Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a Petition To Delist the Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum) and Initiation of 5-Year Status Review, 70479-70483 [E6-20317]
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 5, 2006 / Proposed Rules
part of the vehicle; these items are not
necessarily located in the rear cargo
area. A ‘‘seat performance failure’’
includes seat hardware failure, seat
deformed by intrusion or occupant
impact or other failure mechanism. We
identified one case where an AIS 3+
injury was reported from contact with
‘‘interior loose objects’’ and there was a
‘‘seat performance failure.’’ We then
manually reviewed the individual case
file 5 for accuracy in the reporting and
relevancy to the frontal crash test
procedure proposed. After a careful
review of the relevant case file, it was
concluded that this was not an incident
where loose cargo from the luggage area
of the vehicle compromised the seat
performance, intruded into the
passenger compartment, and caused a
direct injury to the occupants in a
frontal crash. This is not to say that
there are not anecdotal cases that occur
in the real world. However, our query of
five years of NASS data yielded no cases
matching the above criteria.
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C. Analysis of Petition
Analysis of the available real world
data does not indicate that the
incidences and severity of motor vehicle
occupants injured from unrestrained
cargo as a direct result of a seat
performance failure in motor vehicle
crashes is a safety problem that would
warrant an amendment to the Federal
standard at this time. While there may
be anecdotal cases of displaced cargo
intruding into the passenger
compartment and injuring occupants,
the agency has not been able to quantify
the safety problem beyond a review of
the NASS data. More research would be
needed to substantiate a correlation
between cargo intrusion and occupant
safety resulting from seat deformation or
failure. The petitioners also did not
provide any field data demonstrating
such a problem. Furthermore, for the
agency to pursue a rulemaking adopting
the ECE 17 requirement, considerable
research and testing would be needed
on the effectiveness of a seat back
deflection measurement to reduce
occupant injury and the design and cost
of potential countermeasures beyond
the current requirements specified in
FMVSS No. 207. The petitioners did not
provide such information.
IV. Conclusion
After carefully considering all aspects
of the petitions, the agency has decided
to deny them. As stated above, the
agency has undertaken research in some
areas of concern identified by the
petitioners. Making a determination to
5 NASS–CDS
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case reference: 2004–049–105.
14:17 Dec 04, 2006
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amend the standards prior to the
completion of this research would be
premature. Additionally, other areas of
concern identified by the petitioners
would require substantial research to
address. While the agency may in the
future consider adding additional
dummies or unrestrained cargo to its
frontal crash test and/or other programs,
it is not appropriate to consider
rulemaking at this time. In accordance
with 49 CFR part 552, this completes
the agency’s review of the petition.
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 322, 30111, 30115,
30117 and 30162; delegation of authority at
49 CFR 1.50.
Issued on: November 29, 2006.
Stephen R. Kratzke,
Associate Administrator for Rulemaking.
[FR Doc. E6–20487 Filed 12–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a
Petition To Delist the Sacramento
Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum)
and Initiation of 5-Year Status Review
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition
finding and initiation of 5-year status
review.
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce a
90-day finding on a petition to remove
the threatened Sacramento Mountains
thistle (Cirsium vinaceum) (thistle) from
the Federal List of Threatened and
Endangered Plants, under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). We find the petition
does not present substantial information
indicating that delisting of the thistle
may be warranted. Therefore, we will
not initiate a further 12-month status
review in response to this petition
under section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act.
However, we are initiating a 5-year
review of this species under section
4(c)(2)(A) of the Act to consider
information that has become available
since we listed the species as threatened
on June 16, 1987 (52 FR 22933). This
will provide the public an opportunity
to submit new information on the status
of the species. We invite all interested
parties to submit comments or
information regarding this species.
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The finding in this document
was made on December 5, 2006. To be
considered in the 5-year review,
comments and information should be
submitted to us (see ADDRESSES section)
on or before March 5, 2007. However,
we will continue to accept new
information about any listed species at
any time.
ADDRESSES: Data, comments,
information, or questions concerning
this petition finding and 5-year review
should be submitted to the Field
Supervisor, New Mexico Ecological
Services Field Office, 2105 Osuna Road
NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113.
You may send your comments by
electronic mail (e-mail) directly to the
Service at thistlecomments@fws.gov.
The petition, supporting data, and
comments will be made available for
public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours at the
above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Field Supervisor, New Mexico
Ecological Services Field Office (see
ADDRESSES above) (telephone 505–346–
2525, facsimile 505–346–2542).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
DATES:
Background
Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that we
make a finding on whether a petition to
list, delist, or reclassify a species
presents substantial scientific or
commercial information indicating that
the petitioned action may be warranted.
We are to base this finding on
information provided in the petition. To
the maximum extent practicable, we are
to make this finding within 90 days of
our receipt of the petition, and publish
our notice of this finding promptly in
the Federal Register.
Our 90-day finding under section
4(b)(3)(A) of the Act and § 424.14(b) of
our regulations is limited to a
determination of whether the
information in the petition meets the
‘‘substantial information’’ threshold.
‘‘Substantial information’’ is defined in
50 CFR 424.14(b) as ‘‘that amount of
information that would lead a
reasonable person to believe that the
measure proposed in the petition may
be warranted.’’ Petitioners need not
prove that the petitioned action is
warranted to support a ‘‘substantial’’
finding; instead, the key consideration
in evaluating whether or not a petition
presents ‘‘substantial’’ information
involves demonstration of the reliability
and adequacy of the information
supporting the action advocated by the
petition.
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We have to satisfy the Act’s
requirement that we use the best
available scientific and commercial
information to make our decisions.
However, we do not conduct additional
research at this point, nor do we subject
the petition to rigorous critical review.
Rather, at the 90-day finding stage, we
accept the petitioner’s sources and
characterizations of the information, to
the extent that they appear to be based
on accepted scientific principles (such
as citing published and peer reviewed
articles, or studies done in accordance
with valid methodologies), unless we
have specific information to the
contrary. Our finding considers whether
the petition states a reasonable case for
delisting on its face. Thus, our 90-day
finding expresses no view as to the
ultimate issue of whether the species
should no longer be classified as a
threatened species. We make no
determinations as to the currency,
accuracy, completeness, or veracity of
the petition. The contents of this finding
summarize that information that was
available to us at the time of the petition
review.
