Fish and Wildlife Service 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Yellowstone National Park (YNP) bison herd as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). On the basis of our review of the petition and information readily available in our files, we have determined that there is substantial information indicating that the YNP bison herd may meet the criteria of discreteness and significance as defined by our policy on distinct vertebrate population segments (DPS). However, we have also determined that there is not substantial information indicating that listing the YNP bison herd under the Act may be warranted throughout all or a significant part of its range. We will not initiate 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 YNP bison herd or threats to it or its habitat at any time. This information will help us monitor and encourage the conservation of the species.

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has completed a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Flattery Rocks, Quillayute Needles, and Copalis National Wildlife Refuges (Washington Islands Refuges, or Refuges). The CCP was developed to provide a foundation for the management and use of the Washington Islands Refuges. The Service is furnishing this notice to advise other agencies and the public of the availability of the CCP and FONSI, and the decision to implement Alternative B as described in the CCP. The Service's Regional Director for the Pacific Region selected Alternative B for managing the Refuges for the next 15 years. The Washington Islands Refuges are located off the Pacific Coast of Washington.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for Arenaria ursina, Castilleja cinerea, and Eriogonumkennedyi var. austromontanum under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). 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 forecasts future costs associated with conservation efforts for the three listed plants in the areas proposed for designation to be $1.95 million (undiscounted) over the next 20 years. The present value of these impacts, applying a 3 percent discount rate, is $1.45 million ($0.10 million annualized); or $1.03 million, using a discount rate of 7 percent ($0.10 million annualized). The amended Required Determinations section provides our determination concerning compliance with applicable statutes and Executive Orders that we 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.

This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Region, intends to gather information necessary to prepare a CCP and EA for Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, 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.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for Piperia yadonii (Yadon's piperia). We also announce the availability of the draft economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation and an amended Required Determinations section of the proposal. The draft economic analysis for Piperia yadonii identifies estimated costs associated with conservation efforts for Piperia yadonii to range from $9.6 to $12.9 million (undiscounted) 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 $7.1 to $9.6 million ($0.47 to $0.63 million annualized) at a 3 percent discount rate or $5.1 to $6.8 million ($0.45 to $0.60 million annualized) 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 for the proposed rule to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule, the associated draft economic analysis, and the amended Required Determinations section. 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 designation.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for Poa atropurpurea and Taraxacum californicum under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We propose approximately 3,014 acres (ac) (1,221 hectares (ha)) of land in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, California, as critical habitat for P. atropurpurea, and approximately 1,930 ac (782 ha) of land in San Bernardino County, California, as critical habitat for T. californicum.

In accordance with the provisions of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Act of 2001 (Pub. L. 107-107, 115 Stat. 1012, 1380- 1387) hereinafter referred to as the ``Refuge Act,'' the Secretary of Energy has transferred primary administrative jurisdiction over approximately 3,953.03 acres of real property at the former Rocky Flats Environmental Technology Site (RFETS), Jefferson and Boulder Counties, Colorado, to the Secretary of the Interior. Pursuant to section 3177(d) of the ``Refuge Act,'' the Secretary of the Interior hereby provides notice of the establishment of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The ``Refuge Act'' provides that following environmental remediation of RFETS, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, and other applicable provisions of law, the Secretary of Energy shall transfer administrative jurisdiction over real property comprising the Refuge to the Secretary of the Interior for establishment of the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge. Environmental remediation of the Rocky Flats National Priorities List Site has been completed, except for on-going operations and maintenance, pursuant to a Record of Decision signed by the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Colorado in 2006. On May 25, 2007, the Regional Administrator of the EPA published notice in the Federal Register announcing deletion of the Peripheral Operable Unit and Operable Unit 3. On June 11, 2007, the Administrator of the EPA, acting through the Regional Administrator, Region 8, EPA, certified to the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of the Interior that all response actions for the deleted areas have been completed, except for the operation and maintenance associated with response acting and that all response actions are operating properly and successfully. Pursuant to the ``Refuge Act,'' administrative jurisdictions over portions of the deleted Peripheral Operable Unit, totaling approximately 3,953.03 acres were transferred from the Department of Energy to the Department of the Interior, through a Letter of Transfer dated July 12, 2007. This notice of establishment of the Refuge is required within 30 days of that transfer by section 3177(d) of the ``Refuge Act.''

