Notices. Notice of availability

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BILLING CODE 4210-29-M DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge and Wetland Management District, Martin, SD AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces that the Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment (CCP/EA) for the Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) and Wetland Management District

(WMD)is available for public review and comment. This Draft CCP/EA was prepared pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, and the National Environmental Policy Act. The Draft CCP/EA describes the Service's proposal for management of the Refuge for 15 years. DATES: Written comments must be received at the postal or electronic addresses listed below by February 13, 2006. Comments may also be submitted via electronic mail to: *linda_kelly@fws.gov.* ADDRESSES: To provide written comments or to obtain a copy of the Draft CCP/EA, please write to Linda Kelly, Planning Team Leader, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486;

(303)236-8132; fax

(303)236-4792, or Tom Koerner, Refuge Manager, Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge, 29746 Bird Road, Martin, South Dakota, 57551;

(605)685-6508; fax

(605)685-1173. The Draft CCP/EA will also be available for viewing and downloading online at *http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/planning.* FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda Kelly, Planning Team Leader, at the above address or at

(303)236-8132. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee), requires the Service to develop a CCP for the Refuge. The purpose in developing a CCP is to provide refuge managers with a 15-year strategy for achieving refuge purposes and contributing toward the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife science; conservation; legal mandates; and Service policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving wildlife and their habitats, the CCP identifies wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting; wildlife observation and photography; and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update these CCPs at least every 15 years in accordance with the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, and the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370d). *Background:* The Refuge was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt through Executive Order No. 7160 “* * * as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” The Refuge lies in the Lake Creek Valley on the northern edge of the Nebraska Sandhills and includes 16,410 acres of native sandhills, sub-irrigated meadows, impounded fresh water marshes, and tall and mixed grass prairie uplands. The WMD was started as part of the Small Wetlands Acquisition Program, in the 1950s, to save wetlands from various threats, particularly draining. The passage of Public Law 85-585, in August of 1958, amended the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act (Duck Stamp Act) of 1934, allowing for the acquisition of Waterfowl Production Areas and Easements for Waterfowl Management Rights (easements). The WMD is located in Stanley, Todd, Harding, Jackson, Jones, Lawrence, Lyman, Meade, Mellette, Fall River, Haakon, Custer, Pennington, Bennett, and Butte counties. Significant issues addressed in the Draft CCP/EA include: habitat and wildlife management; visitor services; cultural resources; and partnerships. The Service developed three alternatives for management of the Refuge: Alternative A—No Action; Alternative B—Integrated Restoration (Proposed Action); Alternative C—Comprehensive Grassland Restoration. All three alternatives outline specific management objectives and strategies related to wildlife and habitat management, visitor services, cultural resources, and partnerships. *Alternative A—Current Management (No Action):* Under this alternative, management activity being conducted by the Service would remain the same. The Service would not develop any new management, restoration, or education programs at the Refuge. Current habitat and wildlife practices benefiting migratory species and other wildlife would not be expanded or changed. The staff would perform limited, issue-driven research and only monitor long-term vegetation change. No new species management would be initiated, including black-tailed prairie dogs. No new funding or staff levels would occur, and programs would follow the same direction, emphasis, and intensity as they do at present. The staff would continue to manage the WMD through monitoring and enforcing easements. *Alternative B—Integrated Restoration (Proposed Action):* This alternative is the proposed action for the Refuge and WMD Draft CCP/EA. Through an integrated restoration approach, the Refuge would strive to restore ecological processes and achieve habitat conditions that require reduced management over time while recognizing the place of the Refuge in the overall landscape and community. An emphasis on monitoring the effects of habitat management practices and use of the research results to direct ongoing restoration would be a priority. Current levels of priority public uses and activity would increase. New species management would be initiated for black-tailed prairie dogs to facilitate prairie restoration efforts and reduce damage to adjacent private lands. The staff would continue to manage the WMD through monitoring and enforcement of easements. *Alternative C—Comprehensive Grassland Restoration:* Under this alternative, the Refuge staff would focus management on restoration of grassland habitat and its associated species. Current levels of priority wildlife-dependent public uses would increase with educational priorities placed on habitat restoration. Research activities would focus on management practices on targeted grassland species. No new species management would be initiated, including black-tailed prairie dogs. The staff would continue to manage the WMD through monitoring and enforcement of easements. The review and comment period is 30 calendar days commencing with publication of this Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** . After the review and comment period for this Draft CCP/EA, all comments will be analyzed and considered by the Service. All comments received from individuals on the Draft CCP/EA become part of the official public record. Requests for such comments will be handled in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act and other Service and Departmental policies and procedures. Dated: November 28, 2005. Ralph O. Morgenweck, Regional Director, Region 6, Denver, CO. [FR