Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of 16 Southeastern Species, 54057-54059 [E7-18558]

Download as PDF mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 183 / Friday, September 21, 2007 / Notices National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS). Developing CCPs is done according to the sound principles of fish and wildlife science and laws, while adhering to Service planning and related policies. In addition to outlining broad management direction on conserving refuge wildlife and habitat, CCPs identify wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities available to the public, including opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. We will review and update this CCP at least once every 15 years. Missisquoi NWR spans over 6,592 acres, lies on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain near the Canadian border in Franklin County, Vermont, and includes most of the Missisquoi River Delta, the largest wetland complex in the Lake Champlain Basin. As it flows through the refuge, the Missisquoi River is bordered by the largest and perhaps highest quality silver maple floodplain forest remaining in the State. The river meanders through extensive natural and managed emergent marshes of wild rice, buttonbush, and tussock sedge that host thousands of waterfowl during migration. That part of the river harbors rare freshwater mussels, spiny soft-shell turtles, and fish. Refuge lands protect the Shad Island great blue heron rookery, the largest colony in Vermont, and the entire nesting population of black terns in the State. The Service acquired most of the refuge under authority of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 (16 U.S.C. 715–715r) for ‘‘use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purposes, for migratory birds’’ and the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(1)) for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources. We distributed a draft CCP/ Environmental Assessment (EA) for public review and comment for 38 days between March 22 and April 30, 2007. Its distribution was announced in the Federal Register on March 16, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 51, Pages 12632– 12633). That draft analyzed two alternatives for managing the refuge. We also held one public meeting on March 31, 2007, to obtain public comments. We received 105 comments from local towns, conservation and recreational organizations, and local residents. Appendix L of the final CCP includes a summary of those comments and our responses to them. We selected Alternative B (the Service-proposed action) from the draft CCP/EA as the alternative for VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:17 Sep 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 implementation. Our final CCP fully describes its details. Staff from Missisquoi NWR headquarters office in Swanton, Vermont, will continue to administer the refuge. Highlights of the final CCP include: (1) Greater inventory, monitoring, and management of the Missisquoi River Delta wetlands (floodplain forest, lakeshore and river shore wetlands, impoundments, rivers and creeks, bays, bogs, swamps, vernal pools, and scrubshrub habitat) to maintain their ecological integrity for the rich diversity of plants and animals on the refuge. (2) Better management of high-quality grasslands, shrublands, and other early successional habitats for a range of wildlife species of conservation concern. (3) Enhanced programs of outreach and environmental education and interpretation to raise public awareness and involvement in the protection and stewardship of refuge wildlife and habitats. (4) Enhanced wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities (wildlife observation and photography, hunting, and fishing) that provide quality experiences for refuge visitors and protect wildlife and their habitats. (5) Greater inventory, protection, and interpretation of the rich cultural history of the Missisquoi River delta and enhanced partnerships with the local Abenaki Tribe and other interested communities. (6) Cooperative partnerships within the northern Lake Champlain Basin, including the Missisquoi River watershed, working toward better water quality, improved land stewardship, and greater protection of fish and wildlife resources. (7) A Geographical Information System (GIS) that contains current data on refuge biological resources that will more effectively and efficiently guide habitat and species management. (8) An inventory of aquatic and upland invasive species that track annual distribution and control methods, and management results of these nuisance species on the refuge and in Missisquoi Bay. (9) In partnership with others, the protection of additional lands and waters, particularly intact, fully functioning wetlands and associated riparian areas and lands that maintain and expand the protection of large, unfragmented blocks of upland habitat for area-sensitive wildlife species. (10) In lieu of a fee, visitors will be encouraged to make voluntary contributions at collection boxes at the trailheads and boat launch sites. We will work with the Friends of PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54057 Missisquoi NWR to develop a voluntary annual refuge pass to raise additional funds for trail maintenance, informational kiosks, educational programs, and other actions to benefit all visitors to the refuge. (11) A critical new law enforcement position to enhance staff and visitor safety, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain communications with Homeland Security, given the refuge’s proximity to the International border and active recreational community in the Missisquoi Bay and river. (12) Other new critical positions, including a park ranger, maintenance worker, and biological technician, to maximize the use and effectiveness of the new visitor center and associated interpretive trails, ensure safe, quality refuge experiences through wellmaintained facilities, ensure our use of the best available science in conserving and managing the fish and wildlife resources and their habitats, and ensure that public uses are compatible with the ‘‘wildlife first’’ mission of the NWRS. Dated: September 14, 2007. Thomas J. Healy, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, Massachusetts. [FR Doc. E7–18542 Filed 