Fish and Wildlife Service February 2006 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Harvest Regulations for Migratory Birds in Alaska During the 2006 Season
Document Number: 06-1838
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-02-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is publishing migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska for the 2006 season. This final rule establishes regulations that prescribe frameworks, or outer limits, for dates when harvesting of birds may occur, species that can be taken, and methods and means that are excluded from use. These regulations were developed under a co- management process involving the Service, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and Alaska Native representatives. These regulations provide a framework to enable the continuation of customary and traditional subsistence uses of migratory birds in Alaska. The rulemaking is necessary because the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska are subject to annual review. This rulemaking promulgates regulations that start on April 2, 2006, and expire on August 31, 2006, for the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List the Black Hills Mountainsnail as Threatened or Endangered
Document Number: 06-1770
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Black Hills mountainsnail (Oreohelix cooperi) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We find the petition does not provide substantial scientific information indicating that listing the Black Hills mountainsnail may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a further status review in response to this petition. We ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it.
Information Collection Renewal Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; OMB Control Number 1018-0120; Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Membership Application/Nomination and Interview Forms
Document Number: E6-2681
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have sent the information collection described below to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. We use this information to screen and rank applicants for membership on the Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils (Regional Councils).
Endangered and Threatened Species Permit Applications
Document Number: E6-2648
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The following applicants have applied for permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Receipt of an Application for Renewal of an Incidental Take Permit for the Bald Eagle From the Proposed Construction and Occupancy of Residences in Gaston County, NC
Document Number: E6-2563
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pinsto, Inc. (Permittee) has applied for renewal of an incidental take permit (ITP) from the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Like the existing permit, the proposed renewed ITP would allow take of the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), a federally listed threatened species, incidental to residential development. Destruction of the nest or the tree in which the nest is located is not requested by the Permittee. Rather, the proposed incidental take may occur as a result of harm or harassment to the eagles resulting from residential construction activities in the vicinity of the nest. The Service announces availability of the ITP application and the habitat conservation plan (HCP) for public comment.
Harvest and Export of American Ginseng
Document Number: E6-2532
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a public meeting on American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). This meeting will help us gather information from the public in preparation for our 2006 findings on the export of American ginseng roots, for the issuance of permits under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Fiscal Year 2006 Landowner Incentive Program (Non-Tribal Portion) for States, Territories, and the District of Columbia
Document Number: E6-2431
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Service is requesting proposals for Fiscal Year 2006 funding under the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) for conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa (hereafter referred to collectively as States), and Tribes. Also, this notice provides an analysis of public comments and changes made to the Landowner Incentive Program National Review Team Ranking Criteria Guidance for Tier 2 Proposals. The Service has addressed the Tribal component of LIP under a separate Federal Register notice.
Migratory Bird Permits; Allowed Take of Nestling American Peregrine Falcons
Document Number: E6-2428
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) have updated information on nesting of American peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus anatum) in the western United States and have determined the allowed take of nestlings in 12 western States in 2006.
Regulations To Implement the Captive Wildlife Safety Act
Document Number: 06-1674
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, publish a followup document to our proposed rule to implement the Captive Wildlife Safety Act (CWSA), which published in the Federal Register on January 31, 2006. We want to remind the public that the addresses for comments on the proposed rule are different from the addresses for comments on the information collection aspects of the proposed rule.
Draft Safe Harbor Agreement and Application for an Enhancement of Survival Permit for the Ocelot in South Texas
Document Number: E6-2394
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-21
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Environmental Defense, Inc. (ED) (Applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize the Applicant to issue certificates of inclusion under a Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA) to private landowners who would voluntarily agree to carry out habitat improvements for the Texas ocelot subspecies (Leopardus pardalis albescens). We invite the public to review and comment on the permit application and the associated draft SHA.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding for a Petition To List the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout as Threatened
Document Number: 06-1539
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-21
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), announce our 12-month finding for a petition to list the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (YCT) (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) as a threatened species throughout its range in the United States, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. After a thorough review of all available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the YCT as either threatened or endangered is not warranted at this time. We ask the public to continue to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of or threats to the subspecies. This information will help us to monitor and encourage the ongoing conservation of this subspecies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Notice of Six-Month Extension and Reopening of Comment Period for the Proposed Delisting of the Preble's Meadow Jumping Mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei
Document Number: E6-2286
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-17
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), extend for not more than six months, the time to make a decision on the proposal to delist the Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) and announce the reopening of the comment period. Since the close of the public comment period, we have received additional information which may be influential in our final decision. The extension is sought pursuant to section 4(b)(6)(B)(i) of the ESA because a recently completed and unpublished study substantially disagrees with the determination contained in the proposed rule that Preble's is not a distinct subspecies. Some of this new information conflicts with information given significant weight in the proposed rule. In order to ensure the public has full access to and an opportunity to comment on all available information, we are reopening the public comment period for 60 days. The Service will make a final decision based on the best scientific and commercial information available. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision and rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To List Sidalcea hendersonii
Document Number: E6-2206
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list Sidalcea hendersonii (Henderson's checkermallow) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We find the petition does not provide substantial scientific information indicating that listing S. hendersonii may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a further status review in response to this petition, however, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the status of the species or threats to it.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designating the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Population of Grizzly Bears as a Distinct Population Segment; Removing the Yellowstone Distinct Population Segment of Grizzly Bears From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: E6-2205
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce an extension of the comment period for the proposed rule to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) for the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and surrounding area and remove the Yellowstone DPS from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they have already been incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the final decision and rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Contiguous United States Distinct Population Segment of the Canada Lynx
Document Number: 06-1443
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposal to designate critical habitat for the contiguous United States distinct population segment of the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, which was published on November 9, 2005 (70 FR 68294). This will allow all interested parties the opportunity to comment on the proposed critical habitat designation. The public comment period is being reopened with this notice until April 30, 2006. In addition, we provide information and maps clarifying the areas proposed for critical habitat designation in the November 9, 2005 (70 FR 68294) publication.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Bald Eagle in the Lower 48 States From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: 06-1442
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposal to remove the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in the lower 48 States of the United States, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended. The proposed delisting rule for the bald eagle was published on July 6, 1999 (64 FR 36454). Comments previously submitted on the July 6, 1999, proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they have been incorporated into the public record as part of this reopening of the comment period, and they will be fully considered in the preparation of the final rule. In reopening the comment period, we provide new information, respond to the comments we received in the proposed rule, and further clarify our reasons for proposing to delist the species. The best available scientific and commercial data available indicates that the bald eagle has recovered. The bald eagle population in the lower 48 States has increased from approximately 487 active nests in 1963, to an estimated minimum 7,066 breeding pairs today. The recovery of the bald eagle is due in part to habitat protection and management actions, and the reduction in levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides (such as DDT) occurring in the environment. This rule will not affect protection provided to the species under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). In addition, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act will continue to provide protection to the bald eagle, if delisting under the ESA is found to be warranted. To help clarify the BGEPA protections provided to the bald eagle, the Service is also soliciting public comments on two related draft bald eagle documents under the BGEPA that are being published simultaneously with this proposed delisting rule. First, we are publishing a notice of availability and request for public comments on draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines (Guidelines). The Guidelines provide guidance on how to comply with the requirements of the BGEPA by avoiding disturbance to bald eagles under different land use scenarios. Second, we are publishing a proposed rule to add the definition of ``disturb'' to our regulations at 50 CFR 22.3, which implement the BGEPA. These two documents are published separately in this part of today's Federal Register and include additional information about submitting comments on them.
Draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines
Document Number: 06-1441
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice advises the public that draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines are available for public review. Comments and suggestions are requested.
