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

As part of ongoing recovery efforts for the endangered Columbia Basin distinct population segment of the pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), this notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we), in cooperation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), is making available for public review and comment a draft Template Safe Harbor Agreement (Agreement). The proposed Agreement addresses incidental take of Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits (CBPR) that could result from activities associated with ranching, farming, recreation, residential upkeep, conservation programs, and shrub steppe maintenance, restoration, and enhancement on an undeterminable number of non-Federal properties. The area covered by the proposed Agreement (Covered Area) includes portions of 6 counties in central Washington and totals approximately 2,650,000 acres. However, eligible properties that occur within the Covered Area and are most likely to be enrolled under the Agreement would primarily include those that have existing shrub steppe habitat and/or soil conditions that may be capable of supporting the species, either currently or in the foreseeable future. These lands, as well as adjacent properties that may receive intermittent use by CBPRs, such as for exploratory behavior or dispersal between suitable habitats, total approximately 750,000 acres. Implementation of the proposed Agreement would provide the opportunity for interested non-Federal and non-WDFW landowners and managers to voluntarily enroll their lands under the Agreement and receive an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). In exchange for the incidental take authority that would be provided by issuance of permits, participants who enroll their lands under this Agreement would implement conservation measures that would be expected to provide a net conservation benefit to the CBPR. The duration of the proposed Agreement is 20 years. The duration of associated permits could be for shorter periods, but would not exceed the duration of the Agreement. More detailed descriptions of the background biological information, Covered Area, proposed covered activities, conservation measures, and expected net conservation benefits are provided in the draft Agreement and in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. This also announces the receipt and availability for public review and comment three applications for incidental take permits for the enhancement of survival for the CBPR in conjunction with the Agreement. These applications have been received from The Nature Conservancy, Mr. Dave Billingsley and Mr. Peter Lancaster (Applicants). Issuance of these permits would authorize incidental take of CBPRs above the existing baseline conditions of enrolled properties that may result from the Applicants' proposed activities. Additional applications are expected in the near future from other non-Federal and non-WDFW landowners and managers who propose to enroll their lands under the Agreement. Future applications received by the Service from other prospective participants to the Agreement will be provided for public review in future notices. In accordance with Service responsibilities pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this notice also announces the availability, for public review, of a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) developed in conjunction with the proposed Agreement. We request comments from the public on the proposed Agreement, current permit applications, and the draft EA, all of which are available for public review and comment. To review the documents, see ``Availability of Documents'' in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the final recovery plan for the endangered Spring Creek bladderpod (Lesquerella perforata). This species is an annual plant endemic to the Central Basin in Tennessee. It is currently known from only three watersheds (Spring Creek, Bartons Creek, and Cedar Creek) in Wilson County, Tennessee. The recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to downlist this species to threatened status and delist it under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to add all forms (diploid and triploid) of live silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), gametes, eggs, and hybrids; and all forms (diploid and triploid) of live largescale silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys harmandi), gametes, eggs, and hybrids to the list of injurious fish, mollusks, and crustaceans under the Lacey Act. This listing would have the effect of prohibiting the importation and interstate transportation of any live animal, gamete, viable egg, or hybrid of the silver carp and largescale silver carp, without a permit in limited circumstances. The best available information indicates that this action is necessary to protect the interests of human beings, and wildlife and wildlife resources, from the purposeful or accidental introduction and subsequent establishment of silver carp and largescale silver carp populations in ecosystems of the United States.

The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is available for Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The Final CCP/EIS was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

This provides notice of the Federal Subsistence Board's in- season management action to remove closure restrictions on non- Federally qualified users in the Red Sheep and Cane Creek drainages of the Arctic Village Sheep Management Area. The Board's action provides an exception to the Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, published in the Federal Register on June 30, 2006. Those regulations established seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means relating to the taking of wildlife for subsistence uses during the 2006 regulatory year.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Choctaw 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.

NOAA and the USFWS are issuing final regulations for the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument. This action codifies the prohibitions and management measures set forth in Presidential Proclamation 8031 establishing the Monument. The rule is effective immediately.

