Seeking public comment on Michigan habitat conservation plan

We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are seeking public comment on a draft habitat conservation plan and a draft environmental assessment for the Edenville Dam Restoration Project located in Gladwin and Midland counties, Michigan. The plan accompanies an application for an Endangered Species Act incidental take permit for Four Lakes Task Force that would authorize incidental take of the endangered snuffbox mussel.

The proposed draft habitat conservation plan outlines conservation and mitigation measures the task force would take for conserving snuffbox mussels. This plan would go into effect if our agency approves the requested permit. The plan proposes to maintain or improve water quality, maintain or improve bank stability and bed integrity, maintain or improve suitable aquatic habitat and maintain hydrology sufficient for long-term persistence of snuffbox. If the permit is approved, the authorized level of take from the project would be for 84 snuffbox mussels over the 30-year term of the incidental take permit.

Habitat conservation plans are agreements between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a landowner, private company or non-federal agency that allows that individual or organization to undertake otherwise lawful activities on their property that may result in the incidental take of a federally endangered or threatened species. Our agency considers whether proposed habitat conservation plans would ensure the effects of authorized incidental take are adequately minimized and mitigated.

This announcement opens a 30-day public comment period which will close on September 12, 2024. The Federal Register notice, draft plan and draft environmental assessment are available for review and comment at regulations.gov by searching for Docket Number FWS-R3-ES-2024-0112.

Learn more about habitat conservation plans and endangered species.