Proposed Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Viticultural Activities on Vineyards in the Santa Rosa Plain for the Sonoma County Population of California Tiger Salamander, Sonoma County, California, 64224-64226 [2021-25073]
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Notices
‘‘Currently under 30-day Review—Open
for Public Comments’’ or by using the
search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for additional information or
copies of the information collection
should be made to Director, Information
Management Division, 500 C Street SW,
Washington, DC 20472, email address
FEMA-Information-CollectionsManagement@fema.dhs.gov or Rebekah
Kennedy, Team Lead, Community
Services Section, Individual Assistance
Division, at (202) 212–1175 or
rebekah.kennedy@fema.dhs.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
proposed information collection
previously published in the Federal
Register on June 29, 2021 at 86 FR
34266 with a 60-day public comment
period. No comments were received.
The purpose of this notice is to notify
the public that FEMA will submit the
information collection abstracted below
to the Office of Management and Budget
for review and clearance.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Collection of Information
Title: FEMA-Administered Disaster
Case Management Intake Form.
Type of information collection: New
information collection.
OMB Number: 1660–NW132.
FEMA Forms: FF–104–FY–21–146
and FF–104–FY–21–147.
Abstract: This collection tool will
primarily be used as a guide to support
FEMA-administered Disaster Case
Management (DCM) case managers by
outlining the allowable data elements
they can collect from survivors on
behalf of FEMA. While there will be a
paper collection tool, the case managers
will primarily be using the tool as a
reference of data elements they can
collect, and using their own case
management database systems to guide
the order in which the elements are
collected. The elements within the tool
are used to assess, screen, and refer
disaster survivors to available resources
that address their specific disasterrelated unmet needs. Case managers
then take the information from the
intake form and manually upload the
data into their secured case management
database.
Prior to any data collection, survivors
will complete and sign a FEMAadministered DCM Consent Form,
authorizing FEMA, or its agent, to
collect data from the survivor in order
to effectively provide case management
services.
Affected Public: Individuals and
Households.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
75,000.
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17:11 Nov 16, 2021
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Estimated Number of Responses:
75,000.
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: 48,000 burden hours.
Estimated Total Annual Respondent
Cost: $1,746,240.
Estimated Respondents’ Operation
and Maintenance Costs: $0.
Estimated Respondents’ Capital and
Start-Up Costs: $0.
Estimated Total Annual Cost to the
Federal Government: $51,640,374.
Comments
Comments may be submitted as
indicated in the ADDRESSES caption
above. Comments are solicited to (a)
evaluate whether the proposed data
collection is necessary for the proper
performance of the agency, including
whether the information shall have
practical utility; (b) evaluate the
accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the
burden of the proposed collection of
information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(c) enhance the quality, utility, and
clarity of the information to be
collected; and (d) 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,
e.g., permitting electronic submission of
responses.
This adjustment applies to major
disasters and emergencies declared on
or after October 1, 2021.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Tod
Wells, Recovery Directorate, Federal
Emergency Management Agency, 500 C
Street SW, Washington, DC 20472, (202)
646–3834.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 44 CFR
206.202(d)(2) provides that FEMA will
annually adjust the minimum Project
Worksheet amount under the Public
Assistance program to reflect changes in
the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers published by the
Department of Labor.
FEMA gives notice of an increase to
$3,500 for the minimum amount that
will be approved for any Project
Worksheet under the Public Assistance
program for all major disasters and
emergencies declared on or after
October 1, 2021.
FEMA bases the adjustment on an
increase in the Consumer Price Index
for All Urban Consumers of 5.3 percent
for the 12-month period that ended in
August 2021. This is based on
information released by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics at the U.S. Department
of Labor on September 14, 2021.
DATES:
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance No.
97.036, Disaster Grants—Public Assistance
(Presidentially Declared Disasters).
Deanne Criswell,
Administrator, Federal Emergency
Management Agency.
