Town of Marana Habitat Conservation Plan, Pima County, AZ, 9101-9103 [E9-4319]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 39 / Monday, March 2, 2009 / Notices The Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 (5 U.S.C. 561–570) provides, at 5 U.S.C. 565(b), that the membership of a negotiated rulemaking committee should generally be limited to 25 members. It is not required that each potentially affected organization or entity necessarily have its own representative. However, HUD must be satisfied that the group as a whole reflects a geographically diverse crosssection of small, medium, and large Indian tribes. erowe on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES III. Requests for Representation If you are interested in serving as a member of the Committee or in nominating another person to serve as a member of the Committee, you may submit a nomination to HUD in accordance with the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Your nomination for membership on the Committee must include: 1. The name of your nominee and a description of the interests the nominee would represent; 2. Evidence that your nominee is authorized to represent a tribal government, which may include the tribally designed housing entity of a tribe with the interests the nominee would represent, so long as the tribe provides evidence that it authorizes such representation; and 3. A written commitment that the nominee will actively participate in good faith in the development of the rule. HUD will determine whether a proposed member will be included in the makeup of the Committee. HUD will make that decision based on whether a proposed member would be significantly affected by the proposed rule, whether the interest of the proposed member could be represented adequately by other members, and whether space permits. IV. Additional Notice Section 564 of the Negotiated Rulemaking Act of 1990 requires that an agency, prior to the establishment of a negotiated rulemaking committee, publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing its intent to establish the committee, provide a list of the proposed committee membership, provide certain other information regarding the formation of the committee, and solicit nominations for selection to the committee. After reviewing any comments on this notice and any requests for representation, HUD will publish a notice that will announce the proposed membership of the committee, solicit additional nominations for membership, and VerDate Nov<24>2008 12:24 Feb 27, 2009 Jkt 217001 provide the information required by section 564 in the Federal Register. Dated: February 23, 2009. Paula O. Blunt, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. [FR Doc. E9–4274 Filed 2–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R2–ES–2008–N0317]; [20124–1112– 0000–F2] Town of Marana Habitat Conservation Plan, Pima County, AZ AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability: draft environmental impact statement and draft habitat conservation plan in support of an incidental take permit application. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from the Town of Marana (Applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE–204887–0. If approved, the permit would be for a period of 25 years, and would authorize incidental take of two species currently listed under the Act, and 11 species that may become listed under the Act in the future (collectively ‘‘covered species’’). The proposed incidental take would occur in Pima County, Arizona, as a result of impacts on covered species and occupied habitat from specified actions conducted under the authority of the Town of Marana. We request public comments on the application and associated documents, and announce our plan to hold public meetings. DATES: Public meetings: We will accept oral and written comments at two public meetings, which we will hold on April 2, 2009, April 15, 2009, and April 16, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We must receive any requests for additional public meetings, in writing, at the address shown in the ADDRESSES section by April 1, 2009. Comment-period end: To ensure consideration, we must receive any comments on or before May 1, 2009. ADDRESSES: For where to review documents and submit comments, and public meeting locations, see ‘‘Reviewing Documents and Submitting Comments’’ in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9101 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft EIS: Mr. Scott Richardson, Tucson Suboffice, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 201 N. Bonita Ave., Suite 141, Tucson, AZ 85745; 520/670–6150 x 242. Application and Draft HCP: Ms. Jennifer Christelman or Ms. Janine Spencer, Town of Marana, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653 or Mr. Colby Henley, RECON, 525 West Wetmore Road, Suite 111, Tucson, AZ 85705. Information regarding the HCP can also be obtained on the Internet at https://www.marana.com/hcp. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we announce that we have gathered the information necessary to: (1) Determine the impacts and formulate alternatives for the EIS, related to the potential issuance of an ITP to the Applicant; and (2) approve the HCP, which provides measures to minimize and mitigate the effects of the proposed incidental take of federally listed species to the maximum extent practicable, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). If we approve it, the 25-year permit would authorize the proposed incidental take of 13 covered species, including species currently listed under the Act, as well as species that may become listed under the Act in the future: (1) Lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae); (2) Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus); (3) Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus occidentalis); (4) Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum cactorum); (5) Lowland leopard frog (Rana yavapaiensis); (6) Talus snails (Sonorella spp.); (7) Tucson shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis occipitalis klauberi); (8) Ground snake (Sonora semiannulata); (9) Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii); (10) Merriam’s mouse (Peromyscus merriami); (11) Mexican garter snake (Thamnophis eques megalops); (12) Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia); and (13) Pale Townsend’s big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii). The proposed incidental take would occur within the Town of Marana in Pima County, Arizona, as a result of impacts from actions occurring under the authority of the Applicant. The Applicant has completed a draft HCP as part of the application package, as required by the Act. The application and associated documents