Fish and Wildlife Service March 2013 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Letters of Authorization To Take Marine Mammals
Document Number: 2013-07339
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we), has issued letters of authorization for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walrus incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern coast of Alaska and incidental to oil and gas industry exploration activities in the Chukchi Sea and the adjacent western coast of Alaska. These letters of authorization stipulate conditions and methods that minimize impacts to polar bears and Pacific walrus from these activities.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Diamond Darter and Designation of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2013-07306
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the reopening of the public comment period on our July 26, 2012, proposed listing and designation of critical habitat for the diamond darter (Crystallaria cincotta) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat and an amended required determinations section of the proposal. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule, associated DEA, and amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-2013-14 and 2014-15 Subsistence Taking of Fish Regulations
Document Number: 2013-07198
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-03-29
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish for subsistence uses in Alaska during the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 regulatory years. The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) completes the biennial process of revising subsistence hunting and trapping regulations in even-numbered years and subsistence fishing and shellfish regulations in odd-numbered years; public proposal and review processes take place during the preceding year. The Board also addresses customary and traditional use determinations during the applicable biennial cycle. This rulemaking replaces the fish taking regulations that expire on March 31, 2013.
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Cayuga, Seneca, and Wayne Counties, NY; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2013-07237
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), located in Cayuga, Seneca, and Wayne Counties, New York. In this final CCP, we describe how we will manage the refuge for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing as Endangered and Designation of Critical Habitat for Acuña Cactus and the Fickeisen Plains Cactus
Document Number: 2013-07159
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-28
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 on our October 3, 2012, proposal to add the acu[ntilde]a cactus and Fickeisen plains cactus to the list of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the reopening of comment on our October 3, 2012, proposal to designate critical habitat for the acu[ntilde]a cactus and Fickeisen plains cactus and the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat and an amended required determinations section for the proposal. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposals, the associated draft economic analysis for the critical habitat designation, and the amended required determinations. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rules.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Draft Revised Stock Assessment Reports for Two Stocks of West Indian Manatee
Document Number: 2013-07157
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (MMPA), and its implementing regulations, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have developed draft revised marine mammal stock assessment reports (SAR) for two West Indian manatee stocks: the Puerto Rico stock of Antillean manatees and the Florida manatee stock. We now make the SARs available for public review and comment.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Rosemont Talussnail as Endangered or Threatened
Document Number: 2013-07149
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Rosemont talussnail as endangered or threatened and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a review of the best available scientific information, we find that listing the Rosemont talussnail as an endangered or threatened species is not warranted, and, therefore, we are removing this species from the candidate list.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing as Endangered and Designation of Critical Habitat for the Gierisch Mallow
Document Number: 2013-07122
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-28
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 on the August 17, 2012, proposal to add the Gierisch mallow to the list of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also announce the reopening of comment on the August 17, 2012, proposal to designate critical habitat for the Gierisch mallow and the availability of a draft economic analysis and draft environmental assessment of the proposed critical habitat designation and amended required determinations for the proposed rule. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposals, the associated draft economic and environmental analyses, and the amended required determinations. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Document Number: 2013-06458
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to designate specific areas in the terrestrial environment as critical habitat for the Northwest Atlantic Ocean Distinct Population Segment of the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). The proposed critical habitat is located in coastal counties in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi. The intended effect of this regulation is to assist with the conservation of the loggerhead sea turtle's habitat under the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2013-06624
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following application to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plan for Rogue and Illinois Valley Vernal Pool and Wet Meadow Ecosystems
Document Number: 2013-06621
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the approved Recovery Plan for Rogue and Illinois Valley Vernal Pool and Wet Meadow Ecosystems. The recovery plan addresses two endangered plant species that are endemic to southern Oregon, and also includes some recommendations for other species in these ecosystems. The plan includes recovery objectives and criteria, and prescribes specific recovery actions necessary to achieve downlisting and delisting of the species from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Revised Supplement to the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan
Document Number: 2013-06612
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a draft Revised Supplement to the Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan. Specifically, this supplement proposes to revise the demographic recovery criteria for the Yellowstone Ecosystem. In the lower 48 States, Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft revised plan.
Endangered Species; Marine Mammals; Issuance of Permits
Document Number: 2013-06596
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species, marine mammals, or both. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 2013-06595
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-22
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.
North Slope Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Meeting
Document Number: 2013-06492
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-21
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
This notice informs the public that the North Slope Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council (Council) will hold a public meeting by teleconference on April 16, 2013. The public is invited to participate and to provide oral testimony. The purpose of the Council is to provide recommendations and information to the Federal Subsistence Board, to review policies and management plans, and to provide a public forum for subsistence issues.
Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group; Public Meeting, Teleconference and Web-Based Meeting
Document Number: 2013-06378
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a public meeting, teleconference and web-based meeting of the Trinity Adaptive Management Working Group (TAMWG).
Environmental Impact Statement; Proposed South Puget Sound Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan, Thurston County, WA
Document Number: 2013-06374
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advise interested parties of our intent to conduct public scoping under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to gather information to prepare a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to a permit application from Thurston County, Washington, for the incidental take of listed species. The permit application would be associated the South Puget Sound Prairie Habitat Conservation Plan (Prairie HCP), Thurston County, WA.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Status Review of the West Coast Distinct Population Segment of the Fisher as Endangered or Threatened
Document Number: 2013-06214
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the opening of an information gathering period regarding the status of the fisher (Martes pennanti) throughout the range of its West Coast distinct population segment (DPS) in the United States. The status review will include analysis of whether the West Coast DPS of the fisher warrants listing as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We encourage interested parties to provide us information regarding the status of, and any potential threats to, the West Coast DPS of the fisher.
Llano Seco Riparian Sanctuary Unit Restoration and Pumping Plant/Fish Screen Facility Protection Project, CA; Final Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Impact Report
Document Number: 2013-06178
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), announce that the final environmental impact statement and environmental impact report (EIS/EIR) for the Llano Seco Riparian Sanctuary Unit Restoration and Princeton, Codora, Glenn & Provident Irrigation Districts (PCGID-PID) Pumping Plan/Fish Screen Facility Protection Project is now available. The final EIS/EIR, which we prepared and now announce in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), describes the alternatives identified to protect the pumping plant and fish screen facility located at river mile 178.5 on the Sacramento River, and to restore the Riparian Sanctuary Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge.
Endangered Species Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2013-06122
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (Act) prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Revised Recovery Plan for Pallid Sturgeon
Document Number: 2013-05997
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability of a draft revised recovery plan for the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). This species is federally listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft revised plan.
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Canyon, Payette, Owyhee, and Washington Counties, ID, and Malheur County, OR; Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement
Document Number: 2013-05902
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental impact statement (Draft CCP/EIS) for the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge, NWR) for public review and comment. In these documents, we describe alternatives, including our preferred alternative, for managing the Refuge for 15 years following approval of the final CCP.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 2013-05920
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, Jasper County, IA; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2013-05901
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge, NWR). In this final CCP, we describe how we intend to manage the refuge for the next 15 years.
Great Lakes Islands Refuges, MI and WI; Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment
Document Number: 2013-05900
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment (EA) for islands that are part of the National Wildlife Refuge System in Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior. The CCP includes Gravel Island, Green Bay, Harbor Island, Huron, and Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuges (Great Lakes Islands Refuges). In this final CCP, we describe how we intend to manage the refuges for the next 15 years.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Permit Applications
Document Number: 2013-05824
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (Act) prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2013-05823
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for permits to conduct activities with the purpose of enhancing the survival of endangered species. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits certain activities with respect to endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act also requires that we invite public comment before issuing such permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status and Critical Habitat Designation for Gunnison Sage-Grouse
Document Number: 2013-05855
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are extending the public comment period on two proposed rules: to list the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) as endangered and to propose critical habitat for the Gunnison sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Both proposed rules were published in the Federal Register on January 11, 2013. We are extending the comment period to allow the public an adequate opportunity to review and comment on the proposed rules. Comments already submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rules, which we intend to issue by the end of Fiscal Year 2013 (September 30, 2013) as required by a court-approved settlement agreement.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2013-05607
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered or threatened species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), prohibits activities with endangered and threatened species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The Act requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Incidental Take Permit Amendment and Supplemental Environmental Assessment for Wind Energy Development, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico
Document Number: 2013-05594
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Under the Endangered Species Act (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the receipt and availability of a revised habitat conservation plan (revised HCP) and accompanying documents for wind energy development by San Francisco Wind Farm LLC (formerly WindMar R.E.) (Permittee). The revised HCP analyzes take of Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne lemur) incidental to the previously authorized wind energy development activities in Guayanilla, Puerto Rico, so that this listed species might be added to those already covered by the existing incidental take permit (ITP). We invite public comments on these documents.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Yellow-Billed Parrot With Special Rule, and Correcting the Salmon-Crested Cockatoo Special Rule
Document Number: 2013-05504
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-03-12
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, determine threatened status for the yellow-billed parrot (Amazona collaria) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This final rule implements the Federal protections provided by the Act for this species. We are also publishing a special rule for this species. In addition, we are correcting the special rule for the salmon-crested cockatoo (Cacatua moluccensis), which published in the Federal Register on May 26, 2011.
