Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans, 74770-74773 [2016-25973]

Download as PDF 74770 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Notices sockeye salmon would be released upstream of the traps, captured at the traps a second time, and re-released. The Tribes do not intend to kill any of the fish being captured, but a small percentage may die as an unintended result of the research activities. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES 1465—4R The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) is seeking to renew for five years their permit to annually take juvenile threatened SR steelhead, threatened SR fall Chinook salmon, threatened SR spr/ sum Chinook salmon, and endangered SR sockeye salmon during the course of two research projects designed to ascertain the condition of many Idaho streams. The purposes of the research are to (a) determine whether aquatic life is being properly supported in Idaho’s rivers, streams, and lakes, and (b) assess the overall condition of Idaho’s surface waters. The fish would benefit from the research because the data it produces would be used to inform decisions about how and where to protect and improve water quality in the state. The researchers would use backpack- and boat electrofishing equipment to capture the fish. They would then be weighed and measured (some may be anesthetized to limit stress) and released. The IDEQ does not intend to kill any of the fish being captured, but a small percentage may die as an unintended result of the research activities. Permit 16521—2R The WDFW is seeking a to renew for five years their permit to annually capture, handle, and release juvenile UCR steelhead and Chinook salmon in the Hanford reach of the Columbia River and near the Tri-Cities, Washington. The purpose of the research is to gather data on fall Chinook abundance, length frequency distribution, and losses in the area. The information collected from these surveys has been used and continues to be used to evaluate protections for juvenile fall Chinook under the Hanford Reach Fall Chinook Protection Program Agreement and gauge the efficacy of the Coded Wire Tagging Program for marking of wild up-river bright fall Chinook in the Hanford Reach. These surveys can provide biologists and managers with definitive data on the presence or impacts on both non-listed and ESA Listed Chinook and steelhead residing in near shore habitats in this area of the Columbia River. These data, in turn, would be used to help guide management actions for the benefit of the listed species in the future. The VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 26, 2016 Jkt 241001 researchers would use beach seines and backpack electrofishing equipment to capture the fish. The captured fish would be anesthetized, measured, allowed to recover, and released back to the river. The researchers do not expect to kill any listed fish, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the research activities. Permit 16446—2R The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) are seeking to renew for five years their permit to take MCR steelhead during the course of research designed to monitor listed fish population status in the Walla Walla River watershed, Washington. The data gathered (on fish abundance, trends, genetics, diversity, productivity, and population structure) would be used to inform management decisions regarding land use activities and recovery planning in the Walla Walla sub-basin. The researchers would use rotary screw traps and backpack electrofishing units to capture the fish. At the screw traps, the fish would then be identified, measured, weighed, tissue sampled, and implanted with PIT-Tags (if they do not already have tags). Fish captured via electrofishing would be handled, measured, allowed to recover, and released in a safe area. Some adult carcasses would also be sampled. The researchers do not expect to kill any of the fish being captured, but a small number may die as an unintended result of the research activities. Permit 18696—2M The Idaho Power company is seeking to modify their five-year permit to annually capture juvenile white sturgeon in Lower Granite Reservoir. The researchers would use small-mesh gill nets and d-ring nets to capture the fish. The gill net fishing would take place at times (October and November) and in areas (the bottom of the reservoir) that have purposefully been chosen to have the least possible impact on listed fish. When the nets are pulled to the surface, listed species would immediately be released (including by cutting the net, if necessary) and allowed to return to the reservoir. The d-ring fishing would take place in June and July, but the same restrictions (immediately releasing listed fish, etc.) would still apply. The research targets a species that is not listed, but the research should benefit listed salmonids by generating information about the habitat conditions in Lower Granite Reservoir and by helping managers develop conservation plans for the species that inhabit it. The researchers are not proposing to kill any of the fish PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 they capture, but a small number of individuals may be killed as an inadvertent result of the activities. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the ESA. NMFS will evaluate the applications, associated documents, and comments submitted to determine whether the applications meet the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA and Federal regulations. The final permit decisions will not be made until after the end of the 30-day comment period. NMFS will publish notice of its final action in the Federal Register. Dated: October 21, 2016. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–25922 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RIN 0648–XE939 Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of Availability; request for comments. AGENCY: We, NMFS, announce that the Proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) Recovery Plan for Snake River Spring/ Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead (Proposed Plan) is available for public review and comment. The Proposed Plan addresses the Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha) evolutionarily significant unit (ESU), which is listed as threatened under the ESA, and the Snake River Steelhead (Onchorhynchus mykiss) distinct population segment (DPS), which is listed as threatened under the ESA. The geographic area covered by the Proposed Plan is the lower mainstem Snake River and its tributaries, as well as the mainstem Columbia River below its confluence with the Snake River. As required under the ESA, the Proposed Plan contains objective, measurable delisting criteria, site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the Proposed Plan’s goals, and estimates of the time and cost required to implement recovery actions. We are soliciting review and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES comment from the public and all interested parties on the Proposed Plan. DATES: We will consider and address, as appropriate, all substantive comments received during the comment period. Comments on the Proposed Plan must be received no later than 5 p.m. Pacific daylight time on December 27, 2016. ADDRESSES: Please send written comments and materials to Rosemary Furfey, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1201 NE. Lloyd Boulevard, Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232. Comments may also be submitted by email to: nmfs_snakeriver_ssch_st_ plan.wcr@noaa.gov. Please include ‘‘Comments on Proposed Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead Recovery Plan’’ in the subject line of the email. Comments may be submitted via facsimile (fax) to (503) 230–5441. Electronic copies of the Proposed Plan are available on the NMFS Web site at: https:// www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ protected_species/salmon_steelhead/ recovery_planning_and_ implementation/snake_river/snake_ river_sp-su_chinook_steelhead.html. Persons wishing to obtain an electronic copy on CD ROM of the Proposed Plan may do so by calling Bonnie Hossack at (503) 736–4741, or by emailing a request to bonnie.hossack@noaa.gov with the subject line ‘‘CD ROM Request for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead Recovery Plan.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosemary Furfey, NMFS Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Coordinator, at (503) 231–2149, or mail to: Rosemary.Furfey@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background We are responsible for developing and implementing recovery plans for Pacific salmon and steelhead listed under the ESA of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Recovery means that the listed species and their ecosystems are sufficiently restored, and their future secured, to the point that the protections of the ESA are no longer necessary. Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA requires that recovery plans include, to the maximum extent practicable: (1) Objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan’s goals; and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. The ESA VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 26, 2016 Jkt 241001 requires the development of recovery plans for each listed species unless such a plan would not promote its recovery. We believe it is essential to have local support of recovery plans by those whose activities directly affect the listed species and whose continued commitment and leadership will be needed to implement the necessary recovery actions. We, therefore, support and participate in collaborative efforts to develop recovery plans that involve state, tribal, and federal entities, local communities, and other stakeholders. For this Proposed Plan for threatened Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead, we worked collaboratively with state, tribal, and Federal partners to produce a recovery plan that satisfies the ESA requirements. We have determined that this Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead meets the statutory requirements for a recovery plan and are proposing to adopt it as the ESA recovery plan for these threatened species. Section 4(f) of the ESA, as amended in 1988, requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment be provided prior to final approval of a recovery plan. This notice solicits comments on this Proposed Plan. Development of the Proposed Plan For the purpose of recovery planning for the ESA-listed species of Pacific salmon and steelhead in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, NMFS designated five geographically based ‘‘recovery domains.’’ The Snake River Spring/ Summer Chinook Salmon ESU and Snake River Steelhead DPS spawning and rearing range is in the Snake River recovery domain of the Interior Columbia area. For each domain, NMFS appointed a team of scientists, nominated for their geographic and species expertise, to provide a solid scientific foundation for recovery plans. The technical recovery team responsible for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead, the Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team, included biologists from NMFS, other Federal agencies, states, tribes, and academic institutions. A primary task for the Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team was to recommend criteria for determining when each component population within an ESU or DPS should be considered viable (i.e., when they have a low risk of extinction over a 100-year period) and when ESUs or DPSs have a risk of extinction consistent