Department of the Interior October 2011 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 101 - 150 of 179
Review and Approval of Existing Ordinances or Resolutions
On November 18, 2010, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) issued a Notice of Inquiry and Notice of Consultation advising the public that the NIGC was conducting a comprehensive review of its regulations and requesting public comment on the process for conducting the regulatory review. On April 4, 2011, after holding eight consultations and reviewing all comments, NIGC published a Notice of Regulatory Review Schedule setting out a consultation schedule and process for review. Based on the above review, the Commission proposes to rescind our regulations pertaining to the approval of existing ordinances and resolutions that were enacted by a Tribe prior to February 22, 1993 and that have not been submitted to the NIGC Chair, and to notify the public that it does not intend to take action at this time on certain other regulations identified in the Notice of Regulatory Review Schedule.
Issuance of Investigation Completion Letters
This action proposes to amend our regulations to provide for an investigation completion letter to be issued to a Tribe if the Agency's authorized staff will not recommend the commencement of an enforcement proceeding against a respondent.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Northern Leatherside Chub as Endangered or Threatened
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the northern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda copei) as endangered or threatened and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the northern leatherside chub rangewide is not warranted at this time. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the northern leatherside chub or its habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Petition Finding, Proposed Listing of Coquí Llanero as Endangered, and Designation of Critical Habitat for Coquí Llanero
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the coqu[iacute] llanero (Eleutherodactylus juanariveroi), an endemic Puerto Rican tree frog, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) and to designate critical habitat. After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the coqu[iacute] llanero as an endangered species under the Act is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the coqu[iacute] llanero as an endangered species throughout its range and designate critical habitat for the species pursuant to the Act. In total, we propose approximately 615 acres (249 hectares) of a freshwater wetland for designation as critical habitat. The proposed critical habitat is located in Sabana Seca Ward, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico. This proposed rule, if made final, would extend the Act's protections to this species. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed listing rule and the designation of critical habitat for the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Two South American Parrot Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a status review (12-month finding) on a petition to list the blue-headed macaw (Primolius couloni) and grey-cheeked parakeet (Brotogeris pyrrhoptera) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the blue-headed macaw or grey-cheeked parakeet is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to these species or their habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Cumberland Darter, Rush Darter, Yellowcheek Darter, Chucky Madtom, and Laurel Dace
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose critical habitat for the Cumberland darter (Etheostoma susanae), rush darter (Etheostoma phytophilum), yellowcheek darter (Etheostoma moorei), chucky madtom (Noturus crypticus), and laurel dace (Chrosomus saylori) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Approximately 85 river kilometers (rkm) (53 river miles (rmi)) are being proposed for designation of critical habitat for the Cumberland darter in McCreary and Whitley Counties, Kentucky, and Campbell and Scott Counties, Tennessee; 42 rkm (27 rmi) and 19 hectares (ha) (22 acres (ac)) are being proposed for designation of critical habitat for the rush darter in Etowah, Jefferson, and Winston Counties, Alabama; 157 rkm (98 rmi) are being proposed for designation of critical habitat for the yellowcheek darter in Cleburne, Searcy, Stone, and Van Buren Counties, Arkansas; 32 rkm (20 rmi) are being proposed for designation of critical habitat for the chucky madtom in Greene County, Tennessee; and 42 rkm (26 rmi) are being proposed for designation of critical habitat for the laurel dace in Bledsoe, Rhea, and Sequatchie Counties, Tennessee.
Notice of Filing of Plats of Survey; Arizona
The plats of survey of the described lands were officially filed in the Arizona State Office, Bureau of Land Management, Phoenix, Arizona, on dates indicated.
Public Land Order No. 7784; Extension of Public Land Order No. 6886; Wyoming
This order extends the duration of the withdrawal created by Public Land Order No. 6886 for an additional 20-year period. This extension is necessary to continue the protection of the unique topographic characteristics and recreational values of the Snowy Range Recreation Area, which would otherwise expire on October 7, 2011.
Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease, Mississippi
Under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) received a petition for reinstatement of oil and gas lease MSES 56250 from Antares Exploration Fund, L.P. for lands in Perry County, Mississippi. 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 Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Valley Electric Association Hidden Hills Transmission Project, Clark and Nye Counties, NV
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Southern Nevada District, Las Vegas Field Office, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues.
