Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices 535 

EAS to analyze the impacts of permit 

issuance and implementation of the 

SHA on the human environment in 

comparison to the no-action alternative. 

We have made a preliminary 

determination that issuing the permit 

and implementing the SHA would have 

minor or negligible impacts to the 

environment, and thus the proposed 

SHA and permit actions are eligible for 

categorical exclusion under NEPA. The 

basis for our preliminary determination 

is contained in the EAS, which is 

available for public review (see 

ADDRESSES). 

Public Comments 

You may submit your comments and 

materials by one of the methods listed 

in the ADDRESSES section. We request 

data, new information, or comments 

from the public, other concerned 

governmental agencies, Tribes, the 

scientific community, industry, or any 

other interested party via this notice on 

our proposed Federal action. 

Public Availability of Comments 

All comments and materials we 

receive become part of the public record 

associated with this action. Before 

including your address, phone number, 

email address, or other personal 

identifying information in your 

comments, you should be aware that 

your entire comment—including your 

personal identifying information—may 

be made publicly available at any time. 

While you can ask us in your comment 

to withhold your personal identifying 

information from public review, we 

cannot guarantee that we will be able to 

do so. All comments received from 

organizations, businesses, or individuals 

representing organizations or businesses 

are available for public inspection in 

their entirety. Comments and materials 

we receive will be available for public 

inspection by appointment, during 

normal business hours, at our office (see 

ADDRESSES). 

Next Step 

The Service will evaluate the permit 

application, draft SHA, and public 

comments submitted thereon to 

determine whether the permit 

application meets the requirements of 

section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA and 

NEPA regulations. The final NEPA and 

permit determinations will not be 

completed until after the end of the 30- 

day comment period and full 

consideration of all comments received 

during the comment period. If we 

determine that all requirements are met, 

we will issue the applicant an 

enhancement of survival permit under 

section 10(a)(1)(A) of the ESA. 

Authority 

We provide this notice pursuant to 

section 10(c) of the ESA (16 U.S.C. 1531 

et seq.), its implementing regulations 

(50 CFR 17.22), and NEPA (42 U.S.C. 

4321 et seq.) and its implementing 

regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). 

Theresa E. Rabot, 

Deputy Regional Director, Pacific Region, U.S. 

Fish and Wildlife Service. 

[FR Doc. 2017–28490 Filed 1–3–18; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4333–15–P 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Fish and Wildlife Service 

[Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0095; 

FXIA16710900000–178–FF09A30000] 

Endangered Species Receipt of Permit 

Applications 

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, 

Interior. 

ACTION: Notice of receipt of permit 

applications. 

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service, invite the public to 

comment on applications to conduct 

certain activities with foreign 

endangered species, marine mammals, 

or both. With some exceptions, the 

Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibit 

activities with listed species unless 

Federal authorization is acquired that 

allows such activities. The ESA also 

requires that we invite public comment 

before issuing these permits. 

DATES: We must receive comments by 

February 5, 2018. 

ADDRESSES: Document availability: The 

applications, as well as any comments 

and other materials that we receive, will 

be available for public inspection online 

in Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0095 

at http://www.regulations.gov. 

Submitting Comments: You may 

submit comments by one of the 

following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// 

www.regulations.gov. Follow the 

instructions for submitting comments 

on Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0095. 

• U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public 

Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. 

FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0095; U.S. Fish and 

Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: 

BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls 

Church, VA 22041–3803. 

When submitting comments, please 

indicate the name of the applicant and 

the PRT# at the beginning of your 

comment. We will post all comments on 

http://www.regulations.gov. This 

generally means that we will post any 

personal information you provide us 

(see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for 

more information). 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Joyce Russell, 703–358–2280. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Comment Procedures 

A. How do I comment on submitted 

applications? 

You may submit your comments and 

materials by one of the methods listed 

under Submitting Comments in the 

ADDRESSES section. We will not 

consider comments sent by email or fax, 

or to an address not in the ADDRESSES

section. 

Please make your requests or 

comments as specific as possible, 

confine your comments to issues for 

which we seek comments in this notice, 

and explain the basis for your 

comments. Include sufficient 

information with your comments to 

allow us to authenticate any scientific or 

commercial data you include. 

The comments and recommendations 

that will be most useful and likely to 

influence agency decisions are: (1) 

Those supported by quantitative 

information or studies; and (2) Those 

that include citations to, and analyses 

of, the applicable laws and regulations. 

We will not consider or include in our 

administrative record comments we 

receive after the close of the comment 

period (see DATES or comments 

delivered to an address other than those 

listed above in ADDRESSES). 

