Notice of Intent to Scope for the Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Issuance of an Incidental Take Permit Associated with the Agua Calliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Habitat Conservation Plan, Riverside County, CA

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) as the lead agency, advises the public that it is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) in Riverside County, California. The proposed HCP is being prepared in compliance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The HCP is intended to support the issuance of an incidental take permit to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (Tribe) from the Service under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act. The requested incidental take permit, if granted, would authorize the permittees to incidentally take species federally listed under the Act as a result of activities proposed to be covered under the HCP. It would also address incidental take of other species that are not currently listed, should they be listed during the permit term. The planning area for the HCP is located within the Coachella Valley in eastern Riverside County. The HCP would provide measures to minimize and mitigate the impacts of the proposed taking of covered species and the habitats upon which they depend. The Service is furnishing this notice in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and implementing regulations for the following purposes: (1) to advise other Federal and State agencies, affected tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS; (2) announce the initiation of a 30-day public scoping period; and (3) to obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues and alternatives to be considered in the EIS.