Notice of Realty Action: Direct Sale of Public Land in Shasta County, CA
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Redding Field Office, proposes to sell a parcel of public land consisting of 160.03 acres, more or less, in Shasta County, California. The public land would be sold to the County of Shasta for the appraised fair market value of $176,000.
Notice of Final Supplementary Rules for Public Lands in Colorado: North Fruita Desert Management Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) is implementing supplementary rules to regulate conduct on public lands within the North Fruita Desert Management Area (NFDMA). These supplementary rules are needed to implement decisions found in the 2004 North Fruita Desert Management Plan (NFDMP) to protect public lands, resources, and public health, and provide for public safety.
Notice of Final Supplementary Rules for Public Lands in Colorado: Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Grand Junction Field Office (GJFO) is implementing supplementary rules to regulate conduct on public lands within Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area (BCSRMA). These supplementary rules are needed to implement decisions found in the 1999 Bangs Canyon Special Recreation Management Area Management Plan (BCSRMAMP) and the Grand Junction Resource Management Plan (GJRMP). These rules are needed to protect natural resources located within the BCSRMA and provide for public health and safety.
Notice of Final Supplementary Rules for Public Lands in Routt County, CO: Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Management Area
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Little Snake Field Office is issuing final supplementary rules to regulate conduct on specific public lands within Routt County, Colorado. The rules apply to the Emerald Mountain Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), also known as Emerald Mountain. The BLM determined these rules are necessary to protect Emerald Mountain's natural resources and provide for public health and safety.
Notice of Intent To Amend the Resource Management Plan for the San Luis Resource Area, Colorado, and Associated Environmental Assessment
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) San Luis Valley Public Lands Center, Monte Vista, Colorado, intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment with an associated Environmental Assessment (EA) and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO
The Fort Lewis College has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and present-day Indian tribes. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary objects may contact Fort Lewis College. Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward.
Notice of Intent To Repatriate a Cultural Item: Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, New Haven, CT
The Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribe, has determined that the cultural item meets the definition of unassociated funerary object and repatriation to the Indian tribe stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the cultural item may contact the Peabody Museum of Natural History, Yale University.
Notice of Inventory Completion: The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH
The University of Toledo has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is no cultural affiliation between the remains and any present-day Indian tribe. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact The University of Toledo, Office of General Counsel, 2801 W. Bancroft St., Toledo, OH 43606, telephone (419) 530-8412. Disposition of the human remains to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional requestors come forward.
Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO
The University of Colorado Museum has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is no cultural affiliation between the human remains and any present-day Indian tribe. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the University of Colorado Museum. Disposition of the human remains to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional requestors come forward.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for General Management Plan, Blue Ridge Parkway, VA and NC
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C), the National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the General Management Plan (GMP) for Blue Ridge Parkway (parkway). Consistent with NPS laws, regulations, and policies and the purpose of the parkway, the DEIS/GMP describes the NPS preferred alternative Alternative Bto guide the management of the parkway over the next 20 years. The preferred alternative incorporates various management strategies to ensure protection, access, and enjoyment of the parkway's resources. The document analyzes the environmental impacts of the preferred alternative, along with two other alternatives, including the no-action alternative.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
The Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and present-day Indian tribes. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains may contact the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, Harvard University. Repatriation of the human remains to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional claimants come forward.
Notice of Inventory Completion: University of Colorado Museum, Boulder, CO
The University of Colorado Museum has completed an inventory of human remains and an associated funerary object in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes, and has determined that there is no cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary object and any present-day Indian tribe. Representatives of any Indian tribe that believes itself to be culturally affiliated with the human remains and associated funerary object may contact the University of Colorado Museum. Disposition of the human remains and associated funerary object to the Indian tribes stated below may occur if no additional requestors come forward.
Notice of Proposed Reinstatement of Terminated Oil and Gas Lease WYW174755, Wyoming
Under the provisions of the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) received a petition for reinstatement from Hot Springs Resources LTD for renewal of oil and gas lease WYW174755 for land in Natrona 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.
