Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the California Tiger Salamander; La Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project, Santa Barbara County, California, 47571-47572 [2017-22092]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Notices Canada, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. This notification covers a single export conducted by the applicant. Applicant: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Omaha, NE; PRT–15139C The applicant requests a permit to import biological samples collected from live, wild animals of the various genera: Allocebus, Avahi, Cheirogaleus, Daubentonia, Eulemur, Hapalemur, Indri, Lemur, Lepilemur, Microcebus, Mirza, Phaner, Prolemur, Propithecus, and Varecia, for the purposes of scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5-year period. Applicant: Jack Phillips, Gladewater, TX; PRT–67438A The applicant requests a renewal permit to cull red lechwe (Kobus leche) for the purpose of enhancing the propagation and survival of the species. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5year period. Museum Applicant Applicant: American Museum of Natural History, New York, NY; PRT– 761887 The applicant requests a renewal permit to export and reimport nonliving museum specimens of endangered and threatened species previously accessioned into the applicant’s collection for scientific research. This notification covers activities to be conducted by the applicant over a 5year period. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES Trophy Applicant Applicant: David A. Gitilitz, Aspen, CO; PRT–40731C The applicant requests a permit to import a sport-hunted trophy of a male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus pygargus) culled from a captive herd maintained under the management program of the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. This notification covers a single import conducted by the applicant. IV. Next Steps If the Service decides to issue permits to any of the applicants listed in this notice, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register. You may locate the Federal Register notice announcing the permit issuance date by searching regulations.gov under the permit number listed in this document. V. Public Comments You may submit your comments and materials concerning this notice by one VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:35 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We will not consider comments sent by email or fax or to an address not listed in ADDRESSES. If you submit a comment via regulations.gov, your entire comment, including any personal identifying information, will be posted on the Web site. If you submit a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy comments on regulations.gov. VI. Authority The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Joyce Russell, Government Information Specialist, Branch of Permits, Division of Management Authority. [FR Doc. 2017–21977 Filed 10–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–ES–2017–N121; FXES11130800000–178–FF08EVEN00] Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the California Tiger Salamander; La Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project, Santa Barbara County, California AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Protek Investments, LLC for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The permit would authorize take of the federally endangered California tiger salamander (Santa Barbara distinct population segment), incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the La Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project draft loweffect habitat conservation plan. We invite public comment. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 13, 2017. SUMMARY: To obtain documents: You may download a copy of the draft habitat conservation plan and draft low- ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 47571 effect screening form and environmental action statement at https://www.fws.gov/ ventura/, or you may request copies of the documents by sending U.S. mail to our Ventura office, or by phone (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). To submit written comments: Please send us your written comments using one of the following methods: • U.S. mail: Send your comments to: Stephen P. Henry, Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003. • Facsimile: Fax your comments to 805–644–3958. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Henry, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, 805–677–3312 (phone), or at the Ventura address in ADDRESSES. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from Protek Investments, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA). The applicant has agreed to follow all of the conditions in the draft habitat conservation plan for the project. The permit would authorize take of the Santa Barbara distinct population segment of the federally endangered California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the draft La Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). We invite public comment on the application, the draft HCP, draft loweffect screening form, and environmental action statement. Background The Santa Barbara distinct population segment (DPS) of the California tiger salamander was listed by the Service as endangered on September 21, 2000 (65 FR 57242). Section 9 of the ESA and its implementing regulations prohibit the ‘‘take’’ of fish or wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. ‘‘Take’’ is defined under the ESA to include the following activities: ‘‘[T]o 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); however, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA, we may issue permits to authorize incidental take of listed species. ‘‘Incidental take’’ is defined by the ESA as take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing incidental take permits for threatened and endangered species are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.32 and 17.22, respectively. Under the E:\FR\FM\12OCN1.SGM 12OCN1 47572 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 196 / Thursday, October 12, 2017 / Notices ESA, protections for federally listed plants differ from the protections afforded to federally listed animals. Issuance of an incidental