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Granted by: Dominique Blom, General Submitting Information and Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Comments: We will consider written Service, 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: IA, Indian Housing. information and comments we receive Falls Church, VA 22041; or via email to Date Granted: June 21, 2018. Reason Waived: Due to circumstances by November 30, 2018. [email protected]. beyond the PHA’s control, they were unable Requesting Approval to Attend CoP18 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For to submit their SEMAP certification on time. as an Observer: We must receive your information pertaining to This waiver was approved to avoid the request no later than February 15, 2019 proposals, contact Rosemarie Gnam, unnecessary administrative and financial (see ADDRESSES). Chief, Division of Scientific Authority, burden on both the PHA and the HUD field ADDRESSES: Obtaining Documents: at 703–358–1708 (phone); 703–358– office to complete the work required of a troubled housing agency when the agency is Access the extended version of this 2276 (fax); or scientificauthority@ not actually a troubled performer. notice, as well as comments and fws.gov (email). Contact: Becky Primeaux, Housing materials we receive in response to this For information pertaining to Voucher Management and Operations notice, via either of the following resolutions, decisions, and agenda Division, Office of Public Housing and methods: items, contact Laura Noguchi, Branch Voucher Programs, Office of Public and • Internet: http:// Chief, Division of Management Indian Housing, Department of Housing and www.regulations.gov. Search for Docket Authority, at 703–358–2028 (phone); Urban Development, 451 Seventh Street SW, No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079. 703–358–2298 (fax); or Room 4216, Washington, DC 20410, • [email protected] (email). telephone (202) 708–0477. Hard copies: View documents by appointment between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., If you use a telecommunications [FR Doc. 2018–21260 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am] Monday through Friday, except Federal device for the deaf (TDD), call the BILLING CODE 4210–67–P holidays, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339. Service, Divisions of Management and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Scientific Authorities, 5275 Leesburg United States (or we), as a Party to the DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. To Convention on International Trade in make an appointment, call 703–358– Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and 2095 or 703–358–1708. Flora (CITES, or the Convention), may [Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079; Submitting Information and propose amendments to the CITES FF09A30000–189–FXIA16710900000] Comments: You may submit comments Appendices for consideration at pertaining to species proposals for meetings of the Conference of the Conference of the Parties to the consideration and to proposed Parties. The eighteenth regular meeting Convention on International Trade in resolutions, decisions, and agenda items of the Conference of the Parties to CITES Endangered Species of Wild Fauna for discussion at CoP18 by one of the (CoP18) is scheduled to be held in and Flora (CITES); Eighteenth Regular following methods: Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 23 to June 3, Meeting: Taxa Being Considered for • Internet: http:// 2019. With this notice, we describe Amendments to the CITES Appendices www.regulations.gov. Search for and proposed amendments to the CITES and Proposed Resolutions, Decisions, submit comments on Docket No. FWS– Appendices (species proposals) as well and Agenda Items Being Considered; HQ–IA–2017–0079. as proposed resolutions, decisions, and Observer Information • Hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or agenda items that the United States AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, hand-delivery to Public Comments might submit for consideration at Interior. Processing; Attn: Docket No. FWS–HQ– CoP18; invite your comments and ACTION: Notice. IA–2017–0079; U.S. Fish and Wildlife information on these proposals; and Service; MS: BPHC; 5275 Leesburg Pike, provide information on how U.S. SUMMARY: The United States, as a Party Falls Church, VA 22041–3803. Internet: nongovernmental organizations can to the Convention on International http://www.regulations.gov. Search for attend CoP18 as observers. Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Docket No. FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079. Fauna and Flora (CITES), may propose We will not consider comments sent Background amendments to the CITES Appendices by email or fax, or to an address not CITES is an international treaty for consideration at meetings of the listed in ADDRESSES. We will post all designed to control and regulate Conference of the Parties. The comments on http:// international trade in certain and eighteenth regular meeting of the www.regulations.gov. This generally plant species that are affected by trade Conference of the Parties to CITES means that we will post any personal and are now, or potentially may (CoP18) is scheduled to be held in information you provide us. If you become, threatened with extinction. Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 23 to June 3, submit a comment via http:// These species are included in the 2019. With this notice, we describe www.regulations.gov, your entire Appendices to CITES, which are proposed amendments to the CITES comment—including any personal available on the CITES Secretariat’s Appendices (species proposals) as well identifying information—will be posted website at https://www.cites.org. as proposed resolutions, decisions, and on the website. If you submit a Currently there are 183 Parties to agenda items that the United States hardcopy comment that includes CITES—182 countries, including the might submit for consideration at personal identifying information, you United States, and one regional CoP18; invite your comments and may request at the top of your document economic integration organization, the information on these proposals; and that we withhold this information from European Union. The Convention calls provide information on how U.S. public review. However, we cannot for regular biennial meetings of the nongovernmental organizations can guarantee that we will be able to do so. Conference of the Parties, unless the attend CoP18 as observers. We will post all hardcopy comments on Conference decides otherwise. At these DATES: http://www.regulations.gov. meetings, the Parties review the Meeting: The meeting is scheduled to Requesting Approval to Attend CoP18 implementation of CITES, make be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 23 as an Observer: Send your request via provisions enabling the CITES to June 3, 2019. U.S. mail to the Division of Management Secretariat in Switzerland to carry out

