Department of the Interior May 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Revised Draft Backcountry Management Plan, General Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement, Denali National Park and Preserve, AK
Document Number: 05-10733
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
The National Park Service (NPS) announces public meetings to obtain public comment on the Revised Draft Backcountry Management Plan, General Management Plan Amendment and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Denali National Park and Preserve. The document describes and analyzes the environmental impacts of a preferred alternative and four action alternatives for managing the park and preserve's backcountry. A no action alternative also is evaluated. This announcement provides public meeting dates and locations, and corrects the closing date for receipt of public comments and the e-mail address for electronic comments.
Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, ME, Acadia National, Park Advisory Commission; Notice of Meeting
Document Number: 05-10732
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore General Management Plan, Environmental Impact Statement, Wisconsin; Correction
Document Number: 05-10731
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
In the September 3, 2004, Federal Register, the National Park Service (NPS) announced its intent to prepare a general management plan and environmental impact statement (GMP/EIS) for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (APIS). After the scoping period for the GMP/EIS ended, on December 8, 2004, Congress officially designated wilderness in the park. While wilderness management was intended to be part of the proposed planning process, the NPS will incorporate the requirements of a wilderness management plan into the general management plan now that Congress has made the official designation.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan; North Cascades National Park Service Complex; Whatcom, Skagit and Chelan Counties, WA; Notice of Availability
Document Number: 05-10729
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
Pursuant to section 102(c) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (Pub. L. 91-190, as amended), the National Park Service in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan. The DEIS identifies and evaluates four alternatives for management of non-native fish in the natural mountain lakes within North Cascades National Park Service Complex and the Stephen Mather Wilderness. Appropriate mitigation strategies are assessed, and an ``environmentally preferred'' alternative is also identified. When approved, the Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan (Plan) will govern all fishery management actions, including potential removal of self-sustaining populations of non-native fish and fish stocking. Background: The National Park Service (NPS) manages North Cascades National Park, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, and Ross Lake National Recreation Area collectively as the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (hereafter referred to as ``North Cascades''). The Congressionally designated Stephen Mather Wilderness covers ninety- three percent of North Cascades. The rugged, wilderness landscape of North Cascades contains 240 natural mountain lakes. The lakes are naturally fishless due to impassable topographic barriers. Though naturally barren of fish, these lakes contain a rich array of native aquatic life including plankton, aquatic insects, frogs and salamanders. In the late 1800's, settlers began stocking lakes within the present-day boundaries of North Cascades with various species of non- native trout for food and recreation. By the 20th century, fish stocking was a routine lake enhancement practice for the U.S. Forest Service, various counties, and individuals. Then upon its inception in 1933, the Washington Department of Game (WDG; now the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, or WDFW) assumed responsibility for stocking mountain lakes throughout the state to create and maintain a recreational fishery. The state's involvement grew largely out of the need to prevent haphazard stocking by individuals without biological expertise. With particular emphasis on systematic assessment of fish species and stocking rates, the WDG conducted the first high lakes fisheries research and developed many principles central to fisheries management today. After North Cascades was established in 1968, a conflict over fish stocking emerged between the NPS and WDFW. The conflict was driven by fundamental policy differences: NPS policies prohibited stocking so as to protect native ecosystems; WDFW policies encouraged stocking to enhance recreation. To reconcile the conflict and foster cooperative management, the NPS and WDFW entered into a fisheries management agreement in 1988 with the purpose of ``establishing a mutually agreed to list of lakes within the boundaries of North Cascades National Park which the department [would] stock with fish as part of its fish management program.'' The agreement identified 40 lakes for stocking and specified that ``research results [would] be considered in future decisions''. Shortly thereafter, the NPS initiated a long-term research effort through Oregon State University to evaluate the ecological effects of fish stocking on native biota in mountain lakes. To ensure objectivity and scientific merit, an independent peer review panel of subject matter experts was established to evaluate research results. The final phase of this research effort was completed in July, 2002. The complete research results are posted on the Plan/DEIS Web site (https:// www.nps.gov/noca/highlakes.htm), however key conclusions include: Lakes with high densities of self-sustaining (i.e., reproducing) trout populations had significantly fewer salamanders and zooplankton than fishless lakes; There was no significant difference in salamander or