Fish and Wildlife Service 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our 90-day finding on a petition to list the northern snakehead fish (Channa argus) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing this species under the Act may be warranted. We will not initiate a status review in response to this petition and, consequently, will not consider the designation of critical habitat as petitioned.

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 the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex (Complex) in Montana, which includes the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Lost Trail NWR, Blackfoot Valley Wildlife Management Area, Rocky Mountain Front Conservation Area, Benton Lake Wetland Management District (WMD), Swan River NWR, and the Northwest Montana Flathead County WMD. 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.

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, ``Services'' or ``we'') propose to amend regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Services are proposing these changes to clarify several definitions, to clarify when the section 7 regulations are applicable and the correct standards for effects analysis, and to establish time frames for the informal consultation process.

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. This IC is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2009. 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 (we or us), announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment (DEA) evaluating options for managing take of bald eagles and golden eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act). The DEA examines the effects of the action we proposed in a June 5, 2007 proposed rulemaking to establish two new permits under the Eagle Act (72 FR 31141), and two additional alternatives. We are soliciting current data regarding populations of both eagle species for the DEA. We are also seeking input regarding criteria to be used in quantifying take that occurs at important eagle-use areas, such as foraging areas, communal roost sites, or other concentration areas. Further, we are reopening the comment period on the proposed rule, which is the preferred alternative of the DEA. We have made some revisions and additions to the preferred alternative based on public comment received during the comment period on the proposed rule. Revisions of a substantive nature are noted in the Background section of this notice, and discussed more fully in the DEA.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, change the regulations governing migratory bird permitting. We amend 50 CFR part 21 to allow the export of lawfully-acquired, captive-bred raptors without obtaining a migratory bird export permit; to resolve problems related to export of species covered by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits or certificates; to allow the importation and possession without an import permit of legally-acquired migratory game birds in the families Anatidae, Columbidae, Gruidae, Rallidae, or Scolopacidae that were lawfully hunted in a foreign country; to extend the maximum time for which an import and export permit is valid from 3 to 5 years; and to reorganize and reword the regulations to make them easier to understand.

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

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy (applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 25-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 Palos Verdes blue butterfly (Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis, ``PVB'') associated with restoration and management of the Linden H. Chandler Preserve (``Preserve'') in the City of Rolling Hills Estates, Los Angeles County, California. Following reintroduction of PVB to the Preserve, measures to minimize impacts to PVB would be implemented as described in the proposed Restoration and Management of the Linden H. Chandler Preserve 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 (Service), propose to split the listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), of the currently threatened flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum) into two distinct species: frosted flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum) and reticulated flatwoods salamander (Ambystoma bishopi) due to a change in taxonomy. The frosted flatwoods salamander will maintain the status of threatened. However, we propose to list the reticulated flatwoods salamander as endangered under the Act. We also propose to designate critical habitat for both the frosted flatwoods salamander and the reticulated flatwoods salamander under the Act. In total, approximately 30,628 acres (ac) (12,395 hectares (ha)) (23,132 ac (9,363 ha) for the frosted flatwoods salamander and 7,496 ac (3,035 ha) for the reticulated flatwoods salamander) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation, which is located in the panhandle of Florida, southwestern Georgia, and southeastern South Carolina. We also announce the availability of the draft economic analysis for our proposed designation of critical habitat for the frosted and reticulated flatwoods salamanders. The draft economic analysis estimates that, over the period 2009 to 2028, post-designation costs for frosted and reticulated flatwoods salamander conservation-related activities would range between $3.88 million and $6.40 million (at a 3 percent discount rate) and $2.49 million to $4.38 million (at a 7 percent discount rate). Potential impacts are expected to range from $261,000 to $430,000 at 3 percent or $235,000 to $413,000 at 7 percent annually.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the revised proposed designation of critical habitat for 12 species of Hawaiian picture-wing flies (Drosophila aglaia, D. differens, D. hemipeza, D. heteroneura, D. montgomeryi, D. mulli, D. musaphilia, D. neoclavisetae, D. obatai, D. ochrobasis, D. substenoptera, and D. tarphytrichia) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) and an amended required determinations section of the proposal. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the revised proposed rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. If you submitted comments previously, you do not need to resubmit them because we have already incorporated them into the public record and will fully consider them in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of new information that may impact our status review for the Bliss Rapids snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola). This information has become available since the close of the comment period on our 90- day finding (72 FR 31250) on a petition to remove the Bliss Rapids snail from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Interested members of the public are invited to submit comments on this new information as it applies to the listing status of the Bliss Rapids snail.