Doc. E6-302 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Application of Endangered Species Recovery Permits AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability and receipt of applications. SUMMARY: We announce our receipt of applications to conduct certain activities pertaining to enhancement of survival of endangered species. DATES: Written comments on this request for a permit must be received by February 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written data or comments should be submitted to the Assistant Regional Director—Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486; facsimile 303-236-0027. *Availability of Documents:* Documents and other information submitted with these applications are available for review, subject to the requirements of the Privacy Act [5 U.S.C. 552A] and Freedom of Information Act [5 U.S.C. 552], by any party who submits a request for a copy of such documents within 20 days of the date of publication of this notice to Kris Olsen, by mail (see ADDRESSES ) or by telephone at 303-236-4256. All comments received from individuals become part of the official public record. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The following applicants have requested issuance of enhancement of survival permits to conduct certain activities with endangered species pursuant to Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). *Applicant:* TE-115137, Kitty Roberts, National Park Service, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Page, Arizona. The applicant requests a permit to display Bonytails ( *Gila elegans* ), Colorado pikeminnows ( *Ptychocheilus lucius* ), Humpback chubs ( *Gila cypha* ), and Razorback suckers ( *Xyrauchen texanus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-038221, Mark Peyton, Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, Gothenburg, Nebraska. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take American burying beetles ( *Nicrophorus americanus* ) and Interior least terns ( *Sterna antillarum* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-038970, Bill Krise, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Bozeman, Montana. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Pallid sturgeons ( *Scaphirhynchus albus* ) and June suckers ( *Chasmistes liorus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-039100, Rockford Plettner, Nebraska Public Power District, Columbus, Nebraska. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Interior least terns ( *Sterna antillarum athalassos* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-040241, Roger Boyd, Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Interior least terns ( *Sterna antillarum* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-040242, Harold Tyus, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Bonytails ( *Gila elegans* ), Colorado pikeminnows ( *Ptychocheilus lucius* ), Humpback chubs ( *Gila cypha* ), and Razorback suckers ( *Xyrauchen texanus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-040748, Randy Barker, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The applicant requests a renewed permit to display Black-footed ferrets ( *Mustela nigripes* ) and Wyoming toads ( *Bufo baxteri* ) in conjunction with recovery activities for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-044780, Peter Smith, Smith Environmental, Broomfield, Colorado. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Southwestern willow flycatchers ( *Empidonax traillii extimus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-044836, Melvin Coonrod, Environmental Industrial Services, Helper, Utah. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Southwestern willow flycatchers ( *Empidonax traillii extimus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-047288, David Peitz, National Park Service, Republic, Missouri. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Topeka shiners ( *Notropis topeka* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-047381, Jim Friedley, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Ignacia, Colorado. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Southwestern willow flycatchers ( *Empidonax traillii extimus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-047529, Stan Johnson, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Grand Junction, Colorado. The applicant requests a renewed permit to display Bonytails ( *Gila elegans* ), Colorado pikeminnows ( *Ptychocheilus lucius* ), Humpback chubs ( *Gila cypha* ), and Razorback suckers ( *Xyrauchen texanus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-049748, Todd Crowl, Utah State University, Logan, Utah. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take June suckers ( *Chasmistes liorus* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-051814, Dan Miller, Bramble Park Zoo, Watertown, South Dakota. The applicant requests a renewed permit to display Black-footed ferrets ( *Mustela nigripes* ) in conjunction with recovery activities for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-051835, Randy Riches, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Escondido, California. The applicant requests a renewed permit to display Black-footed ferrets ( *Mustela nigripes* ) in conjunction with recovery activities for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-051845, Rene Hodgekin, Zoo Montana, Billings, Montana. The applicant requests a renewed permit to display Black-footed ferrets ( *Mustela nigripes* ) in conjunction with recovery activities for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. *Applicant:* TE-051847, Richard Lattis, Wildlife Conservation Center, Central Park Zoo, New York, New York. The applicant requests a renewed permit to take Wyoming toads ( *Bufo baxteri* ) in conjunction with recovery activities throughout the species' range for the purpose of enhancing their survival and recovery. Dated: December 27, 2005. Mary G. Henry, Acting Regional Director, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. E6-304 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Incidental Take of Threatened Species for the Livermore County Landowners Group, Larimer County, CO AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of issuance of permits. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has issued the following permits. ADDRESSES: Additional information on these permit actions may be requested from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, P.O. Box 25486, Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225-0486. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bridget Fahey, Division of Endangered Species,

