Fish and Wildlife Service 2014 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the northern Mexican gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops) and the narrow-headed gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus), native species from Arizona and New Mexico in the United States. We also finalize a rule under authority of section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the northern Mexican gartersnake. Both species are listed as threatened throughout their range, which, for the northern Mexican gartersnake, also includes the Mexican states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Coahuila, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Hidalgo, Jalisco, San Luis Potos[iacute], Aguascalientes, Tlaxacala, Puebla, M[eacute]xico, Veracruz, and Quer[eacute]taro. The effect of this regulation will be to add these species to the lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

This notice advises the public that we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), from the City of Colton (City), San Bernardino County, California. The Service, in cooperation and coordination with the City, has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for the City's permit application and proposed West Valley Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). We have prepared the draft EA to analyze the impacts of the Service's proposed issuance of the requested permit for incidental take of the Delhi Sands flower-loving fly. The draft EA considers the environmental effects associated with the City's implementation of the proposed West Valley HCP, as well as the measures the City will undertake to minimize and mitigate the effects of incidental take to the maximum extent practicable. We provide the analysis in the draft EA to inform the public of the proposed action, alternatives, and associated impacts; and to disclose the direct, indirect, and cumulative environmental effects of the proposed action and each of the alternatives. We request public comment on the draft EA and proposed West Valley HCP for the City's proposed activities.

We (U.S. 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, 2014. 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 or USFWS), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to reclassify the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a review of the status of the species to determine if reclassification is warranted. Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act also requires a status review of listed species at least once every 5 years. We are, therefore, electing to conduct the 5-year review simultaneously with the status review. To ensure that this status review is comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the West Indian manatee, including its subspecies the Florida manatee and Antillean manatee. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-month finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.

On June 25, 2014, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announced the availability of our draft recovery plan for the Texas ayenia, which is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). However, we printed the incorrect Internet address for reviewers to use to download the draft recovery plan. This notice provides the correct Internet address.

We, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, the Services), announce a policy to provide our interpretation of the phrase ``significant portion of its range'' in the Endangered Species Act's (Act's) definitions of ``endangered species'' and ``threatened species.'' The purpose of this final policy is to provide an interpretation and application of ``significant portion of its range'' that reflects a permissible reading of the law and minimizes undesirable policy outcomes, while fulfilling the conservation purposes of the Act. This final policy provides a consistent standard for interpretation of the phrase and its role in listing determinations.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), reclassify the United States (U.S.) breeding population of the wood stork from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Further, we establish the U.S. breeding population in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Mississippi, and South Carolina as a distinct population segment (DPS). The endangered designation no longer correctly reflects the status of the DPS due to improvement in its overall status. This action is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial data, which indicate that the U.S. wood stork DPS is not presently in danger of extinction across its range. While habitat loss and fragmentation continues to impact the U.S. wood stork DPS, the increase in the abundance of the breeding population and significant expansion of the breeding range reduce the severity and magnitude of these threats.

