Search Results for keywords:"U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that was set to introduce new regulations on the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health (BIDEH) of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This decision was made in response to a significant number of public comments and the complexity of issues raised, indicating that parts of the proposal needed further development and explanation. Public feedback highlighted concerns about administrative burdens and the need for clarity in implementation processes. As a result, the existing BIDEH policy remains effective while future revisions are considered.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received a request for an updated permit to potentially affect endangered and threatened species during the Rooney Ranch Wind Repowering Project in Alameda County, CA. The updated permit will cover additional impacts and species. Public comments are invited on the permit application, conservation plan, and environmental assessment. The project includes measures to minimize and mitigate its impact on species like the California tiger salamander and San Joaquin kit fox.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has issued permits that allow certain activities with endangered and threatened species. These permits were issued under the Endangered Species Act after reviewing permit applications and considering public comments. Each permit applicant demonstrated good faith, ensured no disadvantage to the species, and aligned with the Act's purposes. Details and documents related to these permits are accessible online at regulations.gov.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) in Florida and South Carolina. This involves revising maps to add and remove certain areas based on their development status and suitability to be coastal barriers. The proposed changes will impact several counties, including the addition of new units and the adjustment of existing boundaries, and the public is invited to review and comment on these proposed modifications. Final recommendations will be submitted to Congress after considering public input and further evaluations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate critical habitats for four species of freshwater mussels: the rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. These designations spread across 17 states in the United States, covering approximately 3,974 river miles. The critical habitats are aimed at protecting key environmental features essential for the mussels' survival, such as suitable water flow, quality, and host fish presence. The agency is inviting comments on this proposal until February 11, 2025, and has also released an economic analysis regarding the designations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new hunting regulations for migratory game birds for the 2025-26 season. These regulations are part of an annual process where they set general guidelines, called frameworks, within which individual states can decide specifics like hunting season dates. The proposal includes various regulatory alternatives, particularly for duck hunting, and potential changes to the system of zones and split seasons. The Service is also exploring a new administrative process to streamline regulation, aiming to increase efficiency and save costs while maintaining conservation goals. Public comments are encouraged on all aspects of the proposal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering applications for permits to conduct scientific research and other activities to support the conservation of endangered and threatened species, as part of the Endangered Species Act. They are seeking comments from the public and various governmental agencies by January 10, 2025. These permits would allow activities that help the recovery and protection of such species, but before any permits are granted, public input will be taken into account. All comments submitted will become part of the public record, and there is a possibility of personal information becoming publicly accessible.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has updated the schedule for processing the relicense application for the Phoenix Hydroelectric Project filed by Oswego Hydro Partners, LP. Originally planned for environmental analysis readiness in September 2024, the timeline was adjusted to allow more time for settlement negotiations involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oswego Hydro has reported progress in discussions, especially concerning fish passage, and expects to submit a Settlement Agreement in early 2025. An additional notice will be issued if further schedule changes are necessary.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized rules regarding salamanders to protect U.S. ecosystems from the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal). These rules affirm the 2016 interim rule that listed 20 genera of salamanders as injurious and add 16 more genera to the list. The regulation prohibits the import and transport of these genera among certain U.S. jurisdictions, with exceptions for purposes like scientific research. This action aims to prevent the introduction and spread of Bsal, which can have devastating effects on native salamander populations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment (EA) for the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District in Montana. This plan sets out the strategies and objectives for managing the wetland areas to benefit wildlife and promote recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing. The public is invited to review and comment on the draft documents by February 13, 2025, with copies available online or in person at the management district office. The plan seeks to comply with relevant laws and includes special considerations for consulting with Tribal entities regarding their interests and responsibilities.