Fish and Wildlife Service March 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Extension of the Comment Period on Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the extension of the public comment period for the proposal to designate critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax extimus traillii) to allow all interested parties to comment on the proposed critical habitat designation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The proposed rule was published and the public comment period initially opened on October 12, 2004 (69 FR 60706). The comment period was extended to March 31, 2005 (December 13, 2004; 69 FR 72161) and is being extended again with this notice.
Information Collection Renewal Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; OMB Control Number 1018-0103, Conservation Order for Control of Mid-Continent Light Geese, 50 CFR 21.60
The number of mid-continent light geese (MCLG) has increased exponentially over the past several decades in prairie Canada and the midwestern United States, primarily due to (1) the expansion of agriculture and concurrent increase in food supply, (2) a decline in adult mortality, and (3) an increase in winter survival. These rapidly expanding populations have placed unprecedented pressure on arctic and subarctic breeding habitats. Prior to implementation of the conservation order, we (Fish and Wildlife Service) attempted to curb the growth rate of MCLG populations by liberalizing bag limits and increasing the light goose hunting season to 107 days, the maximum allowed by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended. Although these changes resulted in increased harvest, the harvest rate (percent of population harvested) continued to decline as populations grew exponentially. Clearly, traditional wildlife management strategies were not working. Therefore, we created the conservation order, which authorizes States and tribes to implement population control measures without having to obtain a permit, thus significantly reducing their administrative burden. The States and tribes may conduct a population reduction program under the authority of the conservation order within the conditions provided by the Service. We have submitted the collection of information pertaining to the conservation order (described below) to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge
This notice announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge are 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.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for a scientific research permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') solicits review and comment from the public, and from local, State and Federal agencies on the following permit requests.
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
The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is reopening the public comment period on the Draft Arnaudo Brothers, Wathen-Castanos and River East Holding Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for an incidental take permit for the endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica, ``kit fox'') in Merced County, California.
Importation of Exotic Wild Birds Into the United States; Notice of Reopening of Comment Period on the Proposed Rule To Add Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots From Argentina's Sustainable-Use Management Plan to the Approved List of Non-Captive-Bred Species
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), give notice that we are reopening the comment period on the proposed rule to add blue- fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) from Argentina's sustainable- use management plan to the approved list of non-captive-bred (wild- caught) species under the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (WBCA). We are reopening the public comment period to enter into the record Dr. Jorge Rabinovich's 2004 study, ``Modeling the Sustainable Use of the Blue-Fronted Parrot (Amazona aestiva) in the Dry Chaco Region of Argentina,'' and to accept comments related to the relationship of this study to the proposed addition of blue-fronted amazon parrots from Argentina's program to the approved list of non-captive-bred (wild- caught) species under the WBCA. We invite all interested parties to submit comments on this study as it relates to the proposed action. Comments previously submitted on this proposed action need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in any final decision.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Certain Vicuña Populations From Endangered to Threatened With a Special Rule; Technical Amendment
This document amends the special rule for the vicu[ntilde]a (Vicugna vicugna), as published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2002. The May 30, 2002, special rule allows the importation into the United States of legal fiber and legal products produced with fiber from vicu[ntilde]a populations listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) and in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), if certain conditions are satisfied by the countries of origin and re-export. This document: (1) Corrects and clarifies the labeling requirements for legal vicu[ntilde]a fiber and fiber products; and (2) corrects an inadvertent typographical error in the section on annual reporting requirements.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations, for the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex refuges located in the State of New York. The Long Island NWR Complex is a diverse group of eight refuges totaling over 6,200 acres, and contains most of the habitat types found on Long Island which are important to migratory birds and other wildlife. These refuges include Amagansett, Conscience Point, Lido Beach, Morton, Oyster Bay, Seatuck, Target Rock, and Wertheim NWRs. The refuges are in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, New York. This notice also advises the public that the Service is withdrawing a previous notice, published on May 30, 2000, stating that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) would be developed for the refuge complex. Comments already received under the previous notice will be considered during preparation of the subject CCP/EA. 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.): (1) To advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and (2) to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental documents.
Information Collection Renewal Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; OMB Control Number 1018-0101; Monitoring Recovered Species After Delisting As Required Under Section 4(g) of the Endangered Species Act-American Peregrine Falcon
The American peregrine falcon was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife on August 25, 1999. Section 4(g) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that all species that are recovered and removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (delisted) be monitored in cooperation with the States for a period of not less than 5 years. The purpose of this requirement is to detect any failure of a recovered species to sustain itself without the protections of the ESA. We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have submitted the collection of information described below to OMB for renewal under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical Habitat for Topeka Shiner
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce corrections to the final rule designating critical habitat for the Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka), published in the Federal Register on July 27, 2004. In the final rule, the map legends incorrectly referred to stream segments as ``proposed'' critical habitat rather than ``designated'' critical habitat, and six transcription errors were included in legal descriptions of critical habitat from Unit 1 (Iowa) and Unit 4 (Minnesota). This document corrects these errors.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq.).