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. 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 announces the decision and availability of the Record of Decision (ROD) for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Wisconsin. A thorough analysis of the environmental, social, and economic considerations was completed and presented in the Final CCP/ EIS. The Final CCP/EIS was released to the public and a Notice of Availability was published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2008, (73 FR 20329). The ROD documents the selection of Alternative C, the Preferred Alternative in the Final CCP/EIS, as the CCP for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge. The ROD was signed by the Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Midwest Region, on June 17, 2008.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') proposes to amend the regulations on resident Canada goose management. This proposed rule clarifies the requirements for use of expanded hunting methods during special September hunting seasons. One requirement in the regulations has been misinterpreted, and we are taking this action to make sure that our regulations are clear for the States and the public.

Under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), withdraw our 1993 proposed reclassification of the Hawaiian hawk or io (Buteo solitarius) from endangered to threatened, and propose to remove the Hawaiian hawk from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). These actions are based on a thorough review of the best available scientific data, which indicates that range-wide population estimates have been stable for at least 20 years, and the species has recovered and is not likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The proposed rule, if made final, would remove the Hawaiian hawk from the List, thereby removing all protections provided by the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), propose to amend the formats of the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants to include current practices and standards that will make the regulations and Lists easier for the public to understand. When we finalize this proposed rule, we will publish the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in their entirety in the new formats.

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has incorporated public comments into revisions of marine mammal stock assessment reports for the three stocks of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) in Alaska. The 2008 final stock assessment reports are now complete and available to the public.

We, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft revised recovery plan for the Mojave population of the desert tortoise for public review and comment.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise designated critical habitat for marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). On May 24, 1996, we designated 3,887,800 ac (ac) (1,573,340 hectares (ha)) as critical habitat for the marbled murrelet in Washington, Oregon, and California. We are proposing to revise currently designated critical habitat for the marbled murrelet by removing approximately 254,070 ac (102,820 ha) in northern California and Oregon from the 1996 designation, based on new information indicating that these areas do not meet the definition of critical habitat. This action, if adopted in its entirety, would result in a revised designation of approximately 3,633,800 ac (1,470,550 ha) as critical habitat for the marbled murrelet. In this rule, we are further proposing, under the Act, a taxonomic revision of the scientific name of the marbled murrelet from Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus to Brachyramphus marmoratus.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Tucson shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis occipitalis klauberi) 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 the Tucson shovel-nosed snake may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review of the subspecies, and we will issue a 12-month finding to determine if listing the subspecies is warranted. To ensure that the status review of the Tucson shovel-nosed snake is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this subspecies.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce the reopening of the public comment period on the June 19, 2007, proposed rule (72 FR 33808) to revise critical habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This action will provide all interested parties with an additional opportunity to submit written comments on the proposed revised designation, draft economic analysis (DEA), and addendum to the DEA. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in any final decision.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of draft comprehensive conservation plans (CCP) and environmental assessments (EA) for the Leopold and St. Croix Wetland Management Districts (District(s), WMD(s)) for public review and comment. In the draft CCP/EAs, we describe how we propose to manage these districts for the next 15 years.

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. This IC is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2008. 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, are revising certain provisions of the regulations governing the Wildlife Restoration, Sport Fish Restoration, and Hunter Education and Safety financial assistance programs. These revisions: (a) Address changes in law and regulation; (b) clarify rules on license certification to address a greater number of licensing choices that States have offered hunters and anglers; (c) delete provisions on audits and records that are addressed in other regulations broadly applicable to financial assistance programs managed by the Department of the Interior; and (d) reword the regulations to make them easier to understand. The revisions will improve the regulations by making them more current and clear.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for Red River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Sacramento, Delevan, Colusa, and Sutter National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges) for public review and comment. The Draft CCP/EA, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service will manage the Refuges for the next 15 years. Draft compatibility determinations for several existing and proposed public uses are also available for review and public comment with the Draft CCP/EA.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the Final CCP.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), propose to revise the regulations that implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by incorporating certain provisions related to international trade in sturgeon caviar adopted at the fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP14) to CITES. We propose to reduce the quantity of caviar that may be imported or exported under the CITES personal effects exemption and amend the requirements for import of caviar from shared stocks subject to quotas. These changes would bring U.S. regulations in line with revisions adopted by consensus at the most recent meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES (June 2007). The revised regulations would help us more effectively promote species conservation, help us continue to fulfill our responsibilities under the Treaty, and help those affected by CITES to understand how to conduct lawful international trade in sturgeon caviar.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to remove Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii (Peirson's milk-vetch) from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Plants under the Endangered Species Act. After reviewing the best scientific and commercial information available, we find that the petitioned action is not warranted. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of, or threats to, the species. This information will help us monitor and encourage the conservation of this species.