Protection of Bald Eagles; Definition
Document Number: 06-1440
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In anticipation of possible removal (delisting) of the bald eagle in the 48 contiguous States from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) is proposing a definition of ``disturb'' under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) to guide post-delisting bald eagle management. Because BGEPA's prohibition against disturbance applies to both bald and golden eagles, the definition will apply to golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) as well as bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). If the bald eagle is delisted, the BGEPA will become the primary law protecting bald eagles. BGEPA prohibits take of bald and golden eagles and provides a statutory definition of ``take'' that includes ``disturb.'' Although disturbing eagles has been prohibited by BGEPA since the statute's enactment, the meaning of ``disturb'' has never been explicitly defined by the Service or by the courts. To define ``disturb,'' we rely on the common meaning of the term as applied to the conservation intent of BGEPA and the working definitions of ``disturb'' currently used by Federal and State agencies to manage bald eagles. This proposed definition of disturb will apply to Alaska, where the bald eagle has never been listed under the ESA, as well as the 48 contiguous States. (Eagles do not occur in Hawaii.) In addition to this proposed rulemaking, the Service is soliciting public comment on two related proposals published separately in this part of today's Federal Register. First, the Service is re-opening the public comment period on the proposed rule to remove the bald eagle from the list of threatened species under the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); we originally proposed delisting the bald eagle on July 6, 1999 (64 FR 36453). Second, we are soliciting comment on draft National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of Florida Scrub-Jay
Document Number: E6-2134
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5- year review of the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12) is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.
Receipt of an Application and Availability of Environmental Assessment for an Incidental Take Permit for Commercial Development in Lake County, FL
Document Number: E6-1960
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Richard E. Bosserman and Charles E. Bosserman III (Applicants) request an incidental take permit (ITP) for a 10-year term, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants anticipate taking sand skinks (Neoseps reynoldsi) and bluetail mole skinks (Eumeces egregious) (cumulatively referred to as skinks) resulting from land clearing and site preparation for commercial construction on about 75 acres near Clermont, Lake County, Florida. The Applicants' HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects commercial construction on the skinks. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of the ITP application, HCP, and an Environmental Assessment (EA).
Notice of Availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge in Carteret County, NC
Document Number: 06-1347
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Cedar Island National Wildlife Refuge are available for review and comment. The National Wildlife System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
Notice of Availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge, Marion, MT
Document Number: 06-1296
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that a Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge is available. This CCP, prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, describes how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intends to manage this refuge for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Petition To List the Douglas County Pocket Gopher as Threatened or Endangered
Document Number: 06-1288
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Douglas County pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides macrotis) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that listing the Douglas County pocket gopher may be warranted. This finding is based on our determination that the Douglas County pocket gopher is more widespread than indicated in the petition, that substantially more sites are currently occupied, and that many of these occupied sites are protected from development by being part of county-administered open space, Lowry Military Reservation lands, or various State-owned lands in Douglas, Arapahoe, and Elbert Counties, Colorado. Therefore, we will not initiate a status review in response to this petition. However, the public may submit to us new information concerning the status of or threats to the Douglas County pocket gopher at any time.
Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Florida Scrub-Jay Resulting From the Proposed Construction of a Single-Family Home in Charlotte County, FL
Document Number: E6-1962
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Carlos Bigord (Applicant) requests an incidental take permit (ITP) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicant anticipates taking over a one- year permit term, about 0.23 acre of Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens)(scrub-jay) foraging, sheltering, and possibly nesting habitat, incidental to lot preparation for the construction of a single-family home and supporting infrastructure in Charlotte County, Florida (Project). The Applicant's Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of the Project to the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. The Service announces the availability of the HCP for the incidental take application.
Receipt of an Application and Availability of an Environmental Assessment for an Incidental Take Permit for Construction of a School and Adjacent Roads in Volusia County, Florida
Document Number: E6-1949
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Public Works Department of Volusia County and the Volusia County School Board (Applicants) request incidental take permits (ITP) each with 5-year term, pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Applicants jointly prepared a single Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) identifying anticipated impacts to the Florida scrub-jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) (scrub-jay) associated with road construction (Public Works Department) and construction of a new high school and its supporting infrastructure (School Board) within sections 10 and 15, Township 18 South, Range 30 East, Volusia County, Florida. The Applicants' HCP describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of road and school construction on the Florida scrub-jay. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of the ITP applications and HCP and an environmental assessment.
