[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 98 (Friday, May 19, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 31870-31871]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-12608]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AE30


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of 
Comment Period on Proposed Endangered Status for the Southern 
California Distinct Vertebrate Population Segment of the Mountain 
Yellow-Legged Frog

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

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

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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), reopen the 
comment period on the proposed rule to list the southern California 
distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) of the mountain yellow-
legged frog (Rana muscosa) as an endangered species, pursuant to the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The comment period is 
reopened in response to a request from the California Department of 
Fish and Game for additional time to obtain biological information 
regarding the mountain yellow-legged frog and formulate comments on the 
proposed rule. In addition, reopening of the comment period will allow 
further opportunity for all interested parties to submit comments on 
the proposal, which is available (see ADDRESSES section). We are 
seeking comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned 
governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other 
interested parties concerning the proposed rule. Comments already 
submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they will be 
fully considered in the final determination.

DATES: The reopened comment period closes June 19, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be 
sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad 
Fish and Wildlife Office, 2730 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, California, 
92008. Comments and materials received will be available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen Knowles, Carlsbad Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section) at (760) 431-9440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On December 22, 1999, the Service published a rule proposing 
endangered status for the southern California DPS of the mountain 
yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) in the Federal Register (64 FR 
71714). The original comment period closed on February 22, 2000. On 
March 20, 2000, the Service published a notice reopening the comment 
period for 30 days (65 FR 14936). This reopened comment period closed 
on April 19, 2000. The comment period now closes on June 19, 2000. 
Written comments should be submitted to the Service (see ADDRESSES 
section).
    The mountain yellow-legged frog is a true frog in the family 
Ranidae. The southern California mountain yellow-legged frog can still 
be found in small streams in the San Gabriel mountains, San Bernardino 
mountains, and the San Jacinto mountains. In addition to predation from 
trout and other widespread factors, the few remaining frogs are 
threatened by recreation (i.e. suction dredging, campgrounds, day use 
areas), the introduction of non-native competitors and predators, and 
demographics associated with small populations. Comments from the 
public regarding the accuracy of this proposed rule are sought, 
especially regarding:
    (1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning 
any threat (or lack thereof) to this species;
    (2) The location and status of any additional occurrences of this 
species and the reasons why any habitat should or should not be 
determined to be critical habitat pursuant to section 4 of the Act;

[[Page 31871]]

    (3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and 
population size of this species;
    (4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their 
possible impacts on the mountain yellow-legged frog or its habitat.
    Author: The primary author of this notice is Glen Knowles (see 
ADDRESSES section).

    Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: May 15, 2000.
Elizabeth H. Stevens,
Acting Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office.
[FR Doc. 00-12608 Filed 5-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-U