Fees
The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) proposes to amend its fee regulations by requiring tribes to submit their fees and fee statements on a quarterly basis, basing the fee calculation on the gaming operation's fiscal year, establishing an assessment for fees submitted one to 90 days late, and establishing a fingerprinting fee payment process.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition and Proposed Rule To List the Yellow-Billed Parrot
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to list as threatened the yellow-billed parrot (Amazona collaria) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are taking this action in response to a petition to list this species as endangered or threatened under the Act. This document, which also serves as the completion of the status review and as the 12-month finding on the petition, announces our finding that listing is warranted for the yellow-billed parrot. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species. We also propose a special rule for the yellow-billed parrot in conjunction with our proposed listing as threatened for this species. We seek information from the public on this proposed rule and status review for this species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding for a Petition To List the California Golden Trout as Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the California golden trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the California golden trout is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the California golden trout or its habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Altamaha Spinymussel and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, list the Altamaha spinymussel (Elliptio spinosa), a freshwater mussel endemic to the Altamaha River drainage of southeastern Georgia, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and designate approximately 237.4 kilometers (km) (147.5 miles (mi)) of mainstem river channel as critical habitat in Appling, Ben Hill, Coffee, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler Counties, Georgia. This final rule will implement the Federal protections provided by the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Tehachapi Slender Salamander as Endangered or Threatened
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Tehachapi slender salamander (Batrachoseps stebbinsi) as threatened or endangered, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the Tehachapi slender salamander is not warranted. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning threats to the Tehachapi slender salamander or its habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Amoreuxia gonzalezii, Astragalus hypoxylus, and Erigeron piscaticus as Endangered or Threatened
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list Amoreuxia gonzalezii (Santa Rita yellowshow), Astragalus hypoxylus (Huachuca milk-vetch), and Erigeron piscaticus (Fish Creek fleabane) as endangered or threatened with critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best scientific and commercial information available, we find that listing Amoreuxia gonzalezii, Astragalus hypoxylus, and Erigeron piscaticus is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to Amoreuxia gonzalezii, Astragalus hypoxylus, and Erigeron piscaticus or their habitats at any time.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Complex, GA and SC; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment for Savannah Coastal National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex). The Complex consists of the following refuges: Pinckney Island NWR in Beaufort County, South Carolina; Savannah NWR in Chatham and Effingham Counties, Georgia, and Jasper County, South Carolina; Tybee NWR in Jasper County, South Carolina; Wassaw NWR in Chatham County, Georgia; and Blackbeard Island NWR off the coast of McIntosh County, Georgia. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage these refuges for the next 15 years.
Final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for Upper Truckee River Restoration and Golf Course Reconfiguration Project
The final Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Truckee River Restoration and Golf Course Reconfiguration Project is available for public review and comment. The Bureau of Reclamation, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency have evaluated comments and are recommending a preferred alternative for approval. The preferred alternative includes river ecosystem restoration with a reconfigured 18-hole golf course.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Manzanita Band of Kumeyaay Indians Fee-to-Trust Transfer and Casino Project, Calexico, CA
This notice advises the public that the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as lead agency, with the Manzanita Band of Kumeyaay Indians (a.k.a. Manzanita Band of Digueno Mission Indians) (Tribe), National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), and City of Calexico as cooperating agencies, intends to file a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Tribe's proposed 60.8- acre fee-to-trust transfer and casino project located in the City of Calexico, California, and that the FEIS is now available for public review. Public review of the FEIS is part of the administrative process for the evaluation of Tribal applications seeking to have the United States take land into trust for gaming.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Black-footed Albatross as Endangered or Threatened
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the black-footed albatross (Phoebastria nigripes) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The petitioners provided three listing options for consideration by the Service: Listing the black- footed albatross throughout its range; listing the Hawaiian Islands breeding population of the black-footed albatross as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS); or listing the Japanese Islands breeding population of the black-footed albatross as a DPS. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the black-footed albatross rangewide is not warranted at this time. We find that the Hawaiian Islands breeding population and the Japanese Islands breeding population are separate DPSs, as defined by DPS policy. However, we further find that neither the Hawaiian Islands DPS nor the Japanese Islands DPS of the black-footed albatross warrants listing at this time. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the black- footed albatross or its habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Red-Crowned Parrot
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the red-crowned parrot (Amazona viridigenalis) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the red-crowned parrot as endangered or threatened is warranted. Currently, however, listing the red-crowned parrot is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, we will add the red- crowned parrot to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list the red-crowned parrot as our priorities allow. We will make any determination on critical habitat during development of the proposed listing rule. During any interim period, we will address the status of the candidate taxon through our annual Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR).
