2006 FR notices - FWS and NMFS

FHWA, FTA NPRM seeks to �clarify the factors to be considered and the standards to be applied in determining the feasibility and prudence of alternatives avoiding the use of Section 4(f) properties by transportation projects (4(f) property refers to parks, recreation areas, wildlife and waterfowl refuges, and historic sites. Summary: �First, this proposal clarifies the factors to be considered and the standards to be applied when determining if an alternative for avoiding the use of Section 4(f) property is feasible and prudent. Second, this NPRM proposes to clarify the factors to be considered when selecting a project alternative in situations where all alternatives use Section 4(f) property and no feasible and prudent avoidance alternative exists. Third, this proposal would establish procedures for determining that the use of a Section 4(f) property has de minimis impacts. Fourth, the proposal updates the regulation to recognize statutory and common-sense exceptions for uses that advance Section 4(f)'s preservationist goals; as well as the option of conducting certain Section 4(f) evaluations on a programmatic basis. Fifth, this proposal would move the Section 4(f) regulations out of the agencies' National Environmental Policy Act regulations (23 CFR part 771, ``Environmental Impact and Related Procedures''), into a separate part of 23 CFR, with a reorganized structure that is easier to use.�)
Maritime Administration releases draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Removal of Non-Retention Vessels from the Suisun Bay Reserve Fleet. The draft EA analyzes the impacts associated with removal of all non-retention vessels for eventual disposal through various means such as recycling, museum donations, artificial reef creation, and/or military and civilian uses.

Wed., July 26

Tues., July 25

Mon., July 24

Fri., July 21

Thurs., July 20

Wed., July 19

Tues., July 18

Northern Electric Cooperative (Northern) has applied for a Presidential permit to construct, operate, maintain, and connect an electric transmission line across the U.S. border with Canada (DOE must prepare NEPA analysis. "The line would be used to import electric energy into the U.S. to provide electricity to three existing U.S. government-owned water wells and water monitoring stations in Montana. Construction of these international facilities would negate the Northern's need to rebuild 18 miles of deteriorating transmission line that currently serves the water facilities.")

Mon., July 17

FWS designates "areas of occupied, spring-related aquatic habitat in Texas as critical habitat for the Peck's cave amphipod (Stygobromus pecki), Comal Springs dryopid beetle (Stygoparnus comalensis), and Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelmis comalensis)." ("The three listed species are known only from four spring systems in central Texas: Comal Springs and Hueco Springs in Comal County, and Fern Bank Springs and San Marcos Springs in Hays County. The total area proposed as critical habitat for the amphipod is about 38.5 ac (acres) (15.6 hectares (ha)), for the dryopid beetle is about 39.5 ac (16.0 ha), and for the riffle beetle is approximately 30.3 ac (12.3 ha).")
- PDF w/ maps
NMFS requests comments on proposed modifications to the Port Sutton project (Florida) and its incidental harassment authorization (IHA) (In August 2005, NMFS received a request from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Jacksonville District for the incidental harassment of bottlenose dolphins in connection with expanding and deepening the Port Sutton Navigation Channel in Tampa Harbor, Fla. The Corps has "submitted additional information to NMFS on charge weight of the explosives and calculations for impact zones from a similar port construction project that the Corps completed in Miami. Due to the similarity of the geophysical structure and rock substrate between the Port of Miami and Port Sutton, the Corps proposes to modify certain aspects of the proposed project in Port Sutton with the best available scientific information obtained from the Port of Miami project.")
NMFS schedules meetings on proposed right whale ship strike reduction draft EIS (Tuesday, Aug. 8, Jacksonville, Fla. 1-4 p.m., U. of North Florida, University Center, Board of Trustees Room, 1200 Alumni Drive, Jacksonville; Thursday, Aug. 10, Baltimore, Md., 1-4 p.m., Maryland Science Center, MSC Theater, 601 Light St.; Monday, Aug. 14, Boston, 1-4 p.m. Thomas (Tip) O'Neill, Federal Building, Auditorium, 10 Causeway St.)
NMFS: Notice is hereby given of meetings of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee NEPA:
CEQ asks for comments on a proposed guide, "Aligning the Complementary Processes of Environmental Management Systems and the National Environmental Policy Act.'' (Guide is here
EPA asks for comment on "draft technical guidance for managing nonpoint source pollution from hydromodification. The term hydromodification refers to an activity that alters the geometry and physical characteristics of a stream or river in such a way that the flow patterns change."
- Go here for more
MMS extends comment period from July 14 to July 28 "for written scoping comments on the Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS for the Proposed Cape Wind Project which was published in the Federal Register on May 30, 2006." (see below for May 30 notice)
- More here