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its functions, consider amendments to and Safari Club International additional biological or trade the list of species in Appendices I and Foundation (SCI Foundation). information on these species. II, consider reports presented by the Additionally, the United States may A. What species proposals will the Secretariat, and make recommendations submit one plant species proposal United States likely submit for for the improved effectiveness of CITES. currently under periodic review by the consideration at CoP18? Any country that is a Party to CITES Plants Committee and one animal may propose amendments to species proposal that previously None. Appendices I and II, as well as underwent periodic review by the B. On what species proposals is the resolutions, decisions, and agenda items Committee. United States still undecided, pending We have undertaken initial for consideration by all the Parties. Our additional information and evaluations of the available trade and regulations governing this public consultations? process are found in 50 CFR 23.87. biological information on many of these This is our third notice in a series of taxa. Based on the information The United States is still undecided Federal Register notices that, together available, we made provisional on whether to submit CoP18 proposals with an announced public meeting evaluations of whether to proceed with for the following taxa. In most cases, we (time and place to be announced), the development of proposals for have not completed our consultations provide you with an opportunity to species to be included in, removed with relevant range countries. In other participate in the development of the from, or transferred between the CITES cases, we expect meetings to occur in U.S. submissions and negotiating Appendices. We made these evaluations the immediate future, at which positions for the eighteenth regular by considering the best information participants will generate important meeting of the Conference of the Parties available on the species; the presence, recommendations, trade analyses, or to CITES (CoP18), which is scheduled to absence, and effectiveness of other biological information on the taxon in be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 23 mechanisms that may preclude the need question that may be useful to our final to June 3, 2019. We published our first for species’ inclusion in the CITES decision-making. In addition one of the CoP18-related Federal Register notice Appendices (e.g., range country actions taxa in this section is undergoing review on January 23, 2018 (83 FR 3179); this or other international agreements); and through the periodic review of the notice requested information and availability of resources. We have also CITES Appendices by the Plants recommendations on animal and plant considered the following factors, as per Committee (PC), in accordance with species proposals for the United States the U.S. approach for CoP18 discussed Resolution Conf. 14.8 (Rev. CoP17), and to consider submitting for consideration in our January 23, 2018, Federal one has undergone periodic review by at CoP18. On March 12, 2018 (83 FR Register notice: the Animals Committee (AC) at AC25. 10736), we published our second notice, (1) Does the proposed action address This is a regular process under CITES to in which we requested information and a serious wildlife or plant trade issue evaluate whether listings of taxa in recommendations on proposed that the United States is experiencing as CITES Appendices I and II continue to resolutions, decisions, and agenda items a range country for species in trade? be appropriate, based on current for the United States to consider (2) Does the proposed action address biological and trade information. These submitting for consideration at CoP18, a serious wildlife or plant trade issue for taxa are at various stages in the periodic and provided preliminary information species not native to the United States? review process. This process includes on how to request approved observer (3) Does the proposed action provide an initial assessment that is put before status for nongovernmental additional conservation benefit for a the appropriate Committee (Plants or organizations that wish to attend the species already covered by another Animals) for discussion, which may meeting. Comments received on those international agreement? result in an AC or PC recommendation two notices may be viewed at http:// Based on our initial evaluations, we that a taxon be uplisted (transferred www.regulations.gov in Docket No. have assigned each taxon to one of three from Appendix II to Appendix I); that a FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079. categories, which reflects the likelihood taxon be downlisted (transferred from of our submitting a proposal. In sections Appendix I to Appendix II, or deleted Recommendations for Species A, B, and C below, we have listed the Proposals for the United States To from Appendix II); or that no change be current status of each species proposal made to the listing. Consider Submitting for CoP18 recommended by the public, as well as In response to our January 2018 species proposals we have been Plants notice, we received 17 developing on our own. Please note that 1. Saw-toothed lewisia (Lewisia recommendations from 3 individuals we have only provided here a list of taxa serrata)—Potential amendment to and the following 14 organizations for and the proposed action. We have Appendix II-listing. possible proposals involving over 200 posted an extended version of this 2. Frankincense (Boswellia spp.)— taxa (6 mammals, 23 birds, 78 , notice on our website, at http:// Inclusion in Appendix II. 41+ sharks/rays, 5 bony fish, 64+ www.fws.gov/international/ 3. Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)— invertebrates, and 32 plants): The publications-and-media/federal-register- Amend current annotation to exclude American Herbal Products Association notices.html, with text describing in sliced ginseng roots from CITES control. (AHPA); Ginseng Board of Wisconsin; more detail certain proposed action and Center for Biological Diversity (CBD); explaining the rationale for the tentative Invertebrates Robin des Bois; Humane Society U.S. position on these possible 4. Ornamental/parachute spider/ International (HSI); Pew Charitable proposals. Copies of the extended tarantula species (Poecilotheria spp.)— Trusts; Species Survival Network (SSN); version of the notice are also available Inclusion in Appendix II. Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS); from the Division of Scientific Authority 5. Two families of sea cucumbers International Wood Products at the above address or at http:// (Holothuridae and Stichopodidae)— Association; League of American www.regulations.gov at Docket No. Inclusion in Appendix II. Orchestras; The Ornithological Council; FWS–HQ–IA–2017–0079. 6. Sea cucumbers found in U.S. native Sustainable Fisheries Association, Inc. We welcome your comments, waters: Pepino de mar (Actinopyga (SFA); Safari Club International (SCI); especially if you are able to provide any agassizii), deepwater redfish (A.

