Search Results for keywords:"Pennsylvania Fish

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced the availability of the Records of Decision (ROD) for the Northern Corridor highway right-of-way (ROW) in Washington County, Utah. These decisions include issuing an incidental take permit (ITP) and making amendments to the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and St. George Field Office Resource Management Plans. The actions are taken to support the installation of the highway while considering the conservation of the Mojave desert tortoise and other protected species. The public and various stakeholders were involved in the decision-making process through consultations and comment periods.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is opening a public comment period on their explanation for why they did not treat the northern distinct population segment (DPS) of the southern subspecies of the scarlet macaw as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This decision is in compliance with a U.S. District Court order that highlighted the lack of explanation in an earlier rule. The Service explained that section 4(e) of the ESA, which allows for a species to be treated as endangered based on similarity of appearance, applies only to species not already listed under section 4(a) as threatened, like the northern DPS that is already listed as threatened. They argued that treating the northern DPS as endangered based on similarity of appearance wouldn’t provide additional benefits or protections.

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 announced a 90-day decision on two petitions related to the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act. The petitions aimed to change the status of the gray wolf by creating and delisting a distinct Western Great Lakes population and recognizing a West Coast population as threatened. However, after reviewing the petitions, the Service determined they do not provide enough scientific or commercial information to justify these actions. As a result, they will not take further action on the petitions to revise the current gray wolf listings.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft recovery plan for Jones cycladenia, a plant listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The plan outlines specific criteria and management actions needed to conserve the plant and potentially remove it from the list. Public comments are requested by March 15, 2021, to aid in finalizing the plan. The aim is to maintain stable populations across its habitat while addressing threats like energy development, and enhancing genetic diversity through seed or tissue collections.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is delaying the effective date of a rule concerning the critical habitat of the northern spotted owl until April 30, 2021. This decision allows for further review due to concerns about legal and procedural issues with the rulemaking process, as well as significant changes in habitat exclusions made in the final rule. During this delay, the Service is opening a 30-day comment period for public input on the issues raised by the rule and whether an additional delay is necessary. The postponement is also intended to avoid possible legal challenges and to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering giving special permits to some fishing boats, allowing them to go beyond usual fishing rules. This is to support a research project by the Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute. The project aims to study American lobster genetics to improve how lobsters are managed in specific U.S. regions. Comments on this proposal are being accepted until August 1, 2025.

The Department of Commerce has announced it will submit an information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This request involves gathering information for the Coastal Ocean Program Grants Proposal Application, which includes forms and reports related to managing coastal ecosystems. The public is invited to comment on this information collection to help reduce unnecessary burdens. Comments must be submitted within 30 days of the notice date, and details can be found on the website reginfo.gov.

The National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have announced the receipt of an application to renew a scientific research permit related to black abalone, an endangered species. The research aims to improve conservation efforts by studying breeding and growth techniques for black abalone in captivity. Comments on the application are being accepted via email until March 18, 2021. The agencies will evaluate the application and any comments before making a final decision, which will be announced in the Federal Register.

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.