80 FR 51297 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plans for the Pallid Manzanita and the Baker's Larkspur

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 163 (August 24, 2015)

Page Range		51297-51298
FR Document		2015-20846

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of final recovery plans for two plants, the pallid manzanita and the Baker's larkspur. The recovery plan for pallid manzanita includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The recovery plan for Baker's larkspur includes downlisting objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to reclassify the species from endangered to threatened on the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 163 (Monday, August 24, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 163 (Monday, August 24, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51297-51298]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-20846]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2015-N138; FXES11130000-156-FF08E00000]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plans for 
the Pallid Manzanita and the Baker's Larkspur

AGENCY:  Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of availability of documents.

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SUMMARY:  We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the 
availability of final recovery plans for two plants, the pallid 
manzanita and the Baker's larkspur. The recovery plan for pallid 
manzanita includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific 
actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The recovery 
plan for Baker's larkspur includes downlisting objectives and criteria, 
and specific actions necessary to reclassify the species from 
endangered to threatened on the Federal Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

ADDRESSES:  You may obtain copies of the recovery plans from our Web 
site at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/recovery-plans.html. 
Alternatively, you may contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-2605, 
Sacramento, CA 95825 (telephone 916-414-6700).

[[Page 51298]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor, at 
the above street address or telephone number (see ADDRESSES).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Recovery of endangered or threatened animals and plants to the 
point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their 
ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program and the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to 
the point at which listing is no longer appropriate under the criteria 
specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The Act requires the 
development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan 
would not promote the conservation of a particular species.
    The purpose of a recovery plan is to provide a framework for the 
recovery of species so that protection under the Act is no longer 
necessary. A recovery plan includes scientific information about the 
species and provides criteria that enable us to gauge whether 
downlisting or delisting the species may be warranted. Furthermore, 
recovery plans help guide our recovery efforts by describing actions we 
consider necessary for each species' conservation and by estimating 
time and costs for implementing needed recovery measures.
    Section 4(f) of the Act requires us to provide an opportunity for 
public review and comment prior to finalization of recovery plans, 
including revisions to such plans. We made the draft recovery plan for 
pallid manzanita available for public comment from March 3, 2014, 
through June 2, 2014 (79 FR 11816). We made the draft recovery plan for 
Baker's larkspur available for public comment from January 13, 2015, 
through March 16, 2015 (80 FR 1659). We did not receive comments during 
the public comment periods for either of the draft recovery plans.

Recovery Plan for Pallid Manzanita (Arctostaphylos pallida)

Species' History

    We listed pallid manzanita throughout its entire range on April 22, 
1998 (63 FR 19842). The species is endemic to the San Francisco East 
Bay, and currently consists of two naturally occurring populations and 
an out-planted population, totaling 1,353 mature plants. Pallid 
manzanita requires frequent summertime fog, and, as a component of the 
maritime chaparral vegetation type, it occurs on relatively cool, 
moist, and stable sites in close proximity to the San Francisco Bay. It 
is highly shade intolerant and adapted to a particular fire regime. The 
species requires fire for natural seed germination; however, too 
frequent a fire regime, one that depletes the soil seed bank before 
enough seeds have become deeply buried enough in the soil to withstand 
fire, represents a significant threat to the species. Approximately 
one-third of all plants occur within the backyards of homeowners, and 
almost all individuals occur in close proximity to human-built 
structures. These plants represent an extreme wildfire hazard to human-
built structures, and have been targeted for removal to reduce the 
threat of wildfire. Finally, an incurable and virulent nonnative 
pathogen, Phytophthora cinnamomi, has been identified as killing pallid 
manzanita plants at two locations.

