Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Kaufman Properties, Thurston County, Washington, 63830-63832 [2015-26692]

Download as PDF tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 63830 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 203 / Wednesday, October 21, 2015 / Notices TDHE informing it of HUD’s decision to terminate, reduce, or limit the availability of the grant. If the tribe/ TDHE disagrees with HUD’s determination, it may appeal that decision in writing to HUD within 30 days of receipt of HUD’s written notice. In such appeal, the tribe/TDHE must demonstrate to HUD’s satisfaction good cause to maintain its grant under this program, including and, as applicable, demonstrate how it will cure its noncompliance or improve its poor performance, within a time period deemed acceptable by HUD. In situations where HUD determines a tribe/TDHE is not carrying out activities due to a lack of Homeless Native veterans, the tribe/TDHE must demonstrate to HUD’s satisfaction the level of Homeless Native veteran housing need corresponds to the assistance the tribe/TDHE is currently receiving. If HUD denies the tribe/ TDHE’s appeal, the tribe/TDHE will have 30 days from the date of receipt of HUD’s written notice of denial to submit a written request for reconsideration to HUD setting forth justification for reconsideration. HUD will reconsider the tribe/TDHE’s submission and either affirm or reverse its initial decision in writing, and will set forth HUD’s reasons for the decision. If HUD affirms its initial decision on reconsideration, HUD’s decision will constitute final agency action. If, after receiving notice informing it of HUD’s decision to terminate, reduce, or limit the availability of assistance, the tribe/TDHE fails to submit a timely appeal or request for reconsideration, fails to demonstrate to HUD’s satisfaction good cause to maintain its grant funds under this program, or fails to cure its noncompliance or poor performance within the time specified by HUD, HUD is authorized to terminate, reduce, or limit the availability of the tribe/TDHE’s grant funds under this program. HUD may use its discretion to reallocate the grant funds resulting from such reduction or termination, to any other tribe/TDHE that is in compliance with program requirements and is not deemed to be a poor performer, and that still has a need to house Homeless Native veterans. Grant funds may be reallocated among tribe/TDHEs within the same ONAP region, or among tribes/TDHEs in different ONAP regions, based on administrative capacity, the utilization of previously awarded Tribal HUD– VASH assistance, and current geographic need as determined by the VA and HUD. To the extent that any provision of Title VI of NAHASDA or any VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:39 Oct 20, 2015 Jkt 238001 implementing regulation at 24 CFR part 1000 conflicts with the appeal process described above including, but not limited to, the opportunity for an administrative hearing, the provisions of this Notice will apply. V. Nondiscrimination Requirements Tribes/TDHEs shall be subject to all nondiscrimination requirements that are applicable under NAHASDA and the IHBG regulations at 24 CFR part 1000 and in particular 24 CFR 1000.12 W. Electronic Submission Requirement HUD is waiving the requirement to submit applications for grant funding through www.grants.gov, as required in 24 CFR 5.1005. Considering the statutory deadline to publish this Notice and begin the process of awarding funding, and the limited amount of available funds under this program, HUD has determined that allowing the submission of paper applications will be less burdensome, and will allow HUD to make awards in a timelier manner. Electronic applications may still be submitted to the inbox described in this Notice. VII. Environmental Impact A Finding of No Significant Impact with respect to the environment has been made in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implement section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The Finding of No Significant Impact is available for public inspection during regular business hours in the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410– 0500. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, please schedule an appointment to review the Finding by calling the Regulations Division at (202) 402–3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech or hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877– 8339. Dated: October 15, 2015. Lourdes Castro Ramirez, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing. [FR Doc. 2015–26748 Filed 10–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4210–67–P PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–ES–2015–0151; FXES11120100000–156–FF01E00000] Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Kaufman Properties, Thurston County, Washington Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Kaufman Real Estate LLC, Kaufman Holdings Inc., and Liberty Leasing & Construction, Inc. (applicants), for an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The applicants request a 20-year ITP that would authorize ‘‘take’’ of five listed species incidental to otherwise lawful land development and habitat conservation activities on parcels they own in Thurston County, Washington. The application includes a draft habitat conservation plan (HCP), which describes the actions the applicants will take to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the take on covered species. The Service also announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA) addressing the draft HCP and proposed permit. We invite comments from all interested parties regarding the permit application, including the draft HCP and EA. DATES: To ensure consideration, please submit written comments by November 20, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may view or download copies of the draft HCP and draft EA and obtain additional information on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/ wafwo/. To request further information or submit written comments, please use one of the following methods, and note that your information request or comments are in reference to the ‘‘Kaufman HCP/EA’’: • Electronic: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS–R1–ES– 2015–0151. • U.S. Mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R1– ES–2015–0151; Division of Policy, Performance and Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, ABHC–PPM; Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. • In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call 360–753–5823 to make an appointment (necessary for viewing or SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 203 / Wednesday, October 21, 2015 / Notices tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES picking up documents only) during normal business hours at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive SE., Suite 102, Lacey, Washington 98503. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Romanski, Conservation Planning and Hydropower Branch Chief, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES), telephone: 360–753–5823. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf, please call the Federal Information Relay Service at 800–877– 8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from Kaufman Real Estate LLC, Kaufman Holdings Inc., and Liberty Leasing & Construction, Inc. (applicants), for an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The applicants request a 20-year ITP that would authorize ‘‘take’’ of the endangered Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly (Euphydyas editha taylori), threatened streaked horned lark (Eremophila alpestris strigata), and two threatened subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher—Olympia pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama pugetensis) and Yelm pocket gopher (T. m. yelmensis)— incidental to otherwise lawful land development and habitat conservation activities on parcels they own in Thurston County, Washington. The application includes a draft habitat conservation plan (HCP), which describes the actions the applicants will take to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the take on covered species. The Service also announces the availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA) addressing the draft HCP and proposed permit. We invite comments from all interested parties regarding the permit application, including the draft HCP and EA. Background Section 9 of the ESA prohibits ‘‘take’’ of fish and wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. Under the ESA, the term ‘‘take’’ means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct (16 U.S.C. 1532(19)). The term ‘‘harm,’’ as defined in our regulations, includes 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 term ‘‘harass’’ is defined in our regulations as intentional or negligent actions that create the likelihood of injury to listed species to VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:39 Oct 20, 2015 Jkt 238001 such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns, which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3). Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act contains provisions that authorize the Service to issue ITPs to non-Federal entities for the take of endangered and threatened species caused by otherwise lawful activities, provided the following criteria are met: (1) The taking will be incidental; (2) the applicant will, to the maximum extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impact of such taking; (3) the applicant will ensure that adequate funding for the plan will be provided; (4) The taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of the species in the wild; and (5) the applicant will carry out any other measures that the Service may require as being necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan. Regulations governing permits for endangered and threatened species are found in 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32, respectively. Proposed Action The Service proposes to issue the requested 20-year ITP based on the applicants’ commitment to implement the draft HCP, if permit issuance criteria are met. Covered activities include construction, land development, and conservation of the covered species. The area covered under the draft HCP consists of 13 project development sites totaling 204 acres, and 2 conservation sites totaling 87 acres. Take of the covered species would occur primarily on the already fragmented project development sites and be mitigated for by managing larger blocks of habitat for the covered species on the conservation sites. An endowment will be funded by the applicants to manage the conservation sites for 100 years. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance The proposed issuance of an ITP is a Federal action that triggers the need for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; NEPA). Pursuant to NEPA, we have prepared a draft EA to analyze the environmental impacts of three alternatives related to the issuance of the requested ITP and implementation of the conservation program under the proposed HCP. The three alternatives analyzed in the EA are a no-action alternative, the proposed action, and an individual permits alternative. Under the no-action alternative, take of listed species would be avoided by limiting construction and PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 63831 development on the project development sites to areas where impacts to listed species could be avoided. Because no impacts to listed species are expected under this alternative, no HCP would be needed and no ITP would be issued. The proposed action alternative is the implementation of the proposed HCP and issuance of the requested 20-year ITP as described above under Proposed Action. The individual permits alternative would be issuance of incidental take permits for each of the 13 project development sites as they are developed rather than combining them under one ITP as proposed. Public Comments You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We specifically request information, views, and opinions from interested parties regarding our proposed Federal action, including adequacy of the draft HCP pursuant to the requirements for permits at 50 CFR parts 13 and 17, and the adequacy of the draft EA pursuant to the requirements of NEPA. Public Availability of Comments All comments and materials we receive become part of the public record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information (PII) in your comments, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your PII—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation we use in preparing the EA, will be available for public inspection by appointment, during normal business hours, at our Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES). Next Steps After completion of the EA, we will determine whether the proposed action warrants a finding of no significant impact or whether an environmental impact statement should be prepared. We will evaluate the permit application, associated documents, and any comments we receive, to determine whether the