Department of the Interior January 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 51 - 100 of 160
Migratory Bird Hunting; Application for Approval of Tungsten-Iron-Copper-Nickel Shot as Nontoxic for Waterfowl Hunting
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) hereby provides public notice that Spherical Precision, Inc. of Tustin, California, has applied for approval of 40 to 76 percent tungsten, 10 to 37 percent iron, 9 to 16 percent copper, and 5 to 7 percent nickel shot as nontoxic for waterfowl hunting in the United States. The Service has initiated review of the shot under the criteria set out in Tier 1 of the nontoxic shot approval procedures given at 50 CFR 20.134.
Information Collection Renewal To Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; Private Stewardship Grants Program; 1018-0118
The Fish and Wildlife Service (We/Service) plans to submit the collection of information described below to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. We use the information collected for the Private Stewardship Grants Program (PSGP) to review requests for funding and to comply with Federal reporting requirements for grants awarded under this program.
Information Collection Renewal To Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; USFWS Training Records: Application for FWS Training Request; 1018-0115
We (Fish and Wildlife Service, Service) plan to submit to OMB a request to renew approval for information collection associated with our Training Application (FWS Form 3-2193). Applicants who wish to participate in training sponsored by the Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center complete a training application, which is offered in both electronic (Web) and hard copy versions. The Web application form is at https://training.fws.gov/catalog/app99.html. Information collection requirements for this submission implement the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 41 and 5 CFR 410.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Notice of Proposed Information Collection
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) is announcing its intention to request renewed approval for the collection of information under 30 CFR part 842 which allows the collection and processing of citizen complaints and requests for inspection.
Notice of Meeting of the Pinedale Anticline Working Group's Transportation Task Group
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (1972), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) Transportation Task Group (subcommittee) will meet in Pinedale, Wyoming, for a business meeting. Task Group meetings are open to the public.
Meeting of the California Desert District Advisory Council
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Pub. L. 92-463 and 94-579, that the California Desert District Advisory Council to the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior, will meet in formal session on Friday, April 1, 2005, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 2 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting will be held in the conference room in the Ramada Inn, located at 1511 East Main Street in Barstow, California. Tentative agenda items include the following:
Notice of Public Meeting: Resource Advisory Council to the Boise District, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will meet as indicated below.
Osage Tribe-Sale and Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages
This notice publishes the Osage Tribe's Liquor Control Ordinance. The Ordinance regulates and controls the possession, sale and consumption of liquor within the Osage Indian Reservation and Osage Indian Country. The land is located on trust land and this Ordinance allows for the possession and sale of alcoholic beverages within the Osage Tribe's Reservation and Osage Indian Country and will increase the ability of the tribal government to control the tribe's liquor distribution and possession, and at the same time will provide an important source of revenue for the continued operation and strengthening of the tribal government and the delivery of tribal services.