We invite you to provide us with information and recommendations on animal and plant species that should be considered as candidates for U.S. proposals to amend Appendices I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES or the Convention) at the upcoming seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17). Such amendments may concern the addition of species to Appendix I or II, the transfer of species from one Appendix to another or the removal of species from Appendix II. Finally, with this notice, we also describe the U.S. approach to preparations for CoP17. We will publish a second Federal Register notice to solicit information and recommendations on possible resolutions, decisions, and agenda items for discussion at CoP17 and to provide information on how to request approved observer status.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we''), announce the extension of the public comment periods on our May 12, 2014, proposals to revise definitions and regulations regarding critical habitat. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of each final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species, marine mammals, or both. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the proposed rule published on March 12, 2010, which proposed to amend our regulations to add nine species of large constrictor snakes as injurious species under the Lacey Act. Because four of the nine species were added to the regulations in 2012, this reopening notice is restricted to the five remaining species: the reticulated python (Broghammerus reticulatus or Python reticulatus), DeSchauensee's anaconda (Eunectes deschauenseei), green anaconda (Eunectes murinus), Beni anaconda (Eunectes beniensis), and boa constrictor (Boa constrictor). If you have previously submitted comments on the proposed rule, please do not resubmit them because we have already incorporated them in the public record and will fully consider them in our final decision on these five species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a final rule to list the Philippine cockatoo (Cacatua haematuropygia) and the yellow-crested cockatoo (C. sulphurea) as endangered, and to list the white cockatoo (C. alba) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are taking these actions in response to a petition to list these three cockatoo species as endangered or threatened under the ESA. We also finalize the special rule for the white cockatoo in conjunction with our final listing as threatened for this species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, us, or we), announce five public scoping meetings to inform our decision to prepare either an Environmental Assessment (EA) or an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, in conjunction with an evaluation of our eagle management objectives. The decision to initially prepare an EA or EIS will be, in part, contingent on the complexity of issues identified during, and following, the scoping phase of the NEPA process. The scoping meetings will provide an opportunity for input from other agencies, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, and the public on the scope of the NEPA analysis, the pertinent issues we should address, and alternatives we should analyze.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the September 26, 2013, proposed revised designation of critical habitat for the contiguous U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) and a draft environmental assessment of the proposed revised designation of critical habitat for the contiguous U.S. DPS of the Canada lynx, 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 rule, the associated DEA, the draft environmental assessment, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, and methods and means related to the taking of wildlife for subsistence uses in Alaska during the 2014-15 and 2015-16 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) completes the biennial process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. This rulemaking replaces the wildlife taking regulations that expire on June 30, 2014. This rule also revises wildlife customary and traditional use determinations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that it has established a policy that covers Service procedures for accepting, using, and recognizing donations. This donations policy is an extension of the Department of the Interior's guidance on donations, found in the Departmental Manual (DM) at 374 DM 6. The donations policy establishes procedures for reviewing and evaluating potential donors and donations. It lists delegations of authority for accepting donations and the roles and responsibilities of the Service's Donations Senior Manager and employees authorized to accept donations. It provides guidance on soliciting donations, where appropriate, and provides general guidance on fundraising by non-Federal entities on the Service's behalf. It focuses on the ethical considerations of all types of donations, as opposed to our Fish and Wildlife Service Manual (FW) guidance, 342 FW 5, Non-Purchase Acquisition, which covers the acquisition of real property rights by methods other than purchase, including donation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announces the availability of the Classroom Guidelines for Preventing the Introduction and Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS). These voluntary guidelines are intended to be used by agencies and organizations to develop materials that inform educators and students about the risks of spreading aquatic invasive species, and to limit their spread via the disposal of unwanted live educational specimens (animals, plants, and microorganisms) into local waters, including release into drains or flushing down toilets.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application for a 10-year incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the federally endangered Morro shoulderband snail that is likely to occur incidental to the construction and maintenance of a single-family residence and implementation of a conservation strategy. We invite comments from the public on the application package, which includes a low-effect habitat conservation plan for the Morro shoulderband snail.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are extending the public comment period on our May 8, 2014, 12-month finding and proposed rule concerning the southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). We will also hold two public hearings to receive comments on the proposed rule. We are taking these actions to allow all interested parties additional time and opportunity to comment on the proposed rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius luteus) found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. The effect of this regulation will be to add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We have also determined that critical habitat for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is prudent and determinable and will soon publish in the Federal Register our final designation of critical habitat for the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- day findings on two petitions to list two species (Flat-tailed tortoise (Pyxis planicauda) and Spider tortoise (Pyxis arachnoides)) as endangered or threatened and one petition to list one species (Pygmy three-toed sloth (Bradypus pygmaeus)) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that these petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we are initiating a review of the status of these species to determine if the petitioned actions are warranted. To assure that the best scientific and commercial data informs the status review and, if warranted, the subsequent listing determinations, and to provide an opportunity for all interested parties to provide information for consideration for the status assessment, we are requesting information regarding these species (see Request for Information, below). Based on the status reviews, we will issue 12-month findings on the petitions, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are correcting a final rule published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2014, to revise the regulations that implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) by incorporating certain provisions adopted at the fourteenth and fifteenth meetings of the Conference of the Parties (CoP14 and CoP15) to CITES and to clarify and update certain other provisions. In that rule, one of our amendatory instructions was incorrect. This action makes the necessary correction.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (Council). The Council provides advice about wildlife and habitat conservation endeavors that benefit wildlife resources; encourage partnership among the public, the sporting conservation organizations, the states, Native American tribes, and the Federal Government; and benefit recreational hunting.