On March 14, 2008, we published a final rule that established regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2008-09 regulatory year. This rule, which became effective April 1, 2008, and remains effective through March 31, 2009, contained an error in the regulatory text. This document corrects that error.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a Federal Register notice announcing the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) for public review and comment. This notice contained an error in the e-mail address we provided for public review and comment. We now correct the e-mail address.

The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Delta National Wildlife Refuge in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, and Breton National Wildlife Refuge in St. Bernard and Plaquemines Parishes, Louisiana, is available for distribution. This document was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. The Draft CCP/ EA describes the Service's proposal for management of the refuge for 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to reclassify the delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that reclassification of the delta smelt from threatened to endangered may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review to determine if reclassifying this species as endangered under the Act is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding this species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), will host a Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee) meeting, on July 23-24, 2008. The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda will include reports from the Subcommittees on Existing Guidelines, Legal, Landscape Habitat (Mapping), Science Tools and Procedures, and Other Models/Uncertainty; and briefings from Service regional offices on wind/wildlife issues.

The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service, announces the re-opening of the comment period on the proposed rule concerning the possession and transportation of firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2008 (73 FR 23388).

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (Applicant) has applied for an incidental take permit (Permit) under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA) for the incidental take of the endangered Comanche Springs pupfish (Cyprinodon elegans) and Pecos gambusia (Gambusia nobilis), as well as the following candidate species: Phantom springsnail (Tryonia cheatumi), diminutive amphipod (Gammarus hyalleloides), and Phantom Lake Cave Snail (Cochliopa texana). The potential take would occur incidental to normal management activities at Balmorhea State Park (Park), Reeves County, Texas.

This notice advises the public that the Fred M. van Eck Forest Foundation (Applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The permit application includes a proposed Safe Harbor Agreement (Agreement) between the Applicant and the Service for the threatened northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caruina). The proposed Agreement and permit would remain in effect for 90 years. We request comments from the public on the permit application and an Environmental Action Statement that has been prepared to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act.

NOAA and the USFWS are proposing regulations to establish a ship reporting system for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. This action would implement measures adopted by the International Maritime Organization requiring notification by ships passing through the Monument without interruption. A draft environmental assessment has been prepared for this proposed action pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. A copy of the draft environmental assessment is available for public review at https:// hawaiireef.noaa.gov/ and comment concurrently with this proposed rule.

The Sonoma County Office of Education (SCOE or applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 5-year incidental take permit for two 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 one listed animals and one listed plant. The applicant would implement a conservation program to minimize and mitigate the project activities, as described in the SCOE Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan (plan). We request comments on the applicant's application and plan, and the 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 public review.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) will meet to select North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant proposals for recommendation to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (Commission). This meeting is open to the public, and interested persons may present oral or written statements.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Santee National Wildlife Refuge for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe alternatives, including our proposed alternative to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the Final CCP.

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 (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 IC is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2008. 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) announce that our Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for Sullys Hill National Game Preserve is available. This Draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage this refuge for the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, recently published a notice in error requesting comments on a draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and associated Environmental Assessment (EA) that are not yet available for comment. We will republish a notice and request for comment when these documents become available.

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. This IC is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2008. 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 (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. This IC is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2008. 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for Lake Wales Ridge National Wildlife Refuge. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.

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 2008-09 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 2008-09 duck hunting seasons.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the technical agency draft revised recovery plan for the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata). The technical agency draft revised recovery plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to reclassify this species to threatened status and delist it under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We solicit review and comment on this technical agency draft recovery plan from local, state, and Federal agencies, and the public.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce that the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge is available. This draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage the refuge for the next 15 years. We request public comment.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our 90-day finding on a petition to reclassify the Argentine population of the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific and commercial information indicating that the petitioned action of reclassifying the broad-snouted caiman in Argentina from endangered to threatened status under the Act may be warranted. Therefore, we are initiating a status review of the broad-snouted caiman to determine if reclassification of the population in Argentina, as petitioned, is warranted under the Act. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are requesting submission of any new information on the broad-snouted caiman since its original listing as an endangered species in 1976. 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.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Shell Keys National Wildlife Refuge for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternatives, including our proposed action, to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the Final CCP.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of two Incidental Take Permit (ITP) Applications and Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs). Today Homes Development, Inc. (applicant) requests two ITPs for a 1-year duration under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant anticipates taking approximately 0.38 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Alphelocoma coerulescens)-occupied habitat incidental to construction of two single family homes in Volusia County, Florida (projects). The applicant's HCPs describe the mitigation and minimization measures the applicant proposes to address the effects of the projects to the scrub- jay.

