Incidental Take Permit Application for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly and Western Spadefoot; Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Alpine Park Project, Community of Alpine, San Diego County, CA, 7152-7153 [2025-01341]

Download as PDF 7152 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 12 / Tuesday, January 21, 2025 / Notices Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the administrative 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. Moreover, 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 If we decide to issue permits to any of the applicants listed in this notice, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register. Authority We publish this notice under section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Lori Nordstrom, Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Service, Midwest Region. [FR Doc. 2025–01342 Filed 1–17–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–ES–2024–0133; FXES11140800000–223–FF08ECAR00] Incidental Take Permit Application for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly and Western Spadefoot; Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Alpine Park Project, Community of Alpine, San Diego County, CA Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from the County of San Diego for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act. If granted, the permit would authorize take of the Quino checkerspot butterfly SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:56 Jan 18, 2025 Jkt 265001 (Euphydryas editha quino), federally listed as endangered, and the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), an amphibian species federally proposed as threatened, incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with construction and operation of a 25-acre active recreation park and habitat restoration and management within mitigation areas associated with the project. We invite comments from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies on the applicant’s draft habitat conservation plan and the draft environmental assessment, which we have prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. We will take comments into consideration before deciding whether to issue an incidental take permit. DATES: Submitting Comments: We must receive any written comments on or before February 20, 2025. ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The application, application supporting materials, and any comments and other materials that we receive will be available for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2024–0133. Submitting Written Comments: You may submit your written comments using one of the following methods: Online: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on Docket No. FWS–R8–ES– 2024–0133. U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS–R8– ES–2024–0133; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. We will post all comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post online any personal information that you provide. We request that you submit comments by only one of the methods above. For additional information about submitting comments, see Public Availability of Comments under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Porter, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, by email at eric_porter@fws.gov or via phone at 442–287–2203. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, blind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from the County PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of San Diego (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The application addresses the potential take of the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino), federally listed as endangered, and the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), an amphibian species federally proposed as threatened, incidental to otherwise lawful activities at the Alpine Park (project) site, as described in the applicant’s draft habitat conservation plan (conservation plan). The proposed project would be located in the community of Alpine in San Diego County, California. Background Section 9 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1538) and Federal regulations promulgated pursuant to section 4(d) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1533) prohibit the take of endangered and threatened animals without special exemption. Under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1539), we may issue permits to authorize take of listed fish and wildlife species that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing permits for endangered and threatened species are set forth in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at part 17, sections 17.22 and 17.32. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) requires Federal agencies to analyze their proposed actions to determine whether the actions may significantly affect the human environment. In the NEPA analysis, the Federal agency will identify the effects, as well as possible mitigation for effects on environmental resources, that could occur with the implementation of the proposed action and alternatives. The Federal action in this case is the Service’s proposed issuance of an incidental take permit for the federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and the federally proposed threatened western spadefoot. Permit Application The applicant has submitted a draft conservation plan that describes the activities that would be covered by the permit, including construction of the active recreation park and impacts associated with habitat maintenance and restoration. To minimize the risk of incidental