The Federal Register

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of

Fri, Sep 16 2005 11:00:00 GMT

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period for the proposed rule to establish, under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), an experimental population of northern aplomado falcons (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) into their historic habitat in southern New Mexico and Arizona. We are providing this notice to allow all interested parties to comment on the proposed reintroduction and the draft environmental assessment (notice of which published in the Federal Register on February 9, 2005). We are also announcing the availability of a draft monitoring plan for the reintroduction of the northern aplomado falcon for public comment. We will hold two public hearings (see DATES and ADDRESSES sections).

Through this notice and the public hearings, we are seeking comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties concerni

Humane and Healthful Transport of Wild Mammals and Birds to the United States

Fri, Sep 16 2005 11:00:00 GMT

We are proposing to update and amend the standards for the humane and healthful transport of wild mammals and birds to the United States. To determine how to proceed, we are asking the public for comments and input on whether the current regulations are up to date and adequate. We are also seeking comments for the best process to address necessary changes to the requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations that provide standards for the humane and healthful transport of wild mammals and birds to the United States. This will allow us to further meet our responsibilities under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 and our obligations under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The current standards for transport of mammals and birds now available are in accordance with the accepted international requirements as described in the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) Live Animal Regulations (LAR) published in October 1993 (20th edition). This editio

Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan and Receipt of Application for

Fri, Sep 16 2005 11:00:00 GMT

The Applicant, White Water Springs, L.L.C., has applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The Applicant has been assigned permit number TE1101310. The requested permit, which is for a period of 30 years, would authorize incidental take of the endangered goldencheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The proposed take would occur as a result of the construction and operation of a residential development on 1,758acres (717 hectares) of the White Water Springs property, Burnet County, Texas. The Service has prepared the Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/ HCP) for the incidental take application. A determination of jeopardy or nonjeopardy to the species and a decision pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will not be made until at least 60 days from the date of publication of this notice. This notice is provided pursuant to Section 10(c) of the Act and National Enviro

Fiscal Year 2006 Landowner Incentive Program (Non-Tribal Portion) for States, Territories, and the District of Columbia

Fri, Sep 16 2005 11:00:00 GMT

The Service is requesting comments on the Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) criteria for awarding conservation grants to States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Territories of Guam, the United States Virgin Islands, and American Samoa (all hereafter referred to collectively as States). Comments are requested on a change in the funding cap for States and a revision of the national Review Team Ranking Criteria Guidance.