zooplankton abundance between fishless lakes and lakes with stocked (i.e., non-reproducing) fish; Native biota (e.g., salamanders, zooplankton) appeared to be at greatest risk in lakes with (1) relatively high nitrogen concentrations, (2) relatively warm water and (3) self-sustaining trout populations present in high densities. These risk factors were found in six of the 83 lakes studied. Purpose and Need: The purpose of the Plan/DEIS is to develop a comprehensive management plan for natural mountain lakes that conserves native biological integrity and provides a spectrum of recreational opportunities and visitor experiences, including sport fishing. The Plan/DEIS is needed to resolve the long-standing debate and conflicts over fish stocking in the naturally fishless mountain lakes in North Cascades. In most NPS units, natural resources (including lakes and fish) are managed in accord with the Organic Act of 1916 and in concert with NPS management policies which allow sport fishing unless it is specifically prohibited. NPS policies, however, prohibit fish stocking in most NPS waters. In North Cascades, fish have historically been managed by a combination of agencies and user groups. This is partly because the enabling legislation for North Cascades does not define angling activities that would be allowed within its boundaries, and partly because the area has a history of fish management by WDFW and affiliated sport fishing groups (whose practices pre-date the 1968 establishment of North Cascades by many years). The lakes that are the focus of this Plan/DEIS are the 91 mountain lakes (out of 240 lakes) that were once naturally fishless but have had some history of fish stocking since the late 1800's. Due to differences in missions and policies between the NPS and WDFW, the two agencies drafted a Memorandum of Understanding in 1985, and a Supplemental Agreement in 1988 that established a mutually agreed to list of lakes in the National Park portion of the Complex that WDFW would stock with fish as part of its fish management program while further studies into the ecological effects of non-native fish in mountain lakes were conducted. A long term research study was then initiated. Before the research could be completed, the North Cascades Conservation Council challenged the NPS in court on its decision to allow fish stocking to continue or reproducing populations of fish to remain. In a 1991 Consent Decree, the U.S. District Court (Western District of Washington) indicated the NPS should complete its research and then ``conduct a NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act] review of the fish stocking of naturally fish-free lakes.'' The research was completed in July 2002 by a team that included scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (Biological Resources Division) and Oregon State University. This Plan/DEIS was initiated upon completion of the research, and initiates the conservation planning and environmental impact analysis process required by the 1991 Consent Decree. Primary Issues: Key issues which were addressed in preparing the DEIS/Plan included: Predation and Competition. Non-native fish have measurably changed composition and abundance of native aquatic organisms in some lakes, with the most significant impacts caused by reproducing populations of stocked fish that have become self-sustaining. Hybridization with Native Fish. Non-native fish are dispersing downstream from some lakes and hybridizing (i.e., interbreeding) with native fish, which could harm bull trout (federally Threatened), westslope cutthroat trout and other native trout populations. Conflicting Social/Wilderness Values. Some stakeholders strongly oppose the management of a non-native fishery in national park/wilderness lakes that were naturally fishless. Others believe that the mountain lakes fishery provides an unparalleled opportunity for high lakes fishing that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Legislative ambiguity: The enabling legislation and legislative history for North Cascades are not clear with respect to fish stocking, thus the NPS believes an affirmative legislative clarification from Congress would be needed in order to justify continued fish stocking in naturally fishless mountain lakes in the North Cascades/Stephen Mather Wilderness. Proposed Plan and Alternatives: As the proposed Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan, Alternative B (the ``agency preferred'' alternative) would implement an adaptive management framework for allowing continued stocking of select lakes with a history of fish stocking. To minimize ecological risks, sterile trout incapable of reproducing would be stocked at low densities to provide continued angling opportunities. Self-sustaining populations of trout would be removed from all lakes (where feasible) using gill-nets in combination with electrofishing, spawning habitat exclusion, and application of the piscicide antimycin. Fishery management actions would be monitored and evaluated to enable adaptive management and ensure conservation of biological integrity. Implementation of this Alternative would require affirmative clarification from Congress regarding the appropriateness of continued fish stocking in the North Cascades/Stephen Mather Wilderness. Alternative A (the ``No Action'' alternative) provides a baseline for analyzing and comparing the three ``action'' alternatives. Under this alternative, fishery management actions would continue in accord with the terms and conditions of the 1988 Supplemental Agreement with the WDFW. This agreement provides for continued stocking of select lakes in North Cascades National Park. Continued implementation of this alternative would require clarification from Congress regarding the appropriateness of continued fish stocking in the North Cascades/ Stephen Mather Wilderness. Alternative C would include continued maintenance of the mountain lakes sport fishery (i.e., fish stocking) in select lakes in Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Fish