Enhancement of Survival Permit Application and Draft Safe Harbor Agreement, Nye, Esmeralda, Lincoln and Clark Counties, Nevada

Issuing agencies

Abstract

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the receipt and availability of an application for an enhancement of survival permit (permit) under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and an associated draft programmatic Safe Harbor Agreement (SHA). Additionally, consistent with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), we have prepared a draft environmental action statement supporting our preliminary determination that the proposed permit action qualifies for a categorical exclusion under NEPA. The Nevada Department of Wildlife (applicant) has applied for a permit under the ESA for the enhancement activities within the SHA, which will contribute to the recovery of the Pahrump poolfish (Empetrichthys latos). The permit would authorize the take of one species incidental to the enhancement and restoration of private and public lands. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on the proposed SHA, and NEPA categorical exclusion determination documentation. Before issuing the requested permit, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.