Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying Echinocereus fendleri

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reclassify Echinocereus fendleri var. kuenzleri (Kuenzler hedgehog cactus) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). After review of the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that reclassifying E. fendleri var. kuenzleri as threatened is warranted. This document also serves as our 12-month finding on a petition to reclassify E. fendleri var. kuenzleri as threatened. We request information and comments from the public regarding this proposed rule and our 12-month finding.