Fish and Wildlife Service 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), a pelagic seabird species that nests on the island of Hispaniola and spends the rest of its life at sea. The species forages in high concentration off the coast of North Carolina; however, the marine range extends across much of the western Atlantic (Nova Scotia to Venezuela) and into the Caribbean Sea and northern Gulf of Mexico. This rule extends the protections of the Act to the black-capped petrel.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from the Bureau of Land Management, propose to authorize nonlethal incidental take by harassment of small numbers of Southern Beaufort Sea (SBS) polar bears (Ursus maritimus) for 1 year from the date of issuance. The applicant requested this authorization for take by harassment that may result from activities associated with oil well plugging and reclamation, soil sampling, snow trail, pad, and airstrip construction, and summer cleanup activities in the North Slope Borough of Alaska between the Wainwright and Oliktok Areas. This proposed authorization, if finalized, will be for up to 18 takes of polar bears by Level B harassment and up to 3 takes of polar bears by non-serious Level A harassment. No serious Level A or lethal take is requested, expected, or proposed to be authorized.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the coal darter (Percina brevicauda), a small, benthic freshwater fish native to the Mobile River Basin in Alabama, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the coal darter. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the coal darter as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule'') to provide for the conservation of the species. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the West Virginia spring salamander (Gyrinophilus subterraneus), an amphibian species from Greenbrier County, West Virginia, as an endangered species and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the West Virginia spring salamander. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the West Virginia spring salamander under the Act. In total, approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the West Virginia spring salamander. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to the species and its designated critical habitat.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection, with changes.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are reopening the comment periods on notices announcing three incidental take permit applications, three proposed habitat conservation plans, and related documents. We are taking this action because of a disruption in the public's access to regulations.gov as a means of viewing documents and submitting comments when the three notices were initially published. We invite comments from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies. If you already submitted a comment, you do not need to resubmit it.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on an application to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the distinct population segment (DPS) of the North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) occurring in the contiguous United States. This rule adds the contiguous U.S. DPS of the North American wolverine to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We are also issuing an interim rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act (an ``interim 4(d) rule'') that provides the prohibitions, and exceptions to those prohibitions, necessary and advisable for the conservation of the contiguous U.S. DPS of the North American wolverine.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that seven species are not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted at this time to list Edison's ascyrum (Hypericum edisonianum), Florida (lowland) loosestrife (Lythrum flagellare), Florida pinesnake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitu), mimic cavesnail (Phreatodrobia imitata), northern cavefish (Amblyopsis spelaea), smallscale darter (Etheostoma microlepidum), and Texas troglobitic water slater (Lirceolus smithii). However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information relevant to the status of any of the species mentioned above or their habitats.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the public comment period on our August 10, 2023, proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti), a butterfly from New Mexico, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are taking this action to conduct a public hearing and to allow all interested parties additional time to comment on the proposal to designate critical habitat for the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from the Orange County Public Library System (Horizon West Library; applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) incidental to the construction and operation of a public library and related activities in Orange County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Christopher Johnson and Gator Wood Properties, LLC (applicants) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicants request the ITP to take the federally listed Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) incidental to construction of a multi-family development in Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, Alabama. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicants' proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), establish a nonessential experimental population (NEP) of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the State of Colorado, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The State of Colorado (Colorado Parks and Wildlife or CPW) requested that the Service establish an NEP in conjunction with their State-led gray wolf reintroduction effort. Establishment of this NEP provides for allowable, legal, purposeful, and incidental taking of the gray wolf within a defined NEP area while concurrently providing for the conservation of the species. The geographic boundary of the NEP is the entire State of Colorado. The best available data indicate that reintroduction of the gray wolf into Colorado is biologically feasible and will promote the conservation of the species.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Mr. Louis Jutras (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) incidental to construction of the Jutras residential home project, in the City of Santee, San Diego County, California. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from PMF Leesburg Michigan, LLC (Michigan Property) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) incidental to the construction of a multi-family development in Lake County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on a permit application regarding a foreign bird species for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). With some exceptions, the WBCA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The WBCA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity it otherwise prohibits.