Fish and Wildlife Service February 22, 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) (together the Services) intend to gather information necessary for the preparation of a joint Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will consider applications from the Fruit Growers Supply Company (FGS) for Incidental Take Permits (ITPs) for take of endangered and threatened species in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). FGS's applications will include a multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), as required under the ESA. The HCP will address forest management and timber operations on FGS lands in Siskiyou County, California. The proposed 50 year HCP will encompass approximately 154,000 acres of lands owned by FGS on and after the granting date of the ITPs. The HCP will outline conservation programs for various aquatic species under the jurisdiction of NMFS and terrestrial species under the jurisdiction of FWS. For purposes of the issuance of the ITPs, NMFS and FWS are co- lead agencies under National Environmental Policy Act. We provide this notice to describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS; announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and possible alternatives to be included in the EIS.