Fish and Wildlife Service January 17, 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is advising the public of the availability of the final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) associated with an application received from Fowler Ridge Wind Farm LLC, Fowler Ridge II Wind Farm LLC, Fowler Ridge III Wind Farm LLC, and Fowler Ridge IV Wind Farm LLC, collectively referred to as Fowler Ridge (applicant), for an incidental take permit (permit) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We also announce the availability of the final Fowler Ridge Wind Farm (FRWF; project) Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), prepared in accordance with the ESA, and the availability of a final Programmatic Agreement (PA) to address the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulations, ``Protection of Historic Properties.'' Fowler Ridge submitted the HCP, as well as a proposed Implementing Agreement (IA), as part of its incidental take permit application. If issued, the permit would authorize incidental take of the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) from operation of Phases I-IV of the project. Fowler Ridge is requesting a 21-year permit term. The Service is furnishing this notice to allow other agencies and the public an opportunity to review these documents. For locations to review the documents, please see the Availability of Documents section below.