In making this finding, we relied on
information provided by the petitioners
and information available in our files at
the time we reviewed the petition, and
we evaluated that information in
accordance with 50 CFR 424.14(b). Our
process for making a 90-day finding
under section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act and
§ 424.14(b) of our regulations is limited
to a determination of whether the
information contained in the petition
meets the ‘‘substantial information’’
threshold.
Species Information
The thistle is a stout plant, 3.3 to 5.9
feet (ft) (1 to 1.8 meters (m)) tall. Thistle
stems are brown-purple and highly
branched. The basal leaves are green, 12
to 20 inches (in) (30 to 50 centimeters
(cm)) long, and up to 8 in (20 cm) wide,
with ragged edges. The thistle presently
occurs on both the eastern and western
slopes of the Sacramento Mountains in
Otero County, New Mexico. The thistle
occurs primarily on National Forest
System lands of the Lincoln National
Forest in south-central New Mexico
(Service 1993, p. 3). A few occupied
sites lie on the extreme southern end of
the Mescalero Apache Indian
Reservation and a few private land
inholdings within the Lincoln National
Forest (Service 1993, p. 3). In this area,
the thistle occurs within the mixed
conifer zone, between 7,500 and 9,500
ft (2,300 and 2,900 m), in limestone
substrate. The thistle is an obligate
riparian species that requires saturated
soils with surface or sub-surface water
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flow. Waters at these sites are rich in
calcium carbonate that often
precipitates out to create large areas of
travertine (calcium carbonate) deposits,
which occasionally become large bluffs
or hills. Travertine deposits are the most
common habitats of the thistle.
On June 16, 1987, we listed the thistle
as a threatened species based on threats
from water development, grazing,
recreation, logging, and the invasion of
exotic plants (52 FR 22933). A recovery
plan for the species was finalized on
September 27, 1993 (Service 1993, pp.
1–23).
Review of the Petition
For this finding, the Service evaluated
the statements and information in the
petition by comparing these with
information contained in our files. The
Act identifies the five factors to be
considered, either singly or in
combination, to determine whether a
species may be threatened or
endangered or whether a listed species
should be reclassified or removed from
the list. The following discussion
presents our evaluation of the petition,
based on information provided in the
petition, information available in our
files, and our current understanding of
the species.
On April 30, 2004, we received a
petition from Mr. Doug Moore, Otero
County Commissioner, New Mexico, to
delist the thistle as a threatened species.
In response to the petitioner’s request to
delist the thistle, we sent a letter to the
petitioner dated August 31, 2005,
explaining that the Service would
review the petition and determine
whether or not the petition presents
substantial information indicating that
delisting the thistle may be warranted.
The petition references the June 16,
1987, final listing rule (52 FR 22933)
and lists the following threats for the
species: (1) Loss of water; (2) trampling
or ground disturbance by cattle,
wildlife, or humans; (3) grazing of
plants; and (4) logging. The supporting
information provided by the petitioner
includes only a portion of one recent
biological assessment and a portion of
one recent biological opinion conducted
for a USDA Forest Service (Forest
Service) grazing allotment (Forest
Service 2003, pp. 1, 57–68; Service
2004, pp. 1, 25–27). The petition also
provides the following summary
statements regarding the thistle: (1) The
range of the species is 500 percent
greater than when it was listed in 1987;
(2) the known population size is 2,800
percent greater than when it was listed;
and (3) the known threats that can be
managed have been virtually removed.
The petitioner states that monitoring has
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determined that grazing and disturbance
no longer threaten the species, and that
logging has never impacted the thistle.
The petition also cites a biological
assessment prepared by the Forest
Service (Forest Service 2003, pp. 41–68)
that indicates the thistle’s abundance
and range have increased since the
species was listed.
Finally, the petitioner disagrees with
the Recovery Plan’s strategy of
encouraging the State of New Mexico to
adopt water law standards that
recognize the need for preservation of
in-stream flow to benefit plants, fish,
and other wildlife (Service 1993, p. 9).
The petitioner suggests that proactive
watershed restoration would be a more
effective strategy to insure the
availability of water at the springs and
bogs which provide habitat for the
species. The Petitioner also suggests that
the availability of water, air, and
sunshine are aspects of the natural
world which do not need to be
guaranteed by the Service before a
species can be delisted.
Conservation Status
Under section 4 of the Act, we may
list or delist a species, subspecies, or
Distinct Population Segment of
vertebrate taxa on the basis of any of the
following five factors: (A) Present or
threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of habitat or range; (B)
overutilization for commercial,
recreational, scientific, or educational
purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D)
inadequacy of existing regulatory
mechanisms; or (E) other natural or
manmade factors affecting its continued
existence. This 90-day finding is not a
status assessment and does not
constitute a status review under the Act.
Therefore, what follows below is a
preliminary review of the factors
affecting this species.
A. The Present or Threatened
Destruction, Modification, or
Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range
The June 16, 1987, listing (52 FR
22933) and subsequent recovery plan
(Service 1993, pp. 4–6) list habitat
destruction or alteration by domestic
livestock, water development (e.g.,
withdrawal from springs and reservoir
construction), trampling by
recreationists, road maintenance, and
logging as threats to the species’ habitat
and range. The thistle also has been
impacted by off-road vehicles (ORVs),
motorcycles, road grading, and other
activities (Service 1993, pp. 4–6; Forest
Service 2004, pp. 625–629).
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Information Provided in the Petition
The petitioner maintains that loss of
water may threaten the thistle, but
suggests that the availability of water,
air, and sunshine are aspects of the
natural world which do not need to be
guaranteed by the Service. The
petitioner notes that proactive
watershed restoration would be more
appropriate than acquiring water rights
for the thistle. The petitioner also states
that logging has not impacted the thistle
because forest management discourages
these activities near areas considered
habitat (springs and bogs). Finally, the
petitioner maintains that the plant’s
known population size is 2,800 percent
greater than when it was listed.
