Fish and Wildlife Service March 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Final Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report for Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program II Phase I
Document Number: 2023-06431
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-31
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of a final environmental impact statement/environmental impact report (FEIS/EIR) for the Tijuana Estuary Tidal Restoration Program II Phase I project. The FEIS/EIR was prepared jointly by the Service and the California Department of Parks and Recreation to satisfy the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act, respectively. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is participating in the NEPA process as a cooperating agency. The FEIS/EIR evaluates the environmental consequences of restoring 82 to 87 acres of native coastal wetlands and uplands within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve on portions of both the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Border Field State Park, in San Diego County, California.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-06692
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-31
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; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Egyptian Tortoise
Document Number: 2023-06312
Type: Rule
Date: 2023-03-30
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are listing the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni; syn. Testudo werneri), a terrestrial tortoise from Libya, Egypt, and Israel, as a threatened species with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. The rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of this species.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Depredation and Control Orders
Document Number: 2023-06599
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-30
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 to renew an information collection without change.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Stock Assessment Reports for Two Stocks of West Indian Manatee
Document Number: 2023-06505
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, after consideration of comments received from the public, have revised the marine mammal stock assessment reports (SAR) for two West Indian manatee stocks, the Florida manatee stock (Trichechus manatus latirostris) and the Puerto Rico stock of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus). We now make both final revised SARs available to the public.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
Document Number: 2023-06494
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from JDT of Central Florida (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened sand skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi) and the federally threatened blue-tailed mole- skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) incidental to the construction of a residential development in Polk County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 12 Species, and Not Prudent Determination for 2 Species, on Hawai'i Island
Document Number: 2023-04088
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-03-29
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for 12 federally endangered species on the island of Hawai[revaps]i under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. In total, approximately 122,277 acres (49,484 hectares) on the island of Hawai[revaps]i, in the State of Hawaii, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. We announce a public informational meeting and public hearing on, and the availability of a draft economic analysis for, this proposed designation. In addition, we announce our determination that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for two federally endangered species on the island of Hawai[revaps]i under the Act.
Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council Meeting
Document Number: 2023-06340
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) gives notice of a meeting of the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council (HWCC), in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: C1-2023-05961
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-28
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Eagle Take Permits and Fees
Document Number: 2023-06240
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-27
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, without change, an information collection.
Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council; Request for Nominations
Document Number: 2023-06076
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-24
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture are seeking member nominations to the Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council (Council) to fill one vacancy for a representative from a State fish and wildlife management agency. The Council provides recommendations to the Federal Government, through the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, regarding the establishment and implementation of existing and proposed policies and authorities with regard to wildlife and habitat conservation endeavors that benefit wildlife resources; encourage partnership among the public, sporting conservation organizations, wildlife-associated recreation interests, and Federal, State, Tribal, and territorial governments; and benefit fair-chase recreational hunting and safe recreational shooting sports.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-05909
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
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; Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-05907
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
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 species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
Document Number: 2023-05950
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Luxer Development, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened sand skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi) and the federally threatened blue-tailed mole- skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) incidental to the construction of a residential development in Polk County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Caracara, Brevard County, FL; Categorical Exclusion
Document Number: 2023-05949
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Forestar (USA) Real Estate Group (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened Audubon's crested caracara (Polyborus plancus audubonii), a raptor, incidental to the construction of a proposed residential development in Brevard County, Florida. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and on the Service's preliminary determination that the proposed permitting action may be eligible for a categorical exclusion pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations, the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, both of which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-05934
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits, permit renewals, and/or permit amendments to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-05929
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
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 ESA. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews for 133 Species in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Document Number: 2023-05928
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews for 133 species in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, California, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Two of these species also occur outside of United States jurisdiction in Canada and Palau. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last reviews.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-05961
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
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 species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations on Certain Federal Indian Reservations and Ceded Lands
Document Number: 2023-05959
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-03-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
As part of the rulemaking process for the 2023-2024 season, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (hereinafter, Service or we) proposes a revised process for establishing special regulations for certain Tribes on Federal Indian reservations, off-reservation trust lands, and ceded lands for migratory bird hunting seasons. We are proposing no longer to require that Tribes annually submit a proposal to the Service for our review and approval and no longer to publish in the Federal Register the annual Tribal migratory bird hunting regulations, and instead to adopt as regulations elements of our current guidelines for establishing special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations (including off-reservation trust lands) and ceded lands. The Service recognizes the reserved hunting rights and management authority of Indian Tribes. Since the 1985-86 hunting season, we have successfully employed guidelines to establish special migratory game bird hunting regulations on Federal Indian reservations and ceded lands. We conclude that Tribal migratory bird harvest has been small with negligible impact to bird population status. We anticipate that Tribal hunting of migratory birds will continue to have similar negligible impacts to bird populations in the future. By proposing these regulations, the Service seeks to strengthen Tribal sovereignty and to reduce administrative burdens on both the Tribes and the Service while continuing to sustain healthy migratory game bird populations for future generations.
Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for Crescent Wind Project, Hillsdale County, Michigan; Reopening of Public Comment Period
Document Number: 2023-05952
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-23
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are reopening the public comment period on our January 27, 2023, notice that announced our draft environmental assessment evaluating an incidental take permit (ITP) application received from Consumers Energy Company (applicant). The ITP application includes the Crescent Wind Project Habitat Conservation Plan, which is also under review. The applicant is requesting incidental take coverage of the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, because they will be fully considered.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings for 4 Species
Document Number: 2023-05610
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-03-21
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- day findings on petitions to add four species to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that the petitions to list the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius), Morro Bay polyphyllan scarab beetle (Polyphylla morroensis), Inyo rock daisy (Perityle inyoensis; synonym Laphamia inyoensis), and roughhead shiner (Notropis semperasper) present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we announce that we are initiating status reviews of these species to determine whether the petitioned actions are warranted. To ensure that the status reviews are comprehensive, we request scientific and commercial data and other information regarding 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.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status With Critical Habitat for Texas Heelsplitter, and Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat for Louisiana Pigtoe
Document Number: 2023-05107
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-03-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Texas heelsplitter (Potamilus amphichaenus) as an endangered species and the Louisiana pigtoe (Pleurobema riddellii) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Both species are freshwater mussels. This document serves as our 12- month finding on a petition to list the Texas heelsplitter and Louisiana pigtoe. For the Louisiana pigtoe, we also propose a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act (a ``4(d) rule'') to provide for the conservation of the species. In addition, we propose to designate critical habitat for the Texas heelsplitter and Louisiana pigtoe under the Act. In total, approximately 831.8 river miles (1,338.6 river kilometers) in 31 counties in Texas fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for the Texas heelsplitter, and approximately 1,028.2 river miles (1,654.3 river kilometers) in 3 counties in Arkansas, 6 parishes in Louisiana, 2 counties in Mississippi, 1 county in Oklahoma, and 21 counties in Texas fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for the Louisiana pigtoe. We announce the availability of a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Texas heelsplitter and Louisiana pigtoe. Finally, we announce an informational meeting followed by a public hearing on this proposed rule. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to these species and their critical habitats.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, Experimental Populations
Document Number: 2023-05550
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-20
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 existing information collection without change.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Alaska Native Handicrafts
Document Number: 2023-05574
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are proposing to renew an information collection without change.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Application
Document Number: 2023-05573
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-20
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application for a permit to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on this application. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Agency Information Collection Activities; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grassland Easements
Document Number: 2023-05591
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-20
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 a new information collection in use without Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Big Cat Public Safety Act Registration
Document Number: 2023-05590
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-20
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 emergency clearance of a new collection of information.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
Document Number: 2023-05376
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-16
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, the Department of the Interior (DOI) is issuing a public notice of its intent to modify all U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) system of records notices (SORNs). FWS is modifying its 11 system of records to add 2 breach routine uses to authorize the limited disclosure of records related to a suspected or confirmed breach of personally identifiable information (PII) within the DOI or assist another agency respond to their breach in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Memorandum M-17-12, Preparing for and Responding to a Breach of Personally Identifiable Information.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Bog Buck Moth
Document Number: 2023-05012
Type: Rule
Date: 2023-03-15
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the bog buck moth (Hemileuca maia menyanthevora) (=H. iroquois), a moth that occurs in Oswego County, New York, and Ontario, Canada. This rule adds the bog buck moth to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and applies the protections of the Act to this 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; Initiation of 5-Year Status Review of the Mexican Wolf in the Southwest
