Fish and Wildlife Service January 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Regulations To Implement the Captive Wildlife Safety Act
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to implement the Captive Wildlife Safety Act (CWSA). The CWSA amends the Lacey Act by making it illegal to import, export, buy, sell, transport, receive, or acquire, in interstate or foreign commerce, live lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, or cougars, or any hybrid combination of any of these species, unless certain exceptions are met.
Notice of Availability Technical/Agency Draft of the Third Revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan for Review and Comment
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability of the Technical/Agency Draft of the Third Revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan. The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) has disappeared from more than 95 percent of its historic range as a result of human persecution and habitat loss. This draft of the recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to reclassify (downlist) and eventually delist the Florida panther under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Service solicits review and comment on this draft recovery plan.
Notice of Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement and Final Habitat Conservation Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) announce the availability for public review of a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), final Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), and final Implementing Agreement (IA), related to an application by the State of Washington for Endangered Species Act (ESA) Incidental Take Permits (ITPs). The final documents reflect changes made to the draft documents resulting from comments received during the 90-day public comment period. Responses to comments received from the public are included in the EIS. This notice provides an opportunity for the public to review the final documents and responses to public comments. The EIS addresses the proposed issuance of ITPs by both Services under the ESA, to the Washington Department of Natural Resources, on behalf of the State of Washington (State), for forest practices activities conducted according to the Washington Forest Practices Rules (forest practices). The proposed ITPs would authorize incidental take of aquatic species (16 listed fish species, 54 unlisted fish species, 7 unlisted amphibian species), by covered forest practices implemented under the forest practices rules. The EIS also addresses a proposed limit to the ESA section 9 prohibition against take of listed species under the ESA, such that the prohibition would not apply to forest practices regulated by the State of Washington on non-Federal and non-tribal lands.
Information Collection To Be Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; Research To Support Analysis and Management of Carrying Capacity at Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge
We (Fish and Wildlife Service) plan to request that OMB approve our information collection associated with research to support analysis and management of the carrying capacity at Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge in Errol, New Hampshire. We will request that OMB approve this information collection for a 1-year term.
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, and Pierce National Wildlife Refuges, Located in Clark County and Skamania County, WA
This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Final CCP) and related Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, and Pierce National Wildlife Refuges (Gorge Refuges). The Gorge Refuges are located in southwest Washington within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Final CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. The Service's Regional Director for the Pacific Region has considered a reasonable range of management alternatives and has selected Alternative B of the CCP for managing the Gorge Refuges for the next 15 years.
Receipt of Applications for Endangered Species Permits
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
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; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Mussentuchit Gilia as Threatened or Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Mussentuchit gilia (Gilia [=Aliciella] tenuis) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find the petition does not provide substantial information indicating that listing Gilia [=Aliciella] tenuis may be warranted. Therefore, 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 the species or threats to it.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-day Finding on a Petition To List the American Dipper in the Black Hills of South Dakota as Threatened or Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) of American dipper (Cinclus mexicanus unicolor) in the Black Hills of South Dakota as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition and other readily available information do not provide substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the American Dipper in the Black Hills of South Dakota may be warranted. This finding is based on our determination that the American Dipper in the Black Hills of South Dakota does not constitute a valid DPS and, therefore, cannot be considered a listable entity pursuant to section 3(15) of the Act. Therefore, we will not initiate a status review to determine if listing this species is warranted in response to this petition. However, the public may submit to us new information concerning the species, its status or threats to it at any time.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Approval of Tungsten-Iron-Copper-Nickel, Iron-Tungsten-Nickel Alloy, Tungsten-Bronze (Additional Formulation), and Tungsten-Tin-Iron Shot Types as Nontoxic for Hunting Waterfowl and Coots; Availability of Environmental Assessments
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, us, or USFWS) approves four shot types or alloys for hunting waterfowl and coots and changes the listing of approved nontoxic shot types to reflect the cumulative approvals of nontoxic shot types and alloys. In addition, we approve alloys of several metals because we have approved the metals individually at or near 100% in nontoxic shot. We have prepared a Final Environmental Assessment and a Finding of No Significant Impact in support of this decision.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge in Barbour and Russell Counties, AL, and Stewart and Quitman Counties, GA
The Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 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 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, plans identify 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.
2006 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Federal Duck Stamp) Contest
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the dates and location of the 2006 Federal Duck Stamp contest, and the species eligible to be subjects for this year's designs. The 2006 contest will be the second contest to take place outside of Washington, DC. We invite the public to enter and to attend.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designating the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Population of Grizzly Bears as a Distinct Population Segment; Removing the Yellowstone Distinct Population Segment of Grizzly Bears From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the location and time of a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposal to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) for the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and surrounding area and to remove the Yellowstone DPS from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Petitions To Reclassify the Florida Scrub-Jay From Threatened to Endangered
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on two petitions to reclassify the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find the petitions do not provide substantial scientific information indicating that reclassification of the Florida scrub-jay may be warranted. Therefore, we will not initiate a further status review in response to these petitions. However, the public may submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it at any time.
