82 FR 52936 - Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Issuance of Depredation Permits for Double-Crested Cormorants

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 219 (November 15, 2017)

Page Range		52936-52937
FR Document		2017-24702

This notice advises the public of the completion of an environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact (FONSI). The EA analyzed the potential impacts of a proposal to make decisions on depredation permit applications for the annual take (i.e., lethal removal) of up to 51,571 double-crested cormorants, Phalcrocorax auritus, across 37 central and eastern States and the District of Columbia. The EA considered two alternatives: The proposed action; and the reduced take alternative (which is the preferred alternative). The scope of the EA is to issue permits to manage cormorant damage at aquaculture facilities, protect human health and safety, protect threatened and endangered wildlife, and alleviate damage to property. Based on the analysis contained in the EA, the Service finds that the preferred alternative would not constitute a major Federal action significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, as outlined in the accompanying FONSI.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 219 (Wednesday, November 15, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52936-52937]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-24702]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-HQ-MB-2017-N149; 91200-FF09M21200-178-FXMB1231099BPP0]


Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for 
the Issuance of Depredation Permits for Double-Crested Cormorants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice advises the public of the completion of an 
environmental assessment (EA) and finding of no significant impact 
(FONSI). The EA analyzed the potential impacts of a proposal to make 
decisions on depredation permit applications for the annual take (i.e., 
lethal removal) of up to 51,571 double-crested cormorants, Phalcrocorax 
auritus, across 37 central and eastern States and the District of 
Columbia. The EA considered two alternatives: The proposed action; and 
the reduced take alternative (which is the preferred alternative). The 
scope of the EA is to issue permits to manage cormorant damage at 
aquaculture facilities, protect human health and safety, protect 
threatened and endangered wildlife, and alleviate damage to property. 
Based on the analysis contained in the EA, the Service finds that the 
preferred alternative would not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment, as 
outlined in the accompanying FONSI.

ADDRESSES: You can obtain a copy of the EA and FONSI by writing to the 
Division of Migratory Bird Management, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls 
Church, VA 22041. We will also post the EA on our Web site at http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken Richkus, Deputy Chief, Division of 
Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358-1730; [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the Federal agency 
delegated the primary responsibility for managing migratory birds. Our 
authority derives from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as 
amended (MBTA or Act, 16 U.S.C. 703 et seq.), which implements 
conventions with Great Britain (for Canada), Mexico, Japan, and the 
Russia Federation. The MBTA protects certain migratory birds from take, 
except as permitted under the Act. We implement the provisions of the 
MBTA through regulations in parts 10, 13, 20, 21, and 22 of title 50 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Regulations pertaining to 
migratory bird permits are at 50 CFR part 21.
    The EA serves as a framework for the Service to make timely 
decisions on depredation permit applications submitted pursuant to 50 
CFR 21.41 for the lethal take of cormorants. Based on the scope and 
environmental consequences identified in the EA, the

[[Page 52937]]

Service will evaluate each permit application that we receive on an 
individual basis. We will also conduct a tiered review under the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; 
NEPA) and produce a finding identifying whether any additional actions 
or assessments are needed.
    The proposed action and the preferred alternative in the EA address 
the need of the Service to maintain cormorant populations and process 
depredation permit applications for the lethal take of cormorants to: 
(1) Alleviate damage at or near aquaculture facilities; (2) protect 
human health and safety; (3) protect threatened and endangered species 
(as listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)); and (4) alleviate damage to property. The 
geographic scope of the EA is limited to 37 central and eastern States 
and the District of Columbia, as identified in the EA. This EA assists 
with our compliance with NEPA and aids us in making a determination as 
to whether the actions could ``significantly'' impact the human 
environment, which includes ``the natural and physical environment and 
the relationship of people with that environment'' (40 CFR 1508.14).
    Based on the independent analysis within the EA, the Service has 
found that this action would not constitute a major Federal action 
significantly affecting the quality of the human environment. A FONSI 
has been signed for the proposed action of making decisions on 
depredation permit applications to manage cormorant damage related to 
human health and safety, aquaculture facilities, protection of 
threatened and endangered species, and property damage and is now 
available.

Authority

    This notice is published under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.).

    Dated: October 27, 2017.
Gregory J. Sheehan,
Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2017-24702 Filed 11-14-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

52936 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2017 / Notices

ADDRESSES: Written comments and/or summarized and included in the request ACTION: Notice of availability.
suggestions regarding the item(s) for approval. All comments will become
contained in this notice must include a matter of public record. SUMMARY: This notice advises the public
the OMB Control Number 1651–0114 in of the completion of an environmental
Overview of This Information assessment (EA) and finding of no
the subject line and the agency name.
Collection significant impact (FONSI). The EA
To avoid duplicate submissions, please
use only one of the following methods Title: Crewman’s Landing Permit. analyzed the potential impacts of a
to submit comments: OMB Number: 1651–0114. proposal to make decisions on
(1) Email. Submit comments to: CBP_ Form Number: Form I–95. depredation permit applications for the
PRA@cbp.dhs.gov. Current Actions: This submission is annual take (i.e., lethal removal) of up
(2) Mail. Submit written comments to being made to extend the expiration to 51,571 double-crested cormorants,
CBP Paperwork Reduction Act Officer, date with no change to the burden hours Phalcrocorax auritus, across 37 central
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, or to this collection of information. and eastern States and the District of
Office of Trade, Regulations and Type of Review: Extension (without Columbia. The EA considered two
Rulings, Economic Impact Analysis change). alternatives: The proposed action; and
Affected Public: Businesses. the reduced take alternative (which is
Branch, 90 K Street NE., 10th Floor, Abstract: CBP Form I–95, Crewman’s
Washington, DC 20229–1177. the preferred alternative). The scope of
Landing Permit, is prepared and the EA is to issue permits to manage
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: presented to CBP by the master or agent
Requests for additional PRA information cormorant damage at aquaculture
of vessels and aircraft arriving in the facilities, protect human health and
should be directed to CBP Paperwork United States for alien crewmen
Reduction Act Officer, U.S. Customs safety, protect threatened and
applying for landing privileges. This endangered wildlife, and alleviate
and Border Protection, Office of Trade, form is provided for by 8 CFR 251.1(c)
Regulations and Rulings, Economic damage to property. Based on the
which states that, with certain analysis contained in the EA, the
Impact Analysis Branch, 90 K Street exceptions, the master, captain, or agent
NE., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20229– Service finds that the preferred
shall present this form to CBP for each alternative would not constitute a major
1177, or via email CBP_PRA@ nonimmigrant alien crewman on board.
cbp.dhs.gov. Please note that the contact Federal action significantly affecting the
In addition, pursuant to 8 CFR 252.1(e), quality of the human environment, as
information provided here is solely for CBP Form I–95 serves as the physical
questions regarding this notice. outlined in the accompanying FONSI.
evidence that an alien crewmember has
Individuals seeking information about ADDRESSES: You can obtain a copy of the
been granted a conditional permit to
other CBP programs should contact the land temporarily, and it is also a EA and FONSI by writing to the
CBP National Customer Service Center prescribed registration form under 8 Division of Migratory Bird Management,
at 877–227–5511, (TTY) 1–800–877– CFR 264.1 for crewmen arriving by 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
8339, or CBP Web site at https:// vessel or air. CBP Form I–95 is 22041. We will also post the EA on our
www.cbp.gov/. authorized by Section 252 of the Web site at http://www.fws.gov/
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: CBP Immigration and Nationality Act (8 migratorybirds.
invites the general public and other U.S.C. 1282) and is accessible at http:// FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ken
Federal agencies to comment on the www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/ Richkus, Deputy Chief, Division of
proposed and/or continuing information documents/CBP%20Form%20I-95.pdf. Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358–
collections pursuant to the Paperwork Estimated Number of Respondents: 1730; Ken_Richkus@fws.gov.
Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 433,000. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
et seq.). This process is conducted in Total Number of Estimated Annual
accordance with 5 CFR 1320.8. Written Responses: 433,000. Background
comments and suggestions from the Estimated time per Response: 5 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
public and affected agencies should minutes. (Service) is the Federal agency delegated
address one or more of the following Estimated Total Annual Burden the primary responsibility for managing
four points: (1) Whether the proposed Hours: 35,939. migratory birds. Our authority derives
collection of information is necessary Dated: November 8, 2017. from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of
for the proper performance of the Seth Renkema, 1918, as amended (MBTA or Act, 16
functions of the agency, including Branch Chief, Economic Impact Analysis U.S.C. 703 et seq.), which implements
whether the information will have Branch, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. conventions with Great Britain (for
practical utility; (2) the accuracy of the [FR Doc. 2017–24644 Filed 11–14–17; 8:45 am] Canada), Mexico, Japan, and the Russia
agency’s estimate of the burden of the BILLING CODE 9111–14–P
Federation. The MBTA protects certain
proposed collection of information, migratory birds from take, except as
including the validity of the permitted under the Act. We implement
methodology and assumptions used; (3) the provisions of the MBTA through
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
suggestions to enhance the quality, regulations in parts 10, 13, 20, 21, and
utility, and clarity of the information to Fish and Wildlife Service 22 of title 50 of the Code of Federal
be collected; and (4) suggestions to Regulations (CFR). Regulations
minimize the burden of the collection of [FWS–HQ–MB–2017–N149; 91200– pertaining to migratory bird permits are
information on those who are to FF09M21200–178–FXMB1231099BPP0] at 50 CFR part 21.
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