San Gabriel River Watershed Special Resource Study, Los Angeles and Orange Counties, CA; Notice of Scoping
Notice is hereby given in accordance with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Public Law 91-190) and Council on Environmental Quality's implementing regulations (40 CFR 1502.9(c)) that public scoping has been initiated for the conservation planning and environmental impact analysis process to identify and assess potential impacts of alternative resource protection and other considerations within the San Gabriel River Watershed Special Resource Study area in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Region. The purpose of the scoping process is to elicit public comment regarding issues and concerns, alternatives, and the nature and extent of potential environmental impacts (and as appropriate, mitigation measures) which should be addressed. Background: As authorized by Public Law 108-042, the NPS is conducting a special resource study of the San Gabriel River and its tributaries from the city of Santa Fe Springs to the north, and the San Gabriel Mountains within the territory of the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. The study area includes areas of the Angeles National Forest, as well as many urban communities along the San Gabriel River and its tributaries. Although the Angeles National Forest and various local and county parks provide recreational opportunities, many communities within the study area experience a lack of open space and their associated recreational opportunities. In conducting the San Gabriel Watershed Special Resource Study, the NPS will evaluate the national significance of the area's natural and cultural resources. The NPS will also assess the area's suitability and feasibility to be a unit of the National Park System. Factors which the NPS study team will evaluate include: Whether the study area includes types or quality of resources not already adequately represented in the National Park System; whether long-term protection and public use of the area are feasible; and whether the area can be adequately protected and administered at a reasonable cost. The NPS's conclusions may vary for different portions of the study area. The NPS will also consider: Alternative strategies for the management, protection and use of significant resources within the overall study area, including management by other public agencies or the private sector; technical or financial assistance available from established programs or special initiatives and partnerships; alternative designations to a national park unit and; cooperative management by NPS and other entities. The authorizing statute directs the NPS to consider regional flood control and drainage needs and publicly owned infrastructure such as wastewater treatment facilities. Opportunities for increased open space and recreational opportunities will also be considered in the study. Public Involvement: During the study process, a range of alternatives will be developed, in consultation with Federal, State and local governments and the public. The law authorizing this study directs the NPS to consult with the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and with other appropriate Federal, State and local governmental entities. The NPS will conduct an environmental review of the alternatives and the potential impacts of resource protection considerations as part of the San Gabriel River Watershed Special Resource Study. At this time, it has not been determined whether an Environmental Assessment or an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared, however, this scoping process will aid in the preparation of either document, and public comments will aid in making this determination. The public will have opportunities to comment and participate throughout the study process, including the opportunity to review the environmental document and submit additional comments. For initial scoping and alternatives development, the most useful comments are those that provide the NPS with assistance in identifying issues and concerns which should be addressed, or providing important information germane to this study. All responses to this Notice will also be used to establish a mailing list of interested persons, organizations, and agencies that desire to receive further information as the environmental document is developed. The public scoping period for the San Gabriel River Watershed Special Resource Study will conclude 90 days after the publication of this Scoping Notice in the Federal Register. As soon as this date can be determined, it will be posted on the study Web site (noted below) and announced by press release to local and regional media. Scoping meetings will be held in the Los Angeles Region in the winter and/or spring of 2005. Interested individuals, organizations, and agencies wishing to provide written comments on issues or concerns should respond to: National Park Service, San Gabriel River Watershed Special Resource Study, 1111 Jackson Street, Suite 700, Oakland, CA 94607. Comments may also be submitted electronically through the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) system (which can be accessed through the study's Web site listed below). In addition, the study team may be contacted anytime via e-mail at pwrsangabriel@nps.gov. If individuals submitting comments request that their name and/or address be withheld from public disclosure, it will be honored to the extent allowable by law. Such requests must be stated prominently in the beginning of the comments. There also may be circumstances wherein the NPS will withhold a respondent's identity as allowable by law. As always: NPS will make available to public inspection all submissions from organizations or businesses and from persons identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations and businesses; and, anonymous comments may not be considered. Future Information: Further information about the study process and opportunities for the public to participate will be distributed via direct mailings, regional and local news media, and announcements on the San Gabriel Watershed Special Resource Study Web site (https:// www.nps.gov/pwro/sangabriel). Decision Process: Availability of the forthcoming draft environmental document for review and written comment will be announced by local and regional news media, the above listed Web site, and direct mailing. At this time the draft document is anticipated to be available for public review and comment by late 2006 or early 2007. Comments on the draft document will be fully considered in the decision making process and responded to as appropriate in the final document. The official responsible for the initial recommendation will be the Regional Director, Pacific West Region, National Park Service. The official responsible for amending or ratifying the recommendation and transmitting the final document to the Secretary of the Interior will be the Director of the National Park Service. The final document will identify the alternative that, in the professional judgment of the Director of the National Park Service, is the most effective and efficient method for protecting significant resources and providing for public enjoyment. The Secretary of the Interior subsequently will forward the completed study along with a recommendation regarding the Secretary's preferred management option for the area to Congress for their consideration. It is anticipated that the final study report will be available in winter 2008.
