Fish and Wildlife Service – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
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Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska-Subpart B; Federal Subsistence Board Membership
This proposed rule would revise the regulations concerning the composition of the Federal Subsistence Board (Board) by adding three public members nominated or recommended by federally recognized Tribal governments, requiring that those nominees have personal knowledge of and direct experience with subsistence uses in rural Alaska including Alaska Native subsistence uses, defining requirements used for the selection of the Board Chair, affirming the Secretaries' authority to replace members from the Board, and affirming the Secretaries' responsibility and oversight regarding Board decisions while incorporating a ratification requirement. In January 2022, the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) held joint consultations with federally recognized Tribes of Alaska and various Tribal Consortia. Later during October-November 2022, DOI leadership and the Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, held joint consultations with various Alaska Tribes regarding fisheries. Approximately 445 individual subsistence users and representatives from Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal consortia, Alaska Native organizations, and Native corporations participated in the consultations, and a majority of the commenters specifically requested increasing the number of public members to five and adding more voting members who represent Alaska Native Villages and have local knowledge and direct subsistence experience.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 22 Species in the Southwest; Correction
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, published a notice in the Federal Register on January 25, 2024, initiating 5-year status reviews of 22 species in the Southwest under the Endangered Species Act. We inadvertently provided incorrect information for our Austin, Texas, field office and misprinted the listing status of one species, the whooping crane. We are publishing this notice to make those corrections.
Endangered Species; Issuance of Permits
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Silverspot Butterfly
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for a subspecies of butterfly (Speyeria nokomis nokomis), a silverspot butterfly from Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. We also finalize a rule issued under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of this subspecies. We have determined that the designation of critical habitat is not prudent.
Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Council Meetings for 2024
The Federal Subsistence Board (Board) announces the public meetings of the 10 Alaska Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils (Councils) for the winter and fall cycles of 2024. The Councils each meet approximately twice a year to provide advice and recommendations to the Board about subsistence hunting and fishing issues on Federal public lands in Alaska.
Permits for Incidental Take of Eagles and Eagle Nests
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are revising the regulations for the issuance of permits for eagle incidental take and eagle nest take. The purpose of these revisions is to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of permitting, improve clarity for the regulated community, and increase the conservation benefit for eagles. In addition to continuing to authorize specific permits, we created general permits for certain activities under prescribed conditions, including general permit options for qualifying wind-energy generation projects, power line infrastructure, activities that may disturb breeding bald eagles, and bald eagle nest take. We also made improvements to the specific permit requirements and process. We also revised permit fees and clarified definitions.
R-Project Transmission Line, Nebraska; Revised Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the American Burying Beetle and Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of documents related to an application for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is applying for a permit associated with incidental take of the American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus; ABB) during construction, operation, and maintenance of a new transmission line in central Nebraska (known as the R-Project). NPPD has submitted a new application for a 50-year ITP, including a revised proposed habitat conservation plan (revised HCP) and associated documents. We previously issued an ITP for the R-Project and the applicant's earlier HCP to NPPD in 2019. However, that ITP was remanded by a Court. In response to the Court remand, NPPD has prepared the revised HCP as part of the new ITP application. In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, we now announce the availability of the draft supplemental EIS (draft SEIS) associated with the revised HCP. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding for the Kings River Pyrg
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 90-day finding on a petition to add the Kings River pyrg (Pyrgulopsis imperialis) 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 petition to list the Kings River pyrg presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we announce that we are initiating a status review to determine whether the petitioned action is warranted. To ensure that the status review is comprehensive, we request scientific and commercial data and other information regarding Kings River pyrg 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 action is warranted, in accordance with the Act.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2024-25 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (Preliminary)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) proposes to establish hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds for the 2024-25 hunting season. Through an annual rulemaking process, we prescribe outside limits (which we refer to as frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. This proposed rule provides the regulatory schedule, describes the proposed regulatory alternatives for the 2024-25 general duck seasons, and provides preliminary proposals that vary from the 2023-24 hunting season regulations. 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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Western Snowy Plover Survey and Reporting
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing a new information collection in use without Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Finding for the Gray Wolf in the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Western United States
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a finding on the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) and in the Western United States. After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial data, we find that gray wolves within the NRM area do not, on their own, represent a valid listable entity; therefore, the NRM is not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We find that the gray wolf in the Western United States is a valid listable entity; however, the gray wolf in the Western United States does not meet the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species. Thus, we find that listing the gray wolf in the Western United States is not warranted at this time.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Two Species Not Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species
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 the north Oregon coast distinct population segment (DPS) of the red tree vole (Arborimus longicaudus) and Plateau spot-tailed earless lizard (Holbrookia lacerata). However, we ask the public to submit to us at any time any new information relevant to the status of either of the species mentioned above or their habitats.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Civil Penalties; 2024 Inflation Adjustments for Civil Monetary Penalties
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is issuing this final rule, in accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 (Inflation Adjustment Act) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance, to adjust for inflation the statutory civil monetary penalties that may be assessed for violations of Service-administered statutes and their implementing regulations. We are required to adjust civil monetary penalties annually for inflation according to a formula specified in the Inflation Adjustment Act. This rule replaces the previously issued amounts with the updated amounts after using the 2024 inflation adjustment multiplier provided in the OMB guidance.
