Fish and Wildlife Service 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, the Service) has received applications for enhancement of survival permits pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), from four Resource Conservation and Development councils (RC&Ds, Applicants) in the State of Hawaii: Garden Island RC&D, Kauai County; Tri-Isle RC&D, Maui County; Big Island RC&D, Hawaii County; and Oahu RC&D, Honolulu County. The permit applications include a proposed programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) between the Applicants and the Service. The proposed SHA provides for voluntary habitat restoration, maintenance, enhancement, or creation activities to enhance the habitat and recovery of Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis), Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana), Hawaiian moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis), Hawaiian coot (Fulica alai), and Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) (collectively ``Covered Species'') on non-Federal lands in the State of Hawaii. The proposed duration of both the SHA and permits is 50 years. The Service believes that the proposed SHA and permit applications may be eligible for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The basis for this is contained in a draft Environmental Action Statement, which also is available for public review. The Service and the State of Hawaii's Department of Fish and Wildlife (DOFAW) hold concurrent processes for the review of both Federal and State permit applications and draft Safe Harbor Agreements. As part of the DOFAW process, public meetings will take place to allow for discussion and comment. Dates and locations for which DOFAW has scheduled public meetings are: December 5, 2006, Lanai High School, Lanai City; December 7, 2006, Kalanimoku Building, Room 132, Honolulu; December 12, 2006, Lihue Neighborhood Community Center, Lihue; December 13, 2006: Mitchell Pauole Community Center, Kaunakakai; December 19, 2006, Velma McWayne Santos Community Center, Wailuku; December 21, 2006, Hilo Division of Forestry and Wildlife Office, Hilo. All meetings are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

The Secretary of the Interior has designated the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) to act on behalf of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) as natural resource trustee (Trustee) with respect to the February 2004 oil spill in the Bradley Beach, NJ, area (the incident). The Service has determined that the impacts of the incident warrant conducting a natural resource damage assessment that will include restoration planning. The incident has been referred to by a number of names, including the Bradley Beach Mystery Spill, the Monmouth County Mystery Spill, the Monmouth and Ocean Counties Mystery Spill, the Brick Township Mystery Spill, and the Brick Township Tarball Mystery Spill. The DOI is hereby providing notice of efforts to plan restoration actions for injuries resulting from the incident. The purpose of this restoration planning is to evaluate potential injuries to natural resources and lost services and use that information to determine the need for and scale of restoration actions.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is preparing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This notice advises the public that the Service intends to gather information necessary for preparing the CCP and EA 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. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with Service planning policy, to (1) advise other Federal and State agencies and the public of our intention to conduct detailed planning on this refuge; and, (2) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental document. The Service will involve the public through open houses, informational and technical meetings, and written comments. Special mailings, newspaper articles, Web sites, and announcements will provide information about opportunities for public involvement in the planning process.

Results Builders, Inc. (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of two years, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates removal of about 1.6 acres of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)(scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat, incidental to lot preparation for the construction of four multi-family residences and supporting infrastructure on four lots in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the scrub- jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

Carmen and John Wilson (Applicants) request an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of one year, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate removal of about 0.23 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 Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the scrub- jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Merritt 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 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 nd 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 Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has completed a Draft Interim Visitor Services Plan (VSP) and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial/Midway Atoll Special Management Area (Refuge). The Draft VSP/EA is available for public review and comments. This remote Pacific island Refuge is a U.S. territory located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and part of the newly established Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument (Monument). The VSP is intended to guide visitor activities on the Refuge for an interim period of time until a broader Monument management plan is completed that meets the applicable requirements of a refuge comprehensive conservation plan.

93-129 LTD (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 10-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 federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) associated with the proposed grading and infrastructure for Tentative Parcel Map 93-129. A conservation program to mitigate for the project activities would be implemented as described in the proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Grading and Infrastructure for Tentative Parcel Map 93-129 (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. The basis for this determination is discussed in the Environmental Action Statement (EAS) and the associated Low Effect Screening Form, which are also available for public review.

