Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment for the Release of Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree, 6355-6356 [2019-03322]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 39 / Wednesday, February 27, 2019 / Notices An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Title: Lacey Act Declaration Requirements; Plants and Plant Products. OMB Control Number: 0579–0349. Summary of Collection: The Lacey Act, first enacted in 1900 and significantly amended in 1988, is the United States’ oldest Wildlife Protection Statute. The Act combats trafficking in ‘‘illegal’’ wildlife, fish, or plants. The Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, which took effect May 22, 2008, amended the Lacey Act by expanding its protection to a broader range of plants and plant products (Section 8204, Prevention of Illegal Logging Practices). Need and Use of the Information: Under the amended Lacey Act, importers are required to submit a declaration form (PPQ 505) for all plants. The PPQ 505B is the supplemental form which is provided the declarer if additional space is needed to enter the required information. The declaration must contain, among other things, the scientific name of the plant, value of the importation, quantity of the plant, and name of the country from which the plant was harvested. If species varies or is unknown, importers will have to declare the name of each species that may have been used to produce the product. This information will be used to support investigations into illegal logging practices by the Justice Department and also acts as a deterrent to illegal logging practices worldwide. Description of Respondents: Business or other for-profit. Number of Respondents: 26,044. Frequency of Responses: Recordkeeping; Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 338,019. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2019–03389 Filed 2–26–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Feb 26, 2019 Jkt 247001 DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request February 22, 2019. The Department of Agriculture has submitted the following information collection requirement(s) to OMB for review and clearance under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. Comments are requested regarding (1) whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of burden including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology. Comments regarding this information collection received by March 29, 2019 will be considered. Written comments should be addressed to: Desk Officer for Agriculture, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), New Executive Office Building, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20502. Commenters are encouraged to submit their comments to OMB via email to: OIRA_Submission@OMB.EOP.GOV or fax (202) 395–5806 and to Departmental Clearance Office, USDA, OCIO, Mail Stop 7602, Washington, DC 20250– 7602. Copies of the submission(s) may be obtained by calling (202) 720–8958. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection of information displays a currently valid OMB control number and the agency informs potential persons who are to respond to the collection of information that such persons are not required to respond to the collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. Agricultural Research Service Title: Your Perspective on Your Grasslands in the Northern Great Plains. OMB Control Number: 0518–NEW. Summary of Collection: The Agricultural Research Service within the Department of Agriculture will conduct a mail survey. This survey is a key component of a project that will provide comprehensive evaluation of PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 6355 the ecological and social benefits, cots and risks of different land management practices in northern Great Plains grasslands invaded by Kentucky bluegrass. Need and Use of the Information: The survey will collect information from a randomly selected subset of landowners in 9 Counties in North Dakota to asses and identify sustainable management practices of northern Great Plains grasslands. The information gathered from the survey will enable researchers to more effectively transfer information to landowners to increase the impact of this research on the agricultural community of the norther Great Plains. Description of Respondents: Individuals or households; Farms. Number of Respondents: 718. Frequency of Responses: Reporting: On occasion. Total Burden Hours: 180. Ruth Brown, Departmental Information Collection Clearance Officer. [FR Doc. 2019–03347 Filed 2–26–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–03–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service [Docket No. APHIS–2018–0075] Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment for the Release of Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to permitting the release of Calophya latiforceps and Pseudophilothrips ichini for the biological control of Brazilian peppertree, a significant invasive weed, within the contiguous United States. Based on the environmental assessment and other relevant data, we have reached a preliminary determination that the release of these control agents will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. We are making the environmental assessment available to the public for review and comment. DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 29, 2019. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods: SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1 6356 Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 39 / Wednesday, February 27, 2019 / Notices • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docket Detail;D=APHIS-2018-0075. • Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to Docket No. APHIS–2018–0075, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A–03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737–1238. Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may be viewed at https:// www.regulations.gov/#!docket Detail;D=APHIS-2018-0075 or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1141 of the USDA South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 7997039 before coming. Dr. Colin D. Stewart, Assistant Director, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, Permitting and Compliance Coordination, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, Riverdale, MD 20737– 1231; (301) 851–2327, email: Colin.Stewart@aphis.usda.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brazilian peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia) is an evergreen perennial shrub or small tree found in various southern States but grows primarily in Florida. This noxious weed poses a serious threat to biodiversity in many ecosystems and invades areas such as canal banks, fallow farmlands, and natural communities. Brazilian peppertree’s invasiveness can be attributed to its tolerance to fire, drought, and shade. Since the late 1800s, Brazilian peppertree has been introduced as an ornamental plant into many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Brazilian peppertree was introduced in Florida and Hawaii as an attractive ornamental and source for honeybee nectar. The dried fruits of Brazilian peppertree have been used as a spice for cooking and are sold in the United States and elsewhere. In the United States, Brazilian peppertree occurs in Florida, Texas, California, Hawaii, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The insects Calophya latiforceps, ‘‘jumping plant-lice,’’ and Pseudophilothrips ichini were chosen as potential biological control agents. Both agents are expected to reduce the severity of infestations of Brazilian peppertree, and both are known to be highly host specific due to their intimate relationships with their host plants. amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:07 Feb 26, 2019 Jkt 247001 The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service’s (APHIS’) review and analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed release are documented in detail in an environmental assessment (EA) entitled ‘‘Field Release of the Insects Calophya latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) and Pseudophilothrips ichini (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) for Classical Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree in the Contiguous United States’’ (January 2018). We are making the EA available to the public for review and comment. We will consider all comments that we receive on or before the date listed under the heading DATES at the beginning of this notice. The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov website or in our reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to Regulations.gov and information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may also request paper copies of the EA by calling or writing to the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the title of the EA when requesting copies. The EA has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500–1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) APHIS’ NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372). Done in Washington, DC, this 21st day of February 2019. Kevin Shea, Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. [FR Doc. 2019–03322 Filed 2–26–19; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3410–34–P DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Virginia Resource Advisory Committee Forest Service, USDA. Notice of meeting. AGENCY: ACTION: The Virginia Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will meet in Roanoke, VA. The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community SelfDetermination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act. Additional RAC information, including the meeting agenda and the meeting summary/minutes can be found at the following website: www.fs.fed.us/ r8/gwj. DATES: The meeting will be held on March 15, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. All RAC meetings are subject to cancellation. For status of meeting prior to attendance, please contact the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. ADDRESSES: The meetings will be held at the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Supervisor’s Office, Conference Room, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia. Written comments may be submitted as described under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. All comments, including names and addresses when provided, are placed in the record and are available for public inspection and copying. The public may inspect comments received at the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests Supervisor’s Office. Please call ahead to facilitate entry into the building. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rebecca Robbins, RAC Coordinator by phone at (540) 265–5173 or via email at rebecca.robbins@usda.gov. Individuals who use telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–8339 between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The purpose of the meeting is to prioritize and recommend projects for Title II funds. The committee will also use the meeting to nominate and vote on a Chairperson. The meeting is open to the public. The agenda will include time for people to make oral statements of three minutes or less. Individuals wishing to make an oral statement should request in writing by March 6, 2019 to be scheduled on the agenda. Anyone who would like to bring related matters to the attention of the committee may file written statements with the committee staff before or after the meeting. Written comments and requests for time for oral comments must be sent to Rebecca Robbins, RAC Coordinator, George Washington and Jefferson NF Supervisor’s Office, 5162 Valleypointe Parkway, Roanoke, Virginia 24019; or by email to rebecca.robbins@usda.gov. E:\FR\FM\27FEN1.SGM 27FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 39 (Wednesday, February 27, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 6355-6356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-03322]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