Millicent L. Brown,
Acting Records Management Branch Chief,
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer,
Mission Support, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, Department of
Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2021–25048 Filed 11–16–21; 8:45 am]
[FR Doc. 2021–25101 Filed 11–16–21; 8:45 am]
Fish and Wildlife Service
BILLING CODE 9111–24–P
[FWS–R8–ES–2021–N204;
FXES11140800000–223–FF08ESMF00]
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Proposed Programmatic Safe Harbor
Agreement for Viticultural Activities on
Vineyards in the Santa Rosa Plain for
the Sonoma County Population of
California Tiger Salamander, Sonoma
County, California
Federal Emergency Management
Agency
[Docket ID FEMA–2021–0001]
Federal Emergency
Management Agency, DHS.
ACTION: Notice.
AGENCY:
Frm 00048
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; receipt of
application.
We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), have received
an application from the North Bay
Water District (applicant) for an
enhancement of survival permit (permit)
under the Endangered Species Act
(ESA). The permit application includes
a proposed safe harbor agreement (SHA)
between the applicant and the Service
SUMMARY:
FEMA gives notice that the
minimum Project Worksheet Amount
under the Public Assistance program for
disasters and emergencies declared on
or after October 1, 2021, will be
increased.
PO 00000
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
AGENCY:
Notice of Adjustment of Minimum
Project Worksheet Amount
SUMMARY:
BILLING CODE 9111–23–P
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Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Notices
for the federally endangered Sonoma
County distinct population segment
(DPS) of California tiger salamander
(Ambystoma californiense) (Sonoma
CTS or covered species). We have
prepared a draft environmental action
statement (EAS) for our preliminary
determination that the SHA and permit
decision may be eligible for categorical
exclusion under the National
Environmental Policy Act. We invite the
public to review and comment on the
permit application, draft SHA, and draft
EAS.
DATES: Written comments should be
received on or before December 17,
2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Ryan
Olah, Coast Bay Division Chief, via U.S.
Mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office,
2800 Cottage Way, Room W–2605,
Sacramento, CA 95825, or via email at
ryan_olah@fws.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ryan Olah, Sacramento Fish and
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES);
telephone: (916) 414–6623; email: ryan_
olah@fws.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Availability of Documents
You may obtain copies of the
document for review by contacting the
individual named above.
Background
SHAs are intended to encourage
private or other non-Federal property
owners to implement beneficial
conservation actions for species listed
under the ESA. SHA permit holders are
assured that they will not be subject to
increased property use restrictions as a
result of their proactive actions to
benefit listed species. Incidental take of
listed species is authorized under a
permit pursuant to the provisions of
section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA. For an
applicant to receive a permit through an
SHA, the applicant must submit an
application form that includes the
following:
(1) The common and scientific names
of the listed species for which the
applicant requests incidental take
authorization;
(2) A description of how incidental
take of the listed species pursuant to the
SHA is likely to occur, both as a result
of management activities and as a result
of the return to baseline; and
(3) A description of how the SHA
complies with the requirements of the
Service’s Safe Harbor policy (64 FR
32717, June 17, 1999).
For the Service to issue a permit, we
must determine that:
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17:11 Nov 16, 2021
Jkt 256001
(1) The take of listed species will be
incidental to an otherwise lawful
activity and will be in accordance with
the terms of the SHA;
(2) The implementation of the terms
of the SHA is reasonably expected to
provide a net conservation benefit to the
covered species by contributing to its
recovery, and the SHA otherwise
complies with the Service’s Safe Harbor
Policy;
(3) The probable direct and indirect
effects of any authorized take will not
appreciably reduce the likelihood of
survival and recovery in the wild of any
listed species;
(4) Implementation of the terms of the
SHA is consistent with applicable
Federal, State, and Tribal laws and
regulations;
(5) Implementation of the terms of the
SHA will not be in conflict with any
ongoing conservation or recovery
programs for listed species covered by
the permit; and
(6) The applicant has shown
capability for and commitment to
implementing all of the terms of the
SHA.
