Fish and Wildlife Service 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 251 - 300 of 413
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for Northern Sea Otters From the Southcentral Stock in Cook Inlet, Alaska
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (MMPA), as amended, from BlueCrest Alaska Operating LLC (BlueCrest), propose to authorize the incidental taking by harassment of small numbers of northern sea otters from the Southcentral stock in Cook Inlet, Alaska, from date of issuanceOctober 31, 2016. BlueCrest has requested this authorization for their planned oil and gas exploration activities. We anticipate no take by injury or death and include none in this proposed authorization, which would be for take by harassment only.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Applications for Participation in the Amended Oil and Gas Industry Conservation Plan for the American Burying Beetle in Oklahoma
Under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on incidental take permit applications for take of the federally listed American burying beetle resulting from activities associated with the geophysical exploration (seismic) and construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and decommissioning of oil and gas well field infrastructure within Oklahoma. If approved, the permits would be issued under the approved Amended Oil and Gas Industry Conservation Plan Associated with Issuance of Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permits for the American Burying Beetle in Oklahoma (ICP).
Endangered Species; Marine Mammals; Receipt of Applications for Permit
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.
Final Environmental Impact Statement and Draft Record of Decision for the Final Pima County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan, Pima County, Arizona
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) and related draft record of decision (ROD) for the Pima County Multi- Species Conservation Plan (MSCP). The final EIS was updated to address the comments received on the 2012 draft EIS and considers the environmental effects of issuing an incidental take permit (ITP) for covered activities on the covered species. The ITP will be in effect for a period of 30 years. Pima County has prepared the final Pima County MSCP to describe and implement a conservation plan that will minimize and mitigate environmental effects associated with the incidental take of seven animal species and impacts to two plant species currently listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), as well as impacts to 35 species that may become listed under the Act. The incidental take and other impacts would occur in Pima County and the adjacent counties of Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Pinal, Arizona, as a result of specific actions conducted under the authority of Pima County (covered activities).
Proposed Revisions to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mitigation Policy
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reopening the comment period for our March 8, 2016, notice that announced proposed revisions to the Service Mitigation Policy. This action will allow interested persons additional time to comment on the proposed revisions. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final policy.
Lower Klamath, Clear Lake, Tule Lake, Upper Klamath, and Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuges, Klamath County, OR; Siskiyou and Modoc Counties, CA: Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Impact Statement; Correction
On May 6, 2016, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announced the availability of a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Lower Klamath, Clear Lake, Tule Lake, Upper Klamath, and Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges) for review and comment. In one instance, we printed the incorrect docket number for interested parties to use to submit comments. The correct docket number is FWS-R8-NWRS-2016-0063. With this notice, we correct that error.
Trinity River Adaptive Management Working Group; Public Meeting, Teleconference and Web-Based Meeting
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting of the Trinity River 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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Workshop To Review the Habitat-Based Recovery Criteria for the Grizzly Bear in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem
The Fish and Wildlife Service hereby gives notice that a public workshop will be held to review the habitat-based recovery criteria for the grizzly bear in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE). The workshop will allow scientists and other interested parties the opportunity to submit oral or written comments.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Technical Corrections for Eight Wildlife Species on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are withdrawing, in part, a February 17, 2016, direct final rule that revises the taxonomy of eight wildlife species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). For the Newell's Townsend's shearwater (Puffinus auricularis newelli), we received significant adverse comments relating to additional scientific research relevant to its taxonomic classification; therefore, we are withdrawing the amendments in the direct final rule for this species only. The amendments in the direct final rule for the other seven species (Oahu elepaio (Chasiempis ibidis), Kauai akialoa (Akialoa stejnegeri), akiapolaau (Hemignathus wilsoni), Kauai nukupuu (Hemignathus hanapepe), Maui nukupuu (Hemignathus affinis), Hawaii akepa (Loxops coccineus), and Maui akepa (Loxops ochraceus)) will be effective on May 17, 2016.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Oregon Spotted Frog
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the Oregon spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) under the Endangered Species Act. In total, approximately 65,038 acres (26,320 hectares) and 20.3 river miles (32.7 river kilometers) in Whatcom, Skagit, Thurston, Skamania, and Klickitat Counties in Washington, and Wasco, Deschutes, Klamath, Lane, and Jackson Counties in Oregon, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The effect of this regulation is to designate critical habitat for the Oregon spotted frog under the Endangered Species Act.
