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

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde County, NC
Document Number: E8-31120
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-31
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 Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
Document Number: E8-31119
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following applicants have applied for scientific research permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).
Lake Champlain Sea Lamprey Control Alternatives Workgroup
Document Number: E8-31029
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Report
Document Number: E8-31022
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA), and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that we have revised our stock assessment report (SAR) for the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis) stock in California State, including incorporation of public comments. We now make our complete final 2008 revised SAR available to the public.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-31012
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-30
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: E8-31011
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following permits were issued.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Alabama Sturgeon (Scaphirhyncus suttkusi
Document Number: E8-30750
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-30
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 and the scheduling of a public hearing on the proposed revised designation of critical habitat for the Alabama sturgeon (Scaphirhyncus suttkusi) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability for public comment of a draft economic analysis (DEA) and an amended required determinations section of the proposal. We also seek comment on our proposal to change the first primary constituent element (PCE) from its original description because we have determined that the original wording failed to indicate that the flow needs of the species are relative to the season of the year. 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.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-30676
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-24
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Three Foreign Bird Species From Latin America and the Caribbean as Endangered Throughout Their Range
Document Number: E8-30464
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list three species of birds from Latin America and the Caribbeanthe Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus), the Chilean woodstar (Eulidia yarrellii), and the St. Lucia forest thrush (Cichlherminia lherminieri sanctaeluciae)as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). This proposal, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to these species. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed rule.
Approved Recovery Plan for the Copperbelly Water Snake Northern Distinct Population Segment
Document Number: E8-30489
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-23
Agency: Department of the Interior, U.s. Fish and Wildlife Service, Fish and Wildlife Service
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the approved recovery plan for the copperbelly water snake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) northern distinct population segment (DPS). The threatened copperbelly water snake northern DPS occurs in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. This plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to achieve delisting of the species from the Endangered Species Act (Act).
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; 1018-0113; Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) Grant Programs
Document Number: E8-30432
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-22
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. This ICR 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. However, under OMB regulations, we may continue to conduct or sponsor this information collection while it is pending at OMB.
Habitat Conservation Plan for the City and County of San Francisco, through its Public Utilities Commission, for the Operation and Maintenance Activities of its Alameda Watershed, Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, California
Document Number: E8-30374
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-22
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the FWS and NMFS (Services), are issuing this notice to advise the public of our intent, in coordination with the San Francisco Planning Department, to conduct public scoping necessary to gather information to prepare a joint Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/ EIR). The EIS/EIR will analyze the environmental effects of the of the Services' proposed issuance of an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (hereafter ESA or Act), for a Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) within a portion of the Alameda Creek watershed. The permit applicant is the City and County of San Francisco through its Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). The SFPUC intends to request a 30-year permit for five federally listed as threatened or endangered species and 12 unlisted species that may become listed during the term of the permit. The permit is needed to authorize the incidental take of threatened and endangered species that could occur as a result of the SFPUC's operations and maintenance activities on SFPUC lands within the Alameda Creek watershed. The Services provide this notice to (1) describe the proposed Plan and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected Tribes, and the public of the intent to prepare an EIS/EIR; (3) announce the initiation of a public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives to be included in the EIS/EIR. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a separate Notice of Preparation for the EIS/EIR will be posted by the San Francisco Planning Department, Major Environmental Analysis (MEA) Division with the State Clearinghouse.
Farallon National Wildlife Refuge, San Francisco County, CA
Document Number: E8-30308
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that the Farallon National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (draft CCP/EA) is available for review and comment. Also available for review are the draft compatibility determinations for research and monitoring, media access, and environmental education and monitoring through a remote camera system.
Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge, Hyde County, NC
Document Number: E8-30273
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage this refuge for the next 15 years.
Culebra National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico
Document Number: E8-30270
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act documents for Culebra National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.
Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge, Puerto Rico
Document Number: E8-30183
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and associated National Environmental Policy Act documents for Desecheo National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). We provide this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to consider in the planning process.