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echinites), stonefish (A. lecanora), surf 13. Blue-spotted tree monitor Appendix II (as recommended by the redfish (A. mauritiana), blackfish (A. (Varanus macraei)—Transfer from commenter—we are unlikely to submit miliaris), giant California sea cucumber Appendix II to Appendix I. a proposal). (Apostichopus californicus), warty sea 14. Pancake tortoise (Malacochersus 4. All sharks and rays in international cucumber (A. parvimensis), furry sea tornieri)—Transfer from Appendix II to trade—Inclusion in Appendix II. cucumber (Astichopus multifidus), Appendix I. 5. Shortfin mako shark (Isurus leopard fish (Bohadschia argus), brown paucus)—Inclusion in Appendix II. Birds sandfish (B. vitiensis), orange-footed sea 6. All wedgefish—Inclusion in cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa), 15. Straw-headed bulbul (Pycnonotus Appendix II. teripang (Holothuria arenicola), zeylanicus)—Transfer from Appendix II 7. All guitarfish (31 species of lollyfish (H. atra), Zanga fleur (H. to Appendix I. guitarfish are found worldwide; 28 of cinerascens), snakefish (H. coluber), 16. Neotropical tanager species: these species are not found in U.S. Pinkfish (H. edulis), red snakefish (H. Golden tanager (Tangara arthus), opal- waters and are categorized as not likely flavomaculata), Floridian (Holothuria crowned tanager (Tangara callophrys), to be submitted)—Inclusion in floridana), Labuyo (H. fuscocinerea), burnished-buff tanager (Tangara Appendix II. white teatfish (H. fuscogilva), elephant cayana), paradise tanager (Tangara 8. American eel (Anguilla rostrata)— trunkfish (H. fuscopunctata), tigertail chilensis), golden-eared tanager Inclusion in Appendix II. (H. hilla), spotted sea cucumber (H. (Tangara chrysotis), blue-necked tanager 9. Tiger-tail seahorse (Hippocampus impatiens), golden sandfish (H. lessoni), (Tangara cyanicollis), blue-browed comes)—Transfer from Appendix II to white threadfish (H. leucospilota), tanager (Tangara cyanotis), bay-headed Appendix I. Pepino de mar (H. mexicana), Bantunan tanager (Tangara gyrola), silver-throated Reptiles (H. pardalis), no common name (H. tanager (Tangara icterocephala), golden- 10. Shaw’s Sea (Hydrophis pervicax), tubular (H. tubulosa), black hooded tanager (Tangara larvata), turquoise tanager (Tangara mexicana), curtus)—Inclusion in Appendix II. teatfish (H. whitmaei), four-sided sea 11. Eurasian viper species: Cyclades cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus), beryl-spangled tanager (Tangara nigroviridis), flame-faced tanager blunt-nosed viper (Macrovipera blackspotted sea cucumber schweizeri), mountain viper (Pearsonothuria graeffei), greenfish (Tangara parzudakii), spotted tanager (Tangara punctata), green-and-gold (Montivipera albizona), Anatolian (Stichopus chloronotus), curryfish (S. meadow viper (Vipera anatolica), snub- herrmanni), Selenka’s sea cucumber (S. tanager (Tangara schrankii), opal- rumped tanager (Tangara velia), and nosed viper (Vipera latastei), Caucasus horrens), prickly redfish (Thelenota viper (Vipera kaznakovi), Black Sea ananas), amber fish (T. anax), and saffron-crowned tanager (Tangara xanthocephala)—Inclusion in Appendix viper (Vipera pontica), nose-horned lemonfish (T. rubralineata)—Inclusion viper (Vipera ammodytes), Orlov’s viper in Appendix II. II. 17. Attwater’s prairie chicken (Vipera orlovi), magnificent viper 7. Sea cucumbers not found in U.S. (Vipera magnifica), asp viper (Vipera native waters: Deepwater blackfish (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri)— Remove from Appendix II. aspis), Darevsky’s viper (Vipera (Actinopyga palauensis), burying darevskii), and Caucasus subalpine blackfish (A. spinea), Japanese sea Mammals viper (Vipera dinniki)—Inclusion in cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus), Appendix II or Appendix I. brown-spotted sandfish (Bohadschia 18. Saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica)— Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix 12. South African puff adder species: marmorata), Falalyjaka (B. subrubra), Albany adder ( albanica), southern Japanese cucumaria (Cucumaria I. 19. Markhor (Capra falconeri)— adder (Bitis armata), many-horned japonica), black teatfish (Holothuria adder (Bitis cornuta), plain mountain nobilis), sandfish (H. scabra), brown sea Transfer from Appendix I to Appendix II. adder (Bitis inornata), red adder (Bitis cucumber (Isostichopus fuscus), rubida), and Namaqua dwarf adder Selenka’s sea cucumber (Stichopus C. For which species is the United States (Bitis schneideri)—Inclusion in monotuberculatus), and Selenka’s sea not likely to submit proposals for Appendix II. cucumber (S. naso)—Inclusion in consideration at CoP18, unless we 13. American rattlesnake species Appendix II. receive significant additional (Crotalus spp.)—Inclusion in Appendix Fishes information? II. The United States does not intend to 14. Neotropical wood turtle species: 8. All guitarfish (31 species of submit proposals for the following taxa Painted wood turtle (Rhinoclemmys guitarfish are found worldwide; 3 of unless we receive significant additional pulcherrima) and spot-legged wood these species are found in U.S. waters information indicating that a proposal is turtle (R. punctularia)—Inclusion in and are categorized as undecided)— warranted. Appendix II. Inclusion in Appendix II. 15. North American map turtles 9. Lined seahorse (Hippocampus Plants (Graptemys spp.): Barbour’s map turtle erectus)—Transfer from Appendix II to 1. Dalbergia and other wood products (G. barbouri), Cagle’s map turtle (G. Appendix I. (especially for musical instruments)— caglei), Escambia map turtle (G. ernsti), 10. Dwarf seahorse (Hippocampus Revision of Annotation #15. yellow-blotched map turtle (G. zosterae)—Transfer from Appendix II to flavimaculata), northern map turtle (G. Appendix I. Invertebrates geographica), Pascagoula map turtle (G. 11. Slender seahorse (Hippocampus 2. Wallace’s giant bee (Megachile gibbonsi), black-knobbed map turtle (G. reidi)—Transfer from Appendix II to pluto, Chalicodoma pluto)— nigrinoda), ringed map turtle (G. Appendix I. Inclusion in Appendix I. oculifera), Ouachita map turtle (G. ouachitensis), Pearl River map turtle (G. Reptiles Fishes pearlensis), false map turtle (G. 12. Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko)— 3. Atlantic spiny dogfish (Squalus pseudogeographica), Alabama map Inclusion in Appendix II. acanthias)—Inclusion in Appendix I or turtle (G. pulchra), and Texas map turtle