with no longer needing the protections of the PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 74771 ESA. All technical recovery teams used the same biological principles for developing their recommendations. These principles are described in the NOAA technical memorandum Viable Salmonid Populations and the Recovery of Evolutionarily Significant Units (McElhany et al., 2000). Viable salmonid populations (VSP) are defined in terms of four parameters: abundance; productivity or growth rate; spatial structure; and diversity. We also collaborated with state, tribal, and Federal biologists and resource managers to provide technical information used to write the Proposed Plan which is built upon locally-led recovery efforts. In addition, NMFS established a multi-state (Idaho, Oregon, and Washington), tribal, and Federal partners’ regional forum called the Snake River Coordination Group that addresses the four ESA-listed Snake River salmon and steelhead species. They met twice a year to be briefed and provide technical and policy information to NMFS. We presented regular updates on the status of this Proposed Plan to the Snake River Coordination Group and posted draft chapters on NMFS’ West Coast Region Snake River recovery planning Web page. We also made full drafts of the Proposed Plan available for review to the state, tribal, and Federal entities with whom we collaborated to develop the plan. For the purpose of recovery planning in the Snake River recovery domain, NMFS divided the domain into three different ‘‘management units’’ based on jurisdictional boundaries, as well as areas where local planning efforts were underway. The three Snake River domain management units include: the Northeast Oregon unit; Southeast Washington unit; and the Idaho unit. A recovery plan addressing tributary conditions for both species was developed for each management unit. All three management unit plans were developed in coordination with respective Federal, state, and local agencies, tribes, and others. This Proposed Plan synthesizes relevant information from the three management unit plans at the species level and includes them as appendices: Appendix A is the Northeast Oregon Management Unit Plan; Appendix B is the Southeast Washington Management Unit Plan; and Appendix C is the Idaho Management Unit Plan. In addition to the Proposed Plan, we developed and incorporated the Module for the Ocean Environment (Fresh et al. 2014) as Appendix D to address Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead recovery E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1 74772 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Notices sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES needs in the Columbia River estuary, plume, and Pacific Ocean. To address recovery needs related to the Lower Columbia River mainstem and estuary, we incorporated the Columbia River Estuary ESA Recovery Plan Module for Salmon and Steelhead (NMFS 2011a) as Appendix E. To address recovery needs for fishery harvest management in the mainstem Snake and Columbia Rivers, Columbia River estuary, and ocean, we developed and incorporated the Snake River Harvest Module (NMFS 2014a) as Appendix F. To address recovery needs related to the Columbia River Hydropower System, we developed and incorporated the Supplemental Recovery Plan Module for Snake River Salmon and Steelhead Mainstem Columbia River Hydropower Projects (NMFS 2014b) as Appendix G of this Proposed Plan. The Proposed Plan, including the three management unit plans and four modules, is now available for public review and comment. Contents of Proposed Plan The Proposed Plan contains biological background and contextual information that includes descriptions of the ESU and DPS, the planning area, and the context of the plan’s development. It presents relevant information on ESU and DPS structure, guidelines for assessing salmonid population and ESU and DPS status, and a brief summary of Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team products on population structure and species status. It also presents NMFS’ proposed biological viability criteria and threats criteria for delisting each species. The Proposed Plan also describes specific information on the following: Current status of Snake River Spring/ Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead (Chapter 4); limiting factors and threats throughout the life cycle that have contributed to each species’ decline (Chapter 5); recovery strategies and actions addressing these limiting factors and threats (Chapter 6); and a proposed research, monitoring, and evaluation program for adaptive management (Chapter 7). For recovery actions, the Proposed Plan incorporates the site-specific actions in each management unit plan, together with the associated location, life stage affected and potential implementing entity. The Proposed Plan also summarizes time and costs (Chapter 8) required to implement recovery actions. In some cases, costs of implementing actions could not be determined at this time and NMFS is interested in additional information regarding scale, scope, and costs of these actions. We are VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 26, 2016 Jkt 241001 also particularly interested in comments on establishing appropriate forums (Chapter 9) to coordinate implementation of the Proposed Plan. We are also interested in information to address critical uncertainties identified in the Proposed Plan, particularly regarding causes of mortality of juvenile fish as they move from natal tributaries into the Salmon and Snake Rivers during migration to the Pacific Ocean. How NMFS and Others Expect To Use the Plan With approval of the final recovery plan, we will commit to implement the actions in the plan for which we have responsibility, authority, and funding; encourage other Federal and