80 FR 19259 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings on 10 Petitions
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 69 (April 10, 2015)
Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 69 (April 10, 2015)
| Page Range | 19259-19263 | |
| FR Document | 2015-07837 |
[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 69 (Friday, April 10, 2015)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 19259-19263] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2015-07837] [[Page 19259]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket Nos. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0017, FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0018, FWS-HQ-ES-2015- 0019, FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0020, FWS-R8-ES-2015-0021, FWS-R1-ES-2014-0061, FWS-R8-ES-2015-0022, FWS-R8-ES-2015-0023, FWS-R8-ES-2015-0024, FWS-R7- ES-2015-0025;4500030115] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings on 10 Petitions AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of petition findings and initiation of status reviews. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- day findings on various petitions to list eight species, reclassify one species, and delist one species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Based on our review, we find that these 10 petitions present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted. Therefore, with the publication of this document, we are initiating a review of the status of each of these species to determine if the petitioned actions are warranted. The status reviews for two species, the golden conure (which appears in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife as the golden parakeet) and the northern spotted owl, will also serve as 5-year reviews for those species. To ensure that these status reviews are comprehensive, we are requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding these species. Based on the status reviews, we will issue 12-month findings on the petitions, which will address whether the petitioned action is warranted, as provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct the status reviews, we request that we receive information on or before June 9, 2015. Information submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. ADDRESSES: You may submit information on species for which a status review is being initiated by one of the following methods: (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the appropriate docket number (see table below). Then click the Search button. You may submit information by clicking on ``Comment Now!'' If your information will fit in the provided comment box, please use this feature of http://www.regulations.gov, as it is most compatible with our information review procedures. If you attach your information as a separate document, our preferred file format is Microsoft Word. If you attach multiple comments (such as form letters), our preferred format is a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: [Insert appropriate docket number; see table below]; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA 22041-3803. We request that you send information only by the methods described above. We will post all information received on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Request for Information section, below, for more details). ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Species Docket No. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Clear Lake hitch.......................... FWS-R8-ES-2015-0017 Egyptian tortoise......................... FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0018 Golden conure............................. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0019 Long-tailed chinchilla.................... FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0020 Mojave shoulderband snail................. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0021 Northern spotted owl...................... FWS-R1-ES-2014-0061 Relict dace............................... FWS-R8-ES-2015-0022 San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly FWS-R8-ES-2015-0023 Western pond turtle....................... FWS-R8-ES-2015-0024 Yellow-cedar.............................. FWS-R7-ES-2015-0025 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Species Contact information ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Clear Lake hitch.................. Jennifer Norris, telephone (916)-414- 6600. Egyptian tortoise................. Janine Van Norman, telephone (703) 358-2171. Golden conure..................... Janine Van Norman, telephone (703) 358-2171. Long-tailed chinchilla............ Janine Van Norman, telephone (703) 358-2171. Mojave shoulderband snail......... Mendel Stewart, telephone (760) 431- 9440. Northern spotted owl.............. Paul Henson, telephone (503) 231- 6179. Relict dace....................... Edward D. Koch, telephone (775) 861- 6300. San Joaquin Valley giant flower- Jennifer Norris, telephone (916) 414- loving fly. 6600. Western pond turtle............... Jennifer Norris, telephone (916) 414- 6600. Yellow-cedar...................... Steve Brockmann, telephone (907) 780- 1181. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Request for Information When we make a finding that a petition presents substantial information indicating that listing, reclassification, or delisting a species may be warranted, we are required to promptly review the status of the species (status review). For the status review to be complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we request information on these species from governmental agencies, Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, and any other interested parties. We seek information on: (1) The species' biology, range, and population trends, including: (a) Habitat requirements; (b) Genetics and taxonomy; (c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns; (d) Historical and current population levels, and current and projected trends; and (e) Past and ongoing conservation measures for the species, its habitat, or both. (2) The factors that are the basis for making a listing, reclassification, or delisting determination for a species under section 4(a)(1) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), which are: (a) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range (Factor A); (b) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes (Factor B); (c) Disease or predation (Factor C); (d) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D); or (e) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence (Factor E). (3) The potential effects of climate change on the species and its habitat. (4) For the northern spotted owl, we specifically request information on: (a) Evidence that any of the factors identified under Factor A are having [[Page 19260]] population-level effects on the northern spotted owl, either singularly or in combination; (b) Evidence that the West Nile virus or predation by barred owls have caused population-level impacts on northern spotted owls; (c) Identification of shortcoming in existing