81 FR 93702 - Joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 245 (December 21, 2016)
Fish and Wildlife Service
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 245 (December 21, 2016)
| Page Range | 93702-93704 | |
| FR Document | 2016-30673 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 245 (Wednesday, December 21, 2016)] [Notices] [Pages 93702-93704] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-30673] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2016-0004] RIN 0648-XE423 Joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service Habitat Conservation Planning Handbook AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior; National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (Services), announce the availability of the final revised Habitat Conservation Planning (HCP) Handbook, which describes requirements, procedures, and guidance for permit issuance and conservation plan development for incidental take permits under the Endangered Species Act. The purpose of the newly revised joint HCP Handbook is to instruct the Services on how to assist applicants to develop HCPs in an efficient and effective manner, while ensuring adequate conservation of listed species. Although the Handbook is designed for the Services, it also can be useful to other HCP practitioners, such as applicants, consultants, and partners. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Trish Adams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (phone: 703-358-2120; email: [email protected]), or Maggie Miller, National Marine Fisheries Service (phone: 301-427-8457; email: [email protected]). People who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800- 877-8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Introduction We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (together, the Services), announce the availability of the final revised Habitat Conservation Planning (HCP) Handbook, a joint handbook that describes requirements, procedures, and guidance for permit issuance and conservation plan development for incidental take permits under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA). The Services issue these ESA section 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take permits and help applicants develop conservation plans as a prerequisite to obtaining these permits. The original HCP Handbook was made available via a Federal Register notice on December 2, 1996 (61 FR 63854), and was subsequently revised by addendum, effective July 3, 2000 (65 FR 35242; June 1, 2000). On June 28, 2016, we opened a 60-day comment period for a draft revised joint HCP Handbook, announcing it via the Federal Register (81 FR 41986). During that comment period, we received 54 public comments. We now announce the final revised joint HCP Handbook, which is intended to be more streamlined and user friendly than previous editions. It presents and provides guidance on the HCP process from start to finish. Document Availability The final joint HCP Handbook is available at: https://www.fws.gov/ [[Page 93703]] endangered/esa-library/pdf/HCP_Handbook.pdf (FWS) and http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/laws/esa/policies.htm (NMFS). Background The purpose of the ESA is to protect and recover threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems on which they depend. Section 9 of the ESA prohibits ``take'' of any fish or wildlife species listed as endangered. In addition, take of many species listed as threatened is prohibited by regulation. ``Take'' is defined in ESA section 3 as ``to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.'' Before 1982, the ESA had a mechanism for exempting Federal actions (section 7) from the prohibition on ``take''; however, it did not have one for non- Federal activities, except for permits to authorize ``take'' from scientific research or certain other conservation actions. Thus, non- Federal parties engaging in activities that might result in ``take'' of listed species risked violating ESA section 9 take prohibitions. Congress recognized the need for a process to reduce conflicts between protection of listed species and economic development, so it amended the ESA in 1982 to add an exemption for ``incidental take'' of listed species that would result from non-Federal activities (section 10(a)(1)(B)). ``Incidental take'' is that which is incidental to, and not the purpose of, carrying out an otherwise lawful activity. To obtain a permit under ESA section 10(a)(1)(B), applicants must develop a conservation plan that meets specific requirements identified in ESA section 10 and its regulations (50 CFR 17.22 and 17.32; 50 CFR 222.25, 222.27, and 222.31). Among other requirements, the plan must specify (1) the impacts that are likely to result from ``incidental take'' and (2) the measures that the permit applicant will undertake to minimize and mitigate such impacts. Conservation plans under section 10(a)(1)(B) have come to be known as habitat conservation plans (HCPs). ESA section 10(a)(2)(B) provides statutory criteria that must be satisfied before the Services can issue an incidental take permit. HCP Handbook Purpose The purpose of the joint