Issuance of Permits
The following permits were issued.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying the American Crocodile Distinct Population Segment in Florida From Endangered to Threatened and Initiation of a 5-Year Review
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reclassify the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) in Florida from its present endangered status to threatened status under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We believe that the endangered designation no longer correctly reflects the current status of this taxon within this DPS due to a substantial improvement in the species' status. Since its listing in 1975, the American crocodile population in Florida has more than doubled, and its distribution has expanded. Land acquisition has also provided protection for many important nesting areas. We have determined that the American crocodile in its range in Florida meets the criteria of a DPS as stated in our policy of February 17, 1996. If this proposal is finalized, the American crocodile DPS in Florida will continue to be federally protected as a threatened species. The American crocodile throughout the remainder of its range as described in our December 18, 1979, final rule would remain endangered. Because a status review is also required for the 5-year review of listed species under section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act, we are electing to prepare these reviews simultaneously. We are seeking data and comments from the public on this proposal.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, Subpart C and Subpart D-2005-06 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Shellfish Regulations
This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2005-06 regulatory year. The rulemaking is necessary because Subpart D is subject to an annual public review cycle. This rulemaking replaces the fish and shellfish taking regulations included in the ``Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, Subpart C and Subpart D2004 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Wildlife Regulations,'' which expire on March 31, 2005. This rule also amends the Customary and Traditional Use Determinations of the Federal Subsistence Board (Section .24 of Subpart C).
Notice of Intent To Conduct Restoration Planning for Natural Resources Injured by the Release of Oil From the MV Kure Oil Spill, Humboldt County, CA
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior), the California Department of Fish and Game, and the California State Lands Commission are joint trustees (Trustees) for natural resources and are authorized to assess injuries to Federal and State resources caused by the MV Kure Oil Spill and to plan and implement restoration actions to address those injuries. The Trustees announce their intent to conduct restoration planning for the MV Kure Oil Spill. The purpose of this restoration planning effort is to complete an assessment of the natural resource injuries and damages caused by the oil spill, and to prepare a plan for the restoration of the injured resources.
Notice of Availability of Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan, Draft Environmental Impact Statement, and Draft Wilderness Stewardship Plan for Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge
This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will make available copies of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP), Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and Draft Wilderness Stewardship Plan for the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge in Pima and Yuma Counties, Arizona, for public review and comment. This draft CCP was prepared in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd et seq.), and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It describes how the Service intends to manage the Refuge over the next 15 years.
Final List of Bird Species to Which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Does Not Apply
We are publishing a final list of the nonnative bird species that have been introduced by humans into the United States or its territories and to which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) does not apply. This action is required by the Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act (MBTRA) of 2004. The MBTRA amends the MBTA by stating that it applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or its territories, and that a native migratory bird is one that is present as a result of natural biological or ecological processes. This notice identifies those species that are not protected by the MBTA, even though they belong to biological families referred to in treaties that the MBTA implements, as their presence in the United States and its territories is solely the result of intentional or unintentional human-assisted introductions.
Proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Southern California Edison Etiwanda-Miraloma Transmission Line Reconductor Project, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, CA
Southern California Edison (applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 5-year incidental take permit for two 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 Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis), listed as endangered under the Act. It also addresses impacts to the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugea), a California State designated Species of Special Concern. Impacts to both species would occur from proposed upgrading of the existing Etiwanda-Miraloma Transmission Line in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, California. A conservation program to mitigate for the project activities would be implemented by the applicant as described in the proposed Southern California Edison (SCE) Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (proposed plan), which is available for public review. We are requesting comments on the proposed Plan 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. The basis for this determination is discussed in an Environmental Action Statement and the associated Low-Effect Screening Form (EAS/screening form), which are also available for public review.
Issuance of Permits
The following permit was issued.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Notice of Meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group
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: Introduction of new members; Trinity River Restoration Program orientation; TAMWG priorities and operations; 2005 Trinity River flow schedule, and Restoration Program budget. Completion of the agenda is 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.
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the North County Multiple Species Conservation Program, San Diego, CA
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 County of San Diego (County), a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the North County Multiple Species Conservation Program (NCMSCP) Plan. The NCMSCP Plan 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.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species Meeting
This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section. The meeting is open to the public.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Northeast Regional Panel Meeting
This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Northeast Regional Panel. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Detection and Monitoring Committee Meeting
This notice announces a meeting of the Detection and Monitoring Committee of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species Meeting
This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force Great Lakes Panel on Aquatic Nuisance Species. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge, Marshall County, MN
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for Agassiz NWR, Minnesota. 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.
