Sept. 5, 2012 — In a development that could have far-reaching ramifications for the economy at Eagle Lake and Lassen County, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, today announced a 90-day finding on a petition to list the Eagle Lake rainbow trout as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Based on its review, the federal agency finds the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating listing the Eagle Lake rainbow trout may be warranted.

Therefore, with the publication of this notice, the agency is initiating a review of the status of the subspecies to determine if listing the Eagle Lake rainbow trout is warranted.

To ensure that this status review is comprehensive, the agency requests scientific and commercial data and other information regarding this subspecies. Based on the status review, the agency will issue a 12-month finding on the petition, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted.

The deadline for submitting a comment using the Federal eRulemaking Portal is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time Nov. 5, 2012. After that date information must be submitted directly to the Division of Policy and Directives Management. The agency might not be able to address or incorporate information received after Nov. 5.

Interested parties may submit information by one of the following methods:

Electronically — Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: regulations.gov. In the search box, enter Docket No. FWS–R8–ES–2012–0072, which is the docket number for this action. Then click on the search button. You may submit a comment by clicking on ‘‘Comment Now!’’

By hard copy — Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn:  FWS–R8–ES–2012–0072: Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042–PDM; Arlington, VA 22203. The agency will not accept email or faxes at this address.

The agency will post all information it receives on the website regulations.gov. This generally means the agency will post any personal information you provide.

For more information, contact Susan Moore, Field Supervisor, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, at (916) 414–6600; or by facsimile at (916) 414–6712. Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), should call the Federal Information Relay Service at (800) 877–8339.