[Docket No. APHIS-2018-0075]


Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment for the 
Release of Biological Control of Brazilian Peppertree

AGENCY: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY: We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service has prepared an environmental assessment relative to 
permitting the release of Calophya latiforceps and Pseudophilothrips 
ichini for the biological control of Brazilian peppertree, a 
significant invasive weed, within the contiguous United States. Based 
on the environmental assessment and other relevant data, we have 
reached a preliminary determination that the release of these control 
agents will not have a significant impact on the quality of the human 
environment. We are making the environmental assessment available to 
the public for review and comment.

DATES: We will consider all comments that we receive on or before March 
29, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by either of the following methods:

[[Page 6356]]

     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2018-0075.
     Postal Mail/Commercial Delivery: Send your comment to 
Docket No. APHIS-2018-0075, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, 
APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-
1238.
    Supporting documents and any comments we receive on this docket may 
be viewed at https://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=APHIS-2018-
0075 or in our reading room, which is located in Room 1141 of the USDA 
South Building, 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC. 
Normal reading room hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through 
Friday, except holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, 
please call (202) 7997039 before coming.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dr. Colin D. Stewart, Assistant 
Director, Pests, Pathogens, and Biocontrol Permits, Permitting and 
Compliance Coordination, PPQ, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 133, 
Riverdale, MD 20737-1231; (301) 851-2327, email: 
Colin.Stewart@aphis.usda.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Brazilian peppertree (Schinus 
terebinthifolia) is an evergreen perennial shrub or small tree found in 
various southern States but grows primarily in Florida. This noxious 
weed poses a serious threat to biodiversity in many ecosystems and 
invades areas such as canal banks, fallow farmlands, and natural 
communities. Brazilian peppertree's invasiveness can be attributed to 
its tolerance to fire, drought, and shade. Since the late 1800s, 
Brazilian peppertree has been introduced as an ornamental plant into 
many tropical and subtropical regions around the world. Brazilian 
peppertree was introduced in Florida and Hawaii as an attractive 
ornamental and source for honeybee nectar. The dried fruits of 
Brazilian peppertree have been used as a spice for cooking and are sold 
in the United States and elsewhere. In the United States, Brazilian 
peppertree occurs in Florida, Texas, California, Hawaii, the 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
    The insects Calophya latiforceps, ``jumping plant-lice,'' and 
Pseudophilothrips ichini were chosen as potential biological control 
agents. Both agents are expected to reduce the severity of infestations 
of Brazilian peppertree, and both are known to be highly host specific 
due to their intimate relationships with their host plants.
    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's (APHIS') review 
and analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with the 
proposed release are documented in detail in an environmental 
assessment (EA) entitled ``Field Release of the Insects Calophya 
latiforceps (Hemiptera: Calophyidae) and Pseudophilothrips ichini 
(Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) for Classical Biological Control of 
Brazilian Peppertree in the Contiguous United States'' (January 2018). 
We are making the EA available to the public for review and comment. We 
will consider all comments that we receive on or before the date listed 
under the heading DATES at the beginning of this notice.
    The EA may be viewed on the Regulations.gov website or in our 
reading room (see ADDRESSES above for a link to Regulations.gov and 
information on the location and hours of the reading room). You may 
also request paper copies of the EA by calling or writing to the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Please refer to the title 
of the EA when requesting copies.
    The EA has been prepared in accordance with: (1) The National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.), (2) regulations of the Council on Environmental Quality for 
implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-
1508), (3) USDA regulations implementing NEPA (7 CFR part 1b), and (4) 
APHIS' NEPA Implementing Procedures (7 CFR part 372).

    Done in Washington, DC, this 21st day of February 2019.
Kevin Shea,
Administrator, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-03322 Filed 2-26-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-34-P
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