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Evaluation of Information in the Petition
We agree with the petitioner that
reduction in the availability of water
could threaten the species. As noted, the
thistle is an obligate riparian species
that requires surface or immediately
sub-surface water flows. The loss of
water can be: (1) Naturally caused due
to drought conditions; (2) caused by
other factors that may cause a spring to
go dry (i.e., rerouting of underground
channels); or (3) caused by human
impacts such as spring development or
loss of water flow to an occupied site
through diversion by roads or trails
(Service 1993, pp. 4–5; Service 2004,
p. 35). Since 1999, New Mexico has
been in a drought (Piechota et al. 2004,
pp. 303–305); however, the length or
severity of the current drought cycle is
not known, and the Southwest may be
entering a period of prolonged drought
(McCabe et al. 2004, pp. 4138–4140).
Droughts of the 20th century are minor
in comparison to droughts in the last
2000 years. For example, droughts prior
to 1600 are characterized by longer
duration (multidecadal) and greater
spatial extent than droughts of today
(Woodhouse and Overpeck 1998,
pp. 2698–2706; Piechota et al. 2004,
pp. 303–305). It is unknown how the
springs in the Sacramento Mountains
would respond to extended drought and
an increase in the level of water
withdrawals (e.g., groundwater
pumping). It is likely that the seasonal
distribution of yearly precipitation also
plays a role in water availability for the
thistle. Spring desiccation at occupied
sites has led to a reduction in the
number of individual plants, and in
some cases, caused a loss of all plants
at previously occupied sites (Forest
Service 2003, pp. 35–36). We will
consider the petitioner’s suggestion for
alternative methods of providing water
in future recovery planning efforts.
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We generally agree with the statement
that logging does not currently threaten
the thistle. At present, the Forest
Service applies a minimum 200 ft
(60 m) protective buffer around thistle
occurrences during forest management
activities (Service 2002, p. 3; Service
2004, pp. 4–13; Service 2005a, p. 3).
Still, the petition does not provide
substantial scientific information that
the present or threatened destruction,
modification, or curtailment of habitat
or range no longer threatens the thistle.
Information in our files indicates that
at the time of listing, the range of the
thistle consisted of approximately 20
known population areas (within 6 large
canyon drainages) containing an
estimated 10,000 to 15,000 sexually
reproducing individuals (52 FR 22933;
Service 1993, p. 2). Presently, the thistle
occurs in small, dense populations at 86
sites on the Lincoln National Forest
with an estimated population of 350,000
to 400,000 plants (Service 2005b,
pp. 695–697). The extent of occupied
sites and plant numbers fluctuates with
rainfall and the amount of surface flow
available. Populations generally expand
in years of higher spring flows, with
plants establishing farther downstream
and scattered along the springs’ outflow
creeks. In years of lower flow,
populations contract back to the wetter
areas around the springs (Forest Service
2004, pp. 625–629).
As discussed above, information in
our files indicates that the petitioner’s
claim that the number of populations
and range of the thistle are greater than
what was known in 1987 is reliable and
accurate. However, the petitioner has
presented no information or analysis to
suggest these increased numbers would
indicate that listing is no longer
warranted, nor to suggest that threats
under Factor A no longer impact the
species. Impacts to habitat remain
substantial factors impacting the longterm viability of this species.
B. Overutilization for Commercial,
Recreational, Scientific, or Educational
Purposes
The petition provides no information
addressing this factor. The original
listing did not cite this factor as
significant.
C. Disease or Predation
Information Provided in the Petition
The petition indicates that herbivory
does not adversely affect the species
because vigorous growth of thistle was
observed in areas following heavy use.
Evaluation of Information in the Petition
The original listing suggested the
amount of predation by herbivores was
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minimal (52 FR 22933, June 16, 1987).
Livestock can trample vulnerable
seedlings, rosettes, and flowering stalks,
as well as damage travertine and soft
substrates in occupied and potential
habitat (Thomson 1991, pp. 44–52;
Service 2004, pp. 62–63). The petition
includes information indicating that
livestock use of occupied habitat results
in trampling and herbivory, but reduced
livestock stocking levels and fencing
around springs has led to large increases
in thistle abundance (Forest Service
2003, pp. 53–56; Service 2004, p. 35;
Service 2005b, pp. 698–703). For
example, more than 10-fold increases
have been observed in some areas
following the construction and
maintenance of exclosures (Forest
Service 2003, pp. 53–56). Grazing
exclosures have protected thistles from
trampling and herbivory, and allowed
populations inside the exclosures to
expand outside fenced areas (Forest
Service 2003, pp. 53–56). Forty of the 86
population sites located within the
Lincoln National Forest have been
fenced to exclude livestock or are
considered to be inaccessible (Service
2005b, p. 698). Exclosures total
approximately 120 ha (290 ac),
protecting occupied thistle habitat from
the negative impacts associated with
livestock use (Service 2005b, p. 698).
Although thistles have been
documented to recover within a few
weeks from light grazing (i.e., grazing
impacting less than 10 percent of known
plants), livestock grazing on the thistle’s
flowering stalks and the leaves of
rosettes can contribute to the loss of the
entire reproductive output of the plant
(Forest Service 2003, p. 53, 59; Service
2005b, p. 697). The petitioner did
present evidence that threats from
grazing can be reduced by using
exclosures but did not present evidence
that grazing no longer is a threat to the
species.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing
Regulatory Mechanisms
The petition does not discuss the
adequacy of regulatory mechanisms.
The original listing did not cite this
factor as significant except to briefly
mention that take was prohibited by
existing Forest Service regulations and
that no other State and Federal
regulations protected the species.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors
Affecting Its Continued Existence
The petition does not discuss other
natural or manmade factors. The
original listing discussed the impacts of
livestock grazing on range and the
impacts of competition from introduced
exotic species. As livestock grazing was
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also discussed under Factor C in the
original listing, the petition’s discussion
of this issue and our response is covered
under Predation above.
