Fish and Wildlife Service February 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Monument Creek Interceptor Tie-In Along Jackson Creek, El Paso County, CO
Document Number: 05-3749
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Fish and Wildlife Service published a document in the Federal Register of February 15, 2005, concerning request for comments on an incidental take permit application by Triview Metropolitan District and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District, which includes a Low- Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse, Zapus hudsonius preblei, federally-listed as threatened, through loss and modification of its habitat associated with construction of a new sanitary sewer line extension connecting to an existing sewer line, a non-potable water reuse line, a secondary sewer line, and a new dirt access road into the Upper Monument Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility on Jackson Creek, El Paso County, Colorado. The document contained incorrect dates.
Notice of Meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group
Document Number: 05-3757
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. I), this notice announces the cancellation of a meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG). The TAMWG affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. The meeting was scheduled to be held March 1, 2005 at the Veteran's Memorial Hall, 101 Memorial Lane, Weaverville, CA 96001. This meeting will be rescheduled at a later date.
Availability of an Amended Environmental Assessment and Receipt of an Application for Renewal and Amendment of an Incidental Take Permit for Beach Driving and Related Activities, in Volusia County, FL
Document Number: 05-3647
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The County of Volusia (Applicant) seeks to renew and amend incidental take permit (ITP) TE811813. The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued this ITP on November 22, 1996, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. The ITP authorizes take of loggerhead (Caretta caretta), green (Chelonia mydas), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea), Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii), and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) sea turtles incidental to the Applicant's regulation of vehicular traffic on 35.6 linear miles of beaches under its jurisdiction in Volusia County, Florida. Among the proposed amendments to the ITP, the Applicant requests incidental take authority for the piping plover (Charadrius melodus). The mitigation and minimization measures outlined in the Applicant's amended Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to address the effects of vehicle beach access and related activities on federally listed species are described further in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Service announces the availability of the HCP and our Environmental Assessment (EA) for the incidental take renewal and amendment application. Copies of the HCP and EA may be obtained by making a request to the Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Notice of Permit Application and Availability of a Draft Safe Harbor Agreement for The Nature Conservancy (Aravaipa Property)
Document Number: 05-3479
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Nature Conservancy (Applicant or TNC) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE-099809-0. The requested permit, which is for a period of 20 years, would authorize take of the endangered Gila topminnow (Poeciliopsis occidentalis occidentalis) and desert pupfish (Cyprinodon macularius) as a result of ongoing watershed improvement activities on TNC-owned property within the Aravaipa watershed identified in the application, Safe Harbor Agreement (TNC Agreement), and associated documents in Graham and Pinal counties, Arizona. Implementation of the TNC Agreement will reestablish Gila topminnow and desert pupfish in three south rim tributaries of Aravaipa Creek.
Hunting and Fishing
Document Number: 05-55501
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Notice of Availability of the Devils River Minnow Draft Recovery Plan
Document Number: 05-3411
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability for public review of the Devils River Minnow Draft Recovery Plan. The Devils River minnow (Dionda diaboli) is known to occur in streams in Kinney and Val Verde Counties, Texas, and Coahila, Mexico. The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this Draft Recovery Plan.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Florida Scrub-Jay Resulting From the Proposed Construction of a Single-Family Home in Charlotte County, FL
Document Number: 05-3278
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Mr. and Mrs. Glen A. Van Brunt (Applicants) request an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate taking about 1.0 acre of occupied Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) nesting, foraging, and sheltering habitat, incidental to land clearing of their 5.5-acre lot and subsequent residential construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project on the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the HCP and the Environmental Assessment for the ITP application. Copies of the HCP may be obtained by making a request to the Service's Southeast Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). The Service specifically requests information, views, and opinions from the public via this Notice on the Federal action. Further, the Service specifically solicits information regarding the adequacy of the HCP as measured against the Service's permit issuance criteria found in 50 CFR Parts 13 and 17.
