Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Habitat Conservation Plan for Commercial Developments, Including Energy Developments, and Agricultural and Conservation Activities Within Six States, 7472-7474 [2014-02637]

Download as PDF mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 7472 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2014 / Notices furtherance of 43 U.S.C. 1457 and provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742a-742j), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 U.S.C. 1701 et. seq), the National Wildlife Refuge System improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), and the National Forest Management Act of 1976 (16 U.S.C. 1600 et.seq) and in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended, 5 U.S.C. App. 2. The Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture certify that the formation of the WFEC is necessary and is in the public interest. The purpose of the WFEC is to provide advice on coordinated nationallevel wildland fire policy and to provide leadership, direction, and program oversight in support of the Wildland Fire Leadership Council. Questions related to the WFEC should be directed to Shari Eckhoff (Designated Federal Officer) at Shari_Eckhoff@ios.doi.gov or (208) 334–1552 or 300 E. Mallard Drive, Suite 170, Boise, Idaho, 83706–6648. Meeting Agenda: The meeting agenda will include: (1) Welcome and introduction of council members; (2) Review and Approval of the Cohesive Strategy National Action Plan; (3) public comments; (4) Develop recommendations to go forward to the Secretary of the Interior and Secretary of Agriculture through the Wildland Fire Leadership Council; and (5) closing remarks. Participation is open to the public. Public Input: All WFEC meetings are open to the public. Members of the public who wish to participate must notify Shari Eckhoff at Shari_Eckhoff@ ios.doi.gov no later than the Friday preceding the meeting. Those who are not committee members and wish to present oral statements or obtain information should contact Shari Eckhoff via email no later than the Friday preceding the meeting. Depending on the number of persons wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. Questions about the agenda or written comments may be emailed or submitted by U.S. Mail to: Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Office of Wildland Fire, Attention: Shari Eckhoff, 300 E. Mallard Drive, Suite 170, Boise, Idaho 83706–6648. WFEC requests that written comments be received by the Friday preceding the scheduled meeting. Attendance is open to the public, but limited space is available. Persons with a disability requiring special services, such as an interpreter for the hearing impaired, should contact Ms. Eckhoff at (202) VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Feb 06, 2014 Jkt 232001 527–0133 at least seven calendar days prior to the meeting. Dated: January 31, 2014. Shari Eckhoff, Designated Federal Officer. [FR Doc. 2014–02638 Filed 2–6–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–J4–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2013–0134: FXES11120200000F2–145–FF02ENEH00] Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for a Habitat Conservation Plan for Commercial Developments, Including Energy Developments, and Agricultural and Conservation Activities Within Six States Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of intent; announcement of public scoping meetings; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, as lead agency, intend to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposed application for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP), including a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The potential ITP is directed to the lesser prairie-chicken, a species currently proposed to be listed as threatened pursuant to the ESA. The potential ITP includes activities that cover regional construction, operation, and maintenance associated with multiple commercial energy facilities and agricultural activities (e.g. farming, ranching) and conservation management activities within portions of six States (Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas). We provide this notice to (1) describe the proposed action; (2) advise other Federal and state agencies, potentially affected tribal interests, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS; (3) announce the initiation of a 30-day public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and possible alternatives to be included in the EIS. DATES: Comments: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before March 10, 2014. 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. Any comments that we SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 receive after the closing date may not be considered. Scoping Meetings: We will hold public meetings within the proposed permit area. Written comments will be accepted at each meeting. Notice of the exact meeting dates, times, and locations will be published at least 2 weeks before the event in local newspapers and on the Service’s Web site, https://www.fws.gov/southwest/. ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by one of the following methods: • Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R2–ES–2013–0134, which is the docket number for this notice. On the left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Notices link to locate this document and submit a comment. • By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R2–ES–2013– 0134; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM, Arlington, VA 22203. Please note that your comments are in regard to the EIS for the Stakeholder Conservation Strategy/American Habitat Center Habitat Conservation Plan. We request that you send comments only by one of 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 the Public Availability of Comments section below for more information). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allison Arnold, at 512–490–0057, ×242 (telephone), or Allison_Arnold@fws.gov (email). Individuals who are hearing impaired or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 800–877– 8337 for TTY assistance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction Under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.; NEPA) of 1969, as amended, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), as lead agency, advise the public that we intend to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposed application for an incidental take permit (ITP), including a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA), and seek public input prior to developing a draft EIS for the potential issuance of an ITP. E:\FR\FM\07FEN1.SGM 07FEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2014 / Notices The potential ITP is directed to the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicintus) a species currently proposed to be listed as threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The potential ITP would include activities that cover regional construction, operation, and maintenance associated with multiple commercial energy facilities and agricultural activities (e.g. farming, ranching), and conservation management activities within portions of six States (Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas). The lesser prairie-chicken has some likelihood of being affected by the applicant’s activities within the proposed permit area. The intended effect of this notice is to gather information from the public to develop and analyze the effects of the potential issuance of an ITP that would facilitate development and agricultural production within the planning area, while minimizing incidental take and mitigating the effects of any incidental take to the maximum extent practicable. Reasonable Accommodations Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in the public meetings should contact the Service at the address above no later than 1 week before the public meeting. Information regarding this proposed action is available in alternative formats upon request. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Background Section 9 of the ESA and its implementing regulations prohibit take of animal species listed as endangered or threatened. The definition of take under the Act includes the following activities: To harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect listed animal species, or attempt to engage in such conduct (16 U.S.C. 1538). Section 10 of the ESA, 16 U.S.C. 1539, establishes a program whereby persons seeking to pursue activities that are otherwise legal, but could give rise to liability for unlawful take of federally protected species, may receive an ITP, which provides incidental take authorization to the ITP holder. To obtain an ITP, an applicant must submit an HCP containing measures that would minimize incidental take, including avoidance, and mitigate for the effects of any incidental take to the maximum extent practicable, and ensure that the taking is incidental to, and not the purpose of, an otherwise lawful activity (16 U.S.C. 1539(a)(1)(B) and 1539(a)(2)(A)). VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Feb 06, 2014 Jkt 232001 Applicant’s Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan A diverse group of stakeholders representing energy, agricultural, and conservation industries and organizations (Stakeholders) across five States within the occupied range of the lesser prairie-chicken, as well as Nebraska, have come together to develop a range-wide conservation plan: The Stakeholder Conservation Strategy for the lesser prairie-chicken. The Strategy contains three primary components: The Habitat Exchange (‘‘Exchange’’) for the lesser prairiechicken, the Habitat Quantification Tool (HQT) and the Regional Habitat Conservation Plan for the lesser prairiechicken (HCP). The HCP will reference the HQT as the means for determining debits and will identify the Exchange as the primary means of meeting mitigation obligations. The HCP and associated permit, if approved, would have sufficient ‘‘take’’ authorization to allow agriculture, energy industry development, and other activities to continue should the lesser prairie-chicken become listed. The ITP is being sought by a group of energy industry companies and agricultural and conservation organizations formed in 2013 to develop the Stakeholder Conservation Strategy (SCS) for the lesser prairie-chicken. Member entities include: Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Farm Bureau, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm Bureau, Plains Cotton Growers, Texas Wheat Growers Association, Texas Watershed Management Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, Oklahoma State University, United States Department of Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, British Petroleum, Chesapeake, Chevron, SandRidge, and, XTO Energy/ ExxonMobil. Additional companies or organizations may become involved as the planning process proceeds. Entities wishing to gain regulatory assurances and coverage under an incidental take permit may enroll in the HCP. The HCP will contain a multifaceted approach, including but not limited to take avoidance, minimization of take (e.g., through proven and defined best management practices), and mitigation of the impacts of take through habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement measures. The applicant must also ensure that adequate funding for implementation, including biological and compliance monitoring, is provided. PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7473 Currently, the HCP contemplates effects from covered activities to the lesser prairie-chicken, currently proposed for listing as a threatened species. The final list of covered species may include additional species based on the outcome of this planning process. The proposed planning area is defined as the occupied range of the lesser prairie-chicken, including portions of New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In addition, the planning area includes areas outside of the occupied range where populations could expand with appropriate conservation initiatives attempting to accomplish population expansion. This would extend the planning area beyond the five States listed above to include portions of Nebraska. Environmental Impact Statement The Service will be the lead Federal agency in the preparation of the EIS to satisfy the requirements of NEPA. With this notice of intent (NOI), we ask other Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies with jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental issues to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the EIS. Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status on the EIS should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under the ADDRESSES section, above. The EIS will consider the proposed action (the issuance of a section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP, as supported by an HCP), no action (no HCP/no ITP), and a reasonable range of alternatives that accomplish the Service’s purpose and need in reviewing this proposal. A detailed description of the proposed action and alternatives will be included in the EIS. The alternatives currently considered for analysis in the EIS may include, but are not limited to, modified lists of covered species, differing landcoverage areas, activities that may be covered, and a variety of permit structures under consideration for the conservation program, described below in the Public Comment section. The EIS will also identify potentially significant impacts on biological resources, land use, air quality, water quality, water resources, economics, and other environmental/historical resources that may occur from issuance of the ITP; indirect impacts as a result of implementing a proposed HCP, including any of the alternatives; and cumulative impacts. Various strategies for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating the impacts of incidental take will also be considered. E:\FR\FM\07FEN1.SGM 07FEN1 7474 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 26 / Friday, February 7, 2014 / Notices mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Environmental review of the EIS will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of NEPA, its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1500–1508), other applicable regulations, and our procedures for compliance with those regulations. We furnish this notice in accordance with 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22 to obtain suggestions and information from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues and alternatives they believe need to be addressed in the EIS. We invite comments from interested parties to ensure that the full range of issues related to the proposed permit application is identified. 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. We will not consider anonymous comments. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. Public Comments We are requesting information from other interested government agencies, Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or other interested parties concerning the following areas of analysis: Vegetation, Wildlife and Aquatic Resources, Special Status Species, U.S. Wetlands and Waters, Archeology, Architectural History, Sites of Religious and Cultural Significance to Tribes, Noise and Vibration, Visual Resources and Aesthetics, Economics and Socioeconomics, Environmental Justice, Air Quality (including greenhouse gas emissions and climate change), Geology and Soil, Land Use, Transportation, Infrastructure and Utilities, Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste Management, and Human Health and Safety. Please note that submissions merely stating support for, or opposition to, the action under consideration without providing supporting information, although noted, will not provide information useful in determining the issues and the impacts to the human environment in the draft EIS. The public will also have a chance to review and comment on the draft EIS when it is available (a notice of availability will be published in the Federal Register). You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods described above under the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this notice. Written comments will also be accepted at the public meetings, although these public meetings are primarily intended to provide additional information and provide a chance for the public to ask specific questions concerning the proposed HCP and EIS. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4721 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:17 Feb 06, 2014 Jkt 232001 review and approval. The Amendment includes all lands contiguous to the Crow Reservation and extends the term for 15 years from the date the Amendment becomes effective. The Tribe is authorized to operate 925 gaming devices, increase the prize value, and wager limits. As required by 25 CFR 293.4, all compacts and amendments are subject to review and approval by the Secretary, and pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 2710(d)(3)(B), an approved compact or amendment takes effect when notice of its approval is published in the Federal Register. Dated: January 30, 2014. Kevin K. Washburn, Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. 2014–02594 Filed 2–6–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–4N–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management Joy E. Nicholopoulos, Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region, Albuquerque, New Mexico. [CACA 048811, LLCAD01500, L51010000.LVRWB13B5340.ER0000] [FR Doc. 2014–02637 Filed 2–6–14; 8:45 am] DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Notice of Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Right-of-Way Amendment for the Blythe Solar Power Project, California Bureau of Indian Affairs AGENCY: BILLING CODE 4310–55–P Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. [DR.5B711.IA000814] Indian Gaming AGENCY: Interior. Notice of approved Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact. ACTION: This notice publishes the approval of an amendment to the Class III Tribal-State Gaming Compact (Amendment), between the Crow Tribe of Montana (Tribe), and the State of Montana (State). DATES: Effective Date: February 7, 2014. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paula L. Hart, Director, Office of Indian Gaming, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary—Policy and Economic Development, Washington, DC 20240, (202) 219–4066. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under section 11 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) Public Law 100– 497, 25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., the Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register notice of approved Tribal-State compacts for the purpose of engaging in Class III gaming activities on Indian lands. On December 18, 2013, the Amendment was submitted for SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4703 In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Palm Springs— South Coast Field Office, Palm Springs, California, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed right-of-way (ROW) grant amendment for the Blythe Solar Power Project (BSPP), Riverside County, California, and by this notice is announcing a 45-day public comment period on the EIS. DATES: To ensure that comments will be considered, the BLM must receive written comments on the Draft EIS within 45 days following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes its Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. The BLM will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public involvement activities at least 15 days in advance through public notices, media releases, and/or mailings. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments related to the proposed ROW SUMMARY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\07FEN1.SGM 07FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7472-7474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-02637]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2013-0134: FXES11120200000F2-145-FF02ENEH00]


Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for 
a Habitat Conservation Plan for Commercial Developments, Including 
Energy Developments, and Agricultural and Conservation Activities 
Within Six States

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of intent; announcement of public scoping meetings; 
request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, as lead agency, intend to 
prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposed 
application for an Incidental Take Permit (ITP), including a Habitat 
Conservation Plan (HCP), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (ESA). The potential ITP is directed to the lesser prairie-
chicken, a species currently proposed to be listed as threatened 
pursuant to the ESA. The potential ITP includes activities that cover 
regional construction, operation, and maintenance associated with 
multiple commercial energy facilities and agricultural activities (e.g. 
farming, ranching) and conservation management activities within 
portions of six States (Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, 
Oklahoma, and Texas). We provide this notice to (1) describe the 
proposed action; (2) advise other Federal and state agencies, 
potentially affected tribal interests, and the public of our intent to 
prepare an EIS; (3) announce the initiation of a 30-day public scoping 
period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of 
issues and possible alternatives to be included in the EIS.

DATES: Comments: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or 
before March 10, 2014. 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. Any comments 
that we receive after the closing date may not be considered.
    Scoping Meetings: We will hold public meetings within the proposed 
permit area. Written comments will be accepted at each meeting.
    Notice of the exact meeting dates, times, and locations will be 
published at least 2 weeks before the event in local newspapers and on 
the Service's Web site, https://www.fws.gov/southwest/.

ADDRESSES: You may submit written comments by one of the following 
methods:
     Electronically: Go to the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: 
https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R2-ES-2013-
0134, which is the docket number for this notice. On the left side of 
the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the Notices link 
to locate this document and submit a comment.
     By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to 
Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2013-0134; Division of 
Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 
N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM, Arlington, VA 22203.
    Please note that your comments are in regard to the EIS for the 
Stakeholder Conservation Strategy/American Habitat Center Habitat 
Conservation Plan.
    We request that you send comments only by one of 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 the Public Availability of 
Comments section below for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allison Arnold, at 512-490-0057, x242 
(telephone), or Allison_Arnold@fws.gov (email). Individuals who are 
hearing impaired or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service 
at 800-877-8337 for TTY assistance.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Introduction

    Under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321, et 
seq.; NEPA) of 1969, as amended, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(Service), as lead agency, advise the public that we intend to prepare 
an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposed application for 
an incidental take permit (ITP), including a Habitat Conservation Plan 
(HCP) under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA), and seek public input prior 
to developing a draft EIS for the potential issuance of an ITP.