(303)236-4258. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 13, 2004, the Service published a notice in the **Federal Register** (69 FR 1998) of receipt of an application from the Livermore Area Landowners Group, The Nature Conservancy, and the State of Colorado for permits to incidentally take, under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) as amended, Preble's meadow jumping mouse ( *Zapus hudsonius preblei* ), under the terms of the Livermore Area Habitat Conservation Plan. Notice is hereby given that on November 29, 2005, as authorized by the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, the Service issued permits to Al Johnson of the Livermore Area Landowners Group (TE-079479-0) and The Nature Conservancy (TE-115609-0) with certain conditions set forth therein. The permits were granted only after the Service determined that they were applied for in good faith, that granting the permits will not be to the disadvantage of the threatened species, and that the covered activities will be consistent with the purposes and policy set forth in the Endangered Species Act, as amended. Dated: December 20, 2005. Richard A. Coleman, Acting Deputy Regional Director, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. E6-301 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Receipt of Applications for Incidental Take Permits for Two Beachfront Developments in Escambia County, FL AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. SUMMARY: Searenity Development, Inc. and Retreat Investments, Inc. (Applicants) collectively request an incidental take permit

(ITP)pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended

(Act)(16 U.S.C. 1531 *et seq.* ). The applicants anticipate taking Perdido Key beach mice ( *Peromyscus polionotus trissyllepsis* ) incidental to developing, constructing, and occupying two beachfront condominium complexes on Perdido Key in Escambia County, Florida (Projects). The Applicants' Habitat Conservation Plan

(HCP)describes the mitigation and minimization measures proposed to address the effects of both Projects to the Perdido Key beach mouse. These measures are outlined in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. We announce the availability of a habitat conservation plan

