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

Results 201 - 250 of 543
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-19523
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-19522
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Issuance of Permits
Document Number: E8-19521
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following permits were issued.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Northern Snakehead Fish (Channa argus) Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: E8-19155
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Nine Wetland Management Districts, North Dakota
Document Number: E8-19145
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce that our Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the nine Wetland Management Districts (Districts) is available. The nine Districts include Arrowwood, Audubon, Chase Lake, Crosby, Devils Lake, J. Clark Salyer, Kulm, Lostwood, and Valley City Districts, located throughout the State of North Dakota. This Draft CCP/EA describes how the Service intends to manage these Districts for the next 15 years.
Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge Complex, MT
Document Number: E8-19085
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Santa Cruz Gardens Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan, Santa Cruz County, CA
Document Number: E8-19074
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Porter-Livingston Development, Inc., a California-based corporation, and O'Hara-Balfour LP, a California Limited Partnership, (Applicants), have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or ``we'') for an incidental take permit (permit) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are considering issuing a 10-year permit to the Applicants that would authorize take of the federally endangered Ohlone tiger beetle (Cicindela ohlone) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the construction of nine new single-family residences on 2.96 acres of a 58.5-acre property in Aptos, Santa Cruz County, California. Effects from covered activities on, and conservation measures for, the federally threatened Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) and the non-listed Gairdner's yampah (Perideridia gairdneri ssp. gairdneri) are also being considered. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on our preliminary determination that the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) qualifies as a ``low-effect'' HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. We explain the basis for this possible determination in a draft Environmental Action Statement (EAS) and associated Low Effect Screening Form. The Applicants' low effect HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures they would implement, as required in section 10(a)(2)(B) of the Act, to address the effects of the project on the Ohlone tiger beetle, Santa Cruz tarplant, and Gairdner's yampah. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The draft HCP and EAS are available for public review.
Interagency Cooperation Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: E8-18938
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2008-09 Season
Document Number: E8-18930
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter, Service or we) proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2008-09 migratory bird hunting season.
Proposed Information Collection; OMB Control Number 1018-0067; Approval Procedures for Nontoxic Shot and Shot Coatings
Document Number: E8-18891
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Hanford Reach National Monument, Adams, Benton, Franklin and Grant Counties, WA
Document Number: E8-18445
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Hanford Reach National Monument (Monument). In this final CCP/EIS, we describe how the Monument will be managed for the next 15 years.
Eagle Permits; Take Necessary To Protect Interests in a Particular Locality
Document Number: E8-18779
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Poa atropurpurea
Document Number: E8-17522
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for Poa atropurpurea and Taraxacum californicum under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Approximately 2,489 acres (ac) (1,009 hectares (ha)) of land in San Bernardino and San Diego Counties, California, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation for P. atropurpurea, and approximately 1,914 ac (775 ha) of land in San Bernardino County, California, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation for T. californicum.
Migratory Bird Permits; Revisions to Migratory Bird Import and Export Regulations
Document Number: E8-18774
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-18707
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-18706
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group
Document Number: E8-18696
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Proposed Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Restoration and Management of the Linden H. Chandler Preserve, City of Rolling Hills Estates, County of Los Angeles, CA
Document Number: E8-18685
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: E8-18684
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander; Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for Frosted Flatwoods Salamander and Reticulated Flatwoods Salamander
Document Number: E8-17894
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northern Spotted Owl
Document Number: E8-17866
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising currently designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In 1992, we designated critical habitat for the northern spotted owl on 6, 887, 000 acres (ac) (2, 787, 070 hectares (ha)) of Federal lands in California, Oregon, and Washington. In this document we finalize revised critical habitat for the northern spotted owl on a total of approximately 5, 312, 300 acres (ac) (2, 149, 800 hectares (ha)) of Federal lands in California, Oregon, and Washington.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for 12 Species of Picture-wing Flies From the Hawaiian Islands
Document Number: E8-18519
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Document Number: E8-18411
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is available for distribution. This CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and describes how the refuge will be managed for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Remove the Bliss Rapids Snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Notice of Document Availability.
Document Number: E8-18310
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Devils River Minnow
Document Number: E8-17985
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the Devils River minnow (Dionda diaboli) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 26.5 stream kilometers (km) (16.5 stream miles (mi)) are within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The critical habitat is located in streams in Val Verde and Kinney Counties, Texas.