9–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of 16 Southeastern Species Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is initiating 5-year reviews of the Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus), Cahow (Pterodroma cahow), boulder darter (Etheostoma wapiti), relict darter (Etheostoma chienense), Cumberland pigtoe (Pleurobema gibberum), rough pigtoe (Pleurobema plenum), orangefoot pimpleback (pearlymussel) (Plethobasus cooperianus), tan riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri), white wartyback (pearlymussel) (Plethobasus cicatricosus), noonday snail (Mesodon clarki nantahala), Nashville crayfish (Orconectes shoupi), Kentucky cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri), Cumberland sandwort (Arenaria cumberlandensis), Tennessee purple coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis), large-flowered skullcap (Scutellaria E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 54058 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 183 / Friday, September 21, 2007 / Notices montana), and rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) under section 4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.11 and 17.12) is accurate. A 5year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, information submitted for our consideration must be received on or before November 20, 2007. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: Information submitted on the Carolina northern flying squirrel, tan riffleshell, noonday snail, and rock gnome lichen should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Asheville Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 160 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801, fax 828/258–5330. Information on the boulder darter, Cumberland pigtoe, orangefoot pimpleback, white wartyback, Nashville crayfish, Cumberland sandwort, Tennessee purple coneflower, and largeflowered skullcap should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Cookeville Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, Tennessee 38501, fax 931/528–7075. Information on the relict darter, rough pigtoe, and Kentucky cave shrimp should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Frankfort Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 330 West Broadway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, fax 502/695–1024. Information on the cahow should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Raleigh Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 33726, Raleigh, North Carolina 27636, fax 919/856–4556. Information received in response to this notice of review will be available for public inspection by appointment, during normal business hours, at the same addresses. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the Carolina northern flying squirrel, contact Robert Currie at the Asheville Field Office address above (phone 828/258–3939 ext. 224, e-mail Robert_Currie@fws.gov). For information on the tan riffleshell, contact Robert (Bob) Butler at the Asheville Field Office address above (phone 828/258– 3939 ext. 235, e-mail Bob_Butler@fws.gov). For information on the noonday snail, contact John Fridell at the Asheville Field Office address above (phone 828/258–3939 ext. VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:17 Sep 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 225, e-mail John_Fridell@fws.gov). For information on the rock gnome lichen, contact Carolyn Wells at the Asheville Field Office address above (phone 828/ 258–3939 ext. 231, e-mail Carolyn_Wells@fws.gov). For information on the boulder darter, Cumberland pigtoe, orangefoot pimpleback, or white wartyback, contact James (Jim) Widlak at the Cookeville Field Office address above (phone 931/ 528–6481 ext. 202, e-mail James_Widlak@fws.gov). For information on the Nashville crayfish, Cumberland sandwort, Tennessee purple coneflower, or large-flowered skullcap, contact Geoff Call at the Cookeville Field Office address above (phone 931/528–6481 ext. 214, e-mail Geoff_Call@fws.gov). For information on the relict darter or Kentucky cave shrimp, contact Mike Floyd at the Frankfort Field Office address above (phone 502/695–0468 ext. 102, e-mail Mike_Floyd@fws.gov). For information on the rough pigtoe, contact Leroy Koch at the Frankfort Field Office address above (phone 502/695–0468 ext. 106, e-mail Leroy_Koch@fws.gov). For information on the cahow, contact David Rabon at the Raleigh Field Office address above (phone 919/856–4520 ext. 16, e-mail David_Rabon@fws.gov). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.), the Service maintains a list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants) (collectively referred to as the List). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years. Then, on the basis of such reviews, under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether or not any species should be removed from the List (delisted), or reclassified from endangered to threatened or from threatened to endangered. Delisting a species must be supported by the best scientific and commercial data available and only considered if such data substantiate that the species is neither endangered nor threatened for one or more of the following reasons: (1) The species is considered extinct; (2) the species is considered to be recovered; and/or (3) the original data available when the species was listed, or the interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal classification would require a separate rulemaking process. Amendments to the List through final rules are published in the Federal Register. The regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing those PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 species currently under active review. This notice announces our active review of the following species listed as endangered: Carolina northern flying squirrel (mammal), Cahow (bird), boulder darter (fish), relict darter (fish), Cumberland pigtoe (mussel), rough pigtoe (mussel), orangefoot pimpleback (mussel), tan riffleshell (mussel), white wartyback (mussel), Nashville crayfish (crayfish), Kentucky cave shrimp (shrimp), Cumberland sandwort (plant), Tennessee purple coneflower (plant), and rock gnome lichen (lichen). This notice also covers two species that are listed as threatened: noonday snail (snail) and large-flowered