Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Black-Footed Ferrets in North-Central South Dakota

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in cooperation with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, propose to reintroduce black-footed ferrets (Mustela nigripes) into north-central South Dakota on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. We also announce the availability of the draft environmental assessment for this action. The purposes of this reintroduction are to implement actions required for recovery of the species and to evaluate and improve reintroduction techniques and management applications. If this rule is finalized, we will release surplus captive-raised black-footed ferrets in 2000, if possible, and release additional animals annually for several years thereafter until we establish a self-sustaining population. If this reintroduction program is successful, a wild population could be established in 5 years or less. The Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation population would be established as a nonessential experimental population in accordance with section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. We would manage this population under provisions of this proposed special rule.