The Service’s Safe Harbor Policy and
Safe Harbor regulations (68 FR 53320,
September 10, 2003; 69 FR 24084, May
3, 2004) provide important terms and
concepts for developing SHAs. The
Service’s Safe Harbor policy and
regulations are available at https://
www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/
regulations-and-policies.html. This SHA
was developed by the Service and the
applicant.
Proposed Action
The SHA is expected to promote the
recovery of Sonoma CTS on non-Federal
properties within Sonoma County. The
proposed duration of the SHA and the
associated enhancement of survival
permit are 50 years. The proposed
enhancement of survival permit would
authorize the incidental taking of the
covered species associated with the
restoration, enhancement, and
maintenance of suitable habitat for the
covered species during routine and
ongoing viticultural activities and the
potential future return of any property
included in the SHA to baseline
conditions. Under this SHA, individual
landowners (cooperators) may include
their properties by entering into a
cooperative agreement with the
applicant. Each cooperative agreement
will specify the restoration and/or
enhancement, and management
activities to be carried out on that
specific property. All cooperative
agreements will be reviewed by the
Service to determine whether the
proposed activities will result in a net
PO 00000
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
64225
conservation benefit for the covered
species and meet all required standards
of the Safe Harbor Policy. Upon Service
approval, the applicant will issue a
certificate of inclusion to the cooperator.
Each certificate of inclusion will extend
the incidental take coverage conferred
by the enhancement of survival permit
to the cooperator.
Baseline levels for the covered species
will be determined by the cooperator
first completing the baseline habitat
worksheet (Exhibit B of the SHA), and
then the Service will review each
baseline determination prior to the
applicant issuing a certificate of
inclusion to the cooperator. The SHA
also contains a monitoring component
that requires the applicant to ensure that
the cooperators are in compliance with
the terms and conditions of the SHA.
Results of these monitoring efforts will
be provided to the Service by the
applicant in an annual report.
Upon approval of this SHA, and
consistent with the Service’s safe harbor
policy, the Service would issue an
enhancement of survival permit to the
applicant. This permit would authorize
cooperators issued a certificate of
inclusion to take the covered species
incidental to the implementation of the
management activities specified in the
SHA, incidental to other lawful uses of
the property including normal, routine
land management activities, and to
return to baseline conditions if desired.
An applicant would receive assurances
under our ‘‘No Surprises’’ regulations
(50 CFR 17.22(c)(5) and 17.32(c)(5)) for
all species included in the enhancement
of survival permit. In addition to
meeting other criteria, actions to be
performed under an enhancement of
survival permit must not jeopardize the
existence of Federally listed fish,
wildlife, or plants, and the Service is
conducting a Section 7 consultation.
Species Information
The current range of the Sonoma CTS
is in the Santa Rosa Plain in Sonoma
County, California. The Sonoma CTS
inhabits vernal pools and seasonal
ponds, associated grassland, and oak
savannah plant communities below 200
feet (60 meters). Sonoma CTS spend the
majority of their lives underground in
small mammal burrows in uplands,
while ephemeral ponds play a critical
role because they are necessary for
breeding. Although Sonoma CTS are
members of a family of ‘‘burrowing’’
salamanders, they are not known to
create their own burrows. They depend
on persistent small mammal (e.g.,
pocket gopher) activity to create,
maintain, and sustain sufficient
underground refugia. These
E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM
17NON1
64226
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 17, 2021 / Notices
underground burrow systems are critical
during the drier months of the year,
though juveniles and adults use them
throughout the year to grow and
survive. Loss and fragmentation of
habitat is a major threat to the species
and the protection of breeding habitat
and adjacent upland habitats is needed
for their recovery.
National Environmental Policy Act
Compliance
The development of the draft SHA
and the proposed issuance of an
enhancement of survival permit are
Federal actions that trigger the need for
compliance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). We have prepared
a draft EAS to analyze the impacts of
permit issuance and implementation of
the SHA on the human environment in
comparison to the no-action alternative.
We have made a preliminary
determination that issuing the permit
and implementing the SHA would have
minor or negligible impacts to the
environment, and thus the proposed
SHA and permit actions are eligible for
categorical exclusion under NEPA. The
basis for our preliminary determination
is contained in the EAS, which is
available for public review (see
ADDRESSES).