The Fish and Wildlife Service is initiating 5-year reviews of the Louisiana black bear (Ursus americanus luteolus), Alabama red- bellied turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis), goldline darter (Percina aurolineata), blue shiner (Cyprinella caerulea), fat pocketbook (Potamilus capax), slender campeloma (Campeloma decampi), armored snail (Pyrgulopsis (=Marstonia) pachyta), cave crayfish (Cambarus zophonastes), and lyrate bladderpod (Lesquerella lyrata), under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), as amended. 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, We) announces that the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Laramie Plains national wildlife refuges is available. The Laramie Plains national wildlife refuges include Bamforth National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Hutton Lake NWR, and Mortenson Lake NWR. This draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage these refuges for the next 15 years. We request public comment.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that Alere Property Group (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 (Act) of 1973, as amended. We are considering issuing a 5-year permit to the Applicant that would authorize take of the federally endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis; ``DSF''). The proposed permit would authorize the take of individual DSF. The permit is needed by the Applicant because take of DSF could occur during the proposed construction of a commercial development and habitat restoration and management on an 18.42-acre site in the City of Rialto, San Bernardino County, California. The permit application includes the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) and associated Implementing Agreement that describe the proposed action and the measures that the Applicant will undertake to mitigate take of the DSF.

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

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.

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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability for public review of the draft revised Recovery Plan for the Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache). The Apache trout currently inhabits the upper Salt River and Little Colorado River drainages in Arizona. The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft revised Recovery Plan. The Service will also accept any new information received during the comment period to complete its 5-year review of the Apache trout.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise currently designated critical habitat for Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii (Peirson's milk-vetch) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 16,108 acres (ac) (6,519 hectares (ha)) in Imperial County, California, fall within the boundaries of the proposed revised critical habitat designation. Lands being proposed as critical habitat are under Federal (15,857 ac (6,418 ha)), private (240 ac (97 ha)), and State (11 ac (4 ha)) ownership. Section 4 of the Act requires us to consider the economic and other relevant impacts of specifying any area as critical habitat. We have conducted an analysis of the economic impacts of designating the aforementioned areas as critical habitat for Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii, and are announcing the availability of the draft economic analysis for public review. We hereby solicit data and comments from the public on all aspects of this revised proposal, including data on the economic and other impacts of the designation. We are also announcing that public hearings will be held on both the proposed critical habitat rule and the draft economic analysis.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from the Salt River Project (SRP) (applicant) for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. If approved, the permit would be for a period of 50 years, and would authorize incidental take of 16 species currently listed under the Act, as well as of species that may become listed under the Act in the future. We request comments and plan to hold a public hearing on the application and associated documents.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew the information collection (IC) 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 IC. This IC is scheduled to expire on October 31, 2007. 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.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2007-08 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 public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.

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 information collection is scheduled to expire on July 31, 2007. 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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published FR Doc. E7-9281 in the Federal Register on May 15, 2007, announcing availability of the Draft Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge. The document identified a review period ending on July 16, 2007. Because summer is such a busy time in Alaska, we are concerned that many people will not be able to meet our deadline; therefore we announce extension of the review period until September 15, 2007.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, We) announces that the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District (WMD, District) is available. This draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage this District for the next 15 years. We request public comment.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting of the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council (Council).

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). David Boxer (Applicant) requests an ITP pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 0.23 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 0.23 acre 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 scrub-jay.

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, in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), California Energy Commission, the California Department of Conservation Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources, and the County of Kern, a joint Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS) on the Kern County Valley Floor Habitat Conservation Plan (VFHCP) Project. The VFHCP is being prepared under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The County of Kern intends to apply for a 30-year 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 public and private development. 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 EIR/EIS; (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 EIR/EIS.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to renew the information collection (IC) 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 IC. This IC is scheduled to expire on November 30, 2007. 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.

