Search Results for keywords:"Endangered Species Act"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is inviting public comments on applications to conduct activities with endangered foreign species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA prohibits certain activities with endangered species unless a Federal permit is granted. Individuals and organizations can view and comment on these applications until April 25, 2025. This notice highlights several permits requested, including importing species for propagation or survival and renewing permits for scientific research involving museum specimens.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has extended the public comment period for a proposed rule regarding the release of a nonessential experimental population of Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon in the upper Yuba River, California. This proposal is made under the Endangered Species Act and includes special permissions for certain activities related to the salmon. Originally, the comment period was to end on January 11, 2021, but it has now been extended by 60 days to March 12, 2021. The extension allows the public more time to provide feedback on the proposed rule and the draft environmental assessment associated with it.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from the County of San Diego seeking permission to engage in certain activities that might affect two species: the Quino checkerspot butterfly, listed as endangered, and the western spadefoot, proposed as threatened. This permit would allow the county to develop a 25-acre recreation park while also focusing on conserving and managing habitats within the area. The public is encouraged to offer feedback on the draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment until February 20, 2025. This process aims to balance development with environmental protection under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced they have received applications for permits related to activities that help endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They are asking for comments from the public and various agencies on these applications by February 22, 2021. These permits would allow certain activities for the scientific purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of these species. All public comments, including those with personal information, may be made available publicly, so commenters should be aware of this when submitting feedback.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has proposed a rule to designate critical habitat for the Beringia distinct population segment of the bearded seal under the Endangered Species Act. The proposed critical habitat includes marine areas in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas, and focuses on sea ice habitat essential for the species' survival, such as areas for whelping, nursing, molting, and breeding communication. Public comments on this proposal are being requested, and considerations include potential impacts on existing activities and economic factors. The ultimate goal is to protect the areas critical for the conservation of these seals.

Northern States Power Company-Wisconsin has filed a Notice of Intent to apply for a new license for the Trego Hydroelectric Project located on the Namekagon River in Wisconsin. They have requested to use the Traditional Licensing Process, which was approved by the Director of the Division of Hydropower Licensing. This notice also initiates consultation with various agencies under several environmental and historic preservation acts. Northern States is designated as the Commission's non-federal representative to carry out these consultations, and they have committed to submitting the application for the new license by November 30, 2023.

Craig-Hayden PS, LLC has announced their intent to apply for a license to build the Craig-Hayden Pumped Storage Project in Moffat County, Colorado. This process uses the Traditional Licensing Process approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The project involves consulting with several agencies to ensure compliance with environmental and historical preservation laws. Interested individuals can view project documents on the FERC website and seek assistance from the Office of Public Participation for inquiries and public participation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided not to list the spinytail crayfish as an endangered or threatened species. The agency reviewed scientific and commercial information and concluded that the species currently has a stable environment and sufficient habitat. Even though the spinytail crayfish is a narrow-range species in southern Mississippi, it faces no immediate threat of extinction, and its populations are resilient to possible future risks like climate change. The service encourages the public to provide any new information about the crayfish's status or habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a rule to list several Caribbean skink species as endangered or threatened. The Puerto Rican skink, Lesser Virgin Islands skink, and Virgin Islands bronze skink are proposed as endangered, while the Culebra skink is proposed as threatened. The proposal also includes designating critical habitats for these species to aid in their conservation. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until February 18, 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has issued a final rule to implement measures for minimizing salmon bycatch in the Pacific Coast groundfish fishery. These measures aim to reduce the incidental catch of Endangered Species Act-listed Chinook and coho salmon. The rule introduces new management tools, including specific area closures and gear requirements, and establishes conditions under which fishery participants can access a Chinook salmon bycatch reserve. The rule also allows for the creation of Salmon Mitigation Plans (SMPs) by groups of fishing vessels to help manage bycatch while providing certain flexibilities to the industry.