Department of Defense; Proposed Gopher Tortoise Conservation and Crediting Strategy
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability for comment of a proposed ``Gopher Tortoise Conservation and Crediting Strategy'' to be implemented in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, where the gopher tortoise occurs but is unlisted.
Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan for Western Butte County, California: Environmental Impact Statement
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, are reopening the comment period for our joint request for comments on the Butte Regional Conservation Plan (Plan) and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Report (DEIS/R) for Authorization of Incidental Take and Implementation of the Plan. As of January 19, 2016, we have received comments from four organizations and individuals requesting that the comment period be extended. In response to these requests, we are reopening the comment period. If you previously submitted comments, you need not resubmit them; we have already incorporated them into the public record and will fully consider them in finalizing these documents.
Announcement of Public Meeting: North American Wetlands Conservation Council
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.
Lower Klamath, Clear Lake, Tule Lake, Upper Klamath, and Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuges, Klamath County, OR; Siskiyou and Modoc Counties, CA: Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Impact Statement
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Lower Klamath, Clear Lake, Tule Lake, Upper Klamath, and Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuges (Refuges) for review and comment. The Refuges are part of the Klamath Basin Complex. The draft CCP/EIS, prepared under the National Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the Service proposes to manage the refuges for the next 15 years. Draft compatibility determinations for uses proposed under one or more of the alternatives are also available for review and public comment.
Eagle Permits; Revisions to Regulations for Eagle Incidental Take and Take of Eagle Nests
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose revisions to the eagle nonpurposeful take permit regulations and eagle nest take regulations that we promulgated in 2009. Proposed revisions include the following: Changes to permit issuance criteria and duration; definitions; compensatory mitigation standards; criteria for eagle nest removal permits; permit application requirements; and fees. The revisions are intended to add clarity to the eagle permit regulations, improve their implementation, and increase compliance, while providing strong protection for eagles.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Permit Applications; Correction
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, correct errors in a recently published notice that announced the availability of permit applications for public comment. The notice did not accurately describe all of the applications. However, if you requested documents for review, you need not request them again, because the errors were not in the application materials themselves, but only in our previous Federal Register notice. Therefore, if you submitted comments, you need not resubmit them.
Endangered Species; Marine Mammals; Emergency Exemption; Issuance of Permits
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species, marine mammals, or both. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
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) prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Winkler Cactus and San Rafael Cactus
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft recovery plan for Winkler cactus (Pediocactus winkleri) and San Rafael cactus (Pediocactus despainii). Winkler cactus is federally listed as threatened, and San Rafael cactus is federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are soliciting review and comment from the public on this draft plan.
Refuge-Specific Regulations; Public Use; Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are amending the regulations for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (Kenai NWR or Refuge) that govern existing general public use and recreation. These changes will implement management direction and decisions from our June 2010 Kenai NWR revised comprehensive conservation plan and June 2007 Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area final revised management plan. The amendments to the regulations are designed to enhance natural resource protection, public use activities, and public safety on the Refuge; are necessary to ensure the compatibility of public use activities with the Refuge's purposes and the Refuge System's purposes; and ensure consistency with management policies and approved Refuge management plans.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), propose changes to the regulations concerning enhancement of survival permits issued under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), associated with Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances. We propose to add the term ``net conservation benefit'' to the Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances regulations, and to eliminate references to ``other necessary properties'' to clarify the level of conservation effort we require each agreement to include in order for us to approve a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances. We are also proposing these changes to the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances policy in a separate document published in today's Federal Register.
