Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert Buckwheat, 49045-49046 [2021-18806]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 167 / Wednesday, September 1, 2021 / Notices Description of the need for the information and proposed use: The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended (the Act), at sections 102(a)(6) and 102(e) requires that any county seeking qualification as an urban county notify each unit of general local government within the county that such unit may elect to have its population excluded from that of the urban county. Section 102(d) of the Act specifies that the period of qualification will be three years. Based on these statutory provisions, counties seeking qualification or requalification as urban counties under the CDBG program must provide information to HUD every three years identifying the units of general local governments (UGLGs) within the county participating as a part of the county for purposes of receiving CDBG funds. The population of UGLGs for each eligible urban county is used in HUD’s allocation of CDBG funds for all entitlement and State CDBG grantees. New York Towns may qualify as metropolitan cities if they are able to secure the participation of all of the villages located within their boundaries. Any New York Town that is located in an urban county may choose to leave that urban county when that county is requalifying. That New York Town will be required to notify the urban county in advance of its decision to decline participation in the urban county’s CDBG program and complete the metropolitan city qualification process. Respondents: (i.e., affected public): Urban counties that are eligible as entitlement grantees of the CDBG program. Estimation Number of Respondents: There are currently 192 qualified urban counties participating in the CDBG program that must requalify every three years. Frequency of Response: On average, two new counties qualify each year. The burden on new counties is greater than for existing counties that requalify. The Department estimates new grantees use, on average, 115 hours to review instructions, contact communities in the county, prepare and review agreements, obtain legal opinions, have agreements executed at the local and county level, and prepare and transmit copies of required documents to HUD. The Department estimates that counties that are requalifying use, on average, 67 hours to complete these actions. The time savings on requalification is primarily a result of a grantee’s ability to use agreements with no specified end date. Use of such ‘‘renewable’’ agreements enables the grantee to merely notify affected participating UGLGs in writing that their agreement VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:09 Aug 31, 2021 Jkt 253001 will automatically be renewed unless the UGLG terminates the agreement in writing, rather than executing a new agreement every three years. Average of 2 new urban counties qualify per year: 2 × 115 hrs = 230 hrs. 192 grantees requalify on triennial basis; average annual number of respondents = 63: 63 × 67 hrs. = 4,221 hrs. Total combined burden hours: 4,451 hours. This total number of combined burden hours can be expected to increase annually by 1,200 hours, given the average of two new urban counties becoming eligible entitlement grantees each year. B. Solicitation of Public Comment This notice is soliciting comments from members of the public and affected parties concerning the collection of information described in Section A on the following: (1) Whether the proposed 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 the burden of the proposed collection of information; (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 collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses. HUD encourages interested parties to submit comment in response to these questions. 49045 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–ES–2021–N013; FXES11130100000–212–FF01E00000] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert Buckwheat Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for review and public comment. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert buckwheat (Eriogonum codium), listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and endemic to Benton County, Washington. We request review and comment on this draft recovery plan from Federal, State, and local agencies; Native American Tribes; and the public. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or before November 1, 2021. However, we will accept information about any species at any time. SUMMARY: ADDRESSES: Document availability: Obtain the recovery plan on the internet at https:// www.fws.gov/endangered/species/ recovery-plans.html or https:// www.fws.gov/pacific/ecoservices/ endangered/recovery/plans.html. Comment submission: You may submit written comments and materials by one of the following methods: • U.S. Mail: Jeff Krupka, Central Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 215 Melody Lane, Suite 103, Wenatchee, WA 98801–8122. • Email: WFWO_LR@fws.gov. C. Authority FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Thompson, State Supervisor, U.S. Fish Section 3507 of the Paperwork and Wildlife Service, Washington Fish Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Drive Chapter 35. SE, Suite 101, Lacey, WA 98502; Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary telephone 360–753–9440. If you use a for Community Planning and telecommunications device for the deaf, Development, James Arthur Jemison II, call the Federal Relay Service at 1–800– having reviewed and approved this 877–8339. document, is delegating the authority to SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the electronically sign this document to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), submitter, Aaron Santa Anna, who is announce the availability of the Draft the Federal Register Liaison for HUD, Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert for purposes of publication in the Buckwheat (Eriogonum codium). The Federal Register. species, listed as threatened under the Aaron Santa Anna, Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Federal Liaison for the Department of Housing amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and Urban Development. is a plant endemic to Umtanum Ridge [FR Doc. 2021–18840 Filed 8–31–21; 8:45 am] of Benton County, Washington. The draft recovery plan includes specific BILLING CODE 4210–67–P PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\01SEN1.SGM 01SEN1 49046 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 167 / Wednesday, September 1, 2021 / Notices goals, objectives, and criteria that should be met prior to our consideration