Long-Term Environmental Water Account, San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, CA
Document Number: 05-3277
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) intend to prepare an EIS/EIR for implementing the Long-Term Environmental Water Account (EWA). Reclamation and the FWS are the joint lead Federal agencies and NOAA Fisheries is a cooperating agency. DWR is the lead State agency and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the responsible agency and trustee agency. A Draft EIS/EIR is expected to be available December 2005. The EWA has been established to provide water for the protection and recovery of fish beyond water available through existing regulatory actions related to the Central Valley Project/State Water Project (Project) operations. The EWA is a cooperative management program whose purpose is to provide protection to the fish of the Bay-Delta estuary through environmentally beneficial changes in project operations. This approach to fish protection requires the acquisition of alternative sources of Project water supply, called ``assets,'' which will be used to augment streamflows and Delta outflows, modify exports to provide fishery benefits, and repay the Project contractors whose supplies have been interrupted by actions taken to benefit fish. The period of analysis for the purposes of the EIS/EIR is through 2030.
Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement and Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan, Riverside County, CA
Document Number: 05-3276
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is reopening the public comment period on the Draft Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), Draft Implementing Agreement, and Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/ EIS) for an incidental take permit for 27 species in Riverside County, California.
Proposed Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC
Document Number: 05-3270
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Michigan Electric Transmission Company, LLC (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 5-year incidental take permit for one covered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the endangered Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis) associated with reconductoring a 4.07-mile segment of electric power transmission line within this right-of-way segment running from east-central Muskegon County into the southwest corner of Newaygo County, Michigan. A conservation program to mitigate for the project activities would be implemented as described in the proposed Cobb to Brickyard Reconductoring Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (proposed Plan), which would be implemented by the Applicant. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on the preliminary determination that the proposed Plan qualifies as a ``Low-Effect'' Habitat Conservation Plan, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended.
Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Summary for Kern and Pixley National Wildlife Refuges, Kern and Tulare Counties, CA
Document Number: 05-3073
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Kern and Pixley Refuges' Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Summary are available for distribution. The CCP, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act as amended, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service will manage the two Refuges for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations for waterfowl hunting, wildlife observation and photography, environmental education and interpretation, research, grazing and mosquito control are also available with the CCP.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Rule To Designate Critical Habitat for the Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae
Document Number: 05-3047
Type: Rule
Date: 2005-02-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
On January 4, 2005, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a final rule to designate critical habitat for the threatened Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Because we made an error in use of amendatory language, one of the final rule's two regulatory amendments could not be properly reflected in the Code of Federal Regulations. This correction document rectifies that error.
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit Associated With a Habitat Conservation Plan for the California Department of Parks and Recreation's Operation of Certain San Luis Obispo Coast District Parks and the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area in San Luis Obispo County, CA
Document Number: 05-2965
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') advises the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) and the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR), a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) on the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the San Luis Obispo Coast District and Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (HCP). The proposed HCP is being prepared under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended, (ESA) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The incidental take permit is needed to authorize the incidental take of listed species as a result of implementing activities covered under the proposed HCP. We provide this notice to: (1) Describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS/EIR; (3) announce the initiation of a 30-day public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives to be included in the EIS/EIR.
Fiscal Year 2005 Landowner Incentive Program (Non-Tribal Portion) for States, Territories, and the District of Columbia
Document Number: 05-2929
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Service is requesting proposals at this time under the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) for conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, and the territories of Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa (all hereafter referred to collectively as States), and Tribes. The Service will address will address the Tribal component of LIP under a separate Federal Register notice.