state agencies and tribal governments to implement recovery actions for which they have responsibility, authority, and funding; and work cooperatively with the public and local stakeholders on implementation of other actions. We expect the recovery plan to guide us and other Federal agencies in evaluating Federal actions under ESA section 7, as well as in implementing other provisions of the ESA and other statutes. For example, the plan will provide greater biological context for evaluating the effects that a proposed action may have on a species by providing delisting criteria, information on priority areas for addressing specific limiting factors, and information on how the ESU and DPS can tolerate varying levels of risk. When we are considering a species for delisting, the agency will examine whether the section 4(a)(1) listing factors have been addressed. To assist in this examination, we will use the delisting criteria described in section 3.4 of the Proposed Plan, which include both biological criteria and criteria addressing each of the ESA section 4(a)(1) listing factors, as well as any other relevant data and policy considerations. We will also work with the proposed implementation structure, as described in chapter 9 of the Proposed Plan, to coordinate among existing forums, develop implementation priorities, and address science and adaptive management issues. Conclusion Section 4(f)(1)(B) of the ESA requires that recovery plans incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, (1) objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan’s goals; PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and (3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery actions. We conclude that the Proposed Plan meets the requirements of ESA section 4(f) and are proposing to adopt it as the ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead. Public Comments Solicited We are soliciting written comments on the Proposed Plan. All substantive comments received by the date specified above will be considered and incorporated, as appropriate, prior to our decision whether to approve the plan. While we invite comments on all aspects of the Proposed Plan, we are particularly interested in comments on addressing critical uncertainties in our knowledge about the early juvenile life stage survival from natal tributaries downstream into the Salmon and Snake Rivers, comments on the cost of recovery actions for which we have not yet determined implementation costs, and comments on establishing an appropriate implementation forums for the plan. We will issue a news release announcing the adoption and availability of the final plan. We will post on the NMFS West Coast Region Web site (www.wcr.noaa.gov) a summary of, and responses to, the comments received, along with electronic copies of the final plan and its appendices. Literature Cited Fresh, K. et al., 2014. Module for the Ocean Environment. NMFS Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA. https:// www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ publications/recovery_planning/salmon_ steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/ snake/ocean_module.pdf. McElhany, P., M.H. Ruckelshaus, M.J. Ford, T.C. Wainwright, and E.P. Bjorkstedt. 2000. Viable salmon populations and the recovery of evolutionarily significant units. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Tech. Memo., NMFS NWFSC 42, 156 p. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service). 2011. Columbia River Estuary ESA Recovery Plan Module for Salmon and Steelhead. NMFS Northwest Region. Portland, OR. January. Prepared for NMFS by the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership (contractor) and PC Trask & Associates, Inc., subcontractor. https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ publications/recovery_planning/salmon_ steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/ snake/estuary-mod.pdf. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service). 2014a. Supplemental recovery plan module for Snake River salmon and steelhead mainstem Columbia River hydropower projects. Portland, OR. https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ publications/recovery_planning/salmon_ steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/ E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 208 / Thursday, October 27, 2016 / Notices snake/hydro_supplemental_recovery_ plan_module_063014.pdf. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service). 2014b. Snake River Harvest Module. Portland, OR. https:// www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/ publications/recovery_planning/salmon_ steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/ snake/harvest_module_062514.pdf. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: October 21, 2016. Angela Somma, Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016–25973 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–22–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Telecommunications and Information Administration Multistakeholder Process To Promote Collaboration on Vulnerability Research Disclosure National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. ACTION: Notice of open meeting. AGENCY: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will convene a meeting of a multistakeholder process concerning the collaboration between security researchers and software and system developers and owners to address security vulnerability disclosure on November 7, 2016. DATES: The meeting will be held on November 7, 2016, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details. ADDRESSES: The meeting will be held at the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Allan Friedman, National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue NW., Room 4725, Washington, DC 20230; telephone: (202) 482–4281; email: afriedman@ntia.doc.gov. Please direct media inquiries to NTIA’s Office of Public Affairs: (202) 482–7002; email: press@ntia.doc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background: On March 19, 2015, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, working with the Department of Commerce’s Internet Policy Task Force (IPTF), issued a Request for Comment to ‘‘identify substantive cybersecurity sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:43 Oct 26, 2016 Jkt 241001 74773 issues that affect the digital ecosystem and digital economic growth where broad consensus, coordinated action, and the development of best practices could substantially improve security for organizations and consumers.’’ 