Fish and Wildlife Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Barrens Topminnow
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Barrens topminnow (Fundulus julisia) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 1.5 acres (0.6 hectares) of spring pool and 11.4 miles (18.3 kilometers) of spring run in Cannon, Coffee, Dekalb, Franklin, Grundy, and Warren Counties, Tennessee, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of an economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Barrens topminnow.
Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council Meeting
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) gives notice of a virtual meeting of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council (Council), in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Online Eastern Population Sandhill Crane Survey Data Entry Portal
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew information collection without change.
Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan; Receipt of an Application for an Amended Incidental Take Permit, Cardinal Point Wind Project, McDonough and Warren Counties, Illinois
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Cardinal Point Wind Farm, LLC (applicant), to amend its existing incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act, for its Cardinal Point Wind Project (project). The applicant requests that the ITP be amended to include an increased take authorization for the tricolored bat. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's revised HCP, and the Service's draft supplemental environmental assessment, prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. The Service provides this notice to seek comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 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). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Barred Owl Management Strategy; Washington, Oregon, and California
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) developed a proposed barred owl management strategy (strategy) to address the threat that the nonnative and invasive barred owl (Strix varia) poses to two native western owl subspeciesthe northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) and the California spotted owl (Strix occidentalis occidentalis). In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, this notice announces the availability of a final environmental impact statement (FEIS) evaluating the impacts on the human environment related to the proposed management strategy and associated take of barred owls, which is prohibited under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act unless authorized by the Service by permit or regulation. With this notice, we also make available the revised proposed management strategy.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Mount Rainier White-Tailed Ptarmigan With a Section 4(d) Rule
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status for the Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura rainierensis), a bird subspecies in Washington, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This rule adds the subspecies to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extends the Act's protections to the subspecies. We also finalize a rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the Mount Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of White Sedge (Carex albida) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove the white sedge (Carex albida) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (i.e., "delist" the species). Our review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the white sedge is not a discrete taxonomic entity and does not meet the definition of a species as defined by the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). White sedge has been synonymized with Lemmon's sedge (Carex lemmonii). This taxonomic revision means that the white sedge is no longer a scientifically accepted species. If we finalize this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 7 and 9, would no longer apply to the white sedge.
Emergency Exemption: Issuance of Emergency Permit to Import Endangered Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have waived the 30-day public notice period and have issued an endangered species permit for import of up to 20 viable eggs salvaged from the nests of wild piping plover (Charadrius melodus), an endangered bird species. We issue this permit under the Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for the Suwannee Alligator Snapping Turtle with a Section 4(d) Rule
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 Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelids suwanniensis), a large, freshwater turtle species from the Suwannee River basin in Florida and Georgia. This rule adds the species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We also finalize a rule issued under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of this species. We have determined that designating critical habitat for the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle is not prudent.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Three Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species; Correction
On June 20, 2024, we published a notification of findings regarding three species not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The notification of findings contained a table with incorrect docket numbers in the ADDRESSES section. This document corrects those docket numbers.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink; Orange County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Columnar Partnership Holding I, LLC (Withers Elementary School) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink incidental to the construction of an elementary school in Orange County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Vivek Investment Corporation (Watersong Phase III) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink and bluetail mole skink (skinks) incidental to the construction of a residential development in Polk County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Scrub-Jay; Volusia County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Edward Rose and Sons (Eloah Estates) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) incidental to the construction of a multi- family apartment complex in Volusia County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole-Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi) and blue-tailed mole skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) incidental to the construction of an industrial facility in Polk County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from SAR Industries, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink and bluetail mole skink (skinks) incidental to the construction of a commercial industrial development in Polk County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Three Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that three species are not warranted for listing as endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted at this time to list the Kiamichi crayfish (Faxonius saxatilis), Rio Grande chub (Gila pandora), and Rio Grande sucker (Pantosteus plebeius, formerly Catostomus plebeius). However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information relevant to the status of any of the species mentioned above or their habitats.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits, permit renewals, and/or permit amendments to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered 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 Species; Issuance of Permits
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Incidental Take Permit Application for the Desert Tortoise; Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Desert Breeze Solar Energy Project, San Bernardino, CA
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Desert Breeze Solar, LLC for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act. The permit would authorize take of the federally threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of the Desert Breeze Solar Site. We invite comments on the applicant's draft habitat conservation plan and the draft environmental assessment, which we have prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. We will take comments into consideration before deciding whether to issue an incidental take permit.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 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). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
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; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews for 59 Southeastern Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act for 59 animal and plant species. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review to ensure the accuracy of the species' classification as endangered or threatened. We are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the previous status review for each species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status With Critical Habitat for Guadalupe Fatmucket, Texas Fatmucket, Guadalupe Orb, Texas Pimpleback, Balcones Spike, and False Spike, and Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat for Texas Fawnsfoot
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 Guadalupe fatmucket (Lampsilis bergmanni), Texas fatmucket (Lampsilis bracteata), Guadalupe orb (Cyclonaias necki), Texas pimpleback (Cyclonaias (=Quadrula) petrina), Balcones spike (Fusconaia (=Quincuncina) iheringi), and false spike (Fusconaia (=Quincuncina) mitchelli), and threatened species status for the Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon), seven species of freshwater mussels from central Texas. We also issue a rule under section 4(d) of the Act for the Texas fawnsfoot that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the Texas fawnsfoot. In addition, we designate critical habitat for all seven species. In total, approximately 1,577.5 river miles (2,538.7 river kilometers) in Blanco, Brown, Caldwell, Coleman, Comal, Concho, DeWitt, Gillespie, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Lampasas, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Mills, Palo Pinto, Parker, Runnels, San Saba, Shackelford, Stephens, Sutton, Throckmorton, Tom Green, Travis, and Victoria Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule applies the protections of the Act to these species and their designated critical habitats.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 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). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Electronic Federal Duck Stamp Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to revise a currently approved information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Urban Bird Treaty Program Requirements
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew a currently approved information collection without change.