Finding
We have reviewed the petition and
evaluated the information in relation to
other pertinent literature and
information available in our files. The
thistle’s population numbers and range
are greater today than at the time of the
June 16, 1987, listing. The petitioner
states the threats are no longer
significant, and requested that we delist
the species. However, the petition does
not analyze any new scientific
information in relation to the five
factors we must consider before
proposing to delist a species. In
addition, the petitioner includes very
little detailed justification for the
suggested delisting of the thistle, does
not provide information regarding the
status of the species over a significant
portion of its range, does not describe or
analyze how the threats relate to past or
present numbers and distribution of the
thistle, and includes only a small
amount of supporting documentation.
After this review and evaluation, we
find the petition does not present
substantial information to indicate that
delisting the thistle may be warranted at
this time.
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5-Year Review
Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21
require that we publish a notice in the
Federal Register announcing those
species currently under active review.
This notice announces our initiation of
a 5-year review for the threatened
thistle.
Why Is a 5-Year Review Conducted?
Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires
that we conduct a review of listed
species at least once every 5 years. We
are then, under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the
Act, to determine, on the basis of such
a review, whether or not any species
should be removed from the List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
(50 CFR 17.11) or the List of Endangered
and Threatened Wildlife Plants (50 CFR
17.12) (delisted), or reclassified from
endangered to threatened (downlisted),
or from threatened to endangered
(uplisted).
The 5-year review is an assessment of
the best scientific and commercial data
available at the time of the review.
Therefore, we are requesting submission
of any new scientific and commercial
data on the thistle. Considering the best
scientific and commercial information
available, the Service will recommend
whether or not a change is warranted in
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the Federal classification of the thistle.
Any change in Federal classification
would require a separate rulemaking. As
part of our 5-year review, we will ensure
that the information used is complete,
accurate, and consistent with the
requirements of the Act, the Service’s
Policy on Information Standards under
the Endangered Species Act, published
in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994
(59 FR 34271), and Section 515 of the
Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001
(Pub. L. 106–554; H.R. 5658) and the
associated Information Quality
Guidelines issued by the Service.
What Information Is Considered in the
Review?
A 5-year review considers all new
information available at the time of the
review. This review will consider the
best scientific and commercial data that
has become available since we listed the
species on June 16, 1987 such as: (A)
Species biology, including, but not
limited to, population trends,
distribution, abundance, demographics,
and genetics; ( B) habitat conditions,
including but not limited to amount,
distribution, and suitability; (C)
conservation measures that have been
implemented to benefit the species; (D)
threat status and trends (see five factors
under heading ‘‘How do we determine
whether a species is endangered or
threatened?’’); and (E) other new
information, data, or corrections,
including, but not limited to, taxonomic
or nomenclatural changes, identification
of erroneous information contained in
the List of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants, and improved
analytical methods.
How Is the Sacramento Mountains
Thistle Currently Listed?
Under the Act, the Service maintains
Lists of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plant species (Lists) at 50
CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for
plants). Amendments to the Lists
through final rules are published in the
Federal Register. The Lists are also
available on our Internet site at https://
endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html. The
Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium
vinaceum) is listed as threatened, with
an historic range of U.S.A. (New
Mexico), in the family Asteraceae. It
does not have designated critical
habitat, and no 4(d) special rules apply
to this plant.
Definitions Related to This Notice
The following definitions are
provided to assist those persons who
contemplate submitting information
regarding the species being reviewed:
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(A) Species includes any species or
subspecies of fish, wildlife, or plant,
and any distinct population segment of
any species of vertebrate, which
interbreeds when mature; (B)
Endangered means any species that is in
danger of extinction throughout all or a
significant portion of its range; (C)
Threatened means any species that is
likely to become an endangered species
within the foreseeable future throughout
all or a significant portion of its range.
How Do We Determine Whether a
Species Is Endangered or Threatened?
Section 4(a)(1) of the Act establishes
that we determine whether a species is
endangered or threatened based on one
or more of the five following factors: (A)
The present or threatened destruction,
modification, or curtailment of its
habitat or range; (B) overutilization for
commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes; (C) disease or
predation; (D) the inadequacy of
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E)
other natural or manmade factors
affecting its continued existence.
Section 4(a)(1) of the Act requires that
our determination be made on the basis
of the best scientific and commercial
data available.
What Could Happen as a Result of This
Review?
If we find that there is new
information concerning the Sacramento
Mountains thistle, indicating a change
in classification may be warranted, we
may propose a new rule that could do
one of the following: (a) Reclassify the
species from threatened to endangered
(uplist); or (b) remove the species from
the List (delist). If we determine that a
change in classification is not
warranted, then the thistle will remain
on the List under its current threatened
status.
Public Solicitation of New Information
We request any new information
concerning the status of the Sacramento
Mountains thistle. See ‘‘What
Information Is Considered in the
Review?’’ heading for specific criteria.
Information submitted should be
supported by documentation such as
maps, bibliographic references, methods
used to gather and analyze the data, or
copies of any pertinent publications,
reports, or letters by knowledgeable
sources. If you wish to submit
information for the 5-year review, you
may submit information to the Field
Supervisor, New Mexico Ecological
Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES).
Our practice is to make comments,
including names and home addresses of
respondents, available for public review
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Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 233 / Tuesday, December 5, 2006 / Proposed Rules
during regular business hours.
Individual respondents may request that
we withhold their home addresses from
the rulemaking record, which we will
honor to the extent allowable by law.
There also may be circumstances in
which we would withhold from the
rulemaking record a respondent’s
identity, as allowable by law. If you
wish us to withhold your name or
address, you must state this
prominently at the beginning of your
comment, but you should be aware that
the Service may be required to disclose
your name and address under the
Freedom of Information Act. However,
we will not consider anonymous
comments. We will make all
submissions from organizations or
businesses, and from individuals
identifying themselves as
representatives or officials of
organizations or businesses, available
for public inspection in their entirety.
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited
in this notice is available upon request
from the New Mexico Ecological
Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES).
Author
The primary authors of this rule are
the New Mexico Ecological Services
Field Office staff (see ADDRESSES).