skullcap (plant). The List is also available on our Internet site at https:// endangered.fws.gov/ wildlife.html#Species. What information is considered in the review? A 5-year review considers all new information available at the time of the review. A 5-year review will consider the best scientific and commercial data that have become available since the current listing determination or most recent status review of each species, 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, and improved analytical methods. Specific information Requested for the Boulder Darter, Cumberland Pigtoe, Orangefoot Pimpleback, White Wartyback, and Rock Gnome Lichen We are especially interested in obtaining information about the present condition of the species’ habitats, recovery of degraded habitats, threats to extant populations, discovery of new populations, or rediscovery of populations thought to be extirpated. We are also interested in information about ongoing or successfully completed recovery activities. We specifically request information regarding the current distribution of the E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 72, No. 183 / Friday, September 21, 2007 / Notices species throughout their ranges and the status of extant populations. 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 following five factors: A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range; B. Over-utilization 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 any of these 16 species indicating that 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 endangered to threatened (downlist); (b) reclassify the species from threatened to endangered (uplist); or (c) delist the species. If we determine that a change in classification is not warranted, then these species will remain on the List under their current status. mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Public Solicitation of New Information We request any new information concerning the status of any of these 16 species. See ‘‘What information is considered in the review?’’ heading for specific criteria. Information submitted should be supported by documentation such as maps, bibliographic references, VerDate Aug<31>2005 18:17 Sep 20, 2007 Jkt 211001 methods used to gather and analyze the data, and/or copies of any pertinent publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources. Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Individual respondents may request that we withhold their names and home addresses, etc., but if you wish us to withhold this information, you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. In addition, you must present rationale for withholding this information. This rationale must demonstrate that disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy. Unsupported assertions will not meet this burden. In absence of exceptional, undocumented circumstances, this information will be released. 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. Authority: This document is published under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: July 23, 2007. Cynthia K. Dohner, Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region. [FR Doc. E7–18558 Filed 9–20–07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of 5-Year Reviews of 2 Species: Chihuahua Chub (Gila nigrescens) and Navasota Ladies’Tresses (Spiranthes parksii) Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of reviews; request for information. AGENCY: SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) initiate 5-year reviews of Chihuahua chub (Gila nigrescens) and Navasota ladies’-tresses (Spiranthes parksii) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The purpose of reviews conducted under section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is accurate. The 5-year review is an assessment of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54059 Therefore, we are requesting submission of any new information (best scientific and commercial data) on Chihuahua chub and Navasota ladies’-tresses since their original listings as threatened in 1983 (48 FR 46053; October 11, 1983) and endangered in 1982 (47 FR 19539; May 6, 1982), respectively. If the present classification of either of these species is not consistent with the best scientific and commercial information available, we may recommend a change in Federal classification. A change would require a separate final rulemaking process. DATES: To allow adequate time to conduct this review, we must receive any information submitted for our consideration on or before December 20, 2007. However, we will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any time. ADDRESSES: Mail or hand deliver information on these species to us at the following addresses. Information we receive will be available for public inspection by appointment, during normal business hours, at the same addresses. Navasota ladies’-tresses: Field Supervisor, Attention 5-year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758. The office phone number is 512– 490–0057. Alternatively, you may send information via e-mail to chris_best@fws.gov. Chihuahua chub: Field Supervisor, Attention 5-year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, 2105 Osuna Road, NE., Albuquerque, NM 87113. The office phone number is 505– 346–2525. Alternatively, you may send information via e-mail to marilyn_myers@fws.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For species-specific information, contact the appropriate person at the above addresses and phone numbers. Individuals who are hearing impaired or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 800–877–8337 for TTY assistance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Why Do We Conduct a 5-year Review? Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years. We are then, under section 4(c)(2)(B) and the provisions of subsections (a) and (b), to determine, on the basis of such a review, whether or not any species should be removed (delisted) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.12), or E:\FR\FM\21SEN1.SGM 21SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 183 (Friday, September 21, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54057-54059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-18558]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of 
16 Southeastern Species