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(G. versa)—Transfer from Appendix III Professional Aviculturists; Performing decisions, and agenda items that the to Appendix II. Arts Alliance; Paul Reed Smith Guitars; United States is likely to submit, 16. Alligator snapping turtle Species Survival Network; Taylor currently undecided about submitting, (Macrochelys temminckii)—Transfer Guitars; Theatre Communications or currently planning not to submit. from Appendix III to Appendix II. Group; The Recording Academy; WildCat Conservation Legal Aid A. What resolutions, decisions, and Birds Society; Wildlife Conservation Society; agenda items is the United States likely 17. Four Indo-Pacific bird species: and World Animal Protection. We also to submit for consideration at CoP18? Loria’s bird-of-paradise (Cnemophilus received comments from one individual. Strategy for CITES capacity-building loriae), crested bird-of-paradise (C. In addition, we received comments from efforts: The United States is considering macgregorii), yellow-breasted bird-of- Center for Biological Diversity and submission of a document calling on the paradise (Loboparadisea sericea), and Organization of Professional CITES parties to develop a framework Macgregor’s bird-of-paradise Aviculturists related to proposals to for CITES capacity building that (Macgregoria pulchra)—Removal from amend the CITES Appendices and from facilitates Party and donor coordination, Appendix II. 16 of the above commenters related to transparency, and accountability across 18. Andean flamingo (Phoenicoparrus expanding the number of designated an array of needs and investments. This andinus)—Transfer from Appendix II to U.S. ports for CITES exports. These may include suggestion of a framework Appendix I. comments were outside the scope of this and a method to identify and track Mammals action. outstanding needs as well as We considered all of the recommendations for measuring 19. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus recommendations of the above progress toward shared goals to start the amphibius)—Transfer from Appendix II individual and organizations, as well as discussion. to Appendix I. the factors described in the U.S. Elephant conservation: The United 20. Narwhal (Monodon monoceros)— approach for CoP18 discussed in our Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix States is considering submission of a January 23, 2018, Federal Register document that will address the I. notice, when compiling a list of 21. Walrus (Odobenus rosmarus)— conservation of Asian and African resolutions, decisions, and agenda items elephants either through a new Transfer from Appendix III to Appendix that the United States is likely to submit I; or Transfer Pacific walrus subspecies resolution or decisions or amendment of for consideration by the Parties at existing resolutions or decisions. (O. r. divergens) from Appendix III to CoP18. We also compiled lists of Appendix I and Transfer Atlantic (O. r. resolutions, decisions, and agenda items B. On what resolutions, decisions, and rosmarus) and Laptev (O. r. laptevi) for consideration at CoP18 that the agenda items is the United States still walrus subspecies from Appendix III to United States either is currently undecided, pending additional Appendix II. undecided about submitting, is not information and consultations? 22. Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)— considering submitting at this time, or 1. Pangolin and Appendix-I Transfer from Appendix II to Appendix plans to address in other ways. In specimens acquired prior to Appendix- I. compiling these lists, we also I uplisting: Recommendation that the considered potential submissions that Recommendations for Resolutions, United States continue its work to we identified internally. The United Decisions, and Agenda Items for the combat trafficking of pangolins by States may consider submitting United States To Consider Submitting ensuring that stockpiles of scales and documents for some of the issues for for CoP18 live animals are not traded on the basis which it is currently undecided or not of fraudulent CITES exceptions or In our Federal Register notice considering submitting at this time, unsupported legal theories. published on March 12, 2018 (83 FR depending on the outcome of 10736), we requested information and discussions of these issues in the CITES 2. Elephant: Recommendation that the recommendations on potential Standing Committee, additional United States support efforts to reduce resolutions, decisions, and agenda items consultations with range country the illegal and legal ivory trade to put for the United States to submit for governments and subject matter experts, an end to the ongoing poaching of consideration at CoP18. We received or comments we receive during the elephants and to ensure that adequate information and recommendations from public comment period for this notice. safeguards are in place to protect wild the following organizations: American Please note that, under A, B, and C elephants; recommendation that if the Federation of Musicians of the United below, we have listed those resolutions, United States submits a document on States and Canada; American Federation decisions, and agenda items that the the issue of appropriate and acceptable of Violin and Bow Makers; Animal United States is likely to submit, destinations that it first consult with Welfare Clinic at Michigan State currently undecided about submitting, range states and relevant experts and University College of Law; Animal or currently planning not to submit. We take into account the view of the Welfare Institute; Center for Biological have posted a supplementary document majority of the African elephant range Diversity; C.F. Martin & Co., Inc.; on our website at http://www.fws.gov/ states that wild elephants should only Chamber Music America; Fender international/CITES/CoP18/index.html be destined to in situ conservation Musical Instruments Corporation; Forest and at http://www.regulations.gov, with projects. Based Solutions; Ginseng Board of text describing in more detail each of 3. National ivory action plans Wisconsin; Humane Society these issues and explaining the rationale (NIAPs): Recommendation that the International; International Association for the tentative U.S. position on each United States present options for further of Violin and Bow Makers; International issue. Copies of the supplementary strengthening progress with Parties’ Wood Products Association; League of document are also available from the implementation of their NIAPs American Orchestras; National Division of Management Authority at processes—possibly through submission Association of Music Merchants; the address in ADDRESSES. of draft text amending Resolution Conf. Natural Resources Defense Council; We welcome your comments and 10.10 (Rev. CoP17), on Trade in OPERA America; Organization of information regarding the resolutions, elephant specimens.