Authority
The authority for this action is the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: November 14, 2006.
H. Dale Hall,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. E6–20317 Filed 12–4–06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–55–P
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; 90-Day Finding on a
Petition To List the Tricolored
Blackbird as Threatened or
Endangered
Fish and Wildlife Service,
Interior.
ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition
finding.
ycherry on PROD1PC64 with PROPOSALS
AGENCY:
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service (Service), announce a
90-day finding on a petition to list the
tricolored blackbird (Agelaius tricolor)
as threatened or endangered under the
VerDate Aug<31>2005
14:17 Dec 04, 2006
Jkt 211001
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended. We find that the petition does
not present substantial scientific or
commercial information indicating that
listing the tricolored blackbird may be
warranted. Therefore, we will not be
initiating a status review in response to
this petition. We ask the public to
submit to us any new information that
becomes available concerning the status
of, or threats to, the tricolored blackbird
or its habitat at any time.
DATES: The finding announced in this
document was made on December 5,
2006. You may submit new information
concerning this species for our
consideration at any time.
ADDRESSES: The complete file for this
finding is available for public
inspection, by appointment, during
normal business hours at the
Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800
Cottage Way, Room W–2605,
Sacramento, California 95825–1846.
New information, materials, comments,
or questions concerning this species
may be submitted to us at any time.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Susan Moore, Field Supervisor or
Arnold Roessler, Listing Branch Chief of
the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office
(see ADDRESSES), by telephone at (916)
414–6600, or by facsimile to (916) 414–
6712. Persons who use a
telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Information
Relay Service (FIRS) at 800/877–8339,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act)
(16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), requires that we
make a finding on whether a petition to
list, delist, or reclassify a species
presents substantial scientific or
commercial information indicating that
the petitioned action may be warranted.
We are to base this finding on
information provided in the petition,
supporting information submitted with
the petition, and information otherwise
available in our files at the time we
make the determination. To the
maximum extent practicable, we are to
make this finding within 90 days of our
receipt of the petition, and the finding
is to be published in the Federal
Register.
This finding summarizes information
included in the petition and information
available to us at the time of the petition
review. A 90-day finding under section
4(b)(3)(A) of the Act and section
424.14(b) of our regulations is limited to
a determination of whether the
PO 00000
Frm 00012
Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
70483
information in the petition meets the
‘‘substantial information’’ threshold.
Substantial information is ‘‘that amount
of information that would lead a
reasonable person to believe that the
measure proposed in the petition may
be warranted’’ (50 CFR 424.14(b)).
Previous Federal Action
In 1990, the California Department of
Fish and Game (CDFG) added the
tricolored blackbird to its list of Bird
Species of Special Concern. In 1991 the
Yolo Chapter of the National Audubon
Society submitted a petition to the
Service and to the California Fish and
Game Commission to list the tricolored
blackbird as a threatened or endangered
species. Researchers (Hamilton et al.
1995, p. 7) working on the species in
1992 found that the population had
increased from the late 1980s; thus, the
petitioners withdrew their petition
based on new information that the
population numbers had increased. The
Service included this species as a
candidate (Category 2) for Federal
listing as either threatened or
endangered in the 1991 and 1994
Candidate Notice of Review (CNOR) (59
FR 58981, p. 58990, issued November
15, 1994). Category 2 status included
those taxa for which information in the
Service’s possession indicated that a
proposed listing rule was possibly
appropriate, but for which sufficient
data on biological vulnerability and
threats were not available to support a
proposed rule. In the CNOR published
on February 28, 1996, the Service
announced a revised list of plant and
animal taxa that were regarded as
candidates for possible addition to the
List of Threatened and Endangered
Species (61 FR 7595). The revised
candidate list included only former
Category 1 species. All former Category
2 species were dropped from the list in
order to reduce confusion about the
conservation status of these species, and
to clarify that the Service no longer
regarded these species as candidates for
listing. Since the tricolored blackbird
was a Category 2 species, it was no
longer recognized as a candidate species
as of the February 28, 1996, CNOR. The
tricolored blackbird is now considered a
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Bird of
Conservation Concern (USFWS 2002).
This designation is a result of mandates
required through the Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Act, which in part
requires the Service to identify nongame
migratory bird species that, without
additional conservation actions, are
likely to become candidates for listing
under the Act. One of the goals of
identifying species of conservation
concern is to draw attention to the
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05DEP1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 233 (Tuesday, December 5, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 70479-70483]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20317]
=======================================================================
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Finding on
a Petition To Delist the Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium
vinaceum) and Initiation of 5-Year Status Review
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of 90-day petition finding and initiation of 5-year
status review.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a
90-day finding on a petition to remove the threatened Sacramento
Mountains thistle (Cirsium vinaceum) (thistle) from the Federal List of
Threatened and Endangered Plants, under the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (Act). We find the petition does not present
substantial information indicating that delisting of the thistle may be
warranted. Therefore, we will not initiate a further 12-month status
review in response to this petition under section 4(b)(3)(B) of the
Act. However, we are initiating a 5-year review of this species under
section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act to consider information that has become
available since we listed the species as threatened on June 16, 1987
(52 FR 22933). This will provide the public an opportunity to submit
new information on the status of the species. We invite all interested
parties to submit comments or information regarding this species.
DATES: The finding in this document was made on December 5, 2006. To be
considered in the 5-year review, comments and information should be
submitted to us (see ADDRESSES section) on or before March 5, 2007.
However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed
species at any time.
ADDRESSES: Data, comments, information, or questions concerning this
petition finding and 5-year review should be submitted to the Field
Supervisor, New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, 2105 Osuna
Road NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113. You may send your comments by
electronic mail (e-mail) directly to the Service at
thistlecomments@fws.gov. The petition, supporting data, and comments
will be made available for public inspection, by appointment, during
normal business hours at the above address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Field Supervisor, New Mexico
Ecological Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES above) (telephone 505-
346-2525, facsimile 505-346-2542).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires
that we make a finding on whether a petition to list, delist, or
reclassify a species presents substantial scientific or commercial
information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted. We
are to base this finding on information provided in the petition. To
the maximum extent practicable, we are to make this finding within 90
days of our receipt of the petition, and publish our notice of this
finding promptly in the Federal Register.
