Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement Regarding Proposed Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit to the City of Tacoma, Washington, for Water Storage and Withdrawal and Forest Management in the Green River Watershed, King County, Wa

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act, USFWS and NMFS (the Services) intend to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the proposed issuance of an Incidental Take Permit (Permit) to the City of Tacoma for take of endangered and threatened species, in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Permit applicant is the City of Tacoma, Washington, Public Utilities, Water Division (Tacoma Water), and the application is related to water storage and withdrawal from the Green River and to forest management activities in the Green River Watershed, in south King County, Washington. Takoma Water is preparing a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) as required by the Act, and intends to request a Permit for northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus), gray wolf (Canis lupus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and grizzly bear (Ursus arctos). Tacoma Water also plans to seek coverage for approximately 25 currently unlisted fish and wildlife species (including Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and the Puget Sound distinct population segment of the bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), which are proposed for listing under the Act, and other anadromous and resident fishes) under specific provisions of the Permit, should these species be listed in the future. The HCP and Permit would be in effect for 50 years. Through development of a joint EIS, the applicant also proposes to comply with the requirements of the Washington State Environmental Policy Act. The Services are furnishing this notice in order to (1) advise other agencies and the public of our intentions and (2) announce that a joint draft EIS is expected to be available for public review and comment during the first quarter of 1999.