Availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Tacoma Water Department Habitat Conservation Plan, King County, WA

This notice announces the availability of a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for public review. The FEIS addresses the proposed issuance of Incidental Take Permits (permits) to the City of Tacoma, WA, Department of Public Utilities, Water Division (Tacoma Water). The proposed permits relate to water withdrawal, forest management, and timber harvest on City of Tacoma lands in King County, WA. Tacoma Water submitted applications on December 23, 1999, to the FWS and the NMFS (together, the Services) for permits pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (the Act). The proposed permits would authorize take of the following endangered or threatened species incidental to otherwise lawful management activities: gray wolf (Canis lupis), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus), northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina), grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), Puget Sound chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Tacoma Water is also seeking coverage for 24 currently unlisted species under specific provisions of the permits, should these species be listed in the future. The duration of the proposed permits is 50 years. This notice is provided pursuant to the ESA, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations.