Open For Comment Concerning Arizona
The following proposals concerning Arizona are open for comment. By following the links to the Federal Register, you can read more about each submission..
Notice of Realty Action: Land Sale Segregation; Arizona
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes a noncompetitive (direct) sale of 20 acres to the City of Apache Junction (City) in accordance with the applicable provisions of Sections 203 and 209 of the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA) and the BLM land sale regulations. Since the Recreation and Public Purposes Act (R&PP) does not authorize uses aimed predominately at producing revenue or where the principal use is a commercial activity, the City would like to further develop and operate the land through a direct sale. The appraised Fair Market Value (FMV) of the parcel is $1,400,000.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Northern Arizona University, Department of Anthropology, Flagstaff, AZ
The Northern Arizona University, Department of Anthropology has completed an inventory of human remains in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains should submit a written request to the Northern Arizona University, Department of Anthropology. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains to the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Notice of Proposed Withdrawal and Notice of Public Meetings, Arizona
On behalf of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and subject to valid existing rights, the Secretary of the Interior proposes to withdraw 21,200 acres of public lands from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including location and entry under the United States mining laws, and from leasing under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws, and 800 acres of Federal surface estate public lands from appropriation under the public land laws, located in La Paz and Yuma Counties, Arizona, for up to 5 years while a land management evaluation is completed. Publication of this notice temporarily segregates the lands for a period ending on April 4, 2024, initiates a 90-day public comment period and announces that the BLM will hold public meetings on the proposed withdrawal.
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and Notice of Segregation for the Proposed Jove Solar Project, La Paz County, AZ
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended (FLPMA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Yuma Field Office, Yuma, Arizona, intends to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to consider the effects of the Jove Solar Project (Jove Solar), an up to 600-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) project and battery storage system proposed on 3,495 acres of BLM-administered land in La Paz County, Arizona, and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping process to solicit public comments and identify issues. The BLM also announces the segregation of the 3,495 acres of public lands from appropriation under the public land laws, including the Mining Law, but not the Mineral Leasing or Materials Acts, for a period of 2 years from the date of publication of this notice, subject to valid existing rights. This segregation will facilitate the orderly administration of the public lands while the BLM considers potential solar development on the described parcel.
Notice of Intent To Amend the Resource Management Plan for the Sonoran Desert National Monument, Arizona, and Prepare an Associated Environmental Assessment
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona State Director intends to prepare a Resource Management Plan (RMP) amendment with an associated environmental assessment (EA) concerning recreational target shooting for the Sonoran Desert National Monument (SDNM). By this notice the BLM is announcing the beginning of the scoping period to solicit public comments and identify issues and is providing the planning criteria for public review.
Endangered Wildlife; Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species, unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
The Maxwell Museum of Anthropology, University of New Mexico has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects, and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains and associated funerary objects should submit a written request to the Maxwell Museum of Anthropology. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY
Vassar College has completed an inventory of human remains in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains should submit a written request to Vassar College. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Notice of Withdrawal Application and Notice of Public Meetings for the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
The United States Army (Army) filed an application with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) requesting a withdrawal and reservation of 21,200 acres of public lands from all forms of appropriation under the public land laws, including location and entry under the United States mining laws, and from leasing under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws, and 800 acres of Federal surface estate public lands from appropriation under the public land laws for an indefinite period for defense purposes as an addition to the Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) located in La Paz and Yuma Counties, Arizona, subject to valid existing rights. Any decision about the application will be made by the United States Congress. Publication of this notice temporarily segregates the lands for up to 2 years and announces to the public an opportunity to comment and participate in public meetings on the Army's application for withdrawal.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Michigan State University has completed an inventory of human remains, in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains should submit a written request to Michigan State University. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Notice of Inventory Completion: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Art Theft Program, Washington, DC
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has completed an inventory of human remains in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and any present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains should submit a written request to the FBI. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains to the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Notice of Intent To Repatriate Cultural Items: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Art Theft Program, Washington, DC
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, has determined that the cultural items listed in this notice meet the definition of sacred objects. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to claim these cultural items should submit a written request to the FBI. If no additional claimants come forward, transfer of control of the cultural items to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Notice of Inventory Completion: History Colorado, Formerly Colorado Historical Society, Denver, CO
History Colorado, formerly Colorado Historical Society, has completed an inventory of human remains and associated funerary objects, in consultation with the appropriate Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and has determined that there is a cultural affiliation between the human remains and associated funerary objects and present-day Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations. Lineal descendants or representatives of any Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified in this notice that wish to request transfer of control of these human remains and associated funerary objects should submit a written request to History Colorado. If no additional requestors come forward, transfer of control of the human remains and associated funerary objects to the lineal descendants, Indian Tribes, or Native Hawaiian organizations stated in this notice may proceed.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is soliciting electronic comments on the significance of properties nominated before December 24, 2022, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places.
National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is soliciting electronic comments on the significance of properties nominated before December 17, 2022, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places.
Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement and Resource Management Plan Amendments for the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project, New Mexico, and Arizona
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) New Mexico State Office, Santa Fe, New Mexico, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to analyze the environmental impacts associated with SunZia Transmission, LLC's application seeking to amend its right-of- way grant for the SunZia Southwest Transmission Project. The BLM New Mexico State Office is the lead agency for purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act analysis with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, and other agencies serving as cooperating agencies. By this Notice, the BLM is announcing the opening of the public comment period on the Draft EIS and Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendments.
Notice of Intent To Prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement To Evaluate Utility-Scale Solar Energy Planning and Amend Resource Management Plans for Renewable Energy Development
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) intends to prepare resource management plan (RMP) amendments with an associated programmatic environmental impact statement (EIS) for the BLM's utility-scale solar energy planning and by this notice is announcing the beginning of the scoping period to solicit public comments and identify issues and is providing the planning criteria for public review.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on the following applications for a permit to conduct activities intended to recover and enhance endangered species survival. With some exceptions, the Endangered Species Act prohibits certain activities that may impact endangered species unless a Federal permit allows such activity. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing these permits.
Open For Comment Nationwide
Below you will find policy proposals that take effect nationwide. These proposals will affect all public lands.
Proposed Supplementary Rule for the Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons Area of Public Lands and Requirement To Obtain an Individual Special Recreation Permit to Rock Climb Within the Moab Canyons Special Wildlife Area (Mineral and Hell Roaring Canyons) Managed by the Moab Field Office in Grand County, Utah
The BLM proposes to establish a supplementary rule prohibiting non-permitted roped and aerial activities, and the construction or installation of temporary structures in and along the walls and rims of Mineral and Hell Roaring canyons, as well as on the canyon walls and rims along the Green River corridor connecting these two canyons. The rule would also prohibit climbing in this area without a permit. The permit system for climbing in the special area and the proposed supplementary rule would protect vital wildlife habitat from increasing encroachment of recreational uses.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Puerto Rican Boa From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
On July 13, 2022, we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), proposed to delist the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus, but listed as Epicrates inornatus), an endemic snake from Puerto Rico. We announced a 60-day public comment period on the proposed rule, ending September 12, 2022. We are reopening the comment period for 30 days to hold a public hearing and to allow all interested parties additional time to comment on our proposal. Comments previously submitted will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule and do not need to be resubmitted.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Surface Management Activities Under the General Mining Law
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to renew an information collection.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Certification of Identity and Consent Form
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the National Park Service (NPS) are proposing to renew an information collection.
Notice of Availability and Request for Comments on Draft Director's Order #83A Concerning National Park Service Policies and Procedures Governing Public Health Protection and Disease Prevention
The National Park Service (NPS) has prepared Director's Order #83A to set forth its policies and procedures to protect the health of visitors, employees, contractors, and partners in national parks and facilities operated by the NPS. Once adopted, the policies and procedures in Director's Order #83A and the accompanying Reference Manual 83A (RM-83A) will supersede and replace the policies and procedures issued in Director's Order #83: Public Health, dated October 21, 2004.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we, the National Park Service (NPS) are proposing to renew an information collection.