Receipt of an Application for an Amended Incidental Take Permit Amendment for the Great Pathfinder Habitat Conservation Plan, Hamilton and Boone Counties, IA; Categorical Exclusion
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application from Great Pathfinder Wind LLC (applicant), to amend an existing incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act, for its Great Pathfinder Wind Project. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed amended habitat conservation plan, and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Dixie Valley Toad
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Dixie Valley toad (Anaxyrus williamsi) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 930 acres (376 hectares) in Churchill County, Nevada, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species' critical habitat. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Dixie Valley toad.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision of the Critical Habitat Designation for the Jaguar in Compliance With a Court Order
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this final rule to comply with a court order to vacate Subunit 4b and a portion of Unit 3 in Arizona from the March 5, 2014, final rule designating lands in Arizona as critical habitat for the jaguar (Panthera onca) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In compliance with the court order, this final rule removes approximately 64,797 acres (26,222 hectares) of land within Arizona from the designation of critical habitat for the jaguar. The remaining total acreage of designated critical habitat for the jaguar is approximately 640,124 acres (259,049 hectares) in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, Arizona.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
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.
Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group (FLAG); Final Addendum to 2010 Phase 1 Report and Response to Comments
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in cooperation with the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service (the agencies), announce the availability of the final addendum to the Federal Land Managers' Air Quality Related Values Work Group's (FLAG's) Phase 1 Report, which the agencies last revised in 2010 (FLAG 2010 report), and responses to comments on the draft addendum.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Coastal Distinct Population Segment of the Pacific Marten
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the coastal distinct population segment of Pacific marten (coastal marten) (Martes caurina), a mammal species from coastal California and Oregon, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. In total, approximately 1,213,752 acres (491,188 hectares) in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule extends the Act's protections to this entity's designated critical habitat.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Morro Shoulderband Snail, San Luis Obispo County, CA; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Ken Carlson (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana) incidental to construction of a single- family residence at 2045 Pine Avenue, San Luis Obispo County, California. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application for Participation in the General Conservation Plan for Oil and Gas Activities; Draft Categorical Exclusion for the California Lease Remediation North Cat Canyon Oil Field Project; Santa Barbara County, CA
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from California Resources Corporation for an incidental take permit (ITP), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act, under the approved General Conservation Plan for Oil and Gas Activities (GCP). If granted, the ITP would authorize take of the California red- legged frog (Rana draytonii) and the Santa Barbara County distinct population segment (DPS) of the California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), incidental to excavation and remediation of soils contaminated with hydrocarbons and restoration on the California (CAL) Lease (Site) within the North Cat Canyon Oil Field east of Santa Maria, California. The Service prepared a draft screening form in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects of the specific project to the natural and human environment resulting from issuing an ITP to the applicant. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the draft screening form and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual.
Wild Bird Conservation Act; Receipt of Permit Application
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on a permit application regarding foreign bird species for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). With some exceptions, the WBCA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The WBCA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity it otherwise prohibits.
Endangered Species; Issuance of Permits
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Pollinator Conservation Social Network Analysis Survey
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard
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 dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), a lizard species found only in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas. This rule extends the protections of the Act to this species. Because we have concluded that the designation of critical habitat for the dunes sagebrush lizard is prudent but not determinable at this time, we will consider critical habitat for the species in a separate, future rulemaking.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Osceola County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink and blue-tailed mole skink incidental to the construction of a fire station in Osceola County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Application
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on an application to conduct certain activities with a foreign species that is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2024-25 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is proposing to establish the frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2024-25 migratory game bird hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (which we call frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. Frameworks specify the outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds.