Issuance of Permits
Document Number: E8-30149
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following permits were issued.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-30148
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-19
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of Critical Habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino)
Document Number: E8-29671
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-19
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 our January 17, 2008, proposed revised designation of critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of the draft economic analysis (DEA), a revision to proposed critical habitat Unit 2, 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 proposed revision of critical habitat (including the changes to proposed critical habitat Unit 2), the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. If you submitted comments previously, then you do not need to resubmit them because they are included in the public record for this rulemaking and we will fully consider them in preparation of our final determination.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Change the Listing Status of the Canada Lynx
Document Number: E8-30110
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-18
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 revise the listing of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), to include New Mexico. We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that changing the listing status of the contiguous United States Distinct Population Segment of Canada lynx to include New Mexico may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a further review in response to the petition, and we will issue a 12-month finding to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that our review is comprehensive, we are soliciting feedback from the public regarding this species.
Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Harvest Regulations for Migratory Birds in Alaska During the 2009 Season
Document Number: E8-30081
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) proposes migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2009 season. The proposed regulations would enable the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska and prescribe regional information on when and where the harvesting of birds may occur. These proposed regulations were developed under a co- management process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives. The rulemaking is necessary because the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska are subject to annual review. This rulemaking proposes region-specific regulations that would go into effect on April 2, 2009, and expire on August 31, 2009.
Barton Creek Office Park Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan, Travis County, TX
Document Number: E8-30038
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Brandywine Realty Trust (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE-198648- 0. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize incidental take of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction and operation of the 14.83-acre Barton Creek Office Park.
Notice of Availability of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan
Document Number: E8-29890
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the third revision of the Florida Panther Recovery Plan. The plan includes specific recovery objectives and criteria to be met in order to reclassify the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) to threatened status and eventually delist this species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) Under the Endangered Species Act, and Proposed Rule To List the African Penguin as Endangered Throughout Its Range
Document Number: E8-29676
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposal, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to this species. This proposal also constitutes our 12-month finding on the petition to list this species. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Four Penguin Species as Threatened or Endangered Under the Endangered Species Act and Proposed Rule To List the Southern Rockhopper Penguin in the Campbell Plateau Portion of Its Range
Document Number: E8-29673
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list four species of penguins as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that the petitioned action for the Campbell Plateau portion of the range of the New Zealand/Australia Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) is warranted, and we propose to list this species as threatened under the Act in the Campbell Plateau portion of its range. This proposal, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to this species in that portion of its range. In addition, we find that listing under the Act is not warranted for the remainder of the range of the southern rockhopper penguin and throughout all or any portion of the range for the northern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes moseleyi), macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus), and emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List Five Penguin Species Under the Endangered Species Act, and Proposed Rule To List the Five Penguin Species
Document Number: E8-29670
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), white-flippered penguin (Eudyptula minor albosignata), Fiordland crested penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus), Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti), and erect-crested penguin (Eudyptes sclateri) as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposal, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to these species. This proposal also constitutes our 12-month finding on the petition to list these five species. The Service seeks data and comments from the public on this proposed rule.
Service Regulations Committee Meeting
Document Number: E8-29942
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter Service) will conduct an open meeting on January 29, 2009, to identify and discuss preliminary issues concerning the 2009-10 migratory bird hunting regulations.
Receipt of Application for an Enhancement of Survival Permit for the Northern Spotted Owl and the Marbled Murrelet
Document Number: E8-29899
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Port Blakely Tree Farms (PBTF) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit (Permit) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The permit application includes a draft Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA), draft Implementing Agreement (IA), and a draft Environmental Assessment (EA). The proposed term of the Permit and the Agreement is 60 years. The Permit would authorize PBTF to carry out habitat management measures that are likely to benefit the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and the marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), both of which are federally listed as threatened, and would allow PBTF to return their properties to agreed upon baseline conditions at the end of the Permit term. The covered area is approximately 45,306 acres (18,335 hectares) and is located in eastern Lewis and Skamania counties, Washington. In accordance with Service responsibilities pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), this notice also announces the availability for public review of a draft EA developed in conjunction with the proposed SHA. We request comments from the public on the permit application, draft SHA, draft IA, and the draft EA.