Fri., July 14

FWS releases draft EIR/S, receives application for an Incidental Take Permit for the Orange County Southern Subregion Habitat Conservation Plan, Orange County, CA ("The Service is requesting public comment on the Draft Orange County Southern Subregion Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), Draft Implementing Agreement, and Draft EIR/EIS")
- More here
NMFS issues Harold M. Brundage a modification to scientific research Permit No. 1486
Science Advisory Board of NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research to hold meeting in Monterey July 25 (Topics: (1) Discussion of the Final Report of the External Review of NOAA's Ecosystem Research and Science Enterprise; (2) Discussion of the Final Report of the Physical and Social Sciences Research Task Team (3) Discussion of the Final Report of the Hurricane Intensity Research Working Group; (4) Report on Building the Scientific Foundation for an Effective Regional System of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) with a focus on NOAA's West Coast Pilot Project; (5) Update on the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) addressing its Status and NOAA's Contributions; (6) Discussion of the Pacific Coast Ocean Observing System (PaCOOS) as a Regional Ecosystem Coordinating Group and (7) Approval of the NOAA Cooperative Institute Review of the Cooperative Institute for Climate Science)

Thurs., July 13

Corps to prepare DEIS for the proposed SunCreek Project, in Sacramento County, CA (As proposed, project "would result in the permanent loss of approximately 18.25 acres of waters of the United States, including vernal pools and other wetlands. The overall project purpose is to construct large scale mixed-use development in Sacramento County.")

Wed., July 12

FWS makes "not prudent" determination on critical habitat for the jaguar ("This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available data, which indicate that there are no areas in the United States that meet the definition of critical habitat as defined in the Act. As such, designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species and therefore is not prudent.")
- More on jaguar management here
FWS Region 3 lists permits granted under Section 10 since December 2005 (recovery and incidental take permits)
FWS releases final Comprehensive Conservation Plan/FONSI for the Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge (More here)

Tues., July 11

Mon., July 10

Fri., July 7

CWA enforcement: Consent decree proposed in U.S. v. Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, 06-1624, D.P.R.) (``PRASA'') ("The proposed Consent Decree resolves PRASA's Clean Water Act (CWA) violations involving discharges in violation of CWA permits; failure to operate and properly maintain all 61 wastewater treatment plants; and discharges of raw sewage from seven collection systems. Under the terms of the Consent Decree, PRASA will pay a $1 million penalty, undertake a Supplemental Environment Project valued at $3 million, and implement injunctive relief valued at approximately $1.7 billion." (Consent decree is here)
FWS releases draft economic analysis on proposed designation of critical habitat for the Laguna Mountains skipper. ("The draft economic analysis estimates the potential total future impacts to range from $6.5 million to $8.9 million (undiscounted) over 20 years. Discounted future costs are estimated to be $3.7 million to $5.1 million over this same time period ($351,000 to $480,000 annually) using a real rate of 7 percent, or $5.0 million to $6.9 million ($337,000 to $461,000 annually) using a real rate of 3 percent.")
NMFS issues Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA) to the Navy to take marine mammals, "by incidental Level B harassment only, while conducting Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) anti-submarine (ASW) training events, in which submarines, surface ships, and aircraft from the United States and multiple foreign nations participate in ASW training exercises, utilizing Mid-frequency sonar (1 kilohertz (kHz) to 10 kHz), in the U.S. Navy's Hawaiian Operating Area (OpArea) during July 2006."