We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have sent an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review and approval. The ICR, which is summarized below, describes the nature of the collection and the estimated burden. This ICR is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2006. We may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. However, under OMB regulations, we may continue to conduct or sponsor this information collection while it is pending at OMB.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

The following permits were issued.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

Doug and Jennifer Ross (Applicants) have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are considering issuing a 10-year permit to the Applicants that would authorize take of the federally endangered Santa Cruz long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum croceum) and the threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the construction of private residential facilities on 16.5 acres of their 99-acre property in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on our preliminary determination that the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) qualifies as a ``low effect'' HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. We explain the basis for this possible determination in a draft Environmental Action Statement (EAS) and associated Low Effect Screening Form. The Applicants' low effect HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures they would implement, as required in Section 10(a)(2)(B) of the Act, to address the effects of the project on the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander and California red-legged frog. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The draft HCP and EAS are available for public review.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), withdraw the proposed rule, published in the Federal Register on January 19, 2006 (71 FR 3158), to list Penstemon grahamii (Graham's beardtongue) as a threatened species with critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. We have determined that listing is not warranted because threats to the species as identified in the January 19, 2006, proposed rule are not significant, and available data do not indicate that the threats to the species and its habitat, as analyzed under the five listing factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act, are likely to threaten or endanger the species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Our decision to withdraw the proposed rule to list Penstemon grahamii also removes the species from candidate status under the Act.

Section 5 paragraph 3 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) of December 2004 (16 U.S.C. 6804(a)(3)) requires that the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture publish a notice in the Federal Register when the ``America the Beautifulthe National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass'' is first established and available for purchase. The new pass program was created in response to requirements of the REA. The new pass replaces the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and the Golden Access Passports, as well as the National Parks Pass, which currently support recreation opportunities on public lands managed by the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the Bureau of Reclamation. Sales of the new pass are scheduled to begin in January 2007. The new pass will be sold at Federal recreation sites that charge entrance and standard amenity fees. The pass will also be available through links on government Web sites including creation.gov and through select third-party vendors.

This proposed rule would establish regulations for fishing seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2008-09 regulatory year. The rulemaking is necessary because Subpart D is subject to an annual public review cycle. When final, this rulemaking would replace the fish and shellfish taking regulations included in the ``Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, Subpart D: 2007-08 Subsistence Taking of Fish and Wildlife Regulations,'' which expire on March 31, 2008. This rule would also amend the Customary and Traditional Use Determinations of the Federal Subsistence Board and the General Regulations related to the taking of fish and shellfish.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce two 90-day findings made under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). One finding concerns a petition to remove Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants, and the other a petition to list Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus) as a threatened or endangered plant. Until recently, these species were considered one taxonomic entity, so the petitions are being considered concurrently in this notice. We find the petition to remove Sclerocactus glaucus from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants does not present substantial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted, and we are not initiating a further status review in response to this petition. However, in order to determine the appropriate status of S. glaucus given recent taxonomic revisions to this species, we are initiating a 5-year review under section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act. Through this action, we encourage all interested parties to provide us information regarding the status of, and any potential threats to, this species as it was originally listed (i.e., information pertaining to S. glaucus, S. brevispinus, and S. wetlandicus). We find the petition to list Sclerocactus brevispinus presents substantial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted, and we are initiating a further status review in response to this petition. Through this action, we encourage all interested parties to provide us information regarding the status of, and any potential threats to, this species.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Draft Hanford Reach National Monument (Monument) Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Draft CCP/EIS) is available for review and comment. The Draft CCP/EIS describes the Service's proposal for managing the Monument for the next 15 years. Proposed changes to Monument management include: Opening additional acres to public use; implementing an upland and riparian habitat management program; developing and implementing cultural resource monitoring and management plans; establishing partnerships and community outreach programs to refine management of natural, cultural and recreational resources; establishing an environmental education program; and expanding interpretive, wildlife viewing, and wildlife photography facilities and programs. Draft compatibility determinations for several different public uses are also available for review with the Draft CCP/EIS.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is proposing migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2007 season. This proposed rule would establish regulations that prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates when harvesting of birds may occur, species that can be taken, and methods and means that would be excluded from use. These regulations were developed under a co-management process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives. These regulations are intended to provide a framework to enable the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska. The rulemaking is necessary because the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska are subject to annual review. This rulemaking proposes regulations that go into effect on April 2, 2007, and expire on August 31, 2007.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the Laguna Mountains skipper (Pyrgus ruralis lagunae) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 6,242 acres (ac) (2,525 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The critical habitat is located in San Diego County, California, on lands under Federal (3,516 ac (1,423 ha)), State (381 ac (154 ha)), and private (2,345 ac (948 ha)) ownership.