B. May I review comments submitted by 

others? 

Comments, including names and 

street addresses of respondents, will be 

available for public review at the street 

address listed under ADDRESSES. The 

public may review documents and other 

information applicants have sent in 

support of the application unless our 

allowing viewing would violate the 

Privacy Act or Freedom of Information 

Act. Before including your address, 

phone number, email address, or other 

personal identifying information in your 

comment, you should be aware that 

your entire comment—including your 

personal identifying information—may 

be made publicly available at any time. 

While you can ask us in your comment 

to withhold your personal identifying 

information from public review, we 

cannot guarantee that we will be able to 

do so. 

C. Who will see my comments? 

If you submit a comment via http://

www.regulations.gov, your entire 

comment, including any personal 

identifying information, will be posted 


ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES
536 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices 

on the website. If you submit a 

hardcopy comment that includes 

personal identifying information, such 

as your address, phone number, or 

email address, you may request at the 

top of your document that we withhold 

this information from public review. 

However, we cannot guarantee that we 

will be able to do so. 

II. Background 

To help us carry out our conservation 

responsibilities for affected species, and 

in consideration of section 10(a)(1)(A) of 

the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 

amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.; ESA, 

we invite public comment on these 

permit applications before final action is 

taken. 

III. Permit Applications 

We invite the public to comment on 

applications to conduct certain 

activities with endangered species. With 

some exceptions, the ESA prohibits 

activities with listed species unless 

Federal authorization is acquired that 

allows such activities. 

Applicant: Lacy James Harber, Denison, 

TX; PRT–31792C 

The applicant requests a permit to 

import the sport-hunted trophy of one 

male black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) 

from Namibia for the purpose of 

enhancing the propagation or survival of 

the species. This notification covers a 

single import conducted by the 

applicant. 

Applicant: Miami-Dade Zoological Park 

and Gardens, Miami, FL; PRT–42528C 

The applicant requests a permit to 

export one captive-born giant otter 

(Pteronura brasiliensis) to Emperor 

Valley Zoo, Trinidad and Tobago, to 

enhance the propagation or survival of 

the species. This notification is for a 

single export. 

Applicant: Federico Zannini, Royal Oak, 

MI; PRT–58261C 

The applicant requests a captive-bred 

wildlife registration under 50 CFR 

17.21(g) for radiated tortoise 

(Astrochelys radiata) to enhance 

propagation or survival of the species. 

This notification covers activities to be 

conducted by the applicant over a 5- 

year period. 

Applicant: Zoological Society of San 

Diego, San Diego, CA; PRT–57017C 

The applicant requests a permit to 

import one Asian elephant (Elephas 

maximus) from the Melbourne Zoo, 

Australia, to enhance the propagation of 

the species. This notification is for a 

single import. 

Applicant: Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis, 

MO; PRT–62698C 

The applicant requests a permit to 

import blood and swab samples from 

Galapagos tortoises from three locations 

in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador, for 

scientific research. This notification 

covers activities to be conducted by the 

applicant over a 3-year period. 

Applicant: Lolo Kwong, Temple City, 

CA; PRT–60612C 

The applicant requests a captive-bred 

wildlife registration under 50 CFR 

17.21(g) for the radiated tortoise 

(Astrochelys radiata) to enhance species 

propagation or survival. This 

notification covers activities to be 

conducted by the applicant over a 5- 

year period. 

Applicant: Zoological Society of 

Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; PRT– 

681252 

The applicant requests renewal of a 

captive-bred wildlife registration under 

50 CFR 17.21(g) for the following 

species to enhance species propagation 

or survival: Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), 

blue-throated macaw (Ara 

glaucogularis), Aye-aye (Daubentonia 

madagascariensis), eastern black 

rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli), 

southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes 

chrysocome), black-footed cat (Felis 

nigripes), gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), redcrowned crane (Japanese or Manchurian 

crane) (Grus japonensis), white-handed 

gibbon (Lar gibbon) (Hylobates lar), 

ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta), 

Brazilian ocelot (Leopardus pardalis 

mitis), Bali myna (Rothschild’s starling) 

(Leucopsar rothschildi), African painted 

dog (Lycaon pictus), Japanese macaque 

(snow monkey) (Macaca fuscata 

fuscata), clouded leopard (Neofelis 

nebulosa), pygmy loris (Nycticebus 

pygmaeus), bonobo (pygmy 

chimpanzee) (Pan paniscus), African 

lion (Panthera leo melanochaita), 

Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni), 

Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii), 

Coquerel’s Sifaka (Propithecus 

coquereli), Indian rhinoceros (greater 

one-horned rhinoceros) (Rhinoceros 

unicornis), African penguin (Blackfooted penguin) (Spheniscus demersus), 

Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), 

snow leopard (Panthera uncia), and 

Andean condor (Vultur gryphus). This 

notification covers activities to be 

conducted by the applicant over a 5- 

year period. 