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Sherburne County, Minnesota
Document Number: E6-1947
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) is available for Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, Minnesota. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.
Notice of Availability for the Renewal of an Expired Section 10(a)(1)(B) Permit for Incidental Take of the Golden-Cheeked Warbler in Travis County, Texas (Hunt)
Document Number: E6-1941
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
On July 21, 1999, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) issued a section 10(a)(1)(B) permit, pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act (Act), for incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler (GCW) (Dendroica chrysoparia) to James (Jim) Hunt. The permit (TE-010556-0) was for a period of five years and expired on July 21, 2004. The requested permit renewal by Jim Hunt will extend the permit expiration by five years from the date the permit is reissued.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: E6-1939
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We invite the public to comment on the following application to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding for a Petition To List the Island Marble Butterfly as Threatened or Endangered
Document Number: E6-1930
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the island marble butterfly (Euchloe ausonides insulanus) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific information indicating that listing the island marble butterfly may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this notice, we are initiating a status review of the species, and we will issue a 12-month finding to determine if the petitioned action is warranted. To assist and ensure that the review is comprehensive, we are soliciting information and data regarding this species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Four Vernal Pool Crustaceans and Eleven Vernal Pool Plants
Document Number: 06-1080
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-02-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designated approximately 858,846 acres (ac) (347,563 hectares (ha)) of critical habitat for 4 vernal pool crustaceans and 11 vernal pool plants in 34 counties in California and 1 county in southern Oregon in a final rule of August 11, 2005 (70 FR 46924). That rule designated critical habitat for the 15 vernal pool species collectively. Pursuant to that rule, we are now publishing species-specific unit descriptions and maps for the 15 species. This rule specifically identifies the critical habitat for each individual species identified in the August 11, 2005, final rule. Because many of the units for the different species overlap, the total critical habitat area we are designating is much less than the sum of the areas for each species. This rule is entirely an administrative action in that it places the species individually where they belong in 50 CFR part 17; it does not change the critical habitat designations for any of the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Petition To List the Polar Bear as Threatened
Document Number: 06-1226
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action of listing the polar bear may be warranted. We, therefore, are initiating a status review of the polar bear to determine if listing under the Act is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are soliciting scientific and commercial information regarding this species.
Currituck National Wildlife Refugee
Document Number: 06-1200
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-09
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Currituck National Wildlife Refuge are available for review and comment. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, plans identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designating the Northern Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolf as a Distinct Population Segment; Removing the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment of Gray Wolf From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: 06-1102
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our intention to conduct rulemaking to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains of the United States (NRM). The NRM DPS of gray wolf encompasses the eastern one-third of Washington and Oregon, a small part of north-central Utah, and all of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. The threats to the wolf population in the NRM DPS have been reduced or eliminated as evidenced by the population exceeding the numerical, distributional, and temporal recovery goals each year since 2002. The States of Montana and Idaho have adopted State laws and State wolf management plans that would conserve a recovered NRM wolf population within their boundaries into the foreseeable future. However, we have determined that Wyoming State law and its wolf management plan do not provide the necessary regulatory mechanism to assure that Wyoming's share of a recovered NRM wolf population will be conserved if the ESA's protections were removed. Therefore, we intend to conduct a future rulemaking to propose that the gray wolf in the NRM wolf DPS be removed from the List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended, if Wyoming adopts a State law and a State wolf management plan that is approved by the Service. Concerns regarding the Wyoming plan would have to be resolved before a NRM DPS delisting could be finalized. This ANPRM is being issued in advance of completion of the 12 month status review of NRM wolves. This status review remains in progress.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Kootenai River Population of the White Sturgeon
Document Number: 06-1091
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-02-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the Kootenai River population of the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) (Kootenai sturgeon) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately, 6.9 river miles (RM) (11.1 river kilometers (RKM)) of the Kootenai River fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation located in Boundary County, Idaho. This designation is in addition to the 11.2 miles (18 kilometers) of the Kootenai River already designated as critical habitat for the Kootenai sturgeon.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the Gunnison's Prairie Dog as Threatened or Endangered
Document Number: E6-1630
