Fish and Wildlife Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Species Status Assessment for the Northern California-Southern Oregon Distinct Population Segment of Fisher
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), notify the public that we are requesting new information to develop a species status assessment (SSA) for the Northern California-Southern Oregon (NCSO) distinct population segment (DPS) of fisher (Pekania pennanti). We plan to initiate a status review to determine whether the NCSO DPS of fisher is warranted for listing as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We request new information since 2019 regarding the NCSO DPS of fisher to inform our SSA. Per a court-approved settlement agreement, we will submit a new final listing determination to the Federal Register on or before August 21, 2025.
Endangered Wildlife; Recovery Permit Applications
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 (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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agreements With Friends Organizations
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 with revisions.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; CITES Master's Course
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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; One Species Not Warranted for Delisting and Six Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that one species is not warranted for delisting and six 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 delist the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis). We also find that is not warranted at this time to list the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae), plains spotted skunk (Spilogale interrupta, formerly recognized as one of three subspecies of eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta)), sicklefin chub (Macrhybopsis meeki), sturgeon chub (Macrhybopsis gelida), Tennessee cave salamander (Gyrinophilus palleucus), and Yazoo crayfish (Faxonius hartfieldi, formerly Orconectes hartfieldi). 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 Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Miami Cave Crayfish
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Miami cave crayfish (Procambarus milleri), a crayfish species from Miami-Dade County, Florida, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Miami cave crayfish. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the Miami cave crayfish as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule''). If we finalize this proposed rule, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for Eight Species of Endangered and Threatened Fish and Wildlife
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), correct the information provided in the ``Where listed'' column of the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) for eight species listed as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Errors introduced into the List may be interpreted as indicating that only some populations of these species are listed. We are correcting the List to clarify that protections apply to these species wherever found.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of the Gray Wolf in the State of Colorado; Final Environmental Impact Statement
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final environmental impact statement (EIS) and draft record of decision (ROD) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, for our intended action of establishing a nonessential experimental population (NEP) of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the State of Colorado. The State of Colorado (Colorado Parks and Wildlife, or CPW) requested that the Service establish an NEP in conjunction with their State-led gray wolf reintroduction effort. Establishment of this NEP under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, would provide for allowable, legal, purposeful, and incidental take of the gray wolf within the State of Colorado, while also providing for the conservation of the species. In the FEIS, we analyzed the environmental consequences of a range of alternatives for our proposed rule. The action would be implemented through a final rule.
East Foundation Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Ocelot Reintroduction and Enhancement of Survival Permit Application; South Texas
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of an application for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act for the proposed East Foundation Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement for Ocelot Reintroduction in South Texas. The application package includes the safe harbor agreement and a draft screening form pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these documents. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
National Wildlife Refuge System Planning Policies (602 FW 1-4) for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are making available for public comment our proposed updated planning policies, 602 FW 1-4, for the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System). The purpose of these policy updates is to modernize the Refuge System's refuge management by incorporating landscape conservation plans and consideration of climate change and other anthropogenic forces in refuge management.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Quitobaquito Tryonia and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Quitobaquito tryonia (Tryonia quitobaquitae), a springsnail species from Arizona, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Quitobaquito tryonia. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Quitobaquito tryonia under the Act. In total, approximately 6,095 square feet (566 square meters) across 2 subunits in Pima County, Arizona, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for Quitobaquito tryonia. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species and its designated critical habitat.
San Luis and Merced National Wildlife Refuges and Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, CA; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan/Environmental Assessment
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and draft environmental assessment (EA) for San Luis and Merced National Wildlife Refuges and the Grasslands Wildlife Management Area (collectively, the refuges) for review and comment. The draft CCP/EA, 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 multiple existing and proposed uses, a revised hunt plan, and a visitor services plan are also available for review and public comment. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands
As part of the rulemaking process for the 2023-2024 season for migratory game bird hunting, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter, Service or we) has revised the process for establishing regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off- reservation trust lands, and ceded lands. The Service recognizes Tribal treaty rights and the reserved hunting rights and management authority of Indian Tribes and seeks to strengthen Tribal sovereignty. We will no longer require that Tribes annually submit a proposal to the Service for our review and approval and no longer publish in the Federal Register the annual Tribal migratory bird hunting regulations. Instead, the regulations now include elements of our current guidelines for establishing migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands) and ceded lands. Since 1985, Tribal migratory bird harvest has been small with negligible impact to bird population status, and we anticipate that Tribal hunting of migratory birds will continue to have similar negligible impacts to bird populations in the future. This rule will reduce administrative burdens on both the Tribes and the Service while continuing to sustain healthy migratory game bird populations for future generations.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are extending the comment period on our July 3, 2023, proposed rule to list the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), a species found only in southeastern New Mexico and west Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are extending the proposed rule's comment period for 30 days to give all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment on the proposed rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Foothill Yellow-Legged Frog; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Two Distinct Population Segments and Endangered Status for Two Distinct Population Segments
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered status for two distinct population segments (DPSs) and threatened status for two DPSs of the foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), a stream-dwelling amphibian from Oregon and California. After review of the best scientific and commercial information available, we have determined endangered status for the South Sierra and South Coast DPSs and threatened status for the North Feather and Central Coast DPSs of the foothill yellow-legged frog under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. This rule adds the four DPSs to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extends the Act's protections to these DPSs. We also finalize rules under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act for the North Feather and Central Coast DPSs that provide measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of these two DPSs. We have determined that designation of critical habitat for the four DPSs is not determinable at this time.
