Title 50 published on 2015-10-01 .
The following are only the Rules published in the Federal Register after the published date of Title 50.
For a complete list of all Rules, Proposed Rules, and Notices view the Rulemaking tab.
2015-12-08; vol. 80 # 235 - Tuesday, December 8, 2015 80 FR 76235 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Modoc Sucker From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
GPO FDSys: XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule is effective January 7, 2016. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Modoc sucker ( Catostomus microps ) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Because we are removing the Modoc sucker from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, we are also removing the designated critical habitat for this species. In addition, we are making available the final post-delisting monitoring plan for the species.
2015-11-16; vol. 80 # 220 - Monday, November 16, 2015 80 FR 70700 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
GPO FDSys: XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule is effective December 16, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary The best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel ( Sciurus niger cinereus ) has recovered. Therefore, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), remove the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel (commonly called the Delmarva fox squirrel) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). This determination is based on a thorough review of all available information, which indicates that the subspecies is now sufficiently abundant and well distributed to withstand foreseeable threats and no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Act. This rule removes the Delmarva fox squirrel from the List throughout its range, including the experimental population designated for Assawoman Wildlife Management Area in Delaware. It also announces the availability of a post-delisting monitoring plan for the subspecies.
2015-10-30; vol. 80 # 210 - Friday, October 30, 2015 80 FR 66821 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Black-footed Ferrets in Wyoming
GPO FDSys: XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule becomes effective November 30, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in coordination with the State of Wyoming and other partners, will reestablish additional populations of the black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ), a federally listed endangered mammal, into prairie dog ( Cynomys spp.) occupied habitat in Wyoming and classify any reestablished population as a nonessential experimental population (NEP) under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This final rule establishes the NEP area and provides for allowable legal incidental taking of the black-footed ferret within the defined NEP area. The best available data indicate the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets to Wyoming is biologically feasible and will promote conservation and recovery of the species. This NEP area and two previously designated NEPs in Wyoming collectively cover the entire State of Wyoming and provide consistent management flexibility Statewide. We are also amending the historical range column for the species within the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) to include Mexico; the historical range information in the List is informational, not regulatory.
2015-10-06; vol. 80 # 193 - Tuesday, October 6, 2015 80 FR 60440 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida Bristle Fern)
GPO FDSys: XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule becomes effective on November 5, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida bristle fern), a plant subspecies from Miami-Dade and Sumter Counties, Florida. The effect of this regulation will be to add this subspecies to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to this subspecies.
80 FR 60468 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Black Pinesnake With 4(d) Rule
GPO FDSys: XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule is effective November 5, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the black pinesnake ( Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi ), a reptile subspecies from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The effect of this rule is to add this subspecies to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We are also adopting a rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act (a “4(d) rule”) to provide for the conservation of the black pinesnake.
2015-10-02; vol. 80 # 191 - Friday, October 2, 2015 80 FR 59976 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Two Foreign Macaw Species
GPO FDSys: XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule becomes effective November 2, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are listing the military macaw ( Ara militaris ) and the great green macaw ( Ara ambiguus ) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). These species are both endemic to Central and South America. Despite conservation efforts, these species' populations are in decline, primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation; small population size; poaching; and regulatory mechanisms that are inadequate to ameliorate these threats throughout their ranges.
Title 50 published on 2015-10-01
The following are ALL rules, proposed rules, and notices (chronologically) published in the Federal Register relating to 50 CFR Part 17 after this date.
2015-12-08; vol. 80 # 235 - Tuesday, December 8, 2015 80 FR 76235 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Modoc Sucker From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule is effective January 7, 2016. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Modoc sucker ( Catostomus microps ) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that the threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Because we are removing the Modoc sucker from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, we are also removing the designated critical habitat for this species. In addition, we are making available the final post-delisting monitoring plan for the species.
2015-11-16; vol. 80 # 220 - Monday, November 16, 2015 80 FR 70700 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Delmarva Peninsula Fox Squirrel From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule is effective December 16, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary The best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel ( Sciurus niger cinereus ) has recovered. Therefore, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), remove the Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel (commonly called the Delmarva fox squirrel) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List). This determination is based on a thorough review of all available information, which indicates that the subspecies is now sufficiently abundant and well distributed to withstand foreseeable threats and no longer meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Act. This rule removes the Delmarva fox squirrel from the List throughout its range, including the experimental population designated for Assawoman Wildlife Management Area in Delaware. It also announces the availability of a post-delisting monitoring plan for the subspecies.