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

The following permit was issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list 12 penguin species: emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri), southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome), northern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi (E. chrysocome moseleyi)), fiordland crested penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus), snares crested penguin (Eudyptes robustus), erect- crested penguin (Eudyptes sclateri), macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus), royal penguin (Eudyptes schlegeli), white-flippered penguin (Eudyptula albosignata (E. minor albosignata)), yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), and Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing 10 species of penguins may be warranted. We, therefore, are initiating a status review of 10 species of penguins to determine if listing under the Act is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding these species. We find the petition does not provide substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing of two species may be warranted: snares crested penguin and royal penguin. Therefore, we will not be initiating a status review for these two species in response to this petition. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of these two species or threats to them or their habitat at any time.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) adds all forms of live silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), gametes, viable eggs, and hybrids; and all forms of live largescale silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys harmandi), gametes, viable eggs, and hybrids to the list of injurious fish, mollusks, and crustaceans under the Lacey Act. 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. Live silver carp and largescale silver carp, gametes, viable eggs, and hybrids can be imported only by permit for scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes, or without a permit by Federal agencies solely for their own use; permits will also be required for the interstate transportation of live silver or largescale silver carp, gametes, viable eggs, or hybrids currently within the United States. Interstate transportation permits may be issued for scientific, medical, educational, or zoological purposes.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Eber Cove, LLC (applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of 5 years pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 1.55 acre (ac) of Florida scrub-jay (Alphelocoma coerulescens)occupied habitat incidental to constructing a single-family-home subdivision in Brevard County, Florida (project). The applicant's HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of the project to the scrub-jay.

The best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the bald eagle has recovered. Therefore, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, remove (delist) the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the lower 48 States of the United States from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of all available information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species has recovered and no longer meets the definition of threatened or endangered under the Act. Fueled by a reduction in the threats to the bald eagle, the population in the lower 48 States has increased from approximately 487 breeding pairs in 1963, to an estimated 9,789 breeding pairs today. The recovery of the bald eagle is due in part to the reduction in levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides (such as DDT) occurring in the environment and habitat protection and management actions. The protections provided to the bald eagle under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) will continue to remain in place after the species is delisted. To help provide more clarity on the management of bald eagles after delisting, we recently published a regulatory definition of ``disturb'', the final National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines and a proposed rule for a new permit that would authorize limited take under BGEPA and grandfather existing Act authorizations.

This notice advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) intends to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated environmental compliance document for the Guam National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). The Refuge includes the Ritidian Unit in northern Guam and two overlay units, the Andersen Air Force Base Unit in northern Guam and the Navy Unit. The Navy Unit includes portions of the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) and Public Works Center (PWC) in northern Guam, and portions of the Naval Station and Ordnance Annex areas in central and southern Guam. We are furnishing this notice to advise the public and other agencies of our intentions, and to obtain public comments, suggestions, and information on the scope of issues to be considered during the CCP planning process. The Refuge will hold a public open house to provide information about the CCP and the planning process, and to obtain public comments (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for details).

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability for review of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The Service prepared the Draft CCP/EIS in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. We request public comments.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we or us) announces the reopening of the comment period for the proposed rule to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the gray wolf (Canis lupis) in the Northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) of the United States and to remove the gray wolf in the NRM DPS from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The State of Wyoming has a new statute and has advised the Service that it is appropriate to analyze a new draft wolf management plan that the Service believes could allow the wolves in northwestern Wyoming outside the National Parks to be removed from the protections of the Act. We are reopening the proposal's comment period to ensure that the public has full access to, and an opportunity to comment on, the proposed rule in light of this new information. We also announce the location and time of an additional public hearing to receive public comments on the proposal in light of the new information. If you have previously submitted comments, please do not resubmit them because we have already incorporated them in the public record and will fully consider them in our final decision.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list Casey's June beetle (Dinacoma caseyi) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The petition also asked that critical habitat be designated for the species. After review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing is warranted. Currently, however, listing of Casey's June beetle is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month petition finding, Casey's June beetle will be added to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list this species as our priorities allow. Any determination on critical habitat will be made during development of the proposed listing rule.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is available for distribution. This Draft CCP/EA also covers the East Cove Unit of Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge. 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. This Draft CCP, when final, will describe how the Service intends to manage Sabine National Wildlife Refuge over the next 15 years.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Bill Henshaw (Applicant) requests an ITP pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking about 0.25 acre of foraging and sheltering habitat occupied by the threatened Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicant's HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project on the Florida scrub-jay.

The Fish and Wildlife Service intends to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment for Shell Keys National Wildlife Refuge. This notice is furnished in compliance with the Service's comprehensive conservation planning policy to advise other agencies and the public of our 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 availability of the approved revised recovery plan for running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum). This species is federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce an amended 12-month finding on a petition to list the Sierra Nevada distinct population segment (DPS) of the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are amending our previous 12-month petition finding, which found that listing is warranted but precluded, by revising the preclusion and expeditious progress section of that finding.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment for Rice Lake and Mille Lacs National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) for public review and comment. In this draft CCP/EA, we describe how we propose to manage these refuges for the next 15 years.

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 June 30, 2007. 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 (Service), propose to revise currently designated critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Currently, approximately 33,295 acres (ac) (13,485 hectares (ha)) are designated as critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, California. Under this proposal, approximately 9,079 ac (3,674 ha) of land located in San Bernardino and Riverside counties, California would fall within the boundaries of the revised critical habitat designation. Further, of the 9,079 ac of revised critical habitat, we are proposing to exclude 2,544 ac (1,029 ha) of land covered by the Woolly-Star Preserve Area Management Plans, the Former Norton Air Force Base Conservation Management Plan, the Cajon Creek Habitat Conservation Management Area Habitat Enhancement and Management Plan, and the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan from the final designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering amending its migratory bird regulations to allow Native Americans to acquire parts and feathers from birds other than eagles for religious or spiritual use. No current regulations govern the acquisition and possession of migratory bird parts and feathers of birds other than eagles for Native American religious or spiritual use. We have a compelling interest in protecting the traditional religious and spiritual resource values of Native Americans as part of our trust relationship with federally recognized Native American tribes. We recognize the need to balance this compelling reason against the equally compelling basis for the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. We seek information necessary to prepare an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act and its implementing regulations for a possible proposed rule.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Bair Island Restoration and Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations was completed and presented in the Final EIS. The Final EIS was released to the public and a Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on July 28, 2006. The ROD documents the Service's decision to adopt and implement Alternative 1, Tidal Marsh Restoration with Moderate Public Access for the Bair Island Restoration and Management Plan.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated Environmental Impact Statement are available for the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This notice is furnished in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of their opportunity to comment on the draft documents.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the information collection (IC) 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 IC. 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.

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

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), proposed in an earlier document to establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2007-08 hunting season. This supplement to the proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, announces the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings, provides Flyway Council recommendations resulting from their March meetings, and provides regulatory alternatives for the 2007-08 duck hunting seasons.

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

The West Valley Water District (applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 2-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 endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys Merriami parvus) associated with the proposed pipeline improvement and extension project of the City of Rialto and unincorporated San Bernardino County, California. A conservation program to minimize and mitigate for the project activities would be implemented as described in the proposed Lytle Creek Turnout Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (proposed HCP), which would be implemented by the applicant. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on the preliminary determination that the proposed HCP 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, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) evaluating the take of raptors from the wild for use in falconry and in raptor propagation, and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for take of raptors for those purposes. We have prepared the FEA and the FONSI as part of the process we must follow to finalize two rules under the National Environmental Policy Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that Walton Development LLC (applicant) has applied for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. We are considering issuing a 5-year permit to the applicant that would authorize take of the federally endangered San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus; ``SBKR''). The proposed permit would authorize the take of individual SBKR. The applicant needs the permit because take of SBKR could occur during the applicant's proposed construction of a residential and light industrial development on a 42.5-acre site in the City of Redlands, San Bernardino County, California. The permit application includes a proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), which describes the proposed action and the measures that the applicant will undertake to mitigate take of the SBKR.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to remove the Bliss Rapids snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific information that delisting the Bliss Rapids snail may be warranted, and are initiating a status review. We plan to conduct this review concurrent with the ongoing status review initiated on July 27, 2004, which we are required to make every 5 years under section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act. We are requesting submission of any new information on the Bliss Rapids snail since its original listing as a threatened species in 1992. At the conclusion of our status review, we will make the requisite recommendation under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the Act and issue a 12-month finding on the petition, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.