Next Steps
We will evaluate the permit
application, associated documents, and
comments we receive to determine
whether the permit application meets
the requirements of the ESA, NEPA, and
their implementing regulations. If we
determine that all requirements are met,
we will sign the proposed SHA and
issue a permit under section 10(a)(1)(A)
of the ESA to the applicant. We will not
make our final decision on the permit
application until after the end of the
public comment period, and we will
fully consider all comments we receive
during the comment period.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
Public Availability of Comments
Written comments we receive become
part of the public record associated with
this action. Before including your
address, phone number, email address,
or other personal identifying
information in your comment, you
should be aware that the entire
comment, including your personal
identifying information, may be made
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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:11 Nov 16, 2021
Jkt 256001
Authority
We provide this notice under section
10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)
and its implementing regulations (50
CFR 17.22 and 17.32), and NEPA (42
U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and its
implementing regulations (40 CFR
1506.6; 43 CFR part 46).
Kim Turner,
Acting Field Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and
Wildlife Office, Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. 2021–25073 Filed 11–16–21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2021–0125;
FXES11130400000EA–123–FF04EF4000]
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit
Application and Proposed Habitat
Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink,
Lake County, FL; Categorical
Exclusion
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; request
for comment and information.
AGENCY:
We, the Fish and Wildlife
Service (Service), announce receipt of
an application from PKY Clermont
Owner, LLC (applicant) for an
incidental take permit (ITP) under the
Endangered Species Act. The applicant
requests the ITP to take the federally
listed sand skink incidental to
construction in Lake County, Florida.
We request public comment on the
application, which includes the
applicant’s proposed habitat
conservation plan (HCP), and the
Service’s preliminary determination that
this HCP qualifies as ‘‘low-effect,’’
categorically excluded, under the
National Environmental Policy Act. To
make this determination, we used our
environmental action statement and
low-effect screening form, both of which
are also available for public review.
DATES: We must receive your written
comments on or before December 17,
2021
SUMMARY:
ADDRESSES:
Obtaining Documents: You may
obtain copies of the documents online
in Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2021–0125
at https://www.regulations.gov.
Submitting Comments: If you wish to
submit comments on any of the
documents, you may do so in writing by
any of the following methods:
• Online: https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the instructions for submitting
PO 00000
Frm 00050
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
comments on Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–
2021–0125.
• U.S. mail: Public Comments
Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R4–
ES–2021–0125; U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg
Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Erin
M. Gawera, by telephone at (904) 731–
3121 or via email at erin_gawera@
fws.gov. Individuals who are hearing or
speech impaired may call the Federal
Relay Service at 1–800–877–8339 for
TTY assistance.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the
Fish and Wildlife Service (Service),
announce receipt of an application from
PKY Clermont Owner, LLC (Magnolia
Pointe) for an incidental take permit
(ITP) under the Endangered Species Act
of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.). The applicant requests the
ITP to take the federally listed sand
skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) incidental to
the construction of a commercial
development (project) in Lake County,
Florida. We request public comment on
the application, which includes the
applicant’s proposed habitat
conservation plan (HCP), and on the
Service’s preliminary determination that
this HCP qualifies as ‘‘low-effect,’’
categorically excluded, under the
National Environmental Policy Act
(NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4231 et seq.). To make
this determination, we used our
environmental action statement and
low-effect screening form, both of which
are also available for public review.
