80 FR 79300 - Wild Bird Conservation Act; Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots From Argentina's Sustainable-Use Management Plan

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 244 (December 21, 2015)

Page Range		79300-79301
FR Document		2015-32054

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we), withdraw a 2003 proposed rule to approve a sustainable-use management plan developed by the Management Authority of Argentina for blue- fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva), under the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992. We are taking this action because Argentina has withdrawn their application. As a result, we will no longer consider allowing importation of this species from Argentina under this plan.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 244 (Monday, December 21, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 244 (Monday, December 21, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79300-79301]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-32054]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 23

[Docket No. FWS-HQ-IA-2015-0035; 96300-1671-0000-R4]
RIN 1018-AH89


Wild Bird Conservation Act; Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots From 
Argentina's Sustainable-Use Management Plan

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, or we), 
withdraw a 2003 proposed rule to approve a sustainable-use management 
plan developed by the Management Authority of Argentina for blue-
fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva), under the Wild Bird 
Conservation Act of 1992. We are taking this action because Argentina 
has withdrawn their application. As a result, we will no longer 
consider allowing importation of this species from Argentina under this 
plan.

DATES: This document is withdrawn as of December 21, 2015.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Hoover, Chief, Division of 
Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: 
IA; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; telephone 703-358-
2095; facsimile 703-358-2298. If you use a telecommunications device 
for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) 
at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild 
Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international treaty designed to regulate 
international trade in certain animal and plant species that are now, 
or may become, threatened with extinction. These species are listed in 
the Appendices to CITES, which are available on the CITES Secretariat's 
Web site at http://www.cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php. Currently 180 
countries and the European Union have ratified, accepted, approved, or 
acceded to CITES; these 181 entities are known as Parties. The U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service has been delegated authority to carry out 
U.S. responsibilities under CITES.
    The Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 (WBCA) limits or prohibits 
import into the United States of exotic bird species to ensure that 
their wild populations are not harmed by international trade. It also 
encourages wild bird conservation programs in countries of origin by 
ensuring that all imports of such species are biologically sustainable 
and not detrimental to the survival of the species.

Previous Federal Actions

    On November 16, 1993, we published a final rule in the Federal 
Register (58 FR 60524) that implemented the prohibitions stipulated in 
the WBCA and provided permit requirements and procedures for some 
allowed exemptions. In that rule, we informed the public that imports 
of all CITES-listed birds (as defined in the rule) were prohibited, 
except for (a) species included in an approved list; (b) specimens for 
which an import permit has been issued; (c) species from countries that 
have approved sustainable-use management plans for those species; or 
(d) specimens from approved foreign captive-breeding facilities. 
Criteria for approval of sustainable-use management plans are in title 
50 of the Code of Federal Regulations at 50 CFR 15.32.
    Argentina petitioned the Service to allow the import into the 
United States of blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) removed 
from the wild in Argentina under an approved sustainable-use management 
plan. Consequently, on August 10, 2000, we published a notice of 
receipt of application for approval in the Federal Register (65 FR 
49007) that announced the receipt of a petition from the CITES 
Management Authority of Argentina, Direcci[oacute]n de Fauna and Flora 
Silvestre, for approval of a sustainable-use management plan for the 
blue-fronted amazon parrot in Argentina. On January 8, 2003, we 
published a notice in the Federal Register (68 FR 1066) announcing the 
availability of a draft environmental assessment of the addition of 
blue-fronted amazon parrots from a sustainable-use management plan in 
Argentina to the approved list of non-captive-bred birds under the 
WBCA.
    Later that year, on August 6, 2003, we published a proposed rule in 
the Federal Register (68 FR 46559) to approve a sustainable-use 
management plan developed by the CITES Management Authority of 
Argentina for blue-fronted amazon parrots under the WBCA. The proposed 
rule would add blue-fronted amazon parrots from Argentina's program to 
the approved list of non-captive-bred (wild-caught) species contained 
at 50 CFR 15.33(b).

[[Page 79301]]

The public comment period on the proposed rule was open for 60 days.
    On March 29, 2005, we published a notice in the Federal Register 
(70 FR 15798) reopening the comment period on the proposed rule for 30 
days to enter into the record Dr. Jorge Rabinovich's 2004 study, 
``Modeling the Sustainable Use of the Blue-Fronted Parrot (Amazona 
aestiva) in the Dry Chaco Region of Argentina,'' and to accept comments 
related to the relationship of this study to the proposed addition of 
blue-fronted amazon parrots from Argentina's program to the approved 
list of non-captive-bred (wild-caught) species under the WBCA. On May 
24, 2005, we published a notice in the Federal Register (70 FR 29711) 
reopening the comment period for an additional 45 days.