Recovery Plan Goals

    The ultimate goal of this recovery plan is to recover pallid 
manzanita so that it can be delisted. To meet the recovery goal, the 
following objectives have been identified:
    1. Minimize the spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
    2. Treat stands infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi.
    3. Manage native and nonnative vegetation that shades pallid 
manzanita.
    4. Expand existing stands.
    5. Establish additional stands.
    6. Ensure stands are protected from incompatible uses and 
incompatible wildfire fuels-reduction activities.
    As pallid manzanita meets reclassification and recovery criteria, 
we will review its status and consider it for removal from the Federal 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Recovery Plan for Baker's Larkspur (Delphinium bakeri)

Species' History

    We listed Baker's larkspur throughout its entire range on January 
26, 2000 (65 FR 4156). The species is endemic to Marin and Sonoma 
Counties, California, and is currently known from one small historical 
occurrence along Marshall-Petaluma Road in west Marin County. The 
remaining historical occurrence of Baker's larkspur occurs on 
decomposed shale in the mixed woodland plant community at an elevation 
range of 295 feet (ft) (90 meter (m)) to 672 ft (205 m) in moderately 
moist, shaded conditions on a shallow veneer of soil along an extensive 
north-facing slope. These habitat requirements limit the availability 
of suitable reintroduction sites with appropriate habitat conditions 
and compatible land use. Although habitat conversion and road 
maintenance were historically responsible for decreasing numbers, those 
threats have been curtailed. Because of the extreme range restriction 
of this already-narrow endemic, and its small population size, the 
plant is highly vulnerable to extinction from random events, including 
wildfire, herbivory, disease and pest outbreaks, and human disturbance.

Recovery Plan Goals

    The goal of this recovery plan is to improve the status of Baker's 
larkspur so that it can be downlisted. Due to the current lack of 
information about the species' biology and habitat requirements, the 
magnitude of current threats, and the precarious environment where the 
single historical population of the species persists, we are unable to 
determine appropriate delisting criteria; therefore, we focus on 
meeting the goal of downlisting. To meet the recovery goal of 
downlisting, the following objectives have been identified:
    1. Expand the existing populations of Baker's larkspur and 
establish additional self-sustaining populations of Baker's larkspur 
throughout its known ecological and geographical range, while 
preserving extant genetic diversity.
    2. Ensure existing and future populations are protected from 
incompatible uses, such as road maintenance.
    3. Reduce herbivory by slugs, snails, and gophers to the point that 
it does not affect the species at a population level.
    As Baker's larkspur meets reclassification criteria, we will review 
its status and consider it for downlisting on the Federal Lists of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Authority

    We developed our recovery plan under the authority of section 4(f) 
of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this notice under section 
4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.).

Polly Wheeler,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2015-20846 Filed 8-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 163 / Monday, August 24, 2015 / Notices 51297