permit application meets the requirements of section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the requested section 10(a)(1)(B) permit would comply with section 7 of the ESA by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1 63832 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 203 / Wednesday, October 21, 2015 / Notices on the Service’s proposed ITP action. The final NEPA and permit determinations will not be completed until after the end of the 30-day comment period and will fully consider all comments received during the comment period. If we determine that all requirements are met, we will issue an ITP under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA to the applicants for the take of covered species, incidental to otherwise lawful covered activities. Authority We provide this notice in accordance with the requirements of section 10 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and their implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22 and 40 CFR 1506.6, respectively). Richard Hannan, Deputy Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 2015–26692 Filed 10–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management Montrose, CO 81401. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 to contact the above individual during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Southwest RAC Oil and Gas Sub-Group identifies key priorities for the Southwest RAC to recommend to the Secretary of the Interior through the BLM. At this meeting, the sub-group will discuss the BLM’s proposed Master Leasing Plan in western La Plata and eastern Montezuma counties. This meeting is open to the public. The public may present written comments to the sub-group. The meeting will also have time, as identified above, allocated for hearing public comments. Depending on the number of people wishing to comment and time available, the time for individual oral comments may be limited. Ruth Welch, BLM Colorado State Director. [LLCOS00000 L13100000.EI0000 16X] Notice of Public Meetings, Southwest Colorado Resource Advisory Council Oil and Gas Sub-Group [FR Doc. 2015–26693 Filed 10–20–15; 8:45 am] Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of public meeting. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AGENCY: In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southwest Resource Advisory Council (RAC) Oil and Gas Sub-Group is scheduled to meet as indicated below. DATES: The Southwest RAC Oil and Gas Sub-Group meeting will be held on November 19, 2015, in Dolores, Colorado. ADDRESSES: The Southwest RAC Oil and Gas Sub-Group meeting will be held November 19 at the Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. and adjourn at approximately 12 p.m. A public comment period regarding matters on the agenda will be held at 11 a.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Sharrow, BLM Colorado Southwest District Acting District Manager, 970–240–5300; or Shannon Borders, Public Affairs Specialist, 970– 240–5300; 2505 S. Townsend Ave., tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:39 Oct 20, 2015 Jkt 238001 BILLING CODE 4310–JB–P National Park Service [NPS–NERO–FIIS–19137]; [PPMPSPD1Z.YM0000] Notice of Designation of Potential Wilderness as Wilderness, Fire Island National Seashore National Park Service, Interior. Notice of designation. AGENCY: ACTION: The Otis Pike Fire Island High Dunes Wilderness Act, Public Law 96– 585, December 23, 1980, designated approximately 1,360 acres as wilderness in the Fire Island National Seashore. Due to existing boardwalks and a pit toilet, this Act also designated approximately 18 acres of potential wilderness within Fire Island National Seashore that could be re-designated as wilderness upon elimination of these non-conforming uses. The National Park Service (NPS) described the wilderness and potential wilderness areas on maps entitled ‘‘Wilderness Plan—Fire Island National Seashore,’’ dated December 1980. In November 1983, the NPS adopted the ‘‘Wilderness Management Plan, Fire Island National Seashore’’ which also contained the legal SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 description of the wilderness boundaries and a map showing the wilderness and the potential wilderness areas. On October 12, 1999, 17 acres of potential wilderness were re-designated as wilderness (see Federal Register Vol. 64, No. 196). On October 29, 2012, Hurricane Sandy moved through Fire Island National Seashore, destroying the boardwalk nature trail west of the Wilderness Visitor Center, the boardwalk dune crossing, and pit toilet at Old Inlet. The footprint of the two boardwalks and pit toilet is infrastructure that existed within the boundaries of the remaining one acre (more or less) of potential wilderness, entirely in Federal ownership. Upon destruction, the non-conforming uses of this potential wilderness addition were eliminated. Section (C) of the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dunes Wilderness Act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to designate administratively as wilderness any lands previously designated as potential wilderness upon publication in the Federal Register of a notice that all uses thereon that are inconsistent with the Wilderness Act of 1964 (Pub. L. 88–577) have ceased. Accordingly, this notice hereby converts the one acre of potential wilderness in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, within Fire Island National Seashore, to designated wilderness. The one acre (more or less) shall be added to the 1,379 acres of designated wilderness within the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, and managed in accordance with the Wilderness Act of 1964. The maps and legal description are on file at the headquarters of the Fire Island National Seashore, 120 Laurel Street, Patchogue, NY 11772, and at the Office of the Director, 1849 C Street NW., Washington, DC 20240. Dated: September 15, 2015. Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director, National Park Service. [FR Doc. 2015–26246 Filed 10–20–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–WV–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR National Park Service [NPS–AKR–GAAR–19522;PPAKAKROR4; PPMPRLE1Y.LS0000] Notice of Open Public Meeting and Teleconference for the National Park Service Alaska Region’s Subsistence Resource Commission Program National Park Service, Interior. Meeting notice. AGENCY: ACTION: E:\FR\FM\21OCN1.SGM 21OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 203 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 63830-63832]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-26692]


