[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 242 (Monday, December 19, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 77554-77555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-27395]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XC541]


Endangered and Threatened Species; Take of Anadromous Fish

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce

ACTION: Notice of availability; extension of public comment period.

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SUMMARY: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is extending the 
public comment period for the proposed Elliott State Research Forest 
Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). NMFS is reviewing the Incidental Take 
Permit (ITP) application submitted by the Oregon Department of State 
Lands (ODSL), who is seeking authorization from NMFS and the U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service (FWS) for the incidental take of three species 
(two under FWS jurisdiction, and one under NMFS jurisdiction). The FWS 
is the lead federal agency under the National Environmental Policy Act 
(NEPA), and NMFS is a cooperating agency. FWS is extending the public 
comment period on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and proposed 
HCP until January 10, 2023; therefore, NMFS is also extending its 
public comment period on the proposed HCP until January 10, 2023.

DATES: The comment period for the proposed HCP, notice of which was 
published on November 18, 2022 (87 FR 69256), is extended until January 
10, 2023. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on 
January 10, 2023.

ADDRESSES: 
    Written Comments: Written comments on the proposed HCP will be 
accepted via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and enter FWS-R1-ES-2022-0029 in the Search Box. 
Follow instructions for submitting comments on Docket FWS-R1-ES-2022-
0029. When commenting, please refer to the specific section and/or page 
number and the subject of your comment.
    Instructions: Written comments submitted through any other method, 
or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered 
by NMFS. All comments received are part of the public record and will 
generally be posted for public viewing on www.regulations.gov. All 
personal identifying information (e.g., name,

[[Page 77555]]

address), confidential business information, or otherwise sensitive 
information submitted voluntarily by the sender will be publicly 
accessible. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter ``N/A'' in the 
required fields if you wish to remain anonymous).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Wells, NMFS, 503-230-5437, 
[email protected]. Shauna Everett, FWS, 503-231-6949, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 9 of the ESA and Federal regulations 
prohibit the taking of a species listed as endangered or threatened. 
The ESA defines ``take'' to mean harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, 
wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any 
such conduct. NMFS and FWS may issue permits, under limited 
circumstances, to take listed species incidental to, and not the 
purpose of, otherwise lawful activities. Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the ESA 
and implementing regulations (50 CFR 222.307 for NMFS and 50 CFR 
17.22(b) and 17.32(b) for FWS) provide for authorizing incidental take 
of listed species.
    NMFS received an ITP application from ODSL on October 10, 2022, 
pursuant to the ESA. ODSL prepared the HCP in support of the ITP 
applications and is seeking authorization from NMFS for incidental take 
of the Oregon Coast Coho salmon (covered species).
    The ITP, if issued, would authorize take of the covered species 
that may occur incidental to ODSL's research and forest management 
activities (the covered activities). The plan area includes a total of 
93,432 acres, which includes School Lands and Board of Forestry Lands 
managed by ODSL and ODF. The covered activities include the 
foundational research design of the Elliott State Research Forest 
proposal including; forest research treatments; operation standards, by 
research treatment designation; projected harvest timing, amount, and 
amount of harvest types, and methods; supporting management activities; 
supporting infrastructure, including roads and facilities; potential 
research projects; and implementation of the HCP's conservation 
strategy.
    NMFS is extending its public comment period on the proposed HCP to 
align with the extended comment period of FWS. NMFS will be taking 
public comment on the proposed HCP through January 10, 2023.
    Authority: Section 10(c) of the ESA and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR 222.307, 17.22 and 17.32).

    Dated: December 13, 2022.
Angela Somma,
Chief, Endangered Species Division, Office of Protected Resources, 
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-27395 Filed 12-16-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P