National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) announces the SRC meeting schedule for the following NPS areas within the Alaska Region: Aniakchak National Monument, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Denali National Park, Kobuk Valley National Park, Lake Clark National Park and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. The purpose of each meeting is to continue work authorized and proposed in subsistence hunting program recommendations and other related subsistence management issues. Each meeting is open to the public. Each SRC meeting will have time allocated for hearing public comments. The public is welcomed to present written or oral comments to the SRC. Draft meeting minutes will be available for public inspection approximately six weeks after each meeting. The NPS SRC program is authorized under Title VIII, Section 808, of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Public Law 96-487, to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Final Commercial Services Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement, Glacier National Park, Montana
Pursuant to Sec. 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Stat. 852, 853, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service announces the availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Commercial Services Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement, Glacier National Park, Montana. On August 20, 2004, the Director, Intermountain Region approved the Record of Decision for the project. As soon as practicable the National Park Service will begin to implement the Preferred Alternatives contained in the FEIS issued on July 9, 2004. The following actions were summarized from the Record of Decision and will occur under the preferred alternatives. The Final Commercial Services Plan identified a vision for commercial services in the park, identified those services that are ``necessary and appropriate'' according to criteria developed in accordance with Title IV of the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998. Standards and prescriptions were developed to further describe how each service will be provided. The Plan also refined the visitor services zone as conceptually described in Glacier National Park's General Management Plan1999. Overall, the Plan maintains what currently exists in the park, however the operation dates for each of the developed areas have been increased slightly and the number of overnight rooms in the park can be increased from 512 to 540. The necessary and appropriate services that were addressed specifically include Granite Park Chalet, Commercially Guided Day Hiking, Guided Underwater Diving tours, Firewood Sales, Public Showers, Interpretive Boat tours and Boat Taxi or Boat Transportation Services, Motor Vehicle tours, Taxi Service, Shuttling of Private Vehicles, Public Transportation Service, Horseback Riding and Packing Services, Step-On Guide Service and Commercially Guided Bicycle Tours. Each developed area was also addressed that contained commercial services. These were Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, Two Medicine, Rising Sun, Many Glacier, and Swiftcurrent developed areas. A number of other actions will be implemented such as improved interpretation and orientation at each developed area, upgraded facilities to comply with life safety, accessibility and building codes, and boat rentals will be provided by the boat tour concessioner at existing locations. A more complete list is in the Record of Decision and the Final Commercial Services Plan. A number of mitigation measures will be adhered to during construction and or operation of the commercial services. These measures are in addition to any other federal, state or local permits and requirements and specific protection guidelines to preserve park resources. They are listed in detail in the Final Commercial Services Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement. These actions and alternatives were analyzed in the Draft and Final Environmental Impact Statements. The full range of foreseeable environmental consequences were assessed, and appropriate mitigation measures were identified. The Record of Decision includes a statement of the decision made, synopses of other alternatives considered, the basis for the decision, a description of the environmentally preferable alternative, a finding on impairment of park resources and values, a listing of measures to minimize environmental harm, an overview of public involvement in the decision-making process, and a Statement of Findings.
Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey; Arizona
The plats of survey described below are scheduled to be officially filed in the Arizona State Office, Bureau of Land Management, Phoenix, Arizona, (30) thirty calendar days from the date of this publication.
Central Valley Project Long-Term Water Service Contract Renewals-American River Division
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (as amended), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), as lead Federal agency, has made available for public review and comment a Draft EIS for the Central Valley Project Long-Term Water Service Contract RenewalsAmerican River Division. The Draft EIS describes and presents the environmental effects of four alternatives, including no action, for renewal of water service contracts to American River Division contractors that include; the City of Roseville, East Bay Municipal District, El Dorado Irrigation District, Placer County Water Agency, Sacramento County Water Agency, Sacramento Municipal Utilities District, and San Juan Water District.
