Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to Allow Incidental Take of Species on Lands Administered by Plum Creek Timber Company, L.P., in the States of Idaho, Montana, and Washington

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This notice advises the public that the Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service (collectively, the ``Services'') intend to gather information necessary to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and to conduct public scoping meetings. Plum Creek Timber Company, L.P. (Plum Creek) has informed the Services that it is preparing an application for a permit and approval of a Conservation Plan (Plan) covering bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) and possibly other native salmonids, including steelhead trout (Onchorynchus mykiss ssp.), pursuant to section 10(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The proposed Plan would be designed to address the effects of Plum Creek activities that may have an impact on bull trout and possibly other aquatic species not currently listed under the Act. As a part of its application, Plum Creek may be seeking a permit that would authorize incidental take of steelhead trout, an aquatic species presently listed under the Act. Plum Creek would also be seeking future incidental take authority, subject to certain conditions, for other species adequately covered by the Plan should those species subsequently be listed