Thurs., July 6

Wed., July 5

Tues., July 4 - NO FR

Mon., July 3

FWS releases draft economic analysis on proposed designation of critical habitat for the southern California distinct vertebrate population segment of the mountain yellow-legged frog. Public comment period reopened. "The draft economic analysis estimates the potential total future impacts, including costs resulting from modifications to fishing and other types of activities, to range from $11.4 million to $12.9 million (undiscounted) over 20 years.")
- Species info here (Analysis should be posted here)
NOAA, "along with the other natural resource trustees, has determined that the impacts of the November 26, 2004, discharge of crude oil from the M/T ATHOS I (Athos), over which such trustees have jurisdiction, warrant conducting a natural resource damage assessment ("The owner and operator of the vessel may be ``Responsible Parties'' for this incident as defined by the Oil Pollution Act (OPA) 33 U.S.C. 2701 et seq. The final determination of liability for this incident is being considered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Numerous natural resources, including aquatic habitat and animals and the recreational uses they support, were exposed to the toxic and smothering effects of the oil discharged from the Athos. Adult and larval fish and shellfish, including the federally-endangered shortnose sturgeon winter in certain areas of the Delaware River, and the waters around Little Tinicum Island are known to contain high numbers of pre-spawn and spawning striped bass in April and May.")

Fri., June 30

Thurs., June 29

Wed., June 28

FWS withdraws proposed rule to list flat-tailed horned lizard ("[W]e have re-examined the lost historical habitat of the flat-tailed horned lizard in relation to our January 3, 2003, withdrawal of the proposed listing rule and have determined that the lost historical habitat is not a significant portion of the flat-tailed horned lizard's range and does not result in the species likely becoming endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.")
- FTHL documents
FWS says petition to delist Morelet's crocodile throughout its range presents "substantial scientific and commercial information indicating that the action may be warranted." (FWS begins status review and seeks comments on petition or "information on status of the species, particularly in Guatemala and Belize.")
FWS reopens comment period for the proposed rule to revise the regulations for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
Takings: Bush issues Executive Order to "protect property rights of the American people."
CWA enforcement: DOJ and Bay-Houston Towing Co. agree on proposed consent decree re: CWA Section 404 complaint ("by permanently enjoining Bay-Houston from discharging pollutants at the Minden Bog except in accordance with CWA section 404 permit recently tendered to Bay-Houston by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (``Corps''). The permit also requires Bay-Houston, inter alia, to restore the majority of the bog affected by peat mining; to immediately donate 1,182 acres of presently undisturbed peatlands to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (``MDNR''); and to donate remaining peatlands (approximately 1,641 acres) to the MDNR once peat mining is complete.")
Consent decree (Part 1) (Part 2) (USA v. Bay-Houston Towing, 98-73252-AC, E.D. Mich.)
See TOC, Justice Department, for more consent decree notices concerning: Gillette Co.; Donald E. Horne; Industrial Excess Landfill, Inc.; Marine Shale Processors, Inc., et al. (including CWA); Olin Corp. et al.; Sappi Fine Paper North America; Southern Wood Piedmont Co. et al.
Also posted: Restoration plan for shorelines in Prince William Sound and Gulf of Alaska affected by Exxon Valdez oil spill

Tues., June 27

Mon., June 26

Fri., June 23

Thurs., June 22

Wed., June 21

Tues., June 20

Mon., June 19

Fri., June 16

Thurs., June 15

FWS releases draft econ. analysis on proposed CH for Fender's blue butterfly, Kincaid's lupine, and Willamette daisy
- More here
NMFS proposes to designate critical habitat for the Southern Resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) distinct population segment (DPS), which was recently listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). ("Three specific areas are proposed for designation: The Summer Core Area in Haro Strait and waters around the San Juan Islands; Puget Sound; and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which comprise approximately 2,564 square miles (6,641 sq km) of marine habitat. We propose to exclude 18 military sites, comprising approximately 112 square miles (291 sq km), because of national security impacts.")