South Cow Mountain Wet Weather Temporary Closure; Temporary Motor Vehicle Use Closure of the South Cow Mountain Recreation Area Due to Wet Weather/Snow Conditions, Mendocino and Lake Counties, CA
In order to facilitate temporary operations and protect resources in the event of severe seasonal storms and/or natural disasters, the Ukiah Field Office is hereby serving notice that it will be adopting a temporary closure policy to be enacted on an as-needed basis when basic criteria are met. The policy will be in place for up to one year, or upon completion of the Ukiah RMP. The closure will be invoked or lifted through notices in news media outlets, information hot lines and on-the-ground postings. The lands covered by this temporary closure include all public lands administered by the Ukiah Field Office within the South Cow Mountain Recreation Area. Public notices listed on information lines will specify which public lands will be temporarily closed, and will reflect local conditions. One of the following criteria shall be met to temporarily close the area: (1) State, County or Federal road access to the area is closed or restricted to residents and emergency personnel; (2) BLM or emergency response personnel cannot access and/or perform their duties in a given location; (3) Roads or trails are saturated with moisture to the point where vehicle traffic causes ruts or bogs leading to increased erosion. Moisture criteria are detailed in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION below. The above temporary closure is intended to allow the BLM flexibility in implementing closures while utilizing the most time-effective method of notifying the public. This will also facilitate management to minimize threats to public health and safety, as well as the potential for resource damage. Any time the closure policy is enacted, the following persons will be exempt: (1) Federal, State, or local law enforcement officers, while engaged in the execution of their official duties. (2) BLM personnel or their representatives while engaged in execution of their official duties. (3) Any member of an organized rescue, fire-fighting force, and/or emergency medical services organization while in the performance and execution of an official duty. (4) Any member of a Federal, State, or local public works department while in the performance of an official duty. (5) Any person in receipt of a written authorization of exemption obtained from the Ukiah Field Office. (6) Local landowners, persons with valid existing rights or lease operations, or representatives thereof, who have a responsibility or need to access their property or to continue their operations on public land. (7) Human use and associated foot traffic into the area during the closure period are exempt from this closure restriction.
Notice of Intent To Amend the Challis Resource Management Plan, Idaho
Pursuant to the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), this notice is to advise the public that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing to amend the Challis Resource Management Plan (RMP). The amendment and associated environmental analysis would allow for the potential disposal of public land to Custer County for a solid waste disposal and transfer area near Mackay, Idaho.
Emergency Closure of Public Lands; Natrona County, WY
Notice is hereby given that certain lands are temporarily closed to motor vehicle use, discharge of firearms, and livestock grazing. The closed area is locally known as the Poison Spider Shooting Area. The public lands affected by this closure are lands administered by the BLM and described as: part of the North \1/2\ of the Northwest \1/4\ and part of the North \1/2\ of the Southwest \1/4\ of Section 14 in Township 33 North, Range 82 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, containing approximately 43 acres. This tract of land is bound on the east by the west bank of the Casper Canal, on the north by the old Poison Spider Road, on the west by the common section line between Sections 14 and 15, and on the south by Poison Spider Road (Natrona County Road 201). The area will be fenced and closure signs will be posted around the perimeter. Maps of the closure area and information on the rehabilitation plans may be obtained from the Casper Field Office. The Poison Spider Shooting Area has been subject to various uses that cumulatively present a hazard to the general public and has resulted in the destruction of public resources. Unrestricted shooting endangers persons traveling on Poison Spider Road (Natrona County Road 201), Natrona County employees working at a gravel pit to the northwest of the site, employees of the Casper-Alcova Irrigation District performing maintenance on the Casper Canal, and threatens livestock authorized to graze on the public lands. Various items of refuse such as refrigerators and propane tanks have been dumped at the site and used as targets for firearms. This may lead to the release of toxic substances into the air and/or soil and may result in explosive situations. The shooting of illegally dumped materials poses a potentially dangerous health hazard to individuals who live and work in this area. Uncontrolled vehicle use has resulted in the destruction of public resources, including vegetation loss, soil compaction, intensive rutting and soil erosion. The Natrona County Road and Bridge Department has agreed to assist the BLM in cleaning up the site. Upon completion of the clean-up, fencing the perimeter and posting signs, acts prohibited by this notice will be enforced.