The City of Palm Bay (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant prepared a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) identifying anticipated impacts to two federally-listed threatened species, the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) and the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). The Applicant also requests incidental take authorization for the gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) in the event this species becomes federally-listed as either threatened or endangered during the 30-year term of the requested ITP. Take of these species is anticipated as a result of residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal construction projects and associated infrastructure within the city limits of the City of Palm Bay. The Applicant's HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of urban development on the scrub-jay, eastern indigo snake, and gopher tortoise. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

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

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications from Alabama South Pools, Ms. Debbie Bankster, Baron Investments, Mr. Horton Bateman, BIOA LLC, Mr. Christopher Celeslie, Mr. Claud Clark, Mr. Robin Crick, Mr. Lawrence Dalgo, Mr. Erik Daniels, Mr. William Erwin, Mr. Mark Freeman, Mr. Mike Halliday, Mr. Leo Hastings, Harrison Building, Mr. Walter Lindsey, Mr. William Lingsch, Mr. Brian Litton, LK&K LLC, Mr. Michael Llop, Mr. Danny Mason, Mr. Lannie McRill, Mr. Michael Molleston, Mr. Johnny Moore, Ms. Margaret Pickering, Mr. Robert Relinski, Mr. Michael Sciortino Sr., Mr. Preston Simmons, Mr. Claude Sims, Mr. Gary Smith, Mr. Ron Spivey, Mr. Mike Stoddard, Mr. Larkin Strong, Mr. Robert Susko, TBI LLC, Mr. John Wales, and Mr. Kenneth Wallis (applicants) for incidental take permits (ITPs) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (Act), as amended for the take of Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) (ABM). The proposed take would be incidental to the otherwise lawful activity of constructing 32 single- family residences, 13 duplex residences, and expansion of 3 existing residences on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Baldwin County, Alabama. The applicants have prepared Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) specifying, among other things, the impacts that are likely to result from the taking and the measures each applicant would undertake to minimize and mitigate such impacts. We have prepared an environmental assessment (EA), which assesses the impacts of the proposed actions.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2006-07 late-season hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the number of birds that may be taken and possessed in late seasons. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population and habitat conditions.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The permit application includes a draft 20-year Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) between the Service and TPWD for the Lesser Prairie-Chicken in 50 Texas counties. We request public comment.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of an application, environmental assessment (EA), and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for the taking Perdido Key beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) incidental to construction, and occupancy of a single-family residence on Perdido Key in Escambia County, Florida (Project). Mr. Norton Bond (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a 30-year period pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended.

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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (Final CCP/EIS) for the Sweetwater Marsh and South San Diego Bay Units of the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is available for review. This Final CCP/EIS has been prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and is designed to address the Service's obligation under the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Final CCP/EIS describes the Service's proposal for managing these Refuge Units over the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA). It describes how we intend to manage Rachel Carson NWR during the next 15 years. We prepared this Draft CCP/EA in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter, Service or we) proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2006-07 migratory bird hunting season.

This document provides notice that we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a permit for the incidental take of the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei), a threatened species, on the Struthers Ranch Property in El Paso County, Colorado.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), under the Endangered Species Act (Act), as amended, create a special rule for the southwest Alaska distinct population segment (DPS) of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni). This DPS of the northern sea otter is listed as threatened under the Act. This special rule allows for the limited, noncommercial import and export of items that qualify as authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing that were derived from sea otters legally taken for subsistence purposes by Alaska Natives from the listed population. This special rule also allows for cultural exchange by Alaska Natives and activities conducted by persons registered as an agent or tannery under existing law. We also amend our definition of ``Authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing'' by striking the stipulation that such items were commonly produced on or before December 28, 1973. This definition change is appropriate in light of a court ruling on the Service's definition of ``Authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing'' and consistent with our current definition of ``Authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing'' under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs)/applications for five incidental take permits (ITPs). Maronda Homes, Inc., of Florida (Applicant) requests five ITPs, two for a 1-year term and three for a 10-year term, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 1.09 acres combined of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of five single-family homes and supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida (Projects). The destruction of 1.09 acres of foraging and sheltering habitat is expected to result in the take of three families of scrub-jays. The Applicant's HCPs describe the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Projects to the Florida scrub- jay.

The following permit was issued.

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

We, the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are amending the regulations governing subsistence use of fish and wildlife in Alaska by creating an additional subsistence resource region for the Kenai Peninsula. This addition of a separate subsistence resource region will allow for the creation of a separate Federal subsistence regional advisory council for that region. A new regional council responsible for only the Kenai Peninsula area will better ensure that residents with personal knowledge of the Kenai Peninsula area will have a meaningful role in the complex issues and management challenges of subsistence management on the Federal lands of the Kenai Peninsula.

