Fish and Wildlife Service April 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Kauai Islandwide Recovery Plan
Document Number: 2020-09177
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Kauai Islandwide Recovery Plan under the Endangered Species Act. This draft recovery plan addresses 175 listed species occurring on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, 111 of which are endemic to Kauai. The draft recovery plan includes specific goals, objectives, and criteria that should be met to remove the Kauai endemic species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. For the listed species that occur on multiple Hawaiian islands, the draft recovery plan describes those actions specific to Kauai; complete recovery actions and recovery criteria for these species will be covered in a subsequent multi-island recovery plan. We request review and comment on this draft recovery plan from local, State, and Federal agencies and the public. We will also accept any new information on the species' status throughout their range.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Issuance of Enhancement of Survival and Incidental Take Permits for Safe Harbor Agreements, Candidate Conservation Agreements, Habitat Conservation Plans, and Recovery Activities, January 1, 2019, Through December 31, 2019
Document Number: 2020-09176
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in accordance with the Endangered Species Act (ESA), provide a list to the public of permits issued under the ESA. With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits take of listed species unless a Federal permit is issued that authorizes or exempts the taking under the ESA. We provide this list to the public as a summary of our permit issuances for candidate conservation agreements with assurances, safe harbor agreements, habitat conservation plans, and recovery activities for calendar year 2019.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2020-09080
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northern Mexican Gartersnake and Narrow-Headed Gartersnake
Document Number: 2020-08069
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-04-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising our proposed designation of critical habitat for the northern Mexican gartersnake (Thamnophis eques megalops) and narrow-headed gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 27,784 acres (11,244 hectares) in La Paz, Mohave, Yavapai, Gila, Cochise, Santa Cruz, and Pima Counties in Arizona, and in Grant County in New Mexico, fall within the boundaries of the revised proposed critical habitat designation for the northern Mexican gartersnake; and 18,701 acres (7,568 hectares) in Greenlee, Graham, Apache, Yavapai, Gila, and Coconino Counties in Arizona, as well as in Grant, Hidalgo, and Catron Counties in New Mexico, fall within the boundaries of the revised proposed critical habitat designation for the narrow-headed gartersnake. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the revised proposed designation of critical habitat for northern Mexican and narrow-headed gartersnakes. We request comments from all interested parties on this revised proposed rule and the associated draft economic analysis. Comments submitted on our July 10, 2013, proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they will be fully considered in the preparation of the final rule. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to these species' critical habitat.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing Arenaria cumberlandensis (Cumberland Sandwort) From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants
Document Number: 2020-08398
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-04-27
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove Cumberland sandwort (Arenaria cumberlandensis) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (List). We also announce the availability of a draft post-delisting monitoring (PDM) plan for the Cumberland sandwort. We seek information, data, and comments from the public on this proposed rule and on the associated draft PDM plan. If this proposal is finalized, the Cumberland sandwort will be removed from the List.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2020-08570
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying the Golden Conure From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule
Document Number: 2020-07571
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-04-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), reclassify the golden conure (Gauruba guarouba) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), from endangered to threatened on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). Our determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the golden conure no longer meets the definition of an endangered species, but is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. We are also establishing a rule pursuant to section 4(d) of the Act for the golden conure to provide for its further conservation. Additionally, this final rule updates the List to reflect the latest scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature for the species as Guaruba guarouba, golden conure.
Butte Sink, Willow Creek-Lurline, and North Central Valley Wildlife Management Areas, CA; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact
Document Number: 2020-08407
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-21
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final comprehensive conservation Plan (CCP), environmental assessment (EA), and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the Butte Sink, Willow Creek-Lurline, and North Central Valley Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in California. The CCP/EA/ FONSI, prepared under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, describes how the Service will manage the three WMAs for the next 15 years. Compatibility determinations for six public uses are also included in the final CCP.
Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council; Public Meeting by Teleconference
Document Number: 2020-08401
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-21
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting via teleconference of the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation Council (Council), in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The Council's purpose is to provide recommendations to the Federal Government, through the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, regarding policies and endeavors that benefit wildlife resources; encourage partnership among the public; sporting conservation organizations; and Federal, State, tribal, and territorial governments; and benefit recreational hunting and recreational shooting sports. The teleconference is open to the public.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Policy Regarding Voluntary Prelisting Conservation Actions
Document Number: 2020-08121
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection in use without an OMB Control Number.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Programmatic Clearance for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Social Science Research
Document Number: 2020-08119
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection.