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

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the opening of a public comment period regarding the status of the wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) in the contiguous United States. We are initiating this status review pursuant to a court order requiring us to prepare a 12-month finding on a petition to list the wolverine in the contiguous United States 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, the wolverine in the contiguous United States.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a Final Environmental Assessment (FEA) evaluating the possible effects of defining ``disturb'' under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act), and a Finding of No Significant Impact for the preferred alternative. We prepared the environmental assessment as part of the National Environmental Policy Act process. Based on public comments received on the draft environmental assessment (DEA) and proposed rule defining disturb, we modified the preferred alternative in the FEA, and have adopted the modified version of the preferred alternative as the final definition of ``disturb'' under the Eagle Act. The final rule codifying the definition of ``disturb'' is published elsewhere in today's Federal Register.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service), are codifying a definition of ``disturb'' under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act). Given that the Eagle Act's prohibition against disturbance applies to both bald and golden eagles, the definition will apply to golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) as well as bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). If the bald eagle is delisted, the Eagle Act will be the primary law protecting bald as well as golden eagles. The Eagle Act prohibits unregulated take of bald and golden eagles and provides a statutory definition of ``take'' that includes ``disturb.'' Although disturbing eagles has been prohibited by the Eagle Act since the statute's enactment in 1940, the meaning of ``disturb'' has not been explicitly defined by the Service or by the courts. To define ``disturb,'' we considered Congressional intent, the common meaning of the term as applied to the conservation intent of the Eagle Act, and the working definitions of ``disturb'' currently used by Federal and State agencies to manage eagles. This definition of ``disturb'' will apply to eagles in Alaska, where the bald eagle has never been listed under the ESA, as well as eagles throughout the 48 contiguous States. (Eagles do not occur in Hawaii.) In addition to this final rule, the Service is publishing three related documents elsewhere in today's Federal Register: a notice of availability of the final environmental assessment for the definition of ``disturb''; a notice of availability for National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines; and a proposed rule to codify additional take authorizations under the Eagle Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final recovery plan for the Chiricahua leopard frog (Rana chiricahuensis). The species occurs in central and southeastern Arizona, west-central and southwestern New Mexico, and the sky islands and Sierra Madre Occidental of northeastern Sonora and northwestern Chihuahua, Mexico. The Chiricahua Leopard Frog Recovery Plan (Recovery Plan) presents information on the species and its habitat, including delisting criteria and recovery actions to conserve the species.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advise the public that we intend to prepare an EIS to evaluate the impacts of, and alternatives to, the proposed issuance of an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act to Williamson County, Texas, and/or the Williamson County Conservation Foundation (Applicant). We also announce a public scoping meeting and public comment period.

We, the United States, as a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), will attend the fourteenth regular meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP14) in The Hague, The Netherlands, June 3- 15, 2007. This notice announces the tentative U.S. negotiating positions on amendments to the CITES Appendices (species proposals), draft resolutions and decisions, and agenda items submitted by other countries and the CITES Secretariat for consideration at CoP14. With this notice we also announce that we will publish a notice after the conclusion of CoP14 to invite public input on whether the United States should take a reservation on any of the amendments to the CITES Appendices that are adopted.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provide a clarification of the economic and non-economic exclusions under section 4(b)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), in support of the final designation of critical habitat for four vernal pool crustaceans and eleven vernal pool plants in California and Southern Oregon. We are taking this action in response to a court order. This clarification does not change the areas designated as critical habitat for the 15 vernal pool species.

