Notice of Availability of Preliminary Draft Handbook for Habitat Conservation Planning and Incidental Take Permit Processing

Résumé

The Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (hereafter referred to as Services) announce the availability of their Draft Handbook for Habitat Conservation Planning and Incidental Take Permit Processing. This draft document provides internal guidance for conducting the incidental take permit program under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Its purpose is to provide policy and guidance for section 10(a)(1)(B) procedures to promote efficiency and nationwide consistency within and between the Services. The Services seek public comment on this draft guidance document.