Endangered and threatened species: San Xavier talussnail,

[Federal Register: May 22, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 99)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 28343]

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

[DOCID:fr22my98-30]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC13

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of Comment Period on Proposed Endangered Status for the San Xavier Talussnail

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of reopening of public comment period.

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides notice that the public comment period for the proposal to list the San Xavier talussnail (Sonorella eremita) is reopened. This land snail is known to occur at a single site near Tucson, Arizona, in an area of limestone talus about 50 by 100 feet in size.

DATES: The comment period originally closed on May 24, 1994. This notice reopens the public comment period, which now closes on July 21, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and materials should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 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, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, at the above address or telephone (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. A final determination of whether to list the San Xavier talussnail has not yet been made.

Following a recent examination of property boundaries, the Service discovered that the owner of the habitat occupied by the San Xavier talussnail is not the entity previously believed to be the owner. In consideration of the new information concerning ownership of the species' habitat and the length of time that has elapsed since the initial proposal, the Service has determined that reopening the comment period is necessary. The Service is seeking comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested party concerning this proposed rule. The Service is seeking any new information that may have been developed since the proposal was published, and that may expand the current knowledge concerning the status, distribution, or threats surrounding the San Xavier talussnail.

Author: The primary author of this document is Jennifer Fowler- Probst, 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: May 13, 1998. Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 98-13795Filed5-21-98; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P