Multistate Conservation Grant Program; Priority List for Conservation Projects
Document Number: 05-2928
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing in the Federal Register the priority list of wildlife and sport fish conservation projects submitted by the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for funding under the Multistate Conservation Grant Program. This notice is required by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-408). FY 2005 grants may be made from this priority list.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for Construction of a Single-Family Home in Brevard County, FL
Document Number: 05-2885
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Steven J. Therrien (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 0.24 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single- family home and supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 0.24 acre of foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat is expected to result in the take of one family of scrub-jays. The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We have determined that the Applicant's proposal, including the proposed mitigation and minimization measures, will individually and cumulatively have a minor or negligible effect on the species covered in the HCP. Therefore, the ITP is a ``low-effect'' project and qualifies as a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as provided by the Department of Interior Manual (516 DM 2, Appendix 1 and 516 DM 6, Appendix 1). We announce the availability of the HCP for the incidental take application. Copies of the HCP may be obtained by making a request to the Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Endangered Species Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Monument Creek Interceptor Tie-In Along Jackson Creek, El Paso County, CO
Document Number: 05-2850
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that Triview Metropolitan District and Forest Lakes Metropolitan District (Applicant) have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended. The proposed permit would authorize the incidental take of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse, Zapus hudsonius preblei (Preble's), federally listed as threatened, through loss and modification of habitat it periodically uses for foraging, breeding and/or hibernation, associated with construction of a new sanitary sewer line extension connecting to an existing sewer line, a nonpotable water reuse line, a secondary sewer line, and a new dirt access road into the Upper Monument Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility (Facility) on Jackson Creek, El Paso County, Colorado. The duration of the permit would be 20 years from the date of issuance. We announce the receipt of the Applicant's incidental take permit application, which includes a Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (LEHCP) for Preble's on Jackson Creek within the Facility. The LEHCP fully describes the proposed project and the measures the Applicant would undertake to minimize and mitigate project impacts to Preble's. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on the preliminary determination that the LEHCP is eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. The basis for this determination is discussed in the LEHCP and associated Low-Effect Screening Form, which are available for public review.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arroyo Toad (Bufo californicus
Document Number: 05-2846
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft economic analysis for the proposed designation of critical habitat for the arroyo toad (Bufo californicus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce that we have revised the methods for determining proposed essential and critical habitat areas for the arroyo toad. Additionally, we propose to exclude areas from the proposed designation from Units 1, 6, and 22 in Monterey, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties, under authority of section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Comments previously submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record as a part of this reopening of the comment period, and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule. Copies of the draft economic analysis and the proposed rule for critical habitat designation are available on the Internet at https:// ventura.fws.gov or from the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at the address and contact numbers below.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Conservation Plan
Document Number: 05-2691
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-11
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice announces the availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and conservation plan for public review and comment. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), on behalf of the State of Washington, has submitted applications to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (the Services) for incidental take permits under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 as amended. The conservation plan also serves as the basis of an application to the Services that they each take steps under section 4(d) of the ESA to limit the application of the prohibition against take of listed salmon, steelhead and bull trout so that it does not apply to forest practices regulated by the State of Washington on non-Federal and non-tribal lands.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 05-2681
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-11
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 05-2680
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-11
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Draft Recovery Plan for the Kaua‘i Cave Arthropods: the Kaua‘i Cave Wolf Spider (Adelocosa Anops
Document Number: 05-2492
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) announces the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Kaua`i Cave Arthropods: the Kaua`i Cave Wolf Spider (Adelocosa anops) and the Kaua`i Cave Amphipod (Spelaeorchestia koloana) for public review and comment.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Northern Aplomado Falcons in New Mexico and Arizona and Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 05-2415
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reintroduce northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) (falcon) into their historic habitat in southern New Mexico and Arizona with the purpose of establishing a viable resident population. If this proposed rule is finalized, we may release captive-raised falcons as early as the summer of 2005 and release up to 150 additional falcons annually in the summer and/or fall for 10 or more years thereafter until a self-sustaining population is established. We propose to designate this reintroduced population as a nonessential experimental population (NEP) according to section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. The geographic boundary of the proposed NEP includes all of New Mexico and Arizona. A draft environmental assessment (EA) has been prepared on this proposed action and is available for comment (see ADDRESSES section below). This proposed 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 proposed 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.
Migratory Bird Permits; Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Assessment for Falconry and Raptor Propagation Activities
Document Number: 05-2379
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we or us) will pepare an updated draft environmental assessment of the activities of falconry and raptor propagation in the United States. We seek suggestions for issues and alternatives to consider when doing so.