of removing the species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. We request review and comment on this draft recovery plan from Federal, State, and local agencies; Native American Tribes; and the public. Background The Umtanum desert buckwheat is a long-lived perennial that occurs in a narrow, discontinuous band on Umtanum Ridge at least 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long. This plant is closely associated with Lolo Flow lithosol soils in the Lower Columbia River Basin in the State of Washington. In April 2013 and as reaffirmed in December 2013, the Umtanum desert buckwheat found along sparsely vegetated, north-facing basalt cliff of Umtanum Ridge in central Washington State, was listed as a threatened species pursuant to the Act (78 FR 23983; April 23, 2013; 78 FR 76995; December 20, 2013). khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES Recovery Planning Process Recovery of endangered and threatened animals and plants is a primary goal of our endangered species program. To help guide the recovery effort, we prepare recovery plans for most listed species. Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for conservation of the species, establish criteria for downlisting or delisting, and estimate time and cost for implementing recovery measures. Recovery Planning and Implementation The Service has recently revised its approach to recovery planning and is now using a new process termed recovery planning and implementation (RPI) (see https://www.fws.gov/ endangered/esa-library/pdf/RPI.pdf). The RPI approach is intended to reduce the time needed to develop and implement recovery plans, increase recovery plan relevancy over a longer timeframe, and add flexibility to recovery plans so they can be adjusted to address new information or circumstances. Under RPI, a recovery plan includes the statutorily required elements under section 4(f) of the Act (i.e., objective and measurable recovery criteria, site-specific management actions, and estimates of time and costs), along with a concise introduction and our strategy for how we plan to achieve species recovery. The RPI recovery plan is supported by two supplementary documents: A species status assessment or biological species report, which describes the best available scientific information related VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:09 Aug 31, 2021 Jkt 253001 to the biological needs of the species and assessment of threats; and the recovery implementation strategy, which details the particular near-term activities needed to implement the recovery actions identified in the recovery plan. Under this approach, we can incorporate new information on species biology or details of recovery implementation by updating these supplementary documents without concurrent revision of the entire recovery plan, unless changes to statutorily required elements are necessary. Recovery Plan Components The primary recovery strategy for the Umtanum desert buckwheat is to increase the capability of the single population to withstand stochastic events, establish new populations to provide a safety margin against catastrophic events, and to increase the ecological and/or genetic diversity of the species. Recovery will hinge on establishing self-sustaining populations, improving habitat, reducing threats, and preserving or enhancing the ability of individuals to survive and reproduce in the range of conditions they are likely to experience. We may initiate an assessment of whether recovery has been achieved and delisting is warranted when the recovery criteria have been met, including once a sixth population has been discovered or established on conserved lands and is managed in a way that is compatible with Umtanum desert buckwheat conservation. Request for Public Comments Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to provide public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment during recovery plan development. It is also our policy to request peer review of recovery plans (59 FR 34270; July 1, 1994). In an appendix to the approved final recovery plan, we will summarize and respond to the substantive comments raised during public comment and peer review. Substantive comments may or may not result in changes to the recovery plan. Comments regarding recovery plan implementation will be forwarded as appropriate to Federal or other entities so that they can be taken into account during the course of implementing recovery actions. We will consider all comments we receive by the date specified in DATES prior to final approval of the plan. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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 review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Authority The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Robyn Thorson, Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2021–18806 Filed 8–31–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs [212A2100DD/AAKC001030/ A0A501010.999900253G] Indian Gaming; Approval of TribalState Class III Gaming Compact in the State of Washington Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice publishes the approval of Third Amendment to the Tribal-State Compact (Amendment) for Class III Gaming between the Spokane Tribe (Tribe) and the State of Washington (State). DATES: The amendment takes effect on September 1, 2021. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Paula L. Hart, Director, Office of Indian Gaming, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary—Policy and Economic Development, Washington, DC 20240, paula.hart@bia.gov, (202) 219–4066. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under section 11 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), Public Law 100– 497, 25 U.S.C. 2701 et seq., the Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register notice of approved Tribal-State compacts for the purpose of engaging in Class III gaming activities on Indian lands. As required by 25 CFR 293.4, all compacts and amendments are subject to review and approval by the Secretary. The Amendment authorizes the Tribe to engage in sports wagering at the Tribe’s class III gaming facility, updates the Compact to reflect this change in various sections, and SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\01SEN1.SGM 01SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 167 (Wednesday, September 1, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 49045-49046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-18806]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R1-ES-2021-N013; FXES11130100000-212-FF01E00000]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery 
Plan for Umtanum Desert Buckwheat

