[Federal Register: March 29, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 60)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 14760-14761]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29mr07-28]
[[Page 14760]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
RIN 1018-AU53
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designating the
Northern Rocky Mountain Population of Gray Wolf as a Distinct
Population Segment and Removing This Distinct Population Segment From
the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period; notice of a public
hearing.
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SUMMARY: Under the Endangered Species Act (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce an extension of the comment period
for the proposed rule to establish a distinct population segment (DPS)
of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) in the Northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) of
the United States and to remove the gray wolf in the NRM DPS from the
List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) under the Act. We
also announce the location and time of one additional public hearing to
receive public comments on this proposal. If you previously submitted
comments, please do not resubmit them because we have already
incorporated them into the public record and will fully consider them
in our final decision and rule.
DATES: The public comment period is extended until May 9, 2007. We may
not consider any comments we receive after the closing date. We will
hold a public hearing on April 19, 2007. For more information, see
``Public Hearing and Comments.''
ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment, you may submit comments and
materials concerning this proposal, identified by ``RIN number 1018-
AU53,'' by any one of the following methods:
1. Federal e-Rulemaking Portal--http://www.regulations.gov. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
2. E-mail_WesternGrayWolf@fws.gov. Include ``RIN number 1018-
AU53'' in the subject line of the message.
3. Fax--(406) 449-5339.
4. U.S. mail, hand delivery, or courier--U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, Western Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator, 585 Shepard Way,
Helena, MT 59601.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we used in preparation of this proposed action, will be
available for inspection following the close of the comment period, by
appointment, during normal business hours, at our Helena office (see
ADDRESSES).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Edward E. Bangs, Western Gray Wolf
Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, at our Helena
office (see ADDRESSES) or telephone (406) 449-5225, extension 204.
Persons who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf may call the
Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877-8339, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
On February 8, 2007, we published a proposal to establish a DPS of
the wolf (Canis lupus) in the NRM of the United States and to remove
the NRM DPS from the List (71 FR 6106). The comment period on this
proposal opened February 8, 2007, and extends to April 9, 2007. Due to
the complexity of this proposed action, we are extending the comment
period for 30 days to allow the public ample opportunity to comment on
this complex proposal.
Public Hearing and Comments
One additional open house, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (brief
presentations about the proposed rule will be given at both 3 p.m. and
4 p.m.), and one additional public hearing, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., will
be held on:
April 19, 2007, Thursday, at the Cody Auditorium Facility, 1240
Beck Avenue, Cody, WY 82414.
Anyone wishing to make an oral statement for the record is
encouraged to provide a written copy of their statement and present it
to us at the hearing. In the event there is a large attendance, the
time allotted for oral statements may be limited. Speakers can sign up
only at the open houses and hearings. Oral and written statements
receive equal consideration. There are no limits on the length of
written comments submitted to us. If you have any questions concerning
the public hearing, please contact Sharon Rose (303) 236-4580. If you
need reasonable accommodations in order to attend and participate in
the public hearing, please contact Sharon Rose at (303) 236-4580 as
soon as possible in order to allow sufficient time to process requests.
Please call no later than 1 week before the hearing date. Information
regarding the proposal is available in alternative formats upon
request.
The purpose of the public hearing is to provide additional
opportunity for the public to comment on this complex proposal. Public
hearings are the only method for comments and data to be presented
verbally for entry into the public record of this rulemaking and for
our consideration during our final decision. Comments and data also can
be submitted in writing or electronically, as described in our February
8, 2007, proposal (71 FR 6106) and in the ADDRESSES section above.
We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule
will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we solicit
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested
party concerning this proposed rule. We solicit information, data,
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested
party concerning this proposal. Generally, we seek information, data,
and comments concerning the boundaries of the proposed NRM DPS and the
status of gray wolf in the NRM. Specifically, we seek documented,
biological data on the status and management of the NRM wolf population
and its habitat.
Submit comments as indicated under ADDRESSES. If you wish to submit
comments by e-mail, please include your name and return address in your
e-mail message.
Our practice is to make comments, including names and home
addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular
business hours. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail
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 ask us in your comment to withhold your personal
identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we
will be able to do so. We will take into consideration the comments and
any additional information received during the comment period on this
proposed rule during our preparation of a final rulemaking.
Accordingly, our final decision may differ from this proposal.
Authority
The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
[[Page 14761]]
Dated: March 23, 2007.
Kenneth Stansell,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. E7-5744 Filed 3-28-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P