Receipt of Applications for Incidental Take Permits on 55 Applications for Proposed Single Family and Duplex Residential Construction on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, Baldwin County, AL
Dr. W. H. Abraham, Mr. Terry Bartee, Ms. Sarah Bertrand, Ms. Edith Bolster, Mr. Billy Bullock, Ms. Jerilyn Byrd, Mr. Walter Cooper, Mr. Thomas Cox, Mr. and Mrs. George Cromer, Mr. Larry Dawson, Mr. William Denholm, Ms. Ellen Dinges, Mr. Jody Greene, Mr. Perry Hand, Mr. Leo Hastings, Mr. Asa Hollowell, Mr. Robert Howell, Mr. Trice Hulling, Ms. Virginia Jordan, Mr. Kerwin Lane, Mr. John Lucas, Ms. Linda Mangold, Mr. Martens, Ms. Cynthia Meichner, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Nagley, Mr. Greg Nayden (3 applications), Mr. Robert Pate, Ms. Terry Pettus, Mr. Steven Quinn (2 applications), Mr. James Randolph, Mr. Robert Relinski (2 applications), Mr. Jeffrey Ryder, Sage Development (10 applications), Mr. Jose Silvas, Mr. P.K. Smartt, Mr. Delmar Smith, Mr. Jim Stephenson, Mr. Richard Willoughby, Mr. William Yates, Mr. Robert Yokley, Mr. Jim Young, and Ms. Debra Zak have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for incidental take permits (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended (Act) for the take of Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) (ABM). The proposed take would be incidental to the otherwise lawful activity of constructing 49 single family and 6 duplex residences in Baldwin County, Alabama. The applicants have prepared Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) in accordance with section 10(a)(2)(A) of the Act, specifying, among other things, the impacts that are likely to result from the taking and the measures each applicant would undertake to minimize and mitigate such impacts. A detailed description of the proposed minimization and mitigation measures is provided in the applicants' HCPs, and in our Environmental Assessment (EA). The proposed action would involve approval of the HCPs if the statutory issuance criteria are satisfied. The EA considers the environmental impacts of the proposed projects on, including but not limited to, endangered and threatened species.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the development of the Shadow Wood Subdivision in Brevard County, Fl
John Massaro (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 take of the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) and eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) incidental to construction of a mixed residential and commercial use subdivision with supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida. Construction and its associated infrastructure would destroy about 9.67 acres of foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat for the scrub-jay that is also possibly used by the indigo snake. A more detailed description of the mitigation and minimization measures to address the effects of the Project to the protected species are outlined in the Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), the Service's Environmental Assessment (EA), and in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Service also announces the availability of the EA and HCP for the incidental take application. Copies of the EA and/or HCP may be obtained by making a request to the Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice also advises the public that the Service has made a preliminary determination that issuing the ITP is not a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment within the meaning of Section 102(2)(C) of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended. The Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is based on information contained in the EA and HCP. The final determination will be made no sooner than 60 days from the date of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10 of the Act and NEPA regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical Habitat for Four Vernal Pool Crustaceans and Eleven Vernal Pool Plants in California and Southern Oregon; Re-evaluation of Non-Economic Exclusions From August 2003 Final Designation
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), confirm the non- economic exclusions made to our previous final rule (August 6, 2003, 68 FR 46683, effective September 5, 2003), which designated critical habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for 4 vernal pool crustaceans and 11 vernal pool plants. A total of approximately 1,184,513 ac (479,356 ha) of land falls within the boundaries of designated critical habitat. This estimate reflects exclusion of: Lands within the boundaries of Habitat Conservation Plans, National Wildlife Refuge lands and National fish hatchery lands (33,097 ac (13,394 ha)), State lands within ecological reserves and wildlife management areas (20,933 ac (8,471 ha)), Department of Defense lands within Beale and Travis Air Force Bases as well as Fort Hunter Liggett and Camp Roberts Army installations (64,259 ac (26,005 ha)), Tribal lands managed by the Mechoopda Tribe (644 ac (261 ha)), and the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve (10,200 ac (4,128 ha)) from the final designation. The area estimate does not reflect the exclusion of lands within the California counties of Butte, Madera, Merced, Sacramento, and Solano, which are excluded from the final designation pursuant to section 4(b)(2) of the Act and pending further analysis as directed by the October 29, 2004, order by the court. This critical habitat designation requires us to consult under section 7 of the Act with regard to actions authorized, funded, or carried out by a Federal agency. Section 4 of the Act requires us to consider economic and other relevant impacts when specifying any particular area as critical habitat. We solicited data and comments from the public on all aspects of the proposed rule, including data on economic and other impacts of the designation.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Issuance of Permits
The following permits were issued.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
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
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species
Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit Associated With a Habitat Conservation Plan for Western Placer County, CA
