Fish and Wildlife Service December 10, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Bertha Pauwels and Anna Angellotti (applicants) request an ITP pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicants anticipate taking about 0.46 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a multiple-family residence and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (project). The applicants' HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the project on the scrub-jay.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have finalized permit conditions to allow the use of raptors protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act for abatement activities. We will authorize the use of these raptors for this purpose under our Special Purpose permits. Allowing the use of captive-bred raptors to conduct abatement activities is consistent with ensuring the long-term conservation of these species and will serve a public need.