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

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-ES-2015-0151; FXES11120100000-156-FF01E00000]


Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental 
Assessment; Kaufman Properties, Thurston County, Washington

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have 
received an application from Kaufman Real Estate LLC, Kaufman Holdings 
Inc., and Liberty Leasing & Construction, Inc. (applicants), for an 
incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (ESA). The applicants request a 20-year ITP that would 
authorize ``take'' of five listed species incidental to otherwise 
lawful land development and habitat conservation activities on parcels 
they own in Thurston County, Washington. The application includes a 
draft habitat conservation plan (HCP), which describes the actions the 
applicants will take to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the take 
on covered species. The Service also announces the availability of a 
draft environmental assessment (EA) addressing the draft HCP and 
proposed permit. We invite comments from all interested parties 
regarding the permit application, including the draft HCP and EA.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please submit written comments by 
November 20, 2015.

ADDRESSES: You may view or download copies of the draft HCP and draft 
EA and obtain additional information on the Internet at https://www.fws.gov/wafwo/. To request further information or submit written 
comments, please use one of the following methods, and note that your 
information request or comments are in reference to the ``Kaufman HCP/
EA'':
     Electronic: www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions 
for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2015-0151.
     U.S. Mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. 
FWS-R1-ES-2015-0151; Division of Policy, Performance and Management; 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 5275 Leesburg Pike, ABHC-PPM; Falls 
Church, VA 22041-3803.
     In-Person Drop-off, Viewing, or Pickup: Call 360-753-5823 
to make an appointment (necessary for viewing or

[[Page 63831]]

picking up documents only) during normal business hours at U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond 
Drive SE., Suite 102, Lacey, Washington 98503.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tim Romanski, Conservation Planning 
and Hydropower Branch Chief, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office (see 
ADDRESSES), telephone: 360-753-5823. If you use a telecommunications 
device for the deaf, please call the Federal Information Relay Service 
at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from Kaufman 
Real Estate LLC, Kaufman Holdings Inc., and Liberty Leasing & 
Construction, Inc. (applicants), for an incidental take permit (ITP) 
pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (ESA). The applicants request a 20-year ITP that would 
authorize ``take'' of the endangered Taylor's checkerspot butterfly 
(Euphydyas editha taylori), threatened streaked horned lark (Eremophila 
alpestris strigata), and two threatened subspecies of the Mazama pocket 
gopher--Olympia pocket gopher (Thomomys mazama pugetensis) and Yelm 
pocket gopher (T. m. yelmensis)--incidental to otherwise lawful land 
development and habitat conservation activities on parcels they own in 
Thurston County, Washington. The application includes a draft habitat 
conservation plan (HCP), which describes the actions the applicants 
will take to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the take on covered 
species. The Service also announces the availability of a draft 
environmental assessment (EA) addressing the draft HCP and proposed 
permit. We invite comments from all interested parties regarding the 
permit application, including the draft HCP and EA.