Preparation of an Environmental Assessment for Proposed Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Lease Sale 196 in the Western Gulf of Mexico (2005)
The Minerals Management Service (MMS) is issuing this notice to advise the public, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., that MMS intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for proposed Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas Lease Sale 196 in the Western Gulf of Mexico (GOM) (Lease Sale 196) scheduled for August 2005. The MMS is issuing this notice to facilitate public involvement. The preparation of this EA is the first step in the decision process for Lease Sale 196. The proposal and alternatives for Lease Sale 196 were identified by the MMS Director in January 2002 following the Call for Information and Nominations/Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and were analyzed in the Gulf of Mexico OCS Oil and Gas Lease Sales: 2003-2007; Central Planning Area Sales 185, 190, 194, 198, and 201; Western Planning Area Sales 187, 192, 196, and 200Final Environmental Impact Statement; Volumes I and II (Multisale EIS, OCS EIS/EA MMS 2002-052). This EA will reexamine the potential environmental effects of the proposed action (the offering of all available unleased acreage in the Western Planning Area (WPA)) and its alternatives (the proposed action excluding the unleased blocks near biologically sensitive topographic features, and no action) based on any new information regarding potential impacts and issues that were not available at the time the Multisale EIS was prepared.
Land Acquisitions; Suquamish Tribe of Washington
The Principal Deputy Assistant SecretaryIndian Affairs made a final agency determination to acquire approximately 12.72 acres of land into trust for the Suquamish Tribe of Washington on April 21, 2004. This notice is published in the exercise of authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Principal Deputy Assistant SecretaryIndian Affairs by 209 Departmental Manual 8.1.
Notice of Availability of a Technical Agency Draft Recovery Plan for Six Mobile Basin Aquatic Snails for Review and Comment
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the technical agency draft recovery plan for six Mobile Basin aquatic snails. The six snails included in the recovery plan are: the endangered cylindrical lioplax (Lioplax cyclostomaformis), flat pebblesnail (Lepyriam showalteri), and plicate rocksnail (Leptoxis ampla); and the threatened painted rocksnail (Leptoxis taeniata), round rocksnail (Leptoxis ampla), and lacy elimia (Elimia crenatella). All are endemic to the Mobile River Basin (Basin) where they inhabit shoals, rapids and riffles of large streams and rivers above the Fall Line. All six species have disappeared from more than 90 percent of their historic ranges as a result of impoundment, channelization, mining, dredging, and pollution from point and non-point sources. The technical agency draft recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to reclassify (downlist) the cylindrical lioplax, flat pebblesnail, and plicate rocksnail to threatened species and for the eventual delisting of all six species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We solicit review and comment on this technical agency draft recovery plan from local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public.
Montana: Filing of Plat of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM Montana State Office, Billings, Montana, (30) days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Indian Gaming
This notice publishes the Third Extension of the Tribal-State Compact between the Pyramid Lake Paiute Indian Tribe and the State of Nevada. The Compact is extended until January 5, 2006.