respond, including through the use of The EA serves as a framework for the
Environmental Assessment and
appropriate automated, electronic, Service to make timely decisions on
Finding of No Significant Impact for
mechanical, or other technological depredation permit applications
the Issuance of Depredation Permits
collection techniques or other forms of submitted pursuant to 50 CFR 21.41 for
for Double-Crested Cormorants
information technology, e.g., permitting the lethal take of cormorants. Based on
electronic submission of responses. The AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, the scope and environmental
comments that are submitted will be Interior. consequences identified in the EA, the

VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:58 Nov 14, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 219 / Wednesday, November 15, 2017 / Notices 52937

Service will evaluate each permit DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR in lieu of lands to which it was entitled
application that we receive on an under the Enabling Act of 1889 (25 Stat.
individual basis. We will also conduct Bureau of Land Management 676) but did not receive because the
a tiered review under the National [LLMT924000 L14400000.FR0000 lands were either encumbered or no
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 17XL1109AF; MO#4500106754; MTM longer held in Federal ownership.
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.; NEPA) and produce 108489] Section 7 of the Taylor Grazing Act of
a finding identifying whether any June 8, 1934 (43 U.S.C. 315 et seq.)
additional actions or assessments are Initial Classification and Extension of requires that such public lands and/or
needed. the Proposed Classification and minerals identified for proposed
Segregation for State In Lieu Selection, transfers out of Federal ownership
The proposed action and the preferred Montana under this authority must first be
alternative in the EA address the need classified. The Bureau of Land
of the Service to maintain cormorant AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management,
Management (BLM) is classifying these
populations and process depredation Interior.
lands and minerals pursuant to 43 CFR
permit applications for the lethal take of ACTION: Notice of lands suitable for 2400 and Section 7 of the Taylor
cormorants to: (1) Alleviate damage at or conveyance. Grazing Act of June 8, 1934. The BLM
near aquaculture facilities; (2) protect has completed a review and
SUMMARY: The Montana Department of
human health and safety; (3) protect environmental analysis on a portion of
Natural Resources and Conservation
threatened and endangered species (as the lands included in the proposed
(State) has filed a petition for
listed under the Endangered Species Act classification and application to obtain classification dated October 17, 2016 (80
of 1973, as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531 et public lands and the mineral estate in FR 71529), and is hereby classifying
seq.)); and (4) alleviate damage to lieu of lands to which the State was 2,126.11 acres as suitable for
property. The geographic scope of the entitled, but did not receive, under its conveyance. The environmental
EA is limited to 37 central and eastern Statehood Act. This classification, made analysis resulted in a Finding of No
States and the District of Columbia, as under Section 7 of the Taylor Grazing Significant Impact. The BLM is
identified in the EA. This EA assists Act of June 8, 1934, partially satisfies continuing review of the remaining
with our compliance with NEPA and the obligation to the State. This Notice 13,929.63 acres of the total 16,055.74
aids us in making a determination as to also extends the segregation initiated by acres included in the proposed
whether the actions could that application, and the proposed classification.
‘‘significantly’’ impact the human classification published in the Federal For a period of 30 days from the date
environment, which includes ‘‘the Register on October 17, 2016, for the of publication of this Notice, this
natural and physical environment and remaining lands included in the State’s classification is subject to the exercise of