Document Number: 2023-05091
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are conducting a 5- year status review of the Mexican wolf under the Endangered Species Act. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the last review for the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 27 Listed Species in the Mountain-Prairie Region
Document Number: 2023-05064
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-13
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews of 27 species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A 5-year status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last review of the species.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Preliminary Land Acquisition Process
Document Number: 2023-05108
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-13
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 without change.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-05153
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-13
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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress
Document Number: 2023-04911
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-10
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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Migratory Bird Surveys
Document Number: 2023-04908
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-10
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 without change.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Petition Finding for Joshua Trees (Yucca brevifolia and Y. jaegeriana)
Document Number: 2023-04680
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-03-09
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 Joshua trees (Yucca brevifolia and Y. jaegeriana) 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 listing Joshua trees as endangered or threatened species is not warranted. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the Joshua trees or their habitat at any time.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Longsolid and Round Hickorynut and Designation of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2023-03998
Type: Rule
Date: 2023-03-09
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 the longsolid (Fusconaia subrotunda) and round hickorynut (Obovaria subrotunda), freshwater mussels. We also designate critical habitat for both species. For the longsolid, in total, approximately 1,115 river miles (1,794 river kilometers) fall within 12 units of critical habitat in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Alabama. For the round hickorynut, in total, approximately 921 river miles (1,482 river kilometers) fall within 14 units of critical habitat in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. We also finalize a rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act for both species that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of these species.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-04772
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-08
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 ESA. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Refuge-Specific Regulations; Public Use; Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Document Number: 2023-04318
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2023-03-07
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, we) is withdrawing our June 11, 2020, proposed rule to amend the refuge- specific regulations for Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, Refuge) related to the harvest of brown bears at bait stations, trapping under State law without a Federal permit, discharge of firearms along the Kenai and Russian Rivers, increased access for the use of bicycles and game carts, and the use of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and utility task vehicles on certain lakes when there is adequate snow and ice cover. Based on the extensive public comments submitted in opposition to the June 11, 2020, proposed rule and new information and scientific literature not previously considered, we have determined that the best course of action is to withdraw the proposed rule.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; In-Season Subsistence Salmon Fishery Catch and Effort Survey
Document Number: 2023-04509
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-06
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 without change.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of Two Northeastern Species
Document Number: 2023-04349
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-06
Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year reviews under the Endangered Species Act, as amended, for two northeastern species. A 5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. We are requesting submission of any such information that has become available since the previous 5-year review for each species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Upper Coosa River Distinct Population Segment of Frecklebelly Madtom and Designation of Critical Habitat
Document Number: 2023-03875
Type: Rule
Date: 2023-03-02
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 the Upper Coosa River distinct population segment (DPS) of the frecklebelly madtom (Noturus munitus), a fish species. We are also finalizing a rule under section 4(d) of the Act to provide for conservation of the species. In addition, we designate critical habitat for the Upper Coosa River DPS under the Act. In total, approximately 134 river miles (216 kilometers) in Georgia and Tennessee fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. This rule applies the protections of the Act to this species and its designated critical habitat.
Endangered Wildlife; Recovery Permit Applications
Document Number: 2023-04156
Type: Notice
Date: 2023-03-01
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 a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species, unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
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