The Federal Register

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Monterey Spineflower

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

In response to a settlement agreement, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise currently designated critical habitat for the Monterey spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 11,032 acres (ac) (4,466 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed revision to the critical habitat designation. The proposed revision to critical habitat is located in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, California.

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Remove the Uinta Basin Hookless Cactus

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce two 90day findings made under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). One finding concerns a petition to remove Uinta Basin hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants, and the other a petition to list Pariette cactus (Sclerocactus brevispinus) as a threatened or endangered plant. Until recently, these species were considered one taxonomic entity, so the petitions are being considered concurrently in this notice.

We find the petition to remove Sclerocactus glaucus from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants does not present substantial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted, and we are not initiating a further status review in response to this petition. However, in order to determine the appropriate status of S. glaucus given recent taxonomic revisions to this species, we are initiating a 5year review under section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act. Thro

General Provisions; Revised List of Migratory Birds

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, are reopening the comment period for our proposed rule to revise the list of migratory birds protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to allow interested persons additional time to prepare and submit comments.

Patent, Trademark & Copyright Acts

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) is contemplating awarding an exclusive license to: Williamson and Associates, 1124 NW., 53rd Street, Seattle, WA 98107 on U.S. Patent Nos. 6,236,211 B1 and 6,236,212 B1, both entitled ``Induced Polarization Method Using Towed Cable Carrying Transmitters and Receivers for identifying Minerals on the Ocean Floor.''

Inquiries: If other parties are interested in similar activities, or have comments related to the prospective awards, please contact Neil Mark, USGS, 12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 201, Reston, Virginia 20192, voice (703) 6484344, fax (703) 6487219, or email nmark@usgs.gov.

Notice of Extension of Concession Contracts

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to 36 CFR 51.23, public notice is hereby given that the National Park Service proposes to extend the following expiring concession contracts for a period of up to one year, or until each time as a new contract is executed, whichever occurs sooner.

Notice of Continuation of Visitor Services

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

Pursuant to the terms of existing concession contracts, public notice is hereby given that the National Park Service intends to request a continuation of visitor services for a period nottoexceed 1 year from the date of contract expiration.

Notice of National Natural Landmark Designation for Irvine Ranch, Orange County, CA

Thu, Dec 14 2006 11:00:00 GMT

The Secretary of the Interior has determined that an area of 36,398 acres within the Irvine Ranch in Orange County, California meets the criteria for national significance and has designated this site a National Natural Landmark.