Our 90-day finding under section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Sec.
424.14(b) of our regulations is limited to a determination of whether
the information in the petition meets the ``substantial information''
threshold. ``Substantial information'' is defined in 50 CFR 424.14(b)
as ``that amount of information that would lead a reasonable person to
believe that the measure proposed in the petition may be warranted.''
Petitioners need not prove that the petitioned action is warranted to
support a ``substantial'' finding; instead, the key consideration in
evaluating whether or not a petition presents ``substantial''
information involves demonstration of the reliability and adequacy of
the information supporting the action advocated by the petition.
[[Page 70480]]
We have to satisfy the Act's requirement that we use the best
available scientific and commercial information to make our decisions.
However, we do not conduct additional research at this point, nor do we
subject the petition to rigorous critical review. Rather, at the 90-day
finding stage, we accept the petitioner's sources and characterizations
of the information, to the extent that they appear to be based on
accepted scientific principles (such as citing published and peer
reviewed articles, or studies done in accordance with valid
methodologies), unless we have specific information to the contrary.
Our finding considers whether the petition states a reasonable case for
delisting on its face. Thus, our 90-day finding expresses no view as to
the ultimate issue of whether the species should no longer be
classified as a threatened species. We make no determinations as to the
currency, accuracy, completeness, or veracity of the petition. The
contents of this finding summarize that information that was available
to us at the time of the petition review.
In making this finding, we relied on information provided by the
petitioners and information available in our files at the time we
reviewed the petition, and we evaluated that information in accordance
with 50 CFR 424.14(b). Our process for making a 90-day finding under
section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Act and Sec. 424.14(b) of our regulations is
limited to a determination of whether the information contained in the
petition meets the ``substantial information'' threshold.
Species Information
The thistle is a stout plant, 3.3 to 5.9 feet (ft) (1 to 1.8 meters
(m)) tall. Thistle stems are brown-purple and highly branched. The
basal leaves are green, 12 to 20 inches (in) (30 to 50 centimeters
(cm)) long, and up to 8 in (20 cm) wide, with ragged edges. The thistle
presently occurs on both the eastern and western slopes of the
Sacramento Mountains in Otero County, New Mexico. The thistle occurs
primarily on National Forest System lands of the Lincoln National
Forest in south-central New Mexico (Service 1993, p. 3). A few occupied
sites lie on the extreme southern end of the Mescalero Apache Indian
Reservation and a few private land inholdings within the Lincoln
National Forest (Service 1993, p. 3). In this area, the thistle occurs
within the mixed conifer zone, between 7,500 and 9,500 ft (2,300 and
2,900 m), in limestone substrate. The thistle is an obligate riparian
species that requires saturated soils with surface or sub-surface water
flow. Waters at these sites are rich in calcium carbonate that often
precipitates out to create large areas of travertine (calcium
carbonate) deposits, which occasionally become large bluffs or hills.
Travertine deposits are the most common habitats of the thistle.
On June 16, 1987, we listed the thistle as a threatened species
based on threats from water development, grazing, recreation, logging,
and the invasion of exotic plants (52 FR 22933). A recovery plan for
the species was finalized on September 27, 1993 (Service 1993, pp. 1-
23).
Review of the Petition
For this finding, the Service evaluated the statements and
information in the petition by comparing these with information
contained in our files. The Act identifies the five factors to be
considered, either singly or in combination, to determine whether a
species may be threatened or endangered or whether a listed species
should be reclassified or removed from the list. The following
discussion presents our evaluation of the petition, based on
information provided in the petition, information available in our
files, and our current understanding of the species.
On April 30, 2004, we received a petition from Mr. Doug Moore,
Otero County Commissioner, New Mexico, to delist the thistle as a
threatened species. In response to the petitioner's request to delist
the thistle, we sent a letter to the petitioner dated August 31, 2005,
explaining that the Service would review the petition and determine
whether or not the petition presents substantial information indicating
that delisting the thistle may be warranted.
The petition references the June 16, 1987, final listing rule (52
FR 22933) and lists the following threats for the species: (1) Loss of
water; (2) trampling or ground disturbance by cattle, wildlife, or
humans; (3) grazing of plants; and (4) logging. The supporting
information provided by the petitioner includes only a portion of one
recent biological assessment and a portion of one recent biological
opinion conducted for a USDA Forest Service (Forest Service) grazing
allotment (Forest Service 2003, pp. 1, 57-68; Service 2004, pp. 1, 25-
27). The petition also provides the following summary statements
regarding the thistle: (1) The range of the species is 500 percent
greater than when it was listed in 1987; (2) the known population size
is 2,800 percent greater than when it was listed; and (3) the known
threats that can be managed have been virtually removed. The petitioner
states that monitoring has determined that grazing and disturbance no
longer threaten the species, and that logging has never impacted the
thistle. The petition also cites a biological assessment prepared by
the Forest Service (Forest Service 2003, pp. 41-68) that indicates the
thistle's abundance and range have increased since the species was
listed.
Finally, the petitioner disagrees with the Recovery Plan's strategy
of encouraging the State of New Mexico to adopt water law standards
that recognize the need for preservation of in-stream flow to benefit
plants, fish, and other wildlife (Service 1993, p. 9). The petitioner
suggests that proactive watershed restoration would be a more effective
strategy to insure the availability of water at the springs and bogs
which provide habitat for the species. The Petitioner also suggests
that the availability of water, air, and sunshine are aspects of the
natural world which do not need to be guaranteed by the Service before
a species can be delisted.
Conservation Status
Under section 4 of the Act, we may list or delist a species,
subspecies, or Distinct Population Segment of vertebrate taxa on the
basis of any of the following five factors: (A) Present or threatened
destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat or range; (B)
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) inadequacy of
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors
affecting its continued existence. This 90-day finding is not a status
assessment and does not constitute a status review under the Act.
Therefore, what follows below is a preliminary review of the factors
affecting this species.