Big Stone, Neal Smith, Crane Meadows, Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, Huron, and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges
Document Number: E8-29836
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to gather information necessary to prepare comprehensive conservation plans (CCP) and associated environmental documents for the Big Stone, Neal Smith, Crane Meadows, Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, Huron, and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs). We furnish this notice in compliance with our CCP policy to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, and to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be considered in the planning process. In addition, we invite comments on archeological, historic, and traditional cultural sites in accordance with the National Historic Preservation Act. Special mailings, newspaper articles, Internet postings, and other media announcements will inform people of the opportunities for written comments.
Baker Island, Howland Island, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuges, U.S. Territories
Document Number: E8-29721
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have completed Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs) and Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs) for the Baker Island, Howland Island, and Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges). The CCPs were developed to provide a foundation for the management and use of these Refuges. We are furnishing this notice to advise other agencies and the public of the availability of the CCPs and FONSIs, and the decision to implement Alternative B as described in each CCP. The Service's Regional Director for the Pacific Region selected Alternative B for managing these Refuges for the next 15 years. The Refuges are U.S. Territories in the central Pacific Ocean, located between 1,300 and 1,600 miles southwest of Honolulu, Hawai'i.
Wapack National Wildlife Refuge, Hillsborough County, NH
Document Number: E8-29436
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for Wapack National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In this final CCP, we describe how we will manage the refuge for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of 7 Listed Species
Document Number: E8-29720
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, initiate 5-year reviews of the endangered Appalachian monkeyface (Quadrula sparsa), the northeast population of the roseate tern (Sterna dougalii dougalli), and the shale barren rock-cress (Arabis serotina), and the threatened Cheat Mountain salamander (Plethodon nettingi), the Madison cave isopod (Antrolana lira), the sensitive joint-vetch (Aeschynomene virginica), and the Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum), 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 make a finding on whether these species are properly classified under the Act.
Interagency Cooperation Under the Endangered Species Act
Document Number: E8-29701
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-12-16
Agency: Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
With this final rule, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (collectively, ``Services'' or ``we'') amend regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). This rule clarifies several definitions, provides assistance as to when consultation under section 7 is necessary, and establishes time frames for the informal consultation process.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Special Rule for the Polar Bear
Document Number: E8-29675
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-12-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), amend the regulations at 50 CFR part 17, which implement the Endangered Species Act, as amended (ESA), to create a final special rule under authority of section 4(d) of the ESA that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). The special rule, in most instances, adopts the existing conservation regulatory requirements under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA), and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) as the appropriate regulatory provisions for this threatened species. Nonetheless, if an activity is not authorized or exempted under the MMPA or CITES and would result in an act that would be otherwise prohibited under the general prohibitions under the ESA for threatened species (50 CFR 17.31), then the prohibitions at 50 CFR 17.31 apply, and we would require authorization under 50 CFR 17.32. In addition, this special rule provides that any incidental take of polar bears that results from activities that occur outside of the current range of the species is not a prohibited act under the ESA. This special rule does not affect any existing requirements under the MMPA, including incidental take restrictions, or CITES, regardless of whether the activity occurs inside or outside the current range of the polar bear. Further, nothing in this special rule affects the consultation requirements under section 7 of the ESA.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: E8-29666
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-16
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.
John Hay National Wildlife Refuge, Merrimack County, NH
Document Number: E8-28914
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and an associated National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) document for John Hay National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). We provide this notice in compliance with our planning 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. We are also requesting public comments.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment of the Northern Sea Otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni)
Document Number: E8-28897
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the southwest Alaska Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 15,225 square kilometers (km\2\) (5,879 square miles (mi\2\)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. The proposed critical habitat is located in Alaska.