Museum Applicants: 

Smithsonian Institution/National 

Museum of Natural History, 

Washington, DC; PRT–125284 

The applicant requests the renewal of 

their permit to export and reimport 

nonliving museum specimens of 

endangered and threatened species 

previously accessioned into the 

applicant’s collection for scientific 

research. This notification covers 

activities to be conducted by the 

applicant over a 5-year period. 

Northeastern University/Ocean Genome 

Legacy Center, Nahant, MA; PRT– 

58260C 

The applicant requests a permit to 

export and reimport nonliving museum 

specimens of endangered and 

threatened species previously 

accessioned into the applicant’s 

collection for scientific research. This 

notification covers activities to be 

conducted by the applicant over a 5- 

year period. 

Trophy applicants: 

Each applicant requests a permit to 

import a sport-hunted trophy of one 

male bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus 

pygargus) culled from a captive herd 

maintained under the management 

program of the Republic of South Africa, 

for the purpose of enhancing the 

propagation or survival of the species. 

Applicant: Ronald E. Rhodes, Columbus, TX; 

PRT–61783C 

Applicant: Daniel J. Nordin, Elm Grove, WI; 

PRT–58895C 

Applicant: Donald E. Southorn, Wyoming, 

MI; PRT–59677C 

Applicant: Jacob A. Ankele, Rapid City, SD; 

PRT–58530C 

Applicant: Jason Thomas Parsons, 

Birmingham, AL; PRT–58231C 

Applicant: Christian A. Fast, Prairieville, LA; 

PRT–59019C 

Applicant: Ray A. Potts, Wisdom, MT; PRT– 

62604C 

Applicant: Dana L. Johnston, Washington, 

PA; PRT–58226C 

Applicant: Milak Pomares, Miami, FL; PRT– 

58906C 

Applicant: Edwin J. Whitney; San Antonio, 

TX; PRT–60580C 

Applicant: Jerry E. Copeland Salado, TX; 

PRT–53908C 

IV. Next Steps 

If the Service decides to issue permits 

to any of the applicants listed in this 

notice, we will publish a notice in the 

Federal Register. You may locate the 

Federal Register notice announcing the 


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Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 3 / Thursday, January 4, 2018 / Notices 537 

permit issuance date by searching in 

www.regulations.gov under the permit 

number listed in this document (e.g., 

PRT–12345c). 

V. Authority 

Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 

U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). 

Joyce Russell, 

Government Information Specialist, Branch 

of Permits, Division of Management 

Authority. 

[FR Doc. 2017–28498 Filed 1–3–18; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4333–15–P 

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

Bureau of Land Management 

[17XL.LLIDT03100.L17110000.

DF0000.241A00; 4500109142] 

Notice of Availability of Record of 

Decision for the Craters of the Moon 

National Monument and Preserve 

Monument Management Plan 

Amendment, Idaho 

AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, 

Interior. 

ACTION: Notice of availability. 

SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land 

Management (BLM) announces the 

availability of the Record of Decision 

(ROD) for the Approved Monument 

Management Plan (MMP) for the Craters 

of the Moon National Monument and 

Preserve located in south-central Idaho. 

The Idaho State Director signed the ROD 

on July 31, 2017, which constitutes the 

final decision of the BLM and makes the 

Approved MMP effective immediately. 

ADDRESSES: Copies of the ROD/ 

Approved MMP are available upon 

request from the Monument Manager, 

Shoshone Field Office, Bureau of Land 

Management, 400 West F St., Shoshone, 

ID 83352, or online at https://

www.blm.gov/programs/planning-andnepa/plans-in-development/idaho/ 

craters-of-moon. Copies of the ROD/ 

Approved MMP are available for public 

inspection at the Shoshone Field Office. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

Holly Crawford, BLM Monument 

Manager, telephone 208–732–7200; 

address 400 West F Street, Shoshone, ID 

83352; email hcrawford@blm.gov. 

Persons who use a telecommunications 

device for the deaf (TDD) may call the 

Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1–800– 

877–8339 to to leave a message or 

question for Ms. Crawford. The FRS is 

available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

You will receive a reply during normal 

business hours. 

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The BLM 

Craters of the Moon National Monument 

and Preserve (hereafter, Monument) 

Approved Management Plan 

Amendment and Record of Decision 

(MMPA/ROD) are now available. The 

BLM prepared this document in 

consultation with Cooperating Agencies 

and in accordance with the National 

Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as 

amended, the Federal Land Policy and 

Management Act of 1976, as amended 

(FLPMA), implementing regulations, the 

BLM Land Use Planning Handbook (H– 

1601–1), the BLM National 

Environmental Policy Act Handbook 

(H–1790–1), and other applicable law 

and policy, including Instruction 

Memorandum No. 2016–105—Land Use 

Planning and Environmental Policy Act 

Compliance within Greater Sage-Grouse 

Approved Resource Management Plans 

and Plan Amendments Decision Area. 

The planning area comprises about 

753,200 acres of land, which includes 

275,100 acres managed by the BLM 

Shoshone, Burley, and Upper Snake 

Field Offices. Based on analysis in the 

Final Environmental Impact Statement 

(EIS) for the project, the MMP is 

amended and will guide livestock 

grazing management on BLM-managed 

public lands within the Monument into 

the future. 

The Monument is part of the BLM’s 

National Conservation Lands system 

and is jointly managed with the 

National Park Service. This Monument 

was created in 1924 and expanded to its 

current acreage in 2000. 

The BLM completed a Final EIS to 

determine the appropriate management 

of livestock grazing on approximately 

275,100 acres of BLM-administered 

lands within the Monument. This Final 

EIS analyzed management options not 

previously addressed by the 2007 MMP 

as amended by the 2015 Sage-Grouse 

Approved Resource Management Plan 

Amendment (ARMPA). This Approved 

MMPA/ROD amends the 2007 plan but 

will not amend the ARMPA. Among the 

most important decisions the BLM made 

through this plan amendment are which 

lands should be available for livestock 

grazing and with what protections for 

Greater sage-grouse and their sagebrush 

habitat. 

The purpose of this Approved 

MMPA/ROD is to make the 2007 MMP’s 

grazing management direction 

consistent with current laws, 

regulations, and policies regarding 

Greater sage-grouse habitat 

conservation. More specifically, it 

considers a range of FLPMA-compliant 

management options for livestock 

grazing and Greater sage-grouse on 

BLM-managed lands in the planning 

area in a manner that maintains the 

Monument values identified in 

Proclamation 7373. In addition, this 

Approved MMPA/ROD is needed to 

cure deficiencies in the 2007 MMP/EIS 

identified by the U.S. District Court for 

Idaho. The Court found that BLM had 

failed to adequately address current 

science and the agency’s policies 

designed to protect sage-grouse habitat, 

primarily with regard to managing 

livestock grazing in the Monument. 

After the 2007 MMP/EIS was signed, 

the Greater sage-grouse was deemed 

warranted for listing, but was precluded 

from the Threatened and Endangered 

Species list. More recently, the BLM 

completed the Greater Sage-Grouse 

Approved Resource Plan ARMPA for 

Idaho and Southwestern Montana, 

which resulted in a determination that 

listing the Greater sage-grouse was not 

warranted. The ARMPA amended the 

2007 MMP/EIS, thereby addressing 

several of the deficiencies identified by 

the Court with regard to Greater sagegrouse conservation in the Monument. 

The Final EIS for this plan 

amendment, prepared after release of 

the 2015 ARMPA, analyzed five 

alternatives that provide a range of 

livestock grazing availability and sagegrouse protections. Alternative C is the 

BLM’s selected alternative. 

Alternative A is the No Action 

alternative, which would continue the 

management established in the 2007 

MMP/EIS. Under this alternative, 

273,900 acres would be available for 

livestock grazing, with 38,187 animal 

unit months (AUMs) available. 

Alternative B would reduce AUMs by 

75 percent and close 5 areas to grazing: 

Little Park kipuka (an island of older 

land surrounded by lava flows), the 

North Pasture of Laidlaw Park 

Allotment, Larkspur Park kipuka, the 

North Pasture of Bowl Crater Allotment, 

and Park Field kipuka. This alternative 

would adjust two allotment boundaries 

and make 21,000 acres unavailable for 

livestock grazing for the protection of 

sage-grouse and other Monument 

values. 

Alternative C, the Approved Plan, 

makes 273,600 acres available for 

livestock grazing and adjusts two 

allotment boundaries, which would set 

the maximum number of AUMs at 

37,792. Where appropriate, livestock 

grazing will be used as a tool to improve 

and/or protect wildlife habitat. 

Guidelines for livestock grazing 

management will be set based on 

vegetation and wildlife habitat 

conditions and needs identified in the 

2007 MMP and current agency 

guidance. 


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