Availability of an Environmental Assessment and Receipt of a Joint Application for an Incidental Take Permit Involving San Joaquin Kit Fox, Blunt-Nosed Leopard Lizard, Tipton Kangaroo Rat, and Giant Kangaroo Rat by the City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern, CA

الملخص

The City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern (co-applicants) have applied to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) for an incidental take permit pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). The permit application and accompanying Metropolitan Bakersfield Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) cover a 408- square mile area of Metropolitan Bakersfield. The HCP would result in incidental take of several federally listed endangered or threatened animal species presently occupying the conservation plan area. The Service announces the availability of an Environmental Assessment (EA), HCP, application for incidental take, and Implementing Agreement (IA). This notice is provided pursuant to section 10(a) of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6).