stocking would be discontinued in North Cascades National Park. Otherwise, the adaptive management framework for Alternative C would be similar to Alternative B. Alternative C would conform to NPS policies regarding fish stocking in National Recreation Area waters. However, Alternative C would still require clarification from Congress regarding the appropriateness of continued fish stocking in the Stephen Mather Wilderness. Alternative D would discontinue fish stocking in all mountain lakes in North Cascades. This alternative would establish a long-term goal of removing, wherever feasible, self-sustaining populations of non-native trout in approximately 37 lakes using the removal methods described for Alternative B. Scoping History: Public scoping formally began on January 16, 2003, with the Federal Register publication of the Notice of Intent to prepare an environmental impact statement. A news release for the public scoping meetings was sent on February 14, 2003 to 12 local and regional news media. A public scoping brochure was mailed in early March 2003 to a comprehensive list of government agencies, organizations, businesses, and individuals. In late March 2003, the NPS and WDFW held four public scoping meetings in the surrounding communities of Sedro-Woolley, Wenatchee, Bellevue and Seattle. The NPS received 248 comments during the public scoping period, which formally concluded on April 18, 2004. A public scoping report is available on the park's project Web site: (https://www.nps.gov/noca/highlakes.htm). Comments and Public Meetings: The public review and comment period will extend 90 days from the date the EPA publishes its notice of filing of the Plan/DEIS in the Federal Register. Immediately upon confirmation, this date will be announced on the park's project Web site. The Plan/ DEIS will be mailed directly to those who requested copies during public scoping, and may be downloaded from the project Web site and on CD-ROM. Copies will also be available for review at park headquarters in Sedro-Woolley, the main visitor center in Newhalem, and at local and regional libraries. Printed or CD-ROM copies may also be requested by telephone (360) 856-5700 ext.351. In addition, a Public Comment Newsletter will be distributed. All comments must be submitted in writing and postmarked or transmitted not later than 90 days from the date EPA publishes their notice of filing. Responses should be addressed to: Superintendent, Attn: Draft EIS/Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan, North Cascades National Park Service Complex, 810 State Route 20, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284. Reviewers are encouraged to submit comments, ideas or questions on-line at the PEPC Web site (https://parkplanning.nps.gov); search under park name for North Cascades National Park to find the Plan/EIS and an on-line comment form. Written comments may also be faxed to (360) 856-1934, or submitted at one of the public meetings (see below). Please note that names and addresses of people who comment become part of the public record. If individuals commenting request that their name or/and 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 from the administrative record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. As always: The 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. To facilitate exchange of information and public understanding of the proposal, the NPS in coordination with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will host public meetings in Sedro-Woolley, Wenatchee, and the Seattle area. At this time several meetings are expected to be held during summer 2005a schedule of confirmed dates, locations and times will be announced via the Public Comment Newsletter, local and regional news media, and the park's project Web site; or may be obtained by telephone at (360) 856-5700 ext.351. Participants are strongly encouraged to review the document prior to attending a meeting. The Superintendent of North Cascades and planning team members, including WDFW personnel will attend all meetings. The format will be the same for all meetings, and will include a brief presentation on the essential elements of the Plan/DEIS and a question and answer period. Brief oral comments and written comments will also be received. All meeting locations will be accessible for disabled persons, and a sign language interpreter may be available upon request with prior notice (please contact the park as noted above). Decision: Following careful consideration of all comments received on the Plan/DEIS, completion of the Final Mountain Lakes Fishery Management Plan/Final Environmental Impact Statement is anticipated for spring 2006 (actual timing will depend upon the degree of public interest and response from agencies and organizations). Thereafter the Record of Decision would be completed not sooner than 30 days after the Final EIS is distributed. As a delegated EIS, the official responsible for the final decision is the Regional Director, Pacific West Region; subsequently, the official responsible for implementation will be the Superintendent, North Cascades National Park Service Complex.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge
Document Number: 05-10718
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is preparing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) located in San Francisco County, California. This notice advises the public that the Service intends to gather information necessary to prepare a CCP and EA pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The public and other agencies are encouraged to participate in the planning process by sending written comments on management actions that the Service should consider. The Service is also furnishing this notice in compliance with the Service CCP policy to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the CCP and EA. Opportunities for public input will be announced throughout the CCP/EA planning and development process.