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 2014-15 hunting season. This supplement to the proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, announces the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee and Flyway Council meetings, and provides Flyway Council recommendations resulting from their March meetings.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (Act) prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act also requires that we invite public comment before issuing recovery permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for Ivesia webberi (Webber's ivesia) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). In total, approximately 2,170 acres (879 hectares) in Plumas, Lassen, and Sierra Counties in northeastern California, and in Washoe and Douglas Counties in northwestern Nevada, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The effect of this regulation is to conserve I. webberi's critical habitat under the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the August 2, 2013, proposed designation of critical habitat for the Physaria globosa (Short's bladderpod), Helianthus verticillatus (whorled sunflower), and Leavenworthia crassa (fleshy-fruit gladecress) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation for these species as well as an amended required determinations section of the proposal. We also propose to increase the proposed designation of critical habitat for Leavenworthia crassa by approximately 0.04 hectare (0.1 acre) by adding one unit in Lawrence County, Alabama. 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. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), revise the two depredation orders for double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus, DCCOs). We extend the expiration dates for the orders for 5 years to allow State and Tribal resource management agencies to continue to manage DCCO problems and gather data on the effects of DCCO control actions. We have prepared a final environmental assessment (FEA) to analyze the environmental impacts associated with this extension. We change the annual reporting date for the depredation order to protect public resources, remove requirements for DCCO control activities around bald eagles and bald eagle nests for both orders, and require use of the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines for both orders. We also add a requirement for the use of nontoxic rifle bullets for anyone using centerfire rifles to control DCCOs under the orders, beginning on January 1, 2017.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have prepared a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), in response to an application from Maricopa Sun, LLC (the applicant), for an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant has prepared the draft Maricopa Sun Solar Complex Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for review. We announce a public comment period on the permit application, including the draft EIS and the proposed HCP. We request data, comments, new information, or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, Tribes, industry, or any other interested party.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the October 22, 2013, proposed designation of critical habitat for Agave eggersiana (no common name), Gonocalyx concolor (no common name), and Varronia rupicola (no common name) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for these species 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 rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are adopting as a final rule an interim rule to list the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) as threatened under the authority of section 4(e) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), due to the similarity in appearance with the endangered Javan (Rhinoceros sondaicus), Sumatran (Dicerorhinos sumatrensis), Indian (Rhinoceros unicornis), black (Diceros bicornis) and northern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum cottoni). The interim rule was necessary, as differentiating between the horns and other products made from the southern white rhino and the endangered Javan, Sumatran, Indian, black, and northern white rhino is difficult for law enforcement to determine without genetic testing, decreasing their ability to enforce and further the provisions and policies of the Act. This similarity of appearance has resulted in the documented trade of listed rhinoceros species, often under the guise of being the unprotected southern white rhinoceros, and this difficulty in distinguishing between the rhino species protected under the Act and the southern white rhino constitutes an additional threat to all endangered rhinoceros species. The determination that the southern white rhino should be treated as threatened due to similarity of appearance will substantially facilitate law enforcement actions to protect and conserve all endangered rhino species. Therefore, for the reasons given in the interim rule and in this document, we are adopting the interim rule as a final rule without substantive change.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) we prepared on the CCP for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The final CCP describes how we intend to manage the refuge for the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Linda and Russ Charvonia for a 10-year incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the federally endangered Morro shoulderband snail that is likely to occur incidental to the construction, maintenance, and occupation of a single-family residence and implementation of a conservation strategy on an existing legal single-family-zoned parcel in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California. We invite comments from the public on the application package, which includes the Charvonia Parcel Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Morro Shoulderband Snail (HCP). This proposed action has been determined to be eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activities. Both the Act and the National Environmental Policy Act require that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the public comment period on our October 16, 2012, proposed designation of critical habitat for the Neosho mucket (Lampsilis rafinesqueana) and rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica) mussels under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. In response to requests we received, we are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the proposed designation of critical habitat, draft environmental assessment, and draft economic analysis. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in our determinations on this rulemaking action.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the extension of the public comment period on our September 30, 2013, proposal to list the rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In accordance with section 4(b)(5) of the Act, we are holding a second public hearing in North Carolina. A public informational session will be held immediately preceding the public hearing. Extending the comment period until June 15, 2014, will allow all interested parties an opportunity to attend the second North Carolina public hearing and provide testimony and additional comments on the proposed rufa red knot listing. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

On April 4, 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced an interim suspension on importation of sport-hunted African elephant trophies taken in Zimbabwe during the 2014 season (on April 17, 2014, the Service revised this finding, primarily to clarify that the suspension applied only to elephants hunted on or after April 4, 2014). The decision to suspend importation of African elephant trophies taken in Zimbabwe was due primarily to the Service having insufficient information on the status of elephants in Zimbabwe and the current management program in Zimbabwe to determine that the killing of the animal whose trophy is intended for import into the United States would enhance the survival of the species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively referred to as the ``Services'' or ``we'') propose to amend our regulations, which implements the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Our regulation establishes the procedural regulations governing interagency cooperation under section 7 of the Act. The Act requires Federal agencies, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretaries of the Interior and Commerce, to insure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat of such species. In 1986, the Services established a definition for ``destruction or adverse modification'' (Sec. 402.02) that was found to be invalid by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth (2001) and Ninth (2004) Circuits. We propose to amend our regulations to replace the invalidated definition with one that is consistent with the Act and the circuit court opinions. Finally, the proposed amendment is part of the Services' response to Section 6 of Executive Order 13563 (January 18, 2011), which directs agencies to analyze their existing regulations and, among other things, modify or streamline them in accordance with what has been learned.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the locations and dates of public hearings to receive public comments on the October 28, 2013, proposed listing, critical habitat designation, and special rule for the bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to delist the southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou). This species is currently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that delisting the species is not warranted, but rather, a revision to the current listed entity to define a distinct population segment (DPS), consistent with our 1996 distinct population segment policy, is appropriate. As such, we propose to amend the current listing of the southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou by defining the Southern Mountain Caribou DPS, which includes the currently listed southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou, and we propose to designate the status of the Southern Mountain Caribou DPS as threatened under the Act. If we finalize this rule as proposed, the Southern Mountain Caribou DPS will be listed as threatened under the Act. This DPS includes the currently listed southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou, a transboundary population that moves between British Columbia, Canada, and northern Idaho and northeastern Washington, United States. We have determined that the approximately 30,010 acres (12,145 hectares) designated as critical habitat on November 28, 2012 (77 FR 71042), for the southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou is applicable to the U.S. portion of the proposed Southern Mountain Caribou DPS and, as such, reaffirm the existing critical habitat for the DPS should the proposed amendment to the listed entity become final.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), of 4 animal and 5 plant species. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last review of the species.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for recovery permits to conduct activities with the purpose of enhancing the survival of endangered species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits certain activities with endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act also requires that we invite public comment before issuing such permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment periods on the August 6, 2013, proposed listing determination and the August 6, 2013, proposed designation of critical habitat for Penstemon grahamii (Graham's beardtongue) and Penstemon scariosus var. albifluvis (White River beardtongue) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). For the proposed listing determination, we also announce the availability of a draft conservation agreement. For the proposed designation of critical habitat for Graham's beardtongue and White River beardtongue, we also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA); draft environmental assessment (draft EA); and amended required determinations section. In addition, we request public comment on new occurrence data that have become available since the publication of the proposed rules. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rules. We also announce that we will hold a public hearing on our proposed listing and proposed designation of critical habitat for these plants (see DATES and ADDRESSES).