Habitat Conservation Plan for Warm Springs Natural Area and Hidden Valley Property, Clark County, Nevada; Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application, Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan, and Draft Environmental Compliance Documentation, 3326-3327 [2022-01145]

Download as PDF 3326 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Notices Number of respondents Information collection HUD Form 4737 Section 3 Utilization Tracker: Business Labor Hours ...................................................... HUD Form 4737A Section 3 Utilization Tracker: Section 3 Labor Hours ..................................................... HUD Form 4737B Section 3 Sample Utilization Tool: PHA Financial Assistance ......................................... HUD Form 4737C HUD Section 3 Sample Utilization Tool: Section 3 Projects with HCD Funding ............. HUD Form 4737D HUD Funding Tracker for Section 3 Total ....................................................................... Responses per annum BILLING CODE 4210–67–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Jan 20, 2022 Jkt 256001 12,500.00 $42.01 $525,125.00 2,500.00 1.00 2,500.00 5.00 12.500.00 42.01 525,125.00 2,500.00 1.00 2,500.00 1.50 3,750.00 49.83 186,862.50 2,500.00 2,500.00 1.00 1.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 1.50 3.00 3,750.00 7,500.00 34.18 42.01 128,175.00 315,075.00 12,500.00 .................... .................... 16.00 40,000.00 .................... 1,680,362.50 [Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2021–0120; FXES11130800000–212–FF08ENVS00] Habitat Conservation Plan for Warm Springs Natural Area and Hidden Valley Property, Clark County, Nevada; Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application, Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan, and Draft Environmental Compliance Documentation AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. Notice of availability; request for comment. ACTION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the receipt and availability of an application for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and an associated draft low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP). Additionally, consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we have prepared a draft loweffect screening form and environmental action statement supporting our preliminary determination that the proposed permit action qualifies for a categorical exclusion under NEPA. The Southern Nevada Water Authority has applied for an ITP under the ESA for the HCP for Warm Springs Natural Area and Hidden Valley Property in Clark County, Nevada. The ITP would authorize the take of seven species incidental to the development, construction and operation of the project. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the permit application, proposed low-effect HCP, and NEPA categorical exclusion determination documentation. Before issuing the requested ITP, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Annual cost 5.00 Fish and Wildlife Service [FR Doc. 2022–01176 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am] Hourly per response 2,500.00 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) If the information will be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) The accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (4) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) 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. Anna P. Guido, Department Reports Management Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer. Total burden hours 1.00 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Section 3507 of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 44 U.S.C. Chapter 35. Burden hour per response 2,500.00 B. Solicitation of Public Comment C. Authority jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 Frequency of response Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Written comments must be received on or before February 22, 2022. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The documents announced by this notice, as well as any comments and other materials that we receive, will be available for public inspection in Docket No. FWS–R8–ES– 2021–0120 at https:// www.regulations.gov. Submitting Comments: To send written comments, please use one of the following methods and identify to which document your comments are in reference—the draft HCP or NEPA compliance documentation. • Internet: Submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2021–0120. • U.S. Mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R8– ES–2021–0120; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: PRB/3W; 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. For more information, see Public Comments and Public Availability of Comments under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen W. Knowles, Field Supervisor, Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, by phone at 702–515–5244 or via the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the Service, announce the receipt of a permit application from the Southern Nevada Water Authority (applicant), for a 15-year ITP under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Application for the permit requires the preparation of an HCP with measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impacts of incidental take of endangered, threatened, or candidate species to the maximum extent practicable. The applicant prepared the draft low-effect HCP for Warm Springs Natural Area and Hidden Valley Property pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA. The Service’s consideration of issuing an ITP also requires evaluation of its potential impacts on the natural and DATES: E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 Federal Register / Vol. 87, No. 14 / Friday, January 21, 2022 / Notices human environment in accordance with NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Service has prepared a low-effect screening form and environmental action statement (categorical exclusion, or CatEx documentation), pursuant to NEPA and its implementing regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 1501.4, to preliminarily determine if the proposed HCP qualifies as a low-effect HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion. Background Except for permitted exceptions, section 9 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1538 et seq.) prohibits the taking of fish and wildlife species listed as endangered under section 4 of the ESA; by regulation, take of certain species listed as threatened is also prohibited (16 U.S.C. 1533(d); 50 CFR 17.31). Regulations governing the permitted exception for allowable incidental take of endangered and threatened species are at 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32. For more about the Federal habitat conservation HCP program, go to: https:// www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/ pdf/hcp.pdf. National Environmental Policy Act Compliance The proposed permit issuance triggers the need for compliance with the NEPA. The draft CatEx documentation was prepared to determine if issuance of an ITP, based on the draft HCP, would only have individually or cumulatively minor or negligible effects on the species covered in the HCP, as well as on other environmental values or resources, and would therefore qualify as a low-effect HCP not subject to further environmental analysis under NEPA. jspears on DSK121TN23PROD with NOTICES1 Proposed Action Under the proposed action, the Service would issue a permit to the applicant for a period of 15 years for covered activities (described below) related to the management and restoration of the Warm Springs Natural Area (WSNA) and the Hidden Valley Property (HVP). Covered species include the federally endangered Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea), federally endangered Yuma Ridgway’s rail (Rallus obsoletus yumanensis), federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), federally threatened yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus), a candidate for listing under the ESA, the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and two unlisted species, the Moapa White River springfish (Crenichthys VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Jan 20, 2022 Jkt 256001 baileyi moapae) and the Virgin River chub (Gila seminuda). Habitat Conservation Plan Area The geographic scope of this draft HCP area encompasses 7.2 stream miles (6.1 miles at WSNA and 1.1 miles at HVP) and 1,401 acres (1,250 at WSNA and 151 at HVP) Clark County, Nevada. Covered Activities The proposed section 10(a) permit would allow incidental take of four covered species, one candidate for listing, from covered activities in the proposed HCP area. Two unlisted species would also be identified and addressed in the permit should they ever become listed. The applicant is requesting incidental take authorization for covered activities pertaining to the management and restoration of the WSNA and HVP, including but not limited to reconnection of channels, streams, and tributaries, bank and channel stabilization, beaver management, fish passage improvements, invasive aquatic species management, invasive plant management, clearing vegetation from streams, installation of Moapa dace habitat structures, Moapa dace snorkel surveys, fire and fuels management, pumping water for irrigation, dust control and fire suppression, operation of vehicles and maintenance equipment, general public access, property tours, field trips and school groups, neighbor outreach, volunteer planting events, and research. The applicant has also proposed spring pool restoration and enhancement, construction and enhancement of wetlands, restoration and enhancement of riparian habitat, and restoration and enhancement of mesquite and upland habitat. For each of the covered activities, the applicant has outlined best management practices in the HCP to minimize and mitigate for direct impacts to covered species. The proposed actions will result in temporary loss of habitat at the WSNA and HVP in Clark County, Nevada. Public Comments We request data, comments, new information, or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, Tribes, industry, or any other interested party on the draft HCP and associated documents. If you wish to comment, you may submit comments by either of the methods in ADDRESSES. 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 request in your comment that we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. Next Steps Issuance of a permit is a Federal proposed action subject to compliance with NEPA and section 7 of the ESA. We will evaluate the permit application, the HCP, associated documents, and any public comments we receive during the comment period to determine whether the application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA. If we determine that those requirements are met, we will conduct an intra-Service consultation under section 7 of the ESA for the Federal action and for the potential issuance of an ITP. If the intraService consultation confirms that issuance of the permit will not jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species, or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat, we will issue a permit to the applicant for the incidental take of the covered species. Authority We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1539(c) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.32) and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR 1501.4). Glen W. Knowles, Field Supervisor, Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Las Vegas, Nevada. [FR Doc. 2022–01145 Filed 1–20–22; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P Public Availability of Comments Any comments we receive will become part of the decision record associated with this action. Before PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 3327 E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 14 (Friday, January 21, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 3326-3327]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01145]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2021-0120; FXES11130800000-212-FF08ENVS00]