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; Hunting and Fishing Application Forms and Activity Reports for National Wildlife Refuges
Document Number: E8-18339
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; Alaska Guide Service Evaluation
Document Number: E8-18338
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Notice of Decision and Availability of the Record of Decision for the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge, Buffalo and Trempealeau Counties, WI
Document Number: E8-18296
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the U.S. Population of Coaster Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) as Endangered
Document Number: E8-18206
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), correct and reopen the comment period for the March 20, 2008, 90-day finding on a petition to list the U.S. population of coaster brook trout.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Hunting Methods for Resident Canada Geese
Document Number: E8-18003
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-06
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for Cirsium loncholepis (La Graciosa Thistle)
Document Number: E8-17808
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-06
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise the currently designated critical habitat for Cirsium loncholepis (La Graciosa thistle) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 38,447 acres (ac) (15,559 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of this proposed revised critical habitat designation. The proposed revision is to critical habitat located in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, California.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Withdrawal of Proposed Reclassification of the Hawaiian Hawk or Io (Buteo solitarius) From Endangered to Threatened; Proposed Rule To Remove the Hawaiian Hawk From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: E8-16858
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-06
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Federal Sport Fish Restoration; California Department of Fish and Game Fish Hatchery and Stocking Program
Document Number: E8-17910
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-05
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), intend to serve as the lead agency, pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, in the preparation of a joint EIS/EIR for the California Department of Fish and Game's (CDFG) Fish Hatchery and Stocking Program (Program). Under the Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFRA), FWS currently proposes to fund actions associated with the operation of CDFG's 13 trout hatcheries (listed below) and the Mad River anadromous fish hatchery, including stocking from those 14 hatcheries. The Federal action would not include funding CDFG's private stocking permit program. The CDFG will serve as the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analyzing the hatcheries' operations funded by the SFRA, as well as CDFG's entire fish hatchery program. This notice announces two public scoping meetings on our intended actions.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Amending the Formats of the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
Document Number: E8-17533
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-08-05
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Sierra Nevada Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) and Taxonomic Revision
Document Number: E8-16813
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-08-05
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are designating critical habitat for the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis sierrae) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 417,577 acres (ac) (168,992 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The critical habitat is located in Tuolumne, Mono, Fresno, Inyo, and Tulare Counties, California. We also are finalizing the revision of taxonomy of the listed entity from a distinct population segment (DPS) of California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) to subspecies, Ovis canadensis sierrae, based on recent published information.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Reports
Document Number: E8-17804
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties, NC
Document Number: E8-17766
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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 Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the next 15 years.
Draft Revised Recovery Plan for Mojave Population of the Desert Tortoise (Gopherus agassizii)
Document Number: E8-17520
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-08-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Crediting Guidance
Document Number: E8-17579
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of guidance to promote implementation of the Endangered Species Act. The guidance describes a crediting framework for Federal agencies in carrying out recovery measures for threatened and endangered species. The text of the guidance is included in this notice. Under the guidance, Federal agencies may show how adverse effects of agency activities to a listed species are offset by beneficial effects of actions taken elsewhere for that species. The combined effects of the adverse and beneficial actions must provide a net benefit to the recovery of the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet
Document Number: E8-17343
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-07-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Status Review of 20 Southeastern Species
Document Number: E8-17368
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is initiating 5- year status reviews of the slender chub (Erimystax cahni), blackside dace (Phoxinus cumberlandensis), vermillion darter (Etheostoma chermocki), pygmy madtom (Noturus stanauli), palezone shiner (Notropis albizonatus), fanshell (Cyprogenai stegaria), inflated heelsplitter (Potamilus inflatus), pink mucket (Lampsilis abrupta), spruce-fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga), cave crayfish (Cambarus aculabrum), Pyne's ground plum (Astragalus bibulatus), small-anthered bittercress (Cardamine micranthera), leafy prairie clover (Dalea foliosa), smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata), spreading avens (Geum radiatum), Roan Mountain bluet (Hedyotis purpurea var. montana), rough-leaved loosestrife (Lysimachia asperulaefolia), Michaux's sumac (Rhus michauxii), Alabama canebrake pitcher plant (Sarracenia rubra ssp. alabamensis), and Blue Ridge goldenrod (Solidago spithamaea), under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12) is accurate. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Tucson Shovel-Nosed Snake (Chionactis occipitalis klauberi) as Threatened or Endangered with Critical Habitat
Document Number: E8-17221
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-07-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions for Foreign Species; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions
Document Number: E8-17215
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-07-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In this notice of review, we announce our annual petition findings for foreign species, as required under section 4(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. When, in response to a petition, we find that listing a species is warranted but precluded, we must complete a new status review each year until we publish a proposed rule or make a determination that listing is not warranted. These subsequent status reviews and the accompanying 12-month findings are referred to as ``resubmitted'' petition findings. Information contained in this notice describes our status review of 50 foreign taxa that were the subjects of previous warranted-but- precluded findings, most recently summarized in our 2007 Notice of Review (72 FR 20184). Based on our current review, we find that 20 species (see Table 1) continue to warrant listing, but that their listing remains precluded by higher-priority listing actions. For 30 species previously found to be warranted but precluded, the petitioned action is now warranted. We will promptly publish listing proposals for those 30 species (see Table 1). With this annual notice of review (ANOR), we are requesting additional status information for the 20 taxa that remain warranted but precluded by higher priority listing actions. We will consider this information in preparing listing documents and future resubmitted petition findings for these 20 taxa. This information will also help us to monitor the status of the taxa and in conserving them.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat for the San Bernardino Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus)
Document Number: E8-17054
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-07-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge, Wyoming
Document Number: E8-17199
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Leopold and St. Croix Wetland Management Districts in Wisconsin
Document Number: E8-17106
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Notice of Availability, Draft Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment
Document Number: E8-16936
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), on behalf of the Department of the Interior (DOI), as the natural resource trustee, announces the release for public review of the Draft Natural Resource Damage Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment (RP/EA) for the Cherokee County Superfund Site, Cherokee County, Kansas. The Draft RP/ EA presents the Service's overall approach and preferred restoration alternatives that compensate for impacts to natural resources caused by the release of hazardous substances from former mining activities in Cherokee County, Kansas.
Proposed Information Collection; OMB Control Number 1018-0019; North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
Document Number: E8-16900
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Proposed Information Collection; OMB Control Number 1018-0010; Mourning Dove Call Count Survey
Document Number: E8-16899
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-07-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (Fish and Wildlife Service, 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.
Financial Assistance: Wildlife Restoration, Sport Fish Restoration, Hunter Education and Safety
Document Number: E8-16829
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-07-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
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