Background

    Section 9 of the ESA prohibits ``take'' of fish and wildlife 
species listed as endangered or threatened. Under the ESA, the term 
``take'' means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, 
capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct (16 
U.S.C. 1532(19)). The term ``harm,'' as defined in our regulations, 
includes 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 term ``harass'' is defined in our 
regulations as intentional or negligent actions that create the 
likelihood of injury to listed species to such an extent as to 
significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns, which include, but 
are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering (50 CFR 17.3).
    Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act contains provisions that authorize 
the Service to issue ITPs to non-Federal entities for the take of 
endangered and threatened species caused by otherwise lawful 
activities, provided the following criteria are met: (1) The taking 
will be incidental; (2) the applicant will, to the maximum extent 
practicable, minimize and mitigate the impact of such taking; (3) the 
applicant will ensure that adequate funding for the plan will be 
provided; (4) The taking will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of 
the survival and recovery of the species in the wild; and (5) the 
applicant will carry out any other measures that the Service may 
require as being necessary or appropriate for the purposes of the plan. 
Regulations governing permits for endangered and threatened species are 
found in 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32, respectively.

Proposed Action

    The Service proposes to issue the requested 20-year ITP based on 
the applicants' commitment to implement the draft HCP, if permit 
issuance criteria are met. Covered activities include construction, 
land development, and conservation of the covered species. The area 
covered under the draft HCP consists of 13 project development sites 
totaling 204 acres, and 2 conservation sites totaling 87 acres. Take of 
the covered species would occur primarily on the already fragmented 
project development sites and be mitigated for by managing larger 
blocks of habitat for the covered species on the conservation sites. An 
endowment will be funded by the applicants to manage the conservation 
sites for 100 years.

National Environmental Policy Act Compliance

    The proposed issuance of an ITP is a Federal action that triggers 
the need for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; NEPA). Pursuant to NEPA, we 
have prepared a draft EA to analyze the environmental impacts of three 
alternatives related to the issuance of the requested ITP and 
implementation of the conservation program under the proposed HCP.
    The three alternatives analyzed in the EA are a no-action 
alternative, the proposed action, and an individual permits 
alternative. Under the no-action alternative, take of listed species 
would be avoided by limiting construction and development on the 
project development sites to areas where impacts to listed species 
could be avoided. Because no impacts to listed species are expected 
under this alternative, no HCP would be needed and no ITP would be 
issued. The proposed action alternative is the implementation of the 
proposed HCP and issuance of the requested 20-year ITP as described 
above under Proposed Action. The individual permits alternative would 
be issuance of incidental take permits for each of the 13 project 
development sites as they are developed rather than combining them 
under one ITP as proposed.

Public Comments

    You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. We specifically request information, 
views, and opinions from interested parties regarding our proposed 
Federal action, including adequacy of the draft HCP pursuant to the 
requirements for permits at 50 CFR parts 13 and 17, and the adequacy of 
the draft EA pursuant to the requirements of NEPA.

Public Availability of Comments

    All comments and materials we receive become part of the public 
record associated with this action. Before including your address, 
phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable 
information (PII) in your comments, you should be aware that your 
entire comment--including your PII--may be made publicly available at 
any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your PII 
from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. 
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting documentation 
we use in preparing the EA, will be available for public inspection by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at our Washington Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES).

Next Steps

    After completion of the EA, we will determine whether the proposed 
action warrants a finding of no significant impact or whether an 
environmental impact statement should be prepared. We will evaluate the 
permit application, associated documents, and any comments we receive, 
to determine whether the permit application meets the requirements of 
section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA. We will also evaluate whether issuance 
of the requested section 10(a)(1)(B) permit would comply with section 7 
of the ESA by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation

[[Page 63832]]

on the Service's proposed ITP action. The final NEPA and permit 
determinations will not be completed until after the end of the 30-day 
comment period and will fully consider all comments received during the 
comment period. If we determine that all requirements are met, we will 
issue an ITP under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA to the applicants for 
the take of covered species, incidental to otherwise lawful covered 
activities.

Authority

    We provide this notice in accordance with the requirements of 
section 10 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.) and their implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22 and 40 CFR 
1506.6, respectively).

Richard Hannan,
Deputy Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Portland, Oregon.
[FR Doc. 2015-26692 Filed 10-20-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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