Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep and Proposed Taxonomic Revision, 57276-57278 [E7-19596]
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57276
Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 9, 2007 / Proposed Rules
existence of the giant Palouse
earthworm.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors
Affecting Its Existence
The petition states that, in general,
native earthworms are vulnerable to
habitat disturbance and invasion by
exotic species (James 1995, p. 5).
According to the petition, invasion of
exotic species is a twofold threat to the
giant Palouse earthworm. First, exotic
plants and animals degrade native
Palouse grassland habitat by reducing
the beneficial functions native species
provide and by performing different
functions themselves. Second, native
earthworm species are displaced by
exotic earthworm species better able to
adapt to a degraded habitat. The petition
describes non-native plants
intentionally and accidentally
introduced into the Palouse bioregion,
including Poa pratensis (Kentucky
bluegrass), Bromus tectorum
(cheatgrass), and Centaurea solstitialis
(yellow starthistle).
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Summary of Factor E
While data exists on non-native plants
within the Palouse bioregion, we could
find no data provided by the petitioners
or in our files, that specifically
documented potential threats the giant
Palouse earthworm may face from exotic
species. We could not determine
whether exotic species of earthworms
may be a threat to the giant Palouse
earthworm, because we found no
information on numbers or locations of
exotic earthworms provided by the
petitioners or in our files. Therefore, we
find that the petition does not present
substantial scientific or commercial
information to document that other
natural or manmade factors may be a
factor threatening the continued
existence of the giant Palouse
earthworm.
Finding
We assessed the information in the
petition and in our files, and found no
substantial information indicating that
listing the giant Palouse earthworm may
be warranted. While we share the
petitioners’ concern for the species, we
could not determine whether any of the
potential threats discussed in the
petition may pose a risk, now or in the
foreseeable future, to the continued
existence of the species.
We found little data provided by the
petitioner or in our files to determine
the extent of the historic or current
range and distribution of the giant
Palouse earthworm. At least one
collection site is outside of the Palouse
bioregion (Fender and McKey-Fender
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1990, p. 358), suggesting that the species
may not be endemic to the specific
bioregion. We agree with the petitioners
that the Palouse prairie has experienced
a dramatic conversion of native habitat
to agricultural practices; however,
information linking the effect this may
have had on the earthworm is currently
nonexistent.
Information regarding the range,
distribution, population size, and status
of the giant Palouse earthworm is very
limited, which curtails any assessment
of population trends. This limits our
ability to assess whether the species
may be impacted by the threats listed in
the petition.
We evaluated the petition and the
literature cited, and information
available in our files. Based on our
current understanding of the species’
distribution and population numbers,
our analysis, and a review of factors
affecting the species as presented in the
petition, we find that the petition does
not present substantial information
demonstrating that listing the giant
Palouse earthworm as threatened or
endangered may be warranted at this
time.
While we will not be initiating a
status review in response to the petition,
we will continue to cooperate with
others to monitor the species’ status,
trends, and life history needs, and we
encourage interested parties to continue
to provide us with information that will
assist with the conservation of the
species. Information on the species
range and distribution, and other
information relevant to the species
status and potential threats would be
particularly helpful. Interested parties
may submit information regarding the
giant Palouse earthworm to the Field
Supervisor, Upper Columbia Fish and
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES above).
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited
is available on request from the Upper
Columbia Fish and Wildlife Office (see
ADDRESSES above).
Author
The primary authors of this document
are staff at the Upper Columbia Fish and
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES above).
Authority
The authority for this action is the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: September 27, 2007.
Kenneth Stansell,
Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. E7–19595 Filed 10–5–07; 8:45 am]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018–AV05
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; Designation of Critical
Habitat for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn
Sheep and Proposed Taxonomic
Revision
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of
comment period and notice of public
hearing.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service) announce the
reopening of the public comment period
and the scheduling of one public
hearing on the proposed critical habitat
designation for the Sierra Nevada
bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis
californiana) and proposed taxonomic
revision 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 and taxonomic
revision. 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.
DATES: We will accept comments and
information until 5 p.m. on November
23, 2007, or at the public hearing. Any
comments received after the closing
date may not be considered in the final
decision on the proposed designation of
critical habitat.
Public Informational Meetings:
October 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in
Bridgeport, CA and October 25, 2007,
from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Bishop, CA.
Public Hearing: October 25, 2007,
between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., in Bishop,
CA.