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 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 Species; 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 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 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 ESA. 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; Three Draft Habitat Conservation Plans and Associated Draft Categorical Exclusions for Development of Single-Family Residences; Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, CA
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received three applications for incidental take permits (ITPs) for the federally threatened Morro shoulderband snail under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. Each of three applicants submitted a permit application which, if issued, would authorize take of the Morro shoulderband snail incidental to activities associated with development of a single-family residence in Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California. As part of the application for an ITP, each applicant submitted a draft habitat conservation plan for their respective project. For each proect, The Service prepared a draft low-effect screening form and environmental action statement in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects to the natural and human environment resulting from issuing an ITP to each applicant for their project. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these documents.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 47 Species in California, Nevada, and Oregon; Correction
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice in the Federal Register of August 17, 2023, initiating 5-year status reviews of 47 species in California, Nevada, and Oregon under the Endangered Species Act. We inadvertently included one species in error. We are correcting the notice to remove that species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Nine Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that nine 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 Alexander Archipelago wolf (Canis lupus ligoni), Chihuahua catfish (Ictalurus sp. 1), Cooper's cave amphipod (Stygobromus cooperi), Georgia blind salamander (Eurycea wallacei), minute cave amphipod (Stygobromus parvus), Morrison's cave amphipod (Stygobromus morrisoni), narrow-foot hygrotus diving beetle (Hygrotus diversipes), pristine crayfish (Cambarus pristinus), and Tennessee heelsplitter (Lasmigona holstonia). 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.
Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council Virtual Meeting
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) gives notice of a virtual meeting of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council (HWCC), in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Tennessee Clubshell, Tennessee Pigtoe, and Cumberland Moccasinshell
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list three Tennessee and Cumberland River basin mussel species, the Tennessee clubshell (Pleurobema oviforme), Tennessee pigtoe (Pleuronaia barnesiana), and Cumberland moccasinshell (Medionidus conradicus), as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the three species. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the Tennessee clubshell, Tennessee pigtoe, and Cumberland moccasinshell as endangered species is warranted. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to these species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Sand Dune Phacelia and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), list the sand dune phacelia (Phacelia argentea), a plant species from coastal southern Oregon and northern California, as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also designate critical habitat for the species under the Act. In total, approximately 180.8 acres (73.2 hectares) within 13 units in Coos and Curry Counties in Oregon, and Del Norte County in California, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule extends the protections of the Act to this species and its designated critical habitat.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Salamander Mussel and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the salamander mussel (Simpsonaias ambigua), a freshwater mussel species from the United States (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) and Canada (Ontario), as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the salamander mussel. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the salamander mussel as an endangered species under the Act. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the salamander mussel under the Act. In total, approximately 2,012 river miles (3,238 kilometers) in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the salamander mussel. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species and its designated critical habitat.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Toothless Blindcat and Widemouth Blindcat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the toothless blindcat (Trogloglanis pattersoni) and widemouth blindcat (Satan eurystomus), two cavefish species from the Edwards Aquifer in Bexar County, Texas, as endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the toothless blindcat and widemouth blindcat. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing both species is warranted. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to these species. We have determined that designation of critical habitat is not prudent.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Brawleys Fork Crayfish and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Brawleys Fork crayfish (Cambarus williami), a freshwater crayfish species from Tennessee, as a threatened species and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Brawleys Fork crayfish. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the Brawleys Fork crayfish as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule''). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Brawleys Fork crayfish under the Act. In total, approximately 86.6 river miles (139.4 river kilometers) in Cannon, Rutherford, and Warren Counties, Tennessee, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for Brawleys Fork crayfish.
Endangered 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 species under the Endangered Species Act. 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.