2015-10-30; vol. 80 # 210 - Friday, October 30, 2015 80 FR 66821 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of Black-footed Ferrets in Wyoming
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule becomes effective November 30, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), in coordination with the State of Wyoming and other partners, will reestablish additional populations of the black-footed ferret ( Mustela nigripes ), a federally listed endangered mammal, into prairie dog ( Cynomys spp.) occupied habitat in Wyoming and classify any reestablished population as a nonessential experimental population (NEP) under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This final rule establishes the NEP area and provides for allowable legal incidental taking of the black-footed ferret within the defined NEP area. The best available data indicate the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets to Wyoming is biologically feasible and will promote conservation and recovery of the species. This NEP area and two previously designated NEPs in Wyoming collectively cover the entire State of Wyoming and provide consistent management flexibility Statewide. We are also amending the historical range column for the species within the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (List) to include Mexico; the historical range information in the List is informational, not regulatory.
2015-10-13; vol. 80 # 197 - Tuesday, October 13, 2015 80 FR 61568 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for Five Species From American Samoa
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed rule. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 14, 2015. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by November 27, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list as endangered species two endemic American Samoan land snails, the American Samoa distinct population segment of the friendly ground-dove, the Pacific sheath-tailed bat, (South Pacific subspecies), and the mao, under the Endangered Species Act (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to these species. The effect of this regulation will be to add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
2015-10-08; vol. 80 # 195 - Thursday, October 8, 2015 80 FR 60834 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Findings on Petitions To List 19 Species as Endangered or Threatened Species
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of 12-month petition findings. The findings announced in this document were made on October 8, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service, FWS, or USFWS), announce 12-month findings on petitions to list 19 species as endangered species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the American eel, Cumberland arrow darter, the Great Basin distinct population segment (DPS) of the Columbia spotted frog, Goose Creek milkvetch, Nevares spring bug, Page springsnail, Ramshaw meadows sand-verbena, Sequatchie caddisfly, Shawnee darter, Siskiyou mariposa lily, Sleeping ute milkvetch, Southern Idaho ground squirrel, Tahoe yellow cress, and six Tennessee cave beetles (Baker Station, Coleman, Fowler's, Indian Grave Point, inquirer, and Noblett's cave beetles) is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to any of the 19 species listed above or their habitat at any time.
80 FR 60850 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying the Columbian White-Tailed Deer From Endangered to Threatened With a Rule Under Section 4(d) of the Act
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed rule. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 7, 2015. Please note that if you are using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES ), the deadline for submitting an electronic comment is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on this date. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by November 23, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary Under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reclassify the Columbia River distinct population segment (DPS) of Columbian white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus leucurus ) from endangered to threatened, and we propose a rule under section 4(d) of the Act to enhance conservation of the species through range expansion and management flexibility. This proposal is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific data, which indicate that the species' status has improved such that it is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. We seek information, data, and comments from the public regarding the Columbian white-tailed deer and this proposal.
80 FR 60962 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Kentucky Arrow Darter With 4(d) Rule
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed rule. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 7, 2015. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by November 23, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Kentucky arrow darter ( Etheostoma spilotum ), a fish species from the upper Kentucky River basin in Kentucky, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species.
80 FR 60990 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Sierra Nevada Red Fox as an Endangered or Threatened Species
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of 12-month petition finding. The finding announced in this document was made on October 8, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list Sierra Nevada red fox ( Vulpes vulpes necator ) as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that listing the entire Sierra Nevada red fox subspecies is not warranted. We were also petitioned to evaluate two populations within the subspecies' range as potential distinct population segments (DPSs). We find that both the Southern Cascades and Sierra Nevada population segments of the Sierra Nevada red fox meet the Service's DPS policy criteria, and therefore are valid DPSs. After review of the best available scientific and commercial information for these two DPSs, we find that listing the Southern Cascades DPS is not warranted at this time, and listing the Sierra Nevada DPS is warranted. Currently, however, listing the Sierra Nevada DPS is precluded by higher priority actions to amend the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Upon publication of this 12-month finding, we will add the Sierra Nevada DPS of the Sierra Nevada red fox to our candidate species list. We will develop a proposed rule to list the Sierra Nevada DPS as our priorities allow. We will make a determination on critical habitat during development of the proposed listing rule. In the interim period, we will address the status of the candidate DPS through our annual candidate notice of review (CNOR).