Candidate Conservation Agreements With Assurances Policy
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services when referring to both, and Service when referring to when the action is taken by one agency), announce proposed revisions to the Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances policy under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We propose to add a definition of ``net conservation benefit'' to this policy and to eliminate references to the confusing requirement of ``other necessary properties'' to clarify the level of conservation effort each agreement needs to include in order for the Service to approve an agreement. In a separate document published in today's Federal Register, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to its regulations regarding Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances to make them consistent with these proposed changes to the policy.
Marianas Trench Marine National Monument, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; Northern Islands Submerged Lands Transfer to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Draft Environmental Assessment
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment (Draft EA) for the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument (Monument) Northern Islands Submerged Lands (submerged lands) Transfer to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), for public review and comment. The Draft EA describes our proposal for the Secretary of the Interior to convey specific submerged lands within the Monument from the United States to the CNMI Government under the authority of the Territorial Submerged Lands Act (TSLA), 48 U.S.C. 1705, et seq.
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
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.
Availability of Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Eagle Take Permits for the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Phase I Wind Energy Project
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), 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 Power Company of Wyoming (PCW) for eagle take permits (ETPs) pursuant to the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and its implementing regulations. PCW has applied for standard and programmatic ETPs for the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre (CCSM) Phase I Wind Energy Project in Carbon County, Wyoming. We announce a public comment period on the draft EIS. 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.
Information Collection Request Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval; Declaration for Importation or Exportation of Fish or Wildlife
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, 2016. 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.
MidAmerican Wind Energy Habitat Conservation Plan; Draft Environmental Impact Statement
Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), we are advising the public that we intend to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on a proposed Endangered Species Act (ESA) incidental take permit (ITP) application from MidAmerican Energy Company (MEC) for the federally endangered Indiana bat, the federally threatened northern long-eared bat, the little brown bat, and the bald eagle. We are also announcing the initiation of a public scoping process to engage Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments; special interest groups; and the public in the identification of issues and concerns, potential impacts, and possible alternatives to the proposed action. MEC is currently operating (20) and constructing (2) wind energy facilities in the State of Iowa capable of generating more than 4,040 megawatts (MW) of wind generation capacity, and expects to construct additional wind energy projects over the next 30 years. MEC is preparing a habitat conservation plan (HCP) in support of its ITP application for both MEC's existing facilities and facilities presently under construction. Construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning, reclamation, and repowering of wind energy facilities, as well as activities associated with the management of mitigation land, have the potential to impact certain bat and bird species. Species to be covered in the MEC HCP include the federally listed endangered Indiana bat, the federally listed threatened northern long-eared bat, the unlisted little brown bat and the bald eagle, which is protected under the Eagle Act. As allowed under the Eagle Act, we anticipate extending Eagle Act take authorization for bald eagle through an ESA Section 10(a)(1)(B) permit associated with the HCP, provided MEC is in full compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit and Eagle Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination That Designation of Critical Habitat Is Not Prudent for the Northern Long-Eared Bat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have reconsidered whether designating critical habitat for the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is prudent. We have determined that such a designation is not prudent. We listed the northern long- eared bat as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), on April 2, 2015. At the time the species was listed, we determined that designation of critical habitat was prudent, but not determinable. Since that time, information has come available that demonstrates that designating the wintering habitat as critical habitat for the bat would likely increase the threat from vandalism and disturbance, and could, potentially, increase the spread of white-nose syndrome. In addition, designating the summer habitat as critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species, because there are no areas within the summer habitat that meet the definition of critical habitat. Thus, we have determined that the designation of critical habitat is not prudent for the northern long-eared bat.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