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), revise the critical habitat designation for the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 1,110 acres (ac) (449 hectares (ha)) in Lancaster and Saunders Counties, Nebraska, fall within the boundaries of our revised critical habitat designation. Publication of this final rule fulfills our obligations under a settlement agreement. The effect of this regulation is to conserve the Salt Creek tiger beetle and its habitat under the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for Leavenworthia exigua var. laciniata (Kentucky glade cress), a plant species from Bullitt and Jefferson Counties, Kentucky. The effect of this regulation will be to add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to reclassify Astragalus jaegerianus (Lane Mountain milk-vetch) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that reclassification of Astragalus jaegerianus is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the species or its habitat at any time.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application from James Mueller, District Manager of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, for a 5-year incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the federally endangered Mount Hermon June Beetle and Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and the federally threatened California red-legged frog, which is likely to occur incidental to the construction and maintenance of two water pump stations and an intertie pipeline connection on three parcels in central Santa Cruz County, California. We invite comments from the public on the application package, which includes a low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP) for the three species for the Scotts Valley Multi-Agency Regional Intertie Project in Santa Cruz County, California.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter the Service or we) proposes to establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2014-15 hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2014-15 duck hunting seasons, requests proposals from Indian tribes that wish to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands, and requests proposals for the 2016 spring and summer migratory bird subsistence season in Alaska. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and permit harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Collado Homes, LLC (applicant), for a renewal of incidental take permit TE179280-1 under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant has requested a renewal that will extend permit expiration by 5 years from the date the permit is reissued. The applicant has agreed to follow all of the existing habitat conservation plan (HCP) conditions. If renewed, no additional take will be authorized. The permit would authorize take of the federally endangered Mount Hermon June beetle (Polyphylla barbata), incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the Collado Homes residential development.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose changes in the regulations governing the administration of the national Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG). We published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on March 28, 2012. We received 22 responses from the public during the 60-day comment period that ended May 29, 2012. Fifteen of the responses contained comments applicable to the proposed rule, and 11 asked for more time to review the proposed rule. Some comments expressed full support, and others suggested changes. We amend the proposed rule based on these comments and our further review and consideration of the proposed rule. The amended proposed rule gives the public a 90-day comment period.

We (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) have sent an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review and approval. We summarize the ICR below and describe the nature of the collection and the estimated burden and cost. This information collection is scheduled to expire on April 30, 2014. 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, announce a joint meeting between the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG) and Trinity Management Council (TMC). The TAMWG is a Federal advisory committee that affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River (California) restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council (TMC). The TMC interprets and recommends policy, coordinates and reviews management actions, and provides organizational budget oversight.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the reconsideration of our final rule listing Lepidium papilliferum (slickspot peppergrass) as a threatened species throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA or Act), published February 12, 2014. We published the reconsideration of the final rule in response to the Idaho District Court's remand because the Court asked us to reconsider the definition of the ``foreseeable future'' in regard to this particular species. We are seeking input on our interpretation of the foreseeable future as it pertains specifically to L. papilliferum. In addition, we also seek any new information regarding population status, trends, or threats that has become available since our last review of the status of the species in 2009. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of our final determination.

In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce that we have revised our stock assessment report (SAR) for the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) stock and for each of the following northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) stocks in Alaska: Southwest, Southcentral, and Southeast. We now make these four final revised SARs available to the public.

We, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from the City of Santa Clara, doing business as Silicon Valley Power (applicant), for a 30-year incidental take permit for five species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of one listed animal and four listed plants. We request comments on the applicant's application and HCP, and our preliminary determination that the HCP 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), also available for public review.