2005 Meeting Notices for the John Day/Snake Resource Advisory Council
The John Day/Snake Resource Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Geiser Grand Hotel, 1996 Main Street, Baker City, OR 97814. The meeting may include such topics as, Forest Service Weeds Plan, subcommittee updates on OHV, Noxious Weeds step-down plans, 2005 Annual Work Plan, Workforce Planning impacts on Forest Service and BLM offices, and other matters as may reasonably come before the board. On Thursday, March 24 there may be a field trip to Virtue Flat to watch Sage Grouse. The John Day/Snake Resource Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, June 15, 2005, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Quality Inn, 700 Port Drive Clarkston, WA. The meeting may include such topics as, OHV, Noxious Weeds, Planning, Sage Grouse, and other matters as may reasonably come before the board. On Thursday, June 16, 2005 there may be a field trip to Hells Canyon to discuss noxious weeds, Sage Grouse, OHV roads and trails, and other matters as identified. The John Day/Snake Resource Advisory Council will meet on Wednesday, September 21, 2005, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oxford Suites, 2400 SW Court Place, Pendleton, OR 97801. The meeting may include such topics as, Forest Service Weeds Plan, subcommittee updates on OHV, Noxious Weeds, Planning, Sage Grouse, and other matters as may reasonably come before the board. On Thursday, September 22, 2005 there may be a field trip that could include a tour of the Umatilla National Forest office in Pendleton, OR, a wind energy tour in Walla Walla, WA, or an anaerobic digestion site tour. All meetings are open to the public. For a copy of the information to be distributed to the Council members, please submit a written request to the Vale District Office 10 days prior to the meeting. Public comment is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., Pacific Time (PT) on March 23, June 15, and September 21, 2005.
Central Utah Project Completion Act
On December 22, 2004, R. Thomas Weimer, Acting Assistant SecretaryWater and Science, Department of the Interior, signed the Record of Decision (ROD) which documents the selection of the Proposed Action Alternative as presented in the Utah Lake Drainage Basin Water Delivery System (Utah Lake System) Final Environmental Impact Statement (ULS FEIS), INT FES 04-41, filed September 30, 2004. The ROD also approves the initiation of construction of the Utah Lake System, in accordance with statutory and contractual obligations. The following features will be constructed as part of the Proposed Action: (1) Sixth Water Hydropower Plant, Substation, and Transmission Facilities, (2) Upper Diamond Fork Hydropower Plant and Underground Transmission Facilities, (3) Spanish Fork Canyon Pipeline, (4) Spanish Fork Santaquin Pipeline, (5) SantaquinMona Reservoir Pipeline, (6) MapletonSpringville Lateral Pipeline, and (7) Spanish ForkProvo Reservoir Canal Pipeline. The ROD acknowledged that value engineering studies would be conducted that could result in minor modifications to the physical facilities to further reduce environmental impacts and reduce construction costs. The Proposed Action specifically fulfills project needs to: (1) Complete the Bonneville Unit by delivering 101,900 acre-feet on an average annual basis from Strawberry Reservoir to the Wasatch Front Area and project water from other sources to meet some of the municipal and industrial (M&I) demand in the Wasatch Front Area; (2) implement water conservation measures; (3) address all remaining environmental commitments associated with the Bonneville Unit; and (4) maximize current and future M&I water supplies associated with the Bonneville Unit. Interior, the Mitigation Commission, and CUWCD serve as the Joint Lead Agencies for the ULS. During preparation of the ULS FEIS, the Joint Lead Agencies formally consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C.A. sections 1531 to 1544, as amended). The Joint-Lead Agencies will also obtain an exemption from Section 404 requirements provided by Section 404(r) of the Clean Water Act by including a Section 404(b)(1) analysis within the ULS FEIS. In addition to this notification, notices will be published in local newspapers.
Notice of Availability of the Proposed Upper Deschutes Resource Management Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA) of 1976, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared a Proposed Resource Management Plan (PRMP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Upper Deschutes portion of the Deschutes Resource Area of the Prineville District. This Notice of Availability also serves as a notice of realty action in accordance with 43 CFR 2920.4 to be made available for non-competitive lease under Section 302(b) of FLPMA for military use by the Oregon Military Department and National Guard.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Resource Management Plan Revision and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Vernal Field Office Planning Area, in Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties, Utah
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), and regulatory requirements, a Draft RMP Revision/EIS has been prepared for the Vernal Field Office planning area and is available for a 90 day public review and comment period. The Draft RMP Revision/EIS may be viewed and downloaded in PDF format at the project Web site at https://www.vernalrmp.com. Copies of the Draft RMP Revision/EIS will also be available for distribution and review during the comment period at the BLM Vernal Field Office, at the address shown below.