National Wildlife Refuge System; Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose new regulations to ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health (BIDEH) of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) are maintained, and where appropriate, restored and enhanced, in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. In addition, the Service is proposing updates to the existing BIDEH policy, which will be available for public comment concurrently with the proposed regulations in this docket. These proposed regulatory and policy revisions would support conservation throughout the Refuge System in response to both longstanding and contemporary conservation challenges, including the universal and profound effects of climate change on refuge species and ecosystems. Together, these proposals would uphold BIDEH across the Refuge System by providing refuge managers with a consistent approach for evaluating and implementing management actions to protect vulnerable species, restore and connect habitats, promote natural processes, sustain vital ecological functions, increase resilience, and adapt to climate change.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Safe Harbor Agreement and Proposed Categorical Exclusion; Los Robles Ranch, Santa Barbara County, CA
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of an application for an enhancement of survival permit pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. As part of the application, the applicant submitted a proposed safe harbor agreement. The Service prepared a draft screening form in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act to evaluate the potential effects of the specific project to the natural and human environment. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these documents. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Amendment to Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement and Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances for Kansas Aquatic Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are announcing the availability of documents associated with an application to amend an enhancement of survival permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks has applied to amend the existing Programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement and Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances for 15 Aquatic Species in Kansas (SHA/CCAA) by adding 6 additional covered species: Lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens), sicklefin chub (Macrhybopsis meeki), sturgeon chub (Macrhybopsis gelida), snuffbox mussel (Epioblasma triquetra), spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), and Ouachita kidneyshell (Ptychobranchus occidentalis). The documents available for review and comment are the applicant's proposed amended programmatic SHA/CCAA, which is part of the permit amendment application, and our draft environmental action statement and low-effect screening form, which support a categorical exclusion for the amendment under the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
Endangered Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation and 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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Urban Bird Treaty Program Requirements
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to renew a currently approved information collection without change.
Wild Bird Conservation Act; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on permit applications regarding foreign bird species covered under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). With some exceptions, the WBCA prohibits certain activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The WBCA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity it otherwise prohibits.
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for Southwest Alaska Stock of Northern Sea Otters in Kodiak, Alaska
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from Trident Seafoods Corporation, propose to authorize nonlethal incidental take by harassment of small numbers of the Southwest Alaska stock of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) for 1 year from the date of issuance of the incidental harassment authorization. The applicant requested this authorization for take by harassment that may result from activities associated with pile driving and marine construction activities in Near Island Channel in Kodiak, Alaska. We estimate that this project may result in the nonlethal incidental take by harassment of up to 460 northern sea otters from the Southwest Alaska stock. This proposed authorization, if finalized, will be for up to 3,160 takes of 460 northern sea otters by Level B harassment. No take by Level A harassment or lethal take are requested, or expected, and no such take will be authorized.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 22 Species in the Southwest
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are conducting 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act, of 22 animal and plant species. 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 reviews for the species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings for 10 Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- day findings on 10 petitions to add 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 Betta hendra, Betta rutilans, Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander (Aneides caryaensis), pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis), Railroad Valley toad (Anaxyrus nevadensis), Southern Plains bumble bee (Bombus fraternus), Southwest spring firefly (Bicellonycha wickershamorum), white-margined penstemon (Penstemon albomarginatus), and yellow-spotted woodland salamander (Plethodon pauleyi) 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. We further find that the petition to list the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis alleganiensis) does not present substantial information indicating the petitioned action may be warranted. Therefore, we are not initiating a status review of the eastern hellbender.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Native Youth Climate Adaptation Leadership Congress
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 Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of an Experimental Population of the Grizzly Bear in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of the States of Idaho and Montana; Environmental Impact Statement
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), intend to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of restoring the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) to the Bitterroot Ecosystem (BE), a portion of the species' historical range, in Montana and Idaho. We previously issued a final EIS, record of decision, and final rule under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, to reintroduce grizzly bears to the BE as a nonessential experimental population. However, conditions have changed, so we intend to reevaluate a range of options to restore the grizzly bear to the BE during the development of a new EIS. We invite input from other Federal and State agencies, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, private-sector businesses, and members of the public on the scope of the EIS, alternatives to our proposed approaches for assisting in the restoration of the grizzly bear in the BE, and the pertinent issues that we should address in the EIS. We also invite the public and interested parties to attend virtual public scoping meetings.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Aramis Solar Energy Generation and Storage Project, Alameda County, CA; Availability of Draft Environmental Assessment
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), supported by a draft habitat conservation plan (draft HCP). IP Aramis, LLC (applicant) has applied for an ITP under the ESA for the Aramis Solar Energy Generation and Storage Project in Alameda County, California. The requested ITP, which would be in effect for a period of 32 years, if granted, would authorize incidental take of the federally threatened California red-legged frog, federally threatened Central Distinct Population Segment of the California tiger salamander (Central California tiger salamander), federally endangered San Joaquin kit fox, Federal candidate monarch butterfly, and non-listed golden eagle, which is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act). We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the application. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Application for an Amendment to an Incidental Take Permit; Cibolo Canyon Master Phase II Environmental Assessment and Habitat Conservation Plan for the Golden-Cheeked Warbler in Bexar County, Texas
TF Cibolo Canyons, LP (applicant) has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an amendment to their existing incidental take permit (ITP) supported by the proposed amendment to the Habitat Conservation Plan for a portion of the Cibolo Canyon Property (Master Phase II) (HCP) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act. The requested amendment to the ITP, if approved, would continue authorization of incidental take of the golden-cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia). The application package includes the proposed changes to the HCP and a draft screening form that has been prepared to evaluate the ITP application in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these documents.