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew a currently approved information collection, without change.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this final rule to comply with a district court order that vacated our November 3, 2020, rule removing the gray wolf (Canis lupus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. As a result of the court's order, the regulatory protections under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), apply to the gray wolf in all or portions of the 45 U.S. States and Mexico where the species was listed at the time we issued the delisting rule. The court order went into effect on February 10, 2022, and is the subject of several consolidated, pending appeals in the Ninth Circuit. While those appeals are pending, the Service is bound by the district court's order. Thus, this final rule implements the court's order by correcting the Code of Federal Regulations and officially reinstating threatened status for gray wolf in Minnesota; endangered status for gray wolf in all or portions of the remaining 44 U.S. States and Mexico where the species was listed prior to our November 2020 delisting rule; critical habitat for gray wolf in Minnesota and Michigan; and the rule promulgated under section 4(d) of the Act for gray wolf in Minnesota. Gray wolves in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, the eastern third of Washington and Oregon, and north-central Utah (collectively, the Northern Rocky Mountains) retain their delisted status and are not affected by this final rule. This rule does not have any effect on the separate listing of the Mexican wolf subspecies (Canis lupus baileyi) as endangered under the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reclassifying Mitracarpus polycladus (a plant, no common name) from endangered to threatened (downlist) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This action is based on our evaluation of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the species' status has improved such that it is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, but that it is still likely to become so in the foreseeable future. We are also finalizing a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act that provides for the conservation of the species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), expand hunting opportunities on three National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs). We also make changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to reduce the regulatory burden on the public, increase access for hunters and anglers on Service lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain language standards. Finally, the best available science, analyzed as part of this rulemaking, indicates that lead ammunition and tackle have negative impacts on both wildlife and human health. In this rule, Blackwater, Chincoteague, Eastern Neck, Erie, Great Thicket, Patuxent Research Refuge, Rachel Carson, and Wallops Island NWRs each adopt a non-lead requirement, which will take effect on September 1, 2026. While the Service continues to evaluate the future of lead use in hunting and fishing on Service lands and waters, this rulemaking does not include any opportunities increasing or authorizing the new use of lead beyond fall 2026.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Hector Aponte (2098 Laredo Drive) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) incidental to the construction of a single-family home in Volusia County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Founders Ridge Development, LLC and Founders Ridge Development II, LLC (Minneola Town Center) (applicants) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicants request the ITP to take federally listed Florida scrub-jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) and sand skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi) incidental to the construction of a mixed-use development in Lake County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew, without change, a currently approved information collection.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft general conservation plan (GCP), as well as an associated draft categorical exclusion (CatEx), for development activities in Santa Cruz County, California. The Service developed the GCP in accordance with the Endangered Species Act to provide a streamlined mechanism for proponents engaged in activities associated with residential development and associated infrastructure, construction and maintenance on public lands, and habitat restoration, to meet statutory and regulatory requirements while promoting conservation of the California red-legged frog, California tiger salamander, and Santa Cruz long-toed salamander. The Service also prepared the draft CatEx in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects to the natural and human environment resulting from issuing permits under the GCP. We invite comment on these documents from agencies, Tribes, and the public.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), are removing 21 species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to extinction. This action is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that these species are no longer extant and, as such, no longer meet the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce two 90-day findings on petitions to reclassify the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus), or populations thereof, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Two valid subspecies of the West Indian manatee, the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), are currently protected under the Act as part of the threatened West Indian manatee species-level listing. One petition requests the Puerto Rico population of the Antillean manatee be listed as an endangered distinct population segment (DPS) and critical habitat be designated for this entity under the Act. The second petition requests to reclassify the West Indian manatee, including its subspecies the Antillean manatee and Florida manatee, as endangered species under the Act. Based on our review, we find that the petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we announce that we plan to initiate a status review to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are requesting new scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the West Indian manatee throughout its range, including information specific to the Puerto Rico population of Antillean manatee, and factors that may affect their status. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-month petition finding, which will address whether or not the petitioned actions are warranted, in accordance with the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), are revising the regulations for the nonessential experimental population of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes; ferret) in Arizona. We established the Aubrey Valley Experimental Population Area (AVEPA) in 1996 in accordance with section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). This rule allows the introduction of ferrets across a larger landscape as part of a nonessential experimental population and includes the AVEPA within a larger ``Southwest Experimental Population Area'' (SWEPA), which includes parts of Arizona and identified contiguous Tribal lands in New Mexico and Utah. This revision provides a framework for establishing and managing reintroduced populations of ferrets that will allow greater management flexibility and increased landowner and manager cooperation. The best available data indicate that additional reintroductions of the ferret into more widely distributed habitat in the SWEPA is feasible and will promote the conservation of the species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata), a species from Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and northern and central California, and the southwestern pond turtle (Actinemys pallida), a species from central and southern California and Baja California, Mexico, as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the western pond turtle, which is now recognized as two separate species (northwestern pond turtle and southwestern pond turtle). After a review of the best scientific and commercial information available, we find that listing the northwestern pond turtle and southwestern pond turtle is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the northwestern pond turtle and southwestern pond turtle as threatened species with rules issued under section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule'') for each species. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add the northwestern pond turtle and southwestern pond turtle to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the two species. Due to the current lack of data sufficient to perform required analyses, we conclude that the designation of critical habitat for the northwestern pond turtle and southwestern pond turtle is not determinable at this time.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), withdraw the proposed rule to reclassify the Virgin Islands tree boa (listed as Epicrates monensis granti) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. This withdrawal is based on new information we received during the proposed rule's public comment periods, specifically new survey results that indicate that the Virgin Islands tree boa is likely extirpated from Cayo Ratones. We also realized an error in calculations that reduced the resiliency of the Cayo Diablo population. After evaluating the status of the species following these changes, we find that the species still meets the Act's definition of an endangered species. We have, therefore, determined that reclassification of this species is not appropriate at this time. Accordingly, we also withdraw the proposed 4(d) rule for the Virgin Islands tree boa.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on permit applications regarding foreign bird species for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). With some exceptions, the WBCA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The WBCA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity it otherwise prohibits.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection, without change.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species, unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection in use without Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that one species is not warranted for delisting and six species are not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted at this time to delist the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). We also find that is not warranted at this time to list the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae), plains spotted skunk (Spilogale interrupta, formerly recognized as one of three subspecies of eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta)), sicklefin chub (Macrhybopsis meeki), sturgeon chub (Macrhybopsis gelida), Tennessee cave salamander (Gyrinophilus palleucus), and Yazoo crayfish (Faxonius hartfieldi, formerly Orconectes hartfieldi). However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information relevant to the status of any of the species mentioned above or their habitats.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), correct the information provided in the ``Where listed'' column of the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) for eight species listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Errors introduced into the List may be interpreted as indicating that only some populations of these species are listed. We are correcting the List to clarify that protections apply to these species wherever found.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of an application for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act for the proposed East Foundation Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Ocelot Reintroduction in South Texas. The application package includes the safe harbor agreement and a draft screening form pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these documents. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Quitobaquito tryonia (Tryonia quitobaquitae), a springsnail species from Arizona, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Quitobaquito tryonia. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Quitobaquito tryonia under the Act. In total, approximately 6,095 square feet (566 square meters) across 2 subunits in Pima County, Arizona, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for Quitobaquito tryonia. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species and its designated critical habitat.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are extending the comment period on our July 3, 2023, proposed rule to list the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), a species found only in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are extending the proposed rule's comment period for 30 days to give all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on an application to conduct certain activities with a foreign species that is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the ESA. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice in the Federal Register of August 17, 2023, initiating 5-year status reviews of 47 species in California, Nevada, and Oregon under the Endangered Species Act. We inadvertently included one species in error. We are correcting the notice to remove that species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) gives notice of a virtual meeting of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council (HWCC), in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), list the sand dune phacelia (Phacelia argentea), a plant species from coastal southern Oregon and northern California, as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also designate critical habitat for the species under the Act. In total, approximately 180.8 acres (73.2 hectares) within 13 units in Coos and Curry Counties in Oregon, and Del Norte County in California, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule extends the protections of the Act to this species and its designated critical habitat.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the toothless blindcat (Trogloglanis pattersoni) and widemouth blindcat (Satan eurystomus), two cavefish species from the Edwards Aquifer in Bexar County, Texas, as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the toothless blindcat and widemouth blindcat. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing both species is warranted. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to these species. We have determined that designation of critical habitat is not prudent.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the magnificent ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica), a freshwater snail species from southeastern North Carolina. We also designate critical habitat for the species. In total, approximately 739 acres (299 hectares) in two ponds in Brunswick County, North Carolina, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule applies the protections of the Act to this species and its designated critical habitat.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews of 47 species in California, Nevada, and Oregon under the Endangered Species Act. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last reviews.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to revise a currently approved information collection.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Texas kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elator), a rodent from north- central Texas, as an endangered species and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Texas kangaroo rat. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the Texas kangaroo rat as an endangered species under the Act. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to this species and its critical habitat. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Texas kangaroo rat under the Act. In total, approximately 597,069 acres (241,625 hectares) in Childress, Cottle, Hardeman, Wichita, and Wilbarger Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for Texas kangaroo rat.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), propose to remove the Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache), a fish native to Arizona, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. Our review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to the species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through section 7 and our regulations would no longer apply to the Apache trout. We request information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule for the Apache trout.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, on February 28, 2023, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice announcing that we are proposing to renew an existing information collection (IC) without change. The notice opened a public comment period, which closed on May 1, 2023. We subsequently identified proposed changes to the IC that were not included in the original notice; therefore, we are now republishing the notice in full, including the proposed changes, and reopening the comment period.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Helen Crittenden et al. (Helen Crittenden, Alexander van den Berg, and Nancy van den Berg; applicants) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicants request the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink incidental to the construction of a residential development in Lake County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicants' proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from CenterPoint Integrated Solutions, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) incidental to the construction and operation of a commercial development in Brevard County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), U.S. Department of the Interior, intends to prepare an updated Bison and Elk Management Plan (BEMP) and environmental impact statement (EIS) for the National Elk Refuge (NER). The BEMP describes the Service's proposal for the management of the Jackson bison and elk populations within their respective jurisdictions with the goal of ensuring sustainable and healthy herds; an EIS will be prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the BEMP. We invite input from other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, private sector businesses, and members of the public on the scope of the EIS, alternatives to our proposed approaches for the management of bison and elk on the NER, and the pertinent issues that we should address in the EIS.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection without change.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that two species are not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted at this time to list the Illinois chorus frog (Pseudacris illinoensis) and Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula). However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information relevant to the status of any of the species mentioned above or their habitats.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list two mussel species, the Salina mucket (Potamilus metnecktayi) and Mexican fawnsfoot (Truncilla cognata) (which we collectively refer to as the Rio Grande mussels in this document), as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month findings on petitions to list the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot is warranted. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot under the Act. For Salina mucket, approximately 200 river miles (rmi) (321 river kilometers (rkm)) in Brewster, Terrell, and Val Verde Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. For Mexican fawnsfoot, approximately 185 rmi (299 rkm) in Maverick, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species and their designated critical habitats.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the ESA. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising our proposed rule that would streamline our process for permitting of rights-of-way across National Wildlife Refuge System lands and other Service-administered lands. By aligning Service processes more closely with those of other Department of the Interior (DOI) bureaus, to the extent practicable and consistent with applicable law, we will reduce the amount of time the Service requires to process applications for rights-of-way across Service-managed lands. We originally proposed revisions that included requiring a preapplication meeting and use of a standard application, allowing electronic submission of applications, and providing the Service with additional flexibility, as appropriate, to determine the fair market value or fair market rental value of rights-of-way across Service-managed lands. We now further propose new permit terms and conditions and other regulatory changes. The Service seeks comments on this revised proposed rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), remove the golden paintbrush (Castilleja levisecta) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants as it no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The golden paintbrush is a flowering plant native to southwestern British Columbia, western Washington, and western Oregon. Our review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates threats to the golden paintbrush have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Act.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Nipomo Community Service District (Applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The Applicant requests the ITP to take the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) incidental to the construction of a new lift station and associated facilities to decommission the existing Blacklake Wastewater Reclamation Facility, in San Luis Obispo County, California. We request public comment on the application, which includes the Applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew, without change, an information collection.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued letters of authorization (LOA) for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walruses incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern coast of Alaska in 2022. This notice announces the LOAs issued in calendar year 2022. The LOAs stipulate conditions and methods that minimize impacts to polar bears and Pacific walruses from these activities.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), a species found only in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the dunes sagebrush lizard. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it will add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. We find the designation of critical habitat to be prudent but not determinable at this time.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are proposing to renew an information collection without change.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Okaloosa darter (Etheostoma okaloosae) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) due to recovery. This final rule is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information which indicates that the threats to the species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species is no longer in danger of extinction or likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future. Therefore, the species no longer meets the definition of a threatened species, and does not meet the definition of an endangered species, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act will no longer apply to this species.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Richard McGinley and Marion County, Florida (Florida Crossroads Commerce Park) (applicants) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicants request the ITP to take the federally listed Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) incidental to the construction of a warehouse, loading docks, parking lots, and associated stormwater systems within an existing industrial park, and incidental to Marion County's expansion of SW 49th Avenue in Marion County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicants' proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Cardinal Point Wind Farm, LLC for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act, for its Cardinal Point Wind Project (project). If approved, the permit would authorize the incidental take of two endangered species, the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat, and two species under federal review, the tricolored bat and little brown bat. The applicant has prepared a habitat conservation plan in support of their application. We also announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment, which has been prepared in response to the permit application in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection, without change.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew, without change, an information collection.

This notice advises the public that the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation (LCRA TSC), have applied for an enhancement of survival (EOS) permit supported by the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for the Texas pimpleback (Cyclonaias petrina), Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon), Texas fatmucket (Lampsilis bracteata), and Balcones spike (Fusconaia iheringi) in the Lower Colorado River Basin below O.H. Ivie Reservoir (CCAA). LCRA is a conservation and reclamation district in the State of Texas that provides multiple services in the Colorado River basin, including managing water supplies, managing floods along the Highland Lakes, producing and delivering power, managing parks and recreation areas, and supporting community development. LCRA TSC is a nonprofit corporation conducting electric transmission operations within Texas. They own and operate 5,500 circuit miles of electric transmission lines and maintain and operate equipment at approximately 430 electric substations across the state. The requested EOS permit, if approved, would authorize incidental take of four proposed freshwater mussel species, Texas pimpleback, Texas fawnsfoot, Texas fatmucket, and Balcones spike resulting from activities covered by the CCAA, including freshwater mussel conservation actions, operations, inspections, repairs, construction, and maintenance activities in the Colorado River basin in Texas. We have made a preliminary determination that the CCAA is eligible for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The basis for this determination is contained in a draft NEPA screening form to support the use of a categorical exclusion under NEPA, which evaluates the impacts of EOS permit issuance and implementation of the proposed CCAA. The documents available for comment include the NEPA screening form, the CCAA, and the EOS permit application.