HCP Handbook is to instruct the Services on how to assist applicants to develop HCPs in an efficient and effective manner while ensuring adequate conservation of listed species. The HCP Handbook guides Services staff, phase by phase, through development, implementation, and environmental compliance, using streamlined approaches whenever possible. It draws on past experience to help staff understand regulations and policy and navigate the various processes for completing an HCP and issuing a permit. Although the joint HCP Handbook is designed specifically for Services staff, it also can be helpful to other HCP practitioners, such as applicants, consultants, and partners. Summary of Changes From the 1996 Version of the HCP Handbook The final revised HCP Handbook reflects current FWS and NMFS HCP practices, guidance, and policies; incorporates lessons from implementing the HCP program over the past 30 years; and provides guidance to assist applicants and the Services to avoid common pitfalls that can delay HCP negotiations and development or processing of incidental take permits. The goal is to provide a joint HCP Handbook that helps streamline the process and improve efficiency of the HCP program. To accomplish this, we reorganized the HCP Handbook so that it walks Services staff and stakeholders through each part of the HCP process, from the pre- application stage through incidental take permit issuance and HCP implementation through monitoring and compliance. Some of the most significant changes we made include the following: (1) Introduced the concept that applicants should ``go fast by starting slowly,'' which emphasizes the benefits to applicants of thorough pre-planning before jumping directly into HCP development, especially for landscape-level HCPs. (2) Focused on the vital review and administrative steps without compromising legal integrity, in order to help streamline the process. (3) Clarified the concept of minimizing and mitigating the impacts of taking ``to the maximum extent practicable.'' (4) Ensured consistency with the most recent policies, such as the revised FWS Mitigation Policy, which was announced via a Federal Register notice on November 21, 2016. (5) Clarified the use of implementing agreements. (6) Updated and clarified permit duration. (7) Provided guidance on how to comply with section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (54 U.S.C. 300101 et seq.). (8) Provided guidance on addressing climate change. (9) Updated and clarified what should be addressed through adaptive management versus changed and unforeseen circumstances. (10) Provided guidance on when to initiate the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) process and intra- Service ESA section 7 consultations, and when to seek assistance from the Solicitor or General Counsel. (11) Updated and clarified information concerning take analysis, responding to public comments, public notices, permit decision documents, compliance monitoring, and incidental take permit suspension and revocation. Final Revisions Made to Draft Handbook and Reponses to Comments We published a notice of availability and request for public comment on our draft joint HCP Handbook in the Federal Register on June 28, 2016 (81 FR 41986). There was a 60-day comment period ending August 29, 2016, during which we received 54 comments. We received very complex, thoughtful, and often very detailed comments. Below are our responses to the most frequent comments and those that potentially could be controversial. After considering public comments, we clarified language in the Handbook based on the input we received. Comment 1: We received several comments requesting an extension of the 60-day comment period. Response 1: We believe that 60 days was sufficient to allow for public input by interested parties on the draft revised HCP Handbook, as the quantity and quality of the substantive comments the Services received attest. Another reason we think the comment period was of sufficient length is that we are developing a revision to an existing Handbook rather than an entirely new product; this revised Handbook largely provides additional information that clarifies the original Handbook. Comment 2: The draft HCP Handbook is repetitive and too complex for an applicant or project proponent. Response 2: We have taken steps in the final editing process to cut down on the repetitive nature of the HCP Handbook, and we have also cross-referenced sections. However, our target audience is internal Services HCP staff rather than the general public. We recommend that applicants coordinate with local field offices for more specific detail and advice or guidance on their specific project needs before developing their HCPs. Comment 3: The Services have provided a new standard for minimization and mitigation that is [[Page 93704]] inconsistent with the requirements of the ESA. Response 3: Some commenters took issue with the explanations in the Handbook, particularly in Chapter 9, of the ESA requirement that applicants must ``to the maximum extent practicable, minimize and mitigate the impacts of'' permitted taking. Some commenters interpreted these explanations and related discussions