Proposed Programmatic Statewide Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Agreement, Florida
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FFWC or Applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit (ESP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The ESP application includes a proposed Safe Harbor Agreement (Agreement) for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, (Picoides borealis) (RCW), for a period of 99 years. If approved, the Agreement would allow the Applicant to issue Certificates of Inclusion (CI) throughout the State of Florida to eligible non-Federal landowners that complete an approved Safe Harbor Management Agreement (SHMA). We announce the opening of a 30-day comment period and request comments from the public on the Applicant's ESP application; the accompanying proposed Agreement, and the supporting Environmental Action Statement (EAS) Screening Form. All comments received, including names and addresses, will become part of the official administrative record and may be made available to the public, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act and Freedom of Information Act. For further information and instructions on reviewing and commenting on this application, see the ADDRESSES section, below.
Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Choctaw 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 manages 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, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation. Significant issues addressed in the draft plan include: threatened and endangered species, waterfowl management, neotropical migratory birds, bottomland hardwood restoration, fisheries management, visitor services, funding and staffing, cultural resources, and land protection.
Recovery Plan for the Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi)
We (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) announce the availability of the Recovery Plan for the Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi). The tidewater goby is a small fish that inhabits coastal brackish water habitats entirely within California, ranging from Tillas Slough (mouth of the Smith River, Del Norte County) near the Oregon border south to Agua Hedionda Lagoon (northern San Diego County).
Request for Information and Recommendations on Species Proposals, Resolutions, Decisions, and Agenda Items for Consideration at the Fourteenth Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; U.S. Approach for the Meeting of the Conference of the Parties
In order to implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES or the Convention), the Parties to the Convention meet periodically to review which species in international trade should be regulated and other aspects of the implementation of CITES. The fourteenth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP14) is tentatively scheduled to be held June 3-15, 2007, in The Hague, Netherlands. Therefore, with this notice we are soliciting recommendations for amending Appendices I and II of CITES at CoP14. We are also soliciting recommendations for resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at CoP14. We invite you to provide us with information and recommendations on animal and plant species that should be considered as candidates for U.S. proposals to amend CITES Appendices I and II. Such amendments may concern the addition of species to Appendix I or II, the transfer of species from one Appendix to another, or the removal of species from Appendix II. We also invite you to provide us with information and recommendations on possible resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at the upcoming meeting. Finally, with this notice we also describe the U.S. approach to preparations for CoP14.
Notice of Availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge in Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor Counties, FL
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for St. Marks 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, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge, Bertie County, NC
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces a notice of decision and availability of record of decision (ROD) for Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The refuge is in Bertie County, North Carolina. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations was completed and presented in the Final CCP/ EIS. The Final CCP/EIS was released to the public and a notice of availability was published in the Federal Register on October 31, 2005 (70 FR 62322). The ROD documents the selection of Alternative 3 (the Service-perferred alternative). which is represented by the Final CCP/ EIS for the refuge. The ROD was signed by the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast Region, on January 12, 2006.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Threatened Status for Penstemon grahamii
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to determine threatened status for Penstemon grahamii (Graham's beardtongue), a plant species from Colorado and Utah, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). P. grahamii exists in a series of small populations that extend in a narrow band from Raven Ridge west of the town of Rangely in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, westward to the vicinity of Sand Wash near the point where Carbon, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties meet in Utah's Uinta Basin. Threats to the species include degradation of the species' habitat by oil and gas exploration, drilling and field development, and tar sand and oil shale mining. Off-road vehicle (ORV) use, overutilization by domestic and wild grazers, and overutilization for horticultural use may also affect some populations. These threats, in combination with small population sizes and limited distribution, result in species vulnerability to natural and human-caused stochastic events. This proposal, if made final, would implement Federal protection provided by the Act. In addition, we propose to designate 3,503.68 acres (2,102 hectares) as critical habitat for P. grahamii in five units in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, and Duchesne and Uintah Counties, Utah.
Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin; Extension of Comment Period
The Supplement to the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released to the public on December 5, 2005, (70 FR 72462, December 5, 2005) for a 60- day review and comment period ending February 3, 2006. Due to public and elected official requests, the comment period for the Supplement is being extended 30 days.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Florida Scrub-Jay Resulting From Construction of a Multi-Home Subdivision in Volusia County, FL
Ocean Shore Estates, LLC (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of five years, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The Applicant anticipates destroying about 1.8 acres of occupied Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens (scrub- jay) habitat in Section 21, Township 13 South, Range 32 East, Volusia County, Florida. Habitat destruction would be expected due to vegetation clearing and the subsequent construction of infrastructure and single-family homes. One scrub-jay family could be taken as a result of the Applicant's proposed actions. The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the alternatives considered, as well as mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the project on the scrub- jay. These measures are also outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of the ITP application, HCP, and an environmental assessment. Copies of the application, HCP, and environmental assessment may be obtained by making a request to the Southeast Regional Office (see ADDRESSES). Requests must be in writing to be processed. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Receipt of Applications for Permit
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
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.
Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge
This notice announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Mackay Island 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 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, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
Receipt of Applications for Incidental Take Permits for Two Beachfront Developments in Escambia County, FL
Searenity Development, Inc. and Retreat Investments, Inc. (Applicants) collectively request an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The applicants anticipate taking Perdido Key beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) incidental to developing, constructing, and occupying two beachfront condominium complexes on Perdido Key in Escambia County, Florida (Projects). The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of both Projects to the Perdido Key beach mouse. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of a habitat conservation plan (HCP) and an environmental assessment (EA) for the ITP applications. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Receipt of Application of Endangered Species Recovery Permits
We announce our receipt of applications to conduct certain activities pertaining to enhancement of survival of endangered species.
Notice of Availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District, Martin, SD
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA) for the Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) and Wetland Management District (WMD) is available for public review and comment. This Draft CCP/EA was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The Draft CCP/EA describes the Service's proposal for management of the Refuge for 15 years.
Incidental Take of Threatened Species for the Livermore County Landowners Group, Larimer County, CO
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has issued the following permits.
Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') announces the availability of the Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi) for public review and comment.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of Mt. Graham Red Squirrel and Little Colorado Spinedace
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of the Mt. Graham red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus grahamensis) and the Little Colorado spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata) under 4(c)(2)(A) of 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 Species Recovery Permit Application
The following applicant has applied for an enhancement of propagation or survival permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act. 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 request.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District, Kearney, NE
This notice advises that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated environmental documents for the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District (WMD) in south-central Nebraska. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of its intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process.
Receipt of an Application and Availability of an Environmental Assessment for an Incidental Take Permit for a Commercial Wind-Energy Project in Guayanilla, PR
WindMar RE (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 Puerto Rican nightjar (Caprimulgus noctitherus) (nightjar), brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis), and roseate tern (Sterna dougallii), incidental to the construction and operation, over a 40-year term of a commercial wind-energy project in Punta Verraco, Cerro Toro, and Punta Ventana in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico (Project). The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project on nightjars, brown pelicans, and roseate terns. These measures 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 permit 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 National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Integrated Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report/Feasibility Report for the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study: Alviso Ponds and Santa Clara County Interim Feasibility Study
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) intend to prepare a joint project- level integrated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)/Environmental Impact Report (EIR)/Feasibility Report, hereafter called the Report, to address the potential impacts of the first Interim Feasibility Study component of the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Study, San Francisco Bay, CA. This study is closely interrelated with the ongoing South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project, discussed in the Notice of Intent dated November 9, 2004. It will function as a project-level EIS/EIR tiered under that programmatic EIS/EIR and will be issued subsequently to the programmatic document. The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) will be the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Federal Lead Agencies Proposed Actions and Related Programmatic EIS/EIR. The Corps, in cooperation with the USFWS, is proposing to study flood protection and ecosystem restoration for the Alviso portion of the South San Francisco Bay (South Bay) Salt Ponds and adjacent areas to determine whether there is a federal interest in constructing a project with flood protection and/or ecosystem restoration components in this area, and if so, to determine the optimum project to recommend to Congress for authorization. The Report will recommend a plan which will provide for long-term restoration for these salt ponds and adjacent areas as well as flood protection and recreation components, if these actions are justified under Federal criteria. The Report and its alternatives will be tiered to the programmatic EIS/EIR for the South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project. One public scoping meeting will be held to solicit comments on the environmental effects of the range of potential projects and the appropriate scope of the Report. The public is invited to comment during this meeting on environmental issues to be addressed in the Report.
Notice of Availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Environmental Assessments for Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge in Lauderdale County, TN; Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in Haywood County, TN; Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge in Lauderdale and Tipton Counties, TN; and Reelfoot and Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuges in Obion and Lake Counties, TN; and Fulton County, KY
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Environmental Assessments for the above referenced refuges 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, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Northern Mexican Gartersnake as Threatened or Endangered With Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the northern Mexican gartersnake, Thamnophis eques megalops, as threatened or endangered with critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The petitioners provided three listing scenarios for consideration by the Service: (1) Listing the United States population as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS); (2) listing the species throughout its range in the United States and Mexico based on its range-wide status; or (3) listing the species throughout its range in the U.S. and Mexico based on its status in the United States. We find the petition has presented substantial information that the northern Mexican gartersnake is a listable entity, and we find that the petition presents substantial scientific and commercial data indicating that listing may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review to determine if listing this species is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species. Any determinations on critical habitat will be made if and when a listing action is initiated for this species.
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