Project
The applicant requests a 5-year ITP to
take sand skinks through the conversion
of approximately 13.00 acres (ac) of
occupied sand skink foraging and
sheltering habitat incidental to the
construction of a commercial
development located on a 52.99-ac
parcel in Sections 25 and 26; Township
22 South; Range 26 East, Lake County,
Florida, identified by Parcel ID numbers
25–22–26–0002–0000–1300, 25–22–26–
0002–0000–1400, 26–22–26–0001–
0000–3000. The applicant proposes to
mitigate for take of the sand skinks by
the purchase of 26 credits from Lake
Wales Ridge Conservation Bank or
another Service-approved Conservation
Bank. The Service would require the
applicant to purchase the credits prior
to engaging in activities associated with
the project on the parcel.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other
personal identifying information in your
comment, be aware that your entire
E:\FR\FM\17NON1.SGM
17NON1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 17, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64224-64226]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-25073]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
[FWS-R8-ES-2021-N204; FXES11140800000-223-FF08ESMF00]
Proposed Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Viticultural
Activities on Vineyards in the Santa Rosa Plain for the Sonoma County
Population of California Tiger Salamander, Sonoma County, California
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability; receipt of application.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have
received an application from the North Bay Water District (applicant)
for an enhancement of survival permit (permit) under the Endangered
Species Act (ESA). The permit application includes a proposed safe
harbor agreement (SHA) between the applicant and the Service
[[Page 64225]]
for the federally endangered Sonoma County distinct population segment
(DPS) of California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense) (Sonoma
CTS or covered species). We have prepared a draft environmental action
statement (EAS) for our preliminary determination that the SHA and
permit decision may be eligible for categorical exclusion under the
National Environmental Policy Act. We invite the public to review and
comment on the permit application, draft SHA, and draft EAS.
DATES: Written comments should be received on or before December 17,
2021.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Ryan Olah, Coast Bay Division Chief, via
U.S. Mail at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Fish and
Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605, Sacramento, CA 95825,
or via email at [email protected].
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Olah, Sacramento Fish and
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES); telephone: (916) 414-6623; email:
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Availability of Documents
You may obtain copies of the document for review by contacting the
individual named above.
Background
SHAs are intended to encourage private or other non-Federal
property owners to implement beneficial conservation actions for
species listed under the ESA. SHA permit holders are assured that they
will not be subject to increased property use restrictions as a result
of their proactive actions to benefit listed species. Incidental take
of listed species is authorized under a permit pursuant to the
provisions of section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA. For an applicant to
receive a permit through an SHA, the applicant must submit an
application form that includes the following:
(1) The common and scientific names of the listed species for which
the applicant requests incidental take authorization;
(2) A description of how incidental take of the listed species
pursuant to the SHA is likely to occur, both as a result of management
activities and as a result of the return to baseline; and
(3) A description of how the SHA complies with the requirements of
the Service's Safe Harbor policy (64 FR 32717, June 17, 1999).
For the Service to issue a permit, we must determine that:
(1) The take of listed species will be incidental to an otherwise
lawful activity and will be in accordance with the terms of the SHA;
(2) The implementation of the terms of the SHA is reasonably
expected to provide a net conservation benefit to the covered species
by contributing to its recovery, and the SHA otherwise complies with
the Service's Safe Harbor Policy;
(3) The probable direct and indirect effects of any authorized take
will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery in
the wild of any listed species;
(4) Implementation of the terms of the SHA is consistent with
applicable Federal, State, and Tribal laws and regulations;
(5) Implementation of the terms of the SHA will not be in conflict
with any ongoing conservation or recovery programs for listed species
covered by the permit; and
(6) The applicant has shown capability for and commitment to
implementing all of the terms of the SHA.
The Service's Safe Harbor Policy and Safe Harbor regulations (68 FR
53320, September 10, 2003; 69 FR 24084, May 3, 2004) provide important
terms and concepts for developing SHAs. The Service's Safe Harbor
policy and regulations are available at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/laws-policies/regulations-and-policies.html. This SHA was developed by
the Service and the applicant.
