pepper Realignment Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (proposed Plan), which would be implemented by the Applicant. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on the preliminary determination that the proposed Plan qualifies as a ``Low- effect'' Habitat Conservation Plan, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The basis for this determination is discussed in the Environmental Action Statement (EAS) and the associated Low Effect Screening Form, which are also available for public review.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of 25 southwestern species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period and a public hearing on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi), Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Kincaid's lupine), and Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens (Willamette daisy).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing special regulations under the authority of section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended, that would promote the conservation of the Pacific Coast distinct population segment (DPS) of western snowy plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus). We seek comment on our proposed rule from the public and other agencies, and welcome suggestions regarding the scope and implementation of a special 4(d) rule.

This notice informs the public that the Southeast Alaska Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council will hold a public meeting on May 10, 2006. The public is invited to participate and to provide oral testimony.

This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

Michael Perez and Cynthia Perez (Applicants) request an incidental take permit (ITP) for a two-year term pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate the removal of about 0.22 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)(scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat, incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to revise the regulations that implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a treaty that regulates international trade in certain protected species. The United States was one of the original signatories to CITES, which has been in effect since July 1, 1975. CITES uses a system of permits and certificates to help ensure that international trade is legal and does not threaten the survival of wildlife or plant species in the wild. Since the existing regulations were finalized, the CITES Conference of the Parties (CoP) has held a number of meetings where resolutions have been adopted. The Parties adopt resolutions as a means of standardizing interpretation and implementation of the provisions of the Treaty. On May 8, 2000, we proposed a revision of the regulations to incorporate applicable resolutions, as appropriate, adopted through the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP10). This new proposal includes consideration of the comments received in response to the 2000 proposal and incorporates appropriate resolutions adopted at CoP11 through CoP13. Revised regulations will help us more effectively promote species conservation, continue to fulfill our responsibilities under the Treaty, and help those affected by CITES to understand how to conduct lawful international trade in CITES species.

The following permits were issued.

In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service announces a meeting designed to foster partnerships to enhance public awareness of the importance of aquatic resources and the social and economic benefits of recreational fishing and boating in the United States. This meeting, sponsored by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Council), is open to the public, and interested persons may make oral statements to the Council or may file written statements for consideration.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, have determined that it is appropriate to remove the Arizona distinct population segment (DPS) of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum) (pygmy-owl) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and, accordingly, also remove designated critical habitat for this DPS found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.95. Additionally, we are withdrawing the proposed rule to designate new critical habitat for the Arizona DPS of the pygmy-owl (67 FR 7103, November 27, 2002). The Arizona DPS of the pygmy-owl was listed as endangered on March 10, 1997 (62 FR 10730), and critical habitat was designated on July 12, 1999 (64 FR 37419). On January 9, 2001, a coalition of plaintiffs filed a lawsuit with the District Court of Arizona challenging the validity of our listing of the pygmy-owl as a DPS and the designation of its critical habitat. After the District Court remanded the designation of critical habitat (National Association of Home Builders et al. v. Norton, Civ.-00-0903- PHX-SRB), we proposed a new critical habitat designation on November 27, 2002 (67 FR 7103). Ultimately, as a result of this lawsuit, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued an opinion on August 19, 2003, stating that ``the FWS acted arbitrarily and capriciously in designating the Arizona pygmy-owl population as a DPS under the DPS Policy'' (National Association of Homebuilders v. Norton, 340 F.3d 835, 852 (9th Cir. 2003)). In light of the Ninth Circuit's opinion, we have reassessed the application of the DPS significance criteria to the Arizona population of the pygmy-owl. Based on a review of the available information and science, the public comments received during the public comment period, and our DPS policy, we do not believe that the Arizona DPS of the pygmy-owl qualifies as an entity that can be listed under the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Laguna Mountains skipper (Pyrgus ruralis lagunae) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This action will provide all interested parties with an additional opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed designation. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in any final decision. We also will hold two public hearings on this proposed designation of critical habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Chiricahua Leopard Frog (Draft Recovery Plan) for public review. The species occurs in montane and river valley cienegas, springs, pools, cattle tanks, reservoirs, streams, and rivers in central and southeastern Arizona, west-central and southwestern New Mexico, and the sky islands and Sierra Madre Occidental of northeastern Sonora and western Chihuahua, Mexico, at elevations of approximately 3,000-9,000 feet. The Draft Recovery Plan recommends actions to lessen and alleviate threats to the species, and presents objective and measurable delisting criteria. The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this Draft Recovery Plan.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the initiation of a 5-year review of 70 species under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The purpose of a 5-year review is to ensure that the classification of a species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate and consistent with the best scientific and commercial data currently available. We are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the original listing of each of the 70 species identified in Table 1 below. Based on the results of these 5- year reviews, we will determine whether any species should be proposed for removal from the list or its listing status should be changed pursuant to section 4(c)(2)(B) of the Act.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge are available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum (Suisun thistle) and Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis (soft bird's-beak) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Approximately 2,119 acres (ac) (857 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for C. hydrophilum var. hydrophilum in Solano County, California, and approximately 2,313 ac (936 ha) for C. mollis ssp. mollis in Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Counties, California.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of Maguire daisy (Erigeron maguirei), Holmgren milk-vetch (Astragalus holmgreniorum), Shivwits milk-vetch (Astragalus ampullarioides), Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda), woundfin (Plagopterus argentissimus), and Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the ESA is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.12) is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