Wed., June 14

Tues., June 13

Mon., June 12

FWS reproposes critical habitat for wintering population of piping plovers ("Areas that support populations, but are outside the critical habitat designation, will continue to be subject to conservation actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act and to the regulatory protections afforded by the section 7(a)(2) jeopardy standard, as determined on the basis of the best available information at the time of the action. Federally funded or permitted projects affecting listed species outside their designated critical habitat areas may still result in jeopardy findings in some cases. Similarly, critical habitat designations made on the basis of the best available information at the time of designation will not control the direction and substance of future recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, or other species conservation planning efforts if new information available to these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.")
The Post Ranch Limited Partnership (Applicant) has applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit ("The proposed permit would authorize take of the federally endangered Smith's blue butterfly (Euphilotes enoptes smithi) and federally threatened California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) incidental to otherwise lawful activities associated with the expansion and operation of an existing inn, which would remove 0.003 acre of Smith's blue butterfly habitat and 0.826 acre of California red-legged frog upland habitat within a 91.98 acre parcel in Big Sur, Monterey County, California.")
- More here
FWS grants endangered species permits
Permit sought "to import the sport-hunted trophy of one male scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) culled from a captive herd in the Republic of South Africa, for the purpose of enhancement of the survival of the species."
FWS to prepare CCP/EA for Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Lima, MT
NOAA requests public comment on draft Prospectuses for three of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) Synthesis and Assessment Products, including (see notice for links)
- NOAA Synthesis and Assessment Products

Fri., June 9

Check NOAA for a few notices

Thurs., June 8

FWS opens "certain private lands within the boundaries of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska to public use with a permit. ("We are taking this action to comply with our commitments made under a Conservation Easement among the United States, the State of Alaska, and Koniag, Inc.")
NMFS issues final rule to implement Framework Adjustment 18 to the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery Management Plan, which was developed by the New England Fishery Management Council ("The following management measures are implemented by this rule: Scallop fishery specifications for 2006 and 2007 (open area days-at-sea (DAS) and Scallop Access Area trip allocations); scallop Area Rotation Program adjustments; and revisions to management measures that would improve administration of the FMP. In addition, a seasonal closure of the Elephant Trunk Access Area (ETAA) is implemented to reduce potential interactions between the scallop fishery and sea turtles, and to reduce finfish and scallop bycatch mortality.")
NMFS: Sea World, Inc., 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821, has applied in due form for a permit to import three beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) for the purposes of public display.
NOAA, EPA intends to fully approve the Minnesota Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program, releases draft Approval Decisions on conditions for the Minnesota coastal nonpoint program.

Wed., June 7

EPA proposes rule to exempt water transfers from permit requirements ("EPA is proposing an amendment to its Clean Water Act (CWA) regulations to expressly exclude water transfers from regulation under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting program. The proposed rule would define water transfers as an activity that conveys waters of the United States to another water of the United States without subjecting the water to intervening industrial, municipal, or commercial use. This proposed rule focuses exclusively on water transfers and is not relevant to whether any other activity is subject to the CWA permitting requirement.")
CWA: Filling without a permit: DOJ files proposed consent decree in U.S. v. Purze, 04-7697, N.D. Ill.), requiring payment of $75K fine and $75K for mitigation
(Proposed CD is here) (from docket, 5/31/06: "MINUTE entry before Judge Charles R. Norgle Sr.: Status hearing held. Motion to Lodge Consent Decree 38 is granted. Enter Agreed Order to substitute Gilbert Purze as Trustee of the Jerome Purze Revocable Trust as a named Defendant for the Estate of Jerome Purze. Anthony S. DiVincenzo is granted leave to appear as attorney for Gilbert Purze as Trustee of the Jerome Purze Revocable Trust. Status hearing continued to 07/06/2006 at 9:30 a.m. (and entry of the consent decree.) Mailed notice (hp, ) (Entered: 06/02/2006.")
NMFS says Western Pacific Fishery Management Council proposes to amend three fishery management plans (western Pacific omnibus amendment) ("These amendments would establish new permitting and reporting requirements for vessel operators targeting bottomfish species around the PRIA to improve understanding of the ecology of these species and the activities and harvests of the vessel operators that target them. It would also establish new permitting and reporting requirements for vessel operators targeting crustacean species and precious coral around the CNMI and PRIA")