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is initiating 5-
year reviews of the Carolina northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys 
sabrinus coloratus), Cahow (Pterodroma cahow), boulder darter 
(Etheostoma wapiti), relict darter (Etheostoma chienense), Cumberland 
pigtoe (Pleurobema gibberum), rough pigtoe (Pleurobema plenum), 
orangefoot pimpleback (pearlymussel) (Plethobasus cooperianus), tan 
riffleshell (Epioblasma florentina walkeri), white wartyback 
(pearlymussel) (Plethobasus cicatricosus), noonday snail (Mesodon 
clarki nantahala), Nashville crayfish (Orconectes shoupi), Kentucky 
cave shrimp (Palaemonias ganteri), Cumberland sandwort (Arenaria 
cumberlandensis), Tennessee purple coneflower (Echinacea 
tennesseensis), large-flowered skullcap (Scutellaria

[[Page 54058]]

montana), and rock gnome lichen (Gymnoderma lineare) under section 
4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The 
purpose of reviews conducted under this section of the Act is to ensure 
that the classification of species as threatened or endangered on the 
List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (50 CFR 17.11 and 
17.12) is accurate. A 5-year review is an assessment of the best 
scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, information 
submitted for our consideration must be received on or before November 
20, 2007. However, we will continue to accept new information about any 
listed species at any time.