Small Family Investments, Ltd. (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The requested permit, which is for a period of 12 years, includes a draft Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) for the endangered Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) in Bastrop County, Texas. We invite the public to review and comment on the permit application and the associated SHA.

The County of Volusia, Environmental Management Division (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking two families of Florida scrub- jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) over the requested 30-year permit term as a result of the destruction of 1.9 acres of foraging, sheltering, and possible nesting habitat, incidental to land clearing for the expansion of the Deltona Regional Library and supporting infrastructure in Volusia County, Florida (Project). The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of the ITP application and HCP and an environmental assessment.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce corrections to our notice of review that published in the Federal Register on March 22, 2006, concerning initiation of 5-year reviews for 56 species in California and Nevada. The document contained the incorrect zip code for the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office and two ambiguous tables indicating to which offices information for particular species should be submitted. The correct zip code for the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office is 92011, and we are reprinting the address and contact information from the two tables.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of two recently published reports and the underlying data which present additional analysis data regarding the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei). In order to ensure the public has full access to and an opportunity to comment on all available information on the proposed rule to delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse, we are extending the public comment period until May 18, 2006. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision and rule.

This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitat, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following: (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for two endangered plants, Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) and Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act or ESA). In total, approximately 2,620 hectares (ha) (6,475 acres (ac)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for A. holmgreniorum in Mohave County, Arizona, and Washington County, Utah, and approximately 980 ha (2,421 ac) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for A. ampullarioides in Washington County, Utah.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) propose to establish the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment (WGL DPS) of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). This DPS includes all of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan; the eastern half of North Dakota and South Dakota; the northern half of Iowa; the northern portions of Illinois and Iowa; and the northwestern portion of Ohio. We further propose to remove the WGL DPS from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife established under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We propose these actions because available data indicate that this DPS no longer meets the definitions of threatened or endangered under the Act. The threats have been reduced or eliminated as evidenced by a population that is stable or increasing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and greatly exceeds the numerical recovery criteria established in its recovery plan. Completed State wolf management plans will provide adequate protection and management of the species if delisted in the WGL DPS. The proposed rule, if finalized, would remove this DPS from the protections of the Act. This proposed rule would also remove the currently designated critical habitat for the gray wolf in Minnesota and Michigan and remove the current special regulations for gray wolves in Minnesota.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is available. This CCP, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service intends to manage this Refuge for the next 15 years.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes regulations that would authorize the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears and Pacific walrus during year-round oil and gas industry (Industry) exploration, development, and production operations in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of Alaska. Industry operations for the covered period are similar to, and include all activities covered by the previous 16-month Beaufort Sea incidental take regulations that were effective from November 28, 2003, through March 28, 2005 (68 FR 66744; November 28, 2003). We are proposing that this rule be effective for 5 years from date of issuance. We propose a finding that the total expected takings of polar bear and Pacific walrus during oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities will have a negligible impact on these species and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of these species for subsistence use by Alaska Natives. We base this finding on the results of 12 years of data on the encounters and interactions between polar bears, Pacific walrus, and Industry; recent studies of potential effects of Industry on these species; and oil spill risk assessments using oil spill trajectory models, polar bear density models, potential and documented Industry impacts on these species, and models to determine the likelihood of impacts to polar bears should an accidental oil release occur. We are seeking public comments on this proposed rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for Silene spaldingii (Spalding's Catchfly) for public review and comment. Silene spaldingii, a plant native to portions of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada, was listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act on October 10, 2001 (66 FR 51598).