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 the northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon) in the upper tidal Potomac River as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find the petition does not provide substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action is warranted. Therefore, we will not initiate a further status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of this population of the northern water snake or threats to it.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the tricolored blackbird may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of, or threats to, the tricolored blackbird or its habitat at any time.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), which analyzes the environmental impacts associated with incidental take permits that were previously issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), for take of the Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates). The FEIS analyzes the consequences of the proposed action and alternatives to the proposed action. The incidental take permits, previously issued to Gulf Highlands LLC and Beach Club West, involve the construction, occupancy, use, operation, and maintenance of two residential/ recreational condominium development projects on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Baldwin County, Alabama. For Record of Decision (ROD) availability, see DATES.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this notice to advise the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and Occidental of Elk Hills, Inc. (OEHI), a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) on the Habitat Conservation Plan for the Elk Hills Oil and Gas field (Plan). OEHI intends to apply for a 50-year Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 10 incidental take permit from the Service. The permit is needed to authorize the incidental take of threatened and endangered species that could occur as a result of future operations of the Elk Hills Oil and Gas Field. 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 to be included in the EIS/EIR.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a), the Department of the Interior issues this public notice of its intent to modify an existing Privacy Act system of records managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). The changes are to the system of records called ``Real Property Records Interior, FWS-11 which is published in its entirety below.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list six avian species, black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae), caerulean Paradise-flycatcher (Eutrichomyias rowleyi), giant ibis (Pseudibis gigantea), Gurney's pitta (Pitta gurneyi), Socorro mockingbird (Mimodes graysoni), and long-legged thicketbird (Trichocichla rufa) as endangered, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposal, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to these species. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposal.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge are available for review and comment. This draft plan and environmental assessment were prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The draft plan describes the Service's proposal for management of the refuge for 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find that the petition does not provide substantial information indicating that listing the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse may be warranted. Therefore, we are not initiating a further status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse or threats to it.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for two tidal marsh plants: Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum (Suisun thistle) and Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis (soft bird's-beak). We also announce the availability of the draft economic analysis for the proposed critical habitat designation and an amended Required Determinations section of the proposal. The draft economic analysis identifies potential costs will be $1.6 million in undiscounted dollars over a 20-year period as a result of the proposed designation of critical habitat, including those costs coextensive with listing and recovery. Discounted future costs are estimated to be $1.4 million over 20 years ($95,002 annually) at a 3 percent discount rate, or $1.2 million over 20 years ($116,722 annually) at a 7 percent discount rate. The amended Required Determinations section provides our determination concerning compliance with applicable statutes and Executive Orders that we have deferred until the information from the draft economic analysis of this proposal was available. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule, the associated draft economic analysis, and the amended Required Determinations section.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, withdraw the notice of availability of the revised technical agency draft recovery plan for the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata vittata). The Puerto Rican parrot, largely green with a red forehead and blue flight feathers, is one of nine extant Amazona parrots occurring in the West Indies. The notice (71 FR 58426, October 3, 2006) was released in error, however, we anticipate announcing the current revision of the recovery plan in fiscal year 2007, which incorporates new information, describes actions considered necessary for the conservation of this species, establishes criteria (important milestones) for recognizing the recovery levels for downlisting from endangered to threatened, and estimates the time and cost for implementing the recovery measures needed.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the island marble butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that the petitioned action is not warranted. Furthermore, the Service and the National Park Service (NPS) have entered into a Conservation Agreement that implements conservation measures specifically addressing the needs of the island marble butterfly. We request that you submit any new information concerning the status of and threats to this subspecies whenever it becomes available. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to expand the conservation efforts that have been instituted by several landowners on currently occupied habitat.