Proposed Action
The SHA is expected to promote the recovery of Sonoma CTS on non-
Federal properties within Sonoma County. The proposed duration of the
SHA and the associated enhancement of survival permit are 50 years. The
proposed enhancement of survival permit would authorize the incidental
taking of the covered species associated with the restoration,
enhancement, and maintenance of suitable habitat for the covered
species during routine and ongoing viticultural activities and the
potential future return of any property included in the SHA to baseline
conditions. Under this SHA, individual landowners (cooperators) may
include their properties by entering into a cooperative agreement with
the applicant. Each cooperative agreement will specify the restoration
and/or enhancement, and management activities to be carried out on that
specific property. All cooperative agreements will be reviewed by the
Service to determine whether the proposed activities will result in a
net conservation benefit for the covered species and meet all required
standards of the Safe Harbor Policy. Upon Service approval, the
applicant will issue a certificate of inclusion to the cooperator. Each
certificate of inclusion will extend the incidental take coverage
conferred by the enhancement of survival permit to the cooperator.
Baseline levels for the covered species will be determined by the
cooperator first completing the baseline habitat worksheet (Exhibit B
of the SHA), and then the Service will review each baseline
determination prior to the applicant issuing a certificate of inclusion
to the cooperator. The SHA also contains a monitoring component that
requires the applicant to ensure that the cooperators are in compliance
with the terms and conditions of the SHA. Results of these monitoring
efforts will be provided to the Service by the applicant in an annual
report.
Upon approval of this SHA, and consistent with the Service's safe
harbor policy, the Service would issue an enhancement of survival
permit to the applicant. This permit would authorize cooperators issued
a certificate of inclusion to take the covered species incidental to
the implementation of the management activities specified in the SHA,
incidental to other lawful uses of the property including normal,
routine land management activities, and to return to baseline
conditions if desired. An applicant would receive assurances under our
``No Surprises'' regulations (50 CFR 17.22(c)(5) and 17.32(c)(5)) for
all species included in the enhancement of survival permit. In addition
to meeting other criteria, actions to be performed under an enhancement
of survival permit must not jeopardize the existence of Federally
listed fish, wildlife, or plants, and the Service is conducting a
Section 7 consultation.
Species Information
The current range of the Sonoma CTS is in the Santa Rosa Plain in
Sonoma County, California. The Sonoma CTS inhabits vernal pools and
seasonal ponds, associated grassland, and oak savannah plant
communities below 200 feet (60 meters). Sonoma CTS spend the majority
of their lives underground in small mammal burrows in uplands, while
ephemeral ponds play a critical role because they are necessary for
breeding. Although Sonoma CTS are members of a family of ``burrowing''
salamanders, they are not known to create their own burrows. They
depend on persistent small mammal (e.g., pocket gopher) activity to
create, maintain, and sustain sufficient underground refugia. These
[[Page 64226]]
underground burrow systems are critical during the drier months of the
year, though juveniles and adults use them throughout the year to grow
and survive. Loss and fragmentation of habitat is a major threat to the
species and the protection of breeding habitat and adjacent upland
habitats is needed for their recovery.
National Environmental Policy Act Compliance
The development of the draft SHA and the proposed issuance of an
enhancement of survival permit are Federal actions that trigger the
need for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA;
42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). We have prepared a draft EAS to analyze the
impacts of permit issuance and implementation of the SHA on the human
environment in comparison to the no-action alternative. We have made a
preliminary determination that issuing the permit and implementing the
SHA would have minor or negligible impacts to the environment, and thus
the proposed SHA and permit actions are eligible for categorical
exclusion under NEPA. The basis for our preliminary determination is
contained in the EAS, which is available for public review (see
ADDRESSES).
Next Steps
We will evaluate the permit application, associated documents, and
comments we receive to determine whether the permit application meets
the requirements of the ESA, NEPA, and their implementing regulations.
If we determine that all requirements are met, we will sign the
proposed SHA and issue a permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA to
the applicant. We will not make our final decision on the permit
application until after the end of the public comment period, and we
will fully consider all comments we receive during the comment period.
Public Availability of Comments
Written comments we receive become part of the public record
associated with this action. Before including your address, phone
number, email address, or other personal identifying information in
your comment, you should be aware that the entire comment, including
your personal identifying information, may be made 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
We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.22 and
17.32), and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and its implementing
regulations (40 CFR 1506.6; 43 CFR part 46).
Kim Turner,
Acting Field Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office,
Sacramento, California.
[FR Doc. 2021-25073 Filed 11-16-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