(HCP)and an environmental assessment

(EA)for the ITP applications. This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Act and National Environmental Policy Act regulations (40 CFR 1506.6). DATES: Written comments on the ITP applications, EA, and HCP should be sent to our Regional Office (see ADDRESSES ) and should be received on or before March 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the applications, HCP, and EA may obtain a copy by writing the Fish and Wildlife Service's Southeast Regional Office, Atlanta, Georgia. Please reference permit numbers TE-103097-0, Searenity and TE-103099-0, Retreat in such requests. Documents will also be available for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours at the Regional Office, 1875 Century Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30345 (Attn: Endangered Species Permits); or Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1601 Balboa Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32405. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Aaron Valenta, Regional HCP Coordinator, (see ADDRESSES above), telephone: 404/679-4144, facsimile: 404/679-7081; or Lorna Patrick, Field Office Project Manager, (see ADDRESSES above), at 850/769-0552, ext. 229. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We announce applications for ITPs and the availability of the HCP and an EA. The EA is an assessment of likely environmental impacts associated with these Projects. Copies of these documents may be obtained by making a request, in writing, to the Regional Office (see ADDRESSES ). This notice is provided pursuant to section 10 of the Act and NEA regulations at 40-CFR 1506.6. We specifically request information, views, and opinions from the public via this notice on the Federal action, including the identification of any other aspects of the human environment not already identified in the EA. Further, we specifically solicit information regarding the adequacy of the HCP as measures against our ITP issuance criteria found in 50 CFR parts 13 and 17. If you wish to comment, you may submit comments by any one of several methods. Please reference permit numbers TE-103097-0, Searenity, and TE-103099-0, Retreat, in such comments. You may mail comments to the Service's Regional Office (see ADDRESSES ). You may also comment via the internet to *aaron_valenta@fws.gov.* Please submit comments over the internet as an ASCII file avoiding the use of special characters and any form of encryption. Please also include your name and return address in your internet message. If you do not receive a confirmation from us that we have received your internet message, contact us directly at either telephone number listed in (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ). Finally, you may hand deliver comments to either Service office listed below (see ADDRESSES ). Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their home address from the administrative record. We will honor such requests to the extent allowable by law. There may also be other circumstances in which we would withhold from the administrative record a respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name and address, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. We will not, however, consider anonymous comments. We will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. The areas encompassed under the ITP applications include two individual properties, Searenity and Retreat, consisting of 1.25 and 1.30 acres, respectively, each covering 100 feet along the beachfront of the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed Projects are located on the western portion of Perdido Key, a 16.9 mile barrier island. Perdido Key constitutes the entire historic range of the Perdido Key beach mouse. The Perdido Key beach mouse was listed as endangered species under the Act in 1985 (50 FR 23872). The mouse is also listed as an endangered species by the State of Florida. Critical habitat was designated for the Perdido Key beach mouse at the time of listing (50 CFR 17.95). On December 15, 2005, we published a proposed revision of critical habitat for the Perdido Key beach mouse and Choctawhatchee beach mouse, and a proposed critical habitat designation for the St. Andrew beach mouse (70 FR 74425). The Perdido Key beach mouse is one of eight species of the old-field mouse that occupy coastal rather than inland areas and are referred to as beach mice. It is one of five subspecies of beach mice endemic to the Gulf coast of Alabama and northwestern Florida. Two other extant subspecies of beach mouse and one extinct subspecies are known from the Atlantic coast of Florida. The Perdido Key beach mouse, like other beach mouse subspecies, spends its entire life within the coastal beach and dune ecosystem. Beach mouse habitat consists of a mix of interconnected habitats including primary, secondary, and scrub dunes including interdunal areas. Beach mice are nocturnal and dig burrows within the dune system where vegetation provides cover. They forage for food throughout the dune system feeding primarily on seeds and fruits of dune plants including bluestem ( *Schizachyrium maritimum* ), sea oats ( *Uniola paniculata* ), and evening primrose ( *Oenothera humifusa* ). Insects are also an important component of their diet. Beach mice along the Gulf Coasts of Florida and Alabama generally live about nine months and become mature between 25 and 35 days. Beach mice are monogamous, pairing for life. Gestation averages 24 days and the average litter size is three to four pups. Peak breeding season for beach mice is in autumn and winter, declining in spring, and falling to low levels in summer. In essence, mature female beach mice can produce a litter every month and live about eight months. The EA considers the environmental consequences of two alternatives and the proposed action. The proposed action alternative is issuance of the incidental take permit and implementation of the HCP as submitted by the Applicants. The HCP would provide for:

(1)Minimizing the footprint of both developments;

(2)restoring, preserving, and maintaining onsite beach mouse habitat at both projects;

(3)incorporating requirements in the operation of both condominium facilities that provide for the conservation of the beach mouse;

(4)monitoring the status of the beach mouse at both projects post-construction;

(5)donating funds initially and on an annual basis to Perdido Key beach mouse conservation efforts,

(6)including conservation measures to protect nesting sea turtles and non-breeding piping plover, and

(7)funding the mitigation measures. Several subspecies of beach mice have been listed as endangered species primarily because of the fragmentation of habitat, adverse alteration and loss of habitat due to coastal development. The threat of development-related habitat loss continues to increase. Other factors contributing to the Perdido Key beach mouse's status include low population numbers, predation or competition by animals related to human development (cats and house mice), and the existing strength or lack of regulations regarding coastal development. We will evaluate the HCP and any comments submitted during our determination of whether the applications meet the requirements of section 10(a) of the Act. If it is determined that those requirements are met, the ITPs will be issued for the incidental take of the Perdido Key beach mouse. We will also evaluate whether issuance of the section 10(a)(1)(B) ITPs complies with section 7 of the Act by conducting an intra-Service section 7 consultation. The results of this consultation, in combination with the above findings, will be used in the final analysis to determine whether or not to issue the ITPs. Dated: December 20, 2005. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. E6-305 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood Information Collection AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Proposed agency information collection activities; comment request. SUMMARY: The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking comments from the public on an extension of an information collection from persons seeking proof of American Indian or Alaska Native blood, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. The information collected under OMB Control Number 1076-0153 will be used to establish that the applicants meet requirements for official recognition as an American Indian or Alaska native for purposes of eligibility determination and participation in programs administered through the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. DATES: Submit comments on or before March 14, 2006. ADDRESSES: Written comments can be sent to Ms. Carolyn Newman, Tribal Enrollment Specialist, Division of Tribal Government Services, Office of Tribal Services, Bureau of Indian Affairs, 1951 Constitution Avenue NW., Mail Stop: 320-SIB, Washington, DC 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Carolyn Newman, Tribal Enrollment Specialist, 202-513-7641. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This collection was originally approved and assigned OMB Control No. 1076-0153 when it was submitted with a proposed rulemaking, 25 CFR Part 70, which was published in the **Federal Register** on April 18, 2000 (66 FR 20775). The proposed rulemaking has not been finalized due to various reasons. We received numerous negative comments from individuals and Indian tribal governments. We, therefore, are rewriting the proposed rule. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, through the development of the proposed rule, is attempting to bring its decision-making procedures regarding the issuance of CDIB forms in line with the Administrative Procedures Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, as mandated by section 552, and as directed in the 1986 decision of the Interior Board of Indian Appeals (IBIA), Office of Hearings and Appeals, U.S. Department of the Interior, in *Morgan Underwood, Sr.* v. *Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs (Operations)* , 93 I.D. 13, 11 IBIA 3 (IBIA, January 31, 1986). However, there is legal support for the information collection in that currently existing Federal laws and regulations require some form of proof of Indian blood for various purposes, including ownership of lands held in trust by the United States for benefit of Indian landowners who are members of federally-recognized Indian tribes (including Alaska Native villages), especially at those locations where the Indian tribe or Alaska native village has minimum Indian blood degree requirements for membership. The public is advised that an agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information that does not display a valid OMB clearance number. For example, this collection is listed by OMB as Control No. 1076-0153, and it expires 7/31/2006. The response is voluntary to obtain or retain a benefit. We are requesting comments about the proposed collection to evaluate:

(a)The accuracy of the burden hours, including the validity of the methodology used and assumptions made;

(b)The necessity of the information for proper performance of the bureau functions, including its practical utility;