Migratory Bird Permits; Changes in the Regulations Governing Falconry
Document Number: 05-2378
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we or us) proposes changes in the regulations governing the practice of falconry in the United States. We propose reorganization of the current regulations. We have added or changed some provisions in the current regulations. The changes are intended to make it easier to understand the requirements for the practice of falconry, including take of birds from the wild, and the procedures for obtaining a falconry permit. We also propose changes to simplify or clarify those regulations, or to change them as necessary to accompany the changes in the falconry regulations. This rule also adds a provision to approve falconry regulations adopted or established by Indian Tribes.
Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Receipt of Applications for Incidental Take Permits for the Arnaudo Brothers, Wathen-Castanos, and River East Holding Sites in Merced County, CA
Document Number: 05-2250
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Arnaudo Brothers, Wathen-Castanos, and River East Holding Sites (Applicants) have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for incidental take permits pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The Service is considering issuing 10-year permits to the Applicants that would authorize take of the endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica, ``kit fox'') incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the residential and commercial development of four sites in Merced County, California. The projects would result in the incidental take of kit fox on the project sites through permanent removal of 182 acres of habitat. Incidental take may also potentially occur during construction and ground disturbance activities, which may affect occupied dens and individual foxes. We request comments from the public on the permit applications and the Environmental Assessment, both of which are available for review. The permit applications include the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and associated Implementing Agreement. The HCP describes the proposed action and the measures that the Applicants will undertake to minimize and mitigate, to the maximum extent practicable, take of the kit fox.
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
Document Number: 05-2182
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment for Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is available for review and comment. 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 managers 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, the plan identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Proposed goals for the refuge include: Identifying, conserving, managing, enhancing, and restoring populations of native fish and wildlife species representative of coastal Alabama, with special emphasis on migratory birds and threatened and endangered species. Identifying, conserving, managing, enhancing, and restoring the natural diversity, abundance, and ecological functions of refuge habitats and associated plant communities, with an emphasis on managing designated critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. Identifying and conserving archaeological and natural resources on the refuge and promoting conservation through interagency and private landowner cooperation, partnerships, and land protection programs on the Fort Morgan Peninsula and coastal Alabama. Providing the public with quality interpretation, outreach opportunities, environmental education programs, and recreational activities that lead to a greater understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of fish, wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources of coastal Alabama. Compatibility determinations for recreational fishing, wildlife observation, photography, hiking, environmental education and interpretation, swimming and beach use, scientific research, dogs on the beach, and bicycling are included in the draft plan.
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the Joint Water Agency Natural Communities Conservation Plan (NCCP): Subregional Plan and Subarea Plans, San Diego, CA
Document Number: 05-2141
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) advises the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in coordination with the Joint Water Agency (consisting of Helix Water District, Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and the Sweetwater Authority) (hereafter collectively referred to as the Applicants), a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for a Natural Communities Conservation Program Subregional Plan (SRP) and three Subarea Plans (SAPs). The combination of the Joint Water Agency SRP and individual SAPs would serve as a multiple species Habitat Conservation Plan under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act, as amended in 1982 (ESA). The Service provides this notice to: (1) Describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS/EIR; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives to be included in the EIS/EIR.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List Ptilagrostis porteri
Document Number: 05-2133
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding for a petition to list Ptilagrostis porteri (Porter feathergrass) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (the Act). We find that the petition and additional information in Service files do not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing this species may be warranted. We will not be initiating a further status review in response to this petition. The public may submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of or threats to the species.
Fiscal Year 2005 Tribal Landowner Incentive Program; Request for Grant Proposals
Document Number: 05-2091
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are soliciting project proposals for Federal assistance under the Tribal Landowner Incentive Program (TLIP). The Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 allocated $ 21,694,365 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and Tribes under a Landowner Incentive Program. The Service has targeted $2,126,048 for TLIP.