The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to add one refuge to the list of areas open for hunting and/or sport fishing programs and increase the activities available at six other refuges for the 2008- 2009 season.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advise the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare, in coordination with the County of Sacramento (the County), a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR). The EIS/EIR will analyze the environmental effects of the Service's proposed issuance of an incidental take permit under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended (ESA), for a habitat conservation plan (HCP) within a portion of south Sacramento County, California. The County, along with their local partners (the cities of Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, Galt, the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, and the Sacramento County Water Agency), is facilitating the preparation of the South Sacramento HCP (SSHCP) in compliance with section 10(a)(2) of the ESA. The County and their local partners intend to apply to the Service for a 30-year permit that would authorized the incidental take of 40 species due to ground-disturbing private activities implemented under the SSHCP. The County, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and with 40 CFR 1506.6(b)(3), has published a similar notice of preparation for this EIS/EIR with the State Clearinghouse. We provide this notice to (1) Describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) announce the initiation of a public scoping period, including when and where scoping meetings will be held; (3) advise other interested Federal, State, and local agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS/EIR and invite their participation in the scoping process and; (4) obtain suggestions, comments, and useful information from interested parties and other agencies on the range of actions, the significant issues, range of alternatives, and impacts to be considered in the EIS/EIR document. We invite written comments on this notice from any interested party.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (Draft CCP/EA) for Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge for public review and comment. In this Draft CCP/EA, we describe the alternative we propose to use to manage this refuge for the 15 years following approval of the Final CCP.

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

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advise the public of our intent to gather information necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Tehachapi Uplands Multi-species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Tejon Ranch is preparing the MSHCP to apply for a 50-year incidental take permit under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (Act). The permit is needed to authorize the incidental take of threatened and endangered species that could occur as a result of activities covered by the plan. The Service provides this notice to (1) describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be included in the EIS. Similar Notices of Intent were published on June 25, 2004 (69 FR 35663) and March 26, 2008 (73 FR 16052). This notice is being published to clarify the proposed action, to correct a previous ADDRESSES error, and to allow additional public input.

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior is issuing public notice of its intent to amend 19 existing Privacy Act systems of records notices to add a new routine use to authorize the disclosure of records to individuals involved in responding to a breach of Federal data.

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 research initiatives that may enhance alternative sea lamprey control techniques. The meeting is open to the public.

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium ridgwayi cactorum) (pygmy-owl) 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 the pygmy-owl may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review of the species, and we will issue a 12-month finding on our determination as to whether the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review of the pygmy-owl is comprehensive, we are soliciting information and data regarding this species. We will make a determination on critical habitat for this species if and when we initiate a listing action.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Polk County Utilities (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 6.63 acres of sand skink (Neopseps reynoldsi) and bluetail mole skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) (skinks) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to construction activities associated with the expansion of the existing Sun Ray Wastewater Treatment Facility in Polk County, Florida (project). The applicants' HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the project on the skinks.

The Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG) affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River (California) restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council (TMC). This notice announces a TAMWG meeting, which is open to the public.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the initiation of a status review for the northern Mexican gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops). Through this action, we encourage all interested parties to provide us information regarding the status of, and any potential threat to, the northern Mexican gartersnake.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Alabama sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus suttkusi) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 524 kilometers (326 miles) of river are proposed as critical habitat. The proposed critical habitat includes portions of the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers in Autauga, Baldwin, Bibb, Clarke, Dallas, Lowndes, Monroe, Perry, and Wilcox Counties, in Alabama.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) and Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Ronald and Jacquelyn Perron (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 0.25 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub- jay) foraging and sheltering habitat incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-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 (Service), will host a Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee (Committee) workshop, on June 18, 2008. The workshop is open to the public. The workshop agenda will include the discussion and clarification of objectives to guide the Committee in its development of recommendations to the Secretary of the Interior.

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

The following permits were issued.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the initiation of a status review for the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Sonoran Desert area of central Arizona and northwestern Mexico, hereafter referred to as the ``Sonoran Desert area bald eagle.'' Through this action, we encourage all interested parties to provide us with information regarding the status of, and any potential threats to, the Sonoran Desert area bald eagle.