List of Bird Species To Which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act Does Not Apply
Document Number: 2020-06782
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are publishing an amended list of the nonnative bird species that have been introduced by humans into the United States or U.S. territories and to which the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) does not apply. The Migratory Bird Treaty Reform Act (MBTRA) of 2004 amends the MBTA by stating that the MBTA applies only to migratory bird species that are native to the United States or U.S. territories, and that a native migratory bird species is one that is present as a result of natural biological or ecological processes. The MBTRA requires that we publish a list of all nonnative, human-introduced bird species to which the MBTA does not apply. We first published a list in 2005. We update the 2005 list with this notice. This notice identifies those species belonging to biological families referred to in treaties the MBTA implements that are not protected because their presence in the United States or U.S. territories is solely the result of intentional or unintentional human- assisted introductions. This notice presents an updated list of species not protected by the MBTA, which reflects current taxonomy, removes one species that no longer occurs in a protected family, and removes two species as a result of new distributional records documenting their natural occurrence in the United States.
General Provisions; Revised List of Migratory Birds
Document Number: 2020-06779
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-04-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), revise the List of Migratory Birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by both adding and removing species. Reasons for the changes to the list include adding species based on new taxonomy and new evidence of natural occurrence in the United States or U.S. territories, removing species no longer known to occur within the United States or U.S. territories, and changing names to conform to accepted use. The net increase of 67 species (75 added and 8 removed) will bring the total number of species protected by the MBTA to 1,093. We regulate the taking, possession, transportation, sale, purchase, barter, exportation, and importation of migratory birds. An accurate and up-to- date list of species protected by the MBTA is essential for public notification and regulatory purposes.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2020-07916
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision to the Nonessential Experimental Population of the Mexican Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi
Document Number: 2020-07715
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-04-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will prepare a draft environmental impact statement supplement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), in conjunction with a proposed rule to revise the existing nonessential experimental population designation of the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The revised rule and environmental impact statement supplement are being developed in response to a court-ordered remand by the District Court of Arizona of our 2015 final rule to revise the nonessential experimental population designation and management of Mexican wolves in the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area in Arizona and New Mexico.
Receipt of Application for Renewal of the Incidental Take Permit; Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Endangered San Diego Fairy Shrimp, San Diego County, California
Document Number: 2020-07691
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Main 16, LP for the renewal of an incidental take permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The applicant has requested a renewal that will extend permit authorization by 5 years from the date the permit is reissued. If renewed, no additional take above the original authorized limit of four basins (0.01 acre of ponded area) of habitat will be authorized. The permit would authorize take of the federally endangered San Diego fairy shrimp, incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the low-effect habitat conservation plan for the Main 16, Limited Partnership Project. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed HCP and the Service's preliminary determination that this HCP qualifies as ``low-effect,'' categorically excluded, under the National Environmental Policy Act. To make this determination, we used our environmental action statement and low- effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review.
Receipt of Application for Renewal of Incidental Take Permit; Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Endangered Arroyo Toad, San Diego County, California
Document Number: 2020-07688
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Pauma Estates, Inc., for renewal of an incidental take permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The applicant has requested a renewal that will extend permit authorization by 5 years from the date the permit is reissued. If the permit is renewed, no additional take above the original authorized limit of 10.74 acres of habitat will be authorized. The permit would authorize take of the federally endangered arroyo toad, incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP) for Pauma Estates in San Diego County, California. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed HCP and the Service's preliminary determination that this HCP qualifies as ``low- effect,'' categorically excluded, under the National Environmental Policy Act. To make this determination, we used our environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review.
Foreign Endangered Species; Marine Mammals; Receipt of Permit Applications
Document Number: 2020-07638
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and foreign or native species for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With some exceptions, the ESA and the MMPA prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA and MMPA also require that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA or MMPA with respect to any endangered species or marine mammals.