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4. Grey parrot: Recommendation that towards improvements in this area by ensure are highlighted in CoP the United States propose that the proactively submitting a proposal to discussions: Chain of custody issues, considerations given to the evaluation of fully implement a ‘‘personal effects’’ marking and traceability issues, the applications to register facilities that exemption for those instruments making of legal acquisition findings, breed African grey parrot (Psittacus containing protected species that are catch documentation and product erithacus) for commercial purposes in carried in personal accompanying certification schemes, and the role of Decision 17.258 be extended until the baggage. Recommendation that the Regional Fisheries Management 20th meeting of the Conference of the United States advance consideration of Organizations. Recommendation that Parties (CoP20). permit exemptions for musical the United States ensure a discussion at 5. Eel: Recommendation that the instruments transported by cargo under the CoP on capacity building needs in United States submit a draft resolution a carnet. the issuance of non-detriment findings on conservation of Anguilla species. 10. Trade and commerce in wood for sharks and rays on the CITES 6. CITES National Legislation Project: species: Recommendation that any Appendices. Recommendation that the United States revision to Annotation #15, and 4. Elephants—domestic ivory markets: submit or co-sponsor and develop a annotations more broadly, account for Recommendation that the United States draft resolution to amend Resolution and prevent potential unintended report on implementation of Resolution Conf. 8.4 (Rev. CoP15), National laws consequences for trade, allow Conf. 10.10 (Rev. CoP17) on Trade in for implementation of the Convention, appropriate timeframes for elephant specimens, with a particular to provide clear guidelines as to the implementation, and can be supported focus on the successful enforcement of criteria for inclusion in Categories 1, 2, through harmonized interpretations new laws on domestic ivory trade, work and 3 (including coverage of all CITES across CITES Parties. with other Parties to close their ivory taxa, including marine species). markets as a matter of urgency, and C. What resolutions, decisions, and Recommendation that the United States ensure that the issue is discussed at agenda items is the United States not submit a document on this issue, or CoP18. According to the commenter, likely to submit for consideration at otherwise to ensure that it is on the paragraph 3 of Resolution Conf. 10.10 CoP18, unless we receive significant agenda of the CoP; further, (Rev. CoP17) can be misconstrued to additional information? recommendation that the United States mean that some Parties with open raise this issue at the July 2018 meeting 1. Totoaba and vaquita: domestic ivory markets are not obligated of the Food and Agriculture Recommendation that the United States to take further action to close their Organization of the United Nations propose and champion the imposition markets if they believe they are not (FAO) Committee on Fisheries, as it will of sanctions against Mexico pursuant to contributing significantly to illegal trade not meet again prior to CoP18. Article VIII of CITES and CITES and the commenter believes that all 7. Appendix-I specimens acquired Resolution Conf. 11.3 (Rev. CoP17), on such markets contribute to poaching of prior to Appendix-I uplisting and Compliance and enforcement, and elephants and illegal ivory trade, Resolution Conf. 13.6 (Rev. CoP16), Resolution Conf. 14.3, on CITES facilitate laundering, foster demand for Implementation of Article VII, compliance procedures, since, ivory, and undermine the conservation paragraph 2, concerning ‘‘pre- according to the commenters, the efforts of elephant range States. Convention’’ specimens, interpretation vaquita porpoise (Phocoena sinus) is on Therefore, recommendation that the issues: Recommendation that the United the brink of extinction and the ongoing United States work with other Parties to States submit a document clarifying this failure of the government of Mexico to amend paragraph 3 accordingly. issue, and reject the Secretariat’s views enact and enforce rules and policies to 5. Leopard quotas: Recommendation in SC69 Doc. 57. Recommendation that fully protect the vaquita and its habitat that the United States track the the United States ensure that the and to address the blatant illegal fishing information being provided on existing document to be prepared by the for totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi). leopard quotas. Based upon this Secretariat is balanced and legally Recommendation that the United States information and other available accurate; that the United States not rely propose that CITES recommend that all information, recommendation that the only on the potential document from the Parties cease all wildlife trade with United States ensure that reasonable Secretariat, but to also submit its own Mexico until it creates a management quotas are set that are not detrimental to document on the issue for consideration strategy and plan concerning totoaba the survival of the species. by CoP18, and also ensure that the issue and vaquita that meets or exceeds the Recommendation that the United States is discussed as a standalone agenda item standards presented by the commenters. submit a document for consideration at so that the issue obtains the full 2. Trade in biosynthetic plant and CoP18 that recommends that there be discussion and understanding of the wildlife material: Recommendation that full scientific justification for leopard CITES Parties. the United States, given the U.S. quotas approved by the CITES 8. Marine ornamental fishes: significant investments in demand Conference of the Parties in Resolution Recommendation that the United States reduction and enforcement, to continue Conf. 10.14 (Rev. CoP16), Quotas for consider submitting an agenda item for its work with regard to biosynthetic leopard hunting trophies and skins for discussion at CoP18 on trade in marine products of or made from CITES-listed personal use. This document should ornamental fishes. species. propose a new procedure for 9. International travel with musical 3. Sharks and rays: Recommendation establishment and review of such instruments: Recommendation that the that the United States ensure that the quotas, including that any Party wishing United States seek outcomes at CoP18 outcomes of the shark working groups to retain their leopard quota provide that will advance CITES policies related and deliberations of the Standing and scientific justification for continuing the to international travel with musical Animals Committees are on the agenda quota at each meeting of the Conference instruments containing protected of CoP18, as a separate agenda item. The of the Parties to CITES; and all matters species material. Recommendation that Standing Committee has agreed to related to establishment, continuance or since the United States initiated the discuss several issues, including the increase of leopard quotas be approved creation of the Musical Instrument following, which the commenter by a two-thirds majority vote of the Certificate, it should lead an effort recommends that the United States Parties.