A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment
of Its Habitat or Range
The June 16, 1987, listing (52 FR 22933) and subsequent recovery
plan (Service 1993, pp. 4-6) list habitat destruction or alteration by
domestic livestock, water development (e.g., withdrawal from springs
and reservoir construction), trampling by recreationists, road
maintenance, and logging as threats to the species' habitat and range.
The thistle also has been impacted by off-road vehicles (ORVs),
motorcycles, road grading, and other activities (Service 1993, pp. 4-6;
Forest Service 2004, pp. 625-629).
[[Page 70481]]
Information Provided in the Petition
The petitioner maintains that loss of water may threaten the
thistle, but suggests that the availability of water, air, and sunshine
are aspects of the natural world which do not need to be guaranteed by
the Service. The petitioner notes that proactive watershed restoration
would be more appropriate than acquiring water rights for the thistle.
The petitioner also states that logging has not impacted the thistle
because forest management discourages these activities near areas
considered habitat (springs and bogs). Finally, the petitioner
maintains that the plant's known population size is 2,800 percent
greater than when it was listed.
Evaluation of Information in the Petition
We agree with the petitioner that reduction in the availability of
water could threaten the species. As noted, the thistle is an obligate
riparian species that requires surface or immediately sub-surface water
flows. The loss of water can be: (1) Naturally caused due to drought
conditions; (2) caused by other factors that may cause a spring to go
dry (i.e., rerouting of underground channels); or (3) caused by human
impacts such as spring development or loss of water flow to an occupied
site through diversion by roads or trails (Service 1993, pp. 4-5;
Service 2004, p. 35). Since 1999, New Mexico has been in a drought
(Piechota et al. 2004, pp. 303-305); however, the length or severity of
the current drought cycle is not known, and the Southwest may be
entering a period of prolonged drought (McCabe et al. 2004, pp. 4138-
4140). Droughts of the 20th century are minor in comparison to droughts
in the last 2000 years. For example, droughts prior to 1600 are
characterized by longer duration (multidecadal) and greater spatial
extent than droughts of today (Woodhouse and Overpeck 1998, pp. 2698-
2706; Piechota et al. 2004, pp. 303-305). It is unknown how the springs
in the Sacramento Mountains would respond to extended drought and an
increase in the level of water withdrawals (e.g., groundwater pumping).
It is likely that the seasonal distribution of yearly precipitation
also plays a role in water availability for the thistle. Spring
desiccation at occupied sites has led to a reduction in the number of
individual plants, and in some cases, caused a loss of all plants at
previously occupied sites (Forest Service 2003, pp. 35-36). We will
consider the petitioner's suggestion for alternative methods of
providing water in future recovery planning efforts.
We generally agree with the statement that logging does not
currently threaten the thistle. At present, the Forest Service applies
a minimum 200 ft (60 m) protective buffer around thistle occurrences
during forest management activities (Service 2002, p. 3; Service 2004,
pp. 4-13; Service 2005a, p. 3). Still, the petition does not provide
substantial scientific information that the present or threatened
destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat or range no longer
threatens the thistle.
Information in our files indicates that at the time of listing, the
range of the thistle consisted of approximately 20 known population
areas (within 6 large canyon drainages) containing an estimated 10,000
to 15,000 sexually reproducing individuals (52 FR 22933; Service 1993,
p. 2). Presently, the thistle occurs in small, dense populations at 86
sites on the Lincoln National Forest with an estimated population of
350,000 to 400,000 plants (Service 2005b, pp. 695-697). The extent of
occupied sites and plant numbers fluctuates with rainfall and the
amount of surface flow available. Populations generally expand in years
of higher spring flows, with plants establishing farther downstream and
scattered along the springs' outflow creeks. In years of lower flow,
populations contract back to the wetter areas around the springs
(Forest Service 2004, pp. 625-629).
As discussed above, information in our files indicates that the
petitioner's claim that the number of populations and range of the
thistle are greater than what was known in 1987 is reliable and
accurate. However, the petitioner has presented no information or
analysis to suggest these increased numbers would indicate that listing
is no longer warranted, nor to suggest that threats under Factor A no
longer impact the species. Impacts to habitat remain substantial
factors impacting the long-term viability of this species.
B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or
Educational Purposes
The petition provides no information addressing this factor. The
original listing did not cite this factor as significant.
C. Disease or Predation
Information Provided in the Petition
The petition indicates that herbivory does not adversely affect the
species because vigorous growth of thistle was observed in areas
following heavy use.
Evaluation of Information in the Petition
The original listing suggested the amount of predation by
herbivores was minimal (52 FR 22933, June 16, 1987). Livestock can
trample vulnerable seedlings, rosettes, and flowering stalks, as well
as damage travertine and soft substrates in occupied and potential
habitat (Thomson 1991, pp. 44-52; Service 2004, pp. 62-63). The
petition includes information indicating that livestock use of occupied
habitat results in trampling and herbivory, but reduced livestock
stocking levels and fencing around springs has led to large increases
in thistle abundance (Forest Service 2003, pp. 53-56; Service 2004, p.
35; Service 2005b, pp. 698-703). For example, more than 10-fold
increases have been observed in some areas following the construction
and maintenance of exclosures (Forest Service 2003, pp. 53-56). Grazing
exclosures have protected thistles from trampling and herbivory, and
allowed populations inside the exclosures to expand outside fenced
areas (Forest Service 2003, pp. 53-56). Forty of the 86 population
sites located within the Lincoln National Forest have been fenced to
exclude livestock or are considered to be inaccessible (Service 2005b,
p. 698). Exclosures total approximately 120 ha (290 ac), protecting
occupied thistle habitat from the negative impacts associated with
livestock use (Service 2005b, p. 698). Although thistles have been
documented to recover within a few weeks from light grazing (i.e.,
grazing impacting less than 10 percent of known plants), livestock
grazing on the thistle's flowering stalks and the leaves of rosettes
can contribute to the loss of the entire reproductive output of the
plant (Forest Service 2003, p. 53, 59; Service 2005b, p. 697). The
petitioner did present evidence that threats from grazing can be
reduced by using exclosures but did not present evidence that grazing
no longer is a threat to the species.