provide measures to minimize and mitigate to the maximum extent practicable the effects of the proposed incidental take of covered species and effects to the E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 9102 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 39 / Monday, March 2, 2009 / Notices Background The Town of Marana in southern Arizona, including its recent annexation of 21,500 acres of State Trust lands along the Tortolita Fan, contains unique natural resource values within much of its undeveloped lands, including ironwood-dominated Arizona Upland and xeroriparian plant communities along the bajadas (fans) and slopes of the Tortolita Mountains and portions of the Santa Cruz River Corridor. One of the fastest growing communities in Arizona, the town recognizes the need to provide a solid economic base and desirable quality of life for its citizens. Subsequently, town leaders have acknowledged the need to balance economic, environmental, and human interests by implementing a communitywide conservation planning effort. The overall goals of this conservation planning effort are to: (1) Identify Federal, State Trust, County, and private lands that merit inclusion within a scientifically based conservation reserve designed to provide long-term protection for multiple species of concern and key natural communities; (2) identify appropriate mechanisms to best conserve these lands over the longterm; (3) provide for regional economic objectives, including the orderly and efficient development of certain private and State Trust lands and associated public and private infrastructure; (4) contribute to regional conservation planning efforts in eastern Pima County; and (5) facilitate compliance with the Act’s Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit requirements. depended on by the covered species. The HCP will ensure the long-term survival of the covered species through protection and management of the species and their habitats and ensure compliance with the Act, NEPA, and other applicable laws and regulations, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act and its implementing regulations and policies. The need for this action is based on the potential that activities proposed by the Applicant on lands under their jurisdiction could result in the incidental take of covered species, thus requiring an ITP. Section 9 of the Act prohibits the ‘‘taking’’ of threatened and endangered species. However, we are authorized, under limited circumstances, to issue permits to take federally listed species, when such a taking is incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Regulations governing permits for endangered and threatened species are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32, respectively. The term ‘‘take’’ under the Act means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect endangered and threatened species, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct. Our regulations define ‘‘harm’’ as significant habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to listed species by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3). The proposed ITP would allow approved incidental take that is consistent with the conservation guidelines in the Applicant’s HCP. The development and implementation of the HCP will ensure that the Applicant meets the provisions for issuance of the ITP. Purpose and Need for Action The purpose for which we prepared the draft EIS is to respond to the Applicant’s request for an ITP for the proposed covered species related to activities that have the potential to result in incidental take. The Applicant’s proposed HCP will balance the protection and conservation of the Town of Marana’s unique natural resources with ongoing economic development and urbanization. The Applicant recognizes that the quality of life of its citizens is dependent upon an integrated environment which balances the needs of listed species and their habitats with human needs. The HCP will protect and conserve the covered species and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the people of the United States and provide a means and take steps to conserve the ecosystems Proposed Action The requested duration of the ITP is 25 years. The areas covered by the proposed ITP include those areas within the boundaries of the Town of Marana, approximately 76,500 acres. Activities proposed for coverage under the ITP include lawful activities that would occur consistent with Marana’s General Plan and include, but are not limited to, maintenance of Marana operations, implementation of capital improvement projects, and issuance of land-use related permits, including those for residential and commercial development. Specific covered activities include road construction, public water infrastructure, parks and trails, airport infrastructure, and residential/ commercial/industrial development. The proposed action is the issuance of an ITP for listed and sensitive species erowe on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES habitats upon which they depend. We have issued a draft EIS to evaluate the impacts of and alternatives for the possible issuance of an ITP. VerDate Nov<24>2008 12:24 Feb 27, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 within the Town of Marana in Pima County, Arizona, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. Incidental take anticipated under this ITP application is species and location specific, but may include direct take of individuals, as well as take in the form of habitat loss or modification. Habitat impacts for covered species range from approximately 100 acres for riparian species to approximately 8,000 acres for species using upland Sonoran desertscrub. The Applicant will develop and implement the HCP, as required by section 10(a)(2)(A) of the Act. The HCP will provide measures to minimize and mitigate the effects of the proposed incidental take on listed and sensitive species and their habitats. The biological goal of the HCP is to provide long-term protection for multiple species of concern and key natural communities through maintaining or improving the habitat conditions and ecosystem functions necessary for their survival and to ensure that any incidental take of listed species will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of those species. Mitigation measures include conservation of undisturbed open space, species surveys, habitat restoration, and implementation of conservation guidelines for all types of development and capital improvement projects. Alternatives Three alternatives were considered in the development of the draft EIS and draft HCP: 1. No Action/No Permit Alternative— No issuance of an ITP by the Service. This alternative would require the Applicant to evaluate each project or action on a case-by-case basis to address issues under the Act and avoid take of federally listed species. This alternative is the baseline against which the effects of the other alternatives are compared. 