regulations that are having population-level effects on the northern spotted owl; (d) Evidence that competition with barred owls is having population-level effects on the northern spotted owl; and (e) Evidence that global climate change is having population-level effects on the northern spotted owl. (5) For those domestic (U.S.) species that are not listed, if, after the status review, we determine that listing is warranted, we will propose critical habitat (see definition in section 3(5)(A) of the Act) under section 4 of the Act for those species that fall within the jurisdiction of the United States, to the maximum extent prudent and determinable at the time we propose to list the species. Therefore, we also specifically request data and information for Clear Lake hitch, Mojave shoulderband snail, relict dace, San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly, western pond turtle, and yellow-cedar on: (a) What may constitute ``physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the species,'' within the geographical range occupied by the species; (b) Where these features are currently found; (c) Whether any of these features may require special management considerations or protection; (d) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species that are ``essential for the conservation of the species''; and (e) What, if any, critical habitat you think we should propose for designation if the species is proposed for listing, and why such habitat meets the requirements of section 4 of the Act. Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to verify any scientific or commercial information you include. Submissions merely stating support for or opposition to the actions under consideration without providing supporting information, although noted, will not be considered in making a determination. Section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that determinations as to whether any species is an endangered or threatened species must be made ``solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.'' You may submit your information concerning these status reviews by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. If you submit information via http://www.regulations.gov, your entire submission-- including any personal identifying information--will be posted on the Web site. If you submit a hardcopy that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this personal identifying information from public review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy submissions on http://www.regulations.gov. Information and supporting documentation that we received and used in preparing this finding will be available for you to review at http://www.regulations.gov, or you may make an appointment during normal business hours at the appropriate lead U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Background Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act requires that we make a finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or reclassify a species presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. To the maximum extent practicable, we are to make this finding within 90 days of our receipt of the petition and publish our notice of the finding promptly in the Federal Register. Our standard for substantial scientific or commercial information within the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) with regard to a 90-day petition finding is ``that amount of information that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the measure proposed in the petition may be warranted'' (50 CFR 424.14(b)). If we find that substantial scientific or commercial information was presented, we are required to promptly commence a review of the status of the species, which we will subsequently summarize in our 12-month finding. Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424 set forth the procedures for adding a species to, or removing a species from, the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. A species may be determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act (see (2) under Request For Information, above). We may delist a species according to 50 CFR 424.11(d) if the best available scientific and commercial data indicate that the species is neither an endangered nor threatened species for one or more of the following reasons: (1) The species is extinct; (2) The species has recovered and is no longer an endangered or threatened species; or (3) The original scientific or commercial data used at the time the species was classified, or the interpretation of such data, were in error. In considering what factors might constitute threats, we must look beyond the exposure of the species to a factor to evaluate whether the species may respond to the factor in a way that causes actual impacts to the species. If there is exposure to a factor and the species responds negatively, the factor may be a threat, and, during the subsequent status review, we attempt to determine how significant a threat it is. The threat is significant if it drives, or contributes to, the risk of extinction of the species such that the species may warrant listing as an ``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species,'' as those terms are defined in the Act. However, the identification of factors that could affect a species negatively may not be sufficient for us to find that the information in the petition and our files is substantial. The information must include evidence sufficient to suggest that these factors may be operative threats that act on the species to the point that the species may meet the definition of an ``endangered species'' or ``threatened species'' under the Act. Evaluation of a Petition To List the Clear Lake Hitch as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0017 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Clear Lake hitch (Lavinia exilicauda chi); California Petition History On January 13, 2013, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife drafted a recommendation to the California Fish and Game Commission to list the Clear Lake hitch as threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act. On September 25, 2014, we received a petition dated September 25, 2014, from the Center for Biological Diversity, requesting that Clear Lake hitch be listed as a endangered or threatened species under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and [[Page 19261]] included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the Clear Lake hitch (Lavinia exilicauda chi) based on Factors A, B, C, and E. Thus, for the Clear Lake hitch, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List the Egyptian Tortoise as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0018 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni); Egypt, Libya, Israel Petition History On June 9, 2014, we received a petition dated May 2014, from Friends of Animals, requesting that the Egyptian tortoise be listed as an endangered or threatened species under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). In a letter to the petitioner, we responded that we reviewed the information