Reason for Withdrawal of Proposed Rule

    We reviewed the public comments received during the open comment 
periods for the notice and the proposed rule and new information that 
became available after the publication of the proposed rule. We also 
reevaluated information in our files, our proposed rule, and 
Argentina's request, in accordance with our approval criteria in 50 CFR 
15.32. As a result, we determined that it was unlikely that we would be 
able to make a positive finding for the sustainable-use management plan 
developed by Argentina for blue-fronted amazon parrots under the WBCA. 
Subsequently, Argentina determined that the best course of action would 
be to withdraw their application. Argentina withdrew its application by 
letter (undated) from the CITES Management Authority of Argentina 
(Ministry of the Environment of Sustainable Development), therefore, we 
are withdrawing our proposed rule of August 6, 2003 (68 FR 46559).

Author

    The primary author of this document is Clifton A. Horton, Division 
of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (see FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: December 9, 2015.
Stephen Guertin,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2015-32054 Filed 12-18-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

79300 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 244 / Monday, December 21, 2015 / Proposed Rules

other maritime facilities, grounds, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR into the United States of exotic bird
equipment, and other facilities, including but species to ensure that their wild
not limited to, roof replacement, foundation Fish and Wildlife Service populations are not harmed by
repair, ADA access ramp and door international trade. It also encourages
improvements, weatherization and energy 50 CFR Part 23 wild bird conservation programs in
efficiency related improvements, HVAC countries of origin by ensuring that all
[Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2015–0035;
renovations, painting, floor system imports of such species are biologically
96300–1671–0000–R4]
replacement, repaving parking lots and sustainable and not detrimental to the
ground maintenance, that do not result in a RIN 1018–AH89 survival of the species.
change in the functional use of the real
property. Wild Bird Conservation Act; Blue- Previous Federal Actions
B2. Engineering studies and investigations Fronted Amazon Parrots From On November 16, 1993, we published
that do not permanently change the Argentina’s Sustainable-Use a final rule in the Federal Register (58
environment. Management Plan FR 60524) that implemented the
B3. Construction or lease of new
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, prohibitions stipulated in the WBCA
infrastructure including, but not limited to, and provided permit requirements and
Interior.
health care facilities, community buildings, procedures for some allowed
housing, and bulk fuel storage and power ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.
exemptions. In that rule, we informed
generation plants, where such lease or SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and the public that imports of all CITES-
construction: Wildlife Service (Service, or we), listed birds (as defined in the rule) were
(a) Is at the site of existing infrastructure withdraw a 2003 proposed rule to prohibited, except for (a) species
and capacity is not substantially increased; or included in an approved list; (b)
approve a sustainable-use management
(b) Is for infrastructure of less than 12,000 specimens for which an import permit
plan developed by the Management
square feet of useable space when less than has been issued; (c) species from
Authority of Argentina for blue-fronted
two aces of surface land area are involved at countries that have approved
amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva),
a new site. sustainable-use management plans for
under the Wild Bird Conservation Act of
B4. Construction or modification of electric those species; or (d) specimens from
1992. We are taking this action because
power stations or interconnection facilities approved foreign captive-breeding
Argentina has withdrawn their
(including, but not limited to, switching facilities. Criteria for approval of
stations and support facilities).
application. As a result, we will no
longer consider allowing importation of sustainable-use management plans are
B5. Construction of electric powerlines in title 50 of the Code of Federal
approximately ten miles in length or less, or this species from Argentina under this
plan. Regulations at 50 CFR 15.32.
approximately 20 miles in length or less Argentina petitioned the Service to
within previously disturbed or developed DATES: This document is withdrawn as
allow the import into the United States
powerline or pipeline rights-of-way. of December 21, 2015. of blue-fronted amazon parrots
B6. Upgrading or rebuilding approximately FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (Amazona aestiva) removed from the
twenty miles in length or less of existing Craig Hoover, Chief, Division of wild in Argentina under an approved
electric powerlines, which may involve Management Authority, U.S. Fish and sustainable-use management plan.
minor relocations of small segments or the Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: IA; Consequently, on August 10, 2000, we
powerlines. 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA published a notice of receipt of
B7. Demolition, disposal, or improvements 22041–3803; telephone 703–358–2095; application for approval in the Federal
involving buildings or structures when done facsimile 703–358–2298. If you use a Register (65 FR 49007) that announced
in accordance with applicable regulations, telecommunications device for the deaf the receipt of a petition from the CITES
including those regulations applying to (TDD), call the Federal Information Management Authority of Argentina,
removal of asbestos, polychlorinated Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. Dirección de Fauna and Flora Silvestre,
biphenyls (PCBs), and other hazardous SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: for approval of a sustainable-use
materials. management plan for the blue-fronted
B8. Project or program actions for which Background amazon parrot in Argentina. On January
applicable environmental documentation has The Convention on International 8, 2003, we published a notice in the
been prepared previously, by either the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Federal Register (68 FR 1066)
Commission or another federal agency, and Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an announcing the availability of a draft
environmental circumstances have not international treaty designed to regulate environmental assessment of the
subsequently changed. international trade in certain animal and addition of blue-fronted amazon parrots
Dated: December 10, 2015. plant species that are now, or may from a sustainable-use management
Joel Neimeyer, become, threatened with extinction. plan in Argentina to the approved list of
Federal Co-Chair. These species are listed in the non-captive-bred birds under the
Appendices to CITES, which are WBCA.
[FR Doc. 2015–31701 Filed 12–18–15; 8:45 am]
available on the CITES Secretariat’s Web Later that year, on August 6, 2003, we
BILLING CODE P
site at http://www.cites.org/eng/app/ published a proposed rule in the
appendices.php. Currently 180 Federal Register (68 FR 46559) to
countries and the European Union have approve a sustainable-use management
Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS

ratified, accepted, approved, or acceded plan developed by the CITES
to CITES; these 181 entities are known Management Authority of Argentina for
as Parties. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife blue-fronted amazon parrots under the
Service has been delegated authority to WBCA. The proposed rule would add
carry out U.S. responsibilities under blue-fronted amazon parrots from
CITES. Argentina’s program to the approved list
The Wild Bird Conservation Act of of non-captive-bred (wild-caught)
1992 (WBCA) limits or prohibits import species contained at 50 CFR 15.33(b).

VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:25 Dec 18, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\21DEP1.SGM 21DEP1

$Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 244 / Monday, December 21, 2015 / Proposed Rules 79301 The public comment period on the Reason for Withdrawal of Proposed Argentina (Ministry of the Environment proposed rule was open for 60 days. Rule of Sustainable Development), therefore, On March 29, 2005, we published a We reviewed the public comments we are withdrawing our proposed rule notice in the Federal Register (70 FR received during the open comment of August 6, 2003 (68 FR 46559). 15798) reopening the comment period periods for the notice and the proposed Author on the proposed rule for 30 days to enter rule and new information that became into the record Dr. Jorge Rabinovich’s available after the publication of the The primary author of this document 2004 study, ‘‘Modeling the Sustainable proposed rule. We also reevaluated is Clifton A. Horton, Division of Use of the Blue-Fronted Parrot information in our files, our proposed Management Authority, U.S. Fish and (Amazona aestiva) in the Dry Chaco rule, and Argentina’s request, in Wildlife Service (see FOR FURTHER accordance with our approval criteria in INFORMATION CONTACT). Region of Argentina,’’ and to accept 50 CFR 15.32. As a result, we comments related to the relationship of Authority determined that it was unlikely that we this study to the proposed addition of would be able to make a positive finding blue-fronted amazon parrots from The authority for this action is the for the sustainable-use management Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Argentina’s program to the approved list plan developed by Argentina for blue- of non-captive-bred (wild-caught) amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). fronted amazon parrots under the species under the WBCA. On May 24, WBCA. Subsequently, Argentina Dated: December 9, 2015. 2005, we published a notice in the determined that the best course of Stephen Guertin, Federal Register (70 FR 29711) action would be to withdraw their Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife reopening the comment period for an application. Argentina withdrew its Service. additional 45 days. application by letter (undated) from the [FR Doc. 2015–32054 Filed 12–18–15; 8:45 am] CITES Management Authority of BILLING CODE 4333–15–P Lhorne on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS VerDate Sep<11>2014 15:25 Dec 18, 2015 Jkt 238001 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 9990 E:\FR\FM\21DEP1.SGM 21DEP1$

Document Created: 2015-12-19 02:57:15
Document Modified: 2015-12-19 02:57:15

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Proposed Rules
Action		Proposed rule; withdrawal.
Dates		This document is withdrawn as of December 21, 2015.
Contact		Craig Hoover, Chief, Division of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: IA; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803; telephone 703-358- 2095; facsimile 703-358-2298. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.
FR Citation		80 FR 79300
RIN Number		1018-AH89

80 FR 79300 - Wild Bird Conservation Act; Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrots From Argentina's Sustainable-Use Management Plan

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORFish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 244 (December 21, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service