Habitat Conservation Plan for Warm Springs Natural Area and 
Hidden Valley Property, Clark County, Nevada; Receipt of Incidental 
Take Permit Application, Draft Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan, 
and Draft Environmental Compliance Documentation

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comment.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
receipt and availability of an application for an incidental take 
permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and an associated 
draft low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP). Additionally, 
consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA), we have prepared a draft low-effect screening form and 
environmental action statement supporting our preliminary determination 
that the proposed permit action qualifies for a categorical exclusion 
under NEPA. The Southern Nevada Water Authority has applied for an ITP 
under the ESA for the HCP for Warm Springs Natural Area and Hidden 
Valley Property in Clark County, Nevada. The ITP would authorize the 
take of seven species incidental to the development, construction and 
operation of the project. We invite the public and local, State, 
Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the permit application, 
proposed low-effect HCP, and NEPA categorical exclusion determination 
documentation. Before issuing the requested ITP, we will take into 
consideration any information that we receive during the public comment 
period.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before February 22, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: 
    Obtaining Documents: The documents announced by this notice, as 
well as any comments and other materials that we receive, will be 
available for public inspection in Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2021-0120 at 
https://www.regulations.gov.
    Submitting Comments: To send written comments, please use one of 
the following methods and identify to which document your comments are 
in reference--the draft HCP or NEPA compliance documentation.
     Internet: Submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov 
under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2021-0120.
     U.S. Mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. 
FWS-R8-ES-2021-0120; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: 
PRB/3W; 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    For more information, see Public Comments and Public Availability 
of Comments under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen W. Knowles, Field Supervisor, 
Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, by phone at 702-515-5244 or 
via the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the Service, announce the receipt of a 
permit application from the Southern Nevada Water Authority 
(applicant), for a 15-year ITP under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA, as 
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Application for the permit requires 
the preparation of an HCP with measures to avoid, minimize, and 
mitigate the impacts of incidental take of endangered, threatened, or 
candidate species to the maximum extent practicable. The applicant 
prepared the draft low-effect HCP for Warm Springs Natural Area and 
Hidden Valley Property pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA.
    The Service's consideration of issuing an ITP also requires 
evaluation of its potential impacts on the natural and

[[Page 3327]]

human environment in accordance with NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The 
Service has prepared a low-effect screening form and environmental 
action statement (categorical exclusion, or CatEx documentation), 
pursuant to NEPA and its implementing regulations in the Code of 
Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 1501.4, to preliminarily determine 
if the proposed HCP qualifies as a low-effect HCP, eligible for a 
categorical exclusion.