ADDRESSES: Information submitted on the Carolina northern flying 
squirrel, tan riffleshell, noonday snail, and rock gnome lichen should 
be sent to the Field Supervisor, Asheville Field Office, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 160 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801, 
fax 828/258-5330. Information on the boulder darter, Cumberland pigtoe, 
orangefoot pimpleback, white wartyback, Nashville crayfish, Cumberland 
sandwort, Tennessee purple coneflower, and large-flowered skullcap 
should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Cookeville Field Office, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, 446 Neal Street, Cookeville, Tennessee 
38501, fax 931/528-7075. Information on the relict darter, rough 
pigtoe, and Kentucky cave shrimp should be sent to the Field 
Supervisor, Frankfort Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 330 
West Broadway, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, fax 502/695-1024. Information 
on the cahow should be sent to the Field Supervisor, Raleigh Field 
Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 33726, Raleigh, North 
Carolina 27636, fax 919/856-4556. Information received in response to 
this notice of review will be available for public inspection by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the same addresses.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For information on the Carolina 
northern flying squirrel, contact Robert Currie at the Asheville Field 
Office address above (phone 828/258-3939 ext. 224, e-mail Robert--
Currie@fws.gov). For information on the tan riffleshell, contact Robert 
(Bob) Butler at the Asheville Field Office address above (phone 828/
258-3939 ext. 235, e-mail Bob--Butler@fws.gov). For information on the 
noonday snail, contact John Fridell at the Asheville Field Office 
address above (phone 828/258-3939 ext. 225, e-mail John--
Fridell@fws.gov). For information on the rock gnome lichen, contact 
Carolyn Wells at the Asheville Field Office address above (phone 828/
258-3939 ext. 231, e-mail Carolyn--Wells@fws.gov). For information on 
the boulder darter, Cumberland pigtoe, orangefoot pimpleback, or white 
wartyback, contact James (Jim) Widlak at the Cookeville Field Office 
address above (phone 931/528-6481 ext. 202, e-mail James--
Widlak@fws.gov). For information on the Nashville crayfish, Cumberland 
sandwort, Tennessee purple coneflower, or large-flowered skullcap, 
contact Geoff Call at the Cookeville Field Office address above (phone 
931/528-6481 ext. 214, e-mail Geoff--Call@fws.gov). For information on 
the relict darter or Kentucky cave shrimp, contact Mike Floyd at the 
Frankfort Field Office address above (phone 502/695-0468 ext. 102, e-
mail Mike--Floyd@fws.gov). For information on the rough pigtoe, contact 
Leroy Koch at the Frankfort Field Office address above (phone 502/695-
0468 ext. 106, e-mail Leroy--Koch@fws.gov). For information on the 
cahow, contact David Rabon at the Raleigh Field Office address above 
(phone 919/856-4520 ext. 16, e-mail David--Rabon@fws.gov).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533 et seq.), the 
Service maintains a list of endangered and threatened wildlife and 
plant species at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants) 
(collectively referred to as the List). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act 
requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 
5 years. Then, on the basis of such reviews, under section 4(c)(2)(B), 
we determine whether or not any species should be removed from the List 
(delisted), or reclassified from endangered to threatened or from 
threatened to endangered. Delisting a species must be supported by the 
best scientific and commercial data available and only considered if 
such data substantiate that the species is neither endangered nor 
threatened for one or more of the following reasons: (1) The species is 
considered extinct; (2) the species is considered to be recovered; and/
or (3) the original data available when the species was listed, or the 
interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal 
classification would require a separate rulemaking process. Amendments 
to the List through final rules are published in the Federal Register.
    The 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 active review of the following 
species listed as endangered: Carolina northern flying squirrel 
(mammal), Cahow (bird), boulder darter (fish), relict darter (fish), 
Cumberland pigtoe (mussel), rough pigtoe (mussel), orangefoot 
pimpleback (mussel), tan riffleshell (mussel), white wartyback 
(mussel), Nashville crayfish (crayfish), Kentucky cave shrimp (shrimp), 
Cumberland sandwort (plant), Tennessee purple coneflower (plant), and 
rock gnome lichen (lichen). This notice also covers two species that 
are listed as threatened: noonday snail (snail) and large-flowered 
skullcap (plant). The List is also available on our Internet site at 
https://endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html#Species.

What information is considered in the review?

    A 5-year review considers all new information available at the time 
of the review. A 5-year review will consider the best scientific and 
commercial data that have become available since the current listing 
determination or most recent status review of each species, 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, and improved analytical 
methods.

Specific information Requested for the Boulder Darter, Cumberland 
Pigtoe, Orangefoot Pimpleback, White Wartyback, and Rock Gnome Lichen

    We are especially interested in obtaining information about the 
present condition of the species' habitats, recovery of degraded 
habitats, threats to extant populations, discovery of new populations, 
or rediscovery of populations thought to be extirpated. We are also 
interested in information about ongoing or successfully completed 
recovery activities. We specifically request information regarding the 
current distribution of the

[[Page 54059]]

species throughout their ranges and the status of extant populations.

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 
following five factors:
    A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;
    B. Over-utilization 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 any of these 16 
species indicating that 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 endangered to threatened (downlist); (b) 
reclassify the species from threatened to endangered (uplist); or (c) 
delist the species. If we determine that a change in classification is 
not warranted, then these species will remain on the List under their 
current status.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    We request any new information concerning the status of any of 
these 16 species. 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, and/or copies of any 
pertinent publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources. 
Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of 
respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. 
Individual respondents may request that we withhold their names and 
home addresses, etc., but if you wish us to withhold this information, 
you must state this prominently at the beginning of your comments. In 
addition, you must present rationale for withholding this information. 
This rationale must demonstrate that disclosure would constitute a 
clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy. Unsupported assertions will 
not meet this burden. In absence of exceptional, undocumented 
circumstances, this information will be released. 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.

    Authority: This document is published under the authority of the 
Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: July 23, 2007.
Cynthia K. Dohner,
Acting Regional Director, Southeast Region.
 [FR Doc. E7-18558 Filed 9-20-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P
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