(c)The quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and,

(d)Suggestions to reduce the burden including use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other forms of information technology. Please submit your comments to the person listed in the ADDRESSES section. Please note that comments, names and addresses of commentators, are open for public review during the hours of 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., EST, Monday through Friday except for legal holidays. If you wish your name and address withheld, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. We will honor your request to the extent allowable by law. Information Collection Abstract *OMB control number:* 1076-0153. *Type of review:* Renewal. *Title:* 25 CFR 70, Request for Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood. *Brief description of collection:* To establish that individual Indians may be eligible to receive program services based upon their status and/or degree of Indian or Alaska Native blood. *Affected Entities:* Individual Indian Applicants. *Estimated number of respondents:* 154,980. *Estimated time per response:* 1.5. *Number of Annual Responses:* 154,980. *Total annual burden hours:* 232,470 hours. Dated: December 27, 2005. Michael D. Olsen, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. E6-319 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-02-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Indian Affairs Submission of Information Collection to the Office of Management and Budget for Review Under the Paperwork Reduction Act AGENCY: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Interior. ACTION: Notice of request for renewal. SUMMARY: In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, this notice announces that the Bureau of Indian Affairs is submitting an information collection to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB)for renewal. The collection concerns the Application for admission to Haskell Indian Nations University and to Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. We are requesting a renewal of clearance and requesting comments on this information collection. DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before February 13, 2006. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the information collection to the Desk Officer for Department of the Interior at the Office of Management and Budget, by facsimile to

(202)395-6566 or you may send an e-mail to *OIRA_DOCKET@omb.eop.gov.* Please send copies of comments to the Office of Indian Education Programs, 1849 C Street NW., Mail Stop 3609-MIB, Washington, DC 20240. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Redman,

(202)208-4397. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Abstract The Bureau of Indian Affairs is providing the admission forms for Haskell Indian Nations University and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute for review and comment. These admission forms are used in determining program eligibility of American Indian and Alaska Native students for educational services. These forms are authorized pursuant to Blood Quantum Act, Public Law 99-228; the Snyder Act, Chapter 115, Public Law 67-85; and, the Indian Appropriations of the 48th Congress, Chapter 180, page 91, For Support of Schools, July 4, 1884. II. Request for Comments A 60-day notice requesting comments was published on July 11, 2005 (70 FR 39787). There were no comments received regarding that notice. You are invited to comment on the following items to the Desk Officer at OMB at the citation in ADDRESSES section:

(a)Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(b)The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including the hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumption used;

(c)Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(d)Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other collection techniques or other forms of information technology. We will not request nor sponsor a collection of information, and you need not respond to such a request, if there is no valid Office of Management and Budget Control Number. III. Data *Title:* Application for Admission to Haskell Indian Nations University and to Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute. *OMB Control Number:* 1076-0114. *Type of Review:* Renewal. *Brief Description of Collection:* These eligibility application forms are necessary to determine a student's eligibility for educational services. *Respondents:* Students attending, or seeking admission to, Haskell Indian Nations University

(HINU)and to Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). *Number of Respondents:* 3,943. *Estimated Time per Response:* Approximately 30 minutes per application for SIPI, and 40 minutes per application for HINU. *Frequency of Response:* At the time of enrollment. *Total Annual Burden to Respondents:* 2,214 hours. *Filing fee:* $10 per application for HINU; no fee for SIPI. Dated: December 29, 2005 Michael D. Olsen, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. [FR Doc. E6-337 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-6W-P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management Notice of Availability of Coeur d'Alene Field Office, Idaho, Draft Resource Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. SUMMARY: In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, the Bureau of Land Management

(BLM)has prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (RMP/EIS) for the Coeur d'Alene Field Office. DATES: To assure that they will be considered, BLM must receive written comments on the Draft RMP/EIS within 90 days following the date the Environmental Protection Agency publishes the Notice of Availability in the **Federal Register** . The BLM will announce future meetings or hearings and any other public involvement activities through public notices, news media released, and/or mailings, and on the BLM Web site ( *http://www.blm.gov/rmp/id/cda/* ). ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: • E-mail: *ID_CDA_RMP@blm.gov.* • Mail: BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office, ATTN: RMP, 1808 North Third Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814-3407. • Fax:

(208)769-5050. Individual respondents may request confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your name or street address from public review or from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your written comment. Such requests will be honored to the extent allowed by law. All submissions from organizations and businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, will be available for public inspection in their entirety. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Pavey at the Coeur d'Alene Field Office (see above address), telephone

(208)769-5059. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A copy of the Draft RMP/EIS is available for review via the Internet Web site at *http://www.blm.gov/rmp/id/cda/.* You may also obtain a copy on CD-ROM, or paper copy at the BLM Coeur d'Alene Field Office at the address listed above, or by contacting Scott Pavey at

(208)769-5059. The planning area covers approximately 96,770 acres of public lands within the following Idaho Counties: Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai, and Shoshone. The RMP will provide future broad-scale management direction for use and protection of resources managed by the Coeur d'Alene Field Office. The Draft RMP/EIS was developed through a collaborative planning process and considers four alternatives. The primary issues addressed include: recreational travel management, management of forest products and protection of other resources, adjustments to Federal land ownership, invasive plants, protection of property from wildfire, and protection and restoration of watersheds and riparian areas. The preferred alternative proposes designation of five areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs), four of which would become Research Natural Areas (RNAs): Hideaway Islands RNA—76 acres (existing); Lund Creek RNA—3,206 acres (2,905 acres existing); Farnham Forest RNA—33 acres; Windy Bay RNA—16 acres; and Pulaski Tunnel ACEC—27 acres. The preferred alternative specifies a no surface occupancy stipulation on future mineral leases within all ACECs/RNAs. Additionally, BLM would recommend Pulaski Tunnel ACEC for withdrawal from the mining laws. All of the RNAs would be designated as right-of-way exclusion areas and would have restrictions for vegetation treatments and timber harvests. The Farnham Forest RNA would be closed to motorized vehicles. Motorized use in all other areas would be limited to designated roads and trails. Sixteen other ACECs were considered under other alternatives, but were not included in the preferred alternative: Constitution Mine and Millsite ACEC—6 acres; Gamlin Lake ACEC—59 acres; Hecla-Star Tailings Piles ACEC—22 acres; Killarney Lake ACEC—69 acres; Kootenai River Front ACEC—533 acres; Liberal King Millsite ACEC—2 acres; Little North Fork Clearwater River ACEC—9,592 acres; Morton Slough ACEC—119 acres; Mother Load Mine ACEC—0.8 acres; Nabob Millsite ACEC—8 acres; Rex Millsite Tailings Pile ACEC—6 acres; Rochat Divide ACEC—11,653 acres; Sidney Mine and Millsite ACEC—6 acres; Wallace Landfill ACEC—0.3 acres; We-Like Mine ACEC—0.3 acres; Wolf Lodge Bay ACEC—1,094 acres. Restrictions on use of public lands within these areas would vary, depending on the alternative and the values identified for protection, but would include limitations on mining, off-highway vehicle use, and vegetation treatments. The preferred alternative also recommends four suitable segments of river for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic River system: Little North Fork Clearwater River—2.5 miles wild classification and 1.1 miles recreation classification; Lost Lake Creek—3.0 miles wild classification and 0.3 miles scenic classification; Little Lost Lake Creek—3.0 miles wild classification; and Lund Creek—3.9 miles wild classification. A segment of the Kootenai River (14 miles) was found eligible, but under the preferred alternative, suitability determination would be deferred until the Idaho Panhandle National Forest (the primary land owner along this segment) makes a suitability determination on adjacent segments. Dated: November 16, 2005. Eric R. Thomson, Coeur d'Alene Field Office Manager. [FR Doc. 06-286 Filed 1-12-06; 8:45 am]

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