🦭Approval of Marine Mammal Removal Authority
NMFS announces approval of an application to intentionally take, by lethal methods, California sea lions (CSL; Zalophus californianus) and Steller sea lions (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus: Eastern stock) that are located in the mainstem of the Columbia River between river mile 112 (I-205 bridge) and river mile 292 (McNary Dam), or in any tributary to the Columbia River that includes spawning habitat of threatened or endangered salmon or steelhead (Onchorynchus spp.). This action is intended to reduce or eliminate sea lion predation on species that are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, and species of lamprey or sturgeon that are not listed as endangered or threatened but are listed as a species of concern by the state of Oregon. This authorization is pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). NMFS also announces availability of decision documents and other information relied upon in making this determination.
Learn More🌿Regulatory Findings on Five Species Not Warranted for Listing
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce findings that five 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 data available, we find that it is not warranted at this time to list the Jackson Prairie crayfish (Procambarus barbiger), Ozark shiner (Notropis ozarcanus), speckled burrowing crayfish (Creaserinus danielae), spiny scale crayfish (Cambarus jezerinaci), and spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata). 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.
Learn More🦎Incidental Take Permit Application for Sand Skink in Orange County, FL
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Waste Management (Pine Ridge Recycling & Disposal Facility) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink incidental to the construction of an expansion of the existing Pine Ridge Recycling & Disposal Facility in Orange County, Florida. We request public comment on 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 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Department of Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual (DM). To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft screening form and NEPA statement for HCPs, which is available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Learn More🦎Permit Application for Sand Mine Expansion and Endangered Species Compliance
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Nola Land Company, Inc. (E.R. Jahna Haines City Sand Mine) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink and blue-tailed mole skink (skinks) incidental to the construction and operation of a sand mine expansion 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 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations, and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft screening form and NEPA statement for HCPs, which is available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Learn More🦋Public Comment on Endangered Species Recovery Permits
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct scientific research to promote conservation or other 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.
Learn More🐍Proposed Regulation for Southern Hognose Snake Listing
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), a small, fossorial snake species from the coastal plains and sandhills across the southeastern United States, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This determination also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to list the southern hognose snake. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that listing the species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the southern hognose snake as a threatened species with protective regulations 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. We find that designating critical habitat for this species is prudent but not determinable at this time.
Learn More🦎Incidental Take Permit Application for Housing Development in Florida
We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce receipt of an application from Revels Road Investors, LLC (Howey Groves Development) (applicant) for an incidental take permit (ITP) under the Endangered Species Act. The applicant requests the ITP to take the federally listed sand skink incidental to the construction of a housing development in Lake 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 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Department of the Interior's (DOI) NEPA regulations and the DOI Departmental Manual. To make this preliminary determination, we prepared a draft screening form and NEPA statement for HCPs, which are also available for public review. We invite comment from the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies.
Learn More🐅Emergency Permit Issued for Import of Endangered Species
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have waived the 30-day public notice period and have issued an endangered species permit for import of five tigers (Panthera tigris). We issue this permit under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Learn More🐬Issuance of Marine Mammal Permit and Business Implications
Notice is hereby given that a permit has been issued under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
Learn More🐟Compliance Requirements for Hatchery Programs Under ESA
NMFS has evaluated plans for three hatchery programs rearing and releasing Chinook, coho, and pink salmon in the Dungeness River basin, submitted by the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) as co-managers pursuant to the limitation on take prohibitions for actions conducted under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans describe hatchery programs operated by the co-managers. This document serves to notify the public of the availability of an Evaluation and Recommended Determination Document (ERD) in which NMFS, by delegated authority from the Secretary of Commerce, has determined that implementing and enforcing these hatchery and genetics management plans (HGMPs) will not appreciably reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery nor modify or destroy critical habitat of Puget Sound Chinook salmon or Puget Sound steelhead.
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