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for review and public comment.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the 
availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert buckwheat 
(Eriogonum codium), listed as threatened under the Endangered Species 
Act, and endemic to Benton County, Washington. We request review and 
comment on this draft recovery plan from Federal, State, and local 
agencies; Native American Tribes; and the public.

DATES: To ensure consideration, comments on the draft recovery plan 
must be received on or before November 1, 2021. However, we will accept 
information about any species at any time.

ADDRESSES: 
    Document availability: Obtain the recovery plan on the internet at 
https://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/recovery-plans.html or https://www.fws.gov/pacific/ecoservices/endangered/recovery/plans.html.
    Comment submission: You may submit written comments and materials 
by one of the following methods:
     U.S. Mail: Jeff Krupka, Central Washington Fish and 
Wildlife Office, 215 Melody Lane, Suite 103, Wenatchee, WA 98801-8122.
     Email: [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Thompson, State Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 
Desmond Drive SE, Suite 101, Lacey, WA 98502; telephone 360-753-9440. 
If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf, call the Federal 
Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(Service), announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for 
Umtanum Desert Buckwheat (Eriogonum codium). The species, listed as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act; 
16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), is a plant endemic to Umtanum Ridge of Benton 
County, Washington. The draft recovery plan includes specific

[[Page 49046]]

goals, objectives, and criteria that should be met prior to our 
consideration of removing the species from the Federal List of 
Endangered and Threatened Plants. We request review and comment on this 
draft recovery plan from Federal, State, and local agencies; Native 
American Tribes; and the public.

Background

    The Umtanum desert buckwheat is a long-lived perennial that occurs 
in a narrow, discontinuous band on Umtanum Ridge at least 1.6 
kilometers (1 mile) long. This plant is closely associated with Lolo 
Flow lithosol soils in the Lower Columbia River Basin in the State of 
Washington. In April 2013 and as reaffirmed in December 2013, the 
Umtanum desert buckwheat found along sparsely vegetated, north-facing 
basalt cliff of Umtanum Ridge in central Washington State, was listed 
as a threatened species pursuant to the Act (78 FR 23983; April 23, 
2013; 78 FR 76995; December 20, 2013).

Recovery Planning Process

    Recovery of endangered and threatened animals and plants is a 
primary goal of our endangered species program. To help guide the 
recovery effort, we prepare recovery plans for most listed species. 
Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for conservation 
of the species, establish criteria for downlisting or delisting, and 
estimate time and cost for implementing recovery measures.

Recovery Planning and Implementation

    The Service has recently revised its approach to recovery planning 
and is now using a new process termed recovery planning and 
implementation (RPI) (see https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/RPI.pdf). The RPI approach is intended to reduce the time needed to 
develop and implement recovery plans, increase recovery plan relevancy 
over a longer timeframe, and add flexibility to recovery plans so they 
can be adjusted to address new information or circumstances. Under RPI, 
a recovery plan includes the statutorily required elements under 
section 4(f) of the Act (i.e., objective and measurable recovery 
criteria, site-specific management actions, and estimates of time and 
costs), along with a concise introduction and our strategy for how we 
plan to achieve species recovery. The RPI recovery plan is supported by 
two supplementary documents: A species status assessment or biological 
species report, which describes the best available scientific 
information related to the biological needs of the species and 
assessment of threats; and the recovery implementation strategy, which 
details the particular near-term activities needed to implement the 
recovery actions identified in the recovery plan. Under this approach, 
we can incorporate new information on species biology or details of 
recovery implementation by updating these supplementary documents 
without concurrent revision of the entire recovery plan, unless changes 
to statutorily required elements are necessary.

Recovery Plan Components

    The primary recovery strategy for the Umtanum desert buckwheat is 
to increase the capability of the single population to withstand 
stochastic events, establish new populations to provide a safety margin 
against catastrophic events, and to increase the ecological and/or 
genetic diversity of the species. Recovery will hinge on establishing 
self-sustaining populations, improving habitat, reducing threats, and 
preserving or enhancing the ability of individuals to survive and 
reproduce in the range of conditions they are likely to experience.
    We may initiate an assessment of whether recovery has been achieved 
and delisting is warranted when the recovery criteria have been met, 
including once a sixth population has been discovered or established on 
conserved lands and is managed in a way that is compatible with Umtanum 
desert buckwheat conservation.

Request for Public Comments

    Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to provide public notice and an 
opportunity for public review and comment during recovery plan 
development. It is also our policy to request peer review of recovery 
plans (59 FR 34270; July 1, 1994). In an appendix to the approved final 
recovery plan, we will summarize and respond to the substantive 
comments raised during public comment and peer review. Substantive 
comments may or may not result in changes to the recovery plan. 
Comments regarding recovery plan implementation will be forwarded as 
appropriate to Federal or other entities so that they can be taken into 
account during the course of implementing recovery actions.
    We will consider all comments we receive by the date specified in 
DATES prior to final approval of the plan.

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 review, we cannot guarantee that we will be 
able to do so.

Authority

    The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

Robyn Thorson,
Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-18806 Filed 8-31-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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