Fish and Wildlife Service 2021 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

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Agency Information Collection Activities; Captive Wildlife Safety Act
Document Number: 2021-23177
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of an Incidental Take Permit Application and Habitat Conservation Plan; Santa Ana Avenue Project, City of Rialto, San Bernardino County, California
Document Number: 2021-23163
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received an application for an incidental take permit to take the federally listed Delhi Sands flower-loving fly under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The permit application includes a proposed low- effect habitat conservation plan (HCP). In accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we have prepared a draft low-effect screening form supporting our preliminary determination that the proposed action qualifies as a categorical exclusion under NEPA. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments on the permit application, proposed low-effect HCP, and draft NEPA compliance documentation.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Coastal Distinct Population Segment of the Pacific Marten
Document Number: 2021-22994
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-25
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose critical habitat for the coastal distinct population segment of Pacific marten (coastal marten) (Martes caurina), a mammal species from coastal California and Oregon, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 1,413,305 acres (571,965 hectares) in northwestern California and southwestern Oregon fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this entity's critical habitat.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Narrow-Headed Gartersnake
Document Number: 2021-20962
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-21
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for the narrow-headed gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. In total, 23,785 acres (9,625 hectares) in Greenlee, Apache, Yavapai, Gila, and Coconino Counties, Arizona, and Grant, Hidalgo, and Catron Counties, New Mexico, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation for the narrow-headed gartersnake. This rule extends the Act's protections to the narrow-headed gartersnake's designated critical habitat.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
Document Number: 2021-22818
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2021-22812
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Approval Procedures for Nontoxic Shot and Shot Coatings
Document Number: 2021-22805
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
Document Number: 2021-22702
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern Sierra Nevada Distinct Population Segment of Fisher
Document Number: 2021-22449
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-19
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the federally endangered Southern Sierra Nevada distinct population segment (DPS) of fisher (Pekania pennanti) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, we propose to designate approximately 554,454 acres (ac) (224,379 hectares (ha)) in six units in California as critical habitat for the Southern Sierra Nevada DPS of fisher. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Humpback Chub From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule
Document Number: 2021-20964
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-18
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reclassifying the humpback chub (Gila cypha) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), due to substantial improvements in the species' overall status since its original listing as endangered in 1974. This action is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information available, which indicates that the humpback chub no longer meets the definition of an endangered species under the Act. The humpback chub will remain protected as a threatened species under the Act. We are also finalizing a rule under section 4(d) of the Act that provides for the conservation of the humpback chub.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for Northeast Species
Document Number: 2021-22518
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the revised taxonomy of four wildlife species and two plant species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are revising the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants to reflect the scientifically accepted taxonomy and nomenclature of these species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Bog Buck Moth
Document Number: 2021-21856
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the bog buck moth (Hemileuca maia menyanthevora) (=H.iroquois), a moth that occurs in Oswego County, New York (NY), and Ontario, Canada, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). 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 bog buck moth 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 the species. We have determined that designation of critical habitat for the bog buck moth is not prudent at this time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Tiehm's Buckwheat
Document Number: 2021-21651
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list Eriogonum tiehmii (hereafter Tiehm's buckwheat), a plant species native to Nevada in the United States, as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of a 5-Year Status Review of the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
Document Number: 2021-21713
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-10-05
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our intention to conduct a 5-year status review under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, for the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). The polar bear was listed as threatened in 2008. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. We are requesting submission of information that has become available since the last review of the species in 2017.
Migratory Bird Permits; Authorizing the Incidental Take of Migratory Birds
Document Number: 2021-21474
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-10-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
To better protect migratory bird populations and provide more certainty for the regulated public, the Service seeks to address human- caused migratory bird mortality by codifying our interpretation that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) prohibits incidental take of migratory birds and developing regulations that authorize incidental take under prescribed conditions. This document advises the public that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) intends to gather information necessary to develop a proposed rule to authorize the incidental taking or killing of migratory birds, including determining when, to what extent, and by what means it is consistent with the MBTA and compatible with the terms of the four migratory bird conventions. This information will be used to develop proposed regulations to authorize the incidental take of migratory birds under prescribed conditions and prepare a draft environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. We are furnishing this advance notice of proposed rulemaking and notice of intent to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions, obtain suggestions and information to include in the proposed rulemaking and environmental review, and announce public scoping webinars.
Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds; Revocation of Provisions
Document Number: 2021-21473
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-10-04
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
On January 7, 2021, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we, the Service, or USFWS), published a final rule (January 7 rule) defining the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) as it applies to conduct resulting in the injury or death of migratory birds protected by the MBTA. We now revoke that rule for the reasons set forth below. The immediate effect of this final rule is to return to implementing the MBTA as prohibiting incidental take and applying enforcement discretion, consistent with judicial precedent and longstanding agency practice prior to 2017.
Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ArcGIS Online (AGOL) Platform
Document Number: 2021-21278
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection in use without an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of 23 Extinct Species From the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
Document Number: 2021-21219
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove 23 species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants due to extinction. This proposal is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that these species are no longer extant and, as such, no longer meet the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are seeking information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Braken Bat Cave Meshweaver From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: 2021-20911
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove the Braken Bat Cave meshweaver (Cicurina venii), an arachnid, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (i.e., ``delist'' the species) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), because of a taxonomic revision. The proposed delisting is based on our evaluation of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that Braken Bat Cave meshweaver is not a discrete taxonomic entity and does not meet the definition of a species as defined by the Act. Cicurina venii has been synonymized with Cicurina madla, the Madla Cave meshweaver. Therefore, due to a taxonomic revision, C. venii is no longer a scientifically accepted species and cannot be listed under the Act. However, because the Braken Bat Cave meshweaver has been synonymized under the Madla Cave meshweaver, its status, and thus its protections under the Act, would remain the same because the Madla Cave meshweaver is listed as endangered under the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings for Five Species
Document Number: 2021-20963
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- day findings on four petitions to add species to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants and one petition to downlist a species from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petitions to list the American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Long Valley speckled dace (Rhinichthys osculus ssp.), and Siuslaw hairy-necked tiger beetle (Cicindela hirticollis siuslawensis) 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 plan to initiate status reviews of these species to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status reviews are comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the 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 Tucson shovel-nosed snake (Chionactis annulata klauberi) and the petition to downlist the Florida torreya (Torreya taxifolia) do not present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, we are not initiating a status review of those two species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Two Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
Document Number: 2021-20923
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that two 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 Black Creek crayfish (Procambarus pictus) or hairy- peduncled beakrush (Rhynchospora crinipes). 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; Endangered Species Status for the Peñasco Least Chipmunk and Designation of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2021-20934
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-28
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 Pe[ntilde]asco least chipmunk (Neotamias minimus atristriatus), a mammal from New Mexico, as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the Pe[ntilde]asco least chipmunk 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 the species. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the Pe[ntilde]asco least chipmunk under the Act. The proposed critical habitat designation includes approximately 2,660 hectares (6,574 acres) in three units in New Mexico. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for South Llano Springs Moss and Designation of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2021-20924
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the South Llano Springs moss (Donrichardsia macroneuron), an aquatic moss species from Texas, as an endangered species and to designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the species is warranted. This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the South Llano Springs moss. Accordingly, we propose to list the South Llano Springs moss as an endangered species. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add this species to the list of Endangered and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to the species. We also propose to designate critical habitat for the South Llano Springs moss under the Act. In total, approximately 0.19 hectares (0.48 acres) in Edwards County, 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 the South Llano Springs moss.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Federal Fish and Wildlife Applications and Reports-Law Enforcement