Correction of Notice of Meeting, Committee for the Preservation of the White House
This notice contains a correction to the Notice of Meeting which was published by the National Park Service (NPS) in the Federal Register on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 (76 FR 58535). That notice publishes an incorrect deadline date by which the NPS must receive clearance information in advance of a meeting of the Committee for the Preservation of the White House which will occur October 18, 2011. The purpose, date, time and place of the meeting are correct as published in the September 21, 2011, notice.
General Management Plan/Abbreviated Final Environmental Impact Statement, New River Gorge National River, West Virginia
The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Abbreviated Final Environmental Impact Statement for the General Management Plan (GMP/EIS) for New River Gorge National River, West Virginia. When approved, the plan will provide guidance to park management for administration, development, and interpretation of park resources over the next 20 years. The Abbreviated Final GMP/EIS includes an analysis of agency and public comments received on the Draft GMP/EIS with NPS responses, errata sheets detailing editorial corrections to the Draft GMP/EIS, and copies of agency and substantive public comments. Action Alternative Five, as described in the Draft GMP/EIS, remains the NPS Preferred Alternative.
Meeting for the Denali National Park and Preserve Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council Within the Alaska Region
The National Park Service (NPS) announces a meeting of the Denali National Park and Preserve Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss mitigation of impacts from aircraft overflights at Denali National Park and Preserve. The Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council is authorized to operate in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Public Availability of Comments: These meetings are open to the public and will have time allocated for public testimony. The public is welcome to present written or oral comments to the Aircraft Overflights Advisory Council. Each meeting will be recorded and meeting minutes will be available upon request from the park superintendent for public inspection approximately six weeks after each meeting. Before including your address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire commentincluding your personal identifying informationmay be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Public Meeting for the National Park Service (NPS) Alaska Region's Subsistence Resource Commission (SRC) Program
The Cape Krusenstern National Monument SRC will meet to develop and continue work on NPS subsistence program recommendations and other related subsistence management issues. 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. The Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463, 86 Stat. 770) requires that public notice of this meeting to be announced in the Federal Register. Public Availability of Comments: This meeting is open to the public and will have time allocated for public testimony. The public is welcome to present written or oral comments to the SRC. This meeting will be recorded and meeting minutes will be available upon request from the park superintendent for public inspection approximately six weeks after the meeting. Before including your address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire commentincluding your personal identifying informationmay be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. If the meeting dates and location are changed, a notice will be published in local newspapers and announced on local radio stations prior to the meeting date. SRC meeting locations and dates may need to be changed based on inclement weather or exceptional circumstances.
Notice of Stay of Filing of Plat; Colorado
On Monday, August 8, 2011, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Colorado, published a Notice of Stay of Filing of Plats, in the Federal Register (76 FR 48174) declaring the intent to file certain plats on September 30, 2011. The BLM Colorado State Office is publishing this notice to inform the public that a stay has been placed on the proposed filing of the plat and field notes of the dependent resurvey and surveys in Township 9 South, Range 93 West, Sixth Principal Meridian, Colorado, accepted on August 5, 2010, pending consideration of the protest and/or appeal that was filed. A plat will not be officially filed until after disposition of protest and/or appeal.
Draft Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, Texas
The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (Applicant) has applied for an Enhancement of Survival Permit under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The permit application includes the draft Texas Conservation Plan for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard (TCP). The draft TCP will function as a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the Applicant for the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus) throughout its range in Texas. The Applicant proposes to implement conservation measures for this species by removing threats to its survival and protecting its habitat. If the dunes sagebrush lizard becomes listed in the future, the draft TCP will also serve as a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) in support of future applications for Incidental Take Permits under the Act. The draft TCP and the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) are available for public review, and we seek public comment on the potential issuance of the above permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Ozark Hellbender Salamander
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the Ozark Hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi), a subspecies found in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. This final rule implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for this species. We have also determined that the designation of critical habitat for the Ozark Hellbender is not prudent. The final rule for the CITES Appendix III listing for the Ozark and Eastern Hellbender is being published concurrently in today's Federal Register.