This rule would revise the list of nonrural areas identified by the Federal Subsistence Board (Board, we, us). Areas determined to be nonrural are not eligible to participate in the Federal Subsistence Management Program on Federal public lands in Alaska. We propose to change Adak's status to rural. We also propose to add Prudhoe Bay and the Kodiak Area, including the City of Kodiak, the Mill Bay area, Womens Bay, Bell's Flats, and the Coast Guard Station to the list of nonrural areas. The following areas would continue to be nonrural, but we propose changes in their boundaries: the Kenai Area; the Wasilla/ Palmer Area, including Point McKenzie; the Homer Area, including Fritz Creek East (except Voznesenka) and the North Fork Road area; and the Ketchikan Area. We propose no other changes in status. However, new information could lead to changes not proposed at this time.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Hermes copper butterfly (Hermelycaena [Lycaena] hermes) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Hermes copper butterfly may be warranted. Therefore, 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 species or threats to it.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Casey's June beetle (Dinacoma caseyi) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find the petition presents substantial scientific information indicating that listing the Casey's June beetle as endangered may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review, and we will issue a 12-month finding on the petition to list the Casey's June beetle announcing our determination of whether listing the species as endangered is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the public comment period, a public hearing on the proposed revision of critical habitat for the Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) (ABM), and the availability of the draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are also using this comment period to correct minor acreage calculation errors in the February 1, 2006, proposed rule (71 FR 5516), announce the inclusion of an additional 6 acres (distributed among proposed critical habitat units 1, 2, and 3), and solicit further comments on the proposed rule. The draft economic analysis forecasts that costs associated with conservation activities for the ABM would range from $18.3 million to $51.8 million in undiscounted dollars over the next 20 years. Adjusted for possible inflation, the costs would range from $16.1 million to $46.8 million over 20 years, or $1.1 million to $3.1 million annually using a 3 percent discount; or $14.2 million to $41.7 million over 20 years, or $1.3 million to $3.9 million annually using a 7 percent discount. We are reopening the public comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be incorporated into the public record and fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) advises the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) for the consideration of a Habitat Conservation Plan and application for an incidental take permit, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA), including consideration of conservation measures for State-listed species to address the effects of the conservation and transfer of water from Imperial Irrigation District (IID) to the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) and Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). The Habitat Conservation Plan will cover a broad array of activities including: water conservation, water conveyance and drainage, operation and maintenance of the water conveyance system, system improvements, miscellaneous activities, and third party activities required to achieve the conservation and transfer of up to 200,000 acre-feet of water per year to the SDCWA and 100,000 acre-feet per year to the CVWD, and to meet the voluntary cap on IID's water use of 3.1 million acre- feet per year from the Colorado River. The IID (Applicant) intends to request an incidental take permit for up to 96 listed and unlisted species of concern under specific provisions of the permit. In the case of unlisted species, the permit would provide coverage should these species be listed in the future. The Service provides this notice pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the NEPA. The purpose of the Supplemental EIS/EIR is to provide any additional environmental assessment required to evaluate additions and changes to the Water Conservation and Transfer Project (Project) that have occurred since the approval of the Final EIS/EIR by the Bureau of Reclamation (Federal lead agency for the Project) and to support the application for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA by the Service. The Service is seeking suggestions and information from other agencies, affected tribes, and the public on the scope of issues to be considered in preparation of the Supplemental EIS/EIR. To satisfy both Federal and State environmental policy requirements, the Service as Federal lead agency and the IID as State lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are conducting this joint scoping process for the preparation of the supplemental environmental document.

This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), and announces two public open house meetings. The Refuge is located in Clark County, Washington. The Service is furnishing this notice to: advise other agencies and the public of our intentions; and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the CCP and associated environmental compliance document.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has developed regulations that would authorize the nonlethal, incidental, unintentional take of small numbers of polar bears and Pacific walrus during year-round oil and gas industry (Industry) exploration, development, and production operations in the Beaufort Sea and adjacent northern coast of Alaska. Industry operations for the covered period are similar to, and include all activities covered by the previous 16- month Beaufort Sea incidental take regulations that were effective from November 28, 2003, through March 28, 2005 (68 FR 66744, November 28, 2003). This rule is effective for 5 years from date of issuance. We find that the total expected takings of polar bear and Pacific walrus during oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities will have a negligible impact on these species and will not have an unmitigable adverse impact on the availability of these species for subsistence use by Alaska Natives. We base this finding on the results of 12 years of data on the encounters and interactions between polar bears, Pacific walrus, and Industry; recent studies of potential effects of Industry on these species; and oil spill risk assessments using oil spill trajectory models, polar bear density models, potential and documented Industry impacts on these species, and models to determine the likelihood of impacts to polar bears should an accidental oil release occur.

The Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG) affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. Primary objectives of the meeting will include: Trinity River Restoration Program Fiscal Year 2007 budget; science framework; TAMWG Charter renewal; Executive Director's report; reports from Trinity River Restoration Program workgroups; Klamath River conditions and Klamath-Trinity management coordination: restoration experience on Clear Creek; and Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) program review. Completion of the agenda is dependent on the amount of time each item takes. The meeting could end early if the agenda has been completed. The meeting is open to the public.

Duke Construction Corporation (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 taking about 0.77 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and potential nesting habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of three single-family homes and supporting infrastructure, over a two-year term, in Brevard County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 0.77 acre of foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat is expected to result in the take of one family of scrub-jays. The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

This provides notice of the Federal Subsistence Board's in- season management actions to protect Chinook salmon escapement in the Unalakleet River, and to provide additional subsistence harvest opportunities for Chinook salmon in the Yukon River and for sockeye salmon in the Copper River. The revised fishing schedule for the Chitina Subdistrict of the Copper River, the additional fishing time on the Yukon River, and the closure of the Unalakleet River provide exceptions to the Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2006. Those regulations established seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means relating to the taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2006 regulatory year.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to establish the northern Rocky Mountain (NRM) gray wolf (Canis lupus) population as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and to remove the NRM gray wolf DPS from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that the petitioned action is not warranted. We have determined that Wyoming State law and its wolf management plan do not provide the necessary regulatory mechanisms to assure that Wyoming's numerical and distributional share of a recovered NRM wolf population would be conserved if the protections of the ESA were removed.

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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces 5-year reviews of the duskytail darter (Etheostoma percnurum), snail darter (Percina tanasi), smoky madtom (Noturus baileyi), yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnus), Carolina heelsplitter (Lasmigona decorata), birdwing pearlymussel (Conradilla caelata), cracking pearlymussel (Hemistena lata), dromedary pearlymussel (Dromus dromus), little wing pearlymussel (Pegias fabula), fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus), shiny pigtoe (Fusconaia cor), ring pink (Obovaria retusa), royal marstonia (snail) (Pyrgulopsis ogmorhaphe), Braun's rockcress (Arabis perstellata), golden sedge (Carex lutea), mountain golden heather (Hudsonia montana), Canby's dropwort (Oxypolis canbyi), Ruth's golden aster (Pityopsis ruthii), and American hart's-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium var. americanum) under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (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 17.11 and 17.12) is accurate. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2006-07 early-season hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates and times when hunting may occur and the maximum number of birds that may be taken and possessed in early seasons. Early seasons may open as early as September 1, and include seasons in Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of specific final seasons and limits and to allow recreational harvest at levels compatible with population status and habitat conditions.

The following permit was issued.

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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for Horicon and Fox River NWRs, Wisconsin. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI) as a Natural Resource Trustee (Trustee), announces the release for public review of the Draft Natural Resource Restoration Plan and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) for the W.R. Grace Superfund Site, Wayne Township, Passaic County, New Jersey. The Draft RP/EA describes the DOI's proposal to restore natural resources injured as a result of contamination at the W.R. Grace Superfund Site.

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 mangers 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.

Robert Catlow, Ali Markieh, Dustin Stone, Pete Knudsen, and Peter Intoccia (Applicants) each request an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The requested term for each is one year, except for Markieh who requests a two-year permit term. The Applicants anticipate taking a total of about 1.21 acres of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)(scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of five single- family homes and supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 1.21 acres of foraging and sheltering habitat is expected to result in the take of three families of scrub- jays. The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) describe the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Projects to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Lawrence Bank (Applicant) requests an ITP, for a 2-year term, for an individual lot pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about .25 acres of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of one single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Brevard County, Florida (Projects). The destruction of .25 acres of foraging and sheltering 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.

JAT Associates, Inc. (Applicant) has 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 30-year permit to the Applicant that would authorize take of the federally threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the construction and operation of the Joshua Tree Recreational Campground on 13.8 acres of their 314.6-acre property. 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 Applicant's 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 desert tortoise. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The draft HCP and EAS are available for public review.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew approval for the information collection request (ICR) described below. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and as part of our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on this information collection.