of the concept of ``fully offset,'' as creating an alternative or substitute for the ESA's statutory ``maximum extent practicable'' standard. However, the Handbook explains the ESA standard and clarifies the discussion that was in the 1996 Handbook. It does not establish a new or alternative standard for minimization and mitigation. We acknowledge that the manner in which this topic was presented in the draft may be confusing. Therefore, we have modified the language to provide clearer guidance that is consistent with the ESA's ``maximum extent practicable'' standard. We have also revised the language to better explain how applicants can meet the ESA's ``maximum extent practicable'' standard. Comment 4: The guidance on climate change in the Handbook goes too far. Applicants should not have to come up with complex models or complex global climate change scenarios. Response 4: We have clarified that climate change effects that could impact the applicant's proposed conservation strategy and the durability of mitigation should be considered in the HCP. In addition, we changed all references of ``climate change'' to ``climate change effects,'' in order to reduce confusion. Furthermore, applicants are not responsible for addressing climate change at a global scale. Regarding the comments concerning complex modeling, we suggest the use of various models to help applicants consider the effects of climate change while developing their conservation strategy. The Handbook does not impose a requirement to use specific models. Comment 5: The draft HCP Handbook undermines the ``No Surprises'' rule. Response 5: One of our main goals with this HCP Handbook revision was to incorporate lessons learned throughout our 30 years of program implementation in order to better address the possibility of changed or unforeseen circumstances by using tools such as adaptive management and better advance planning. With ``No Surprises,'' State and private landowners are assured that if ``unforeseen circumstances'' arise, the Services will not require the commitment of additional activities or additional restrictions beyond the level otherwise agreed to in the HCP without the consent of the permit holder. The Handbook does not change or undermine the ``no surprises'' rule, but rather it encourages applicants to consider a robust list of potential changed and unforeseen circumstances that could arise during the permit term. This will ensure successful implementation of the HCP and help to ensure that the conservation strategy and mitigation plan will endure in perpetuity, as required by the incidental take permit issuance criteria. We have provided clarifying language regarding the ``No Surprises'' rule. Comment 6: The term ``mitigation'' is used throughout the Handbook, and there is no clear description about what mitigation actually means. Response 6: The Handbook treats mitigation in a manner consistent with the requirements and legal authorities provided by the ESA. We acknowledge that our use of the term ``mitigation'' in the draft was sometimes confusing. We have clarified our treatment of the ESA section 10 mitigation requirements and also provided additional background, including the definition of mitigation and general principles of Federal mitigation policy as described in the November 3, 2015, Presidential Memorandum on mitigation. These clarifications can be found primarily in Chapter 9. Comment 7: Please clarify whether the HCP Handbook is guidance or policy. Response 7: The HCP Handbook is a Services guidance document that includes reference to respective agency policies (and citations) where appropriate. Comment 8: Contrary to the statements in the Handbook, the Services cannot require that all ESA-listed species that applicants expect they may take from proposed covered activities be covered by the HCP and incidental take permit. The Services should clarify that it is up to applicants to decide which species to include as covered species. Comment 8: Ultimately, it is the Services who determine if the applicant's incidental take permit application is complete. If the application does not include all of the ESA-listed wildlife species that we are reasonably certain may be taken as a result of the covered activities, then the Services would consider the application incomplete. Therefore, to ensure the applicant provides a complete incidental take permit application, the revised final version of the Handbook states, ``The Services require applicants to include as HCP- covered species all ESA-listed wildlife species for which incidental take is reasonably certain to occur, unless take is addressed through a separate ESA mechanism (e.g., section 7 consultation with another Federal agency, separate incidental take permit, etc.), or to explain or demonstrate in the HCP why the applicant does not anticipate take or will avoid take during implementation of covered activities (e.g., inclusion of measures that will avoid potential for take).'' In the view of the Services, this best reflects the language, structure, and congressional purposes of ESA section 10 and the ESA as a whole. In addition, it is important to note that section 9 prohibitions make it illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to take any wildlife species listed as endangered (and threatened through FWS regulations), without written authorization. Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. Dated: December 7, 2016. James W. Kurth, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dated: December 8, 2016 Samuel D. Rauch, III, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs, National Marine Fisheries Service. [FR Doc. 2016-30673 Filed 12-20-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P