take permit also must not jeopardize the existence of federally listed fish, wildlife, or plant species. All species included in the incidental take permit would receive assurances under our ‘‘No Surprises’’ regulations (50 CFR 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5)). Authority FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: We provide this notice under section 10 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). Dated: October 4, 2017. Stephen P. Henry, Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, Ventura, California. [FR Doc. 2017–22092 Filed 10–11–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P Applicant’s Proposed Activities The applicant has applied for a permit for incidental take of the California tiger salamander. The potential take will occur in association with activities necessary for the implementation of the installation of a 3 acre solar array project. The site includes suitable upland habitat for the California tiger salamander. The HCP includes avoidance and minimization measures for the covered species. As mitigation for unavoidable loss of occupied upland habitat the applicant is supporting recovery goals for the California tiger salamander by facilitating and funding survey work to detect the presence of invasive barred tiger salamanders in the area. Our Preliminary Determination The Service has made a preliminary determination that issuance of the incidental take permit is neither a major Federal action that will significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the meaning of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; NEPA), nor will it individually or cumulatively have more than a negligible effect on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, the permit qualifies for a categorical exclusion under NEPA. Public Comments If you wish to comment on the permit application, draft HCP, and associated documents, you may submit comments by one of the methods in ADDRESSES. asabaliauskas on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with NOTICES Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your 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 view, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. VerDate Sep<11>2014 22:35 Oct 11, 2017 Jkt 244001 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–ES–2017–N134; FXES11130800000–178–FF08EVEN00] Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the California Tiger Salamander; Rice Ranch Development Project, Santa Barbara County, California 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 John Scardino of Highlands at Double R, LLC for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The permit would authorize take of the federally endangered California tiger salamander (Santa Barbara distinct population segment), incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the Rice Ranch Development Project draft low-effect habitat conservation plan. We invite public comment. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 13, 2017. SUMMARY: To obtain documents: You may download a copy of the draft habitat conservation plan and draft loweffect screening form and environmental action statement at https://www.fws.gov/ ventura/, or you may request copies of the documents by sending U.S. mail to our Ventura office, or by phone (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). To submit written comments: Please send us your written comments using one of the following methods: • U.S. mail: Send your comments to: Stephen P. Henry, Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003. • Facsimile: Fax your comments to 805–644–3958. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00127 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Rachel Henry, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, 805–677–3312 (phone), or at the Ventura address in ADDRESSES. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from John Scardino of Highlands at Double R, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA). The applicant has agreed to follow all of the conditions in the draft habitat conservation plan for the project. The permit would authorize take of the Santa Barbara distinct population segment of the federally endangered California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the draft Rice Ranch Development Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). We invite public comment on the application, the draft HCP, draft low-effect screening form, and environmental action statement. Background The Santa Barbara distinct population segment (DPS) of the California tiger salamander was listed by the Service as endangered on September 21, 2000 (65 FR 57242). Section 9 of the ESA and its implementing regulations prohibit the ‘‘take’’ of fish or wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened. ‘‘Take’’ is defined under the ESA to include the following activities: ‘‘[T]o 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); however, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA, we may issue permits to authorize incidental take of listed species. ‘‘Incidental take’’ is defined by the ESA as take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out of an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing incidental take permits for threatened and endangered species are in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.32 and 17.22, respectively. Under the ESA, protections for federally listed plants differ from the protections afforded to federally listed animals. Issuance of an incidental take permit also must not jeopardize the existence of federally listed fish, wildlife, or plant species. The permittee would receive assurances under our ‘‘No Surprises’’ regulations (50 CFR 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5)) regarding conservation activities for the California tiger salamander. Applicant’s Proposed Activities The applicant has applied for a permit for incidental take of the California tiger salamander. The potential take will E:\FR\FM\12OCN1.SGM 12OCN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 196 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47571-47572]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-22092]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2017-N121; FXES11130800000-178-FF08EVEN00]


Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Draft Low-
Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the California Tiger Salamander; 
La Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project, Santa Barbara County, 
California

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 Protek Investments, LLC for an incidental 
take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The 
permit would authorize take of the federally endangered California 
tiger salamander (Santa Barbara distinct population segment), 
incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the La 
Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project draft low-effect habitat 
conservation plan. We invite public comment.

DATES: Written comments should be received on or before November 13, 
2017.

ADDRESSES: To obtain documents: You may download a copy of the draft 
habitat conservation plan and draft low-effect screening form and 
environmental action statement at https://www.fws.gov/ventura/, or you 
may request copies of the documents by sending U.S. mail to our Ventura 
office, or by phone (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    To submit written comments: Please send us your written comments 
using one of the following methods:
     U.S. mail: Send your comments to: Stephen P. Henry, Field 
Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003.
     Facsimile: Fax your comments to 805-644-3958.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Henry, Fish and Wildlife 
Biologist, 805-677-3312 (phone), or at the Ventura address in 
ADDRESSES.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from Protek 
Investments, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; 
ESA). The applicant has agreed to follow all of the conditions in the 
draft habitat conservation plan for the project. The permit would 
authorize take of the Santa Barbara distinct population segment of the 
federally endangered California tiger salamander (Ambystoma 
californiense) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated 
with the draft La Purisima Golf Course Solar Array Project Habitat 
Conservation Plan (HCP). We invite public comment on the application, 
the draft HCP, draft low-effect screening form, and environmental 
action statement.

Background

    The Santa Barbara distinct population segment (DPS) of the 
California tiger salamander was listed by the Service as endangered on 
September 21, 2000 (65 FR 57242). Section 9 of the ESA and its 
implementing regulations prohibit the ``take'' of fish or wildlife 
species listed as endangered or threatened. ``Take'' is defined under 
the ESA to include the following activities: ``[T]o 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); however, 
under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA, we may issue permits to authorize 
incidental take of listed species. ``Incidental take'' is defined by 
the ESA as take that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying 
out of an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing incidental 
take permits for threatened and endangered species are in the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.32 and 17.22, respectively. 
Under the

[[Page 47572]]

ESA, protections for federally listed plants differ from the 
protections afforded to federally listed animals. Issuance of an 
incidental take permit also must not jeopardize the existence of 
federally listed fish, wildlife, or plant species. All species included 
in the incidental take permit would receive assurances under our ``No 
Surprises'' regulations (50 CFR 17.22(b)(5) and 17.32(b)(5)).

Applicant's Proposed Activities

    The applicant has applied for a permit for incidental take of the 
California tiger salamander. The potential take will occur in 
association with activities necessary for the implementation of the 
installation of a 3 acre solar array project. The site includes 
suitable upland habitat for the California tiger salamander. The HCP 
includes avoidance and minimization measures for the covered species. 
As mitigation for unavoidable loss of occupied upland habitat the 
applicant is supporting recovery goals for the California tiger 
salamander by facilitating and funding survey work to detect the 
presence of invasive barred tiger salamanders in the area.

Our Preliminary Determination

    The Service has made a preliminary determination that issuance of 
the incidental take permit is neither a major Federal action that will 
significantly affect the quality of the human environment within the 
meaning of section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; NEPA), nor will it individually or 
cumulatively have more than a negligible effect on the species covered 
in the HCP. Therefore, the permit qualifies for a categorical exclusion 
under NEPA.

Public Comments

    If you wish to comment on the permit application, draft HCP, and 
associated documents, you may submit comments by one of the methods in 
ADDRESSES.

Public Availability of Comments

    Before including your address, phone number, email address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that your 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 view, we cannot guarantee that we will be able 
to do so.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.) and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).

    Dated: October 4, 2017.
Stephen P. Henry,
Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, Ventura, 
California.
[FR Doc. 2017-22092 Filed 10-11-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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