Department of the Interior November 2, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

This order withdraws approximately 944,343 acres of public lands from location and entry under the United States mining laws for a period of 20 years to protect desert tortoise habitat, archaeological and cultural resources, and special wildlife and riparian values on 24 Areas of Critical Environmental Concern located in Clark and Nye Counties, Nevada.

Hays County, Texas (Applicant), has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit (TE- 220793-0) under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The requested permit, which would be in effect for a period of 30 years if granted, would authorize incidental take of the following federally listed species: Golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) and black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla). The proposed take would occur in Hays County, Texas, as a result of activities including, but not limited to, public or private land development, transportation projects, or utility projects. Hays County has completed a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (dHCP) as part of the application package. We have issued a draft environmental impact statement (dEIS) that evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, possible issuance of an incidental take permit (ITP). We request public comments on the application, dHCP, and dEIS, and we announce our plan to hold public hearings.