The following permits were issued.

This notice announces the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the Orange County Southern Subregion Natural Community Conservation Plan/Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan), for public review and comment. The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is considering the proposed action of issuing three 75-year incidental take permits, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), for 32 species in response to receipt of applications from the County of Orange (County), Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC (RMV) and Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) (Applicants). The proposed permits would authorize take of individual members of animal species listed under the ESA. The permits are needed because take of species could occur during proposed urban development activities and associated infrastructure on Rancho Mission Viejo, expansion of the Prima Deshecha Landfill, the extension of Avenida La Pata, maintenance and operation of Santa Margarita Water District facilities, and reserve management activities within an approximately 132,000-acre Plan Area in southern Orange County, California. The Orange County Southern Subregion Habitat Conservation Plan also serves as a proposed Natural Community Conservation Plan under the State of California's Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCPA). The EIS analyzes the impacts of the Plan/NCCP and a Master Streambed Alteration Agreement which involves action by the County of Orange and the California Department of Fish and Game. For that reason, the EIS also serves as an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) to satisfy requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in addition to those of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Comments regarding the Final EIS/EIR may be submitted to the Service pursuant to NEPA during a 30-day waiting period [See DATES].

We announce the receipt of an application to conduct certain activities pertaining to enhancement of survival of endangered species.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge is available for distribution. This document was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The draft plan and environmental assessment describes the Service's proposal for management of the refuge for 15 years.

This notice announces a meeting of the Sporting Conservation Council (Council). This meeting is designed to review wildlife conservation endeavors that benefit recreational hunting and wildlife resources and that encourage partnerships among the public, the sporting conservation community, wildlife conservation groups, and State and Federal governments. This meeting is open to the public, and will include a session for the public to comment.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of one ITP and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)/Application for one incidental take permit. Marsol Development Corporation (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of 2 years pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 7.5 acres of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a commercial park and supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 7.5 acres 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.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Peter Famulari, Robert Lavelle, and Jeffrey Leonard (Applicants) each request ITPs pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate taking about 5.42 acres combined of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of 13 residential units and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 5.42 acres of foraging and sheltering habitat is expected to result in the take of five families of scrub- jays. The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Projects to the Florida scrub-jay.

We, the United States, as a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), may submit proposed resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for consideration at meetings of the Conference of the Parties to CITES. We may also propose amendments to the CITES Appendices for consideration at meetings of the Conference of the Parties. The fourteenth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP14) will be held in The Hague, Netherlands, June 3-15, 2007. With this notice, we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service): describe proposed resolutions, decisions, and agenda items that the United States is considering submitting for consideration at CoP14; describe proposed amendments to the CITES Appendices (species proposals) that the United States is considering submitting for consideration at CoP14; invite your comments and information on these proposals; announce a public meeting to discuss these proposals; and provide information on how non-governmental organizations based in the United States can attend CoP14 as observers.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the opening of a public comment period regarding the status of Colorado River cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki pleuriticus) in the United States. This status review has been initiated pursuant to a recent court order requiring us to prepare a 12-month finding on a petition to list the subspecies as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Through this action, we encourage all interested parties to provide us information regarding the status of, and any potential threats to, this fish.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce our decision and the availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge in accordance with National Environmental Policy Act requirements (NEPA).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (Final CCP/EIS) for the Sweetwater Marsh and South San Diego Bay Units of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR or Refuge). 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 August 25, 2006. The ROD documents the Service's decision to adopt and implement Alternative C (Implement Habitat Enhancement and Restoration and Improve Existing Public Uses) for the Sweetwater Marsh Unit and Alternative D (Expand Habitat Management, Enhance Nesting Opportunities, Maximize Habitat Restoration, and Provide Additional Public Use Opportunities) for the South San Diego Bay Unit.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi), Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Kincaid's lupine), and Erigeron decumbens var. decumbens (Willamette daisy) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Approximately 3,010 acres (ac) (1,218 hectares (ha)) for Fender's blue butterfly in Benton, Lane, Polk, and Yamhill Counties, Oregon; 585 ac (237 ha) for L. sulphureus ssp. kincaidii in Benton, Lane, Polk, and Yamhill Counties, Oregon, and Lewis County, Washington; and 718 ac (291 ha) for E. decumbens var. decumbens in Benton, Lane, Linn, Marion, and Polk Counties, Oregon, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge are available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations for fishing, environmental education and interpretation, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, research, mosquito control, interim citrus grove management, and commercial ecotour operations are also available within the plan.