Notice of Availability of Draft Habitat Conservation Plan; Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Enbridge Pipelines (Lakehead), L.L.C.
Document Number: 2013-05524
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-11
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, USFWS), have received an application from Enbridge Pipelines (Lakehead) L.L.C. (applicant), for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). If approved, the ITP would authorize incidental take of the federally endangered Hine's Emerald Dragonfly (hereafter ``HED''). The applicant has prepared a low-effect habitat conservation plan (HCP) to cover activities associated with pipeline maintenance work in Garfield Township, Mackinac County, Michigan. We invite comments from the public on the application, which includes the low-effect HCP, which has been determined to be eligible for a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA).
Endangered Species; Marine Mammal; Issuance of Permits
Document Number: 2013-05322
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species, marine mammals, or both. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Endangered Species; Receipt of Applications for Permit
Document Number: 2013-05320
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications to conduct certain activities with endangered species. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is acquired that allows such activities.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Receipt of Application for Incidental Take Permit; Availability of Proposed Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan; Volusia County Council-Engineering, Volusia County, FL
Document Number: 2013-05291
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from Volusia County CouncilEngineering (applicant), for a 2-year incidental take permit (ITP; TE98767A-0) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We request public comment on the permit application and accompanying proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), as well as on our preliminary determination that the plan qualifies as low-effect under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). To make this determination, we used our environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, which are also available for review.
Kelley-McDonough Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Morro Shoulderband Snail, Community of Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California
Document Number: 2013-05237
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-06
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application from John Kelley and Denise McDonough for a 10- year incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The application addresses the potential for ``take'' of the federally endangered Morro shoulderband snail that is likely to occur incidental to the construction, maintenance, and occupation of a single-family residence on an existing legal single-family-zoned parcel in the unincorporated community of Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California. The applicants would implement a conservation program to minimize and mitigate project activities that are likely to result in take of the Morro shoulderband snail as described in their plan. We invite comments from the public on the application package that includes the Kelley-McDonough Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for the Morro Shoulderband Snail. This proposed action has been determined to be eligible for a Categorical Exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA).
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Buena Vista Lake Shrew
Document Number: 2013-04785
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-05
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on the July 10, 2012, revised proposal to designate critical habitat for the Buena Vista Lake shrew (Sorex ornatus relictus) (shrew) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We announce a revision of the unit map labels. We provide maps with correct labels for all proposed units herein. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the revised critical habitat proposal, and of an amended required determinations section of the revised proposal. We are reopening the comment period for an additional 60 days to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment on the revised proposed rule, the associated DEA, and the amended required determinations section. Furthermore, we announce a public hearing for the purpose of taking oral or written comments on those documents. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reinstatement of Removal of the Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: 2013-04932
Type: Rule
Date: 2013-03-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are issuing this final rule to comply with a court order that has the effect of reinstating the removal of the Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), as amended. Pursuant to the District of Columbia District Court of Appeals order dated August 17, 2012, and mandate dated November 13, 2012, this rule again removes the Virginia northern flying squirrel from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Revision of Language for Approval of Nontoxic Shot for Use in Waterfowl Hunting
Document Number: 2013-04906
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2013-03-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, propose to revise our regulations regarding the approval of nontoxic shot types to make the regulations easier to understand. The language governing determination of Expected Environmental Concentrations (EECs) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is altered to make clear the shot size and number of shot to be used in calculating the EECs. We propose to specify the pH levels to be used in calculating the EEC in water. We also propose to move the requirement for in vitro testing to Tier 1, which will allow us to better assess applications and minimize the need for Tier 2 applications. We propose to add language for withdrawal of alloys that have been demonstrated to have detrimental environmental or biological effects, or for which no suitable field-testing device is available. We expect these changes to reduce the time required for nontoxic shot approvals. Finally, we propose to charge fees to cover our costs in evaluating these applications.
Final Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances, Final Environmental Assessment, and Finding of No Significant Impact; Lesser Prairie Chicken, Oklahoma
Document Number: 2013-04888
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), make available the final Agricultural Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for the lesser prairie chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) (LEPC) in Oklahoma, as well as the final environmental assessment (EA) and the draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) applied 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 included a draft CCAA between the Service and ODWC for the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LEPC) in 14 Oklahoma counties. Our decision is to authorize the issuance of an enhancement of survival permit to the ODWC for implementation of the CCAA (Preferred Alternative described below).
Emergency Issuance of Endangered Species Permit
Document Number: 2013-04881
Type: Notice
Date: 2013-03-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have waived the 30-day public notice period and have issued an endangered species permit to address emergency veterinary care for an injured green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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