2. Town Projects and Actions Only— This alternative would seek ITP coverage for only the Applicant’s own actions. Covered activities would only include the Town of Marana’s public works and capital improvement projects. Private actions could be covered only through voluntary adoption of the HCP. 3. Town Actions, Discretionary Private Actions, and Voluntary Inclusion—This alternative is the proposed action for which the Applicant is seeking coverage through an ITP. Town actions and projects would be covered, as well as private actions where the Town maintains discretionary authority for approval. As in Alternative 2, private actions not subject to discretionary approval could E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 39 / Monday, March 2, 2009 / Notices Public Meetings also be covered through voluntary inclusion. erowe on PROD1PC63 with NOTICES Reviewing Documents and Submitting Comments Please refer to TE–204887–0–0 when requesting documents or submitting comments. Persons wishing to review the application, draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may obtain copies by calling or faxing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tucson Suboffice, 201 N. Bonita Ave, Suite 141, Tucson, AZ 85745 (520/670–6144, voice; 520/ 670–6155, fax). The application, draft HCP, and draft EIS will also be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Tucson office. During the public comment period (see DATES), submit your written comments or data to the Assistant Field Supervisor at the Tucson address. Comments will also be accepted by fax at the fax number above, as well as by e-mail to scott_richardson@fws.gov. Public comments submitted are available for public review at the Tucson address listed above. This generally means that any personal information you provide us will be available to anyone reviewing the public comments (see the Public Availability of Comments section below for more information). Read-only downloadable copies of the application, draft HCP, and draft EIS are available on the internet at https:// www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona and https://www.marana.com. A printed or CD copy of these documents is available upon request to Ms. Janine Spencer, Town of Marana, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653; (520) 382–2600; jspencer@marana.com. Copies of the application, draft HCP, and draft EIS are also available for public inspection and review at the locations listed below (by appointment only at government offices): • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 201 N. Bonita Ave., Suite 141, Tucson, AZ 85745; • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2321 West Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85021; • Nanini Public Library, 7300 N. Shannon Road, Tucson, AZ 85741; • Pima County Main Library, 101 North Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 85701, • Marana Branch Library, 13370 North Lon Adams Road, Marana, AZ 85653; and • Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 West Naranja Drive, Oro Valley, AZ 85737. VerDate Nov<24>2008 12:24 Feb 27, 2009 Jkt 217001 Three public meetings will take place, on April 2, 2009, at the Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on April 15, 2009, at the Wheeler Taft-Abbett Sr. Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson, AZ 86743, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on April 16, 2009, at the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse Ballroom, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85658, from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that the 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. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Thomas L. Bauer, Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [FR Doc. E9–4319 Filed 2–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLIB00000 L11500000.CB0000 LXSS024D0000: 4500006649] Notice of Public Meeting: Resource Advisory Council to the Boise District, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will hold a meeting as indicated below. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 9103 DATES: The meeting will be held April 2, 2009 at the Boise District Offices beginning at 9 a.m. and adjourning at 4 p.m. Members of the public are invited to attend, and comment periods will be held during the course of the day. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: MJ Byrne, Public Affairs Officer and RAC Coordinator, BLM Boise District, 3948 Development Ave., Boise, ID 83705, Telephone (208) 384–3393. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The 15member Council advises the Secretary of the Interior, through the BLM, on a variety of planning and management issues associated with public land management in southwestern Idaho. Items on the agenda will include elections of Officers for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009. An update and discussion about the development of the Four Rivers Field Office Resource Management Plan (RMP) will be held. Discussions will also be held about various methods to improve communications and meeting effectiveness. The goals and objectives of the RAC will be discussed with a prioritization of areas of interest. Hot Topics will be discussed by the District Manager. Field Office managers will provide highlights for discussion on activities in their offices. Agenda items and location may change due to changing circumstances. All RAC meetings are open to the public. The public may present written or oral comments to members of the Council. At each full RAC meeting time is provided in the agenda for hearing public comments. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance, such as sign language interpretation, or other reasonable accommodations, should contact the BLM Coordinator as provided above. Dated: February 24, 2009. Aden Seidlitz, District Manager. [FR Doc. E9–4309 Filed 2–27–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–GG–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [LLIDT000000.L11200000.DD0000.241A.00] Notice of Public Meeting, Twin Falls District Resource Advisory Council Meeting, Idaho AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. E:\FR\FM\02MRN1.SGM 02MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 39 (Monday, March 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9101-9103]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-4319]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R2-ES-2008-N0317]; [20124-1112-0000-F2]