Draft Categorical Exclusion and Draft Los Alamos Conservation Plan for Cultivation Activities in Santa Barbara County, California
Document Number: 2020-07574
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft conservation plan (plan), as well as the associated draft categorical exclusion (CatEx), for cultivation activities within and around Los Alamos in Santa Barbara County, California. The Service developed the plan in accordance with the Endangered Species Act to provide a streamlined mechanism for proponents engaged in activities associated with agricultural development, to meet statutory and regulatory requirements while promoting conservation of the Santa Barbara County distinct population segment of the California tiger salamander. The Service prepared the draft CatEx in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects to the natural and human environment resulting from issuing permits under the plan. We invite public comment on these documents.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Service Regulations Committee and Flyway Council Meetings
Document Number: 2020-07504
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) will conduct an open meeting on April 28, 2020, to identify and discuss preliminary issues concerning the 2021-2022 migratory bird hunting regulations. We will conduct another meeting in October 2020 to review information on the status of migratory game birds and develop 2021-2022 migratory game bird regulations recommendations for these species. In accordance with Departmental policy, these meetings are open to public observation.
2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations
Document Number: 2020-06258
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-04-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to open, for the first time, eight National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that are currently closed to hunting and sport fishing. In addition, we propose to open or expand hunting and sport fishing at 89 other NWRs, and add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2020-2021 season. We also propose to open hunting or sport fishing on nine units of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHs). We also propose to add pertinent station- specific regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing at these nine NFHs for the 2020-2021 season. Further, we propose to open 41 limited- interest easement NWRs in North Dakota for upland game and big game hunting, and sport fishing in accordance with State regulations. Access to these NWRs is controlled by the current landowners, and, therefore, they are not fully open to the public unless authorized by the landowner. We also propose to make regulatory changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to reduce the regulatory burden on the public, increase access for hunters and anglers on Service lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain language standards. Lastly, we propose to prohibit domestic sheep, goat, and camelid pack animals on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Incidental Take of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities
Document Number: 2020-07385
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Injurious Wildlife; Importation Certification for Live Fish and Fish Eggs
Document Number: 2020-07382
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2020-07365
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
National Wildlife Refuge System; Use of Electric Bicycles
Document Number: 2020-07167
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-04-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have adopted a policy, and we propose to adopt consistent regulations, pertaining to the use of electric bicycles (otherwise known as ``e-bikes''). These proposed changes are intended to increase recreational opportunities for all Americans, especially for people with physical limitations. We solicit comments on proposed regulations that will provide guidance and controls for the use of e-bikes on the National Wildlife Refuge System.
DeChaux Habitat Conservation Plan for the Yelm Subspecies of the Mazama Pocket Gopher, Thurston County, Washington; Categorical Exclusion
Document Number: 2020-06980
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, received an application from Duane DeChaux (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). The ITP would authorize the applicant's take of the Yelm pocket gopher, incidental to otherwise lawful activities during construction of their single-family home and agricultural shop in Thurston County, Washington. The application includes a habitat conservation plan (HCP) with measures to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the taking on the covered species. We have also prepared a draft environmental action statement for our preliminary determination that the HCP and permit decision may be eligible for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. We provide this notice to open a public comment period and invite comments from all interested parties regarding the documents.
Record of Decision for the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project Habitat Conservation Plan, Lewis and Thurston Counties, Washington
Document Number: 2020-06977
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a record of decision (ROD) for the proposed issuance of an Endangered Species Act (ESA) permit for the Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project (project) and final habitat conservation plan (HCP). The ROD documents the Service's decision to issue an incidental take permit (ITP) to Skookumchuck Wind Energy Project, LLC (applicant). As summarized in the ROD, the Service has selected Alternative 1the Proposed Action, which includes implementation of the HCP and issuance of the ITP authorizing incidental take of one threatened species listed under the ESA and two species protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) that may occur as a result of operation of the project over a 30-year period.
Block 12 Development Project, Kern County, California; Draft Environmental Assessment and Draft Habitat Conservation Plan; Reopening of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2020-06961
Type: Notice
Date: 2020-04-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is reopening the public comment period for the draft environmental assessment (draft EA) and draft habitat conservation plan (HCP) in support of an incidental take permit (ITP) application received from Aera Energy, LLC.
Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Region-Specific Regulations
Document Number: 2020-07034
Type: Rule
Date: 2020-04-02
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing regulations for the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska for the 2020 season and beyond. 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 and are subject to public review. Based on any comments received, we may revise this interim rule. The Alaska subsistence harvest season begins on April 2, 2020.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands for the 2020-21 Season
Document Number: 2020-06797
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2020-04-02
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter, Service or we) proposes special migratory bird hunting regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for the 2020-21 migratory bird hunting season.
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