[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 96 (Monday, May 19, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 27099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-12400]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Issuance of Permit for Incidental Take of Threatened Species 
Associated With a Habitat Conservation Plan for the Stimson Lumber 
Company, Montana

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of issuance of permit.

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SUMMARY: On October 24, 2000, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 
(Service), issued an incidental take permit associated with a habitat 
conservation plan to Plum Creek Timber Company (Permit Number TE-
034609-0) for the incidental take of threatened and endangered species 
pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (Act). Stimson Lumber Company is in the process of 
purchasing approximately 11,487 hectares (28,385 acres) of Plum Creek 
land in Montana covered by the above Incidental Take Permit for the 
Plum Creek Native Fish Habitat Conservation Plan (NFHCP). Stimson 
Lumber Company expressed the desire to continue implementing pertinent 
provisions of the NFHCP on these lands and to continue to be covered by 
an Incidental Take Permit. Partial transfer of an Incidental Take 
Permit is expressly authorized at 50 CFR 13.25
    On March 17, 2003, along with the Service and Plum Creek, Stimson 
Lumber Company entered into an Assignment and Assumption Agreement 
(partial assignment only, in connection with the sale of the above-
mentioned lands) to facilitate the transfer of all relevant obligations 
of the NFHCP, Implementing Agreement and the permit from Plum Creek to 
Stimson pursuant to 50 CFR 13.25. On March 21, 2003, Stimson Lumber 
Company submitted to the Service an application for an Incidental Take 
Permit, along with the Assignment and Assumption Agreement and a Letter 
of Agreement to fulfill the requirements of processing the partial 
transfer of the NFHCP to Stimson Lumber Company and to initiate 
discussions with the Service concerning an amendment of the NFHCP to 
include the grizzly bears and implement interim grizzly bear best 
management practices.
    Notice is hereby given that on April 24, 2003, as authorized by the 
provisions of the Act, the Service issued an Incidental Take Permit 
(TE-070004) to Stimson Lumber Company subject to certain conditions set 
forth therein. The permit was granted only after the Service determined 
that it was applied for in good faith, that granting the permit would 
not be to the disadvantage of the threatened species, and that it will 
be consistent with the purposes and policies set forth in the Act, as 
amended.
    Additional information on this partial transfer and permit issuance 
may be requested by contacting the Regional Habitat Conservation 
Planning Coordinator, 134 Union Boulevard, Suite 645, Lakewood, 
Colorado 80228, telephone (303) 236-7400, extension 280.

    Dated: April 24, 2003.
Ralph O. Morgenweck,
Regional Director, Denver, Colorado.
[FR Doc. 03-12400 Filed 5-16-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P