![93702 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Notices
HUD ONAP regions. Up to three the nominee’s experience and interest in (HCP) Handbook, which describes
remaining tribal members will serve at- American Indian and Alaska Native requirements, procedures, and guidance
large. housing and community development for permit issuance and conservation
The Secretary will appoint the matters; plan development for incidental take
members of the TIAC. TIAC tribal 2. Evidence that your nominee is a permits under the Endangered Species
delegates will serve a term of 2 years. To duly elected or appointed tribal leader Act. The purpose of the newly revised
ensure continuity between tribal terms, and is authorized to represent a tribal joint HCP Handbook is to instruct the
delegates will have a staggered term of government; Services on how to assist applicants to
appointment. In order to establish a 3. A written commitment from the develop HCPs in an efficient and
staggered term of appointment, half of nominee that she or he will actively effective manner, while ensuring
the tribal members appointed in the participate in good faith in the adequate conservation of listed species.
inaugural year of the TIAC will serve 2 Committee meetings; and Although the Handbook is designed for
years and the other half will serve 3 4. A written preference for serving the Services, it also can be useful to
years. Delegates must designate their either a two- or a three-year term on the other HCP practitioners, such as
preference to serve 2 or 3 years; TIAC. applicants, consultants, and partners.
however, HUD will make the final HUD will appoint the members of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
determination on which members will TIAC from the pool of nominees Trish Adams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
serve for 3 years. Once these members requested by this notice. HUD will Service (phone: 703–358–2120; email:
complete these initial terms, all future announce its final selections for TIAC trish_adams@fws.gov), or Maggie Miller,
committee members will serve two-year membership in a future Federal Register National Marine Fisheries Service
terms. Should a member’s tenure as a notice. Members will be selected based (phone: 301–427–8457; email:
tribal leader come to an end during their on proven experience and interest in Margaret.h.miller@noaa.gov). People
appointment to the TIAC, the member’s AIAN housing and community who use a Telecommunications Device
tribe may nominate a replacement. development matters, and whether the for the Deaf (TDD) may call the Federal
E. Objective of the TIAC interest of the proposed member could Relay Service (FIRS) at 1–800–877–
be represented adequately by other 8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The establishment of the TIAC is members. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
intended to enhance government-to- In addition to the criteria above, at-
government relationships, Introduction
large members will be selected based on
communications, and mutual their ability to represent specific We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
cooperation between HUD and tribal interests that might not be represented Service (FWS) and the National Marine
governments and is not intended to, and by the selected regional members. Fisheries Service (NMFS) (together, the
will not, create any right to Services), announce the availability of
administrative or judicial review, or any Dated: December 16, 2016.
the final revised Habitat Conservation
other right or benefit or trust Julián Castro, Planning (HCP) Handbook, a joint
responsibility, substantive or Secretary. handbook that describes requirements,
procedural, enforceable by a party [FR Doc. 2016–30744 Filed 12–20–16; 8:45 am] procedures, and guidance for permit
against the United States, its agencies or BILLING CODE 4210–67–P issuance and conservation plan
instrumentalities, its officers or development for incidental take permits
employees, or any other persons. under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the
III. Request for Nominations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA).
The Committee will be composed of Fish and Wildlife Service The Services issue these ESA section
up to six HUD officials and up to fifteen 10(a)(1)(B) incidental take permits and
tribal representatives. Up to two tribal DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE help applicants develop conservation
members will represent each of the six plans as a prerequisite to obtaining
HUD ONAP regions. The three National Oceanic and Atmospheric these permits.