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

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 and cost. This ICR is scheduled to expire on May 31, 2007. 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our intent to initiate a candidate status review for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki virginalis) to determine if candidate status is warranted. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), requires that we identify species of wildlife and plants that are endangered or threatened, based on the best available scientific and commercial information. Through the Federal rulemaking process, we add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 or the List of Endangered or Threatened Plants at 50 CFR 17.12. As part of this program, we maintain a list of species that we regard as candidates for listing. A candidate is one for which we have on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability and threats to support a proposal to list as endangered or threatened but for which preparation and publication of a proposal is precluded by higher-priority listing actions. During or prior to April 2008, we will make a determination concerning the results of the status review for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout, and, shortly thereafter, we will publish this determination in the Federal Register.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposed designation of critical habitat for the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) and the draft economic analysis, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are reopening the public comment period to allow additional time for all interested parties to comment on the proposed rule, our revision to the proposed rule, and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as we will incorporate them into the public record and fully consider them as we prepare the final rule.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability of four habitat conservation plans (HCPs), accompanying applications, and an environmental assessment (EA). One EA has been prepared for the four projects and analyzes the take of Perdido Key beach mice (Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis) incidental to developing, constructing, and human occupancy of Acropolis Development Enterprises, LLC, Midnight Property, Lorelei Development, LLC, and The Millennium Group I, LLC (Applicants) four condominium complexes in Escambia County, Florida (Projects). The applicants request incidental take permits (ITPs) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. The Applicants' HCPs describe the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Perdido Key beach mouse.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) Application and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). The Lake County School Board (applicant) requests an ITP for a duration of 20 years under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 0.48 acre (ac) of sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi)occupied habitat incidental to constructing a two-story elementary school and accessory structures, play areas, and infrastructure in Lake County, Florida (Project). The applicant's HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of the Project to the sand skink.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, intend to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and associated environmental documents for Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. We furnish this notice in compliance with our comprehensive conservation planning policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, intend to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan and associated environmental documents for the Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge. We furnish this notice in compliance with our comprehensive conservation planning policy to advise other agencies and the public of our 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, we), will be developing a revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). We will use local announcements, special mailings, newspaper articles, the Internet, and other media announcements to inform people of opportunities to provide input throughout the planning process. We will hold public meetings in communities within the Refuge during preparation of the revised plan. We will visit each of the 36 occupied communities within the Refuge boundary as we revise this plan.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) intend to gather information necessary to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated environmental documents for Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex (Complex) in Malta, Montana. This Complex includes the Bowdoin, Black Coulee, Creedman Coulee, Hewitt Lake, and Lake Thibadeau NWRs. It also includes the Wetland Management District (WMD) comprised of seven waterfowl production areas and thousands of acres of wetland, grassland, and conservation easements on private lands. We furnish this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from the Pacific Gas & Electric Company (applicant) for a 3-year incidental take permit for the federally threatened bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis) under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the butterfly incidental to proposed reconductoring and conservation management activities at the Metcalf-El Patio 115 kV and Metcalf-Hicks/Vasona 230 kV transmission line site in Santa Clara County, California (plan area). We request comments on the applicant's application and low- effect habitat conservation plan (plan), and on our preliminary determination that the Plan qualifies as a ``low-effect'' habitat conservation plan eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA). We discuss our basis for this determination in our environmental action statement (EAS), which is also available for review.

The following applicant has applied for a permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a meeting of the Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup (Workgroup). The Workgroup's purpose is to provide, in an advisory capacity, recommendations and advice on research and implementation of sea lamprey control techniques alternative to lampricide that are technically feasible, cost effective, and environmentally safe. The primary objective of the meeting will be to discuss potential focus research initiatives that may enhance alternative sea lamprey control techniques. The meeting is open to the public.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Michael Richardson (applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) for a duration of 5 years pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 2.2 acre (ac) of Florida scrub-jay (Alphelocoma coerulescens)occupied habitat incidental to constructing an industrial facility in Brevard County, Florida (project). The applicant's HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of the project to the scrub-jay.

The Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the opportunity for State fish and wildlife agencies to apply to participate in a 3-year pilot program to issue electronic Federal Migratory Hunting and Conservation Stamps. The program is expected to enhance the ability of the public to obtain required Federal Duck Stamps through the use of electronic technology, enhancing public participation and increasing the number of stamps sold.

The following permits were issued.

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

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.

The Coastal Prairie Coalition, Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) (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 requested permit, which is for a period of 99 years, includes a draft Safe Harbor Agreement (Agreement) for the endangered Attwater's prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri), the endangered Northern aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis septentrionalis), the endangered Whooping crane (Grus Americana), and the endangered black lace cactus (Echinocereus reichenbachii var. albertii) in all or portions of Aransas, Austin, Colorado, Galveston, Goliad, Refugio, and Victoria counties, Texas. We invite public comment.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Patrick McShane and Martha Dey (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 0.31 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub- jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Sarasota County, Florida (Project). The destruction of 0.31 acre of foraging and sheltering habitat is expected to result in the take of one family of scrub-jays. The Applicants' HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project on the Florida scrub-jay.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) (northern spotted owl) for public review and comment.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the receipt of thirteen applications for enhancement of survival permits that would be issued pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applications were developed in conjunction with a Template Safe Harbor Agreement (Template SHA) for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis). The thirteen permit applicants are: (1) Mr. Raymond Mayer; (2) Rimrock Meadows Association; (3) ABS Farms LLC; (4) Sagebrush Flats Farm; (5) Mr. Eric Long; (6) Mr. W. Paul Malone; (7) Tom Davis Farms J.V.; (8) Mr. Dale Pixlee; (9) Clements Farm, Inc.JBS Farms; (10) Heer Brothers J.V.; (11) Mr. Don Roberts; (12) David Adams Family LLC; and (13) Evans Brothers J.V. Issuance of permits to these applicants would exempt incidental take of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, which would otherwise be prohibited by section 9 of the Act, that is above the baseline conditions of properties enrolled under the Template SHA, and that may result from the permittees' otherwise lawful land-use activities. The Service requests comments from the public regarding the proposed issuance of permits to these thirteen applicants. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire commentincluding your personal identifying informationmay be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

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.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our revised 12-month finding on a petition to list the upper Missouri River Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of fluvial Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that fluvial Arctic grayling of the upper Missouri River does not constitute a species, subspecies, or distinct population segment under the Act. Therefore, we find that the petition to list the upper Missouri River DPS of fluvial Arctic grayling is not warranted, and we withdraw the fluvial Arctic grayling from the candidate list. The Service continues to seek new information on the taxonomy, biology, ecology, and status of fluvial Arctic grayling and to support cooperative conservation of fluvial Arctic grayling in the upper Missouri River system.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces 5-year reviews of 24 southwestern species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

We (Fish and Wildlife Service) will ask the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve the information collection (IC) 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 IC, which is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2007. 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.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge is available for distribution. 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. This Draft CCP, when final, will describe how the Service intends to manage Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge over the next 15 years.

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

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that a draft environmental assessment (EA) for an interim Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Horse and Burro Management Program (Program) is available for review and comment. The EA provides a consolidated and updated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) evaluation of the Sheldon Refuge Program. The EA analyzes the environmental effects of various alternatives for managing the Refuge's horses and burros until a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Refuge is completed.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service), are designating critical habitat for Cirsium hydrophilum var. hydrophilum (Suisun thistle) and Cordylanthus mollis ssp. mollis (soft bird's-beak) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 2,052 acres (ac) (830 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation for C. hydrophilum var. hydrophilum in Solano County, California, and approximately 2,276 ac (921 ha) for C. mollis ssp. mollis in Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Counties, California. Due to overlap of some units, the total area of critical habitat designation for both subspecies is 2,621 ac (1,061 ha).

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is publishing harvest regulations for migratory bird subsistence hunting in Alaska for the 2007 season. This final rule establishes 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 are 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 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 establishes regulations that go into effect on April 2, 2007, and expire on August 31, 2007.