Document Number: 2021-20937
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-27
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew an information collection with revisions.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 17 Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
Document Number: 2021-20823
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-27
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that 17 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 Amargosa tryonia (Tryonia variegata), Ash Meadows pebblesnail (Pyrgulopsis erythropoma), boat-shaped bugseed (Corispermum navicula), Burrington jumping-slug (Hemphillia burringtoni), crystal springsnail (Pyrgulopsis crystalis), Dalles sideband (Monadenia fidelis minor), distal-gland springsnail (Pyrgulopsis nanus), early dark blue butterfly (Euphilotes ancilla purpura), Fairbanks springsnail (Pyrgulopsis fairbanksensis), late dark blue butterfly (Euphilotes ancilla cryptica), median-gland springsnail (Pyrgulopsis pisteri), minute tryonia (Tryonia ericae), Point of Rocks tryonia (Tryonia elata), southern rubber boa (Charina umbratica), southwest Nevada pyrg (Pyrgulopsis turbatrix), sportinggoods tryonia (Tryonia angulata), and Virgin spinedace (Lepidomeda mollispinis mollispinis). 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.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Habitat Conservation Plan for Thurston County, Washington
Document Number: 2021-20493
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a habitat conservation plan developed by Thurston County, Washington (applicant), in support of an application for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant is seeking authorization for the incidental take of six species, expected to result from various County-permitted development activities, as well as construction and maintenance of County-owned or County-managed infrastructure, over the next 30 years. The incidental take and other impacts would occur in Thurston County. This notice also announces the availability of the Service's draft environmental impact statement and the opening of the public comment period, which is intended to satisfy the National Environmental Policy Act requirement to evaluate the impacts of the proposed action on the human environment. We are seeking public comments on the habitat conservation plan and draft environmental impact statement.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding for Two Petitions To List the Gray Wolf in the Western United States
Document Number: 2021-20088
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-17
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 add the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains and a petition to add the gray wolf in western North America to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petitions 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 plan to initiate a status review to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the species and factors that may affect its status. Based on the status review, we will issue a 12-month petition finding, which will address whether or not the petitioned actions are warranted, in accordance with the Act.
Draft Environmental Assessment; Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit and Habitat Conservation Plan for Five Bat Species, Missouri
Document Number: 2021-19929
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application from the Missouri Department of Conservation (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. If approved, the permit would be for a 50-year period and would authorize the incidental take of two endangered species, the Indiana bat and the gray bat; one threatened species, the northern long-eared bat; and two species petitioned for Federal listing, the little brown bat and the tricolored bat. The applicant has prepared a habitat conservation plan (HCP) to cover a suite of activities associated with continued forest and habitat management within the State of Missouri.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Enhancement of Survival Permit Application; Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement and Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances for 14 Aquatic Species and Associated Categorical Exclusion; State of Kansas
Document Number: 2021-19916
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are announcing the availability of documents related to an application for an enhancement of survival permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has applied for a permit associated with the implementation of a programmatic safe harbor agreement (SHA) and candidate conservation agreement with assurances (CCAA) for 14 aquatic species in Kansas. The documents available for review and comment are the applicant's programmatic SHA/CCAA, which is part of the permit application, and our draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, which support a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
Eagle Permits; Incidental Take
Document Number: 2021-19717
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-14
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we) seeks public and regulated-community input on potential approaches for further expediting and simplifying the permit process authorizing incidental take of eagles. This document also advises the public that the Service may, as a result of public input, prepare a draft environmental review pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended. We are furnishing this advance notice of proposed rulemaking to advise other agencies and the public of our intentions and obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental review. Public and regulated community responses will be used to improve and make more efficient the permitting process for incidental take of eagles in a manner that is compatible with the preservation of bald and golden eagles.
Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and Wild Bird Protection Act; Receipt of Permit Applications
Document Number: 2021-19567
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-10
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), foreign or native species for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), and foreign bird species covered under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). With some exceptions, the ESA, MMPA, and WBCA prohibit activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. These Acts also require that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity they otherwise prohibit with respect to any species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Slenderclaw Crayfish and Designation of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2021-19093
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-09-08
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for the slenderclaw crayfish (Cambarus cracens), a cryptic freshwater crustacean that is endemic to streams on Sand Mountain within the Tennessee River Basin in DeKalb and Marshall Counties, Alabama. This rule adds this species to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. In addition, we designate approximately 78 river miles (126 river kilometers) in DeKalb and Marshall Counties, Alabama, as critical habitat for the species under the Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Pyramid Pigtoe
Document Number: 2021-19091
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our 12-month finding on a petition to list the pyramid pigtoe (Pleurobema rubrum), a freshwater mussel species from Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia, as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). 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 pyramid pigtoe 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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Miami Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia Floridana)
Document Number: 2021-19088
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Miami tiger beetle (Cicindelidia floridana) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). In total, approximately 1,977 acres (ac) (800 hectares (ha)) in Miami-Dade County, Florida, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species' critical habitat. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Miami tiger beetle.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Revise Critical Habitat for the Jaguar
Document Number: 2021-19062
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce our 90-day finding in response to a petition to revise critical habitat for the jaguar (Panthera onca) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The petition requests the Service to revise the existing critical habitat designation by removing approximately 20,234 hectares (50,000 acres) of land in the northern Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona and an adjoining critical habitat subunit, including land containing the proposed Rosemont Mine. Our 90-day finding is that the petition does not present substantial scientific information indicating that the requested revision to the critical habitat designation may be warranted.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2021-19137
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2021-19136
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-03
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert Buckwheat
Document Number: 2021-18806
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-09-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for Umtanum Desert buckwheat (Eriogonum codium), listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and endemic to Benton County, Washington. We request review and comment on this draft recovery plan from Federal, State, and local agencies; Native American Tribes; and the public.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Snail Darter From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
Document Number: 2021-18127
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-09-01
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove the snail darter (Percina tanasi), a small freshwater fish native to the Tennessee River watershed, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). 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 an endangered or a threatened 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 sections 7 and 9, would no longer apply to the snail darter. We request information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule to remove the snail darter from the List (i.e., ``delist'' the species).
Marine Mammals; Letters of Authorization To Take Pacific Walrus and Polar Bears in the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, in 2019 and 2020 and Northern Sea Otters in Cook Inlet, Alaska in 2019 and 2020
Document Number: 2021-18770
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-08-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued Letters of Authorization for the nonlethal take of polar bears and Pacific walruses incidental to oil and gas industry exploration, development, and production activities in the Beaufort Sea and the adjacent northern coast of Alaska as well as northern sea otters in Cook Inlet, Alaska, in 2019 and 2020. This notice announces a list of the Letters of Authorizations that were issued in calendar years 2019 and 2020. The Letters of Authorization stipulate conditions and methods that minimize impacts to polar bears, Pacific walruses, and northern sea otters from these activities.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2022-23 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary) With Requests for Indian Tribal Proposals; Notification of Meetings
Document Number: 2021-18742
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-08-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) proposes to establish annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2022-23 hunting season. We annually prescribe outside limits (frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, announces the Service Migratory Bird Regulations Committee (SRC) and Flyway Council meetings, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2022-23 general duck seasons and preliminary proposals that vary from the 2021-22 hunting season regulations, and requests proposals from Indian Tribes that wish to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. Migratory bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance; aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds; and permit harvests at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Bartram's Stonecrop With a Section 4(d) Rule
Document Number: 2021-18476
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-08-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for Bartram's stonecrop (Graptopetalum bartramii), a plant known from Arizona and Mexico. We also issue a final rule under the authority of section 4(d) (a ``4(d) rule'') of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of Bartram's stonecrop. We have determined that designation of critical habitat for Bartram's stonecrop is not prudent.
Migratory Bird Hunting; 2021-2022 Seasons for Certain Migratory Game Birds
Document Number: 2021-18429
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-08-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
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 2021-22 season.