ADDRESSES:
Public Informational Meetings:
October 24, 2007, at the Memorial Hall,
744 N. School Street, Bridgeport, CA
93517, and October 25, 2007, at TriCounty Fair Grounds, Patio Room (patio
area), Sierra Street and Fair Drive,
Bishop, CA 93514.
Hearing: The public hearing will be
held in the Tri-County Fair Grounds,
Patio Room, Sierra Street and Fair Drive,
Bishop, CA 93514.
Public Comments: Written comments
and materials may be submitted to us by
any one of the following methods:
1. You may submit written comments
and information to Field Supervisor,
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 9, 2007 / Proposed Rules
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Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340
Financial Boulevard, Suite 234, Reno,
NV 89502–7147.
2. You may hand-deliver written
comments and information to our office
at the above address.
3. You may fax your comments to
775–861–6301.
4. You may send comments by
electronic mail (e-mail) to:
snbighorn@fws.gov. For directions on
how to submit electronic filing of
comments, see the ‘‘Public Comments
Solicited’’ section below.
5. You may submit comments via the
Federal Rulemaking Portal: https://
www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
The proposed rule is available on the
Internet at https://www.fws.gov/nevada
or in hard copy form by contacting the
Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office.
Comments and materials received, as
well as supporting documentation used
in preparation of the proposed critical
habitat rule for the Sierra Nevada
bighorn sheep, will be available for
public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours at the
Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob
Williams, Field Supervisor, Nevada Fish
and Wildlife Office (telephone 775–
861–6300; facsimile 775–861–6301).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Comments Solicited
We intend that any final action
resulting from this proposal will be as
accurate and as effective as possible.
Therefore, we solicit comments or
suggestions on this proposed rule from
the public, other concerned
governmental agencies, Tribes, the
scientific community, industry, or any
other interested parties concerning the
proposed rule. We particularly seek
comments concerning:
(1) The reasons why we should or
should not designate habitat as ‘‘critical
habitat’’ under section 4 of the Act (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), including whether
the benefit of designation will outweigh
threats to the species caused by
designation such that the designation of
critical habitat is prudent;
(2) Specific information on:
• The amount and distribution of
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep habitat,
• What areas that were occupied at
the time of listing and that contain the
features essential for the conservation of
the subspecies should be included in
the designation and why, and
• What areas not occupied at the
listing are essential to the conservation
of the subspecies and why;
(3) Any proposed critical habitat areas
covered by existing or proposed
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conservation or management plans that
we should consider for exclusion from
the designation under section 4(b)(2) of
the Act. We specifically request
comment on the appropriateness of
including or excluding lands covered
by: (a) The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
Recovery and Conservation Plan (Sierra
Nevada Bighorn Sheep Interagency
Advisory Group 1984); (b) the Bighorn
Sheep Management Plan (National Park
Service 1986); (c) the Inyo National
Forest Resource & Management Plan
(U.S. Forest Service 1988); and (d) the
Conservation Strategy for Sierra Nevada
Bighorn Sheep (Sierra Nevada Bighorn
Sheep Interagency Advisory Group
1997). We request comment on how
these plans do or do not benefit or
protect the Sierra Nevada bighorn
sheep, or its primary constituent
elements, and if the benefit or
protection provided by these plans is
equal to or greater than the benefit that
would be provided by designation of
critical habitat;
(4) Land use designations and current
or planned activities in the subject areas
and their possible impacts on proposed
critical habitat;
(5) Any foreseeable economic,
national security, or other potential
impacts resulting from the proposed
designation and, in particular, any
impacts on small entities, and
information about the benefits of
including or excluding any areas that
exhibit those impacts; and
(6) Whether we could improve or
modify our approach to designating
critical habitat in any way to provide for
greater public participation and
understanding, or to better
accommodate public concerns and
comments.
You may submit your comments and
material concerning the above actions
by any one of several methods (see
ADDRESSES). If you use e-mail to submit
your comments, please include ‘‘Attn:
RIN 1018–AV05’’ in your e-mail subject
header, preferably with your name and
return address in the body of your
message. If you do not receive a
confirmation from the system that we
have received your e-mail message,
please contact the Nevada Fish and
Wildlife Office at telephone number
775–861–6300. Please note that the email address snbighorn@fws.gov will be
closed out at the termination of the
public comment period.
Before including your address, phone
number, e-mail address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, you should be aware that
your entire comment—including your
personal identifying information—may
be made publicly available at any time.