Notice of Meeting, Front Range Resource Advisory Council (Colorado)
Document Number: 05-10716
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
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) Front Range Resource Advisory Council (RAC), will meet as indicated below.
Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Washington Islands National Wildlife Refuges (Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles, and Copalis NWRs)
Document Number: 05-10298
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Flattery Rocks National Wildlife Refuge, Quillayute Needles National Wildlife Refuge, and Copalis National Wildlife Refuge is available for review and comment. These three National Wildlife Refuges located on the outer coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, are hereafter collectively called the Washington Islands Refuges or Refuges. This Draft CCP/EA, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes the Service's proposal for management of the Washington Islands Refuges over the next 15 years. Also available for review with the Draft CCP/EA is a compatibility determination for research.
Notice of Public Meeting, Western Montana Resource Advisory Council Meeting
Document Number: 05-10645
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-27
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
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), the Western Montana Resource Advisory Council will meet as indicated below.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 05-10607
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-27
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
Document Number: 05-10539
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-26
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge Service Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, such as opportunities, for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. The purpose of this notice is to achieve the following: (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document.
California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee Public Meeting
Document Number: 05-10535
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-26
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Reclamation Bureau
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the California Bay-Delta Public Advisory Committee (Committee) will meet on June 8, 2005. The second half of the meeting will be held jointly with the California Bay-Delta Authority. The agenda for the Committee meeting will include an orientation for the new Committee members and reports from several of its Subcommittees. The agenda for the joint meeting will include reports from the Director and the Lead Scientist and discussions on short- and long-term funding for the CALFED Bay- Delta Program with State and Federal agency representatives.
National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
Document Number: 05-10489
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-26
Agency: Department of the Interior, National Park Service
ES-053484, Group No. 42, Missouri; Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
Document Number: 05-10402
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
ES-053483, Group No. 40, Missouri; Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
Document Number: 05-10401
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
ES-053459, Group No. 19, Maine; Eastern States: Filing of Plat of Survey
Document Number: 05-10400
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will file the plat of survey of the lands described below in the BLM-Eastern States, Springfield, Virginia, 30 calendar days from the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
Document Number: 05-10385
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-25
Agency: Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service
To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), MMS is inviting comments on a collection of information that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The information collection request (ICR) concerns the paperwork requirements in the regulations under 30 CFR 280, ``Prospecting for Minerals Other than Oil, Gas, and Sulphur on the Outer Continental Shelf.''
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Opening of the Comment Period for the Proposed and Final Designation of Critical Habitat for the Klamath River and Columbia River Populations of Bull Trout
Document Number: 05-10246
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-05-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the opening of a public comment period on the proposed and final designation of critical habitat for the Klamath River and Columbia River populations of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Due to court action, we have determined that it would be appropriate to reevaluate the exclusions made in the final critical habitat rule. We are opening this comment period to allow all interested parties to comment simultaneously on the November 29, 2002, proposed rule (67 FR 71235) and the October 6, 2004, final rule (69 FR 59996). Copies of the proposed and final rules, as well as the economic analysis for the critical habitat designation, are available on the Internet at https:// pacific.fws.gov/bulltrout or from the Portland Regional Office at the address and contact numbers below.
Information Collection Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR)
Document Number: 05-10311
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have submitted the collection of information described below to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collected for the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation is needed to assist Federal and State agencies in administering the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration grant programs. The 2006 FHWAR will provide up-to-date information on the uses and demands for wildlife-related recreation resources, trends in uses of those resources, and a basis for developing and evaluating programs and projects to meet existing and future needs. We have conducted this survey every 5 years since 1955.
Information Collection Renewal Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; 1018-0117; State Certification of Expenditures, Public Law 106-408
Document Number: 05-10310
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have submitted to OMB a request to renew approval for information collection associated with FWS Form 3-2197a (State Certification of Expenditures). We will use the information that we collect to determine if the States properly expended the funds they received under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669 et seq.) and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777 et seq.). As used in this notice, the term ``States'' includes the 50 States, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
Proposed Otay Hills Quarry Project
Document Number: 05-10261
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, 40 CFR 1508.22, and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), notice is herby given that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the San Diego County Department of Planning and Land Use (DPLU) intend to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed development of a rock quarry on private land and federal mineral estate. The proposed EIS/EIR will describe and analyze alternatives for a proposed operation to extract construction aggregates on a 210-acre site in the foothills of Otay Mountain, San Diego County, California.