80 FR 61030 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Kentucky Arrow Darter
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed rule. We will accept comments on the proposed rule or draft economic analysis that are received or postmarked on or before December 7, 2015. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by November 23, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the Kentucky arrow darter ( Etheostoma spilotum ) under the Endangered Species Act (Act). In total, approximately 395 stream kilometers (skm) (246 stream miles (smi)) are being proposed for designation of critical habitat for the Kentucky arrow darter in Breathitt, Clay, Harlan, Jackson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe Counties, Kentucky. If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species' critical habitat. We also announce the availability of our draft economic analysis of the proposed designation.
2015-10-07; vol. 80 # 194 - Wednesday, October 7, 2015 80 FR 60754 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for the Headwater Chub and a Distinct Population Segment of the Roundtail Chub
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed rule. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 7, 2015. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by November 23, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the headwater chub ( Gila nigra ) and a distinct population segment (DPS) of the roundtail chub ( Gila robusta ) from the lower Colorado River basin as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species and DPS.
2015-10-06; vol. 80 # 193 - Tuesday, October 6, 2015 80 FR 60321 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Sonoran Desert Tortoise as an Endangered or Threatened Species
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of 12-month petition finding. The finding announced in this document was made on October 6, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Sonoran desert tortoise ( Gopherus morafkai ) as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial data, we find that listing the Sonoran desert tortoise is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the Sonoran desert tortoise or its habitat at any time.
80 FR 60335 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Threatened Species Status for the Suwannee Moccasinshell
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Proposed rule; 12-month finding and status review. We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before December 7, 2015. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by November 20, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list the Suwannee moccasinshell ( Medionidus walkeri ), a freshwater mussel species from the Suwannee River Basin in Florida and Georgia, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If we finalize this rule as proposed, it would extend the Act's protections to this species. The effect of this regulation will be to add this species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.
80 FR 60440 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida Bristle Fern)
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule becomes effective on November 5, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine endangered species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for Trichomanes punctatum ssp. floridanum (Florida bristle fern), a plant subspecies from Miami-Dade and Sumter Counties, Florida. The effect of this regulation will be to add this subspecies to the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to this subspecies.
80 FR 60468 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Black Pinesnake With 4(d) Rule
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule is effective November 5, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, for the black pinesnake ( Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi ), a reptile subspecies from Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. The effect of this rule is to add this subspecies to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. We are also adopting a rule under the authority of section 4(d) of the Act (a “4(d) rule”) to provide for the conservation of the black pinesnake.
2015-10-02; vol. 80 # 191 - Friday, October 2, 2015 80 FR 59858 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition To List Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as an Endangered or Threatened Species
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of 12-month petition finding. The finding announced in this document was made on October 2, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a 12-month finding on petitions to list the greater sage-grouse ( Centrocercus urophasianus ), both rangewide and the Columbia Basin population, as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that the Columbia Basin population does not qualify as a distinct population segment. In addition, we find that listing the greater sage-grouse is not warranted at this time. However, we ask the public to submit to us any new information that becomes available concerning the threats to the greater sage-grouse or its habitat at any time.
80 FR 59976 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Two Foreign Macaw Species
GPO FDSys XML | Text Additional Documents DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, Fish and Wildlife Service Final rule. This rule becomes effective November 2, 2015. 50 CFR Part 17 Summary We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are listing the military macaw ( Ara militaris ) and the great green macaw ( Ara ambiguus ) as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). These species are both endemic to Central and South America. Despite conservation efforts, these species' populations are in decline, primarily due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation; small population size; poaching; and regulatory mechanisms that are inadequate to ameliorate these threats throughout their ranges.