remaining tribal members will serve at- Administration The original HCP Handbook was
large. Only duly elected or appointed made available via a Federal Register
tribal leaders may serve as tribal [Docket No. FWS–HQ–ES–2016–0004] notice on December 2, 1996 (61 FR
members of the TIAC. Once appointed 63854), and was subsequently revised
RIN 0648–XE423
to the TIAC, tribal leaders may by addendum, effective July 3, 2000 (65
designate an alternate who is a tribal Joint U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service FR 35242; June 1, 2000). On June 28,
employee and has the authority to act and National Marine Fisheries Service 2016, we opened a 60-day comment
on his or her behalf. One of the tribal Habitat Conservation Planning period for a draft revised joint HCP
members will be selected by the Handbook Handbook, announcing it via the
Committee to serve as the chairperson. Federal Register (81 FR 41986). During
If you are interested in serving as a AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, that comment period, we received 54
member of the Committee or in Interior; National Marine Fisheries public comments. We now announce
nominating another person to serve as a Service, National Oceanic and the final revised joint HCP Handbook,
member of the Committee, you may Atmospheric Administration,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
which is intended to be more
submit a nomination to HUD in Commerce. streamlined and user friendly than
accordance with the ADDRESSES section ACTION: Notice of availability. previous editions. It presents and
of this notice. Your nomination for provides guidance on the HCP process
membership on the Committee must SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and from start to finish.
include: Wildlife Service and the National
1. The name of your nominee, a Marine Fisheries Service (Services), Document Availability
description of the interests the nominee announce the availability of the final The final joint HCP Handbook is
would represent, and a description of revised Habitat Conservation Planning available at: https://www.fws.gov/
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![93704 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 245 / Wednesday, December 21, 2016 / Notices
inconsistent with the requirements of additional restrictions beyond the level to include as HCP-covered species all
the ESA. otherwise agreed to in the HCP without ESA-listed wildlife species for which
Response 3: Some commenters took the consent of the permit holder. incidental take is reasonably certain to
issue with the explanations in the The Handbook does not change or occur, unless take is addressed through
Handbook, particularly in Chapter 9, of undermine the ‘‘no surprises’’ rule, but a separate ESA mechanism (e.g., section
the ESA requirement that applicants rather it encourages applicants to 7 consultation with another Federal
must ‘‘to the maximum extent consider a robust list of potential agency, separate incidental take permit,
practicable, minimize and mitigate the changed and unforeseen circumstances etc.), or to explain or demonstrate in the
impacts of’’ permitted taking. Some that could arise during the permit term. HCP why the applicant does not
commenters interpreted these This will ensure successful anticipate take or will avoid take during
explanations and related discussions of implementation of the HCP and help to implementation of covered activities
the concept of ‘‘fully offset,’’ as creating ensure that the conservation strategy (e.g., inclusion of measures that will
an alternative or substitute for the ESA’s and mitigation plan will endure in avoid potential for take).’’ In the view of
statutory ‘‘maximum extent practicable’’ perpetuity, as required by the incidental the Services, this best reflects the
standard. However, the Handbook take permit issuance criteria. We have language, structure, and congressional
explains the ESA standard and clarifies provided clarifying language regarding purposes of ESA section 10 and the ESA
the discussion that was in the 1996 the ‘‘No Surprises’’ rule. as a whole. In addition, it is important
Handbook. It does not establish a new Comment 6: The term ‘‘mitigation’’ is to note that section 9 prohibitions make
or alternative standard for minimization used throughout the Handbook, and it illegal for any person subject to the
and mitigation. there is no clear description about what jurisdiction of the United States to take
We acknowledge that the manner in mitigation actually means. any wildlife species listed as
which this topic was presented in the Response 6: The Handbook treats endangered (and threatened through
draft may be confusing. Therefore, we mitigation in a manner consistent with FWS regulations), without written
have modified the language to provide the requirements and legal authorities authorization.
clearer guidance that is consistent with provided by the ESA. We acknowledge
the ESA’s ‘‘maximum extent that our use of the term ‘‘mitigation’’ in Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.
