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There are ongoing reintroduction efforts for Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon in the upper Yuba River.  To facilitate reintroduction and address landowner and other stakeholder concerns in regards to Endangered Species Act (ESA) consultation needs, this rulemaking action would: (a) designate and authorize the release of a nonessential experimental population of Central Valley spring-run Chinook salmon under ESA section 10(j) in the upper Yuba River and its tributaries upstream of Englebright Dam, California; and (b) establish protective regulations under ESA section 4(d) for the nonessential experimental population in the designated area with broader exceptions to ESA take prohibitions for unintentional incidental take that results from an otherwise lawful activity. As a result, should any reintroduction occur, the standard ESA section 7(a)(2) consultation requirements would not apply to Federal agency actions affecting the nonessential experimental population. Additionally, unintentional incidental take from otherwise lawful activities (such as water management, forestry, power generation, etc.) would not be prohibited. This rulemaking action may lead to some minor beneficial impacts due to increased tourism and recreation in the upper Yuba River.