Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog and the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, and Threatened Status for the Yosemite Toad, 43122-43123 [2013-17197]

Download as PDF 43122 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules Business Administration, in accordance with Section 603(a) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (1981). Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2013–17395 Filed 7–18–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket Nos. FWS–R8–ES–2012–0100; FWS–R8–ES–2012–0074; 4500030113] RIN 1018–AZ21; RIN 1018–AY07 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog and the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain YellowLegged Frog, and Threatened Status for the Yosemite Toad Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of the public comment period. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our April 25, 2013, proposed rule to list the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and the northern distinct population segment (DPS) (populations that occur north of the Tehachapi Mountains) of the mountain yellow-legged frog as endangered species, and the Yosemite toad as a threatened species. We are also reopening the public comment period on our April 25, 2013, proposed rule to designate critical habitat for these species. The 60-day comment period for both proposed rules ended on June 24, 2013. This notice announces reopening of the comment periods to allow all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rules and to submit information on the status of the species and proposed critical habitat. We will consider all comments and information provided by the public during these comment periods in preparation of a final determination on our proposed listings and designation of critical habitat. Accordingly, the final decisions may differ from our proposals. If you submitted comments previously, you do not need to resubmit them because we have already incorporated them into the public record and will fully consider them in preparation of the final rules. wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:49 Jul 18, 2013 Jkt 229001 The comment periods for the proposed rules published April 25, 2013, at 78 FR 24472 and 24516, are reopened. We will consider all comments received or postmarked on or before November 18, 2013. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES section, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. ADDRESSES: Document availability: You may obtain copies of the proposed rule and related documents on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS–R8–ES–2012–0100 for the proposed listing and Docket Number FWS–R8–ES–2012–0074 for the proposed critical habitat. You can also obtain copies by mail from the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Comment submission: You may submit written comments by one of the following methods: (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R8–ES–2012–0100 (the docket number for the proposed listing rule) or FWS–R8–ES–2012–0074 (the docket number for the proposed critical habitat rule). On the search results page, under the Comment Period heading in the menu on the left side of your screen, check the box next to ‘‘Open’’ to locate this document. Please ensure you have found the correct document before submitting your comments. If your comments will fit in the provided comment box, please use this feature of https://www.regulations.gov, as it is most compatible with our comment review procedures. If you attach your comments as a separate document, our preferred file format is Microsoft Word. If you attach multiple comments (such as form letters), our preferred format is a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R8–ES–2012– 0100 (if commenting on the proposed listing rule) or FWS–R8–ES–2012–0074 (if commenting on the proposed critical habitat rule); Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. We request that you send comments only by the methods described above. We will post all information received on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see Request for Information in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for more information). DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Jan Knight, Deputy Field Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W–2605, Sacramento, CA 95825; telephone 916– 414–6600; facsimile 916–414–6712. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Background On April 25, 2013, we published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to list the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and the northern distinct population segment (DPS) (populations that occur north of the Tehachapi Mountains) of the mountain yellow-legged frog as endangered species, and the Yosemite toad as a threatened species (78 FR 24472). Also on April 25, 2013, we published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for these species (78 FR 24516). The 60-day comment period for both proposed rules ended on June 24, 2013. Information Requested We are reopening the public comment period for two proposed rules for the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, the northern distinct population segment (DPS) (populations that occur north of the Tehachapi Mountains) of the mountain yellow-legged frog, and the Yosemite toad. We will accept written comments and information during this reopened comment period on our April 25, 2013, proposed rules to list these species (78 FR 24472) and to designate critical habitat (78 FR 24516). For more information on the specific information we are seeking, please see the April 25, 2013, proposed rules. You may submit your comments and materials concerning the proposed rules by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not accept comments sent by email or fax, or to an address not listed in ADDRESSES. If you submit a comment via https:// www.regulations.gov, your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—will be posted on the Web site. If you submit a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy comments on https://www.regulations.gov. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rules. We intend that any final actions E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 139 / Friday, July 19, 2013 / Proposed Rules resulting from these proposals be as accurate as possible and based on the best available scientific and commercial data. We will consider information and recommendations from all interested parties. Your comments are part of the public record, and we will fully consider them in the preparation of our final determinations. Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we used in preparing the proposed rule, will be available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, during normal business hours, at the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: July 9, 2013. Rowan J. Gould, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2013–17197 Filed 7–18–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket Nos. FWS–R6–ES–2011–0111; FWS–R6–ES–2012–0108: 4500030113] RIN 1018–AZ20; RIN 1018–AX71 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 6-Month Extension of Final Determinations on the Proposed Endangered Status and Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for Gunnison Sage-Grouse Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rules; Reopening of the Comment Period. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 6-month extension of the final determination of whether to list the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) as endangered and designate critical habitat, and announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed rules to list the species and to designate critical habitat. We are taking this action based on our finding that there is substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency and accuracy of the available data relevant to our determinations regarding the proposed listing rule, making it necessary to wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 14:49 Jul 18, 2013 Jkt 229001 solicit additional information by reopening the comment period for 45 days. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final rules. DATES: The comment period end date is September 3, 2013. We request that comments be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods: (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the appropriate Docket No.: FWS– R6–ES–2012–0108 for the proposed endangered status for Gunnison sagegrouse; or FWS–R6–ES–2011–0111 for the proposed designation of critical habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse. You may submit a comment by clicking on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ (2) By Hard Copy: For the proposed endangered status for Gunnison sagegrouse, submit by U.S. mail or handdelivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R6–ES–2012– 0108; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. For the proposed designation of critical habitat for Gunnison sagegrouse, submit by U.S. mail or handdelivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R6–ES–2011– 0111; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. We request that you send comments only by the methods described above. We will post all comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Public Comments section below for more information). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patty Gelatt, Western Colorado Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Colorado Field Office, 764 Horizon Drive, Building B, Grand Junction, CO 81506–3946; telephone 970–243–2778; facsimile 970–245–6933. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800–877–8339). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On January 11, 2013, we published a proposed rule listing the Gunnison sagegrouse as endangered (78 FR 2486) and a proposed designation of critical PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 43123 habitat for the Gunnison sage-grouse (78 FR 2540) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). For a description of previous Federal actions concerning the Gunnison sage-grouse, please refer to the proposed listing rule. We held four public meetings regarding the proposed rule and designation in January and February 2013 and also extended the initial 60-day comment period on these proposals by an additional 21 days, until April 2, 2013 (78 FR 15925, March 13, 2013). We also solicited and received independent scientific review of the information contained in each proposed rule from peer reviewers with expertise in Gunnison sage-grouse or similar species biology, in accordance with our July 1, 1994 peer review policy (59 FR 34270). Section 4(b)(6) of the Act and its implementing regulation, 50 CFR 424.17(a), requires that we take one of three actions within 1 year of a proposed listing and concurrent proposed designation of critical habitat: (1) Finalize the proposed rules; (2) withdraw the proposed rules; or (3) extend the final determination by not more than 6 months, if there is substantial disagreement among scientists knowledgeable about the species regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the determination, for the purposes of soliciting additional data. During the public comment period, we received multiple comments on the proposed listing and critical habitat designation from scientists with knowledge of the species and others regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data used to support these proposed rulemakings. We also received comments on the proposed rules from scientists with expertise on Gunnison sage-grouse or similar species biology through the peer review process. In particular, commenters raised questions regarding: (1) The interpretation of scientific literature in the proposed rulemakings, and scientific literature that we may have overlooked in our analysis. Specifically, some scientists knowledgeable about the species were concerned with the appropriateness of our interpretation of a study by Aldridge et al. (2011) on habitat use by Gunnison sage-grouse near roads and residential developments, and a study by Wisdom et al. (2011) which concludes that there are no strongholds for the species. These commenters also suggested that there may be additional, relevant studies that were not analyzed in the proposed rules. (2) Gunnison sage-grouse population trends. Specifically, some scientists E:\FR\FM\19JYP1.SGM 19JYP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 139 (Friday, July 19, 2013)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 43122-43123]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-17197]