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6. Registration of operations that demand for illegally sourced bear bile 16. Legal acquisition findings: breed Appendix-I avian species in products. Recommendation that the United States captivity for commercial purposes: 11. Disposal of confiscated ensure that the issue is discussed under Recommendation that the United States specimens: Recommendation that the a separate agenda item at CoP18. reevaluate the process for the United States prepare draft decisions 17. Ginseng: Recommendation that registration of operations that breed that would direct the Secretariat to the United States recommend at CoP18 Appendix-I avian species in captivity request information from Parties on the that all Parties to CITES are to recognize for commercial purposes. scope of this problem and potential ‘‘personal exemption’’ for dried Recommendation that Decision 17.258 solutions and report to the Animals, cultivated American ginseng (Panax be applied to all animal species for the Plants, and Standing Committees, and quinquefolius). Maximum amount evaluation of applications to register direct the Committees to prepare allowed 4.5 kg. facilities that breed Appendix-I animal recommendations, including providing 18. Management Authorities: species for commercial purposes; all financial assistance so that Parties can Recommendation that the United States Appendix-I species that were legally either destroy such specimens or ensure that the development of a imported under Appendix II, prior to dispose of them in a manner consistent resolution pertaining to CITES their inclusion on Appendix I, should with Resolution Conf. 17.8, Disposal of Management Authorities properly tracks be afforded the opportunity to become illegally trade and confiscated the responsibilities placed on registered, taking into consideration the specimens of CITES-listed species, and Management Authorities in the text of CITES trade data as a means of submit these recommendations to the the Convention. establishing whether imports from a next meeting of the Conference of the 19. Electronic permitting: species/country combination will Parties. Recommendation that the United States qualify. Recommendation that the 12. Species not yet listed in the CITES support continued development of a United States propose that Decision appendices: Recommendation that the robust electronic permitting system 17.258 be amended and adopted into United States submit a working such as eCITES that would eventually allow for universal utilization of Resolution Conf. 12.10 (Rev CoP15), on document regarding unlisted species, electronic permits. Registration of operations that breed providing guidance to Parties in ensuring that ‘‘the Appendices correctly 20. Rural communities: Appendix-I animal species in captivity Recommendation that the United States for commercial purposes. reflect the conservation needs of species.’’ submit a draft Resolution to prepare 7. Specimens of Appendix-I listed 13. Tortoises and freshwater turtles: draft decisions that would suspend the species bred in non-range States with Recommendation that U.S. conservation operation of the Working Group, direct large prolific captive populations, i.e. efforts related to these species continue. the Standing Committee to prepare Psittacus erithacus, Recommendation that the United States appropriate criteria for membership, Cyanoramphusnovaezealandiae, ensure that this issue is on the agenda review existing and proposed members Psephotus dissimilis and at CITES CoP18 in order to further in the light of these criteria and of the chrysopterygius (and several others), be examine what steps might be necessary need for both regional balance and a treated as an Appendix-II species for the to protect these taxa from the threats of balance of views, and only reconstitute purposes of trade: illegal and/or unsustainable trade. the Working Group once these criteria Recommendation that special 14. Asian big cats: Recommendation have been adopted by the Conference of consideration be given to range States that the United States propose a the Parties. with economically important captive Resolution at CoP18 to more effectively 21. Destruction of ivory stockpiles: populations. address tiger farming and the trade in Recommendation that the United States 8. Laundering: Recommendation that, captive-bred Asian big cats and their submit a document calling on all Parties in a case where a Management parts. Recommendation that the United planning to destroy their ivory stocks to Authority suspects that a facility may be States recommend: Parties impose conduct independently audited laundering illegal specimens and there sanctions against any Party who does inventories before any destruction is insufficient recordkeeping to prove not comply with Decision 17.226; events and to make samples of the paternity, an available, established, and Parties gain public participation to seized ivory available for DNA- and/or proven scientific method should be reduce illegal sales, including educating isotope-based analysis. used to determine parentage of suspect and empowering citizens in range Recommendation that the United States specimens. countries to conserve tigers; Parties support making available materials and 9. Criteria: Recommendation that the impose appropriate sentences and guidance on best practices for the United States propose that additional penalties to meaningfully deter trade of management of ivory stockpiles, criteria be established for future tigers or tiger parts, including by including their disposal when amendments to the CITES Appendices imposing sanctions on Parties that applicable. Recommendation that the for commercially important animal create loopholes for the purpose of United States support a decision at the species with prolific captive circumventing their treaty obligations. CoP to endorse the dissemination populations that limit the disruptive 15. Captive-bred and ranched (through the CITES website and other and detrimental impact of such an specimens (and laundering of wild- means) of the stockpile management action on the livelihoods of indigenous caught animals): Recommendation that system of the organization ‘‘Stop Ivory,’’ communities and bona fide breeding the United States submit captive-bred which has been used successfully by operations. and ranched specimens (and laundering several countries. 10. Bear bile and bear gall bladder: of wild-caught animals) as a separate 22. Other species-specific matters: Recommendation that the United States agenda item, or to ensure that the Recommendation that the United States propose amendments to Resolution Secretariat will include it as a ensure that the following issues are on Conf. 10.8 (Rev. CoP14), on standalone agenda item; the CoP18 agenda: Other aspects of Conservation of and trade in bears, or recommendation that the United States wildlife trafficking, great apes, Asian big decisions that strategically address the consider submission of a document cats in captivity, illegal trade in threat of trade in bear bile products and highlighting the problem. cheetahs, Monitoring the Illegal Killing