1 This Request built on earlier work from the Department, including the 2011 Green Paper Cybersecurity, Innovation, and the Internet Economy,2 as well as comments the Department had received on related issues.3 On July 9, 2015, after reviewing the comments, NTIA announced that the first issue to be addressed would be ‘‘collaboration on vulnerability research disclosure,’’ 4 and subsequently announced that the first meeting of a multistakeholder process on this topic would be held on September 29, 2015, and subsequent meetings were convened on December 2, 2015, and April 8, 2016.5 Matters To Be Considered: The November 7, 2016 meeting is a continuation of a series of NTIAconvened multistakeholder discussions concerning collaboration on vulnerability disclosure. Stakeholders will engage in an open, transparent, consensus-driven process to develop voluntary principles guiding the collaboration between vendors and researchers about vulnerability information. Stakeholders will review the work of the ongoing working groups, and identify strategies for maximizing the impact of stakeholder outputs. More information about stakeholders’ work is available at: https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ other-publication/2015/ multistakeholder-process-cybersecurityvulnerabilities. Time and Date: NTIA will convene a meeting of the multistakeholder process to promote collaboration on vulnerability research disclosure on November 7, 2016, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The meeting date and time are subject to change. Please refer to NTIA’s Web site, https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/other-publication/ 2015/multistakeholder-processcybersecurity-vulnerabilities, for the most current information. Place: The meeting will be held at the American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20006. The location of the meeting is subject to change. Please refer to NTIA’s Web site, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/ other-publication/2015/ multistakeholder-process-cybersecurityvulnerabilities, for the most current information. Other Information: The meeting is open to the public and the press. The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for sign language interpretation or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Allan Friedman at (202) 482–4281 or afriedman@ntia.doc.gov at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting. The meeting will also be webcast. Requests for real-time captioning of the webcast or other auxiliary aids should be directed to Allan Friedman at (202) 482–4281 or afriedman@ntia.doc.gov at least seven (7) business days prior to the meeting. There will be an opportunity for stakeholders viewing the webcast to participate remotely in the meeting through a moderated conference bridge, including polling functionality. Access details for the meeting are subject to change. Please refer to NTIA’s Web site, https://www.ntia.doc.gov/otherpublication/2015/multistakeholderprocess-cybersecurity-vulnerabilities, for the most current information. 1 U.S. Department of Commerce, Internet Policy Task Force, Request for Public Comment, Stakeholder Engagement on Cybersecurity in the Digital Ecosystem, 80 FR 14360, Docket No. 150312253–5253–01 (Mar. 19, 2015), available at: https://www.ntia.doc.gov/files/ntia/publications/ cybersecurity_rfc_03192015.pdf. 2 U.S. Department of Commerce, Internet Policy Task Force, Cybersecurity, Innovation, and the Internet Economy (June 2011) (Green Paper), available at: https://www.nist.gov/itl/upload/ Cybersecurity_Green-Paper_FinalVersion.pdf. 3 See Comments Received in Response to Federal Register Notice Developing a Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, Docket No. 140721609–4609–01, available at: https://csrc.nist.gov/cyberframework/rfi_comments_ 10_2014.html. 4 NTIA, Enhancing the Digital Economy Through Collaboration on Vulnerability Research Disclosure (July 9, 2015), available at: https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/blog/2015/enhancing-digitaleconomy-through-collaboration-vulnerabilityresearch-disclosure. 5 NTIA, Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities, https:// www.ntia.doc.gov/other-publication/2015/ multistakeholder-process-cybersecurityvulnerabilities. Dated: October 21, 2016. Kathy D. Smith, Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 [FR Doc. 2016–25944 Filed 10–26–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–60–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Patent and Trademark Office Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Post Allowance and Refiling The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for clearance the following proposal for collection of information under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35). E:\FR\FM\27OCN1.SGM 27OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 208 (Thursday, October 27, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 74770-74773]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-25973]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