Background

    Except for permitted exceptions, section 9 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 
1538 et seq.) prohibits the taking of fish and wildlife species listed 
as endangered under section 4 of the ESA; by regulation, take of 
certain species listed as threatened is also prohibited (16 U.S.C. 
1533(d); 50 CFR 17.31). Regulations governing the permitted exception 
for allowable incidental take of endangered and threatened species are 
at 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32. For more about the Federal habitat 
conservation HCP program, go to: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/esa-library/pdf/hcp.pdf.

National Environmental Policy Act Compliance

    The proposed permit issuance triggers the need for compliance with 
the NEPA. The draft CatEx documentation was prepared to determine if 
issuance of an ITP, based on the draft HCP, would only have 
individually or cumulatively minor or negligible effects on the species 
covered in the HCP, as well as on other environmental values or 
resources, and would therefore qualify as a low-effect HCP not subject 
to further environmental analysis under NEPA.

Proposed Action

    Under the proposed action, the Service would issue a permit to the 
applicant for a period of 15 years for covered activities (described 
below) related to the management and restoration of the Warm Springs 
Natural Area (WSNA) and the Hidden Valley Property (HVP). Covered 
species include the federally endangered Moapa dace (Moapa coriacea), 
federally endangered Yuma Ridgway's rail (Rallus obsoletus yumanensis), 
federally endangered southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii 
extimus), federally threatened yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus 
americanus), a candidate for listing under the ESA, the monarch 
butterfly (Danaus plexippus), and two unlisted species, the Moapa White 
River springfish (Crenichthys baileyi moapae) and the Virgin River chub 
(Gila seminuda).

Habitat Conservation Plan Area

    The geographic scope of this draft HCP area encompasses 7.2 stream 
miles (6.1 miles at WSNA and 1.1 miles at HVP) and 1,401 acres (1,250 
at WSNA and 151 at HVP) Clark County, Nevada.

Covered Activities

    The proposed section 10(a) permit would allow incidental take of 
four covered species, one candidate for listing, from covered 
activities in the proposed HCP area. Two unlisted species would also be 
identified and addressed in the permit should they ever become listed. 
The applicant is requesting incidental take authorization for covered 
activities pertaining to the management and restoration of the WSNA and 
HVP, including but not limited to reconnection of channels, streams, 
and tributaries, bank and channel stabilization, beaver management, 
fish passage improvements, invasive aquatic species management, 
invasive plant management, clearing vegetation from streams, 
installation of Moapa dace habitat structures, Moapa dace snorkel 
surveys, fire and fuels management, pumping water for irrigation, dust 
control and fire suppression, operation of vehicles and maintenance 
equipment, general public access, property tours, field trips and 
school groups, neighbor outreach, volunteer planting events, and 
research. The applicant has also proposed spring pool restoration and 
enhancement, construction and enhancement of wetlands, restoration and 
enhancement of riparian habitat, and restoration and enhancement of 
mesquite and upland habitat. For each of the covered activities, the 
applicant has outlined best management practices in the HCP to minimize 
and mitigate for direct impacts to covered species. The proposed 
actions will result in temporary loss of habitat at the WSNA and HVP in 
Clark County, Nevada.

Public Comments

    We request data, comments, new information, or suggestions from the 
public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific 
community, Tribes, industry, or any other interested party on the draft 
HCP and associated documents. If you wish to comment, you may submit 
comments by either of the methods in ADDRESSES.

Public Availability of Comments

    Any comments we receive will become part of the decision 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 your entire comment--including 
your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available 
at any time. While you can request in your comment that we withhold 
your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so. All submissions from 
organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying 
themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or 
businesses, will be made available for public disclosure in their 
entirety.

Next Steps

    Issuance of a permit is a Federal proposed action subject to 
compliance with NEPA and section 7 of the ESA. We will evaluate the 
permit application, the HCP, associated documents, and any public 
comments we receive during the comment period to determine whether the 
application meets the requirements of section 10(a) of the ESA. If we 
determine that those requirements are met, we will conduct an intra-
Service consultation under section 7 of the ESA for the Federal action 
and for the potential issuance of an ITP. If the intra-Service 
consultation confirms that issuance of the permit will not jeopardize 
the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species, or 
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat, we will issue a permit to 
the applicant for the incidental take of the covered species.

Authority

    We provide this notice under section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 
1539(c) and its implementing regulations (50 CFR 17.32) and NEPA (42 
U.S.C. 4371 et seq.) and NEPA implementing regulations (40 CFR 1501.4).

Glen W. Knowles,
Field Supervisor, Southern Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service, Las Vegas, Nevada.
[FR Doc. 2022-01145 Filed 1-20-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
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