This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Cape Meares, Oregon Islands and Three Arch Rocks National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges); and announces five public open house meetings. The Refuges are located in Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Coos and Curry Counties in Oregon. We are furnishing this notice to advise the public and other agencies of our intentions and obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to include in the CCP.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge are available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. It describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years. The compatibility determinations for recreational hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation are also available within the plan.

This notice announces the availability of the draft ``Management and Control Plan for Asian Carps in the United States.'' This draft document was prepared by the Asian Carp Working Group of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. We are seeking public comments on this draft document. Comments received will be considered during the preparation of the final national management and control plan, which will guide cooperative and integrated management of Asian carps in the United States.

The following permits were issued.

This notice announces a meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting topics are identified in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), notify the public of the reinstatement of our July 15, 2002 proposed rule to list Lepidium papilliferum (slickspot peppergrass) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and announce the reopening of the public comment period on that proposed listing.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Council) will meet November 8-9, 2006.

We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

Daniel Keig (applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are considering issuing a 5-year permit to the applicant that would authorize take of the federally endangered Smith's blue butterfly (Euphilotes enoptes smithi) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with construction of a single family home, which would remove 0.3 acre of Smith's blue butterfly habitat within a 6.1-acre parcel in Carmel Highlands, Monterey County, California. We invite comments from the public on the permit application, which is available for review. The application includes a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), that fully describes the proposed project and the measures that the applicant would undertake to minimize and mitigate anticipated take of the Smith's blue butterfly, as required in Section 10(a)(2)(B) of the Act. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We also invite comments on our preliminary determination that the HCP qualifies as a ``low-effect'' plan, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. We explain the basis for this possible determination in a draft Environmental Action Statement and associated Low Effect Screening Form, which are also available for public review.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the endangered Piperia yadonii (Yadon's piperia) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 2,306 acres (ac) (930 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. The proposed critical habitat is located in Monterey County, California.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and marine mammals.