[[Page 7473]]

    The potential ITP is directed to the lesser prairie-chicken 
(Tympanuchus pallidicintus) a species currently proposed to be listed 
as threatened pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (ESA). The potential ITP would include activities that cover 
regional construction, operation, and maintenance associated with 
multiple commercial energy facilities and agricultural activities (e.g. 
farming, ranching), and conservation management activities within 
portions of six States (Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, New Mexico, 
Oklahoma, and Texas). The lesser prairie-chicken has some likelihood of 
being affected by the applicant's activities within the proposed permit 
area.
    The intended effect of this notice is to gather information from 
the public to develop and analyze the effects of the potential issuance 
of an ITP that would facilitate development and agricultural production 
within the planning area, while minimizing incidental take and 
mitigating the effects of any incidental take to the maximum extent 
practicable.

Reasonable Accommodations

    Persons needing reasonable accommodations in order to attend and 
participate in the public meetings should contact the Service at the 
address above no later than 1 week before the public meeting. 
Information regarding this proposed action is available in alternative 
formats upon request.

Background

    Section 9 of the ESA and its implementing regulations prohibit take 
of animal species listed as endangered or threatened. The definition of 
take under the Act includes the following activities: To harass, harm, 
pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect listed 
animal species, or attempt to engage in such conduct (16 U.S.C. 1538). 
Section 10 of the ESA, 16 U.S.C. 1539, establishes a program whereby 
persons seeking to pursue activities that are otherwise legal, but 
could give rise to liability for unlawful take of federally protected 
species, may receive an ITP, which provides incidental take 
authorization to the ITP holder. To obtain an ITP, an applicant must 
submit an HCP containing measures that would minimize incidental take, 
including avoidance, and mitigate for the effects of any incidental 
take to the maximum extent practicable, and ensure that the taking is 
incidental to, and not the purpose of, an otherwise lawful activity (16 
U.S.C. 1539(a)(1)(B) and 1539(a)(2)(A)).

Applicant's Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan

    A diverse group of stakeholders representing energy, agricultural, 
and conservation industries and organizations (Stakeholders) across 
five States within the occupied range of the lesser prairie-chicken, as 
well as Nebraska, have come together to develop a range-wide 
conservation plan: The Stakeholder Conservation Strategy for the lesser 
prairie-chicken. The Strategy contains three primary components: The 
Habitat Exchange (``Exchange'') for the lesser prairie-chicken, the 
Habitat Quantification Tool (HQT) and the Regional Habitat Conservation 
Plan for the lesser prairie-chicken (HCP). The HCP will reference the 
HQT as the means for determining debits and will identify the Exchange 
as the primary means of meeting mitigation obligations.
    The HCP and associated permit, if approved, would have sufficient 
``take'' authorization to allow agriculture, energy industry 
development, and other activities to continue should the lesser 
prairie-chicken become listed. The ITP is being sought by a group of 
energy industry companies and agricultural and conservation 
organizations formed in 2013 to develop the Stakeholder Conservation 
Strategy (SCS) for the lesser prairie-chicken. Member entities include: 
Colorado Cattlemen's Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Oklahoma Farm 
Bureau, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Farm 
Bureau, Plains Cotton Growers, Texas Wheat Growers Association, Texas 
Watershed Management Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature 
Conservancy, Oklahoma State University, United States Department of 
Agriculture/Agricultural Research Service, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, 
British Petroleum, Chesapeake, Chevron, SandRidge, and, XTO Energy/
ExxonMobil. Additional companies or organizations may become involved 
as the planning process proceeds. Entities wishing to gain regulatory 
assurances and coverage under an incidental take permit may enroll in 
the HCP.
    The HCP will contain a multifaceted approach, including but not 
limited to take avoidance, minimization of take (e.g., through proven 
and defined best management practices), and mitigation of the impacts 
of take through habitat preservation, restoration, and enhancement 
measures. The applicant must also ensure that adequate funding for 
implementation, including biological and compliance monitoring, is 
provided.
    Currently, the HCP contemplates effects from covered activities to 
the lesser prairie-chicken, currently proposed for listing as a 
threatened species. The final list of covered species may include 
additional species based on the outcome of this planning process.
    The proposed planning area is defined as the occupied range of the 
lesser prairie-chicken, including portions of New Mexico, Colorado, 
Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In addition, the planning area includes 
areas outside of the occupied range where populations could expand with 
appropriate conservation initiatives attempting to accomplish 
population expansion. This would extend the planning area beyond the 
five States listed above to include portions of Nebraska.

