Department of the Interior February 5, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our October 2, 2012, proposed designation of critical habitat for the spring pygmy sunfish (Elassoma alabamae) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In accordance with section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we are considering excluding from the final designation of critical habitat lands covered by three candidate conservation agreements with assurances (CCAAs), based on the conservation benefit these agreements provide the species, the positive relationship we have with these landowners, and the potential that this action would provide an incentive for the establishment of additional CCAAs in the future. This comment period will allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the benefits of the exclusion or inclusion of lands covered by these existing CCAAs, particularly those lands under two recently established CCAAs. We will also accept comments on any other aspect of the proposed critical habitat rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 6-month extension of the final determination of whether to list the distinct population segment of the North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) occurring in the contiguous United States as a threatened species. We also reopen the comment period on the proposed rule to list that distinct population segment. We are taking this action based on substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the proposed listing, making it necessary to solicit additional information by reopening the comment period for 90 days. We will publish a final listing determination on or before August 4, 2014.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural item listed in this notice meets the definition of an object of cultural patrimony and a sacred object. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim this cultural item should submit a written request to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer of control of the cultural item to the lineal descendants, Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.

The staff of the Art Collection and Galleries of Sweet Briar College, in consultation with the appropriate Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural items listed in this notice meet the definition of unassociated funerary objects. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request to the Art Collection and Galleries of Sweet Briar College. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer of control of the cultural items to the lineal descendants, Indian tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.