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 August 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for Astragalus brauntonii (Braunton's milk-vetch) and Pentachaeta lyonii (Lyon's pentachaeta) and the availability of the draft economic analyses of the proposed designation of critical habitat. The draft economic analysis for Astragalus brauntonii identifies a total surplus (sum of producer and consumer surplus) of approximately $91.87 million over a 20-year period (approximately $8.11 million annually at a 7 percent discount rate, or approximately $5.99 million annually at a 3 percent discount rate) from housing development forecasted to be built within the area of Astragalus brauntonii proposed critical habitat. The draft economic analysis for Pentachaeta lyonii identifies a total surplus (sum of producer and consumer surplus) of approximately $121.21 million over a 20-year period (approximately $10.69 million annually at a 7 percent discount rate, or $7.91 million annually at a 3 percent discount rate) from housing development forecasted to be built within the area of Pentachaeta lyonii proposed critical habitat. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analyses. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be incorporated into the public record as part of this comment period, and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Recovery Plan for the Kauai Cave Arthropods: the Kauai Cave Wolf Spider (Adelocosa anops) and the Kauai Cave Amphipod (Spelaeorchestia koloana). These cave arthropods are listed as endangered and are endemic to the Hawaiian Island of Kauai.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate areas of occupied, spring-related aquatic habitat in Texas as critical habitat for the Peck's cave amphipod (Stygobromus pecki), Comal Springs dryopid beetle (Stygoparnus comalensis), and Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelmis comalensis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The three listed species are known only from four spring systems in central Texas: Comal Springs and Hueco Springs in Comal County, and Fern Bank Springs and San Marcos Springs in Hays County. The total area proposed as critical habitat for the amphipod is about 38.5 ac (acres) (15.6 hectares (ha)), for the dryopid beetle is about 39.5 ac (16.0 ha), and for the riffle beetle is approximately 30.3 ac (12.3 ha).

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). 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 that refuge over the next 15 years.

Notice is hereby given that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has taken the following action(s) with regard to incidental take and recovery permit applications received under the authority of section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1539, et seq.), as amended.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is available for Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. The Final CCP/EIS was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Laguna Mountains skipper (Pyrgus ruralis lagunae) and the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat. The draft economic analysis estimates the potential total future impacts to range from $6.5 million to $8.9 million (undiscounted) over 20 years. Discounted future costs are estimated to be $3.7 million to $5.1 million over this same time period ($351,000 to $480,000 annually) using a real rate of 7 percent, or $5.0 million to $6.9 million ($337,000 to $461,000 annually) using a real rate of 3 percent. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in our final determination.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the southern California distinct vertebrate population segment of the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa), and the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat. The draft economic analysis estimates the potential total future impacts, including costs resulting from modifications to fishing and other types of activities, to range from $11.4 million to $12.9 million (undiscounted) over 20 years. Discounted future costs are estimated to be $7.5 million to $8.9 million over this same time period ($704,000 to $842,000 annually) using a real rate of seven percent, or $9.3 million to $10.8 million ($626,000 to $725,000 annually) using a real rate of three percent. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in our final determination.

The following permits were issued.

On November 17, 2005, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we) proposed to designate the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of grizzly bears as a distinct population segment (DPS) and to then remove this DPS from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The public comment period for the proposed rule was open from November 17, 2005, until March 20, 2006. Due to a technological error, we did not receive complete information from a small number of interested parties who provided comments during the comment period for the proposed rule. This notice gives instructions for those commenters concerning how to resubmit their comments to us.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), give notice that we are reopening the comment period for the proposed rule to revise the regulations for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). We are reopening the public comment period to allow interested parties additional time to comment on the proposed rule. The proposed rule was published and the public comment period initially opened on April 19, 2006 (71 FR 20168). In response to requests, we are reopening the public comment period for an additional 30 days.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have determined that the proposed listing of the flat-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended, is not warranted and, thus, we withdraw our November 29, 1993, proposed rule (58 FR 62625). As stated in our January 3, 2003, withdrawal of the proposed rule to list the species as threatened (68 FR 331), we have made this determination because threats to the species as identified in the November 29, 1993, 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 endanger the species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The analyses and conclusions contained in the January 3, 2003, withdrawal (68 FR 331) are incorporated herein by reference subject to the revisions contained in this notice. In this revised withdrawal, we have re-examined the lost historical habitat of the flat-tailed horned lizard in relation to our January 3, 2003, withdrawal of the proposed listing rule and have determined that the lost historical habitat is not a significant portion of the flat-tailed horned lizard's range and does not result in the species likely becoming endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