Town of Marana Habitat Conservation Plan, Pima County, AZ

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability: draft environmental impact statement 
and draft habitat conservation plan in support of an incidental take 
permit application.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have 
received an application from the Town of Marana (Applicant) for an 
incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE-204887-0. If 
approved, the permit would be for a period of 25 years, and would 
authorize incidental take of two species currently listed under the 
Act, and 11 species that may become listed under the Act in the future 
(collectively ``covered species''). The proposed incidental take would 
occur in Pima County, Arizona, as a result of impacts on covered 
species and occupied habitat from specified actions conducted under the 
authority of the Town of Marana. We request public comments on the 
application and associated documents, and announce our plan to hold 
public meetings.

DATES: Public meetings: We will accept oral and written comments at two 
public meetings, which we will hold on April 2, 2009, April 15, 2009, 
and April 16, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. We must receive any requests 
for additional public meetings, in writing, at the address shown in the 
ADDRESSES section by April 1, 2009.
    Comment-period end: To ensure consideration, we must receive any 
comments on or before May 1, 2009.

ADDRESSES: For where to review documents and submit comments, and 
public meeting locations, see ``Reviewing Documents and Submitting 
Comments'' in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft EIS: Mr. Scott Richardson, 
Tucson Suboffice, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 201 N. Bonita Ave., 
Suite 141, Tucson, AZ 85745; 520/670-6150 x 242.
    Application and Draft HCP: Ms. Jennifer Christelman or Ms. Janine 
Spencer, Town of Marana, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653 or 
Mr. Colby Henley, RECON, 525 West Wetmore Road, Suite 111, Tucson, AZ 
85705. Information regarding the HCP can also be obtained on the 
Internet at https://www.marana.com/hcp.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), we announce that we have gathered the information necessary to: 
(1) Determine the impacts and formulate alternatives for the EIS, 
related to the potential issuance of an ITP to the Applicant; and (2) 
approve the HCP, which provides measures to minimize and mitigate the 
effects of the proposed incidental take of federally listed species to 
the maximum extent practicable, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
    If we approve it, the 25-year permit would authorize the proposed 
incidental take of 13 covered species, including species currently 
listed under the Act, as well as species that may become listed under 
the Act in the future: (1) Lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris 
curasoae yerbabuenae); (2) Southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax 
traillii extimus); (3) Yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus 
occidentalis); (4) Cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum 
cactorum); (5) Lowland leopard frog (Rana yavapaiensis); (6) Talus 
snails (Sonorella spp.); (7) Tucson shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis 
occipitalis klauberi); (8) Ground snake (Sonora semiannulata); (9) 
Sonoran desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii); (10) Merriam's mouse 
(Peromyscus merriami); (11) Mexican garter snake (Thamnophis eques 
megalops); (12) Burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia); and (13) Pale 
Townsend's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii).
    The proposed incidental take would occur within the Town of Marana 
in Pima County, Arizona, as a result of impacts from actions occurring 
under the authority of the Applicant. The Applicant has completed a 
draft HCP as part of the application package, as required by the Act. 
The application and associated documents provide measures to minimize 
and mitigate to the maximum extent practicable the effects of the 
proposed incidental take of covered species and effects to the

[[Page 9102]]

habitats upon which they depend. We have issued a draft EIS to evaluate 
the impacts of and alternatives for the possible issuance of an ITP.