National Wildlife Refuge System; Drain Tile Setbacks
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), promulgate new regulations pertaining to wetland easements to bring consistency, transparency, and clarity for both easement landowners and the Service in the administration of conservation easements, pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. These regulations codify the process by which landowners can request and the Service will provide drain tile setbacks under wetland easement contracts. Under these regulations, if landowners fully comply with Service-provided setbacks when installing drain tile and do not later replace or modify the drain tile, the Service grants the landowners a safe harbor from legal action in the event that the setback drain tile nevertheless results in the draining of an easement wetland. Setback distances are calculated based upon the best available science considering soil characteristics, tile diameter, the depth of the tile below the surface, and/or topography sufficient to the easement contract's standard of protection that ensures no drainage of adjacent protected wetland areas. The regulations apply only to setbacks provided by the Service beginning on the effective date of this final rule.
Azalea Hybrid Power Project Habitat Conservation Plan, Kern County, CA; Draft Categorical Exclusion and Draft Habitat Conservation Plan
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from SF Azalea, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally endangered San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) and giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) incidental to development activities in Kern County, California. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, which is also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Renewal of an Incidental Take Permit for the Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Nucor Steel Florida, Inc. (applicant) for a renewal of an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. If granted, the renewed ITP would authorize take of the federally listed sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) and blue-tailed mole skink (Eumeces egregious lividus) incidental to the construction of a metal recycling steel plant. The applicant requests the renewal of the ITP to extend the expiration date for 3 additional years in Polk County, Florida. There is no request for additional take or increases in development levels. The proposed time extension maintains the existing levels of take, but would extend the covered activities out to April 19, 2027, instead of April 19, 2024. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and the Service's preliminary determination that this ITP renewal 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. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Notice of Availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement To Reconsider a Highway Right-of-Way Application and Associated Amendment of an Incidental Take Permit, Washington County, Utah
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), as co-lead agencies, announce the availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Northern Corridor Project (a proposed highway) as well as a potential amendment to the Incidental Take Permit (ITP) issued to Washington County, Utah, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Department of the Interior (DOI) is issuing a public notice of its intent to rescind six U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Privacy Act systems of records notices (SORNs), INTERIOR/FWS-5, National Wildlife Refuge Special Use Permits, INTERIOR/FWS-7, Water Development Project and/or Effluent Discharge Permit Application Review, INTERIOR/FWS-10, National Fish Hatchery Special Use Permits, INTERIOR/FWS-20, Investigative Case File System, INTERIOR/FWS-22, U.S. Deputy Game Warden, and INTERIOR/FWS-30, Marine Mammals Management, Marking, Tagging and Reporting Program. These SORNs have been superseded by a Department-wide or FWS SORN. This rescindment will eliminate unnecessary duplicate notices and promote the overall streamlining and management of DOI Privacy Act systems of records.
Marine Mammals; Letters of Authorization To Take Pacific Walruses, Polar Bears, and Northern Sea Otters in Alaska, in 2023
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issues letters of authorization (LOA) for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walruses incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern coast of Alaska. The Service also issues LOAs for the nonlethal take of northern sea otters incidental to pile driving and marine construction activities in the Gulf of Alaska. This notice announces the LOAs issued in calendar year 2023. The LOAs stipulate conditions and methods that minimize impacts to polar bears, Pacific walruses, and northern sea otters from these activities.
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Southeast Alaska Stock of Northern Sea Otters in Sitka, Alaska
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska, propose to authorize nonlethal, incidental take by harassment of small numbers of Southeast Alaska stock of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025. The applicant requested this authorization for take by harassment that may result from activities associated with construction of a seaplane base in Sitka Channel, Sitka, Alaska. We estimate that this project may result in the nonlethal, incidental take by harassment of up to 36 sea otters from the Southeast Alaska stock. This proposed authorization, if finalized, will be for up to 36 takes of sea otters by Level B harassment only. No take by injury or mortality is requested, expected, or proposed to be authorized.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bear in the North Cascades Ecosystem, Washington State
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), establish a nonessential experimental population (NEP) of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) within the U.S. portion of the North Cascades Ecosystem (NCE) in the State of Washington under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act or ESA). Establishment of this NEP is intended to support reintroduction and recovery of grizzly bears within the NCE and provide the prohibitions and exceptions under the Act necessary and appropriate to conserve the species within a defined NEP area. The geographic boundary of the NEP includes most of the State of Washington except for an area in northeastern Washington that encompasses the Selkirk Ecosystem Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone. The best available data indicate that reintroduction of the grizzly bear to the NCE, within the NEP area, is biologically feasible and will promote the conservation of the species.
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