Notice of Availability of Final Handbook for Habitat Conservation Planning and Incidental Take Permitting Process

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The Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (hereafter referred to as the Services) announce the availability of their final Handbook for Habitat Conservation Planning and Incidental Take Permitting Process. This final guidance 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. Although intended primarily as internal agency guidance, this Handbook is fully available for public evaluation, and use, as appropriate.