Background

    The Town of Marana in southern Arizona, including its recent 
annexation of 21,500 acres of State Trust lands along the Tortolita 
Fan, contains unique natural resource values within much of its 
undeveloped lands, including ironwood-dominated Arizona Upland and 
xeroriparian plant communities along the bajadas (fans) and slopes of 
the Tortolita Mountains and portions of the Santa Cruz River Corridor. 
One of the fastest growing communities in Arizona, the town recognizes 
the need to provide a solid economic base and desirable quality of life 
for its citizens. Subsequently, town leaders have acknowledged the need 
to balance economic, environmental, and human interests by implementing 
a community-wide conservation planning effort. The overall goals of 
this conservation planning effort are to: (1) Identify Federal, State 
Trust, County, and private lands that merit inclusion within a 
scientifically based conservation reserve designed to provide long-term 
protection for multiple species of concern and key natural communities; 
(2) identify appropriate mechanisms to best conserve these lands over 
the long-term; (3) provide for regional economic objectives, including 
the orderly and efficient development of certain private and State 
Trust lands and associated public and private infrastructure; (4) 
contribute to regional conservation planning efforts in eastern Pima 
County; and (5) facilitate compliance with the Act's Section 
10(a)(1)(B) permit requirements.

Purpose and Need for Action

    The purpose for which we prepared the draft EIS is to respond to 
the Applicant's request for an ITP for the proposed covered species 
related to activities that have the potential to result in incidental 
take. The Applicant's proposed HCP will balance the protection and 
conservation of the Town of Marana's unique natural resources with 
ongoing economic development and urbanization. The Applicant recognizes 
that the quality of life of its citizens is dependent upon an 
integrated environment which balances the needs of listed species and 
their habitats with human needs. The HCP will protect and conserve the 
covered species and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the 
people of the United States and provide a means and take steps to 
conserve the ecosystems depended on by the covered species. The HCP 
will ensure the long-term survival of the covered species through 
protection and management of the species and their habitats and ensure 
compliance with the Act, NEPA, and other applicable laws and 
regulations, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act and its 
implementing regulations and policies.
    The need for this action is based on the potential that activities 
proposed by the Applicant on lands under their jurisdiction could 
result in the incidental take of covered species, thus requiring an 
ITP. Section 9 of the Act prohibits the ``taking'' of threatened and 
endangered species. However, we are authorized, under limited 
circumstances, to issue permits to take federally listed species, when 
such a taking is incidental to, and not the purpose of, otherwise 
lawful activities. Regulations governing permits for endangered and 
threatened species are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 
CFR 17.22 and 17.32, respectively. The term ``take'' under the Act 
means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, 
or collect endangered and threatened species, or to attempt to engage 
in any such conduct. Our regulations define ``harm'' as significant 
habitat modification or degradation that results in death or injury to 
listed species by significantly impairing essential behavioral 
patterns, including breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3). The 
proposed ITP would allow approved incidental take that is consistent 
with the conservation guidelines in the Applicant's HCP. The 
development and implementation of the HCP will ensure that the 
Applicant meets the provisions for issuance of the ITP.

Proposed Action

    The requested duration of the ITP is 25 years. The areas covered by 
the proposed ITP include those areas within the boundaries of the Town 
of Marana, approximately 76,500 acres. Activities proposed for coverage 
under the ITP include lawful activities that would occur consistent 
with Marana's General Plan and include, but are not limited to, 
maintenance of Marana operations, implementation of capital improvement 
projects, and issuance of land-use related permits, including those for 
residential and commercial development. Specific covered activities 
include road construction, public water infrastructure, parks and 
trails, airport infrastructure, and residential/commercial/industrial 
development.
    The proposed action is the issuance of an ITP for listed and 
sensitive species within the Town of Marana in Pima County, Arizona, 
under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. Incidental take anticipated under 
this ITP application is species and location specific, but may include 
direct take of individuals, as well as take in the form of habitat loss 
or modification. Habitat impacts for covered species range from 
approximately 100 acres for riparian species to approximately 8,000 
acres for species using upland Sonoran desertscrub. The Applicant will 
develop and implement the HCP, as required by section 10(a)(2)(A) of 
the Act. The HCP will provide measures to minimize and mitigate the 
effects of the proposed incidental take on listed and sensitive species 
and their habitats. The biological goal of the HCP is to provide long-
term protection for multiple species of concern and key natural 
communities through maintaining or improving the habitat conditions and 
ecosystem functions necessary for their survival and to ensure that any 
incidental take of listed species will not appreciably reduce the 
likelihood of the survival and recovery of those species. Mitigation 
measures include conservation of undisturbed open space, species 
surveys, habitat restoration, and implementation of conservation 
guidelines for all types of development and capital improvement 
projects.