take, the applicant would employ seasonal restrictions and preconstruction surveys and potential translocation. To mitigate the impact of the incidental take, the applicant proposes to protect and manage the 67.5-acre Alpine Park Preserve, enhance E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 7153 Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 12 / Tuesday, January 21, 2025 / Notices Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat, and create breeding pools for western spadefoot. The draft conservation plan and the draft environmental assessment consider alternatives to the proposed action, including a no action alternative. The Service prepared a draft environmental assessment to evaluate the impacts of issuing the proposed incidental take permit on the human environment, consistent with the purpose and goals of NEPA and pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality’s implementing NEPA regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508. Additionally, the draft environmental assessment was prepared consistent with the Department of the Interior’s NEPA regulations (43 CFR part 46); longstanding Federal judicial and regulatory interpretations; and Administration priorities and policies, including Secretary’s Order No. 3399. Public Availability of Comments All comments and materials we receive will become part of the decision record associated with this action. If you submit a comment via https:// www.regulations.gov, your entire comment, including any personal identifying information such as your address, phone number, and email address, will be posted on the website. If you submit a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy comments on https:// www.regulations.gov. Authority The Service provides this notice under section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1500 through 1508 and 43 CFR part 46). Scott Sobiech, Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, California. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 [FR Doc. 2025–01341 Filed 1–17–25; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P Application No. Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R1–ES–2024–N071; FXES11130100000–234–FF01E00000] Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit applications; request for comments. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period. DATES: We must receive your written comments on or before February 20, 2025. SUMMARY: Document availability and comment submission: Submit a request for copies of the applications and related documents and submit any comments by one of the following methods. All requests and comments should specify the applicant name and application number (e.g., Dana Ross, ES001705): • Email: permitsR1ES@fws.gov. • U.S. Mail: Suzanne Nelson, Acting Regional Program Manager, Restoration and Endangered Species Classification, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific Regional Office, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, OR 97232–4181. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Karen Colson, Regional Recovery Permit Coordinator, Ecological Services, (503) 231–6283 (telephone); permitsR1ES@ fws.gov (email). Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make ADDRESSES: Applicant, city, state PER14302826 ....... VerDate Sep<11>2014 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Sam Case, Eden Prairie, Minnesota. 19:56 Jan 18, 2025 Jkt 265001 Species Frm 00083 Background With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities that constitute take of listed species unless a Federal permit is issued that allows such activity. The ESA’s definition of ‘‘take’’ includes such activities as pursuing, harassing, trapping, capturing, or collecting, in addition to hunting, shooting, harming, wounding, or killing. A recovery permit issued by us under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA authorizes the permittee to conduct activities with endangered or threatened species for scientific purposes that promote recovery or for enhancement of propagation or survival of the species. These activities often include such prohibited actions as capture and collection. Our regulations implementing section 10(a)(1)(A) for these permits are found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.22 for endangered wildlife species, 50 CFR 17.32 for threatened wildlife species, 50 CFR 17.62 for endangered plant species, and 50 CFR 17.72 for threatened plant species. Permit Applications Available for Review and Comment Proposed activities in the following permit requests are for the recovery and enhancement of propagation or survival of the species in the wild. The ESA requires that we invite public comment before issuing the requested permits. Accordingly, we invite local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and the public to submit written data, views, or arguments with respect to these applications. The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are those supported by quantitative information or studies. Location Clermontia lindseyana Hawaii ................................ (1oha wai), Clermontia pyrularia (1oha wai), Cyanea shipmanii (haha). PO 00000 international calls to the point-ofcontact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications for permits under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The requested permits would allow the applicants to conduct activities intended to promote recovery of a species listed as endangered under the ESA. Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Take activity Remove/reduce to possession—collect flowers and fruits, flower manipulation, and monitor. E:\FR\FM\21JAN1.SGM 21JAN1 Permit action New.