Migratory Bird Hunting; 2023-2024 Seasons for Certain Migratory Game Birds
This rule prescribes the seasons, hours, areas, and daily bag and possession limits for hunting migratory birds. Taking of migratory birds is prohibited unless specifically provided for by annual regulations. This rule permits the taking of designated species during the 2023-24 season.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Magnificent Ramshorn and Designation of Critical Habitat
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 magnificent ramshorn (Planorbella magnifica), a freshwater snail species from southeastern North Carolina. We also designate critical habitat for the species. In total, approximately 739 acres (299 hectares) in two ponds in Brunswick County, North Carolina, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule applies the protections of the Act to this species and its designated critical habitat.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, on March 10, 2023, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice announcing that we are proposing to revise a currently approved information collection (IC). The notice opened a public comment period, which closed on May 9, 2023. We subsequently identified additional proposed changes to the IC that were not included in the original notice; therefore, we are now republishing the notice in full, including the original and newly identified proposed changes, and reopening the comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 47 Species in California, Nevada, and Oregon
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews of 47 species in California, Nevada, and Oregon under the Endangered Species Act. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last reviews.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings for Five Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- day findings on petitions to add five species to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petitions to list the bleached sandhill skipper (Polites sabuleti sinemaculata), blue tree monitor lizard (Varanus macraei), Bornean earless monitor lizard (Lanthanotus borneensis), and pinyon jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus) present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we announce that we are initiating status reviews of these species to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status reviews are comprehensive, we request scientific and commercial data and other information regarding these species and factors that may affect their status. Based on the status reviews, we will issue 12-month petition findings, which will address whether or not the petitioned actions are warranted, in accordance with the Act. We further find that the petition to list the least chub (Iotichthys phlegethontis) does not present substantial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, we are not initiating a status review of the least chub.
Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Training System
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; Yukon River Watershed Ecosystem Action Plan
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 Texas Kangaroo Rat and Designation of Critical Habitat
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Texas kangaroo rat (Dipodomys elator), a rodent from north- central Texas, as an endangered species and designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the Texas kangaroo rat. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the Texas kangaroo rat as an endangered species under the Act. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to this species and its critical habitat. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Texas kangaroo rat under the Act. In total, approximately 597,069 acres (241,625 hectares) in Childress, Cottle, Hardeman, Wichita, and Wilbarger Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat for Texas kangaroo rat.
John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System; Availability of Final Revised Maps for Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to review the maps of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) at least once every 5 years and make any minor and technical modifications to the boundaries of the CBRS as are necessary to reflect changes that have occurred in the size or location of any unit as a result of natural forces. We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have conducted this review for all of the CBRS units in Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin, and 10 units in South Carolina. This notice announces the findings of our review and the availability of final revised maps for 116 CBRS units in the project area, except for the North Carolina units. We did not prepare final revised maps for the North Carolina units because sufficient data was not available in some areas.
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.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Final 2023-24 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is establishing the final frameworks from which States may select season dates, limits, and other options for the 2023-24 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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Apache Trout From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), propose to remove the Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache), a fish native to Arizona, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. Our review of the best available scientific and commercial data indicates that the threats to the species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of a threatened species or an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through section 7 and our regulations would no longer apply to the Apache trout. We request information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule for the Apache trout.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot Butterfly
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas anicia cloudcrofti), a butterfly from New Mexico, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 1,636.9 acres (662.4 hectares) in Otero County, New Mexico, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly.
Agency Information Collection Activities; North American Woodcock Singing Ground Survey
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, on February 28, 2023, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice announcing that we are proposing to renew an existing information collection (IC) without change. The notice opened a public comment period, which closed on May 1, 2023. We subsequently identified proposed changes to the IC that were not included in the original notice; therefore, we are now republishing the notice in full, including the proposed changes, and reopening the comment period.
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.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink; Lake County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Helen Crittenden et al. (Helen Crittenden, Alexander van den Berg, and Nancy van den Berg; applicants) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicants request the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink incidental to the construction of a residential development in Lake County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicants' 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.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Reports for the Pacific Walrus Stock and Three Northern Sea Otter Stocks in Alaska
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, after consideration of comments received from the public have revised the marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) for the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) and for each of the three northern sea otter (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) stocks in Alaska. We now make these four final revised SARs available to the public.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Florida Scrub-Jay; Brevard County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from CenterPoint Integrated Solutions, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) incidental to the construction and operation of a commercial development in Brevard 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.
Salt River Project Roosevelt Habitat Conservation Plan Amendment and Draft Environmental Assessment; Maricopa and Gila Counties, Arizona
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as the lead Federal agency, in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a cooperating agency, announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the proposed Salt River Project Roosevelt Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP) Amendment which includes a proposed planned deviation to the Corps' Water Control Manual (WCM) in Gila and Maricopa Counties, Arizona. Salt River Project (applicant) submitted the RHCP amendment, also available for public review, in support of an application for an amended incidental take permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act. Prepared in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act, the draft EA evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, amending the existing permit for the operation of the Modified Roosevelt Dam and Lake. If approved, the requested permit amendment would authorize incidental take of the northern Mexican gartersnake and expand the permit area for existing authorized incidental take for the yellow-billed cuckoo, southwestern willow flycatcher, and bald eagle. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
Intent To Prepare an Updated Bison and Elk Management Plan for the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming; Environmental Impact Statement
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), U.S. Department of the Interior, intends to prepare an updated Bison and Elk Management Plan (BEMP) and environmental impact statement (EIS) for the National Elk Refuge (NER). The BEMP describes the Service's proposal for the management of the Jackson bison and elk populations within their respective jurisdictions with the goal of ensuring sustainable and healthy herds; an EIS will be prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the BEMP. We invite input from other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, private sector businesses, and members of the public on the scope of the EIS, alternatives to our proposed approaches for the management of bison and elk on the NER, and the pertinent issues that we should address in the EIS.
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