Alternatives

    Three alternatives were considered in the development of the draft 
EIS and draft HCP:
    1. No Action/No Permit Alternative--No issuance of an ITP by the 
Service. This alternative would require the Applicant to evaluate each 
project or action on a case-by-case basis to address issues under the 
Act and avoid take of federally listed species. This alternative is the 
baseline against which the effects of the other alternatives are 
compared.
    2. Town Projects and Actions Only--This alternative would seek ITP 
coverage for only the Applicant's own actions. Covered activities would 
only include the Town of Marana's public works and capital improvement 
projects. Private actions could be covered only through voluntary 
adoption of the HCP.
    3. Town Actions, Discretionary Private Actions, and Voluntary 
Inclusion--This alternative is the proposed action for which the 
Applicant is seeking coverage through an ITP. Town actions and projects 
would be covered, as well as private actions where the Town maintains 
discretionary authority for approval. As in Alternative 2, private 
actions not subject to discretionary approval could

[[Page 9103]]

also be covered through voluntary inclusion.

Reviewing Documents and Submitting Comments

    Please refer to TE-204887-0-0 when requesting documents or 
submitting comments.
    Persons wishing to review the application, draft Habitat 
Conservation Plan (HCP), and draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
may obtain copies by calling or faxing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service Tucson Suboffice, 201 N. Bonita Ave, Suite 141, Tucson, AZ 
85745 (520/670-6144, voice; 520/670-6155, fax). The application, draft 
HCP, and draft EIS will also be available for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the 
Tucson office. During the public comment period (see DATES), submit 
your written comments or data to the Assistant Field Supervisor at the 
Tucson address. Comments will also be accepted by fax at the fax number 
above, as well as by e-mail to scott_richardson@fws.gov.
    Public comments submitted are available for public review at the 
Tucson address listed above. This generally means that any personal 
information you provide us will be available to anyone reviewing the 
public comments (see the Public Availability of Comments section below 
for more information).
    Read-only downloadable copies of the application, draft HCP, and 
draft EIS are available on the internet at https://www.fws.gov/
southwest/es/arizona and https://www.marana.com. A printed or CD copy of 
these documents is available upon request to Ms. Janine Spencer, Town 
of Marana, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653; (520) 382-2600; 
jspencer@marana.com. Copies of the application, draft HCP, and draft 
EIS are also available for public inspection and review at the 
locations listed below (by appointment only at government offices):
     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 201 N. Bonita Ave., Suite 
141, Tucson, AZ 85745;
     U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2321 West Royal Palm Road, 
Suite 103, Phoenix, AZ 85021;
     Nanini Public Library, 7300 N. Shannon Road, Tucson, AZ 
85741;
     Pima County Main Library, 101 North Stone Ave., Tucson, AZ 
85701,
     Marana Branch Library, 13370 North Lon Adams Road, Marana, 
AZ 85653; and
     Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 West Naranja Drive, Oro 
Valley, AZ 85737.

Public Meetings

    Three public meetings will take place, on April 2, 2009, at the 
Marana Municipal Complex, 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653, 
from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on April 15, 2009, at the Wheeler Taft-Abbett 
Sr. Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson, AZ 86743, from 6 p.m. to 8 
p.m., and on April 16, 2009, at the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse 
Ballroom, 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85658, from 6 p.m. to 
8 pm.

Public Availability of Comments

    Written comments we receive become part of the public record 
associated with this action. Before including your address, phone 
number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in 
your comment, you should be aware that the 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.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and NEPA 
(42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 
1506.6).

Thomas L. Bauer,
Acting Regional Director, Region 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. E9-4319 Filed 2-27-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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