The following permits were issued.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'' or ``Service'') announces the availability of the results from 2003 monitoring data collected as part of the post-delisting monitoring plan for the American peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus anatum).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising critical habitat for the Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) and Choctawhatchee beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus allophrys) and designating critical habitat for the St. Andrew beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 6,193 acres (ac) (2,506 hectares (ha)) are being designated as critical habitat for the three subspecies. This action adds approximately 135 ac (44 ha) to the amount of currently designated critical habitat for the Perdido Key beach mouse and 1,629 ac (659 ha) to the area designated for the Choctawhatchee beach mouse. The critical habitat is located in Baldwin County, Alabama; and Escambia, Okaloosa, Walton, Bay, and Gulf Counties, Florida.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our revised 12-month finding for a petition to list the Beaver Cave beetle (Pseudanophthalmus major) under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we conclude that this species is not likely to become an endangered or threatened species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Therefore, we find that proposing a rule to list the species is not warranted, and we no longer consider it to be a candidate species for listing. However, the Service will continue to seek new information on the taxonomy, biology, and ecology of this species, as well as potential threats to its continued existence.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the threatened guaj[oacute]n (Eleutherodactylus cooki), a frog endemic to Puerto Rico, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 217.2 acres (ac) (88 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. The proposed critical habitat is located in the municipalities of Humacao, Las Piedras, Maunabo, Patillas, and Yabucoa, Puerto Rico.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the revised technical agency draft revised recovery plan for the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata vittata). The Puerto Rican parrot, largely green with a red forehead and blue flight feathers, is one of nine extant Amazona parrots occurring in the West Indies. Measuring about 29 centimeters (11 inches) in length and weighing about 270 grams (10 ounces), this species is one of the smallest in its genus, although it is similar in size to other Amazona in the Greater Antilles. The current revision of the recovery plan incorporates new information, describes actions considered necessary for the conservation of this species, establishes criteria (important milestones) for recognizing the recovery levels for downlisting from endangered to threatened, and estimates the time and cost for implementing the recovery measures needed. Partnerships are a key element of this revised recovery plan. The Service solicits review and comment on this draft revised recovery plan.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for Ceanothus ophiochilus (Vail Lake ceanothus) and Fremontodendron mexicanum (Mexican flannelbush) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 644 acres (ac) (262 hectares (ha)) are proposed for the designation of critical habitat for these two species. Approximately 283 ac (115 ha) of land in Riverside County, California, are being proposed as critical habitat for C. ophiochilus, and approximately 361 ac (147 ha) of land in San Diego County, California, are being proposed as critical habitat for F. mexicanum.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 154,834 acres (ac) (62,659 hectares (ha)) critical habitat are being designated for the taxon. The critical habitat is located in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, and San Joaquin Counties, California.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a Final Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Conservation Plan) and Environmental Impact Statement for Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is available for final review and comment before a Record of Decision (ROD) is signed. This Conservation Plan was prepared pursuant to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, 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 as amended. It describes how the Service intends to manage Kodiak NWR over the next 15 years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') announces the availability of the Revised Recovery Plan for Hawaiian Forest Birds. There are 21 bird taxa included in this revised recovery plan; 19 are listed as endangered, 1 is a candidate species for Federal listing, and 1 is a species of concern. These taxa represent four bird families, with the majority being Hawaiian Honeycreepers (subfamily Drepanidinae, family Fringillidae). This is a new recovery plan for two of the listed birds, the O[revaps]ahu [revaps]elepaio (Chasiempsis sandwichensis ibidis) and O`ahu [revaps]alauahio (Paroreomyza maculata).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS, Service, or we), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), announce combined 12-month findings on a petition to delist the endangered Idaho springsnail (Pyrgulopsis idahoensis) and a petition to list the Jackson Lake springsnail (P. robusta), Harney Lake springsnail (P. hendersoni), and Columbia springsnail (P. species A (unnamed)). Evidence collected subsequent to the December 14, 1992, listing (USFWS 1992, pp. 59244-59527 (57 FR 59244)) of the Idaho springsnail indicates it no longer constitutes a distinct species. It is now described as the Jackson Lake springsnail (P. robusta), a single taxon, composed of four previously distinct springsnail species (Idaho, Jackson Lake, Harney Lake, and Columbia springsnails), and therefore we are proposing to remove the Idaho springsnail from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We evaluated the best available scientific and commercial information regarding the status of, and threats to, the newly described P. robusta, and determined that the threats to the species do not warrant its listing at this time. Additionally, based on our status review of P. robusta, we also find that listing the Jackson Lake springsnail, Harney Lake springsnail, and Columbia springsnail as separate species is not warranted.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Anacapa deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus anacapae) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find the petition does not present substantial information indicating that listing the Anacapa deer mouse may be warranted. Therefore, we are not initiating a status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the subspecies or threats to it or its habitat at any time. This information will help us monitor and encourage the conservation of the subspecies.

Notice is hereby given that the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), 2300 Southern Blvd., Bronx, New York 10460 [Dr. Howard C. Rosenbaum, Principal Investigator], has been issued an amendment to scientific research Permit No. 31-1741/MA081663.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we), propose to revise the regulations governing the annual Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest [also known as the Federal Duck Stamp Contest (contest)]. We propose a special exemption that would allow recent winning artists to submit entries for the 2007 contest. We also propose to codify our longstanding practice of limiting judges to only one term. We also propose to clarify in our regulations our longstanding practice to include artwork from the third round of judging in an art tour for a year; early return of the artwork to the artist will make the artist ineligible for the next three (3) contests. Finally, we propose to clean up grammatical errors in the contest procedures.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have sent an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review and approval. The ICR, which is summarized below, describes the nature of the collection and the estimated burden and cost. This ICR is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2006. We may not conduct or sponsor and a person is not required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. However, under OMB regulations, we may continue to conduct or sponsor this information collection while it is pending at OMB.