This policy explains how we will provide visitors with quality hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation opportunities on units of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Improvement Act) that amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (Administration Act) defines and establishes that compatible wildlife- dependent recreational uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation) are the priority general public uses of the Refuge System and will receive enhanced and priority consideration in refuge planning and management over other general public uses. This final policy describes how we will facilitate these uses. We are incorporating this policy as Part 605, chapters 1-7, of the Fish and Wildlife Service Manual.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask OMB to renew approval for our information collection associated with applications for designation of shot material as nontoxic for hunting waterfowl and coots. The current OMB control number for this information collection is 1018-0067, which expires on December 31, 2006. We will request that OMB renew approval of this information collection for a 3-year term. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and as part of our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on this information collection.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is available for review and comment. This Draft CCP/EA, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes the Service's proposal for managing the Refuge for the next 15 years. The draft compatibility determinations for several public uses are also available for review with the Draft CCP/EA.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask OMB to renew approval for the information collection associated with our migratory bird subsistence harvest household survey. The current OMB control number for this information collection is 1018-0124, which expires on October 31, 2006. We will request that OMB renew approval of this information collection for a 3-year term. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and as part of our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on this information collection.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) evaluating the take of raptors from the wild for use in falconry and in raptor propagation. We have prepared this DEA as part of the process we must follow to finalize two rules under the National Environmental Policy Act.

This provides notice of the Federal Subsistence Board's in- season management actions to protect Chinook and sockeye salmon escapement in the Copper River, while still providing for a subsistence harvest opportunity, and to protect steelhead in Cable Creek and its tributaries. The revised fishing schedule for the Chitina Subdistrict of the Copper River and the closure of the Cable Creek area provide an exception to the Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska, published in the Federal Register on March 29, 2006. Those regulations established seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means relating to the taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2006 regulatory year.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask OMB to renew approval for our information collection associated with the importation or exportation of fish or wildlife. The current OMB control number for this information collection is 1018-0012, which expires on December 31, 2006. We will request that OMB renew approval of this information collection for a 3-year term. As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and as part of our continuing efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, we invite the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on this information collection.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that Final Comprehensive Conservation Plans and Findings of No Significant Impact for the above referenced refuges are available for distribution. The plans were prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describe how the refuges will be managed over the next 15 years.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI) as the sole natural resource trustee, announces the release for public review of the Draft Restoration Plan (RP) for the Cortese Landfill Superfund Site (Site). As a result of remedial activities and the off-site migration of Site-related contaminants, 1.6 acres of wetland were destroyed and/or degraded. Adversely affected natural resources include waterfowl, wading birds, hawks, woodpeckers, swallows, migratory songbirds, invertebrates, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition, the section of the Upper Delaware River watershed near the Site hosts the largest population of wintering bald eagles in the Northeast. The embayment provides feeding and/or spawning habitat for forage fish, American shad, striped bass, and American eel. The funds available from this settlement for restoration activities total approximately $85,000. The restoration project proposed in the Draft RP involves wet meadow/wetland restoration and protection. The Draft RP presents a preferred alternative consisting of a restoration project that compensates for impacts to natural resources caused by contaminant releases and remedial activities associated with the Site.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of the Long Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA). It describes how we intend to manage the Long Island NWR Complex during the next 15 years. We prepared this Draft CCP/EA in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services) advise interested parties of their intent to conduct public scoping under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gather information to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to a permit application from the City of Kent, WA, for the incidental take of listed species. The permit application would be associated with the Clark Springs Water Supply System Habitat Conservation Plan, in Rock Creek, near Kent, WA.

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 Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in central Wyoming. 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period and a public hearing on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Perdido Key beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis), Choctawhatchee beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus allophrys), and St. Andrew beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus peninsularis) and the availability of the draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S.C. 1531, et seq. (Act). We are also using this comment period to modify the boundary of proposed critical habitat unit CBM-5 for Choctawhatchee beach mouse and PKBM-5 for Perdido Key beach mouse, correct an error made in the proposed rule, and solicit further comments on the proposed rule. The draft economic analysis finds that costs associated with conservation activities for the three beach mice are forecast to range from $60.4 million to $107.7 million in undiscounted dollars over the next 20 years. Adjusted for possible inflation, the costs would range from $56.3 million to $103.3 million over 20 years, or $3.8 million to $6.9 million annually using a three percent discount; or $52.5 million to $99.4 million over 20 years, or $5.0 million to $9.4 million annually using a seven percent discount rate. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be incorporated into the public record as part of this comment period and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

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

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an EA and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP)/Application for amendment to an issued incidental take permit. D & E Investments (permittee) requests an amendment to its ITP Number PRT-787172, which was issued in 1994 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for the take of the Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) (ABM). The proposed take would be incidental to otherwise lawful activities, including the construction, occupancy, use, operation, and maintenance of a residential condominium at Kiva Dunes on the Fort Morgan Peninsula, in Baldwin County, Alabama.