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57277
While you can ask us in your comment
to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we
cannot guarantee that we will be able to
do so. Comments received will be
available for public inspection, by
appointment, during normal business
hours at the Nevada Fish and Wildlife
Office (see ADDRESSES section).
Comments and information submitted
during the initial comment period on
the proposed rule 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.
Background
On July 25, 2007, we published a
proposed rule in the Federal Register
(72 FR 40956) to designate critical
habitat for the Sierra Nevada bighorn
sheep. Twelve critical habitat units,
totaling approximately 417,577 acres
(168,992 hectares), are proposed as
critical habitat for the Sierra Nevada
bighorn sheep. The proposed critical
habitat is located within Tuolumne,
Mono, Fresno, Inyo, and Tulare
counties, California. For locations of
these proposed units, please consult the
proposed rule. The initial public
comment period for the proposal critical
habitat was open for 60 days, ending on
September 24, 2007.
Critical habitat is defined by the Act
as:
(i): The specific areas within the
geographic area occupied by the species
at the time of listing pursuant to section
4 of the Act, on which are found those
physical or biological features (1)
essential to the conservation of the
species, and (2) which may require
special management considerations or
protection, and
(ii): Specific areas outside the
geographic areas occupied by the
species at the time of listing that the
Secretary determines are essential for
the conservation of the species.
If the proposed critical habitat
designation is finalized, section 7(a)(2)
of the Act would require that Federal
agencies ensure that actions they fund,
authorize, or carry out are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of
the species or result in the destruction
or adverse modification of critical
habitat.
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that
we designate or revise critical habitat on
the basis of the best scientific and
commercial data available, after taking
into consideration the economic,
National security, and any other
relevant impact of specifying any
particular area as critical habitat.
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Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 194 / Tuesday, October 9, 2007 / Proposed Rules
Public Hearings
Section 4(b)(5)(E) of the Act requires
that a public hearing be held if any
person requests a hearing within 45
days of the publication of a proposed
rule. In response to a request from the
Inyo County Board of Supervisors, the
Service will conduct one public hearing
on the date and at the address described
in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections
above.
Oral comments may be limited in
length. Persons wishing to make an oral
statement for the record are encouraged
to provide a written copy of their
statement and present it to us at the
hearing. In the event there is a large
attendance, the time allotted for oral
statements may be limited. Oral and
written statements receive equal
consideration. There are no limits on
the length of written comments
submitted to us. If you have any
questions concerning the public
hearing, please contact the Nevada Fish
and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES
section).
Persons needing reasonable
accommodations in order to attend and
participate in the public hearing should
contact Jeannie Stafford at 775–861–
6300 as soon as possible. In order to
allow sufficient time to process
requests, please call no later than one
week before the hearing date.
Information regarding this proposal is
available in alternative formats upon
request.
Authority
The authority for this action is the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: September 21, 2007.
David M. Verhey,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and
Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E7–19596 Filed 10–5–07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
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50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a
Petition to List the Black-Footed
Albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) as
Threatened or Endangered
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of petition finding and
initiation of status review.
AGENCY:
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17:36 Oct 05, 2007
Jkt 214001
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce a
90-day finding on a petition to list the
black-footed albatross (Phoebastria
nigripes) as threatened or endangered
under the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (Act). We find that
the petition presents substantial
scientific or commercial information
indicating that listing the black-footed
albatross may be warranted. Therefore,
with the publication of this notice, we
are initiating a status review to
determine if listing the species is
warranted. To ensure that the review is
comprehensive, we are soliciting data
and other information regarding this
species.
The finding announced in this
document was made on October 9, 2007.
To be considered in the 12-month
finding for this petition, data,
information, and comments must be
submitted to us by December 10, 2007.
DATES:
The complete supporting
file for this finding is available for
public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours at the
Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office,
300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3–122,
Honolulu, HI 96813. You may submit
data, information, comments, or
questions concerning this species or our
finding, by any one of several methods:
1. By mail or hand-delivery to: Patrick
Leonard, Field Supervisor, Pacific
Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala
Moana Boulevard, Box 50088,
Honolulu, HI 96850.
2. By electronic mail (e-mail) to:
fw1bfal@fws.gov. Please include ‘‘Attn:
black-footed albatross’’ in your e-mail
subject header, preferably with your
name and return address in the body of
your message. If you do not receive a
confirmation from the system that we
have received your e-mail, contact us
directly by calling the Pacific Islands
Fish and Wildlife Office at 808–792–
9400. Please note that the e-mail address
above will be closed at the end of the
public comment period.