RIN 0648-XE939


Endangered and Threatened Species; Recovery Plans

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice of Availability; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, NMFS, announce that the Proposed Endangered Species Act 
(ESA) Recovery Plan for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and 
Snake River Steelhead (Proposed Plan) is available for public review 
and comment. The Proposed Plan addresses the Snake River Spring/Summer 
Chinook Salmon (Onchorhynchus tshawytscha) evolutionarily significant 
unit (ESU), which is listed as threatened under the ESA, and the Snake 
River Steelhead (Onchorhynchus mykiss) distinct population segment 
(DPS), which is listed as threatened under the ESA. The geographic area 
covered by the Proposed Plan is the lower mainstem Snake River and its 
tributaries, as well as the mainstem Columbia River below its 
confluence with the Snake River. As required under the ESA, the 
Proposed Plan contains objective, measurable delisting criteria, site-
specific management actions necessary to achieve the Proposed Plan's 
goals, and estimates of the time and cost required to implement 
recovery actions. We are soliciting review and

[[Page 74771]]

comment from the public and all interested parties on the Proposed 
Plan.

DATES: We will consider and address, as appropriate, all substantive 
comments received during the comment period. Comments on the Proposed 
Plan must be received no later than 5 p.m. Pacific daylight time on 
December 27, 2016.

ADDRESSES: Please send written comments and materials to Rosemary 
Furfey, National Marine Fisheries Service, 1201 NE. Lloyd Boulevard, 
Suite 1100, Portland, OR 97232.
    Comments may also be submitted by email to: 
nmfs_snakeriver_ssch_st_plan.wcr@noaa.gov.
    Please include ``Comments on Proposed Snake River Spring/Summer 
Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead Recovery Plan'' in the subject 
line of the email. Comments may be submitted via facsimile (fax) to 
(503) 230-5441. Electronic copies of the Proposed Plan are available on 
the NMFS Web site at: https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/salmon_steelhead/recovery_planning_and_implementation/snake_river/snake_river_sp-su_chinook_steelhead.html. Persons wishing to obtain an electronic copy 
on CD ROM of the Proposed Plan may do so by calling Bonnie Hossack at 
(503) 736-4741, or by emailing a request to bonnie.hossack@noaa.gov 
with the subject line ``CD ROM Request for Snake River Spring/Summer 
Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead Recovery Plan.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rosemary Furfey, NMFS Snake River 
Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Recovery Coordinator, at 
(503) 231-2149, or mail to: Rosemary.Furfey@noaa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    We are responsible for developing and implementing recovery plans 
for Pacific salmon and steelhead listed under the ESA of 1973, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Recovery means that the listed 
species and their ecosystems are sufficiently restored, and their 
future secured, to the point that the protections of the ESA are no 
longer necessary. Section 4(f)(1) of the ESA requires that recovery 
plans include, to the maximum extent practicable: (1) Objective, 
measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination 
that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-
specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan's goals; and 
(3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery 
actions. The ESA requires the development of recovery plans for each 
listed species unless such a plan would not promote its recovery.
    We believe it is essential to have local support of recovery plans 
by those whose activities directly affect the listed species and whose 
continued commitment and leadership will be needed to implement the 
necessary recovery actions. We, therefore, support and participate in 
collaborative efforts to develop recovery plans that involve state, 
tribal, and federal entities, local communities, and other 
stakeholders. For this Proposed Plan for threatened Snake River Spring/
Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead, we worked 
collaboratively with state, tribal, and Federal partners to produce a 
recovery plan that satisfies the ESA requirements. We have determined 
that this Proposed ESA Recovery Plan for Snake River Spring/Summer 
Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead meets the statutory 
requirements for a recovery plan and are proposing to adopt it as the 
ESA recovery plan for these threatened species. Section 4(f) of the 
ESA, as amended in 1988, requires that public notice and an opportunity 
for public review and comment be provided prior to final approval of a 
recovery plan. This notice solicits comments on this Proposed Plan.

