Department of the Interior April 7, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

In response to an application from the Nevada Department of Wildlife (Applicant), the Fish and Wildlife Service (we, the Service) is considering issuance of an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The permit application includes a proposed programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) between the Applicant and the Service. The proposed SHA provides for voluntary habitat restoration, maintenance, enhancement, or creation activities to enhance the reintroduction and recovery of Lahontan cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki henshawi) within the Humboldt River Distinct Population Segment and the Interior Basin areas in Nevada. The proposed duration of both the SHA and permit is 50 years. The Service has made a preliminary determination that the proposed SHA and permit application are eligible for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The basis for this determination is contained in an Environmental Action Statement, which also is available for public review.

The MMS requests comments and suggestions to assist us in proposing regulations regarding so-called ``takes versus entitlements'' reporting and payment of royalties when oil and gas production is commingled upstream of the point of royalty measurement.

The proposed rulemaking establishes special regulations for Dry Tortugas National Park. The proposed rule implements the act which established Dry Tortugas National Park and abolished Fort Jefferson National Monument. This proposed rule also implements provisions for visitor use and resource protection identified in the 2000 Final General Management Plan Amendment/Environmental Impact Statement for Dry Tortugas National Park, and the July 27, 2001 Record of Decision. This rulemaking complies with legislative mandates for protection of park resources in a unique and predominantly pristine ecosystem, and provides consistency with State fishing rules. This proposed rule would: (1) Remove obsolete regulations established for Fort Jefferson National Monument; (2) protect, monitor, and study the region's recognized importance to fisheries habitats by limiting the area, extent, and methods of recreational fishing within portions of the park's boundaries by implementing a Research Natural Area (RNA); (3) clarify the authority of the superintendent to regulate fishing, boating, and permitted activities, specifically in established management zones including the RNA; and establish a permit system for research and recreational users; (4) strengthen protection of nationally significant coral reef and other marine resources by regulating vessel operation, anchoring and human activity; (5) provide enhanced protection for shipwrecks consistent with state and federal law; and (6) provide for greater protection of water quality by restricting discharges into the water of the park. Definitions have also been added to clarify terminology.