presented in the petition and did not find that the species warranted emergency listing. This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the Egyptian tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni) based on Factors A, B, C, D, and E. Thus, for the Egyptian tortoise, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To Delist the Golden Conure Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0019 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Golden conure (Guaruba guarouba or Aratinga guarouba); Brazil. (Note: The species is listed as ``golden parakeet'' (Aratinga guarouba) in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife at 50 CFR 17.11(h). However, we refer to the species by the common name ``golden conure'' in this document.) Petition History On August 21, 2014, we received a petition dated August 20, 2014, from the American Federation of Aviculture, Inc., requesting that the golden conure be removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (i.e., ``delisted'') pursuant to the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the golden conure (Guaruba guarouba or Aratinga guarouba) based on new population estimates and Fnew information relating to actors A, B, and D. Thus, for the golden conure, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List the Long-Tailed Chinchilla as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2015-0020 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera); Chile Petition History On October 14, 2014, we received a petition dated October 7, 2014, from Friends of Animals, requesting that the long-tailed chinchilla be listed as a endangered or threatened species under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). In a November 17, 2014, letter to the petitioner, we responded that we reviewed the information presented in the petition and did not find that the species warranted emergency listing. This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the long-tailed chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) based on Factors A, B, D, and E. Thus, for the long-tailed chinchilla, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List Mojave Shoulderband Snail as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0021 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Mohave shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta (coyote) greggi); California Petition History On January 31, 2014, we received a petition dated January 31, 2014, from the Center for Biological Diversity, requesting that Mohave shoulderband snail be listed as a endangered or threatened species under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). In an April 4, 2014, letter to the petitioner, we responded that we reviewed the information presented in the petition and did not find that the species warranted emergency listing. This finding addresses the petition. [[Page 19262]] Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the Mohave shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta (coyote) greggi)) based on Factors A, C, and E. Thus, for the Mojave shoulderband snail, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To Reclassify the Northern Spotted Owl as an Endangered Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2014-0061 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina); California, Oregon, and Washington, U.S.A.; British Columbia, Canada. Petition History On August 21, 2012, we received a petition dated August 15, 2012, from Environmental Protection Information Center, requesting that the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) be listed as an endangered species under the Act. We published a final rule to list the northern spotted owl as a threatened species under the Act on June 26, 1990 (55 FR 28114); the effective date of that rule was July 23, 1990. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, as required by 50 CFR 424.14(a). In a September 27, 2012, letter to the petitioner, we responded that we reviewed the information presented in the petition and did not find that the species warranted emergency uplisting. We also issued a letter to the petitioner on April 17, 2014, informing them of our anticipated timeline for publication of the 90-day and 12- month findings. This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial information that the petitioned action may be warranted for the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) based on Factors A, C, D, and E. Thus, for the northern spotted owl, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List the Relict Dace as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0022 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Relict dace (Relictus solitarius); Nevada Petition History On June 27, 2014, we received a petition dated June 27, 2014, from Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, requesting that relict dace be listed as an endangered species under the Act on an emergency basis. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). In an August 25, 2014, letter to the petitioner, we responded that we reviewed the information presented in the petition and did not find that the species warranted emergency listing. This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the relict dace (Relictus solitarius) based on Factors A, D, and E. Thus, for the relict dace, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List the San Joaquin Valley Giant Flower- Loving Fly as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0023 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas trochilus); California. Petition History On June 26, 2014, we received a petition dated June 26, 2014, from Gregory R. Ballmer and Kendall H. Osborne, requesting that San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly be listed as an endangered species under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). In a September 12, 2014, letter to the petitioner, we responded that we reviewed the information presented in the petition and did not find that the species warranted emergency listing. This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas trochilus) based on Factors A and E. Thus, for the San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List the Western Pond Turtle as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2015-0024 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range Western pond turtle or Pacific pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata; formerly Clemmys marmorata); California and Washington Petition History On July 11, 2012, we were petitioned by the Center for Biological Diversity to list 53 amphibian and reptile species across the United States. The western pond turtle was one of the species petitioned for listing. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents [[Page 19263]] substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for the western pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) based on Factor A. Thus, for the western pond turtle, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factor identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Evaluation of a Petition To List Yellow-cedar as an Endangered or Threatened Species Under the Act Additional information regarding our review of this petition can be found as an appendix at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R7-ES-2015-0025 under the Supporting Documents section. Species and Range YellowYellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis); Alaska, California, Oregon, Washington, U.S.A.; Canada Petition History On June 24, 2014, we received a petition dated June 24, 2014, from Center for Biological Diversity, The Boat Company, Greater Southeast Alaska Conservation Community, and Greenpeace, requesting that yellow- cedar be listed as a endangered or threatenedspecies under the Act. The petition clearly identified itself as such and included the requisite identification information for the petitioner, required at 50 CFR 424.14(a). This finding addresses the petition. Finding Based on our review of the petition and sources cited in the petition, we find that the petition presents substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted for yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) based on Factors A, B, and E. Thus, for yellow-cedar, the Service requests information on the five listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, including the factors identified in this finding (see Request for Information, above). Conclusion On the basis of our evaluation of the information presented under section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act, we have determined that the petitions summarized above for Clear Lake hitch, Egyptian tortoise, golden conure, long-tailed chinchilla, Mojave shoulderband snail, northern spotted owl, relict dace, San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving fly, western pond turtle, and yellow-cedar present substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that the requested actions may be warranted. Because we have found that the petitions present substantial information indicating that the petitioned actions may be warranted, we are initiating status reviews to determine whether these actions under the Act are warranted. At the conclusion of the status reviews, we will issue a 12-month finding in accordance with section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act, as to whether or not the Service believes listing, reclassification, or delisting, as appropriate, is warranted. It is important to note that the ``substantial information'' standard for a 90-day finding as to whether the petitioned action may be warranted differs from the Act's ``best scientific and commercial data'' standard that applies to the Service's determination in a 12- month finding as to whether a petitioned action is in fact warranted. A 90-day finding is not based on a status review. In a 12-month finding, we will determine whether a petitioned action is warranted after we have completed a thorough status review of the species, which is conducted following a substantial 90-day finding. Because the Act's standards for 90-day and 12-month findings are different, as described above, a substantial 90-day finding does not mean that the 12-month finding will result in a warranted finding. 5-Year Review The status reviews of golden conure and northern spotted owl will also serve as the 5-year reviews for thesetheses species. Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing those species under active review. For additional information about 5- year reviews, go to http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/recovery-overview.html, scroll down to ``Learn More about 5-Year Reviews,'' and click on our factsheet. References Cited A complete list of references cited is available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the appropriate lead field offices (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). Authors The primary authors of this document are the staff members of the Branch of Foreign Species, Ecological Services Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Authority The authority for these actions is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: March 30, 2015. Robert Dreher, Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2015-07837 Filed 4-9-15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules 19259
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR button. You may submit information by Species Contact information
clicking on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ If your
Fish and Wildlife Service information will fit in the provided San Joaquin Jennifer Norris, telephone
comment box, please use this feature of Valley giant (916) 414–6600.
50 CFR Part 17 http://www.regulations.gov, as it is most flower-loving
compatible with our information review fly.
[Docket Nos. FWS–R8–ES–2015–0017, Western pond Jennifer Norris, telephone
FWS–HQ–ES–2015–0018, FWS–HQ–ES– procedures. If you attach your turtle. (916) 414–6600.
2015–0019, FWS–HQ–ES–2015–0020, FWS– information as a separate document, our Yellow-cedar ... Steve Brockmann, tele-
R8–ES–2015–0021, FWS–R1–ES–2014– preferred file format is Microsoft Word. phone (907) 780–1181.
0061, FWS–R8–ES–2015–0022, FWS–R8– If you attach multiple comments (such
ES–2015–0023, FWS–R8–ES–2015–0024, as form letters), our preferred format is If you use a telecommunications
FWS–R7–ES–2015–0025;4500030115] a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. device for the deaf (TDD), please call the
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail Federal Information Relay Service
and Plants; 90-Day Findings on 10 or hand-delivery to: Public Comments (FIRS) at 800–877–8339.
Petitions Processing, Attn: [Insert appropriate SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
docket number; see table below]; U.S.
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Request for Information
Fish and Wildlife Service, MS: BPHC,
Interior. 5275 Leesburg Pike; Falls Church, VA When we make a finding that a
ACTION: Notice of petition findings and 22041–3803. petition presents substantial
initiation of status reviews. We request that you send information information indicating that listing,
only by the methods described above. reclassification, or delisting a species
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and may be warranted, we are required to
Wildlife Service (Service), announce 90- We will post all information received on
http://www.regulations.gov. This promptly review the status of the
day findings on various petitions to list species (status review). For the status
eight species, reclassify one species, and generally means that we will post any
personal information you provide us review to be complete and based on the
delist one species under the Endangered best available scientific and commercial
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). (see the Request for Information section,
below, for more details). information, we request information on
Based on our review, we find that these these species from governmental
10 petitions present substantial agencies, Native American Tribes, the
scientific or commercial information Species Docket No.