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

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), propose to remove the plant Erigeron maguirei (commonly referred to as Maguire daisy) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. The best scientific and commercial data available indicate that this species has recovered and no longer meets the definition of threatened or endangered under the Act. Our review of the status of this species shows that populations are stable, threats have been addressed, and adequate regulatory mechanisms ensure the species is not currently and is not likely to again become an endangered species within the foreseeable future in all or a significant portion of its range. We seek information, data, and comments from the public regarding E. maguirei, this proposal to delist, and the Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan. This proposed rule completes the 5-year status review initiated on April 7, 2006 (71 FR 17900).

The East Bay Municipal Utility District, Oakland (EBMUD or applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for a 30-year incidental take permit for seven species pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of two listed animals, two listed plants, and three currently unlisted species. The applicant would implement a conservation program to minimize and mitigate the project activities, as described in the East Bay Municipal Utility District Low-Effect East Bay Habitat Conservation Plan (plan). We request comments on the applicant's application and plan, and the 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 public review.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advise the public that we intend to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the impacts of, and alternatives to, the proposed issuance of an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) to Hays County, Texas (Applicant). We also announce a public scoping meeting and public comment period.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened status for the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Polar bears evolved to utilize the Arctic sea ice niche and are distributed throughout most ice-covered seas of the Northern Hemisphere. We find, based upon the best available scientific and commercial information, that polar bear habitatprincipally sea ice is declining throughout the species' range, that this decline is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, and that this loss threatens the species throughout all of its range. Therefore, we find that the polar bear is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all of its range. This final rule activates the consultation provisions of section 7 of the Act for the polar bear. The special rule for the polar bear, also published in today's edition of the Federal Register, sets out the prohibitions and exceptions that apply to this threatened species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed revised designation of critical habitat for the wintering population of the piping plover (Charadrius melodus) in Dare and Hyde Counties, North Carolina (71 FR 33703, June 12, 2006). In this document, we are proposing to add 87 hectares (ha) (215 acres (ac)) of critical habitat to two previously proposed units. As a result, our proposed revised critical habitat designation for the species now includes 4 revised critical habitat units totaling approximately 827 ha (2,043 ac). We also announce the availability of the revised draft economic analysis (DEA) and environmental assessment of the proposed revised designation of critical habitat. We are reopening the comment period on the June 12, 2006, proposed rule to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on that proposal, the proposed revised critical habitat units described in this document, our amended required determinations, and the associated revised DEA and environmental assessment. Please do not resend comments you have already submitted. We will incorporate comments previously submitted into the public record as part of this comment period, and we will fully consider them when preparing our final determination.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we), announce that the Draft Revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Draft CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the southern unit of the Innoko National Wildlife Refuge is available for public comment. The Draft CCP/EA was prepared pursuant to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (Refuge Administration Act) as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Refuge Improvement Act), and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). It describes two alternatives for managing the southern unit of the Innoko Refuge for the next 15 years, including continuing current management. We will use special mailings to inform the public of opportunities to provide input on the CCP/EA and will hold public meetings in communities near the Refuge (Grayling, Anvik, Shageluk, Holly Cross, Kaltag, McGrath, and Takotna).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed designation of critical habitat for Acanthomintha ilicifolia (San Diego thornmint) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are reopening the comment period because of new information we received following the close of the last public comment period on this proposed action. This new information leads us to propose revised boundaries for Subunit 1A and to update the areas we are proposing for exclusion from the final designation. The reopened comment period will provide the public; Federal, State, and local agencies; and Tribes with an additional opportunity to submit comments on the original proposed rule and the revisions proposed in this document. Comments previously submitted on the proposed critical habitat designation for A. ilicifolia need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in any final decision.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the Sheldon National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge). An environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluating effects of various CCP alternatives, will also be prepared. The Refuge is located in Washoe and Humboldt County, Nevada, and Lake County, Oregon. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to: advise other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process. We are also announcing public open house meetings and requesting public comments.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies, Tribes, and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on the following application to amend an existing permit to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