The following permits were issued.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and marine mammals.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge are available for distribution. The plan was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The compatibility determinations for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, environmental education and interpretation, trapping of selected furbearers, forest management, and resource research studies are also available within the plan.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) announce the availability of a Final Record of Decision on the issuance of incidental take permits to the state of Washington under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act for the Washington Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The two incidental take permits (one from each of the Services) authorize incidental take of aquatic species (16 listed fish species, 54 unlisted fish species, and 7 unlisted amphibian species) from covered forest practices implemented under the HCP. These forest practices affect approximately 9 million acres of non-Federal and non-tribal lands in Washington State. The permits were issued on June 5, 2006, and will remain in effect for 50 years.

We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the proposal to designate critical habitat for Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) and Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of the draft economic analysis for the proposed designation of critical habitat for Holmgren and Shivwits milk-vetches. The draft economic analysis finds that, over 20 years, post-designation costs for Holmgren and Shivwits milk-vetch conservation-related activities are estimated to range between $8.8 and $14.1 million in undiscounted 2006 dollars. In discounted terms, potential post- designation economic costs are estimated to be $8.5 to $13.0 million (using a 3 percent discount rate) or $8.2 to $12.1 million (using a 7 percent discount rate). In addition, we announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment that has been prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) (NEPA). Finally, we propose to revise boundary descriptions for two critical habitat subunits: Holmgren milk-vetch's Unit 2a (Stucki Spring) and Unit 2b (South Hills).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month 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 Thamnophis eques megalops throughout its range in the United States and Mexico based on its rangewide status; or (3) listing Thamnophis eques megalops throughout its range in the United States and Mexico based on its status in the United States. After thorough analysis and review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing of the subspecies, under any of the three scenarios, is not warranted. Of the three listing scenarios specified above, we found scenario two provided the most rigorous evaluation of the status of the northern Mexican gartersnake and herein provide detailed discussion of our conclusions in that context. We also provide additional discussion of our evaluation of scenarios (1) listing the United States population as a DPS and (3) listing Thamnophis eques megalops throughout its range in the United States and Mexico based on its status in the United States.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is available for review and comment. Also available for review with the Draft CCP/EA are draft compatibility determinations for fishing; wildlife observation and photography; environmental education and interpretation; high-speed boating; recreational boating associated with hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography; research; plant gathering; and mosquito monitoring and control.

This rule prescribes the hunting seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for general waterfowl seasons and those early seasons for which States previously deferred selection. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2006-07 season.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we), announces a 5-year review of Curtis' pearlymussel (Epioblasma florentina curtisii) and Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (Act). We request any new information on these species that may have a bearing on their classification as endangered. Based on the results of this review, we will make a finding on whether these species are properly classified under the Act.

Mr. Tarval Torgersen (Applicant/Cooperator) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an Enhancement of Survival Permit (ESP) for the Utah prairie dog (UPD) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This permit application includes a Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) between the Applicant and the Service. The Service requests information, views, and opinions from the public via this notice. Further, the Service is soliciting information regarding the adequacy of the SHA as measured against the Service's Safe Harbor Policy and the regulations that implement it.

This rule prescribes special early season migratory bird hunting regulations for certain tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. This responds to tribal requests for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) recognition of their authority to regulate hunting under established guidelines. This rule allows the establishment of season bag limits and, thus, harvest at levels compatible with populations and habitat conditions.