Notice of Camping, Parking, Wood Cutting and Wood Gathering Restrictions, Moab Field Office, UT
Document Number: 05-10260
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
This notice, applicable to specified public lands administered by BLM's Moab Field Office, limits camping to developed sites and areas (developed campgrounds and designated camping sites), allows BLM to limit the size of designated camping and parking areas, and requires the use of portable toilets at designated camp sites where toilets are not provided. Additionally, this notice prohibits wood cutting and gathering, including Christmas tree cutting, in these intensively used areas. These actions are necessary to protect natural resources, maintain quality recreation opportunities, and provide for public safety.
Restriction Order Notice
Document Number: 05-10259
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-24
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
The Restriction Order prohibits building, maintaining, or using a fire or campfire within the Wallace Forest Conservation Area, described as all public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) located in T.50 N., R. 2 W., Sec. 31; T. 50 N., R. 3 W., Sec. 35; T. 49 N., R. 2 W., Sec. 6 and those portions of T. 49 N., R. 3 W., Sec. 1, which lie north of Coeur d'Alene Lake, Boise Meridian, all in Kootenai County, Idaho. A map depicting the restricted area is available for public inspection at the Bureau of Land Management, Coeur d'Alene Field Office, 1808 North Third Street, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. These restrictions become effective immediately and will remain in effect unless revoked and/or replaced with supplementary rules.
Importation of Exotic Wild Birds into the United States; Notice of Reopening of Comment Period on Proposed Rule to Add Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots from Argentina's Sustainable-Use Management Plan to the Approved List of Non-Captive-Bred Species Under the Wild Bird Conservation Act
Document Number: 05-10253
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-05-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), give notice that we are reopening the comment period for the proposed rule to add blue- fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from Argentina's sustainable- use management plan to the approved list of non-captive-bred (wild- caught) species under the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (WBCA). We are reopening the public comment period to allow all interested parties time to comment on Dr. Jorge Rabinovich's study, ``Modeling the Sustainable Use of the Blue-Fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) in the Dry Chaco Region of Argentina.'' The proposed rule was published and the public comment period initially opened on August 6, 2003 (68 FR 46559). We reopened the public comment period on March 29, 2005 (70 FR 15798) in order to accept comments related to Dr. Rabinovich's study, and we are now reopening it for an additional 45 days.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, Located in Socorro County, NM
Document Number: 05-10291
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment for Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), to achieve the following: (1) Advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) Obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document.
Alaska Native Claims Selection
Document Number: 05-10258
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Bethel Native Corporation. The lands are located within Townships 2, 3, and 4 N., Ranges 80 and 81 W., Seward Meridian, Alaska, in the vicinity of Dall Lake, Alaska, and contain 86,453.75 acres. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in The Tundra Drums.
Alaska Native Claims Selection
Document Number: 05-10257
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that an appealable decision approving lands for conveyance pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act will be issued to Sealaska Corporation for lands located in the vicinity of Icy Straits, Alaska. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the Juneau Empire.
Notice of Availability for the North Valleys Rights-of-Way Projects Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 05-10255
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
Pursuant to section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and 40 CFR 1500-1508 Council on Environmental Quality Regulations (CEQ), notice is given that the Bureau of Land Management Carson City Field Office (BLM) has prepared, with the assistance of a third-party consultant, a Draft EIS for the proposed North Valleys Rights-of-Way Projects, and has made the document available for public and agency review and comment. The proposed Projects include the construction and operation of two separate water supply and transmission projects located in Washoe County, Nevada. Rights-of-way applications were submitted to the BLM from Intermountain Water Supply, LTD and Fish Springs Ranch, LLC for production wells, pump stations, transmission pipelines, terminal water storage tanks, electrical substation, overhead power lines, and access road rights-of-way.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List a Karst Meshweaver, Cicurina cueva
Document Number: 05-10245
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the status review initiated by the 90-day finding on a petition to list Cicurina cueva as an endangered species (February 1, 2005; 70 FR 5123). This action will allow all interested parties an opportunity to provide information on the status of the species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Key Deer, Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit, and Eastern Indigo Snake Resulting from Limited Additional Development Activities on Big Pine Key and No Name Key, Monroe County, FL
Document Number: 05-10205
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Monroe County, Florida, and the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) (Applicants) request 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 Applicants anticipate taking no more than 168 acres of occupied Key deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium), breeding, foraging, and sheltering habitat. This same area is potential habitat for the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Proposed activities on this acreage may also indirectly affect adjacent habitat occupied by the Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri). Take of these species would be incidental to development activities on Big Pine Key and No Name Key (Project Area) in Monroe County, Florida. The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project on the affected species. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Service announces the availability of the HCP and the Environmental Assessment for the incidental take application. Copies of the HCP and Environmental Assessment 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 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of an Additional Manatee Protection Area in Lee County, FL
Document Number: 05-10176
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-05-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are correcting a typographical error in the final rule promulgated on April 7, 2005, to establish an additional manatee protection area in Lee County, Florida (Pine IslandEstero Bay Manatee Refuge). This correction is not substantive.