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 12 (Tuesday, January 21, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7152-7153]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-01341]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2024-0133; FXES11140800000-223-FF08ECAR00]


Incidental Take Permit Application for the Quino Checkerspot 
Butterfly and Western Spadefoot; Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and 
Draft Environmental Assessment; Alpine Park Project, Community of 
Alpine, San Diego County, CA

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability; request for public comments.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have 
received an application from the County of San Diego for an incidental 
take permit under the Endangered Species Act. If granted, the permit 
would authorize take of the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas 
editha quino), federally listed as endangered, and the western 
spadefoot (Spea hammondii), an amphibian species federally proposed as 
threatened, incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with 
construction and operation of a 25-acre active recreation park and 
habitat restoration and management within mitigation areas associated 
with the project. We invite comments from the public and local, State, 
Tribal, and Federal agencies on the applicant's draft habitat 
conservation plan and the draft environmental assessment, which we have 
prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. We will 
take comments into consideration before deciding whether to issue an 
incidental take permit.

DATES: Submitting Comments: We must receive any written comments on or 
before February 20, 2025.

ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: The application, application supporting 
materials, and any comments and other materials that we receive will be 
available for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov in 
Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2024-0133.
    Submitting Written Comments: You may submit your written comments 
using one of the following methods:
    Online: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for 
submitting comments on Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2024-0133.
    U.S. mail: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-
2024-0133; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg 
Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post online any personal information that 
you provide. We request that you submit comments by only one of the 
methods above. For additional information about submitting comments, 
see Public Availability of Comments under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Porter, Fish and Wildlife 
Biologist, by email at [email protected] or via phone at 442-287-
2203. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, blind, hard of 
hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or 
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals 
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within 
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in 
the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We have received an application from the 
County of San Diego (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). The application addresses the potential take of the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino), federally listed as 
endangered, and the western spadefoot (Spea hammondii), an amphibian 
species federally proposed as threatened, incidental to otherwise 
lawful activities at the Alpine Park (project) site, as described in 
the applicant's draft habitat conservation plan (conservation plan). 
The proposed project would be located in the community of Alpine in San 
Diego County, California.

Background

    Section 9 of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1538) and Federal regulations 
promulgated pursuant to section 4(d) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1533) 
prohibit the take of endangered and threatened animals without special 
exemption. Under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1539), we 
may issue permits to authorize take of listed fish and wildlife species 
that is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an 
otherwise lawful activity. Regulations governing permits for endangered 
and threatened species are set forth in title 50 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (CFR) at part 17, sections 17.22 and 17.32.
    The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.) requires Federal agencies to analyze their proposed actions to 
determine whether the actions may significantly affect the human 
environment. In the NEPA analysis, the Federal agency will identify the 
effects, as well as possible mitigation for effects on environmental 
resources, that could occur with the implementation of the proposed 
action and alternatives. The Federal action in this case is the 
Service's proposed issuance of an incidental take permit for the 
federally endangered Quino checkerspot butterfly and the federally 
proposed threatened western spadefoot.

Permit Application

    The applicant has submitted a draft conservation plan that 
describes the activities that would be covered by the permit, including 
construction of the active recreation park and impacts associated with 
habitat maintenance and restoration. To minimize the risk of incidental 
take, the applicant would employ seasonal restrictions and 
preconstruction surveys and potential translocation. To mitigate the 
impact of the incidental take, the applicant proposes to protect and 
manage the 67.5-acre Alpine Park Preserve, enhance

[[Page 7153]]

Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat, and create breeding pools for 
western spadefoot.
    The draft conservation plan and the draft environmental assessment 
consider alternatives to the proposed action, including a no action 
alternative. The Service prepared a draft environmental assessment to 
evaluate the impacts of issuing the proposed incidental take permit on 
the human environment, consistent with the purpose and goals of NEPA 
and pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's implementing 
NEPA regulations at 40 CFR parts 1500 through 1508. Additionally, the 
draft environmental assessment was prepared consistent with the 
Department of the Interior's NEPA regulations (43 CFR part 46); 
longstanding Federal judicial and regulatory interpretations; and 
Administration priorities and policies, including Secretary's Order No. 
3399.

Public Availability of Comments

    All comments and materials we receive will become part of the 
decision record associated with this action. If you submit a comment 
via https://www.regulations.gov, your entire comment, including any 
personal identifying information such as your address, phone number, 
and email address, will be posted on the website.
    If you submit a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying 
information, you may request at the top of your document that we 
withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot 
guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy 
comments on https://www.regulations.gov.

Authority

    The Service provides this notice under section 10(c) of the 
Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) and its implementing 
regulations and the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.) and its implementing regulations (40 CFR 1500 through 1508 and 
43 CFR part 46).

Scott Sobiech,
Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, Carlsbad, 
California.
[FR Doc. 2025-01341 Filed 1-17-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P


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