practicable’’ standard. We have also the draft was sometimes confusing. We Dated: December 7, 2016.
revised the language to better explain have clarified our treatment of the ESA James W. Kurth,
how applicants can meet the ESA’s section 10 mitigation requirements and Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
‘‘maximum extent practicable’’ also provided additional background, Service.
standard. including the definition of mitigation Dated: December 8, 2016
Comment 4: The guidance on climate and general principles of Federal Samuel D. Rauch, III,
change in the Handbook goes too far. mitigation policy as described in the
Deputy Assistant Administrator for
Applicants should not have to come up November 3, 2015, Presidential Regulatory Programs, National Marine
with complex models or complex global Memorandum on mitigation. These Fisheries Service.
climate change scenarios. clarifications can be found primarily in [FR Doc. 2016–30673 Filed 12–20–16; 8:45 am]
Response 4: We have clarified that Chapter 9.
BILLING CODE P
climate change effects that could impact Comment 7: Please clarify whether
the applicant’s proposed conservation the HCP Handbook is guidance or
strategy and the durability of mitigation policy. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
should be considered in the HCP. In Response 7: The HCP Handbook is a
addition, we changed all references of Services guidance document that Fish and Wildlife Service
‘‘climate change’’ to ‘‘climate change includes reference to respective agency
effects,’’ in order to reduce confusion. policies (and citations) where [FWS–HQ–R–2016–N214];
appropriate. [FXGO1664091HCC0–FF09D00000–178]
Furthermore, applicants are not
responsible for addressing climate Comment 8: Contrary to the
Wildlife and Hunting Heritage
change at a global scale. statements in the Handbook, the
Conservation Council; Public Meeting
Regarding the comments concerning Services cannot require that all ESA-
complex modeling, we suggest the use listed species that applicants expect AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
of various models to help applicants they may take from proposed covered Interior.
consider the effects of climate change activities be covered by the HCP and ACTION: Notice of meeting.
while developing their conservation incidental take permit. The Services
strategy. The Handbook does not impose should clarify that it is up to applicants SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
a requirement to use specific models. to decide which species to include as Wildlife Service, announce a public
Comment 5: The draft HCP Handbook covered species. meeting of the Wildlife and Hunting
undermines the ‘‘No Surprises’’ rule. Comment 8: Ultimately, it is the Heritage Conservation Council
Response 5: One of our main goals Services who determine if the (Council). The Council provides advice
with this HCP Handbook revision was to applicant’s incidental take permit about wildlife and habitat conservation
incorporate lessons learned throughout application is complete. If the endeavors that benefit wildlife
our 30 years of program implementation application does not include all of the resources; encourage partnership among
in order to better address the possibility ESA-listed wildlife species that we are the public, sporting conservation
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES
of changed or unforeseen circumstances reasonably certain may be taken as a organizations, States, Native American
by using tools such as adaptive result of the covered activities, then the tribes, and the Federal Government; and
management and better advance Services would consider the application benefit recreational hunting.
planning. With ‘‘No Surprises,’’ State incomplete. Therefore, to ensure the DATES: Meeting: Tuesday, February 7,
and private landowners are assured that applicant provides a complete 2017, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and
if ‘‘unforeseen circumstances’’ arise, the incidental take permit application, the Wednesday, February 8, 2017, from 8
Services will not require the revised final version of the Handbook a.m. to 1 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time).
commitment of additional activities or states, ‘‘The Services require applicants For deadlines and directions on
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Document Created: 2018-02-14 09:11:40
Document Modified: 2018-02-14 09:11:40
| 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 | Notices | |
| Action | Notice of availability. | |
| Contact | Trish Adams, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (phone: 703-358-2120; email: [email protected]), or Maggie Miller, National Marine Fisheries Service (phone: 301-427-8457; email: [email protected]). People who use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800- 877-8339, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 93702 | |
| RIN Number | 0648-XE42 |
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