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) prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
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.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Applications for Participation in the Amended Oil and Gas Industry Conservation Plan for the American Burying Beetle in Oklahoma
Under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on incidental take permit applications for take of the federally listed American burying beetle resulting from activities associated with the geophysical exploration (seismic) and construction, maintenance, operation, repair, and decommissioning of oil and gas well field infrastructure and pipelines within Oklahoma. If approved, the permits would be issued under the approved Amended Oil and Gas Industry Conservation Plan Associated with Issuance of Endangered Species Act Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permits for the American Burying Beetle in Oklahoma (ICP).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revisions to the Regulations for Petitions
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services), announce revisions to the May 21, 2015, proposed rule that would revise the regulations pertaining to submission of petitions and the reopening of the public comment period. In this document, we are setting forth modified proposed amendments to the regulations based on comments and information we received during the May 21, 2015, proposed rule's public comment period. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment on these revisions, as described in this document, and on the information collection requirements. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they have been considered in development of this revised proposed rule and will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plan for Vine Hill Clarkia
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Recovery Plan for Vine Hill Clarkia (Clarkia imbricata). The recovery plan includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to achieve downlisting and delisting from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To Amend the Listing of the Southern Selkirk Mountains Population of Woodland Caribou
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period on our May 8, 2014, proposed rule to amend the listing of the southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) by defining the Southern Mountain Caribou distinct population segment (DPS) and listing it as threatened. In the May 8, 2014, proposed rule, we also proposed to reaffirm our November 28, 2012, final designation of critical habitat for the southern Selkirk Mountains population of woodland caribou as critical habitat for the proposed Southern Mountain Caribou DPS. On March 23, 2015, the U.S. District Court of Idaho remanded our November 28, 2012, final critical habitat rule to the Service to correct a procedural error by providing another opportunity for public comment. This reopening of the comment period will provide all interested parties with the opportunity to provide comment on our November 28, 2012, final critical habitat designation, in light of the court's ruling.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Withdrawal of the Proposed Rule To List the West Coast Distinct Population Segment of Fisher
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), withdraw the proposed rule to list the West Coast Distinct Population Segment of fisher (Pekania pennanti), a mustelid species from California, Oregon, and Washington, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This withdrawal is based on our evaluation of the best scientific and commercial information available. Our evaluation took into consideration an extensive amount of information and comments regarding the proposed West Coast DPS of fisher received during multiple comment periods. Our evaluation of all this information leads us to conclude that the stressors acting upon the proposed West Coast DPS of fisher are not of sufficient imminence, intensity, or magnitude to indicate that they are singly or cumulatively resulting in significant impacts at either the population or rangewide scales. We find the best scientific and commercial data available indicate that the proposed West Coast DPS of fisher does not meet the statutory definition of an endangered or threatened species because the stressors potentially impacting the proposed DPS and its habitat are not of sufficient magnitude, scope, or imminence to indicate that the DPS is in danger of extinction, or likely to become so within the foreseeable future. Consequently, we are withdrawing our proposal to list the West Coast DPS of fisher as a threatened species.
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force Meeting
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting of the Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force. The ANS Task Force's purpose is to develop and implement a program for U.S. waters to prevent introduction and dispersal of aquatic invasive species (AIS); to monitor, control, and study such species; and to disseminate related information.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Availability of Proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan and Associated Documents; Indian River County, FL
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an incidental take permit (ITP) application and a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Remington Stewart, LLP (applicant), requests an ITP under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The applicant's HCP describes the minimization and mitigation measures proposed to address the effects of the project on the Florida scrub-jay. We invite written comments on the ITP application and HCP.
Endangered Species; Recovery Permit Applications
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.