Migratory Bird Hunting; Proposed 2023-24 Frameworks for Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service or we) is proposing to establish the 2023-24 hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. We annually prescribe outside limits (which we call frameworks) within which States may select hunting seasons. Frameworks specify the outside dates, season lengths, shooting hours, bag and possession limits, and areas where migratory game bird hunting may occur. These frameworks are necessary to allow State selections of seasons and limits and to allow harvest at levels compatible with migratory game bird population status and habitat conditions. Migratory game bird hunting seasons provide opportunities for recreation and sustenance, and aid Federal, State, and Tribal governments in the management of migratory game birds.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Geothermal Resource Leases and Unit Agreements
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to renew an information collection.
Draft Environmental Assessment and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan; Receipt of an Application for an Incidental Take Permit, Crescent Wind Project; Hillsdale County, Michigan
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received an application from Consumers Energy Company for an incidental take permit under the Endangered Species Act, for its Crescent Wind Project (project). If approved, the permit would authorize the incidental take of two endangered species, the Indiana bat and the northern long-eared bat. The applicant has prepared a habitat conservation plan in support of their application. We also announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment, which has been prepared in response to the permit application in accordance with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. We invite comments from the public and Federal, Tribal, State, and local governments.
National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is soliciting electronic comments on the significance of properties nominated before January 14, 2023, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Sickle Darter
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the sickle darter (Percina williamsi) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. In total, approximately 104 river miles (168 river kilometers) in Bledsoe, Blount, Morgan, and Roane Counties, Tennessee, and Scott, Smyth, and Washington Counties, Virginia, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. 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 a draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the sickle darter.
Endangered and Threatened Species; Receipt of Recovery Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have received applications for permits, permit renewals, and/or permit amendments to conduct activities intended to enhance the propagation or survival of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. We invite the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to comment on these applications. Before issuing any of the requested permits, we will take into consideration any information that we receive during the public comment period.
National Register of Historic Places; Notification of Pending Nominations and Related Actions
The National Park Service is soliciting electronic comments on the significance of properties nominated before January 7, 2023, for listing or related actions in the National Register of Historic Places.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Recordation of Location Notices and Mining Claims; Payment of Fees
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposes to renew an information collection.
Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances for the Fisher in Oregon; Enhancement of Survival Permit Applications; Hampton and Starker Site Plans
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), received two enhancement of survival permit (permit) applications pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If granted, the requested permits would authorize take of the fisher (Pekania pennanti), incidental to otherwise lawful activities, if the species becomes federally listed under the ESA. These applications are associated with a template candidate conservation agreement with assurances (CCAA) developed by the Service for the conservation of the fisher. We have also prepared draft environmental action statements documenting our preliminary determination that the permit decisions may be eligible for categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act. We provide this notice to open a public comment period and invite comments from all interested parties.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invite the public to comment on applications to conduct certain activities with foreign species that are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). With some exceptions, the ESA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The ESA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing permits for any activity otherwise prohibited by the ESA with respect to any endangered species.
Marine Mammal Protection Act; Receipt of Permit Application
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), invite the public to comment on species for which the Service has jurisdiction under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). With some exceptions, the MMPA prohibits activities with listed species unless Federal authorization is issued that allows such activities. The MMPA also requires that we invite public comment before issuing a permit for any activity otherwise prohibited with respect to any species.
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision to the Section 4(d) Rule for the African Elephant
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are extending the comment period on our November 17, 2022, proposed rule to revise the rule for the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) promulgated under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA). We are extending the comment period for 60 days to give all interested parties an additional opportunity to comment. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they are already incorporated into the public record and will be fully considered in the proposed rule.
Update of the Communications Uses Program, Cost Recovery Fee Schedules and Section 512 of FLPMA for Rights-of-Way: Reopening of Comment Period
On November 7, 2022, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to enhance the communications uses program, update its cost recovery fee schedules, and add provisions governing the development and approval of operations, maintenance, and fire prevention plans and agreements for rights-of-way (ROW) for electric transmission and distribution facilities (powerlines). The BLM has determined that it is appropriate to reopen the docket until January 23, 2023, to allow for additional public comment.