The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) requires the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to review the maps of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) at least once every 5 years and make any minor and technical modifications to the boundaries of the CBRS as are necessary to reflect changes that have occurred in the size or location of any CBRS unit as a result of natural forces. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has conducted this review and has prepared final revised maps for all of the CBRS units in Delaware, all units in South Carolina (including one unit that crosses the State boundary into North Carolina), all units in Texas, and one unit in Florida. The maps were produced by the Service in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and in consultation with the appropriate Federal, State, and local officials. This notice announces the findings of the Service's review and the availability of final revised maps for 69 CBRS units. The final revised maps for these CBRS units, dated December 6, 2013, are the official controlling CBRS maps for these areas.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application from Steven C. Sohl for a 5-year incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the federally endangered Mount Hermon June beetle likely to occur incidental to the construction of a single-family residence, garage, and associated landscaping/infrastructure on an existing legal parcel in Bonny Doon, Santa Cruz County, California. We invite comments from the public on the application package includes the Sohl Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Endangered Mount Hermon June Beetle.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a final rule in the Federal Register on February 24, 2014, to list the Georgetown salamander and Salado salamander as threatened throughout their ranges under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (Act). Inadvertently, we made a technical error in our regulatory text. This action makes the necessary correction to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We are also taking this opportunity to revise another entry on the List to correct a typographical error.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental impact statement (EIS) for Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, refuge) for public review and comment. In this draft CCP/ EIS, we describe how we propose to manage the refuge for the next 15 years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, finalize a special rule under authority of section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for three subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher (the Olympia pocket gopher, Thomomys mazama pugetensis; the Tenino pocket gopher, T. m. tumuli; and the Yelm pocket gopher, T. m. yelmensis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 1,607 acres (650 hectares) in Thurston County, Washington, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation for the Olympia, Tenino, and Yelm pocket gophers. All critical habitat proposed for the Roy Prairie pocket gopher (T. m. glacialis) in Pierce County, Washington, is exempted under section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act; as a consequence, there is no final critical habitat for this subspecies. The effect of this regulation is, therefore, to designate critical habitat for the Olympia, Tenino, and Yelm subspecies of the Mazama pocket gopher found in Thurston County, Washington, under the Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2014 season. These regulations allow for 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 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 establishes region-specific regulations that go into effect on April 8, 2014, and expire on August 31, 2014.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our October 28, 2013, proposed rule to list the Bi-State distinct population segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, with a special rule. We are also reopening the public comment period on our October 28, 2013, proposed rule to designate critical habitat for this DPS. We are also announcing the location and time of public hearings to receive public comments on the proposals. Finally, we announce a 6-month extension of the final determination of whether or not to list the Bi-State DPS as a threatened species. We are taking this action based on substantial disagreement regarding the sufficiency or accuracy of the available data relevant to the proposed listing, making it necessary to solicit additional information by reopening the comment period for 60 days. We will publish a listing determination on or before April 28, 2015.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from City of Rialto (applicant), for a 3-year incidental take permit (permit); the application includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If approved, the permit would authorize incidental take of the endangered Delhi Sands flower-loving fly in the course of routine activities associated with the construction activities associated with the widening of San Bernardino Avenue, Riverside Avenue, and Willow Avenue. We invite public comment on the permit application and proposed HCP, and on our preliminary determination that the HCP qualifies as ``low-effect'' for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. To make this determination, we used our environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, which are also available for review.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our September 30, 2013, proposal to list the rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In accordance with section 4(b)(5) of the Act, during the reopened public comment period we will hold two public hearings, one in North Carolina and one in Texas, with public informational sessions immediately preceding the public hearings. This comment period will allow all interested parties an opportunity to attend the public hearings and provide testimony and additional comments on the proposed rufa red knot listing. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