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of Elephants (MIKE) and the Elephant directly from the CITES Secretariat. notice and provide the Secretariat’s Trade Information System (ETIS), saiga Persons wishing to be observers website address. We will also provide antelope, and CITES and livelihoods. representing U.S. national the provisional agenda on our website, nongovernmental organizations at Request for Information and Comments at http://www.fws.gov/international/ CoP18 must receive prior approval from CITES/CoP18/index.html. We invite information and comments our Division of Management Authority The United States must submit any concerning any of the possible CoP18 (ADDRESSES). Once we grant our species proposals, resolutions, approval, a U.S. national proposals to amend Appendix I or II, or decisions, and agenda items discussed nongovernmental organization is any draft resolutions, decisions, or above. You must submit your eligible to register with the Secretariat agenda items for discussion at CoP18, to information and comments to us no and must do so at least 6 weeks prior the CITES Secretariat 150 days (i.e., by later than the date specified in DATES, to the opening of CoP18 to participate December 24, 2018) prior to the start of above, to ensure that we consider them. in CoP18 as an observer. Individuals the meeting. In order to meet this Comments and materials received will who are not affiliated with an deadline and to prepare for CoP18, we be posted for public inspection on organization may not register as have developed a tentative U.S. http://www.regulations.gov, and will be observers. An international schedule. We will consider all available available by appointment, from 8 a.m. to nongovernmental organization with at information and comments we receive 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the least one office in the United States may during the comment period for this Division of Management Authority (see register as a U.S. non-governmental Federal Register notice as we decide ADDRESSES). Our practice is to post all organization if it prefers. which species proposals and which comments, including names and Any organization that submits a proposed resolutions, decisions, and addresses of respondents, and to make request to us for approval as an observer agenda items warrant submission by the comments, including names and home should include evidence of their United States for consideration by the technical qualifications in protection, addresses of respondents, available for Parties. Approximately 4 months prior public review during regular business conservation, or management of wild to CoP18, we will post on our website hours. fauna or flora, for both the organization There may be circumstances in which and the individual representative(s). an announcement of the species we would withhold from public review The request should include copies of proposals, draft resolutions, draft a respondent’s name and/or address, as the organization’s charter and any decisions, and agenda items submitted allowable by law. If you wish for us to bylaws, and a list of representatives it by the United States to the CITES withhold your name and/or address, intends to send to CoP18. Organizations Secretariat for consideration at CoP18. you must state this prominently at the seeking approval for the first time Through a series of additional notices beginning of your comment, but we should detail their experience in the and website postings in advance of cannot guarantee that we will be able to protection, conservation, or CoP18, we will inform you about do so. We will make all comments and management of wild fauna or flora, as preliminary negotiating positions on materials submitted by organizations or well as their purposes for wishing to resolutions, decisions, and amendments businesses, and by individuals participate in CoP18 as an observer. An to the Appendices proposed by other identifying themselves as organization that we have previously Parties for consideration at CoP18. We approved as an observer at a meeting of representatives or officials of will also publish an announcement of a the Conference of the Parties within the organizations or businesses, available public meeting to be held approximately for public inspection in their entirety. past 5 years must submit a request, but does not need to provide as much 2 to 3 months prior to CoP18, to receive Observers detailed information concerning its public input on our positions regarding Article XI, paragraph 7, of CITES qualifications as an organization seeking CoP18 issues. states that ‘‘Any body or agency approval for the first time. These The procedures for developing U.S. technically qualified in protection, requests should be sent to the Division documents and negotiating positions for conservation or management of wild of Management Authority at the address a meeting of the Conference of the fauna and flora, in the following provided in ADDRESSES, above; via email Parties to CITES are outlined in 50 CFR categories, which has informed the to [email protected]; or via 23.87. As noted in paragraph (c) of that Secretariat of its desire to be represented fax to 703–358–2298. section, we may modify or suspend the at meetings of the Conference by Once we approve an organization as procedures outlined there if they would observers, shall be admitted unless at an observer, we will inform them of the interfere with the timely or appropriate least one-third of the Parties present appropriate page on the CITES website development of documents for where they may obtain instructions for object: submission to the CoP and of U.S. (a) International agencies or bodies, registration with the CITES Secretariat, negotiating positions. either governmental or non- including a meeting registration form governmental, and national and travel and hotel information. A list Authors governmental agencies and bodies; and of organizations approved for observer (b) national non-governmental status at CoP18 will be available upon The primary authors of this notice are agencies or bodies which have been request from the Division of Thomas E.J. Leuteritz, Ph.D., Branch approved for this purpose by the State Management Authority just prior to the Chief, Division of Scientific Authority, in which they are located. Once start of CoP18. and Laura S. Noguchi, Branch Chief, admitted, these observers shall have the Division of Management Authority, U.S. Future Actions right to participate but not to vote.’’ Fish and Wildlife Service. Persons wishing to be observers We expect the CITES Secretariat to representing international provide us with a provisional agenda for nongovernmental organizations (which CoP18 within the next several months. must have offices in more than one Once we receive the provisional agenda, country) at CoP18 may request approval we will publish it in a Federal Register