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a meeting of the Klamath Fishery Management Council. The meeting is open to the public. The Klamath Fishery Management Council makes recommendations to agencies that regulate harvest of anadromous fish in the Klamath River Basin. The objectives of this meeting is to hear technical reports, to discuss and develop Klamath fall Chinook salmon harvest management options for the 2006 season, and to make recommendations to the Pacific Fishery Management Council and other Fishery Management agencies.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App), this notice announces a meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG). The TAMWG affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. Primary objectives of the meeting will include: 2006 flow schedule; Trinity River Restoration Program science framework; Trinity River Restoration Program strategic plan; Federal tribal trust responsibilities; Exceedence criteria for water-year-type forecasting; Trinity River fishing regulations; request for special appropriation to complete floodplain preparations; reports from work groups; Executive director's report; education outreach; travel expense reimbursement; and Election of TAMWG officers. Completion of the agenda is dependent on the amount of time each item takes. The meeting could end early if the agenda has been completed. The meeting is open to the public.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we''), announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for Hackelia venusta (Showy Stickseed), for public review and comment.

This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitat, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following: (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is issuing this notice to invite public participation in the scoping process for preparing a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Sport Hunting of Migratory Birds under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The SEIS will consider a range of management alternatives for addressing sport hunting of migratory birds under the authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The Service seeks suggestions and comments on the scope and substance of this supplemental EIS, options or alternatives to be considered, and important management issues. Federal and State agencies and the public are invited to present their views on the subject to the Service. This notice invites further public participation in the scoping process, identifies the location, date, and time of public scoping meetings, and identifies to whom you may direct questions and comments.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) will meet to select North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant proposals for recommendation to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission). The meeting is open to the public.

We (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) announce the availability of the Recovery Plan for Vernal Pool Ecosystems of California and Southern Oregon. This recovery plan covers 33 species, of which 20 are federally listed as threatened or endangered. These species inhabit vernal pool ecosystems in California and southern Oregon. This recovery plan includes recovery criteria and measures for 20 federally listed species. Federally endangered plants include Eryngium constancei (Loch Lomond button-celery), Lasthenia conjugens (Contra Costa goldfields), Limnanthes floccosa ssp. californica (Butte County meadowfoam), Navarretia leucocephala ssp. pauciflora (few- flowered navarretia), Navarretia leucocephala ssp. plieantha (many- flowered navarretia), Orcuttia pilosa (hairy Orcutt grass), Orcuttia viscida (Sacramento Orcutt grass), Parvisedum leiocarpum (Lake County stonecrop), Tuctoria greenei (Greene's tuctoria), and Tuctoria mucronata (Solano grass). Federally threatened plants include Castilleja campestris ssp. succulenta (fleshy owl's clover), Chamaesyce hooveri (Hoover's spurge), Neostapfia colusana (Colusa grass), Orcuttia inaequalis (San Joaquin Valley Orcutt grass), and Orcuttia tenuis (slender Orcutt grass). Federally endangered animals include the Conservancy fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio), longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna), and vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Federally threatened animals include the vernal pool fairy shrimp (Branchinecta lynchi) and delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis). The portions of the plan dealing with the delta green ground beetle and Solano grass are a revision of the 1985 Delta Green Ground Beetle and Solano Grass Recovery Plan. The recovery plan addresses conservation of 10 plant species of concern, including Astragalus tener var. ferrisiae (Ferris' milk vetch), Astragalus tener var. tener (alkali milk vetch), Atriplex persistens (persistent-fruited saltscale), Eryngium spinosepalum (spiny-sepaled button-celery), Gratiola heterosepala (Boggs Lake hedge- hyssop), Juncus leiospermus var. ahartii (Ahart's dwarf rush), Legenere limosa (legenere), Myosurus minimus var. apus (little mouse tail), Navarretia myersii ssp. deminuta (pincushion navarretia), and Plagiobothrys hystriculus (bearded popcorn flower). The three animal species of concern addressed in the recovery plan include the mid- valley fairy shrimp (Branchinecta mesovallensis), California fairy shrimp (Linderiella occidentalis), and western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii).