Under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), remove the island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species has recovered and no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or threatened species under the Act.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis lupus ligoni) as a threatened or endangered species and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Alexander Archipelago wolf may be warranted. Therefore, with publication of this notice, we are notifying the public that when resources become available, we will be conducting a review of the status of the species to determine if listing the Alexander Archipelago wolf is warranted. To ensure that this status review is comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding wolves of Southeast Alaska and adjacent coastal British Columbia. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-month finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Fish and Wildlife Service are extending the comment period on the Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (BDCP, or the Plan) and Draft BDCP Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/EIS). In response to public requests, the comment period is being extended for an additional 60 days.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activities. Both the Act and the National Environmental Policy Act require that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Commonwealth Edison, for an incidental take permit (ITPs) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). If approved, the permit would authorize incidental take of the federally endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly, Illinois threatened black-billed cuckoo, and Illinois endangered Blanding's turtle and spotted turtle. The applicant has prepared a low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP) to cover activities associated with electrical utility right-of-way maintenance in Cook, DuPage, and Will Counties, Illinois. We invite public comments on the application and draft HCP.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species, marine mammals, or both. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014 (Pub. L. 113-76) was enacted into law on January 17, 2014. A provision of that act directs the Secretary of the Interior, within 60 days of enactment, to reissue the final rule published on September 2, 2005, that authorized certain otherwise prohibited activities with U.S. captive-bred specimens of scimitar-horned oryx, addax, and dama gazelle where the purpose of the activity is associated with the management of the species in a manner that contributes to increasing or sustaining captive numbers or to potential reintroduction to range countries. This rule implements that directive.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Sweetwater Authority (applicant) for a 5- 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 San Diego fairy shrimp associated with the proposed use of an established hiking, biking, and equestrian trail near the Sweetwater Reservoir in unincorporated San Diego County, California. A conservation program to avoid, minimize, and mitigate for the project activities would be implemented as described in the proposed Sweetwater Riding and Hiking Trail 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, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the June 4, 2013, proposed revised designation of critical habitat for the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela nevadica lincolniana) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Salt Creek tiger beetle, a draft environmental assessment (EA), 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, the draft EA, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless a Federal permit is issued that allows such activities. The ESA requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose revisions to the two existing depredation orders for double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) at 50 CFR 21.47 and 21.48. We propose to extend the expiration dates from these depredation orders for 5 years. We do so to allow State and tribal resource management agencies to continue to manage double-crested cormorant problems under the terms and conditions of the depredation orders and gather data on the effects of double-crested cormorant control actions. If we do not extend these depredation orders, any action to control depredating double-crested cormorants after June 30, 2014, will require a permit. We have prepared a draft environmental assessment (DEA) to analyze the environmental impacts associated with this extension. Additionally, we propose to change the annual reporting date for the depredation order to protect public resources (50 CFR 21.48), to remove requirements for cormorant control activities around bald eagles and bald eagle nests for both depredation orders, and to recommend use of the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines for both depredation orders. We invite the public to comment on the DEA and our proposed revisions to the regulations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a final revised recovery plan for the pallid sturgeon. This fish species is federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for interstate commerce permits and recovery permits to conduct activities with the purpose of enhancing the survival of endangered species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits certain activities with endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act also requires that we invite public comment before issuing such permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public teleconference of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council (Council).

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on the August 6, 2013, proposed designation of critical habitat for the sharpnose shiner (Notropis oxyrhynchus) and smalleye shiner (N. buccula) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for sharpnose shiner and smalleye shiner 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 critical habitat rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.