3. By fax to: the attention of Patrick
Leonard at 808–792–9581.
ADDRESSES:
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Patrick Leonard, Field Supervisor,
Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office
(see ADDRESSES); by telephone (808–
792–9400); or by facsimile (808–792–
9581). Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TTD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
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Public Information Solicited
When we make a finding that a
petition presents substantial
information to indicate that listing a
species may be warranted, we are
required to promptly commence a
review of the status of the species. To
ensure that the status review is
complete and based on the best
available scientific and commercial
information, we are soliciting additional
information on the black-footed
albatross. We request any additional
information, comments, and suggestions
from the public, other concerned
governmental agencies, Tribes, the
scientific community, industry, or any
other interested parties concerning the
status of the black-footed albatross. We
are seeking information regarding the
species’ historical and current status
and distribution, its biology and
ecology, ongoing conservation measures
for the species and its habitat, and
threats to the species and its breeding
and foraging habitats. Of particular
interest is information pertaining to the
factors the Service uses to determine if
a species is threatened or endangered:
(A) Present or threatened destruction,
modification, or curtailment of its
habitat or range; (B) overutilization for
commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes; (C) disease or
predation; (D) the inadequacy of
existing regulatory mechanisms; and (E)
other natural or manmade factors
affecting its continued existence.
We will base our 12-month finding on
a review of the best scientific and
commercial information available,
including all information received
during the public comment period. If
you wish to comment or provide
information, you may submit your
comments and materials concerning this
finding to the Field Supervisor, Pacific
Islands Fish and Wildlife Office (see
ADDRESSES section). Please note that
comments merely stating support or
opposition to the actions under
consideration without providing
supporting information, although noted,
will not be considered in making a
determination, as section 4(b)(1)(A) of
the Act directs that determinations as to
whether any species is a threatened or
endangered species shall be made
‘‘solely on the basis of the best scientific
and commercial data available.’’ At the
conclusion of the status review, we will
issue the 12-month finding on the
petition, as provided in section
4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.
Before including your address, phone
number, e-mail address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comments, you should be aware that
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 194 (Tuesday, October 9, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57276-57278]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-19596]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AV05
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of
Critical Habitat for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep and Proposed
Taxonomic Revision
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period and notice of public
hearing.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce the
reopening of the public comment period and the scheduling of one public
hearing on the proposed critical habitat designation for the Sierra
Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) and proposed
taxonomic revision 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 and taxonomic revision. 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.
DATES: We will accept comments and information until 5 p.m. on November
23, 2007, or at the public hearing. Any comments received after the
closing date may not be considered in the final decision on the
proposed designation of critical habitat.
Public Informational Meetings: October 24, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.,
in Bridgeport, CA and October 25, 2007, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., in
Bishop, CA.
Public Hearing: October 25, 2007, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., in
Bishop, CA.
ADDRESSES:
Public Informational Meetings: October 24, 2007, at the Memorial
Hall, 744 N. School Street, Bridgeport, CA 93517, and October 25, 2007,
at Tri-County Fair Grounds, Patio Room (patio area), Sierra Street and
Fair Drive, Bishop, CA 93514.
Hearing: The public hearing will be held in the Tri-County Fair
Grounds, Patio Room, Sierra Street and Fair Drive, Bishop, CA 93514.
Public Comments: Written comments and materials may be submitted to
us by any one of the following methods:
1. You may submit written comments and information to Field
Supervisor,
[[Page 57277]]
Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Boulevard, Suite 234,
Reno, NV 89502-7147.
2. You may hand-deliver written comments and information to our
office at the above address.
3. You may fax your comments to 775-861-6301.
4. You may send comments by electronic mail (e-mail) to:
snbighorn@fws.gov. For directions on how to submit electronic filing of
comments, see the ``Public Comments Solicited'' section below.
5. You may submit comments via the Federal Rulemaking Portal:
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting
comments.
The proposed rule is available on the Internet at https://
www.fws.gov/nevada or in hard copy form by contacting the Nevada Fish
and Wildlife Office. Comments and materials received, as well as
supporting documentation used in preparation of the proposed critical
habitat rule for the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, will be available for
public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the
Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Williams, Field Supervisor, Nevada
Fish and Wildlife Office (telephone 775-861-6300; facsimile 775-861-
6301).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Comments Solicited
We intend that any final action resulting from this proposal will
be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we solicit
comments or suggestions on this proposed rule from the public, other
concerned governmental agencies, Tribes, the scientific community,
industry, or any other interested parties concerning the proposed rule.