Fiscal Year 2005 Tribal Wildlife Grants; Request for Grant Proposals
Document Number: 05-2090
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are soliciting project proposals for Federal assistance under the Tribal Wildlife Grants program (TWG). The Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 authorized an appropriation of $69,027,526 for wildlife conservation grants to States and to the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and Tribes under provisions of the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 and the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, for the development and implementation of programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species that are not hunted or fished. The Act further specified that the Service use $ 5,916,645 of the funds for a competitive grant program available to federally recognized Indian Tribes. This allows the Secretary, through the Director of the Service, to manage a separate Tribal grant program not subject to the provisions of the formula-based State Wildlife Grants program, or other requirements of the State Wildlife Grants portion of Pub. L. 107-63.
Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Rice Lake and Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuges in East Central Minnesota and Horicon and Fox River National Wildlife Refuges (NWR) in Southeast Wisconsin
Document Number: 05-2083
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCP) and Environmental Assessments (EA) for the following National Wildlife Refuges: Rice Lake NWR in Aitkin and Pine Counties, Minnesota and Mille Lacs NWR in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, which are managed by Rice Lake NWR staff, and Horicon NWR in Dodge and Fond du Lac Counties, Wisconsin and Fox River NWR in Marquette County, Wisconsin, which are managed by Horicon NWR staff. The CCPs will describe how we intend to manage the refuges for the next 15 years. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Open house style meetings and possibly focus group meetings and workshops will be held during the scoping phase of the CCP development process to obtain additional suggestions and information on the scope of alternatives and impacts to be considered. In addition, the Service is inviting comments on archeological, historic, and traditional cultural sites in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. Cultural resource overview studies will be conducted to identify known historic and cultural sites on the refuges. Special mailings, newspaper articles, Internet postings, and other media announcements will inform people of the opportunities for written comments.
Information Collection Renewal To Be Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; State Certification of Expenditures, Public Law 106-408; OMB Control No. 1018-0117
Document Number: 05-2013
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Fish and Wildlife Service (We) plans to submit the collection of information described below to OMB for renewal under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs Improvement Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106- 408) requires that States certify annually in writing that their expenditures of Federal grant funds under the Federal Aid in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Acts were in accordance with the appropriate Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To Delist the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei
Document Number: 05-2020
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-02
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce a 12- month finding on a petition to delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Preble's) (Zapus hudsonius preblei) under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). After reviewing the best scientific and commercial information available, we find that the petitioned action is warranted and propose to delist or remove Preble's from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We propose this action based on a review of all available data, which indicate that Preble's is not a discrete taxonomic entity, does not meet the definition of a subspecies, and was listed in error. Before this proposed action is finalized, the Service will conduct a status review and evaluate threats to the combined Z. h. campestris entity in all or a significant portion of its range. We will also analyze whether the Preble's portion of Z. h. campestris qualifies as a Distinct Population Segment in need of protection. We seek comments from the public regarding this proposal.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of Lesser Long-nosed Bat, Black-capped Vireo, Yuma Clapper Rail, Pima Pineapple Cactus, Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat, Mesa Verde Cactus, and Zuni Fleabane
Document Number: 05-1924
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-02
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae yerbabuenae), the black-capped vireo (Vireo atricapilla), the Yuma clapper rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis), Pima pineapple cactus (Coryphantha sheeri var. robustispina), gypsum wild-buckwheat (Erigonum gypsophilum), Mesa Verde cactus (Sclerocactus mesae-verde), and Zuni fleabane (Erigeron rhizomatus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.12) is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Gentry Indigo Bush as Endangered
Document Number: 05-1905
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-02
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), announce a 90- day administrative finding on a petition to list the Gentry indigo bush (Dalea tentaculoides) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial information indicating that listing the Gentry indigo bush may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review to determine if listing the species is warranted. To ensure that the review is comprehensive, we are soliciting information and data regarding this species.