Availability of the Draft Midwest Wind Energy Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), announce the availability of the Midwest Wind Energy Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). Planning partners include the State conservation agencies from the States of Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), who is representing a consortium of wind energy companies called WEBAT (Wind Energy Bat Action Team), and The Conservation Fund. The Plan Area encompasses all lands within the States of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The covered species include six federally listed bat and bird species, one bat species that may be listed in the future, and the bald eagle. The activities covered under the MSHCP (``covered activities'') include the construction, operation, maintenance, decommissioning and repowering of wind energy facilities, as well as monitoring activities. Up to 18,004 megawatts (MW) of existing facilities and 33,000 MW of new wind development are proposed to be covered under the MSHCP. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations, the Service is also announcing the availability of the MSHCP draft environmental impact statement (DEIS).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Platanthera integrilabia (White Fringeless Orchid)
On September 15, 2015, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announced a proposed rule to list Platanthera integrilabia (white fringeless orchid), a plant species from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We now announce that we are reopening the comment period for the proposed rule, in order to completely satisfy the notification requirements under the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Permit Applications
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 or threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Application To Amend Incidental Take Permit; Revised Diversified Pacific Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan and Associated Documents, City of Redlands, San Bernardino County, California
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Diversified Pacific (applicant), to amend a 5-year incidental take permit (permit). The application includes the applicant's revised habitat conservation plan (HCP), as required by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If approved, the amended permit would authorize incidental take of the endangered San Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat (SBKR) in the course of routine construction activities associated with the development of residential houses in the City of Redlands. We invite public comment on the application for a permit amendment and the revised HCP, and on our preliminary determination that the revised HCP continues to qualify as ``low-effect'' for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. To make this determination we used our low- effect screening form.
Application for an Enhancement of Survival Permit for the Proposed Springs Preserve Safe Harbor Agreement, Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from the Las Vegas Valley Water District (applicant) for an enhancement of survival permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The permit application includes a proposed safe harbor agreement (SHA) between the applicant and the Service. The SHA provides for voluntary activities that will contribute to the recovery of the Pahrump poolfish. We have made a preliminary determination that the proposed SHA and permit application are eligible for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA).
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a final rule in the Federal Register on March 28, 2016, that prescribes final frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2016-17 migratory bird hunting seasons. In that rule, we made an error in the daily bag limit for canvasbacks in Alaska. We intended to increase the daily bag limit for canvasbacks in Alaska, as we did for the rest of the United States, to 2 birds. We also included an incorrect description for the Special Early Canada Goose Unit in South Dakota. With this document, we correct our errors.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a draft recovery plan for the Preble's meadow jumping mouse. This species is federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft plan.
Habitat Conservation Plan for the Morro Shoulderband Snail; Sweet Springs Nature Preserve, Community of Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Morro Coast Audubon Society (MCAS) for a 15-year incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the federally endangered Morro shoulderband snail likely to result incidental to the removal of nonnative vegetation, restoration of native coastal dune scrub habitat, construction and ongoing uses of a coastal access trail, and routine maintenance of preserve lands on approximately 31 acres known as Sweet Springs Nature Reserve in the unincorporated community of Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California. We invite comments from the public on the application package, which includes a draft habitat conservation plan (HCP) and draft low-effect screening form and environmental action statement, which constitutes our proposed National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) compliance.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for the Big Sandy Crayfish and Endangered Species Status for the Guyandotte River Crayfish
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 Big Sandy crayfish (Cambarus callainus), a freshwater crustacean from Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia, and endangered status for the Guyandotte River crayfish (C. veteranus), a freshwater crustacean from West Virginia. This rule adds these species to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Scarlet Macaw
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), notify the public that, based on new information, we are making changes to our proposed rule of July 6, 2012, to list as endangered the northern subspecies of scarlet macaw (Ara macao cyanoptera) and the northern distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) of the southern subspecies (A. m. macao). We are also reopening the comment period. Comments previously submitted will be considered and do not need to be resubmitted. However, we invite comments on the new information presented in this document relevant to our consideration of the changes described below. We encourage those who may have commented previously to submit additional comments, if appropriate, in light of this new information.
Proposed Information Collection; Captive Wildlife Safety Act
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 August 31, 2016. 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.
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