D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms
The petition does not discuss the adequacy of regulatory
mechanisms. The original listing did not cite this factor as
significant except to briefly mention that take was prohibited by
existing Forest Service regulations and that no other State and Federal
regulations protected the species.
E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence
The petition does not discuss other natural or manmade factors. The
original listing discussed the impacts of livestock grazing on range
and the impacts of competition from introduced exotic species. As
livestock grazing was
[[Page 70482]]
also discussed under Factor C in the original listing, the petition's
discussion of this issue and our response is covered under Predation
above.
Finding
We have reviewed the petition and evaluated the information in
relation to other pertinent literature and information available in our
files. The thistle's population numbers and range are greater today
than at the time of the June 16, 1987, listing. The petitioner states
the threats are no longer significant, and requested that we delist the
species. However, the petition does not analyze any new scientific
information in relation to the five factors we must consider before
proposing to delist a species. In addition, the petitioner includes
very little detailed justification for the suggested delisting of the
thistle, does not provide information regarding the status of the
species over a significant portion of its range, does not describe or
analyze how the threats relate to past or present numbers and
distribution of the thistle, and includes only a small amount of
supporting documentation. After this review and evaluation, we find the
petition does not present substantial information to indicate that
delisting the thistle may be warranted at this time.
5-Year Review
Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice
in the Federal Register announcing those species currently under active
review. This notice announces our initiation of a 5-year review for the
threatened thistle.
Why Is a 5-Year Review Conducted?
Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires that we conduct a review of
listed species at least once every 5 years. We are then, under section
4(c)(2)(B) of the Act, to determine, on the basis of such a review,
whether or not any species should be removed from the List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife (50 CFR 17.11) or the List of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Plants (50 CFR 17.12) (delisted), or
reclassified from endangered to threatened (downlisted), or from
threatened to endangered (uplisted).
The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and
commercial data available at the time of the review. Therefore, we are
requesting submission of any new scientific and commercial data on the
thistle. Considering the best scientific and commercial information
available, the Service will recommend whether or not a change is
warranted in the Federal classification of the thistle. Any change in
Federal classification would require a separate rulemaking. As part of
our 5-year review, we will ensure that the information used is
complete, accurate, and consistent with the requirements of the Act,
the Service's Policy on Information Standards under the Endangered
Species Act, published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR
34271), and Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658)
and the associated Information Quality Guidelines issued by the
Service.
What Information Is Considered in the Review?
A 5-year review considers all new information available at the time
of the review. This review will consider the best scientific and
commercial data that has become available since we listed the species
on June 16, 1987 such as: (A) Species biology, including, but not
limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics,
and genetics; ( B) habitat conditions, including but not limited to
amount, distribution, and suitability; (C) conservation measures that
have been implemented to benefit the species; (D) threat status and
trends (see five factors under heading ``How do we determine whether a
species is endangered or threatened?''); and (E) other new information,
data, or corrections, including, but not limited to, taxonomic or
nomenclatural changes, identification of erroneous information
contained in the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants,
and improved analytical methods.
How Is the Sacramento Mountains Thistle Currently Listed?
Under the Act, the Service maintains Lists of Endangered and
Threatened Wildlife and Plant species (Lists) at 50 CFR 17.11 (for
animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Amendments to the Lists through final
rules are published in the Federal Register. The Lists are also
available on our Internet site at https://endangered.fws.gov/
wildlife.html. The Sacramento Mountains Thistle (Cirsium vinaceum) is
listed as threatened, with an historic range of U.S.A. (New Mexico), in
the family Asteraceae. It does not have designated critical habitat,
and no 4(d) special rules apply to this plant.
Definitions Related to This Notice
The following definitions are provided to assist those persons who
contemplate submitting information regarding the species being
reviewed: (A) Species includes any species or subspecies of fish,
wildlife, or plant, and any distinct population segment of any species
of vertebrate, which interbreeds when mature; (B) Endangered means any
species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
portion of its range; (C) Threatened means any species that is likely
to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
How Do We Determine Whether a Species Is Endangered or Threatened?
Section 4(a)(1) of the Act establishes that we determine whether a
species is endangered or threatened based on one or more of the five
following factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction,
modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; (B)
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes; (C) disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of
existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors
affecting its continued existence. Section 4(a)(1) of the Act requires
that our determination be made on the basis of the best scientific and
commercial data available.
What Could Happen as a Result of This Review?
If we find that there is new information concerning the Sacramento
Mountains thistle, indicating a change in classification may be
warranted, we may propose a new rule that could do one of the
following: (a) Reclassify the species from threatened to endangered
(uplist); or (b) remove the species from the List (delist). If we
determine that a change in classification is not warranted, then the
thistle will remain on the List under its current threatened status.
Public Solicitation of New Information
We request any new information concerning the status of the
Sacramento Mountains thistle. See ``What Information Is Considered in
the Review?'' heading for specific criteria. Information submitted
should be supported by documentation such as maps, bibliographic
references, methods used to gather and analyze the data, or copies of
any pertinent publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable
sources. If you wish to submit information for the 5-year review, you
may submit information to the Field Supervisor, New Mexico Ecological
Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES).
Our practice is to make comments, including names and home
addresses of respondents, available for public review
[[Page 70483]]
during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that
we withhold their home addresses from the rulemaking record, which we
will honor to the extent allowable by law. There also may be
circumstances in which we would withhold from the rulemaking record a
respondent's identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold
your name or address, you must state this prominently at the beginning
of your comment, but you should be aware that the Service may be
required to disclose your name and address under the Freedom of
Information Act. However, we will not consider anonymous comments. We
will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from
individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of
organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their
entirety.
References Cited
A complete list of all references cited in this notice is available
upon request from the New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office (see
ADDRESSES).
Author
The primary authors of this rule are the New Mexico Ecological
Services Field Office staff (see ADDRESSES).
Authority
The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: November 14, 2006.
H. Dale Hall,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20317 Filed 12-4-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
