[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 44 (Tuesday, March 5, 2024)] [Notices] [Pages 15882-15888] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2024-04627] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS-R8-ES-2024-N015; FXES11130800000-245-FF08E00000] Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit applications; request for comments. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period. DATES: We must receive your written comments on or before April 4, 2024. ADDRESSES: Document availability and comment submission: Submit requests for copies of the applications and related documents and submit any comments by one of the following methods. All requests and comments should specify the applicant name(s) and application number(s) (e.g., XXXXXX or PER0001234).Email: [email protected]. U.S. Mail: Susie Tharratt, Regional Recovery Permit Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W- 2606, Sacramento, CA 95825. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susie Tharratt, via phone at 916-414- 6561, or via email at [email protected]. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals outside the United States should use the relay services offered within their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in the United States. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications for permits under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act, as amended (ESA; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The requested permits would allow the applicants to conduct activities intended to promote recovery of species [[Page 15883]] that are listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Background With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities that constitute take of listed species unless a Federal permit is issued that allows such activity. The ESA's definition of ``take'' includes such activities as pursuing, harassing, trapping, capturing, or collecting, in addition to hunting, shooting, harming, wounding, or killing. A recovery permit issued by us under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA authorizes the permittee to conduct activities with endangered or threatened species for scientific purposes that promote recovery or for enhancement of propagation or survival of the species. These activities often include such prohibited actions as capture and collection. Our regulations implementing section 10(a)(1)(A) for these permits are found in the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR 17.22 for endangered wildlife species, 50 CFR 17.32 for threatened wildlife species, 50 CFR 17.62 for endangered plant species, and 50 CFR 17.72 for threatened plant species. Permit Applications Available for Review and Comment Proposed activities in the following permit requests are for the recovery and enhancement of propagation or survival of the species in the wild. The ESA requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits. Accordingly, we invite local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and the public to submit written data, views, or arguments with respect to these applications. The comments and recommendations that will be most useful and likely to influence agency decisions are those supported by quantitative information or studies. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applicant, city, Application No. state Species Location Take activity Permit action -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 148556..................... Deborah Southwestern NV......................... Survey using Renew. VanDooremolen, Las willow flycatcher recorded Vegas, Nevada. (Empidonax traillii vocalizations. extimus). Yuma Ridgway's rail (Rallus obsoletus yumanensis). 009015..................... Jason Berkley, Chino, Southwestern CA, AZ..................... Survey using Renew. California. willow flycatcher recorded (Empidonax traillii vocalizations, extimus). survey, capture, San handle, and release. Bernardino Merriam's kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). PER7857610................. Rachelle McLaughlin, Southwestern CA......................... Survey using New. San Diego, willow flycatcher recorded California. (Empidonax traillii vocalizations. extimus). 59592B..................... Angela Johnson, Southwestern AZ, CA, NV................. Survey using Renew. Temecula, California. willow flycatcher recorded (Empidonax traillii vocalizations. extimus). 804203..................... Stephen Myers, Moreno Southwestern CA, NV..................... Survey using Renew. Valley, California. willow flycatcher recorded (Empidonax traillii vocalizations, extimus). capture, handle, Least Bell's band, and release. vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). 117947..................... Kevin Clark, San Southwestern CA......................... Survey using Renew. Diego, California. willow flycatcher recorded (Empidonax traillii vocalizations, extimus). locate and monitor Least Bell's nests, and remove vireo (Vireo bellii brown-headed pusillus). cowbird (Molothrus ater) eggs and chicks from parasitized nests, capture, handle, band and color-band adults, band nestlings, and release. 203081..................... John Labonte, Goleta, California CA......................... Survey, pursue, Renew. California. tiger salamander capture, handle, (Ambystoma measure, mark, californiense), release, collect Santa Barbara County tail tissue, swab, distinct population collect specimens, segment. remove suspected Conservancy hybrids, fairy shrimp temporarily keep in (Branchinecta captivity, conservatio). euthanize hybrids, Longhorn collect adult fairy shrimp vouchers, and (Branchinecta collect branchiopod longiantenna). resting eggs. Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). El Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes battoides allyni). [[Page 15884]] 53771B..................... Erin Bergman, La Conservancy CA......................... Survey, survey by Renew. Mesa, California. fairy shrimp pursuit, capture, (Branchinecta handle, live- conservatio). capture (light Longhorn trap), photograph, fairy shrimp release, collect (Branchinecta adult vouchers, and longiantenna). collect branchiopod Vernal pool resting eggs. tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). El Segundo blue butterfly (Euphilotes battoides allyni). Mission blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides missionensis). Casey's June beetle (Dinacoma caseyi). 115373..................... Darin Busby, San Riverside CA......................... Survey, survey by Renew. Diego, California. fairy shrimp pursuit, capture, (Streptocephalus handle, release, woottoni). collect adult San Diego vouchers, and fairy shrimp collect branchiopod (Branchinecta resting eggs. sandiegonensis). Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). 72875C..................... Ian Boyd, Grass Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Valley, California. fairy shrimp handle, release, (Branchinecta collect adult conservatio). vouchers, and Longhorn collect branchiopod fairy shrimp resting eggs. (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). 835549..................... Charles Black, San Conservancy CA......................... Survey, handle, Renew. Diego, California. fairy shrimp collect vouchers, (Branchinecta collect branchiopod conservatio). resting eggs, Longhorn process vernal pool fairy shrimp soil samples, and (Branchinecta culture and hatch longiantenna). out branchiopod Vernal pool resting eggs for tadpole shrimp species (Lepidurus packardi). identification, Riverside remove and reduce fairy shrimp to possession from (Streptocephalus lands under Federal woottoni). jurisdiction. San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). San Diego button-celery (Eryngium aristulatum var. parishii). San Diego mesa-mint (Pogogyne abramsii). California Orcutt grass (Orcuttia californica). Willowy monardella (Monardella viminea). 038716..................... Frank Wegscheider, Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Orange, California. fairy shrimp handle, release, (Branchinecta collect adult conservatio). vouchers, and Longhorn collect branchiopod fairy shrimp resting eggs. (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). [[Page 15885]] 795934..................... ICF Jones & Stokes, California CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew and amend. Sacramento, tiger salamander handle, swab, California. (Ambystoma release, collect californiense), adult vouchers, Santa Barbara County collect branchiopod and Sonoma County resting eggs, and distinct population process soil segments. samples for resting Conservancy egg identification. fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio). Longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). 839213..................... David Muth, Martinez, California CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. California. tiger salamander handle, swab, (Ambystoma release, collect californiense), adult vouchers, Santa Barbara County collect branchiopod and Sonoma County resting eggs, and distinct population process soil segments. samples for resting Conservancy egg identification. fairy shrimp (Branchinecta conservatio). Longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). 02538D..................... Gregory Wattley, Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Templeton, fairy shrimp handle, release, California. (Branchinecta and collect adult conservatio). vouchers. Longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). PER8760170................. Melanie DuBoce, Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, New. Sacramento, fairy shrimp handle, release, California. (Branchinecta and collect adult conservatio). vouchers. Longhorn fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). 172638..................... Kevin Livergood, Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Anaheim, California. fairy shrimp handle, release, (Branchinecta collect adult conservatio). vouchers, and Longhorn collect branchiopod fairy shrimp resting eggs. (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). [[Page 15886]] 40090B..................... Roland Knapp, Mammoth Mountain CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Lakes, California. yellow-legged frog handle, swab, (Rana muscosa) measure, collect northern distinct biological samples, population segment. insert passive Sierra integrated Nevada yellow-legged transponder (PIT) frog (Rana sierrae). tags, release, collect specimens for voucher and disease analysis and treatment, transport, translocate, captive rear, immunize, conduct research, transport captive reared individuals, and release. 80906C..................... Katherine Smith, San Salt marsh CA......................... Capture, handle, Renew and amend. Rafael, California. harvest mouse mark, collect hair, (Reithrodontomys ear clip, ear tag, raviventris). radio collar, and release. PER0121458................. Donald Hardeman Jr., California CA......................... Survey, capture, Amend. Cedar Hills, Texas. tiger salamander handle, swab, and (Ambystoma release. californiense), Santa Barbara County distinct population segment. Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), South Sierra and South Coast distinct population segments. PER6121753................. Andrew Motto, San Foothill CA......................... Survey, capture, New. Ramon, California. yellow-legged frog handle, swab, and (Rana boylii), South release. Sierra and South Coast distinct population segments. 71409C..................... Juliana Woodruff, California CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Benicia, California. tiger salamander handle, swab, and (Ambystoma release. californiense), Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County distinct population segments. Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), South Sierra and South Coast distinct population segments. Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae). PER8357570................. Brian Parker, San Quino CA......................... Survey, pursue, New. Diego, California. checkerspot capture, handle, butterfly release, collect (Euphydryas editha adult vouchers. quino). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). 094845..................... Matthew Bettelheim, California CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Concord, California. tiger salamander handle, swab, and (Ambystoma release. californiense), Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County distinct population segments. PER0056759................. Jakob Woodall, El California CA......................... Survey, capture, Amend. Cerrito, California. tiger salamander handle, swab, and (Ambystoma release. californiense), Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County distinct population segments. 05665B..................... Lisa Achter, Grass California CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Valley, California. tiger salamander handle, swab, and (Ambystoma release. californiense), Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County distinct population segments. [[Page 15887]] 006328..................... Michael Drake, Tipton CA......................... Survey, pursue, Renew. Tehachapi, kangaroo rat capture, handle, California. (Dipodomys and release. nitratoides nitratoides). Fresno kangaroo rat (Dipodomys nitratoides exilis). Giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens). Morro Bay kangaroo rat (Dipodomys heermanni morroensis). Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis). 837439..................... Guy Bruyea, Hemet, Quino CA......................... Pursue.............. Renew. California. checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis). PER7020315................. Ronald Clark, Riverside CA......................... Survey, capture, New. Lakeside, California. fairy shrimp handle, release, (Streptocephalus collect adult woottoni). vouchers, and San Diego collect branchiopod fairy shrimp resting eggs. (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). Willowy monardella (Monardella viminea). Del Mar manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia). 800777..................... Jepson Prairie Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Preserve Docent fairy shrimp handle, release, Program, Davis, (Branchinecta collect adult California. conservatio). vouchers, and Longhorn collect branchiopod fairy shrimp resting eggs. (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). 091012..................... Molly Goble, San California CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew. Ramon, California. tiger salamander handle, swab, and (Ambystoma release. californiense), Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County distinct population segments. PER8717669................. Mello Dee Hrdlicka, San CA......................... Survey, capture, New. Riverside, Bernardino Merriam's handle, and release. California. kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus). 068745..................... Jeffrey Wilcox, Foothill CA......................... Survey, capture, Amend. Vallejo, California. yellow-legged frog handle, swab, (Rana boylii), South collect tail Sierra and South tissue, mark with Coast distinct passive integrated population segments. transponder (PIT) tag and visual implant elastomer (VIE), attach radio transmitters, release, and conduct training workshops for. 012137..................... U.S. Army Garrison Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, Renew and amend. Fort Hunter Liggett, fairy shrimp band, handle, Fort Hunter Liggett, (Branchinecta photograph, collect California. conservatio). tail tip or Longhorn salvaged tissue fairy shrimp samples, head-start (Branchinecta tadpoles in situ, longiantenna). rescue, transport, Vernal pool temporarily keep in tadpole shrimp captivity, release, (Lepidurus packardi). collect adult Riverside vouchers, and fairy shrimp collect branchiopod (Streptocephalus resting eggs. woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). Least Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus). Foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylii), South Coast distinct population segment. [[Page 15888]] 085026..................... Jeff Steinman, San Least Bell's AZ, CA..................... Survey using Amend. Francisco, vireo (Vireo bellii recorded California. pusillus). vocalizations, Southwestern locate and monitor willow flycatcher nests, and remove (Empidonax traillii brown-headed extimus). cowbird (Molothrus ater) eggs and chicks from parasitized nests. PER8721022................. Shane Emerson, Conservancy CA......................... Survey, capture, New. Sacramento, fairy shrimp handle, swab, California. (Branchinecta release, and conservatio). collect adult Longhorn vouchers. fairy shrimp (Branchinecta longiantenna). Vernal pool tadpole shrimp (Lepidurus packardi). Riverside fairy shrimp (Streptocephalus woottoni). San Diego fairy shrimp (Branchinecta sandiegonensis). California tiger salamander (Ambystoma californiense), Santa Barbara County and Sonoma County distinct population segments. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Public Availability of Comments Written comments we receive become part of the administrative record associated with this action. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment-- including your personal identifying information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can request in your comment that we withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. All submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of be made available for public disclosure in their entirety. Next Steps If we decide to issue permits to any of the applicants listed in this notice, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register. Authority We publish this notice under section 10(c) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Rachel Henry, Acting Regional Ecological Services Program Manager, Pacific Southwest Region, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 2024-04627 Filed 3-4-24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333-15-P