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), plan to hold public scoping meetings to help us prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for a proposed land exchange within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. In our earlier notice of intent to prepare this EIS, we announced that scoping meetings would be held in February. However, we have extended the meeting schedule through early April. With this notice, we announce meeting dates and ask the public for suggestions and comments on the scope of issues to be addressed in our EIS.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') announces the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Carson Wandering Skipper for public review and comment.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and marine mammals.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

The following permit was issued.

The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Black Hills mountainsnail (Oreohelix cooperi) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We find the petition does not provide substantial scientific information indicating that listing the Black Hills mountainsnail may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a further status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it.

The following applicants have applied for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a public meeting on American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). This meeting will help us gather information from the public in preparation for our 2006 findings on the export of American ginseng roots, for the issuance of permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

We (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) have updated information on nesting of American peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus anatum) in the western United States and have determined the allowed take of nestlings in 12 western States in 2006.

Environmental Defense, Inc. (ED) (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize the Applicant to issue certificates of inclusion under a Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) to private landowners who would voluntarily agree to carry out habitat improvements for the Texas ocelot subspecies (Leopardus pardalis albescens). We invite the public to review and comment on the permit application and the associated draft SHA.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), extend for not more than six months, the time to make a decision on the proposal to delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) and announce the reopening of the comment period. Since the close of the public comment period, we have received additional information which may be influential in our final decision. The extension is sought pursuant to section 4(b)(6)(B)(i) of the ESA because a recently completed and unpublished study substantially disagrees with the determination contained in the proposed rule that Preble's is not a distinct subspecies. Some of this new information conflicts with information given significant weight in the proposed rule. In order to ensure the public has full access to and an opportunity to comment on all available information, we are reopening the public comment period for 60 days. The Service will make a final decision based on the best scientific and commercial information available. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision and rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce an extension of the comment period for the proposed rule to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) for the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and surrounding area and remove the Yellowstone DPS from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision and rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposal to remove the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the lower 48 States of the United States, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended. The proposed delisting rule for the bald eagle was published on July 6, 1999 (64 FR 36454). Comments previously submitted on the July 6, 1999, proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record as part of this reopening of the comment period, and they will be fully considered in the preparation of the final rule. In reopening the comment period, we provide new information, respond to the comments we received in the proposed rule, and further clarify our reasons for proposing to delist the species. The best available scientific and commercial data available indicates that the bald eagle has recovered. The bald eagle population in the lower 48 States has increased from approximately 487 active nests in 1963, to an estimated minimum 7,066 breeding pairs today. The recovery of the bald eagle is due in part to habitat protection and management actions, and the reduction in levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides (such as DDT) occurring in the environment. This rule will not affect protection provided to the species under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). In addition, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act will continue to provide protection to the bald eagle, if delisting under the ESA is found to be warranted. To help clarify the BGEPA protections provided to the bald eagle, the Service is also soliciting public comments on two related draft bald eagle documents under the BGEPA that are being published simultaneously with this proposed delisting rule. First, we are publishing a notice of availability and request for public comments on draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (Guidelines). The Guidelines provide guidance on how to comply with the requirements of the BGEPA by avoiding disturbance to bald eagles under different land use scenarios. Second, we are publishing a proposed rule to add the definition of ``disturb'' to our regulations at 50 CFR 22.3, which implement the BGEPA. These two documents are published separately in this part of today's Federal Register and include additional information about submitting comments on them.