Inclusion of the Hellbender, Including the Eastern Hellbender and the Ozark Hellbender, in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are listing the hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis), a large aquatic salamander, including its two subspecies, the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) and the Ozark hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi), in Appendix III of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES or Convention). This listing includes live and dead whole specimens, and all readily recognizable parts, products, and derivatives of this species and its subspecies. Listing hellbenders in Appendix III of CITES is necessary to allow us to adequately monitor international trade in the taxon; to determine whether exports are occurring legally, with respect to State law; and to determine whether further measures under CITES or other laws are required to conserve this species and its subspecies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Partial 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List 404 Species in the Southeastern United States as Threatened or Endangered With Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a partial 90-day finding on a petition to list 404 species in the southeastern United States as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) and to designate critical habitat. Based on our review, we find that for 11 of the 404 species: Sarah's hydroptila caddisfly (Hydroptila sarahae), Rogue Creek hydroptila caddisfly (Hydroptila okaloosa), Florida brown checkered summer sedge (Polycentropus floridensis), Florida fairy shrimp (Dexteria floridana), South Florida rainbow snake (Farancia erytrogramma seminola), Ouachita creekshell (Villosa arkansasensis), crystal darter (Crystallaria asprella), spotted darter (Etheostoma maculatum), Florida bog frog (Rana okaloosae), Greensboro burrowing crayfish (Cambarus catagius), and Blood River crayfish (Orconectes burri), the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing may be warranted at this time. Therefore, we are not initiating a status review for these 11 species. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of, or threats to, these 11 species or their habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Mohave Ground Squirrel as Endangered or Threatened
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Mohave ground squirrel (Spermophilus mohavensis) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the Mohave ground squirrel is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to continue to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the Mohave ground squirrel or its habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Texas Fatmucket, Golden Orb, Smooth Pimpleback, Texas Pimpleback, and Texas Fawnsfoot as Threatened or Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list five mussel species in Texas as threatened or endangered and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The five species are Texas fatmucket (Lampsilis bracteata), golden orb (Quadrula aurea), smooth pimpleback (Q. houstonensis), Texas pimpleback (Q. petrina), and Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing these five mussel species is warranted. Currently, however, listing of these species is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, we will add these five species to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list these species as our priorities allow. We will make any determination on critical habitat during development of the proposed listing rule. In any interim period, we will address the status of the candidate taxa through our annual Candidate Notice of Review.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless a Federal permit is issued that allows such activities. The ESA law requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Incidental Take Permit; Auwahi Wind Energy Generation Facility, Maui, HI; Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment
Auwahi Wind Energy LLC (applicant), a subsidiary of Sempra Generation, has submitted an application to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The applicant is requesting an incidental take permit pursuant to the ESA to authorize take of two endangered Hawaiian bird species, one bat species, and one moth species. The permit application includes a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describing the applicant's actions and the measures the applicant will implement to minimize, mitigate, and monitor incidental take of the Covered Species, and a draft Implementing Agreement (IA). The Service also announces the availability of a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) that has been prepared in response to the permit application in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). We are making the permit application package and draft EA available for public review and comment.
Public Land Order No. 7782; Extension of Public Land Order No. 6880; Oregon
This order extends the duration of the withdrawal created by Public Land Order No. 6880, as corrected by Public Land Order No. 6918, for an additional 20-year period. The extension is necessary to continue protection of the scientific and ecological research values, and the investment of Federal funds at the Pringle Falls Experimental Forest and Research Natural Areas which would otherwise expire on September 29, 2011.
Alaska Native Claims Selection
As required by 43 CFR 2650.7(d), notice is hereby given that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will issue an appealable decision to NANA Regional Corporation, Inc. The decision will approve the conveyance of the surface and subsurface estates in certain lands pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. et seq.). The lands are located southwest of Noatak, Alaska, and contain 4.14 acres. Notice of the decision will also be published four times in the Anchorage Daily News.
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