scientific community, industry, and any
indicating that the petitioned actions Clear Lake hitch ........ FWS–R8–ES–2015– other interested parties. We seek
may be warranted. Therefore, with the 0017 information on:
publication of this document, we are Egyptian tortoise ....... FWS–HQ–ES–2015– (1) The species’ biology, range, and
initiating a review of the status of each 0018 population trends, including:
of these species to determine if the Golden conure .......... FWS–HQ–ES–2015– (a) Habitat requirements;
petitioned actions are warranted. The 0019
(b) Genetics and taxonomy;
status reviews for two species, the Long-tailed chinchilla FWS–HQ–ES–2015–
0020
(c) Historical and current range,
golden conure (which appears in the including distribution patterns;
List of Endangered and Threatened Mojave shoulderband FWS–R8–ES–2015–
snail. 0021 (d) Historical and current population
Wildlife as the golden parakeet) and the Northern spotted owl FWS–R1–ES–2014– levels, and current and projected trends;
northern spotted owl, will also serve as 0061 and
5-year reviews for those species. To Relict dace ................ FWS–R8–ES–2015– (e) Past and ongoing conservation
ensure that these status reviews are 0022 measures for the species, its habitat, or
comprehensive, we are requesting San Joaquin Valley FWS–R8–ES–2015– both.
scientific and commercial data and giant flower-loving 0023 (2) The factors that are the basis for
other information regarding these fly.
making a listing, reclassification, or
species. Based on the status reviews, we Western pond turtle .. FWS–R8–ES–2015–
0024 delisting determination for a species
will issue 12-month findings on the under section 4(a)(1) of the Act (16
Yellow-cedar ............. FWS–R7–ES–2015–
petitions, which will address whether U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), which are:
0025
the petitioned action is warranted, as (a) The present or threatened
provided in section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. destruction, modification, or
DATES: To allow us adequate time to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: curtailment of its habitat or range
conduct the status reviews, we request (Factor A);
that we receive information on or before Species Contact information
(b) Overutilization for commercial,
June 9, 2015. Information submitted Clear Lake Jennifer Norris, telephone recreational, scientific, or educational
electronically using the Federal hitch. (916)-414–6600. purposes (Factor B);
eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, Egyptian tor- Janine Van Norman, tele- (c) Disease or predation (Factor C);
below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. toise. phone (703) 358–2171. (d) The inadequacy of existing
Eastern Time on the closing date. Golden conure Janine Van Norman, tele- regulatory mechanisms (Factor D); or
ADDRESSES: You may submit phone (703) 358–2171. (e) Other natural or manmade factors
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
information on species for which a Long-tailed Janine Van Norman, tele- affecting its continued existence (Factor
chinchilla. phone (703) 358–2171. E).
status review is being initiated by one
Mojave Mendel Stewart, telephone
of the following methods: (3) The potential effects of climate
shoulderband (760) 431–9440.
(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal snail. change on the species and its habitat.
eRulemaking Portal: http:// Northern spot- Paul Henson, telephone (4) For the northern spotted owl, we
www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, ted owl. (503) 231–6179. specifically request information on:
enter the appropriate docket number Relict dace ...... Edward D. Koch, telephone (a) Evidence that any of the factors
(see table below). Then click the Search (775) 861–6300. identified under Factor A are having
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![Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 69 / Friday, April 10, 2015 / Proposed Rules 19263
substantial scientific or commercial cedar present substantial scientific or Authority
information indicating that the commercial information indicating that The authority for these actions is the
petitioned action may be warranted for the requested actions may be warranted. Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
the western pond turtle (Actinemys Because we have found that the amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
marmorata) based on Factor A. petitions present substantial
Thus, for the western pond turtle, the information indicating that the Dated: March 30, 2015.
