Department of the Interior July 26, 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The following permits were issued.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) announces the availability of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a drought management plan for the operation of the Kerr Hydroelectric Project, Flathead Lake, Montana. In addition to mailing the draft EIS to cooperating agencies and those who previously requested the document, the BIA has made the draft EIS available at the Polson City Library, 2 First Avenue East, Polson, Montana, and the Flathead County Library, 247 First Avenue East, Kalispell, Montana. Additionally, the draft EIS may be obtained on the following Web site: https://www.flatheadlake- eis.com. The purpose of this notice is to inform the public, other Federal agencies, tribal, State, and local governments, organizations and businesses of the availability of the draft EIS and to announce public hearings to discuss the draft EIS.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for Horicon and Fox River NWRs, 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.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI) as a Natural Resource Trustee (Trustee), announces the release for public review of the Draft Natural Resource Restoration Plan and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) for the W.R. Grace Superfund Site, Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey. The Draft RP/EA describes the DOI's proposal to restore natural resources injured as a result of contamination at the W.R. Grace Superfund Site.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), plan to reintroduce northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) (falcon) into their historical habitat in southern New Mexico for the purpose of establishing a viable resident population in New Mexico and Arizona. The falcon is being re-established under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and would be classified as a nonessential experimental population (NEP). The geographic boundary of the NEP includes all of New Mexico and Arizona. This action is part of a series of reintroductions and other recovery actions that the Service, Federal and State agencies, and other partners are conducting throughout the species'' historical range. This final rule provides a plan for establishing the NEP and provides for limited allowable legal taking of the northern aplomado falcon within the defined NEP area. Birds can only be released when they are a few weeks old, and this condition only occurs in the spring and summer of each year. In order to accomplish a release in 2006, we must expedite on-the-ground implementation.

The Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and its implementing regulations. The National Wildlife Refuge System 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 mangers 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, including 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 27,689 acres (ac) (11,205 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation in 49 units located in Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties in Illinois; Alpena, Mackinac, and Presque Isle Counties in Michigan; Dent, Iron, Morgan, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, Washington, and Wayne Counties in Missouri; and Door and Ozaukee Counties in Wisconsin. We are, however, considering excluding all 26 units in Missouri and 2 units in Michigan from the critical habitat designation. If made final, this proposal may result in additional requirements under section 7 of the Act for Federal agencies. No additional requirements are expected for non-Federal actions. The Service seeks comments on all aspects of this proposal from the public.