Request for Public Comments on Extension of Existing Information Collection To Be Submitted to OMB for Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
Document Number: 05-10152
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Geological Survey, Department of the Interior
The collection of information referred herein applies to a World-Wide Web site questionnaire that permits individuals to report on the effects of the shaking from an earthquakeon themselves personally, buildings, other man-made structures, and ground effects such as faulting or landslides. The USGS may use the information to provide qualitative, quantitative, or graphical descriptions of earthquake damage. Estimated Completion Time: 6 minutes. Estimated Annual Number of Respondents: 100,000. Frequency: After each earthquake. Estimated Annual Burden Hours: 10,000 hours. Affected Public: The general public. For Further Information Contact: To obtain copies of the survey, contact the Bureau clearance officer, U.S. Geological Survey, 807 National Center, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston, Virginia 20192, telephone (703) 648-7313, or go to the Web site (https:// pasadena.wr.usgs.gov/shake/).
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Enterprise Rancheria Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino-Hotel Project, Yuba County, CA
Document Number: 05-10138
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Affairs Bureau
This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as lead agency, with the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe (Enterprise Rancheria) as a cooperating agency, intends to gather information necessary for preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed 40 acre fee-to-trust transfer and casino and hotel project to be located in Yuba County, California. The purpose of the proposed action is to help provide a land base for, and address the socio-economic needs of the Enterprise Rancheria. This notice also announces a public scoping meeting to identify potential issues, concerns and alternatives to be considered in the EIS.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 05-10096
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and marine mammals.
Woody Biomass Utilization
Document Number: 05-10095
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior
This rule converts an interim final rule to a final rule, with minor adjustments in response to public comment. In addition, the numbering scheme was revised to conform to the existing regulatory structure. As a result of this rulemaking, Department of the Interior will allow service contractors to remove woody biomass generated as a result of land management service contracts whenever ecologically appropriate and in accordance with applicable law.
Notice of Invitation-Federal Coal Exploration License Application, WAOR 60818; Correction
Document Number: 05-10093
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
In Federal Coal Exploration License Application, WAOR 60818, published February 25, 2005, as FR Doc. 05-3629, make the following correction: On page 9377, T. 14 N., R. 10 W., Sec. 8, E\1/2\SW\1/4\., should read T. 14 N., R. 1 W., Sec 8, E\1/2\NW\1/4\. Any party electing to participate in this exploration program shall notify, in writing, both the Oregon/Washington State Director, Bureau of Land Management at the address above and the Transalta Centralia Mining LLC, at 913 Big Hanaford Road, Centralia, Washington 98531. Such written notice must refer to serial number WAOR-60818 and be received no later than June 20, 2005, or 10 calendar days after the last publication of this notice in the Centralia Chronicle newspaper, whichever is later. This notice will be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the newspaper.
Meeting of the California Desert District Advisory Council
Document Number: 05-10092
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
Notice is hereby given, in accordance with Public Laws 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, June 24, 2005, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Ontario Airport Hilton Hotel, located at 700 North Haven Avenue, in Ontario, California. Tentative agenda items include the following:
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Pygmy Rabbit as Threatened or Endangered
Document Number: 05-10056
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find the petition does not provide substantial information indicating that listing the pygmy rabbit may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a further status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it.