Notice of Availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Caspian Tern Management To Reduce Predation of Juvenile Salmonids in the Columbia River Estuary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (Final EIS) for Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) Management to Reduce Predation of Juvenile Salmonids in the Columbia River Estuary is available for review and comment. This Final EIS was prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) as cooperating agencies. This Final EIS describes the three Federal Agencies' proposal for the redistribution of the Caspian tern colony from East Sand Island, Columbia River estuary to various sites located throughout the Pacific Coast/Western region. The purposes of the proposed action are to reduce tern predation on juvenile Columbia River salmonids and eliminate the vulnerability of the regional tern population associated with having the majority of the population (70 percent) breeding in one location.
List of Additional Lands Affected by White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act of 1985
This notice publishes a list of additional allotments or interests on the White Earth Chippewa Reservation in Minnesota. The Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, have determined that certain additional allotments or interests fall within the scope of sections 4(a), 4(b), or 5(c) of the White Earth Reservation Land Settlement Act of 1985. Under section 7(e) of the Act, as amended, any determination made by the Secretary to include an allotment or interest is required to be published in the Federal Register.
Temporary Closure of Selected Public Lands in La Paz County, Arizona, During the Operation of the 2005 Parker 425 Desert Race
The Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu Field Office announces the temporary closure of selected public lands under its administration in La Paz County, Arizona. This action is being taken to help ensure public safety and prevent unnecessary environmental degradation during the officially permitted running of the 2005 Blue Water Resort and Casino Parker 425 Desert Race. Areas subject to this closure include all public land, including county maintained roads and highways located on public lands, that are located within two miles of the designated racecourse. The racecourse and closure areas are described in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice, and maps of the designated racecourse are maintained in the Bureau of Land Management Lake Havasu Field Office, 2610 Sweetwater Avenue, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406.
Nominations for Indian Reservation Roads Program Coordinating Committee
The Secretary of the Interior is requesting nominations for tribal regional representatives to the Indian Reservation Roads (IRR) Program Coordinating Committee (Committee) which will be established under 25 CFR 170. The IRR final rules amending 25 CFR 170 include establishing a Committee to provide input and recommendations to the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) in developing IRR Program policies and procedures and to coordinate with and obtain input from tribes, BIA, and FHWA. The Secretary will accept only nominations for tribal representatives and alternates officially selected by tribes in each of the 12 BIA regions as stated below.
Meeting Notice for the Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council
The Southeast Oregon Resource Advisory Council (SEORAC) will hold a meeting for all members from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), Monday, February 7, 2005 and 8 a.m. to noon (PT) on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 at the Fremont-Winema National Forests, Winema Office, Conference Room, 2819 Dahlia Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601. Members of the public may attend the meeting in person. The meeting topics that may be discussed by the Council include a discussion of issues within Southeast Oregon related to: Election of Officers, Role and Responsibilities of RAC members; Approval of past minutes, 2005 Calendar Dates; RAC Charter Changes. Work Plan Priorities, Update of the Oregon Sage-grouse Plan. Hydrology Presentation, Owyhee River below the dam update, North Lake Recreation Plan update, Wild Horse and Burro update, Fremont-Winema National Forests grazing program update, liaison reports and Federal Official reports. Discussion of the subcommittee priorities and roles, meeting of subcommittees and other issues that may come before the Council. Information to be distributed to the Council members is requested in written format 10 days prior to the Council meeting. Public comment is scheduled for 11:45 a.m. (PT) on Monday February 7, 2005.
Request for Nominations of Members To Serve on the Bureau of Indian Affairs Advisory Board for Exceptional Education
Pursuant to the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP), requests nominations of individuals to serve on the BIA Advisory Board for Exceptional Education (Advisory Board). The BIA/OIEP will consider nominations received in response to this Request for Nominations. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section provides committee and membership criteria, and the membership nomination form.
Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease WYW96788 for lands in Converse County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease WYW145696 for lands in Big Horn County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease WYW145692 for lands in Big Horn County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease
Under the provisions of 30 U.S.C. 188(d) and (e), and 43 CFR 3108.2-3(a) and (b)(1), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease WYW145713 for lands in Big Horn County, Wyoming. The petition was filed on time and was accompanied by all the rentals due since the date the lease terminated under the law.
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area Advisory Council Meeting
The McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area (MCNCA) Advisory Council will hold its first bi-monthly meeting of 2005 on February 2, 2005. The meeting will begin at 3 p.m. and will be held at the Mesa County Administration Building; 544 Rood Avenue, Grand Junction, CO. Additional meetings will also be held on April 6 and June 1 of 2005 at the same location and the same time. Additional meetings for 2005 will be determined at the February 2 meeting and published in the Federal Register.
Notice of Meeting of the Pinedale Anticline Working Group's Reclamation Task Group
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (1976) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act (1972), the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Pinedale Anticline Working Group (PAWG) Reclamation Task Group (subcommittee) will meet in Pinedale, Wyoming, for a business meeting. Task Group meetings are open to the public.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for Construction of a Single-Family Home in Brevard County, FL
Deleta Earle (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 0.23 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 0.23 acre of foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat is expected to result in the take of one family of scrub-jays. The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We have determined that the Applicant's proposal, including the proposed mitigation and minimization measures, will individually and cumulatively have a minor or negligible effect on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, the ITP is a ``low-effect'' project and qualifies as a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as provided by the Department of Interior Manual (516 DM2, Appendix 1 and 516 DM 6, Appendix 1). We announce the availability of the HCP for the incidental take application. Copies of the HCP may be obtained by making a request to the Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Proposed Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Westlake Ranch LLC in Clatsop County, OR
This notice advises the public that Westlake Ranch LLC and Randy and Tasha Curs (Applicants) have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit (ITP), pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The requested 50-year permit would authorize the incidental take of the threatened Oregon silverspot butterfly (Speyeria zerene hippolyta, ``butterfly''), associated with the construction and residential development of 75 lots on approximately 165 acres, five miles north of the city of Gearhart, in Clatsop County, Oregon. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on whether the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) qualifies as a ``low effect'' HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. We explain the basis for this possible determination in a draft Environmental Action Statement (EAS), which is also available for public review.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding for Petitions To List the Greater Sage-Grouse as Threatened or Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding for three petitions to list the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. After reviewing the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing is not warranted. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of or threats to the species. This information will help us monitor and encourage the conservation of this species.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered marine mammals.
Issuance of Permits
The following permits were issued.
Notice of Extension of the Public Comment Period, Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP) of Grand Canyon National Park
This notice informs the public that the comment period for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Colorado River Management Plan is extended.
Montana: Filing of Plat of Survey
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM Montana State Office, Billings, Montana, (30) days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
Minimum Internal Control Standards
On December 1, 2004, the National Indian Gaming Commission (Commission) issued Proposed rule revisions (69 FR 69847, December 1, 2004) (November 27, 2000) containing corrections and revisions to the Commission's existing regulations establishing minimum internal control standards (MICS) for gaming operations on Indian land and requesting comments prior to publication of a final rule. The date for filing comments is being extended.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Removal of the Plant Agave arizonica
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), propose to remove the plant Agave arizonica (Arizona agave) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. Agave arizonica was listed as endangered on June 18, 1984, due to threats of habitat modification and collection. Evidence collected subsequent to the listing indicates that plants attributed to Agave arizonica do not constitute a distinct species but rather are individuals that have resulted from recent and sporadic instances of hybridization between two species. Current taxonomic practice is not to recognize such groups of individuals as a species. The term ``species,'' as defined by the Act, only includes species, subspecies, and distinct population segments. Since Agave arizonica is not recognized as a species, it no longer qualifies for protection under the Act.
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