Virgin River Habitat Conservation and Recovery Program, Clark County, NV

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), advises the public that we intend to gather information necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) regarding the proposed Virgin River Habitat Conservation and Recovery Program (VRHCRP) and issuance of an incidental take permit (Permit) for endangered and threatened species in accordance with section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The intent of the VRHCRP is to provide a recovery strategy for five species in the Lower Virgin River Basin. The VRHRCP would be used as a tool when conducting future section 7 consultations, implementing recovery actions and preparing habitat conservation plans for new and existing development. We provide this notice to: (1) Describe the proposed action and possible alternatives; (2) advise other Federal and State agencies, affected tribes, and the public of our intent to prepare an EIS; (3) announce the initiation of a 30-day public scoping period; and (4) obtain suggestions and information on the scope of issues to be included in the EIS.