2021-2022 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations
Document Number: 2021-18426
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-08-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), open, for the first time, seven National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) that are currently closed to hunting and sport fishing. In addition, we open or expand hunting and sport fishing at 81 other NWRs, and add pertinent station-specific regulations for other NWRs that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing for the 2021-2022 season. We also open hunting or sport fishing on one unit of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFH). We add pertinent station-specific regulations that pertain to migratory game bird hunting, upland game hunting, big game hunting, and sport fishing at this NFH for the 2021-2022 season. Finally, we make regulatory changes to existing station-specific regulations in order to reduce the regulatory burden on the public, increase access for hunters and anglers on Service lands and waters, and comply with a Presidential mandate for plain language standards.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Dolphin and Union Caribou and 12-Month Finding for the Peary Caribou
Document Number: 2021-18098
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-08-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Peary caribou (Rangifer tarandus pearyi) (a caribou subspecies) and the Dolphin and Union caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus x peary) as endangered or threatened subspecies under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Both Peary caribou and Dolphin and Union caribou are native only to Canada. After a review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted at this time to add the Peary caribou to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We find that listing the Dolphin and Union caribou as a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the barren-ground caribou subspecies (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus) is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list this DPS with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule''). To ensure that subsequent rulemaking resulting from this proposed rule is as accurate and effective as possible, we are soliciting information from the public, other governmental agencies, the Government of Canada and its provincial governments, the scientific community, industry, and any other interested parties.
Application for an Incidental Take Permit; Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment for Wildhorse Mountain Wind Project, Pushmataha County, Oklahoma
Document Number: 2021-18450
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-08-27
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment (dEA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and application for an incidental take permit (ITP) supported by a habitat conservation plan (HCP) for the operation of an existing wind facility, the Wildhorse Mountain Wind project (project), in Pushmataha County, Oklahoma. Wildhorse Wind Energy, LLC (Applicant) has applied for an ITP under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. The requested ITP, which would be in effect for a period of 30 years, if granted, would cover incidental take of the federally endangered Indiana bat and threatened northern long-eared bat. The potential incidental take would be associated with activities associated with the operation of the existing wind project. We invite public comments on the permit application, proposed HCP, and dEA.
DifWind VII & IX Reclamation Project, Alameda County, California; Draft Categorical Exclusion and Draft Habitat Conservation Plan
Document Number: 2021-18449
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-08-27
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the receipt of an application from DifWind Farms Limited VII and DifWind Farms Limited IX (collectively, the applicants) for a 6-year incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), along with the applicants' draft habitat conservation plan. We also announce the availability of the associated draft National Environmental Policy Act categorical exclusion screening form. The applicants have applied for an incidental take permit under the ESA for the DifWind VII & IX Reclamation Project in Alameda County, California. The permit would authorize the take of two species incidental to the reclamation of a decommissioned commercial wind energy project. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the application and related documents. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp) Contest
Document Number: 2021-18479
Type: Rule
Date: 2021-08-26
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising the regulations governing the annual Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest (also known as the Federal Duck Stamp Contest (Contest)). We are removing the previously specified permanent theme and the mandatory inclusion of an appropriate hunting element within all Contest entries and revising the qualifications of the judging panel to reflect this change beginning with the 2022 Contest.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR) Contests
Document Number: 2021-18359
Type: Notice
Date: 2021-08-26
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to reinstate a previously approved information collection with revisions.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status With Critical Habitat for Guadalupe Fatmucket, Texas Fatmucket, Guadalupe Orb, Texas Pimpleback, and False Spike, and Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat for Texas Fawnsfoot
Document Number: 2021-18012
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2021-08-26
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or USFWS), propose to list six Central Texas mussel species: The Guadalupe fatmucket (Lampsilis bergmanni), Texas fatmucket (Lampsilis bracteata), Texas fawnsfoot (Truncilla macrodon), Guadalupe orb (Cyclonaias necki), Texas pimpleback (Cyclonaias (=Quadrula) petrina), and false spike (Fusconaia (=Quincuncina) mitchelli) as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing Guadalupe fatmucket, Texas fatmucket, Guadalupe orb, Texas pimpleback, and false spike as endangered species is warranted, and listing Texas fawnsfoot as a threatened species is warranted. We propose a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule'') for the Texas fawnsfoot. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would add these 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 all six species under the Act. In total, approximately 1,944 river miles (3,129 river kilometers) in Texas fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designations. We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed designation of critical habitat. We also are notifying the public that we have scheduled two informational meetings followed by public hearings on the proposed rule.
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