[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 152 (Thursday, August 7, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 42473]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-20783]



[[Page 42473]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17


Reopening of the Comment Period for the Draft Recovery Plan for 
the Aquatic and Riparian Species of Pahranagat Valley

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the 
reopening of the comment period for public review of a draft recovery 
plan for the aquatic and riparian species of Pahranagat Valley. This 
plan undertakes an ecosystem approach by discussing the recovery needs 
of three native, endangered fish species. The Service solicits any 
additional review and comment from the public on this draft plan.

DATES: Additional comments on the draft recovery received by November 
5, 1997 will be considered by the Service.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the draft recovery plan may obtain 
a copy by contacting the Acting State Supervisor, Nevada State Office, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4600 Kietzke Lane, Suite 125C, Reno, 
Nevada 89502 (telephone: 702-784-5227), or the Assistant Regional 
Director, Klamath and California Ecoregions, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Eastside Federal Complex, 911 NE 11th Avenue, Portland, Oregon 
97232-4181 (telephone: 503-231-6241). Written comments and materials 
regarding the plan should be addressed to Mr. Chester C. Buchanan, 
Acting State Supervisor, at the above Reno, Nevada address. Comments 
and materials received are available on request for public inspection, 
by appointment, during normal business hours at the above Reno, Nevada 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Stephanie Byers at the above Reno, 
Nevada address (telephone: 702-784-5227).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Restoring 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 the Service's endangered species 
program. To help guide the recovery effort, the Service is working to 
prepare recovery plans for most of the listed species native to the 
United States. Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for 
the conservation of the species, establish criteria for 
reclassification or delisting, and estimate time and cost for 
implementing the recovery measures needed.
    The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) requires the development of recovery plans for listed 
species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a 
particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988, 
requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and 
comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will 
consider all information presented during a public comment period prior 
to approval of each new or revised recovery plan. The Service and other 
Federal agencies will also take these comments into account in the 
course of implementing participation plans developed with all affected 
parties and interests.
    On May 28, 1997, the Service received a letter from the County 
Commissioners of Lincoln County, Nevada, requesting the extended 
comment period. The Service appreciates the assistance of the 
Commissioners and therefore reopens the comment period on this plan. 
After completing the plan, the Service will continue to work with the 
Commissioners and other local parties in the implementation of the 
recovery plan.
    Three native, endangered fish species are endemic to the Pahranagat 
Valley in Lincoln County, Nevada. The Pahranagat roundtail chub is 
found in only 12 km of the Pahranagat River. The White River springfish 
is found only in the spring pool of Ash Spring. The Hiko White River 
springfish is found in the spring pools of Hiko and Crystal Springs. 
Populations of Pahranagat roundtail chub vary between 150 to 250 adult 
fish. The White River springfish population is stable with 
approximately 7,000 fish. The Hiko White River springfish population is 
critically low (<35) in Crystal Spring and more common (approximately 
5,500 fish) in Hiko Spring. The principle causes of decline for these 
species are habitat modification and nonnative fish introductions. 
Critical habitat has been designated for the two subspecies of 
springfish. Ninety-five percent of the habitats occupied by these 
species are on private lands. Recovery of these species will require 
removal and/or control of nonnative fishes, and restoration and 
protection of occupied habitats developed in cooperation with local 
landowners.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service solicits any and all additional written comments on the 
recovery plan described. All comments received by the date specified 
will be considered prior to approval of the plan.

Authority

    The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Act, 16 
U.S.C. 1533(f).

    Dated: July 30, 1997.
David L. McMullen,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 97-20783 Filed 8-6-97; 8:45 am]
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