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this notice to advise the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed Placer County Conservation Plan (PCCP). The Service is the lead agency for this EIS, and NOAA and the Corps are cooperating agencies. Placer County Planning Department, the Resource Conservation District, the City of Lincoln, the Placer County Water Agency, and the South Placer Regional Transportation Authority (Applicants) intend to apply to the Service and NOAA for 50-year Endangered Species Act (ESA) permits. The permits are needed to authorize the incidental take of species that could occur as a result of implementation activities proposed to be covered under the PCCP. The Service, in cooperation with NOAA and the Corps, 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; Special Rule To Control the Trade of Threatened Beluga Sturgeon (Huso huso
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are promulgating a special rule under Section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to exempt the import and export of and foreign and interstate commerce in certain products of beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) from threatened species permits normally required under 50 CFR 17.32. The beluga sturgeon's historical range includes 18 countries within the watersheds of the Caspian Sea, Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and the Adriatic Sea. The species is currently known to occur only in the Caspian and Black Seas and certain rivers connected to these basins. Of the 14 countries where the species still occurs, only 11 have significant beluga sturgeon habitat in the Caspian Sea, Black Sea or Danube River and consequently these countries take responsibility for cooperative management of the species (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine; hereafter referred to as the ``littoral states''). Overharvest, severe habitat degradation, and other factors have led to the listing of beluga sturgeon as threatened throughout its range under the Act and in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In our final rule listing the beluga sturgeon as threatened, we delayed the effective date of the listing for 6 months to allow time for us to promulgate a special rule under Section 4(d) of the Act. The listing became effective on October 21, 2004, yet this 4(d) rule was not yet promulgated. Therefore, we promulgated a special interim rule on October 21, 2004, to continue to allow CITES-consistent trade in all beluga sturgeon and products until this 4(d) rule was finalized and effective. When this 4(d) rule becomes effective, it will repeal the special interim rule and the Act will prohibit all trade (import, export, re-export, and foreign and interstate commerce) in beluga sturgeon and beluga sturgeon products, except as provided in the special rule or with permits under the provisions of Section 10 of the Act. This special rule initially allows littoral states 6 months from the rule's effective date to submit a suite of reports and management measures to us for review. During this initial 6-month period, imports, re-exports, and exports of, and interstate and foreign commerce in, certain beluga sturgeon caviar and meat will continue without a requirement for threatened species permits. This is intended to provide the littoral states time to submit the required documents. Similarly, we will consider making programmatic permit exemptions for commercial aquaculture facilities outside the littoral states if they meet certain criteria for: (1) Enhancing the survival of populations of wild beluga sturgeon; and (2) not threatening native aquatic fauna in the country in which the facility is located. CITES documentation will still be required for any international movement of beluga sturgeon and beluga sturgeon products, except as they may qualify for an exemption as personal or household effects. After an initial 6 months of gathering information from the littoral states, these exemptions will occur only if the information provided fulfills certain requirements, as described below. In addition, all relevant provisions of CITES will continue to govern international trade in all beluga sturgeon products. We are allowing this conditional trade to promote the effective conservation of Huso huso in the littoral states, through demonstrable law enforcement and cooperative management activities. DATES: This rule is effective March 4, 2005. The reasons for this accelerated implementation, which replaces the standard 30-day time frame, are described below in the ``Background'' section. ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection by appointment during normal business hours in the office of the Division of Scientific Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 750, Arlington, Virginia 22203. Requests for copies of the regulations regarding listed wildlife and inquiries about prohibitions and permits may be addressed to: Division of Management Authority, Branch of PermitsInternational, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, Virginia 22203.
2005 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) Contest
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the dates and locations of the 2005 Federal Duck Stamp contest; the public is invited to enter and to attend.
North American Wetlands Conservation Council Meeting Announcement
The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) will meet to select North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant proposals for recommendation to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission). The meeting is open to the public.
Receipt of Applications for Endangered Species Permits
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We provide this notice pursuant to section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge
This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act 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 so 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, 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.
Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service announces a meeting designed to foster partnerships to enhance public awareness of the importance of aquatic resources and the social and economic benefits of recreational fishing and boating in the United States. This meeting, sponsored by the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Council), is open to the public, and interested persons may make oral statements to the Council or may file written statements for consideration.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
The following applicants have applied for a scientific research permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') solicits review and comment from local, State, and Federal agencies, and the public on the following permit requests.
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