We, FWS and NMFS (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), propose to amend portions of our regulations that implement section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The Services are proposing these changes to further clarify and improve the interagency consultation processes, while continuing to provide for the conservation of listed species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise our regulations concerning protections of endangered species and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (Act). We are proposing to reinstate the general application of the ``blanket rule'' option for protecting newly listed threatened species pursuant to section 4(d) of the Act, with the continued option to promulgate species-specific rules. We are also proposing to extend to federally recognized Tribes the exceptions to prohibitions for threatened species that the regulations currently provide to the employees or agents of the Service and other Federal and State agencies to aid, salvage, or dispose of threatened species. We are also proposing minor changes to clarify or correct the existing regulations for endangered and threatened species; these proposed minor changes would not alter the substance or scope of the regulations. We also request comments on an additional provision under consideration, but not currently proposed, that would extend to federally recognized Tribes the exceptions to prohibitions for threatened species that the regulations currently provide to employees or agents of the Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and State agencies for take associated with conservation-related activities.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection without change.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits, permit renewals, and/or permit amendments to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Unicorp National Developments, LLC (Sutton Lakes) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink incidental to the construction of a residential development in Orange County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an existing information collection, with revisions.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list Navasota false foxglove (Agalinis navasotensis), a plant species from Grimes and Tyler Counties, Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list Navasota false foxglove. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. We also propose to designate critical habitat for Navasota false foxglove under the Act. In total, approximately 1.9 acres (0.8 hectares) in Grimes and Tyler Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. In addition, we announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for Navasota false foxglove. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to the species and its designated critical habitat.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are amending our implementing regulations for the Captive Wildlife Safety Act (CWSA) by incorporating the requirements of the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA) in the CWSA regulations. On December 20, 2022, the BCPSA amended the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to clarify provisions enacted by the CWSA and to further the conservation of certain wildlife species. The BCPSA makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, or in a manner substantially affecting interstate or foreign commerce, or breed or possess prohibited wildlife species (lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars, or any hybrids thereof), with certain exceptions. The BCPSA also requires an entity or individual who does not qualify for one of the other exceptions and is in possession of any prohibited wildlife species to register each such animal with the Service not later than June 18, 2023, allowing pre-BCPSA owners to register their pre-BCPSA big cats to continue to possess them under the pre-BCPSA exception.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Conoco Philips for an incidental take permit (ITP), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, under the approved General Conservation Plan for Oil and Gas Activities (GCP). If granted, the ITP would authorize take of the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii) and the Santa Barbara County distinct population segment (DPS) of the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), incidental to excavation and remediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons at the historical Cox 3-32 oil well sump and oilfield lease access road. The Service prepared a draft screening form in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects of the specific project to the natural and human environment resulting from issuing an ITP to the applicant. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the draft screening form and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from Turnagain Marine Construction, propose to authorize nonlethal, incidental take by harassment of small numbers of the Southcentral Alaska stock of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) for 1 year from the date of issuance of the incidental harassment authorization. The applicant has requested this authorization for take by harassment that may result from activities associated with pile driving and marine construction activities on the western shore of Passage Canal in Whittier, Alaska. We estimate that this project may result in the nonlethal incidental take by harassment of up to 44 northern sea otters from the Southcentral stock. This proposed authorization, if finalized, will be for up to 70 takes of 7 northern sea otters by Level A harassment and 544 takes of 37 northern sea otters by Level B harassment. No lethal take is requested, or expected, and no such take will be authorized.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for permits to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species, unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection, with changes.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to amend our regulations to revise current regulatory authorizations and add new regulatory authorizations for possession of migratory birds and eagles and other purposes. These proposed changes would more efficiently and appropriately authorize the general public, educators, and government agency employees to possess birds and eagles in certain specific situations while meeting our obligations under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. We also propose a change to the Airborne Hunting Act regulations to clarify what Federal authorizations may be used to comply with that statute.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on an application to conduct certain activities with marine mammals for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With some exceptions, the MMPA prohibits activities with marine mammals unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The MMPA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity that is otherwise prohibited with respect to any marine mammal.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce receipt of an application for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act and a draft habitat conservation plan from the Sweetwater Authority. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, which is also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.