Notice of Availability of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan, 77052-77053 [E8-29890]

Download as PDF 77052 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 244 / Thursday, December 18, 2008 / Notices HUD’s policy for the sale of other mortgage loans. Dated: December 12, 2008. Brian D. Montgomery, Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner. [FR Doc. E8–30177 Filed 12–16–08; 4:15 pm] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R4–ES–2008–NO247; 40120–1113– 0000–C2] Notice of Availability of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of document availability. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the third revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan. The plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to reclassify the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) to threatened status and eventually delist this species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). ADDRESSES: You can obtain copies of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan by contacting the Fish and Wildlife Service, South Florida Ecological Services Office, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (telephone, 772–562– 3909) or by visiting our Web sites at https://endangered.fws.gov or https:// verobeach.fws.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Belden, South Florida Ecological Services Office, 772–562–3909, ext. 237. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Restoring listed animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining components of their ecosystems is a primary goal of our threatened and endangered species program. To help guide the recovery effort, we are preparing recovery plans for most listed species. Recovery plans describe actions that may be necessary for conservation of species, establish criteria for reclassification from endangered to threatened status or delisting, and estimate time and cost for implementing recovery measures. The Act (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.) requires the development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:51 Dec 17, 2008 Jkt 217001 provide a public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment during recovery plan development. We made the draft third revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan available for public comment from January 31, 2006, through April 3, 2006 (71 FR 5066). We considered information we received during the public comment period and information from peer reviewers in our preparation of this final revised recovery plan. We will forward substantive comments to other Federal agencies so each agency can consider these comments in implementing approved recovery plans. The Florida panther is the last subspecies of Puma still surviving in the eastern United States. Historically occurring throughout the southeastern United States, the panther today is restricted to less than 5 percent of its historic range in 1 breeding population of approximately 100 animals, located in south Florida. Wide ranging, and secretive, panthers occur at low densities. They require large contiguous areas to meet their social, reproductive, and energetic needs. Panther habitat selection is related to prey availability (i.e., habitats that make prey vulnerable to stalking and capturing are selected). Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are among the greatest threats to panther survival. Vehicle strikes and problems associated with being a single, small, isolated population have continued to keep the panther population at its current low numbers. Potential panther habitat throughout the southeast continues to be affected by urbanization, residential development, conversion to agriculture, mining and mineral exploration, and lack of land-use planning that recognizes panther needs. Public support is critical to attainment of recovery goals for the Florida panther and any reintroduction efforts. Potential opposition to panthers will be the most difficult aspect of panther recovery and must be addressed before any reintroduction efforts are initiated. The goal of the Florida panther recovery plan is to achieve long-term viability of the panther to a point where it can be reclassified from endangered to threatened and then ultimately removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species. The recovery plan identifies three objectives to meet this goal, including: 1. Maintain, restore, and expand the Florida panther population and its habitat in south Florida and expand the breeding portion of the population in south Florida to areas north of the Caloosahatchee River. PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 2. Identify, secure, maintain, and restore panther habitat in potential reintroduction areas within the panther’s historic range, and establish viable populations of the panther outside south and south-central Florida. 3. Facilitate panther recovery through public awareness and education. The plan presents criteria for reclassifying or delisting the panther. These criteria are based on the number of individuals and number of populations that provide for demographically and genetically viable populations, as determined by several population viability analyses, to ensure resilience to catastrophic events. Reclassification of the Florida panther will be considered when: 1. Two viable populations of at least 240 individuals (adults and subadults) each have been established and subsequently maintained for a minimum of 12 years (or 2 panther generations). 2. Sufficient habitat quality, quantity, and spatial configuration to support these populations is retained/protected or secured for the long term. Delisting of the Florida panther will be considered when: 1. Three viable, self-sustaining populations of at least 240 individuals (adults and subadults) each have been established and subsequently maintained for a minimum of 12 years. 2. Sufficient habitat quality, quantity, and spatial configuration to support these populations is retained/protected or secured for the long term. A viable population, for purposes of Florida panther recovery, has been defined as one in which there is a 95 percent probability of persistence for 100 years. This population may be distributed in a metapopulation structure composed of subpopulations that total 240 individuals. There must be exchange of individuals and gene flow among subpopulations. For reclassification, exchange of individuals and gene flow can be either natural or through management. If managed, a commitment to such management must be formally documented and funded. For delisting, exchange of individuals and gene flow among subpopulations must be natural (i.e., not manipulated or managed). Habitat should be in relatively unfragmented blocks that provide for food, shelter, and characteristic movements (e.g., hunting, breeding, dispersal, and territorial behavior) and support each metapopulation at a minimum density of 2 to 3 animals per 100 square miles. Authority: The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). E:\FR\FM\18DEN1.SGM 18DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 244 / Thursday, December 18, 2008 / Notices Dated: December 10, 2008. Teresa H. McKitrick. Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. E8–29890 Filed 12–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2008–N0311]; [20124–1113– 0000–F2] Barton Creek Office Park Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan, Travis County, TX AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP). mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES SUMMARY: Brandywine Realty Trust (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE–198648–0. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction and operation of the 14.83acre Barton Creek Office Park. DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive written comments on or before February 17, 2009. ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the application and/or EA/HCP may obtain a copy by written or telephone request to William Amy, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ecological Services Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758 (512/490–0057, extension 234). All documents will be available for public inspection, by written request or by appointment only, during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the above address. Data or comments concerning the application and HCP should be submitted in writing to the Field Supervisor at the above address. Please refer to permit number TE–198648–0 when submitting comments. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: William Amy at the above address. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the Act prohibits the ‘‘taking’’ of endangered species such as the goldencheeked warbler. However, the Service, under limited circumstances, may issue permits to take endangered wildlife VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:51 Dec 17, 2008 Jkt 217001 species incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Regulations governing permits for endangered species are at 50 CFR 17.22. The subject tract is located in southwest Austin, on the west side of the Capital of Texas Highway (also known as Loop 360) immediately across from the intersection of Walsh Tarlton Lane, Travis County, Texas. Habitat for the golden-cheeked warbler has been documented on and adjacent to the subject tract. An EA/HCP has been included as part of the permit application. A determination of jeopardy or non-jeopardy to the species and a decision pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act will not be made until at least 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Applicant: Brandywine Realty Trust plans to construct and operate a commercial development on the 14.83acre tract and pay Travis County an amount equal to 79.47 acres (the proposed alternative’s mitigation acreage) multiplied by the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan’s (the ‘‘BCCP’’) fee level under its Alternative Process option (currently $6,500 per acre) in effect at the time of such payment. Payment shall be made prior to initiation of clearing activities for the development. In the event that the Alternative Process fee option becomes unavailable, the Applicant will provide funding in the amount of $516,555 toward the acquisition of 79.47 acres of land within the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) acquisition area. The EA/HCP was prepared to consider the impacts of the proposed action on the human environment and to address impacts to listed species as a result of developing the subject tract. This document describes the impacts to the golden-cheeked warbler that would likely result from the development, steps the Applicant would take to minimize and mitigate such impacts to the maximum extent practicable, the funding available to implement those steps, and the alternatives that have been considered. Thomas L. Baur, Acting Regional Director, Region 2. [FR Doc. E8–30038 Filed 12–17–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 77053 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [WO–260–09–1060–00–24 1A] Call for Nominations for the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board Call for Nominations. SUMMARY: The purpose of this notice is to solicit public nominations for three members to the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. The Board provides advice concerning management, protection and control of wild freeroaming horses and burros on the public lands administered by the Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Land Management, and the Department of Agriculture, through the Forest Service. DATES: Nominations should be submitted to the address listed below no later than February 17, 2009. ADDRESSES: National Wild Horse and Burro Program, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior, P.O. Box 12000, Reno, Nevada 89520–0006, Attn: Ramona Delorme; Fax 775–861–6618. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Glenn, Division Chief, Wild Horse and Burro Program, (202) 452–5073. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may contact Ramona Delorme at any time by calling the Federal Information Relay Service at 1–800– 877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Nominations for a term of three years are needed to represent the following categories of interest: Wildlife Management Humane Advocacy Livestock Management Any individual or organization may nominate one or more persons to serve on the Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board. Individuals may also nominate themselves for Board membership. All nomination letters/or resumes should include the following: 1. Which positions are you interested in being considered for: 2. Nominee’s Full Name: 3. Business Address and Phone: (include e-mail address). 4. Home Address and Phone: (include e-mail address). 5. Present Occupation/Title: 6. Education: (colleges, degrees, major field of study): E:\FR\FM\18DEN1.SGM 18DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 244 (Thursday, December 18, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77052-77053]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-29890]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R4-ES-2008-NO247; 40120-1113-0000-C2]