Environmental Impact Statement

    The Service will be the lead Federal agency in the preparation of 
the EIS to satisfy the requirements of NEPA. With this notice of intent 
(NOI), we ask other Federal, State, tribal, and local agencies with 
jurisdiction and/or special expertise with respect to environmental 
issues to formally cooperate with us in the preparation of the EIS. 
Agencies that would like to request cooperating agency status on the 
EIS should follow the instructions for filing comments provided under 
the ADDRESSES section, above.
    The EIS will consider the proposed action (the issuance of a 
section 10(a)(1)(B) ITP, as supported by an HCP), no action (no HCP/no 
ITP), and a reasonable range of alternatives that accomplish the 
Service's purpose and need in reviewing this proposal. A detailed 
description of the proposed action and alternatives will be included in 
the EIS. The alternatives currently considered for analysis in the EIS 
may include, but are not limited to, modified lists of covered species, 
differing land-coverage areas, activities that may be covered, and a 
variety of permit structures under consideration for the conservation 
program, described below in the Public Comment section. The EIS will 
also identify potentially significant impacts on biological resources, 
land use, air quality, water quality, water resources, economics, and 
other environmental/historical resources that may occur from issuance 
of the ITP; indirect impacts as a result of implementing a proposed 
HCP, including any of the alternatives; and cumulative impacts. Various 
strategies for avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating the impacts of 
incidental take will also be considered.

[[Page 7474]]

    Environmental review of the EIS will be conducted in accordance 
with the requirements of NEPA, its implementing regulations (40 CFR 
1500-1508), other applicable regulations, and our procedures for 
compliance with those regulations. We furnish this notice in accordance 
with 40 CFR 1501.7 and 1508.22 to obtain suggestions and information 
from other agencies and the public on the scope of issues and 
alternatives they believe need to be addressed in the EIS. We invite 
comments from interested parties to ensure that the full range of 
issues related to the proposed permit application is identified.

Public Comments

    We are requesting information from other interested government 
agencies, Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, 
or other interested parties concerning the following areas of analysis: 
Vegetation, Wildlife and Aquatic Resources, Special Status Species, 
U.S. Wetlands and Waters, Archeology, Architectural History, Sites of 
Religious and Cultural Significance to Tribes, Noise and Vibration, 
Visual Resources and Aesthetics, Economics and Socioeconomics, 
Environmental Justice, Air Quality (including greenhouse gas emissions 
and climate change), Geology and Soil, Land Use, Transportation, 
Infrastructure and Utilities, Hazardous Materials and Solid Waste 
Management, and Human Health and Safety.
    Please note that submissions merely stating support for, or 
opposition to, the action under consideration without providing 
supporting information, although noted, will not provide information 
useful in determining the issues and the impacts to the human 
environment in the draft EIS. The public will also have a chance to 
review and comment on the draft EIS when it is available (a notice of 
availability will be published in the Federal Register).
    You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods 
described above under the ADDRESSES section at the beginning of this 
notice. Written comments will also be accepted at the public meetings, 
although these public meetings are primarily intended to provide 
additional information and provide a chance for the public to ask 
specific questions concerning the proposed HCP and EIS.

Public Availability of Comments

    Written comments we receive become part of the public record 
associated with this action. Before including your address, phone 
number, email 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. We will not consider anonymous 
comments. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from 
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of 
organizations or businesses, will be made available for public 
disclosure in their entirety.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22) and the 
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4721 et seq.) and its 
implementing regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

Joy E. Nicholopoulos,
Acting Regional Director, Southwest Region, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
[FR Doc. 2014-02637 Filed 2-6-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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