In anticipation of possible removal (delisting) of the bald eagle in the 48 contiguous States from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) is proposing a definition of ``disturb'' under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to guide post-delisting bald eagle management. Because BGEPA's prohibition against disturbance applies to both bald and golden eagles, the definition will apply to golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) as well as bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). If the bald eagle is delisted, the BGEPA will become the primary law protecting bald eagles. BGEPA prohibits take of bald and golden eagles and provides a statutory definition of ``take'' that includes ``disturb.'' Although disturbing eagles has been prohibited by BGEPA since the statute's enactment, the meaning of ``disturb'' has never been explicitly defined by the Service or by the courts. To define ``disturb,'' we rely on the common meaning of the term as applied to the conservation intent of BGEPA and the working definitions of ``disturb'' currently used by Federal and State agencies to manage bald eagles. This proposed definition of disturb will apply to Alaska, where the bald eagle has never been listed under the ESA, as well as the 48 contiguous States. (Eagles do not occur in Hawaii.) In addition to this proposed rulemaking, the Service is soliciting public comment on two related proposals published separately in this part of today's Federal Register. First, the Service is re-opening the public comment period on the proposed rule to remove the bald eagle from the list of threatened species under the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); we originally proposed delisting the bald eagle on July 6, 1999 (64 FR 36453). Second, we are soliciting comment on draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines.

Richard E. Bosserman and Charles E. Bosserman III (Applicants) request an incidental take permit (ITP) for a 10-year term, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate taking sand skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi) and bluetail mole skinks (Eumeces egregious) (cumulatively referred to as skinks) resulting from land clearing and site preparation for commercial construction on about 75 acres near Clermont, Lake County, Florida. The Applicants' HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects commercial construction on the skinks. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of the ITP application, HCP, and an Environmental Assessment (EA).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is available. This CCP, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to manage this refuge for the next 15 years.

Carlos Bigord (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking over a one- year permit term, about 0.23 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)(scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat, incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Service announces the availability of the HCP for the incidental take application.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) is available for Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

We invite the public to comment on the following application to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designated approximately 858,846 acres (ac) (347,563 hectares (ha)) of critical habitat for 4 vernal pool crustaceans and 11 vernal pool plants in 34 counties in California and 1 county in southern Oregon in a final rule of August 11, 2005 (70 FR 46924). That rule designated critical habitat for the 15 vernal pool species collectively. Pursuant to that rule, we are now publishing species-specific unit descriptions and maps for the 15 species. This rule specifically identifies the critical habitat for each individual species identified in the August 11, 2005, final rule. Because many of the units for the different species overlap, the total critical habitat area we are designating is much less than the sum of the areas for each species. This rule is entirely an administrative action in that it places the species individually where they belong in 50 CFR part 17; it does not change the critical habitat designations for any of the species.

This notice announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Currituck National Wildlife Refuge are available for review and comment. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the Kootenai River population of the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) (Kootenai sturgeon) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately, 6.9 river miles (RM) (11.1 river kilometers (RKM)) of the Kootenai River fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation located in Boundary County, Idaho. This designation is in addition to the 11.2 miles (18 kilometers) of the Kootenai River already designated as critical habitat for the Kootenai sturgeon.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), published a final rule to add two marine taxa to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, on November 16, 2005. For one of the two taxa, the white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni), we incorrectly published in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at Sec. 17.11(h) that the species was Threatened, when it is actually listed as Endangered. We now correct that error.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin is available. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have submitted the collection of information described below to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collected for the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program is needed to review project proposals in accordance with the Marine Turtle Conservation Act (Pub. L. 108-266).

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a meeting of the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to allow affected interests to continue providing recommendations to us on implementation of our program to restore anadromous fisheries, including salmon and steelhead, in the Klamath River in California and Oregon.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to implement the Captive Wildlife Safety Act (CWSA). The CWSA amends the Lacey Act by making it illegal to import, export, buy, sell, transport, receive, or acquire, in interstate or foreign commerce, live lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, or cougars, or any hybrid combination of any of these species, unless certain exceptions are met.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) announce the availability for public review of a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), final Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and final Implementing Agreement (IA), related to an application by the State of Washington for Endangered Species Act (ESA) Incidental Take Permits (ITPs). The final documents reflect changes made to the draft documents resulting from comments received during the 90-day public comment period. Responses to comments received from the public are included in the EIS. This notice provides an opportunity for the public to review the final documents and responses to public comments. The EIS addresses the proposed issuance of ITPs by both Services under the ESA, to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, on behalf of the State of Washington (State), for forest practices activities conducted according to the Washington Forest Practices Rules (forest practices). The proposed ITPs would authorize incidental take of aquatic species (16 listed fish species, 54 unlisted fish species, 7 unlisted amphibian species), by covered forest practices implemented under the forest practices rules. The EIS also addresses a proposed limit to the ESA section 9 prohibition against take of listed species under the ESA, such that the prohibition would not apply to forest practices regulated by the State of Washington on non-Federal and non-tribal lands.