Notice of Availability of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability.

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

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability 
of the third revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan. The plan 
includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order 
to reclassify the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) to threatened 
status and eventually delist this species under the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

ADDRESSES: You can obtain copies of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan 
by contacting the Fish and Wildlife Service, South Florida Ecological 
Services Office, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (telephone, 
772-562-3909) or by visiting our Web sites at https://endangered.fws.gov 
or https://verobeach.fws.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Chris Belden, South Florida Ecological 
Services Office, 772-562-3909, ext. 237.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Restoring listed animals and plants to the point where they are 
again secure, self-sustaining components of their ecosystems is a 
primary goal of our threatened and endangered species program. To help 
guide the recovery effort, we are preparing recovery plans for most 
listed species. Recovery plans describe actions that may be necessary 
for conservation of species, establish criteria for reclassification 
from endangered to threatened status or delisting, and estimate time 
and cost for implementing recovery measures.
    The Act (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.) requires the development of 
recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan would not promote 
the conservation of a particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act 
requires us to provide a public notice and an opportunity for public 
review and comment during recovery plan development. We made the draft 
third revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan available for 
public comment from January 31, 2006, through April 3, 2006 (71 FR 
5066). We considered information we received during the public comment 
period and information from peer reviewers in our preparation of this 
final revised recovery plan. We will forward substantive comments to 
other Federal agencies so each agency can consider these comments in 
implementing approved recovery plans.
    The Florida panther is the last subspecies of Puma still surviving 
in the eastern United States. Historically occurring throughout the 
southeastern United States, the panther today is restricted to less 
than 5 percent of its historic range in 1 breeding population of 
approximately 100 animals, located in south Florida. Wide ranging, and 
secretive, panthers occur at low densities. They require large 
contiguous areas to meet their social, reproductive, and energetic 
needs. Panther habitat selection is related to prey availability (i.e., 
habitats that make prey vulnerable to stalking and capturing are 
selected).
    Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are among the greatest 
threats to panther survival. Vehicle strikes and problems associated 
with being a single, small, isolated population have continued to keep 
the panther population at its current low numbers. Potential panther 
habitat throughout the southeast continues to be affected by 
urbanization, residential development, conversion to agriculture, 
mining and mineral exploration, and lack of land-use planning that 
recognizes panther needs. Public support is critical to attainment of 
recovery goals for the Florida panther and any reintroduction efforts. 
Potential opposition to panthers will be the most difficult aspect of 
panther recovery and must be addressed before any reintroduction 
efforts are initiated.
    The goal of the Florida panther recovery plan is to achieve long-
term viability of the panther to a point where it can be reclassified 
from endangered to threatened and then ultimately removed from the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species. The recovery plan 
identifies three objectives to meet this goal, including:
    1. Maintain, restore, and expand the Florida panther population and 
its habitat in south Florida and expand the breeding portion of the 
population in south Florida to areas north of the Caloosahatchee River.
    2. Identify, secure, maintain, and restore panther habitat in 
potential reintroduction areas within the panther's historic range, and 
establish viable populations of the panther outside south and south-
central Florida.
    3. Facilitate panther recovery through public awareness and 
education.
    The plan presents criteria for reclassifying or delisting the 
panther. These criteria are based on the number of individuals and 
number of populations that provide for demographically and genetically 
viable populations, as determined by several population viability 
analyses, to ensure resilience to catastrophic events.
    Reclassification of the Florida panther will be considered when:
    1. Two viable populations of at least 240 individuals (adults and 
subadults) each have been established and subsequently maintained for a 
minimum of 12 years (or 2 panther generations).
    2. Sufficient habitat quality, quantity, and spatial configuration 
to support these populations is retained/protected or secured for the 
long term.
    Delisting of the Florida panther will be considered when:
    1. Three viable, self-sustaining populations of at least 240 
individuals (adults and subadults) each have been established and 
subsequently maintained for a minimum of 12 years.
    2. Sufficient habitat quality, quantity, and spatial configuration 
to support these populations is retained/protected or secured for the 
long term.
    A viable population, for purposes of Florida panther recovery, has 
been defined as one in which there is a 95 percent probability of 
persistence for 100 years. This population may be distributed in a 
metapopulation structure composed of subpopulations that total 240 
individuals. There must be exchange of individuals and gene flow among 
subpopulations. For reclassification, exchange of individuals and gene 
flow can be either natural or through management. If managed, a 
commitment to such management must be formally documented and funded. 
For delisting, exchange of individuals and gene flow among 
subpopulations must be natural (i.e., not manipulated or managed). 
Habitat should be in relatively unfragmented blocks that provide for 
food, shelter, and characteristic movements (e.g., hunting, breeding, 
dispersal, and territorial behavior) and support each metapopulation at 
a minimum density of 2 to 3 animals per 100 square miles.

    Authority: The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the 
Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).


[[Page 77053]]


    Dated: December 10, 2008.
Teresa H. McKitrick.
Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region.
 [FR Doc. E8-29890 Filed 12-17-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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