Delta and Breton National Wildlife Refuges, Louisiana
Document Number: E8-29320
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-11
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 Delta and Breton National Wildlife Refuges. In the final CCP, we describe how we will manage these refuges for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reinstatement of Protections for the Gray Wolf in the Western Great Lakes and Northern Rocky Mountains in Compliance With Court Orders
Document Number: E8-29265
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-12-11
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) are issuing this final rule to comply with three court orders which have the effect of reinstating the regulatory protections under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), for the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the western Great Lakes and the northern Rocky Mountains. This rule corrects the gray wolf listing at 50 CFR 17.11 to reinstate the listing of wolves in all of Wisconsin and Michigan, the eastern half of North Dakota and South Dakota, the northern half of Iowa, the northern portions of Illinois and Indiana, the northwestern portion of Ohio, the northern half of Montana, the northern panhandle of Idaho, the eastern third of Washington and Oregon, and in north-central Utah as endangered, and reinstate the listing of wolves in Minnesota as threatened. This rule also reinstates the former designated critical habitat in 50 CFR 17.95(a) for gray wolves in Minnesota and Michigan, special regulations in 50 CFR 17.40(d) for the gray wolf in Minnesota, and special rules in 50 CFR 17.84 designating the gray wolf in the remainder of Montana and Idaho and all of Wyoming as nonessential experimental populations. This action revises the CFR to comply with three court orders. In addition, this final rule takes additional administrative action that removes archaic provisions from the gray wolf special regulation at 50 CFR 17.84(i) and makes corrections to the gray wolf special regulation at Sec. 17.84(n) by removing language referring to a Western DPS.
General Regulations for Areas Administered by the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service
Document Number: E8-29249
Type: Rule
Date: 2008-12-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, National Park Service
This final rulemaking amends regulations codified in 36 CFR part 2 and 50 CFR part 27, which pertain to the possession and transportation of firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges. The final rule updates these regulations to reflect state laws authorizing the possession of concealed firearms, while leaving unchanged the existing regulatory provisions that ensure visitor safety and resource protection such as the prohibitions on poaching and limitations on hunting and target practice.
Meeting Announcement: North American Wetlands Conservation Council
Document Number: E8-29214
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-29196
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
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 and/or marine mammals.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E8-29194
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
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 and marine mammals.
Issuance of Permits
Document Number: E8-29191
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following permits were issued.
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; OMB Control Number 1018-0010; Mourning Dove Call Count Survey
Document Number: E8-29141
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
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. This ICR 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. However, under OMB regulations, we may continue to conduct or sponsor this information collection while it is pending at OMB.
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; OMB Control Number 1018-0019; North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
Document Number: E8-29140
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
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. This ICR 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. However, under OMB regulations, we may continue to conduct or sponsor this information collection while it is pending at OMB.
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; OMB Control Number 1018-0127; Horseshoe Crab Tagging Program
Document Number: E8-29139
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
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. This ICR 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. However, under OMB regulations, we may continue to conduct or sponsor this information collection while it is pending at OMB.
Proposed Information Collection; OMB Control Number 1018-0120; Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership Application/ Nomination and Interview Forms
Document Number: E8-29138
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-10
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 March 31, 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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of Native Species That Are Candidates for Listing as Endangered or Threatened; Annual Notice of Findings on Resubmitted Petitions; Annual Description of Progress on Listing Actions
Document Number: E8-28986
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2008-12-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In this Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), present an updated list of plant and animal species native to the United States that we regard as candidates for or have proposed for addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Identification of candidate species can assist environmental planning efforts by providing advance notice of potential listings, allowing landowners and resource managers to alleviate threats and thereby possibly remove the need to list species as endangered or threatened. Even if we subsequently list a candidate species, the early notice provided here could result in more options for species management and recovery by prompting candidate conservation measures to alleviate threats to the species. The CNOR summarizes the status and threats that we evaluated in order to determine that species qualify as candidates and to assign a listing priority number (LPN) to each species, or to remove species from candidate status. Additional material that we relied on is available in the Species Assessment and Listing Priority Assignment Forms (species assessment forms, previously called candidate forms) for each candidate species. Overall, this CNOR recognizes 1 new candidate, changes the LPN for 11 candidates, and removes 2 species from candidate status. Combined with other decisions for individual species that were published separately from this CNOR in the past year, the current number of species that are candidates for listing is 251. This document also includes our findings on resubmitted petitions and describes our progress in revising the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants during the period September 30, 2007, through September 30, 2008. We request additional status information that may be available for the 251 candidate species identified in this CNOR.
Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, Brevard and Indian River Counties, FL
Document Number: E8-29082
Type: Notice
Date: 2008-12-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of our final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). In the CCP, we describe how we will manage Archie Carr NWR for the next 15 years.
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