=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket Nos. FWS-R8-ES-2012-0100; FWS-R8-ES-2012-0074; 4500030113]
RIN 1018-AZ21; RIN 1018-AY07


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status 
for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog and the Northern Distinct 
Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog, and Threatened 
Status for the Yosemite Toad

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of the public comment period.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
reopening of the public comment period on our April 25, 2013, proposed 
rule to list the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and the northern 
distinct population segment (DPS) (populations that occur north of the 
Tehachapi Mountains) of the mountain yellow-legged frog as endangered 
species, and the Yosemite toad as a threatened species. We are also 
reopening the public comment period on our April 25, 2013, proposed 
rule to designate critical habitat for these species. The 60-day 
comment period for both proposed rules ended on June 24, 2013. This 
notice announces reopening of the comment periods to allow all 
interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed 
rules and to submit information on the status of the species and 
proposed critical habitat. We will consider all comments and 
information provided by the public during these comment periods in 
preparation of a final determination on our proposed listings and 
designation of critical habitat. Accordingly, the final decisions may 
differ from our proposals. If you submitted comments previously, you do 
not need to resubmit them because we have already incorporated them 
into the public record and will fully consider them in preparation of 
the final rules.

DATES: The comment periods for the proposed rules published April 25, 
2013, at 78 FR 24472 and 24516, are reopened. We will consider all 
comments received or postmarked on or before November 18, 2013. 
Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
(see ADDRESSES section, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern 
Time on the closing date.

ADDRESSES:
    Document availability: You may obtain copies of the proposed rule 
and related documents on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov at 
Docket Number FWS-R8-ES-2012-0100 for the proposed listing and Docket 
Number FWS-R8-ES-2012-0074 for the proposed critical habitat. You can 
also obtain copies by mail from the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office 
(see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Comment submission: You may submit written comments by one of the 
following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R8-ES-2012-0100 (the 
docket number for the proposed listing rule) or FWS-R8-ES-2012-0074 
(the docket number for the proposed critical habitat rule). On the 
search results page, under the Comment Period heading in the menu on 
the left side of your screen, check the box next to ``Open'' to locate 
this document. Please ensure you have found the correct document before 
submitting your comments. If your comments will fit in the provided 
comment box, please use this feature of https://www.regulations.gov, as 
it is most compatible with our comment review procedures. If you attach 
your comments as a separate document, our preferred file format is 
Microsoft Word. If you attach multiple comments (such as form letters), 
our preferred format is a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel.
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public 
Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2012-0100 (if commenting on the 
proposed listing rule) or FWS-R8-ES-2012-0074 (if commenting on the 
proposed critical habitat rule); Division of Policy and Directives 
Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 
2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all information received on https://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any 
personal information you provide us (see Request for Information in 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jan Knight, Deputy Field Supervisor, 
Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-2605, 
Sacramento, CA 95825; telephone 916-414-6600; facsimile 916-414-6712. 
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the 
Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On April 25, 2013, we published in the Federal Register a proposed 
rule to list the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog and the northern 
distinct population segment (DPS) (populations that occur north of the 
Tehachapi Mountains) of the mountain yellow-legged frog as endangered 
species, and the Yosemite toad as a threatened species (78 FR 24472). 
Also on April 25, 2013, we published in the Federal Register a proposed 
rule to designate critical habitat for these species (78 FR 24516). The 
60-day comment period for both proposed rules ended on June 24, 2013.

Information Requested

    We are reopening the public comment period for two proposed rules 
for the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog, the northern distinct 
population segment (DPS) (populations that occur north of the Tehachapi 
Mountains) of the mountain yellow-legged frog, and the Yosemite toad. 
We will accept written comments and information during this reopened 
comment period on our April 25, 2013, proposed rules to list these 
species (78 FR 24472) and to designate critical habitat (78 FR 24516). 
For more information on the specific information we are seeking, please 
see the April 25, 2013, proposed rules.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning the proposed 
rules by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not accept 
comments sent by email or fax, or to an address not listed in 
ADDRESSES. If you submit a comment via https://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire comment--including your personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the Web site. If you submit a hardcopy comment that 
includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top 
of your document that we withhold this information from public review. 
However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will 
post all hardcopy comments on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will 
be fully considered in preparation of the final rules. We intend that 
any final actions

[[Page 43123]]

resulting from these proposals be as accurate as possible and based on 
the best available scientific and commercial data. We will consider 
information and recommendations from all interested parties. Your 
comments are part of the public record, and we will fully consider them 
in the preparation of our final determinations.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing the proposed rule, will be available 
for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, 
during normal business hours, at the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife 
Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: July 9, 2013.
 Rowan J. Gould,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2013-17197 Filed 7-18-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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