Proposed Low Effect Habitat Conservation Plan for Whiskey Creek Bald Eagle Nest Site in Tillamook, OR

This notice advises the public that Mick and Donna Ghormley, Ken Bilyeu, and Forrest Dickerson (Applicants) have applied to the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or "we") for an incidental take permit (ITP), pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The requested 25-year permit would authorize the incidental take of the federally-listed as threatened bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), associated with the lawful construction of three residential homes, associated utilities, access driveways, and human-use activities adjacent to a nest tree. The property is located adjacent to Netarts Bay, Tillamook County, Oregon. We are requesting comments on the permit application and on whether the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) qualifies as a "low effect" HCP, eligible for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended. We explain the basis for this possible determination in a draft Environmental Action Statement (EAS), which is also available for public review.