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Authority Polaris Avenue in southwest Las Vegas required by 43 CFR 2741.4), and will The authority for this action is the and is legally described as: contain an appropriate indemnification Endangered Species Act of 1973, as Mount Diablo Meridian, Nevada clause protecting the United States from claims arising out of the lessee’s/ amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). T. 22 S., R. 61 E., 1 1 1 patentee’s use, occupancy, or operations James W. Kurth, Sec. 29, SE ⁄4SW ⁄4NW ⁄4. The area described contains 10 acres in on the leased/patented lands. It will also Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife contain any other terms and conditions Service, Exercising the Authority of the Clark County, Nevada. deemed necessary and appropriate by Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Clark County has filed an R&PP the Authorized Officer. [FR Doc. 2018–21255 Filed 9–28–18; 8:45 am] application to develop the above- BILLING CODE 4333–15–P described land as a community park. Upon publication of this Notice in the The project will consist of picnic Federal Register, the land described shelters, a children’s play area, above will be segregated from all other DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR restrooms, pedestrian walkways, forms of appropriation under the public parking, and open-space play areas. land laws, including the general U.S. Bureau of Land Management Additional detailed information Mining Laws, except for lease and [LLNVS0100.L58530000.EQ0000.241A; pertaining to this publication, plan of conveyance under the R&PP Act, leasing N–93733; 12–08807; MO#4500122399; development, and site plan is located in under the mineral leasing laws, and TAS:15X5232] case file N–93733, which is available for disposals under the mineral material review at the BLM Las Vegas Field Notice of realty action: Classification disposal laws. Office at the above address. for Lease and/or Conveyance for The land identified is not needed for Interested parties may submit written Recreation and Public Purposes of any Federal purposes. The lease or comments on the suitability of the land Public Lands (N–93733) for a Park in conveyance of the lands for recreational for development of a public park in the the Southwest Portion of the Las or public purposes use is consistent City of Las Vegas. Comments on the Vegas Valley, Clark County, Nevada with the BLM Las Vegas Resource classification are restricted to whether AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Management Plan dated October 5, the land is physically suited for the Interior. 1998, and would be in the public proposal, whether the use will ACTION: Notice of realty action. interest. Clark County has not applied maximize the future use or uses of the for more than the 6,400-acre limitation land, whether the use is consistent with SUMMARY: The Bureau of Land for recreation uses in a year, nor more local planning and zoning, or if the use Management (BLM), Las Vegas Field than 640 acres for each of the programs is consistent with state and Federal Office, has examined and found suitable involving public resources other than programs. for classification for lease and recreation. Interested parties may also submit subsequent conveyance under the All interested parties will receive a comments regarding the specific use provisions of the Recreation and Public copy of this Notice once it is published proposed in the application and plan of Purposes Act (R&PP), as amended, in the Federal Register. A copy of the development and management and approximately 10 acres of public land in Notice with information about this the Las Vegas Valley, Clark County, proposed realty action will be published whether the BLM followed proper Nevada. Clark County proposes to use in a newspaper of local circulation once administrative procedures in reaching the land for a 10-acre community park a week for three consecutive weeks. The the decision to lease and convey under that will help the County meet future regulations at 43 CFR Subpart 2741 the R&PP Act. expanding recreation needs in the addressing requirements and procedures Before including your address, phone southwestern area of the Las Vegas for conveyances under the R&PP Act do number, email address, or other Valley. not require a public meeting. personally identifiable information in DATES: Submit written comments The lease or conveyance of the land, any comment, be aware that your entire regarding this proposed classification on when issued, will be subject to the comment including your personally or before November 15, 2018. following terms, conditions, and identifiable information may be made ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver written reservations: publicly available at any time. While 1. A right-of-way thereon for ditches comments to the BLM Las Vegas Field you can ask the BLM in your comment and canals constructed by the authority Office, 4701 N Torrey Pines Drive, Las to withhold your personally identifiable of the United States Act of August 30, Vegas, Nevada 89130, Attn: Acting 1890 (43 U.S.C. 945); information from public review, we Assistant Field Manager. The BLM will 2. Provisions of the R&PP Act and to cannot guarantee that we will be able to not consider comments received via all applicable regulations of the do so. telephone calls or email. Secretary of the Interior; Only written comments submitted to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 3. All mineral deposits in the land so the Field Manager, BLM Las Vegas Field Marcus Amer at the above address, by patented, together with the right to Office, will be considered properly telephone at 702–515–5021, or by email prospect for, mine, and remove such filed. Any adverse comments will be to [email protected]. Persons who use a deposits from the same under applicable reviewed as protests by the BLM Nevada telecommunications device for the deaf law and regulations as established by may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) State Director, who may sustain, vacate, the Secretary of the Interior may or modify this realty action. at 1–800–877–8339 to leave a message prescribe; or question for the above individual. 4. Lease or conveyance of the parcel In the absence of any adverse The FRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 is subject to valid existing rights. comments, the decision will become days a week. You will receive a reply Any lease and conveyance will also effective on November 30, 2018. The during normal business hours. contain any terms or conditions lands will not be available for lease and SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The parcel required by law (including, but not conveyance until after the decision is located on West Pyle Avenue and limited to, any terms or conditions becomes effective.

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