Tues., June 6

FWS proposes designation of 11 units encompassing approximately 1,864 kilometers (1,158 miles) of river and stream channels as critical habitat for seven mussel species. ("Proposed critical habitat includes portions of the Econfina Creek drainage in Florida, the palachicola--Chattahoochee--Flint River drainage in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, the Ochlockonee River drainage in Florida and Georgia, and the Suwannee River drainage in Florida.")
FWS releases draft economic analysis and draft environmental assessment for proposal to designate critical habitat for the spikedace and loach minnow under the ESA. ("The analysis finds that costs associated with spikedace and loachminnow conservation activities are forecast to range from $25.2 million to $100.3 million in constant dollars over the next 20 years. Adjusted for possible inflation the costs would range from $19.0 million to $83.6 million over 20 years, or $1.3 million to $5.7 million annually, using a three percent discount; or $13.9 million to $69.2 million over 20 years, or $1.4 million to $6.7 million over 20 years annually, using a seven percent discount rate.")

Mon., June 5

Fri., June 2

Thurs., June 1

Tues., May 30

Fri., May 26

Thurs., May 25

Wed., May 24

Tues., May 23

Mon., May 22

Fri., May 19

NOAA's National Marine Sanctuary Program proposes "a revised management plan and a revised set of regulations for the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. The proposed set of regulations includes both new regulations as well as changes to existing regulations. Proposed new regulations include prohibitions on: Exploring for, developing, or producing minerals within the Sanctuary; abandoning matter on or in Sanctuary submerged lands; taking marine mammals, seabirds, or sea turtles within or above the Sanctuary; possessing within the Sanctuary any marine mammal, sea turtle, or seabird; marking, defacing, damaging, moving, removing, or tampering with Sanctuary signs, monuments, boundary markers, or similar items; introducing or otherwise releasing from within or into the Sanctuary an introduced species; and operating motorized personal watercraft within waters of the Channel Islands National Park. There are also proposed changes to help clarify or refine existing regulations
- Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary

Thurs., May 18

Wed., May 17

Tues., May 16

Mon., May 15

Fri., May 12

Thurs., May 11

DOJ: Proposed consent decree in U.S. v. County of Suffolk (06-1978, E.D.N.Y.), is here
Sacramento County CD proposed ( United States of America v. County of Sacramento, 06-908 GEB-GGH, E.D. Cal., Sacto Div.)
- CWA Sections 301, 309, 404: U.S. v. Calif. Olive Ranch, 05-2205 LKK PAN, E.D. Cal., Sac. Div.) ($70,000 fine and agreement to purchase three mitigation credits)
- CWA enforcement: Idaho DOT stormwater CD
FWS receives Endangered Species Recovery Permit applications
FWS receives two applications for Incidental Take Permits for Construction of Single-Family Homes in Brevard County, FL
NMFS final rule on groundfish fishery (NMFS "has concluded that implementation of the FMP for the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery is not expected to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species under the jurisdiction of NMFS, or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. This action is within the scope of these consultations. In addition, NMFS issued a supplemental BO on March 11, 2006, that addressed the incidental take exceedence of the whiting fishery and determined no jeopardy.")

Wed., May 10 |

Tues., May 9

Mon., May 8

Fri., May 5

FWS finds against petitioners on Andrews' dune scarab beetle listing petition ("The petition does not discuss or provide specific scientific or commercial information on distribution and population status of the Andrews' dune scarab beetle in Mexico or outside of the Algodones Dunes system.")
FWS receives T&E species permit applications
FWS receives T&E species permit applications
FWS issues T&E species permit applications