the relationship of people with that application to allow continued review administrative review and modification
to determine suitability. by the Secretary as provided for under
environment’’ (40 CFR 1508.14).
43 CFR 2461.3. All persons who wish to
Based on the independent analysis DATES: Written comments requesting
request that the Secretary conduct an
within the EA, the Service has found administrative review regarding the
administrative review of the finding that
that this action would not constitute a classification of lands and minerals may
these lands are suitable for conveyance
major Federal action significantly be submitted to the Secretary of the
to the State may present their views to
affecting the quality of the human Interior (Secretary) on or before
the address given in the ADDRESSES
December 15, 2017. Additional
environment. A FONSI has been signed section above. Electronic mail,
administrative review requirements are
for the proposed action of making facsimile, or telephone requests will not
found in the SUPPLEMENTARY
decisions on depredation permit be accepted. Requests for administrative
INFORMATION section.
applications to manage cormorant review will be evaluated by the
ADDRESSES: Send requests for Secretary, or his delegate, who will
damage related to human health and
administrative review to the Secretary of issue a notice of determination to
safety, aquaculture facilities, protection
the Interior, 1849 C Street NW., Room proceed with, modify, or cancel the
of threatened and endangered species,
2134LM, WO–350 (Wilhight), initial classification. In the absence of
and property damage and is now
Washington, DC 20240. any requests for administrative review,
available.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: this initial classification will become
Authority Renee Johnson, Branch of Lands, Realty, final and effective on December 15,
and Renewable Energy; telephone (406) 2017.
This notice is published under the 896–5028; email rrjohnso@blm.gov. Before including your address, phone
authority of the National Environmental Persons who use a telecommunications number, email address, or other
Policy Act of 1969, as amended (42 device for the deaf (TDD) may call the personal identifying information in your
U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800– comment, you should be aware that
Dated: October 27, 2017. 877–8339 to contact the above your entire comment—including your
Gregory J. Sheehan, individual during normal business personal identifying information—may
hours. The FRS is available 24 hours a be made publicly available at any time.
Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and
day, 7 days a week, to leave a message While you can ask us in your request to
Wildlife Service.
or question with the above individual. withhold your personal identifying
sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES

[FR Doc. 2017–24702 Filed 11–14–17; 8:45 am]
You will receive a reply during normal information from public review, we
BILLING CODE 4333–15–P business hours. cannot guarantee that we will be able to
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Sections do so.
2275 and 2276 of the Revised Statutes, The lands/minerals affected by this
as amended (43 U.S.C. 851 and 852), classification are in Chouteau, Hill, and
provide authority for the State of Custer Counties, Montana, and are
Montana to receive title to public land described as follows:

VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:58 Nov 14, 2017 Jkt 244001 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\15NON1.SGM 15NON1

Document Created: 2018-10-25 10:37:40
Document Modified: 2018-10-25 10:37:40

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		Ken Richkus, Deputy Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management, (703) 358-1730; [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 52936

82 FR 52936 - Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Issuance of Depredation Permits for Double-Crested Cormorants

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORFish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 219 (November 15, 2017)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service