Development of the Proposed Plan

    For the purpose of recovery planning for the ESA-listed species of 
Pacific salmon and steelhead in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, NMFS 
designated five geographically based ``recovery domains.'' The Snake 
River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon ESU and Snake River Steelhead DPS 
spawning and rearing range is in the Snake River recovery domain of the 
Interior Columbia area. For each domain, NMFS appointed a team of 
scientists, nominated for their geographic and species expertise, to 
provide a solid scientific foundation for recovery plans. The technical 
recovery team responsible for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon 
and Snake River Steelhead, the Interior Columbia Technical Recovery 
Team, included biologists from NMFS, other Federal agencies, states, 
tribes, and academic institutions.
    A primary task for the Interior Columbia Technical Recovery Team 
was to recommend criteria for determining when each component 
population within an ESU or DPS should be considered viable (i.e., when 
they have a low risk of extinction over a 100-year period) and when 
ESUs or DPSs have a risk of extinction consistent with no longer 
needing the protections of the ESA. All technical recovery teams used 
the same biological principles for developing their recommendations. 
These principles are described in the NOAA technical memorandum Viable 
Salmonid Populations and the Recovery of Evolutionarily Significant 
Units (McElhany et al., 2000). Viable salmonid populations (VSP) are 
defined in terms of four parameters: abundance; productivity or growth 
rate; spatial structure; and diversity.
    We also collaborated with state, tribal, and Federal biologists and 
resource managers to provide technical information used to write the 
Proposed Plan which is built upon locally-led recovery efforts. In 
addition, NMFS established a multi-state (Idaho, Oregon, and 
Washington), tribal, and Federal partners' regional forum called the 
Snake River Coordination Group that addresses the four ESA-listed Snake 
River salmon and steelhead species. They met twice a year to be briefed 
and provide technical and policy information to NMFS. We presented 
regular updates on the status of this Proposed Plan to the Snake River 
Coordination Group and posted draft chapters on NMFS' West Coast Region 
Snake River recovery planning Web page. We also made full drafts of the 
Proposed Plan available for review to the state, tribal, and Federal 
entities with whom we collaborated to develop the plan.
    For the purpose of recovery planning in the Snake River recovery 
domain, NMFS divided the domain into three different ``management 
units'' based on jurisdictional boundaries, as well as areas where 
local planning efforts were underway. The three Snake River domain 
management units include: the Northeast Oregon unit; Southeast 
Washington unit; and the Idaho unit. A recovery plan addressing 
tributary conditions for both species was developed for each management 
unit. All three management unit plans were developed in coordination 
with respective Federal, state, and local agencies, tribes, and others. 
This Proposed Plan synthesizes relevant information from the three 
management unit plans at the species level and includes them as 
appendices: Appendix A is the Northeast Oregon Management Unit Plan; 
Appendix B is the Southeast Washington Management Unit Plan; and 
Appendix C is the Idaho Management Unit Plan.
    In addition to the Proposed Plan, we developed and incorporated the 
Module for the Ocean Environment (Fresh et al. 2014) as Appendix D to 
address Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River 
Steelhead recovery

[[Page 74772]]

needs in the Columbia River estuary, plume, and Pacific Ocean. To 
address recovery needs related to the Lower Columbia River mainstem and 
estuary, we incorporated the Columbia River Estuary ESA Recovery Plan 
Module for Salmon and Steelhead (NMFS 2011a) as Appendix E. To address 
recovery needs for fishery harvest management in the mainstem Snake and 
Columbia Rivers, Columbia River estuary, and ocean, we developed and 
incorporated the Snake River Harvest Module (NMFS 2014a) as Appendix F. 
To address recovery needs related to the Columbia River Hydropower 
System, we developed and incorporated the Supplemental Recovery Plan 
Module for Snake River Salmon and Steelhead Mainstem Columbia River 
Hydropower Projects (NMFS 2014b) as Appendix G of this Proposed Plan.
    The Proposed Plan, including the three management unit plans and 
four modules, is now available for public review and comment.

Contents of Proposed Plan

    The Proposed Plan contains biological background and contextual 
information that includes descriptions of the ESU and DPS, the planning 
area, and the context of the plan's development. It presents relevant 
information on ESU and DPS structure, guidelines for assessing salmonid 
population and ESU and DPS status, and a brief summary of Interior 
Columbia Technical Recovery Team products on population structure and 
species status. It also presents NMFS' proposed biological viability 
criteria and threats criteria for delisting each species.
    The Proposed Plan also describes specific information on the 
following: Current status of Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon 
and Snake River Steelhead (Chapter 4); limiting factors and threats 
throughout the life cycle that have contributed to each species' 
decline (Chapter 5); recovery strategies and actions addressing these 
limiting factors and threats (Chapter 6); and a proposed research, 
monitoring, and evaluation program for adaptive management (Chapter 7). 
For recovery actions, the Proposed Plan incorporates the site-specific 
actions in each management unit plan, together with the associated 
location, life stage affected and potential implementing entity. The 
Proposed Plan also summarizes time and costs (Chapter 8) required to 
implement recovery actions. In some cases, costs of implementing 
actions could not be determined at this time and NMFS is interested in 
additional information regarding scale, scope, and costs of these 
actions. We are also particularly interested in comments on 
establishing appropriate forums (Chapter 9) to coordinate 
implementation of the Proposed Plan. We are also interested in 
information to address critical uncertainties identified in the 
Proposed Plan, particularly regarding causes of mortality of juvenile 
fish as they move from natal tributaries into the Salmon and Snake 
Rivers during migration to the Pacific Ocean.