We announce our receipt of applications to conduct certain activities pertaining to enhancement of survival of endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in cooperation with the State of Tennessee and Conservation Fisheries, Inc., a nonprofit organization, propose to reintroduce 15 mussels listed as endangered under section 4 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act): Appalachian monkeyface (pearlymussel) (Quadrula sparsa), birdwing pearlymussel (Conradilla caelata = Lemiox rimosus), cracking pearlymussel (Hemistena or currently =Lastena lata), Cumberland bean (pearlymussel) (Villosa trabalis), Cumberlandian combshell (Epioblasma brevidens), Cumberland monkeyface (pearlymussel) (Quadrula intermedia), dromedary pearlymussel (Dromus dromas), fanshell (Cyprogenia stegaria), fine-rayed pigtoe (Fusconaia cuneolus), orangefoot pimpleback (pearlymussel) (Plethobasus cooperianus), oyster mussel (Epioblasma capsaeformis), ring pink (mussel) (Obovaria retusa), rough pigtoe (Pleurobema plenum), shiny pigtoe (Fusconaia cor), and white wartyback (pearlymussel) (Plethobasus cicatricosus); 1 endangered aquatic snail: Anthony's riversnail (Athearnia anthonyi); 2 endangered fishes: duskytail darter (Etheostoma percnurum) and pygmy madtom (Noturus stanauli); and 3 fishes listed as threatened under section 4 of the Act: slender chub (Erimystax cahni), spotfin chub (=turquoise shiner) (Erimonax monachus), and yellowfin madtom (Noturus flavipinnis) into their historical habitat in the free-flowing reach of the French Broad River below Douglas Dam to its confluence with the Holston River, Knox County, Tennessee, and in the free-flowing reach of the Holston River below Cherokee Dam to its confluence with the French Broad River. Based on the evaluation of species experts, none of these 21 species currently exist in these river reaches or their tributaries. These species are being reintroduced under the authority of section 10(j) of the Act and would be classified as a nonessential experimental population (NEP). The geographic boundaries of the proposed NEP would extend from the base of Douglas Dam (river mile (RM) 32.3 (51.7 kilometers (km)) down the French Broad River, Knox and Sevier Counties, Tennessee, to its confluence with the Holston River and then up the Holston River, Knox, Grainger, and Jefferson Counties, Tennessee, to the base of Cherokee Dam (RM 52.3 (83.7 km)) and would include the lower 5 RM (8 km) of all tributaries that enter these river reaches. These proposed reintroductions are recovery actions and are part of a series of reintroductions and other recovery actions that the Service, Federal and State agencies, and other partners are conducting throughout the species' historical ranges. This proposed rule provides a plan for establishing the NEP and provides for limited allowable legal take of these 16 mollusks and 5 fishes within the defined NEP area. We have decided to include all 21 species in a single rulemaking to allow us to restore the aquatic ecosystem as quickly as possible as we bring each of these species on line in the propagation facilities. We have reasons to believe all of these species co-existed in the past, and also want the public to understand that all of these species will be reintroduced into the same stretch of river rather than being confused by 21 separate NEPs.

The Post Ranch Limited Partnership (Applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The proposed permit would authorize take of the federally endangered Smith's blue butterfly (Euphilotes enoptes smithi) and federally threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the expansion and operation of an existing inn, which would remove 0.003 acre of Smith's blue butterfly habitat and 0.826 acre of California red-legged frog upland habitat within a 91.98 acre parcel in Big Sur, 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 and California red-legged frog, as required in section 10(a)(2)(B) of the Act. 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. We explain the basis for this possible determination in a draft Environmental Action Statement, which is also available for public review.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are opening certain private lands within the boundaries of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to public use with a permit. We are taking this action to comply with our commitments made under a Conservation Easement among the United States, the State of Alaska, and Koniag, Inc. The Conservation Easement furthers the missions of the Service and the National Wildlife Refuge System and the purposes of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. While the Conservation Easement encompasses more than 56,000 acres, the lands affected by this rule are only those easement lands within a \1/2\-mile band of land on either side of the Karluk River and lands within \1/2\ mile of the shoreline of Karluk Lake on Kodiak Island, Alaska. The rule will apply as long as the Conservation Easement is in place. Without this rule, the Service would fail to comply with the terms of the Conservation Easement.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the endangered fat threeridge, shinyrayed pocketbook, Gulf moccasinshell, Ochlockonee moccasinshell, and oval pigtoe, and the threatened Chipola slabshell and purple bankclimber (collectively referred to as the seven mussels), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We propose to designate 11 units encompassing approximately 1,864 kilometers (1,158 miles) of river and stream channels as critical habitat. Proposed critical habitat includes portions of the Econfina Creek drainage in Florida, the ApalachicolaChattahoocheeFlint River drainage in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, the Ochlockonee River drainage in Florida and Georgia, and the Suwannee River drainage in Florida.