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND (PHAs) to apply for RAD conversions has granted, alternative requirements to
URBAN DEVELOPMENT affecting a group of projects. This type the regulations above to permit a
of award is meant to enable PHAs to minimum rent amount of $0 and to
[Docket No. FR–5851–N–02]
create a comprehensive revitalization allow the owners of units with
Rental Assistance Demonstration plan for multiple buildings they converted assistance the ability to
(RAD)—Alternative Requirements or oversee. HABC has submitted an require each family to pay a security
Waivers: Waiving the Minimum Rent application for a portfolio award under deposit equal to the lesser of either one
and Security Deposit Requirements for RAD, and seeks to convert assistance month’s rent or $50. HUD has
the Housing Authority of Baltimore from public housing to Section 8 determined that the requested waivers
City’s Specified RAD Projects Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA). and alternative requirements are
While HUD has published a second necessary for the effective conversion of
AGENCY: Office of the Assistant revision of the RAD Notice (PIH Notice assistance under RAD of the properties
Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing 2012–32 Rev–2), HABC has applied for contemplated under the HABC portfolio
Commissioner, HUD. a portfolio award under the terms and award.
ACTION: Notice. conditions of RAD Notice Rev–1. Dated: August 13, 2015.
The RAD statute (Pub. L. 112–55,
SUMMARY: The Rental Assistance Edward L. Golding,
approved November 18, 2011, as
Demonstration (RAD) statute gives HUD amended) 1 gives HUD authority to Principal Deputy Assistant, Secretary for
authority to establish waivers and Housing.
waive or specify alternative
alternative requirements. This notice requirements for various provisions of Approved on August 14, 2015.
advises that HUD is waiving, for the the law upon a finding that such Nani A. Coloretti,
Housing Authority of Baltimore City waivers or alternative requirements are Deputy Secretary.
(HABC), minimum rent and security necessary for the effective conversion of [FR Doc. 2015–20826 Filed 8–21–15; 8:45 am]
deposit requirements governing project- assistance under RAD. In order to utilize BILLING CODE P
based assistance with respect to an this authority, the RAD statute requires
identified portfolio that includes HUD to publish by notice in the Federal
projects converting assistance under Register any waiver or alternative DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
RAD. These waivers are necessary to requirement, no later than 10 days
ensure that HABC can successfully before the effective date of such notice. Fish and Wildlife Service
operate these properties in accordance This notice meets this publication
[FWS–R8–ES–2015–N138; FXES11130000–
with the terms and conditions required requirement. 156–FF08E00000]
under a consent decree from a fair HABC is subject to certain restrictions
housing case. Without these waivers, on their programs pursuant to Bailey v. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
HABC would not be able to effectively Housing Authority of Baltimore City and and Plants; Recovery Plans for the
operate the converted properties, as they subsequent extensions, amendments, Pallid Manzanita and the Baker’s
have been operated under the consent and other agreements with the plaintiffs Larkspur
decree, after their conversion under the of such case and the Department of
RAD program. Justice (collectively referred to herein as AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service,
the ‘‘Bailey Consent Decree’’). In order Interior.
DATES: Effective Date: September 3,
for the covered project to comply with ACTION: Notice of availability of
2015.
the Bailey Consent Decree requirements, documents.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: residents of the projects for which
Thomas R. Davis, Director, Office of HABC intends to convert assistance SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Recapitalization, Office of Housing, under RAD must retain the rights, Wildlife Service, announce the
Department of Housing and Urban privileges, and benefits that are availability of final recovery plans for
Development, 451 7th Street SW., provided to public housing residents. two plants, the pallid manzanita and the
Washington, DC 20410–7000; telephone The PBRA regulations relating to Baker’s larkspur. The recovery plan for
number 202–708–0001 (this is not a toll- minimum rent and security deposit pallid manzanita includes recovery
free number). Hearing- and speech- payments differ from public housing objectives and criteria, and specific
impaired persons may access these requirements. 24 CFR 5.630(a)(3) actions necessary to achieve removal of
numbers through TTY by calling the establishes a minimum rent requirement the species from the Federal Lists of
Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8339 of $25 for the PBRA program. 24 CFR Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
(this is a toll-free number). 880.608(a) mandates that the owner of and Plants. The recovery plan for
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: the converted unit require each family Baker’s larkspur includes downlisting
to pay a security deposit in an amount objectives and criteria, and specific
Background and Action actions necessary to reclassify the
‘‘equal to one month’s Total Tenant
On July 2, 2013, HUD issued PIH Payment or $50, whichever is greater.’’ species from endangered to threatened
Notice 2012–32 Rev–1 (as corrected by Therefore, in order to continue its on the Federal Lists of Endangered and
the technical correction issued February compliance with the Bailey Consent Threatened Wildlife and Plants.
6, 2014) (‘‘RAD Notice Rev–1’’), which Decree, HABC has requested, and HUD ADDRESSES: You may obtain copies of
superseded PIH Notice 2012–32. RAD the recovery plans from our Web site at
Notice Rev–1 is found at the following 1 The RAD statutory requirements were amended
http://www.fws.gov/endangered/
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

URL: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/ by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Pub. species/recovery-plans.html.
L. 113–76, signed January 17, 2014) (2014
documents/huddoc?id=pih2012- Appropriations Act) and the Consolidated and Alternatively, you may contact the
32rev1.pdf. RAD Notice Rev–1, at Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015 (Pub. Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office,
section 1.9, paragraph F, entitled L. 113–235, signed December 16, 2014) (2015 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800
Appropriations Act). The statutory provisions of the
‘‘Portfolio Awards,’’ also sets forth a 2012 Appropriations Act pertaining to RAD, as
Cottage Way, Suite W–2605,
new option of a ‘‘portfolio award,’’ amended, are referred to as the RAD Statute in this Sacramento, CA 95825 (telephone 916–
which allows public housing agencies notice. 414–6700).

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Document Created: 2015-12-15 10:54:50
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 10:54:50

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		Notices
Action		Notice of availability of documents.
Contact		Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor, at
FR Citation		80 FR 51297

80 FR 51297 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Recovery Plans for the Pallid Manzanita and the Baker's Larkspur

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORFish and Wildlife Service

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 163 (August 24, 2015)

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service