We (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) have sent an Information Collection Request (ICR) to OMB for review and approval. We summarize the ICR below and describe the nature of the collection and the estimated burden and cost. This information collection is scheduled to expire on February 28, 2014. 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), propose to remove Oenothera avita ssp. eurekensis (now accepted as Oenothera californica subsp. eurekensis, with a common name of Eureka Valley evening-primrose, Eureka evening-primrose, or Eureka Dunes evening- primrose) and Swallenia alexandrae (with a common name of Eureka dune grass or Eureka Valley dune grass) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. This action is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that both species no longer meet the definition of an endangered species, and further do not meet the definition of a threatened species, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposed rule, if made final, would remove these plants from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. This document also constitutes our 12-month finding on a petition to remove both species from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. We are seeking information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking comments to assist us in developing a proposed rule on managing activities associated with non-Federal oil and gas development on lands and waters of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). Non-Federal oil and gas development refers to oil and gas activities associated with any private, state, or tribally owned mineral interest where the surface estate is administered by the Service as part of the Refuge System. The proposed rule will clarify and expand existing regulations. We seek public input on how to manage non-Federal oil and gas operations on Refuge System lands to avoid or minimize, to the greatest possible extent, adverse effects on natural and cultural resources, wildlife-dependent recreation, and refuge infrastructure and management; ensure a consistent and effective regulatory environment for oil and gas operators; and protect public health and safety. The Service lacks comprehensive regulations to manage non-Federal oil and gas operations on the Refuge System, which has led to unnecessary adverse impacts on refuge resources, as well as an uncertain and inconsistent regulatory environment for oil and gas operators on refuges. This notice of intent starts the scoping process in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its implementing regulations. Currently, we are planning for the programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to focus on the national effects of the rulemaking, realizing that further environmental analysis of the more localized effects may be required with implementation of the rule. As part of the scoping process, the Service seeks public comment on the scope of the proposed rule; the NEPA alternatives to be considered; and the physical, biological, social, and economic effects that should be analyzed in the draft PEIS.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened status for the Georgetown salamander (Eurycea naufragia) and the Salado salamander (Eurycea chisholmensis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. The effect of this regulation is to conserve the two salamander species and their habitats under the Act. This final rule implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for these species. We are also notifying the public that, in addition to this final listing determination, today we publish a proposed special rule under the Act for the Georgetown salamander.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting and teleconference of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG). The TAMWG is a Federal advisory committee that affords stakeholders the opportunity to give policy, management, and technical input concerning Trinity River (California) restoration efforts to the Trinity Management Council (TMC). The TMC interprets and recommends policy, coordinates and reviews management actions, and provides organizational budget oversight.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (Act) prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are initiating 5-year status reviews for five species in Oregon, Palau, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last review.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are providing this notice of intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Kalamazoo River restoration pursuant to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. USFWS, NOAA, and the State of Michigan (collectively referred to as the ``Trustees'') are also providing notice of their efforts to plan restoration projects authorized by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to compensate for injuries to natural resources from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released at and from the Allied Paper, Inc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo River Superfund Site (Superfund Site). The Trustees will prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement (PEIS) to identify and evaluate the environmental impacts associated with restoration actions that may be implemented to compensate for injuries to natural resources and associated services. The public is invited to provide comments to assist the Trustees in the development of a restoration plan (RP). This notice explains the scoping process the Trustees will use to gather input from the public.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove the Modoc sucker (Catostomus microps) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If finalized, the effects of this rule would be to remove the Modoc sucker from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This proposed rule, if made final, would also remove the currently designated critical habitat for the Modoc sucker throughout its range. This document also constitutes our 12-month finding on a petition to reclassify the Modoc sucker from endangered to threatened. We are seeking information and comments from the public regarding this 12-month finding and proposed rule. In addition to the proposed rule, we are also seeking information and comments on the draft post-delisting monitoring plan.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), amend and update, and provide and request further information in regard to, our October 8, 2009, final rule listing Lepidium papilliferum (slickspot peppergrass) as a threatened species throughout its range under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA or Act). We are addressing the Idaho District Court's remand of our rule because the Court asked us to reconsider the definition of the ``foreseeable future'' in regard to this particular species. We announce the opening of a public comment period seeking input on our interpretation of the foreseeable future as it pertains specifically to L. papilliferum. We will also consider any new information regarding population status, trends, or threats that has become available since our last review of the status of the species in 2009.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species, marine mammals, or both. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a draft revised recovery plan for the Wyoming toad (Bufo hemiophrys baxteri now known as Anaxyrus baxteri). This species is federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft revised plan.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove (delist) the Oregon chub (Oregonichthys crameri) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This proposed action is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the Oregon chub has recovered and no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Our review of the status of this species shows that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced and populations are stable so that the species is not currently, and is not likely to again become, a threatened species within the foreseeable future in all or a significant portion of its range. This proposed rule, if made final, would remove the currently designated critical habitat for the Oregon chub throughout its range. We also announce the availability of a draft post-delisting monitoring plan for the Oregon chub. We seek information, data, and comments from the public regarding this proposal to delist the Oregon chub and on the draft post-delisting monitoring plan.