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Gunnison's prairie dog (Cynomys gunnisoni) as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the petition does not present substantial scientific and commercial data indicating that listing the Gunnison's prairie dog may be warranted. Therefore, we will not be initiating a formal status review to determine if listing this species is warranted. We will work with the States where information is currently unavailable to develop information that will assist in determining and monitoring the status of Gunnison's prairie dog. Once those results are available we will reevaluate the status of Gunnison's prairie dog.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Addition of White Abalone and the United States Distinct Vertebrate Population Segment of the Smalltooth Sawfish to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife; Correction
Document Number: 06-1081
Type: Rule
Date: 2006-02-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), published a final rule to add two marine taxa to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, on November 16, 2005. For one of the two taxa, the white abalone (Haliotis sorenseni), we incorrectly published in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at Sec. 17.11(h) that the species was Threatened, when it is actually listed as Endangered. We now correct that error.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
Document Number: 06-1047
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-06
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice announces that a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge are available for review and comment. The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, requires the Service to develop a comprehensive conservation plan for each national wildlife refuge. The purpose in developing a comprehensive conservation plan is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management, conservation, legal mandates, and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, the plan identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge: Allamakee, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Fayette, Howard, Jackson, Jones and Winneshiek Counties, IA; Fillmore, Houston, Olmstead, Wabasha and Winona Counties, MN; Crawford, Grant, Monroe, Richland, Sauk and Vernon Counties, Wisconsin; and Jo Daviess County, IL
Document Number: E6-1474
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces that the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Driftless Area National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin is available. The CCP was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Goals and objectives in the CCP describe how the agency intends to manage the refuge over the next 15 years.
Receipt of Application of Endangered Species Recovery Permits
Document Number: E6-1467
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We announce our receipt of applications to conduct certain activities pertaining to enhancement of survival of endangered species.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E6-1431
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species.
Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: E6-1430
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The public is invited to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species and/or marine mammals.
Information Collection Sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Approval Under the Paperwork Reduction Act; OMB Control Number 1018-0128; Marine Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program
Document Number: E6-1315
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We (Fish and Wildlife Service) have submitted the collection of information described below to OMB for approval under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collected for the Marine Turtle Conservation Fund Grant Program is needed to review project proposals in accordance with the Marine Turtle Conservation Act (Pub. L. 108-266).
Proposed Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances for the Columbia Spotted Frog at Sam Noble Springs, Owyhee County, ID
Document Number: E6-1302
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-01
Agency: Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service
The State of Idaho (Idaho Department of Lands and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game) have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The permit application includes a proposed Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for the Columbia spotted frog at Sam Noble Springs, Owyhee County, Idaho (Agreement) between the Service, and the State of Idaho. Also available is a draft environmental assessment evaluating the proposed Agreement and permit. Under the proposed Agreement, the parties would implement conservation measures for Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris; CSF) over approximately 680 acres (275 ha) in Owyhee County, Idaho. The intent of the proposed Agreement would be to conserve CSFs by protecting and enhancing habitat and populations, in a manner that is consistent with the State's land use activities and the Agreement. The proposed term of the Agreement and the permit is 22 years. The Service has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment for approval of the Agreement and issuance of the permit. We request comments from the public on the permit application, proposed Agreement, and the draft Environmental Assessment. All comments we receive, including names and addresses, will become part of the administrative record and may be released to the public.
Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force
Document Number: E6-1294
Type: Notice
Date: 2006-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a meeting of the Klamath River Basin Fisheries Task Force. The meeting is open to the public. The purpose of the meeting is to allow affected interests to continue providing recommendations to us on implementation of our program to restore anadromous fisheries, including salmon and steelhead, in the Klamath River in California and Oregon.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat for the Alabama Beach Mouse
Document Number: 06-688
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2006-02-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise critical habitat for the endangered Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 1,298 acres (ac) (525 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. The proposed critical habitat is located in Baldwin County, Alabama.
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