Issuance of Permits
Document Number: 05-1852
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following permits were issued.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 05-1851
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Notice of Natural Gas Pipeline 30 Year Right-of-Way Permit Application Crossing Land Owned by the Fish and Wildlife Service at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Sacramento County, California, for Review and Comment
Document Number: 05-1810
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that Longbow, LLC has applied for the installation of one natural gas pipeline for a 30 year right- of-way permit across the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) easement tract (37P) located at Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Sacramento County, California. The pipeline would be underground and would transport natural gas produced from a well located approximately 800 feet east of the Refuge boundary, to a gas sales point two miles to the southwest, located off the Refuge boundary. The applicant proposes to perpendicular bore the pipeline 15-20 feet under the ground. The portion of the Refuge the pipeline would pass under is the right-of-way for the abandoned Southern Pacific Railroad and associated borrow channel. The pipeline would be bored and installed from private agricultural land 800 feet east of the Refuge using directional drilling equipment, construction and operation of the pipeline would not be detectable at the surface of the Refuge and cause no detectable ground surface disturbances to terrestrial or aquatic habitats within Stone Lakes NWR at any time during it's construction or operation. Therefore the proposed use would not negatively affect the purposes of Stone Lakes NWR or the mission of the Service or impact existing or potential wildlife-dependent recreational uses.
Notice of Meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group
Document Number: 05-1792
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to section 10(a)(2) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App. I), this notice announces a meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG). The TAMWG affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. Primary objectives of the meeting will include: Introduce new members; historical overview; program orientation; how to make TAMWG more effective; TAMWG organization, operations, and effectiveness; and election of officers. The agenda items are approximate and are dependent on the amount of time each item takes. The meeting could end early if the agenda has been completed. The meeting is open to the public.
Fish and Wildlife Service and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Governments Sign Annual Funding Agreement
Document Number: 05-1785
Type: Notice
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
On December 15, 2004, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) signed an annual funding agreement (AFA or Agreement) with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Governments (CSKT) under the Tribal Self-Governance Act of 1994. The action was taken at the discretion of the Service. The decision reflects review and consideration of concerns, issues, and comments received during a 90- day public comment period which began on July 14, 2004, and ended on October 12, 2004. The public comment period was reopened for an additional 15 days on October 20, 2004, and closed on November 4, 2004. The Agreement was re-negotiated and slightly re-worded following the public comment period. The Agreement provides for the CSKT to perform certain programs, services, functions, and activities (Activities) for the National Bison Range and ancillary properties (Northwest Montana Wetland Management District, Pablo, and Ninepipe NWRs) during an 18- month period. The Regional Director for the Service in Denver, Colorado, signed the agreement December 15, 2004. The Secretary of the Interior immediately endorsed the Agreement, and forwarded it to the U.S. Congress for a 90-day review period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List a Karst Meshweaver, Cicurina cueva
Document Number: 05-1765
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list a karst meshweaver (spider), Cicurina cueva (no common name), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) with critical habitat. We find that the petition presented substantial scientific and commercial data indicating that listing Cicurina cueva may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review to determine if listing the species is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Exclusion of U.S. Captive-Bred Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Addax, and Dama Gazelle From Certain Prohibitions
Document Number: 05-1698
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to amend the regulations promulgated under the Endangered Species Act (ESA or Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) to add a new subsection to govern certain activities with U.S. captive-bred populations of three antelope species that have been proposed for listing as endangered, should they become listed. These specimens are the scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), addax (Addax nasomaculatus), and dama gazelle (Gazella dama). For U.S. captive-bred live specimens, embryos, gametes, and sport- hunted trophies of these three species, this proposed rule would authorize certain otherwise prohibited activities that enhance the propagation or survival of the species. International trade in specimens of these species will continue to require permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We have prepared a draft Environmental Assessment of the impact of this proposed rule under regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed rule and the draft Environmental Assessment.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana
Document Number: 05-1669
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2005-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana) as endangered under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Salt Creek tiger beetle, a member of the family Cicindelidae, is endemic to the saline wetlands of eastern Nebraska and associated streams in the northern third of Lancaster County and southern margin of Saunders County in Nebraska, where it is found in barren salt flat and saline stream edge habitats. Of six known populations in 1991, three are now extirpated and the remaining three are small and highly threatened by further habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation. These three small populations of Salt Creek tiger beetles are vulnerable to local extirpations from random natural events and human-induced activities. This proposal, if made final, would extend Federal protection and recovery provisions of the Act to the Salt Creek tiger beetle.
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