Service requests information on the five petitioned actions may be warranted, we Robert Dreher,
listing factors under section 4(a)(1) of are initiating status reviews to Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
the Act, including the factor identified determine whether these actions under Service.
in this finding (see Request for the Act are warranted. At the conclusion [FR Doc. 2015–07837 Filed 4–9–15; 8:45 am]
Information, above). of the status reviews, we will issue a 12- BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
month finding in accordance with
Evaluation of a Petition To List Yellow- section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act, as to
cedar as an Endangered or Threatened whether or not the Service believes DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Species Under the Act listing, reclassification, or delisting, as
Additional information regarding our Fish and Wildlife Service
appropriate, is warranted.
review of this petition can be found as It is important to note that the
an appendix at http:// ‘‘substantial information’’ standard for a 50 CFR Part 17
www.regulations.gov under Docket No. 90-day finding as to whether the [Docket No. FWS–R6–ES–2015–0013;
FWS–R7–ES–2015–0025 under the petitioned action may be warranted FXES11130900000C6–145–FF09E42000]
Supporting Documents section. differs from the Act’s ‘‘best scientific RIN 1018–BA42
and commercial data’’ standard that
Species and Range
applies to the Service’s determination in Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
YellowYellow-cedar (Callitropsis a 12-month finding as to whether a and Plants; Establishment of a
nootkatensis); Alaska, California, petitioned action is in fact warranted. A Nonessential Experimental Population
Oregon, Washington, U.S.A.; Canada 90-day finding is not based on a status of Black-Footed Ferrets in Wyoming
Petition History review. In a 12-month finding, we will
determine whether a petitioned action is AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
On June 24, 2014, we received a warranted after we have completed a Interior.
petition dated June 24, 2014, from thorough status review of the species, ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of
Center for Biological Diversity, The Boat which is conducted following a availability.
Company, Greater Southeast Alaska substantial 90-day finding. Because the
Conservation Community, and SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Act’s standards for 90-day and 12- Wildlife Service (Service), in
Greenpeace, requesting that yellow- month findings are different, as
cedar be listed as a endangered or coordination with the State of Wyoming
described above, a substantial 90-day and other partners, propose to
threatenedspecies under the Act. The finding does not mean that the 12-
petition clearly identified itself as such reestablish additional populations of the
month finding will result in a warranted black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes), a
and included the requisite identification finding.
information for the petitioner, required federally listed endangered mammal,
at 50 CFR 424.14(a). This finding 5-Year Review into occupied prairie dog (Cynomys
addresses the petition. The status reviews of golden conure spp.) habitat in Wyoming. We propose
and northern spotted owl will also serve to reestablish the black-footed ferret
Finding under section 10(j) of the Endangered
as the 5-year reviews for thesetheses
Based on our review of the petition species. Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act),
and sources cited in the petition, we requires that we conduct a review of and to classify any reestablished
find that the petition presents listed species at least once every 5 years. population as a nonessential
substantial scientific or commercial Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 experimental population (NEP). This
information indicating that the require that we publish a notice in the approach would provide relaxed
petitioned action may be warranted for Federal Register announcing those management rules to facilitate
yellow-cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) species under active review. For reintroductions. We are seeking
based on Factors A, B, and E. additional information about 5-year comments on this proposal and on our
Thus, for yellow-cedar, the Service reviews, go to http://www.fws.gov/ draft environmental assessment,
requests information on the five listing endangered/what-we-do/recovery- prepared pursuant to the National
factors under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, overview.html, scroll down to ‘‘Learn Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as
including the factors identified in this More about 5-Year Reviews,’’ and click amended (NEPA), which analyzes the
finding (see Request for Information, on our factsheet. potential environmental impacts
above). associated with the proposed
References Cited reintroduction.
Conclusion We are also notifying the public that
A complete list of references cited is
On the basis of our evaluation of the available on the Internet at http:// we are amending the List of Endangered
information presented under section www.regulations.gov and upon request and Threatened Wildlife (List) to reflect
rljohnson on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
4(b)(3)(A) of the Act, we have from the appropriate lead field offices the scientifically accepted historical
determined that the petitions (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). range of the black-footed ferret. The
summarized above for Clear Lake hitch, revised historical range description
Egyptian tortoise, golden conure, long- Authors includes Mexico. The historical range
tailed chinchilla, Mojave shoulderband The primary authors of this document information in the List is informational,
snail, northern spotted owl, relict dace, are the staff members of the Branch of not regulatory.
San Joaquin Valley giant flower-loving Foreign Species, Ecological Services DATES: We will accept comments
fly, western pond turtle, and yellow- Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. received or postmarked on or before
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Document Created: 2018-02-21 10:08:13
Document Modified: 2018-02-21 10:08:13
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Notice of petition findings and initiation of status reviews. | |
| Dates | To allow us adequate time to conduct the status reviews, we request that we receive information on or before June 9, 2015. Information submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking | |
| Contact | Species Contact information | |
| FR Citation | 80 FR 19259 |
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