The City of Tempe (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit. The requested permit, which is for a period of 50 years, would authorize incidental take of Yuma clapper rail (Rallus longirostris yumanensis), southwestern willow flycatcher (Empidonax traillii extimus), and bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) as a result of operation and maintenance activities associated with the Rio Salado Project. We invite public comment.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Nosa Luta or Rota Bridled White-eye (Zosterops rotensis), for public review and comment.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) is available for Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex (including Blackwater, Martin and Susquehanna NWRs). This CCP is required pursuant to 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. 668 dd et seq.), and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The CCP describes how the Service intends to manage the complex over the next 15 years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') announces the availability of a Recovery Plan for the Newcomb's snail (Erinna newcombi). This aquatic snail is listed as threatened (65 FR 4162) and is endemic to the Hawaiian Island of Kaua`i.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) advises interested parties of our intent to conduct public scoping under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gather information to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), related to an anticipated application for a permit amendment from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) for its 1997 Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for forested State trust lands. The HCP excludes those lands designated as urban or leased for commercial, industrial, or residential purposes and those lands designated as agricultural (HCP p. I.2). The application would be associated with the proposed replacement of the marbled murrelet (murrelet) interim conservation strategy (ICS), which is currently being implemented, with a proposed long-term conservation strategy (LTCS) for murrelets in Southwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact for Long Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex. Prepared in conformance with 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, the plan describes how we intend to manage the complex over the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the Rota Bridled White-eye (Zosterops rotensis) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 3,958 acres (ac) (1,602 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation on the Island of Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

In this Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), present an updated list of plant and animal species native to the United States that we regard as candidates or have proposed for addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Identification of candidate species can assist environmental planning efforts by providing advance notice of potential listings, allowing landowners and resource managers to alleviate threats and thereby possibly remove the need to list species as endangered or threatened. Even if we subsequently list a candidate species, the early notice provided here could result in more options for species management and recovery by prompting candidate conservation measures to alleviate threats to the species. The CNOR summarizes the status and threats that we evaluated in order to determine that species qualify as candidates and to assign a listing priority number to each species, or to remove species from candidate status. Additional material that we relied on is available in the Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Forms (species assessment forms, previously called candidate forms) for each candidate species. Overall, this CNOR recognizes 7 new candidates, changes the listing priority number for 24 candidates, and removes 10 species from candidate status. Combined with other decisions for individual species that were published separately from this CNOR, the new number of species that are candidates for listing is 279. We request additional status information that may be available for the 279 candidate species identified in this CNOR. We will consider this information in preparing listing documents and future revisions to the notice of review, as it will help us in monitoring changes in the status of candidate species and in management for conserving them. We also request information on additional species that we should consider including as candidates as we prepare future updates of this notice. This document also includes our findings on resubmitted petitions and describes our progress in revising the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants during the period May 2, 2005, through August 23, 2006.

The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and marine mammals.

The Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) advise interested parties of their intent to conduct public scoping meeting under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) necessary to gather information to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS), (collectively referred to as ``environmental document''). The Services anticipate permit applications from Stanford University (Stanford) submitted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for the incidental take of federally listed species. The permit applications would be associated with the Stanford University Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) at Stanford in Palo Alto, CA. We provide this notice to: describe the proposed Plan and possible alternatives; advise other Federal and state agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an environmental document; announce the initiation of a public scoping period; obtain information to assist the Services in determining whether to write an EA or EIS; and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be included in the environmental document.

This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service's Arkansas Ecological Service Field Office (ARFO), Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (we or Service) for an enhancement of survival permit (permit) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The permit application includes a proposal that combines a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for the candidate yellowcheek darter (Etheostoma moorei; YCD) with a Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) for the federally endangered speckled pocketbook (Lampsilis streckeri; SPB)jointly referred to as the ``Agreement.'' The term of the Agreement will be 30 years. If approved, the Agreement would allow the Applicants to issue Certificates of Inclusion (CI) throughout the upper Little Red River Watershed in Arkansas to eligible non-Federal landowners that complete an approved Property Owner Management Agreement (POMA). We announce the opening of a 30-day comment period and request comments from the public on the Applicant's permit application, the accompanying proposed Agreement, and the supporting National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.

Notice is hereby given that Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821 (Todd Robeck, D.V.M., Ph.D., Responsible Party and Principal Investigator) has been issued a permit to collect, receive, import, and export marine mammal specimens for scientific research purposes.