Notice is hereby given that John Wise, Ph.D., Maine Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, University of Southern Maine, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04104, has been issued an amendment to Permit No. 1008-1637-01 to receive, import, and export marine mammals parts for purposes of scientific research.

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.

Generation Builders (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 0.77 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)(scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat for a one-year term, incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a commercial building and supporting infrastructure in Brevard 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 Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') intends to prepare an environmental document (environmental assessment or environmental impact statement) for the proposed issuance of a permit to conduct non-lethal and lethal take activities with the endangered gray wolf (Canis lupus) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act. We solicit comments from the public, as well as local, State and Federal agencies for an environmental evaluation under NEPA of the proposed permit. Comments already received from individuals and organizations in response to the January 10, 2006, Federal Register notice of receipt of the permit application have been considered. Those respondents need not comment again unless they wish to provide new information on the permit application or environmental analysis.

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.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service, Service) plan to request that OMB renew approval for our information collection associated with the application for special use permits on national wildlife refuges in Alaska. The current OMB control number for this information collection is 1018-0014, which expires September 30, 2006. We will request that OMB renew approval of this information collection for a 3-year term.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for Mingo, Pilot Knob, and Ozark Cavefish NWRs, Missouri. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.

The Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) is one of the rarest large mammals in the United States. The panther is protected as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (Act) and Florida statutes. Due to the panther's potential for extinction, conflicts with humans raise issues that require careful consideration and action such that the intent and ability to conserve the species is unaltered while the safety of the public remains paramount. We announce the availability of an Environmental Assessment (EA) that considers alternatives for managing panther-human conflicts. The alternatives are intended to result in nonsignificant impacts to panthers, humans and the environment. The public is also invited to comment on an application for amendment to a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered and threatened species. This notice is provided under section 10(c) of the Act.

This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and an associated environmental assessment for the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge 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. 668dd-668ee et seq), and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d). The Service is providing this notice to advise other agencies, Tribal Governments, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of the issues and alternatives to include in the CPP and the environmental document.

The TAMWG affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council. Primary objectives of the meeting will include: Trinity River Restoration Program Fiscal Year 2007 budget; Hoopa Valley and Yurok tribal perspectives; Trinity River Restoration Program emphasis on tributaries and watersheds; science framework; Executive Director's report; reports from Trinity River Restoration Program workgroups; Trinity River Restoration Program strategic plan; TAMWG member presentation; and CVPIA program review. Completion of the agenda is dependent on the amount of time each item takes. The meeting could end early if the agenda has been completed. The meeting is open to the public.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to remove the California brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants pursuant to section 4(b)(3) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We, therefore, are initiating a status review of the California brown pelican to determine if delisting under the Act is warranted. We note that the taxon on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species is the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). The petition requests specifically the delisting of the California brown pelican, (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus), rather than the delisting of the entire listed entity. Brown pelicans in coastal States along the Atlantic Coast and in Florida and Alabama were removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife on February 4, 1985 (50 FR 4938). The brown pelican remains listed as endangered throughout the remainder of its range in North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean. Because a status review is also required for the 5-year review of listed species under section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act, we are electing to initiate a 5-year review of the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) throughout its range and prepare these reviews simultaneously. 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 is accurate. To ensure that the reviews are comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species.

This notice announces a meeting of the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup. The purpose of the Workgroup is to provide, in an advisory capacity, recommendations and advice on research and implementation of sea lamprey control techniques alternative to lampricide, if they are found to be technically feasible, cost effective, and environmentally safe. Primary objectives of the meeting will include a review of Federal Advisory Committee Act requirements, discussion of the Workgroup's mission, discussion of workgroup operating procedures, and an overview of recent developments in alternative sea lamprey control technology. The meeting is open to the public.

This notice advises the public that the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC, or Applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit (ESP) under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The ESP application includes a proposed Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) for the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) (RCW) for a period of 99 years, along with a supporting Environmental Assessment (EA). We announce the opening of a 30-day comment period and request comments from the public on the proposed SHA and the supporting EA.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have requested that OMB approve our information collection associated with research to support outdoor recreation management at Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, Errol, New Hampshire. We have requested that OMB approve this information collection for a 1-year term.