Thurs., May 4

Wed., May 3

Mon., May 1

Fri., April 28

Thurs., April 27

Wed., April 26

Tues., April 25

Mon., April 24

Fri., April 21

Thurs., April 20

Wed., April 19

Tues., April 18

Mon., April 17

Fri., April 14

Thurs., April 13

OMB sends draft report on costs and benefits of federal regs to Congress (Report is here)
FWS designates critical habitat for the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii) ("[A]pproximately 450,288 acres ... fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The critical habitat is located in Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Kern, Los Angeles, Marin, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Ventura and Yuba counties, California.")
FWS reopens public comment period until May 15 on the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Laguna Mountains skipper
FWS reopens public comment period until May 19 on proposed rule to determine threatened status and designate CH for Penstemon grahamii ("The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 26, 2006, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m." at the Uintah County Building, 152 East 100 North, Vernal, Utah)
NMFS issues minor correction to final rule listing Southern Distinct Population Segment of North American Green Sturgeon as threatened ("On page 17757, in the first column, under the DATES heading, in the first line, ``June 6, 2006'' should read ``July 6, 2006'')

Wed., April 12

Tues., April 11

Monday, April 10

Fri., April 7

Thurs., April 6

Wed., April 5

The Association of American Pesticide Control Officials State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group Working Committee on Water Quality and Pesticide Disposal Public Meeting (includes CWA/species agenda items) (in Seattle)
OPA enforcement: Proposed consent decree filed in U.S. and Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon v. American Energy Inc. (Civ. 04-164-AA, D. Or.) (Gasoline spill allegedly caused "the discharge of gasoline into the shorelines and waters of Beaver Creek on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, Wasco County, Oregon."
Summary: "To address natural resource damages, the proposed Decree provides that AEI shall pay $315,222.50 to the natural resource trustees for their development and implementation of the plan to restore natural resources damaged by the spill and to recover natural resource services lost as a result of the spill, which shall be deposited into the registry of the Court. The proposed Decree requires that the defendants reimburse $94,242.98 to [NOAA], ... and reimburse $15,533.52 to [DOI] for damage assessment costs. In exchange for these payments, the United States and the Warm Springs Tribes covenant not to sue the defendants for civil penalties and natural resource damages arising from the spill." CD is here)
CERCLA, CWA: DOJ files proposed consent decree in U.S. v. Monarch Greenback, L.L.C., Civ. 02-436-S-EJL, D. Idaho)

Tues., April 4

FWS receives applications for ES/marine mammal permits
("On September 22, 2003 (68 FR 55023), NMFS published a notice of intent to hold public scoping meetings on the EIS. However, September 19, 2005, the State of Hawaii informed NMFS that they wished to withdraw and revise their application for an ITP. At that time the state expressed concerns that management measures identified in the ITP for monk seals needed further community input and agency consultation prior to issuance of a final ITP.")
NMFS receives scientific research permit application requests relating to Pacific salmon. The proposed research is intended to increase knowledge of [ESA listed] species and to help guide management and conservation efforts. ("The following listed species are covered in this notice: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): threatened lower Columbia River (LCR); threatened upper Willamette River (UWR). Chum salmon (O. keta): threatened Columbia River (CR). Steelhead (O. mykiss): threatened LCR; threatened UWR. Coho salmon (O. kisutch): threatened LCR)")

Mon., April 3

FWS corrects notice of review of March 22 concerning initiation of 5-year reviews for 56 species in California and Nevada ("The document contained the incorrect zip code for the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office and two ambiguous tables indicating to which offices information for particular species should be submitted.")