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
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from St. John Methodist Church of Sebring Inc. (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink (Neoseps reynoldsi) and blue-tailed mole-skink (Eumeces egregius lividus) incidental to the construction of a residential development in Highlands 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.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
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 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Privacy Act system of records, INTERIOR/FWS-21, Permits System. FWS is consolidating all of the FWS permits systems of records under this system of records notice (SORN) and making updates to accurately reflect management of the system of records. This modified system will be included in DOI's inventory of record systems.
Endangered Species; Issuance of Permits
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have issued the following permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species. We issue these permits under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Restoration Planning To Address 1999 Oregon-Washington Coast Mystery Oil Spill
Notice is hereby given of the trustees' (Department of the Interior, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife) intent to proceed with restoration planning actions to address injuries to natural resources resulting from the discharge of oil associated with a 1999 mystery spill along the northern Oregon and southern Washington coastline. The purpose of this restoration planning effort is to assess injuries to natural resources resulting from the spill and develop and implement a plan for the restoration of these injured resources.
Endangered Wildlife; Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species, unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of the Aleutian Shield Fern and the Alaska Breeding Population of Steller's Eider
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews of the Aleutian shield fern and the Alaska breeding population of Steller's eider 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. We are requesting submission of any new information on these species that has become available since the last reviews of the species. We invite comments and information from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of Five Northeastern Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year reviews under the Endangered Species Act, as amended, for five 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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports-Native Endangered and Threatened Species
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 Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for Montebello Hills Phase B Project, City of Montebello, CA; Categorical Exclusion
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Metro Heights Montebello, LLC (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally threatened coastal California gnatcatcher and endangered least Bell's vireo incidental to construction of the Montebello Hills Phase B Project, in the City of Montebello, Los Angeles County, California. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed habitat conservation plan (HCP), and 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; Initiation of 5-Year Status Reviews of 16 Listed Animal and Plant Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year status reviews under the Endangered Species Act, for 3 plant and 13 animal species. 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. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Training System
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to revise a currently approved information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities; National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR)
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are proposing to revise a currently approved information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Concessions
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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Marine Mammal Marking, Tagging, and Reporting Certificates, and Registration of Certain Dead Marine Mammal Hard Parts
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; Draft Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment; Sacramento Municipal Utility District Operations, Maintenance, and New Construction Habitat Conservation Plan, Sacramento County, CA
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Sacramento Municipal Utility District (applicant) for an incidental take permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act and an accompanying draft habitat conservation plan (plan). We also announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act. We request public comment on the application, which includes the applicant's proposed plan, and the Service's draft environmental assessment. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Black-Capped Petrel
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the black-capped petrel (Pterodroma hasitata), a pelagic seabird species that nests on the island of Hispaniola and spends the rest of its life at sea. The species forages in high concentration off the coast of North Carolina; however, the marine range extends across much of the western Atlantic (Nova Scotia to Venezuela) and into the Caribbean Sea and northern Gulf of Mexico. This rule extends the protections of the Act to the black-capped petrel.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Southern Beaufort Sea Stock of Polar Bears on the North Slope of Alaska
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in response to a request under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended, from the Bureau of Land Management, propose to authorize nonlethal incidental take by harassment of small numbers of Southern Beaufort Sea (SBS) polar bears (Ursus maritimus) for 1 year from the date of issuance. The applicant requested this authorization for take by harassment that may result from activities associated with oil well plugging and reclamation, soil sampling, snow trail, pad, and airstrip construction, and summer cleanup activities in the North Slope Borough of Alaska between the Wainwright and Oliktok Areas. This proposed authorization, if finalized, will be for up to 18 takes of polar bears by Level B harassment and up to 3 takes of polar bears by non-serious Level A harassment. No serious Level A or lethal take is requested, expected, or proposed to be authorized.
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