Land Use Planning; Correction
Document Number: 05-10015
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-05-20
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Land Management Bureau
This document contains corrections to the final regulations that were published in the Federal Register on Wednesday, March 23, 2005, (70 FR 14561). The regulations related to cooperating agencies and cooperating agency status.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge: Allamakee, Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque and Jackson Counties, IA; Grant and Richland Counties, WI; and Jo Daviess County, IL
Document Number: 05-9986
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Land Protection Plan is available for Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.
Receipt of Applications for Endangered Species Permits
Document Number: 05-9985
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We provide this notice pursuant to section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Information Collection Renewal To Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; OMB Control No. 1018-0100; Grants Programs Authorized by the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
Document Number: 05-9947
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (Fish and Wildlife Service, Service) plan to submit the collection of information described below to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. We use the information collected to conduct our NAWCA grants programs in the manner prescribed by that Act, the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, and the North American Wetlands Conservation Council. We also use the information to comply with Federal reporting requirements for grants awarded under the program.
Preparation of Rolls of Indians
Document Number: 05-9941
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Affairs Bureau
The Bureau of Indian Affairs is proposing to amend its regulations governing the compilation of rolls of Indians in order to open the enrollment application process for the Western Shoshone Identifiable Group of Indians. The enrollment application process will give individuals an opportunity to file applications to share in the Western Shoshone judgment fund distribution authorized under the Western Shoshone Claims Distribution Act of July 7, 2004.
Indian Child Welfare Act; Receipt of Designated Tribal Agents for Service of Notice; Addendum
Document Number: 05-9940
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Indian Affairs Bureau
This notice is published in exercise of authority delegated by the Secretary of the Interior to the Principal Deputy Assistant SecretaryIndian Affairs by 209 DM 8. The regulations implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act provide that Indian tribes may designate an agent other than the tribal chairman for service of notice of proceedings under the Act, 25 CFR 23.12. The Secretary of the Interior shall publish in the Federal Register on an annual basis the names and addresses of the designated agents. This is an addendum to the Designated Tribal Agents for service of notice published on March 21, 2005 (70 FR 13518), which included the listings of designated tribal agents received by the Secretary of the Interior with the exception of the Southern Plains Region, which was inadvertently omitted. This notice publishes the designated agent list of the Southern Plains Region only.
Environmental Documents Prepared for Proposed Oil and Gas Operations on the Gulf of Mexico Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
Document Number: 05-10016
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service
Minerals Management Service (MMS), in accordance with Federal Regulations that implement the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), announces the availability of NEPA-related Site-Specific Environmental Assessments (SEA) and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI), prepared by MMS for the following oil and gas activities proposed on the Gulf of Mexico OCS.
Illinois Regulatory Program
Document Number: 05-10013
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Department of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement, Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement Office
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are approving an amendment to the Illinois regulatory program (Illinois program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Illinois proposed revisions to its regulations and statutes regarding the Surface Mining Advisory Council, citation references, typographical errors, procedures for relocating or closing public roads, and subsidence control. Illinois intends to revise its program to provide additional safeguards and to clarify ambiguities.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Petition Finding and Proposed Rule To Delist the Mexican Bobcat (Lynx Rufus Escuinapae
Document Number: 05-10002
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 12-month finding that a petition to delist the Mexican bobcat (Lynx rufus escuinapae) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act, or ESA), is warranted. The best available information indicates that the Mexican bobcat may not constitute a separate subspecies and does not constitute a distinct population segment (DPS). Despite habitat modification by humans, the bobcat remains abundant throughout Mexico. Accordingly, we herein propose to delist the Mexican bobcat under the Act. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed rule.
Notice of Receipt of Application for Approval
Document Number: 05-10001
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following application for approval to conduct certain activities with birds that are protected in accordance with the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 112(4) of the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992, 50 CFR 15.26(c).
Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council; Notice of Meeting
Document Number: 05-9901
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-18
Agency: Office of the Secretary, Department of the Interior
The Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary is announcing a public meeting of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Public Advisory Committee.
Notice of Meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group
Document Number: 05-9888
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-05-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. I), this notice announces a meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG). The TAMWG affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. Primary objectives of the meeting will include: TAMWG orientation, organization, and operation, Trinity River Restoration Program budget process, priorities, and FY 2006 budget. Completion of the agenda is dependent on the amount of time each item takes. The meeting could end early if the agenda has been completed. The meeting is open to the public.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.