Fri., March 31

Thurs., March 30

Wed., March 29

FWS, FS: This final rule establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2006-07 regulatory year
FWS lists Tibetan Antelope as endangered throughout its range (It "is a medium-sized bovid endemic to the Tibetan Plateau in China (Tibet Autonomous Region, Xinjiang--Uygur Autonomous Region, and Qinghai Province) and small portions of India (Ladakh) and western Nepal (although there is no evidence that they still occur in Nepal)")
FWS proposes designating critical habitat for two endangered plants, Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) and Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch) ("In total, approximately 2,620 hectares (ha) (6,475 acres (ac)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for A. holmgreniorum in Mohave County, Arizona, and Washington County, Utah, and approximately 980 ha (2,421 ac) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation for A. ampullarioides in Washington County, Utah.")
FWS to prepare a CCP/EA for Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge in Horry, Georgetown, and Marion Counties, South Carolina.
NMFS proposes listing Puget Sound steelhead DPS ("We have determined that naturally spawned winter- and summer-run steelhead populations and two hatchery steelhead stocks, below natural and manmade impassable barriers, in the river basins of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound, and Hood Canal (Washington) constitute a Distinct Population Segment (DPS) and hence a ``species'' for listing consideration under the ESA." CH proposal will come later.)
NMFS announces its intent to prepare a Supplemental EIS for the Subsistence Harvest Management of Cook Inlet, Alaska, Beluga Whales by Alaska Natives
Natl. Ocean Service announces meeting of Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee (MPA FAC) in Corpus Christi, Texas

Tues., March 28

Mon., March 27

FWS proposes destablishing DPS for gray wolf and delisting it (Proposal would "establish the Western Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment (WGL DPS) of the gray wolf (Canis lupus). This DPS includes all of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan; the eastern half of North Dakota and South Dakota; the northern half of Iowa; the northern portions of Illinois and Iowa; and the northwestern portion of Ohio."
FWS releases proposed Safe Harbor Agreement for the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle for Landowners Restoring Riparian Habitat in the Lower Mokelumne River Watershed in San Joaquin County, California (California Association of Resource Conservation Districts)
FWS SE Region receives T&E species permit apps
FWS receives ES recovery permit apps
NMFS to hold scoping meetings to prepare EIS on HCP proposed by City of Portland, Bureau of Water Works (PWB). "PWB intends to request an ITP for four fish species: Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and steelhead/rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which are listed as threatened under the ESA.")
NOAA makes grant funds available (Grants page)

Friday, March 24 (March 24 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, March 23 (March 23 Table of Contents from GPO)

Wednesday, March 22 (March 22 Table of Contents from GPO)

Tuesday, March 21 (March 21 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, March 20 (March 20 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, March 17 (March 17 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thurs., March 16

Wed., March 15

Tuesday, March 14 (March 14 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, March 13 (March 13 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, March 10 (March 10 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, March 9 (March 9 Table of Contents from GPO)

Wednesday, March 8 (March 8 Table of Contents from GPO)

No relevant FWS or NMFS notices today

Tuesday, March 7 (March 7 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, March 6 (March 6 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, March 3 (March 3 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, March 2 (March 2 Table of Contents from GPO)

Wednesday, March 1 (March 1 TOC from GPO)

Tuesday, Feb. 28 (Feb. 28 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, Feb. 27 (Feb. 27 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, Feb. 24 (Feb. 24 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, Feb. 23 (Feb. 23 Table of Contents from GPO)

Wednesday, Feb. 22 (Feb. 22 Table of Contents from GPO)

Tuesday, Feb. 21 (Feb. 21 Table of Contents from GPO)

NMFS receives ESA permit applications

NMFS announces that the annual harvest guideline for the commercial lobster fishery in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) for calendar year 2006 is established at zero lobsters

Navy corrects Jan. 20 notice re: Supplemental Environmental Assessment to the 2002 Rim of the Pacific Programmatic Environmental Assessment, Hawaii (" The notice incorrectly identified the United States National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce, as a cooperating agency.")

Monday: President's Day

Friday, Feb. 17 (Feb. 17 Table of Contents from GPO)

FWS extends comment period to April 18 on proposed delisting of Preble's meadow jumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius preblei) ("The extension is sought pursuant to section 4(b)(6)(B)(i) of the ESA because a recently completed and unpublished study [done by USGS] substantially disagrees with the determination contained in the proposed rule that Preble's is not a distinct subspecies. Some of this new information conflicts with information given significant weight in the proposed rule." (FWS preble's page
NOAA seeks input on priorities for its next five-year planning cycle

Thursday, Feb. 16 (Feb. 16 Table of Contents from GPO)

Wednesday, Feb. 15 (Feb. 15 Table of Contents from GPO)

