Endangered and threatened species: San Xavier talussnail,

[Federal Register: June 23, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 120)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 34142]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr23jn98-16]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC13

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of draft San Xavier talussnail conservation agreement.

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides notice that a draft conservation agreement for the San Xavier talussnail (Snorella eremita) is available for review and comment. Comments will be accepted during the current public comment period on the proposal to list species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, which closes July 21, 1998. This Conservation Agreement will provide guidance for the conservation and management of the species and its habitat.

DATES: All comments on the draft Conservation Agreement and information on the proposal to list the San Xavier talussnail will be accepted through July 21, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and materials should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 2321 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona 85021. Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection during normal business hours, by appointment, at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Debra Bills, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, or Jerry Brabander, Acting Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, at the above address (602) 640-2720.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

The San Xavier talussnail was first proposed as endangered on March 23, 1994 (59 FR 13691). At that time, a 60-day public comment period was opened until May 23, 1994, and all interested parties were requested to submit factual reports or information that might contribute to the development of a final rule. Public hearing requests were invited through May 9, 1994.

Considering the length of time that has elapsed since that initial proposal and a recent re-examination of property boundaries to clarify ownership of the talussnail habitat, the Service reopened the public comment period on May 22, 1998 (63 FR 28343). With the availability of the draft Conservation Agreement, the Service is seeking comments or suggestions from the public, concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties concerning the proposed rule and the draft Conservation Agreement.

The draft Conservation Agreement calls for restricting activities that would alter sediment runoff, vegetation, or moisture conditions. The draft Conservation Agreement was prepared by representatives from Federal and State agencies and is intended to be used as the basis for guiding the long-term protection of the species and its habitat.

Author

The primary author of this document is Debra Bills, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES section).

Authority

The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1532 et seq.).

Dated: June 17, 1998. Geoffrey L. Haskett, Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2.

[FR Doc. 98-16678Filed6-22-98; 8:45 am]

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