The applicants (Ms. Shirley Baird, Mr. Edward Boykin, Mr. Richard Dorsey, Mr. Richard Eastman, Mr. Terry Elkins, Mr. Medford Foster, Mr. Ted Giles, Mr. John Griffin, Harrison Building, Mr. Kenneth Howald, Mr. Gary Hudson, Mr. Jerry Hutcherson, Mr. Dean Jones, Mr. Bobby Junkins, K-Developers LLC, Mr. James Keeling, Mr. James Klimback, Mr. Marshall Newport, Ms. Mary Powers, Mr. Bradley Redwine, Mr. Edwin Spence, Mr. Jackie Stokley, Mr. Olin Tumlin, and Mr. James Walker) have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for incidental take permits (ITP) under 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 37 single-family and 5 duplex residences on the Fort Morgan Peninsula in Baldwin County, Alabama. The applicants have prepared Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) in accordance with section 10(a)(2)(A) of the Act, 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. A detailed description of the proposed minimization and mitigation measures is provided in the applicants' HCPs and in our Environmental Assessment (EA). The proposed action would involve approval of the HCPs if the statutory issuance criteria are satisfied. The EA considers the environmental impacts of the proposed projects on the environment.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Lake Sammamish kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka) as a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Lake Sammamish kokanee may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review of the species, and we will issue a 12-month finding on our determination as to whether the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting information and data regarding this species. We will make a determination on critical habitat for this species if, and when, we initiate a listing action.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Louisiana black bear under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Concurrently, we withdraw our December 2, 1993, proposal for Louisiana black bear critical habitat (58 FR 63560). In total, approximately 1,330,000 acres (538,894 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of this proposed critical habitat designation. The proposed critical habitat is located in Avoyelles, East Carroll, Catahoula, Concordia, Franklin, Iberia, Iberville, Madison, Pointe Coupee, Richland, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tensas, West Carroll, and West Feliciana Parishes, Louisiana.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) are proposing a restoration plan for 1,500 acres (ac) of former hayfield farm land in the San Pablo Bay. This restoration project would combine tidal salt marsh habitat for endangered species, waterfowl, waterbirds, and fish, as well as public access features to increase accessibility to wildlife resource values in the San Pablo Bay, while minimizing project-induced flood impacts to Highway 37. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), this notice advises other agencies, Tribes, and the public that the draft environmental impact statement and environmental impact report (DEIS/EIR) on the proposed tidal marsh restoration project at Cullinan Ranch, a unit of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge), Solano and Napa Counties, California, is now available for review. We invite and encourage interested persons to review the document and submit written comments to identify issues related to the alternatives we address in the DEIS/ EIR.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing a final rule to amend the regulations for the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11 by designating bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the Sonoran Desert area of central Arizona as threatened under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are also reinstating and clarifying the former special rule at 50 CFR 17.41 that applied to threatened members of this species. This action revises the CFR to reflect a March 6, 2008, court order.

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on the following application to renew an existing permit to conduct certain activities involving endangered species.

The Salt River Project (SRP) has submitted an application for an incidental take permit (ITP) for species currently listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA) and species that may become listed in the future (collectively, ``covered species''). The proposed take would occur in Maricopa and Yavapai Counties, Arizona, as a result of impacts on covered species and occupied habitat from modified operation of Horseshoe Dam and Reservoir (Horseshoe) and Bartlett Dam and Reservoir (Bartlett). The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has issued a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to evaluate the impacts of and alternatives for the possible issuance of an ITP. SRP has completed the final Horseshoe-Bartlett Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), along with a proposed Implementing Agreement as part of the application package submitted to the Service (collectively, the ``Application'') as required by the ESA, for consideration of issuance of an ITP. The Application provides measures to minimize and mitigate the effects of the proposed taking of covered species and effects to the habitats upon which they depend. The final EIS includes all comments received on the draft EIS, and responses to those comments. No decision will be made on the proposed action until at least 30 days after publication of this notice of availability of the final EIS in the Federal Register. After the 30-day waiting period, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will complete a Record of Decision (ROD) that states the action that will be implemented and discusses all factors leading to the decision.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, initiate 5-year status reviews for 70 species in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and the Pacific Islands under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We request any new information on these species that may have a bearing on their classification as endangered or threatened. Based on the results of these 5-year reviews, we will determine whether these species are properly classified under the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the extension of the period for submitting information that is pertinent to our status review of the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). The extension will provide the public and Federal, State, and local agencies with an additional opportunity to submit information for the status review. Information previously submitted need not be resubmitted; it already has been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the status 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. This IC is scheduled to expire on June 30, 2008. 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), are adopting new regulations for the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge (refuge) to govern existing general public use and recreation. These changes will take effect in spring 2008 and will implement the recently completed comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) for the refuge. This regulation codifies many existing refuge regulations currently published in and by brochures, signs, maps, and other forms of public notice.

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

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