Tuesday, Feb. 14 (Feb. 14 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, Feb. 13 (Feb. 13 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, Feb. 10 (Feb. 10 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, Feb. 9 (Feb. 9 Table of Contents from GPO)

FWS to conduct status review of polar bear in response to petition filed by Center for Biological Diversity. Twelve-month finding is due Dec. 27, 2006. ("We find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action of listing the polar bear may be warranted. We, therefore, are initiating a status review of the polar bear ...")
- CBD polar bear page
FWS releases draft CCP/EA for Currituck National Wildlife Refuge in Currituck County, North Carolina.
CWA enforcement: DOJ files proposed consent decree in U.S. and State of Oklahoma v. City of Okmulgee and Okmulgee Public Works Authority, 06-009-SH) ("The Consent Decree resolves the liability of the named defendants to the United States and the State of Oklahoma for violations of Section 301 and 311 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. 1311 and 1321, and state law, and for related damages to natural resources within the Deep Fork River, within the Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge, from the discharge of pollutants from the City's publicly owned treatment works and sanitary sewer collection system in violation of the Act, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (``NPDES'') and Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (``OPDES'') permits, and Title 27A of the Oklahoma Statutes."
CWA enforcement (and CERCLA): Consent decree filed in U.S. v. Schlumberger Technology Corporation, 06-308-GRA, D.S.C.) (Action filed by U.S., Governor of the State of South Carolina, the Director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the Commissioner of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, for natural resource damages "arising from the release of polychlorinated biphenyls at and from the Sangamo Weston/Twelvemile Creek/Lake Hartwell PCB Contamination Superfund Site.")

Wednesday, Feb. 8 (Feb. 8 Table of Contents from GPO)

FWS designates critical habitat for the Kootenai River population of the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) ("In total, approximately, 6.9 river miles (RM) (11.1 river kilometers (RKM)) of the Kootenai River fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation located in Boundary County, Idaho. This designation is in addition to the 11.2 miles (18 kilometers) of the Kootenai River already designated as critical habitat..."
FWS plans to conduct rulemaking to establish a distinct population segment (DPS) of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains

Tuesday, Feb. 7 (Feb. 7 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, Feb. 6 (Feb. 6 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, Feb. 3 (Feb. 3 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, Feb. 2 (Feb. 2 Table of Contents from GPO)

Some fishery management council meeting notices from NMFS (see TOC) Wednesday, Feb. 1 (Feb. 1 Table of Contents from GPO)

Tuesday, Jan. 31 (Jan. 31 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, Jan. 30 (Jan. 30 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, Jan. 27 (Jan. 27 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, Jan. 26 (Jan. 26 Table of Contents from GPO)

Wednesday, Jan. 25 (Jan. 25 Table of Contents from GPO)

Tuesday, Jan. 24 (Jan. 24 Table of Contents from GPO)

Monday, Jan. 23 (Jan. 23 Table of Contents from GPO)

Friday, Jan. 20 (Jan. 20 Table of Contents from GPO)

Thursday, Jan. 19 (Jan. 19 Table of Contents from GPO)

FWS proposes threatened status for Penstemon grahamii (Graham's beardtongue), a plant species from Colorado and Utah. ("P. grahamii exists in a series of small populations that extend in a narrow band from Raven Ridge west of the town of Rangely in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, westward to the vicinity of Sand Wash near the point where Carbon, Duchesne, and Uintah Counties meet in Utah's Uinta Basin."
NMFS withdraws proposals to list and designate critical habitat for the Oregon Coast Evolutionarily Significant Unit (ESU) of Coho Salmon
Meeting announced for Chicago by NOAA's Climate Change Science Program Product Development Committee for Synthesis and Assessment Product 1.1. The committee is the Federal Advisory Committee charged with responsibility to develop a draft Synthesis and Assessment Product that addresses CCSP Topic 1.1: "Temperature trends in the lower atmosphere--steps for understanding and reconciling differences''
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John Glass, REMSA Inc., Hampton, Va., receives modification to scientific research Permit No. 1266-01 (sea turtles)

Wednesday, Jan. 18 (Jan. 18 Table of Contents from GPO)