We particularly seek comments concerning:
(1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), including whether the benefit of designation will outweigh
threats to the species caused by designation such that the designation
of critical habitat is prudent;
(2) Specific information on:
The amount and distribution of Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep
habitat,
What areas that were occupied at the time of listing and
that contain the features essential for the conservation of the
subspecies should be included in the designation and why, and
What areas not occupied at the listing are essential to
the conservation of the subspecies and why;
(3) Any proposed critical habitat areas covered by existing or
proposed conservation or management plans that we should consider for
exclusion from the designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. We
specifically request comment on the appropriateness of including or
excluding lands covered by: (a) The Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep
Recovery and Conservation Plan (Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Interagency
Advisory Group 1984); (b) the Bighorn Sheep Management Plan (National
Park Service 1986); (c) the Inyo National Forest Resource & Management
Plan (U.S. Forest Service 1988); and (d) the Conservation Strategy for
Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep (Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep Interagency
Advisory Group 1997). We request comment on how these plans do or do
not benefit or protect the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, or its primary
constituent elements, and if the benefit or protection provided by
these plans is equal to or greater than the benefit that would be
provided by designation of critical habitat;
(4) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat;
(5) Any foreseeable economic, national security, or other potential
impacts resulting from the proposed designation and, in particular, any
impacts on small entities, and information about the benefits of
including or excluding any areas that exhibit those impacts; and
(6) Whether we could improve or modify our approach to designating
critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public participation
and understanding, or to better accommodate public concerns and
comments.
You may submit your comments and material concerning the above
actions by any one of several methods (see ADDRESSES). If you use e-
mail to submit your comments, please include ``Attn: RIN 1018-AV05'' in
your e-mail subject header, preferably with your name and return
address in the body of your message. If you do not receive a
confirmation from the system that we have received your e-mail message,
please contact the Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office at telephone number
775-861-6300. Please note that the e-mail address snbighorn@fws.gov
will be closed out at the termination of the public comment period.
Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so. Comments received will be available for public
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the Nevada
Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section).
Comments and information submitted during the initial comment
period on the proposed rule 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.
Background
On July 25, 2007, we published a proposed rule in the Federal
Register (72 FR 40956) to designate critical habitat for the Sierra
Nevada bighorn sheep. Twelve critical habitat units, totaling
approximately 417,577 acres (168,992 hectares), are proposed as
critical habitat for the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep. The proposed
critical habitat is located within Tuolumne, Mono, Fresno, Inyo, and
Tulare counties, California. For locations of these proposed units,
please consult the proposed rule. The initial public comment period for
the proposal critical habitat was open for 60 days, ending on September
24, 2007.
Critical habitat is defined by the Act as:
(i): The specific areas within the geographic area occupied by the
species at the time of listing pursuant to section 4 of the Act, on
which are found those physical or biological features (1) essential to
the conservation of the species, and (2) which may require special
management considerations or protection, and
(ii): Specific areas outside the geographic areas occupied by the
species at the time of listing that the Secretary determines are
essential for the conservation of the species.
If the proposed critical habitat designation is finalized, section
7(a)(2) of the Act would require that Federal agencies ensure that
actions they fund, authorize, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize
the continued existence of the species or result in the destruction or
adverse modification of critical habitat.
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we designate or revise
critical habitat on the basis of the best scientific and commercial
data available, after taking into consideration the economic, National
security, and any other relevant impact of specifying any particular
area as critical habitat.
[[Page 57278]]
Public Hearings
Section 4(b)(5)(E) of the Act requires that a public hearing be
held if any person requests a hearing within 45 days of the publication
of a proposed rule. In response to a request from the Inyo County Board
of Supervisors, the Service will conduct one public hearing on the date
and at the address described in the DATES and ADDRESSES sections above.
Oral comments may be limited in length. Persons wishing to make an
oral statement for the record are encouraged to provide a written copy
of their statement and present it to us at the hearing. In the event
there is a large attendance, the time allotted for oral statements may
be limited. Oral and written statements receive equal consideration.
There are no limits on the length of written comments submitted to us.
If you have any questions concerning the public hearing, please contact
the Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section).
Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and
participate in the public hearing should contact Jeannie Stafford at
775-861-6300 as soon as possible. In order to allow sufficient time to
process requests, please call no later than one week before the hearing
date. Information regarding this proposal is available in alternative
formats upon request.
Authority
The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: September 21, 2007.
David M. Verhey,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. E7-19596 Filed 10-5-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