This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Final CCP) and related Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, and Pierce National Wildlife Refuges (Gorge Refuges). The Gorge Refuges are located in southwest Washington within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Final CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The Service's Regional Director for the Pacific Region has considered a reasonable range of management alternatives and has selected Alternative B of the CCP for managing the Gorge Refuges for the next 15 years.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Mussentuchit gilia (Gilia [=Aliciella] tenuis) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find the petition does not provide substantial information indicating that listing Gilia [=Aliciella] tenuis may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a further status review in response to this petition. The public may submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, us, or USFWS) approves four shot types or alloys for hunting waterfowl and coots and changes the listing of approved nontoxic shot types to reflect the cumulative approvals of nontoxic shot types and alloys. In addition, we approve alloys of several metals because we have approved the metals individually at or near 100% in nontoxic shot. We have prepared a Final Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact in support of this decision.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the dates and location of the 2006 Federal Duck Stamp contest, and the species eligible to be subjects for this year's designs. The 2006 contest will be the second contest to take place outside of Washington, DC. We invite the public to enter and to attend.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on two petitions to reclassify the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find the petitions do not provide substantial scientific information indicating that reclassification of the Florida scrub-jay may be warranted. Therefore, we will not initiate a further status review in response to these petitions. However, the public may submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it at any time.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge are available for review and comment. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge manages with a 15- year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies, In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Significant issues addressed in the draft plan include: threatened and endangered species, waterfowl management, neotropical migratory birds, bottomland hardwood restoration, fisheries management, visitor services, funding and staffing, cultural resources, and land protection.

In order to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES or the Convention), the Parties to the Convention meet periodically to review which species in international trade should be regulated and other aspects of the implementation of CITES. The fourteenth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP14) is tentatively scheduled to be held June 3-15, 2007, in The Hague, Netherlands. Therefore, with this notice we are soliciting recommendations for amending Appendices I and II of CITES at CoP14. We are also soliciting recommendations for resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at CoP14. We invite you to provide us with information and recommendations on animal and plant species that should be considered as candidates for U.S. proposals to amend CITES Appendices I and II. Such amendments may concern the addition of species to Appendix I or II, the transfer of species from one Appendix to another, or the removal of species from Appendix II. We also invite you to provide us with information and recommendations on possible resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at the upcoming meeting. Finally, with this notice we also describe the U.S. approach to preparations for CoP14.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces a notice of decision and availability of record of decision (ROD) for Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The refuge is in Bertie County, North Carolina. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations was completed and presented in the Final CCP/ EIS. The Final CCP/EIS was released to the public and a notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2005 (70 FR 62322). The ROD documents the selection of Alternative 3 (the Service-perferred alternative). which is represented by the Final CCP/ EIS for the refuge. The ROD was signed by the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, on January 12, 2006.

The Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released to the public on December 5, 2005, (70 FR 72462, December 5, 2005) for a 60- day review and comment period ending February 3, 2006. Due to public and elected official requests, the comment period for the Supplement is being extended 30 days.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

Searenity Development, Inc. and Retreat Investments, Inc. (Applicants) collectively request an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The applicants anticipate taking Perdido Key beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) incidental to developing, constructing, and occupying two beachfront condominium complexes on Perdido Key in Escambia County, Florida (Projects). The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of both Projects to the Perdido Key beach mouse. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of a habitat conservation plan (HCP) and an environmental assessment (EA) for the ITP applications. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA) for the Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) and Wetland Management District (WMD) is available for public review and comment. This Draft CCP/EA was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The Draft CCP/EA describes the Service's proposal for management of the Refuge for 15 years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of the Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) and the Little Colorado spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata) under 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.12) is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

This notice advises that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated environmental documents for the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District (WMD) in south-central Nebraska. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of its intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process.