How NMFS and Others Expect To Use the Plan

    With approval of the final recovery plan, we will commit to 
implement the actions in the plan for which we have responsibility, 
authority, and funding; encourage other Federal and state agencies and 
tribal governments to implement recovery actions for which they have 
responsibility, authority, and funding; and work cooperatively with the 
public and local stakeholders on implementation of other actions. We 
expect the recovery plan to guide us and other Federal agencies in 
evaluating Federal actions under ESA section 7, as well as in 
implementing other provisions of the ESA and other statutes. For 
example, the plan will provide greater biological context for 
evaluating the effects that a proposed action may have on a species by 
providing delisting criteria, information on priority areas for 
addressing specific limiting factors, and information on how the ESU 
and DPS can tolerate varying levels of risk.
    When we are considering a species for delisting, the agency will 
examine whether the section 4(a)(1) listing factors have been 
addressed. To assist in this examination, we will use the delisting 
criteria described in section 3.4 of the Proposed Plan, which include 
both biological criteria and criteria addressing each of the ESA 
section 4(a)(1) listing factors, as well as any other relevant data and 
policy considerations.
    We will also work with the proposed implementation structure, as 
described in chapter 9 of the Proposed Plan, to coordinate among 
existing forums, develop implementation priorities, and address science 
and adaptive management issues.

Conclusion

    Section 4(f)(1)(B) of the ESA requires that recovery plans 
incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, (1) objective, 
measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a determination 
that the species is no longer threatened or endangered; (2) site-
specific management actions necessary to achieve the plan's goals; and 
(3) estimates of the time required and costs to implement recovery 
actions. We conclude that the Proposed Plan meets the requirements of 
ESA section 4(f) and are proposing to adopt it as the ESA Recovery Plan 
for Snake River Spring/Summer Chinook Salmon and Snake River Steelhead.

Public Comments Solicited

    We are soliciting written comments on the Proposed Plan. All 
substantive comments received by the date specified above will be 
considered and incorporated, as appropriate, prior to our decision 
whether to approve the plan. While we invite comments on all aspects of 
the Proposed Plan, we are particularly interested in comments on 
addressing critical uncertainties in our knowledge about the early 
juvenile life stage survival from natal tributaries downstream into the 
Salmon and Snake Rivers, comments on the cost of recovery actions for 
which we have not yet determined implementation costs, and comments on 
establishing an appropriate implementation forums for the plan. We will 
issue a news release announcing the adoption and availability of the 
final plan. We will post on the NMFS West Coast Region Web site 
(www.wcr.noaa.gov) a summary of, and responses to, the comments 
received, along with electronic copies of the final plan and its 
appendices.

Literature Cited

Fresh, K. et al., 2014. Module for the Ocean Environment. NMFS 
Northwest Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, WA. https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/recovery_planning/salmon_steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/snake/ocean_module.pdf.
McElhany, P., M.H. Ruckelshaus, M.J. Ford, T.C. Wainwright, and E.P. 
Bjorkstedt. 2000. Viable salmon populations and the recovery of 
evolutionarily significant units. U.S. Dept. of Commerce, NOAA Tech. 
Memo., NMFS NWFSC 42, 156 p. NMFS (National Marine Fisheries 
Service). 2011. Columbia River Estuary ESA Recovery Plan Module for 
Salmon and Steelhead. NMFS Northwest Region. Portland, OR. January. 
Prepared for NMFS by the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership 
(contractor) and PC Trask & Associates, Inc., subcontractor. https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/recovery_planning/salmon_steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/snake/estuary-mod.pdf.
NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service). 2014a. Supplemental 
recovery plan module for Snake River salmon and steelhead mainstem 
Columbia River hydropower projects. Portland, OR. https://
www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/recovery_planning/
salmon_steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/

[[Page 74773]]

snake/hydro_supplemental_recovery_plan_module_063014.pdf.
NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service). 2014b. Snake River Harvest 
Module. Portland, OR. https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/publications/recovery_planning/salmon_steelhead/domains/interior_columbia/snake/harvest_module_062514.pdf.

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.

    Dated: October 21, 2016.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Conservation Division, Office of Protected 
Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-25973 Filed 10-26-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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