Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Reviews of Species in California and Nevada, 25112-25116 [2012-10212]

Download as PDF 25112 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules direct final rule and address the comments in subsequent action based on this proposed rule. Please note that if we receive adverse comment on an amendment, paragraph, or section of this rule and if that provision may be severed from the remainder of the rule, we may adopt as final those provisions of the rule that are not the subject of an adverse comment. We do not plan to open a second comment period, so anyone interested in commenting should do so at this time. If we do not receive adverse comments, no further activity is planned. For further information, please see the direct final action. Dated: February 1, 2012. Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator, Region IX. [FR Doc. 2012–10103 Filed 4–26–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 73 [MB Docket No. 12–92; RM–11650; DA 12–552] Radio Broadcasting Services; Centerville and Midway, TX Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Proposed rule. AGENCY: This document requests comments on a petition for rulemaking filed by Katherine Pyeatt, proposing the allotment of Channel 267A at Midway, Texas, as its first local service; and the substitution of Channel 232A for vacant Channel 267A at Centerville, Texas to accommodate the proposed Midway allotment. Channel 267A can be allotted to Midway consistent with the minimum distance separation requirements of the Rules with a site restriction 7.6 kilometers (4.7 miles) northwest of the community. The reference coordinates for Channel 267A at Midway are 31–03–42 NL and 95–49– 06 WL. Additionally, Channel 232A can be allotted to Centerville consistent with the minimum distance separation requirement of the Rules with a site restriction 10.6 kilometers (6.6 miles) northwest of Centerville. The reference coordinates for Channel 232A at Centerville are 31–19–03 NL and 96– 03–54 WL. DATES: Comments must be filed on or before May 29, 2012, and reply comments on or before June 13, 2012. ADDRESSES: Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Apr 26, 2012 Jkt 226001 Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. In addition to filing comments with the FCC, interested parties should serve the petitioner as follows: Katherine Pyeatt, 2215 Cedar Springs Road, #1605, Dallas, Texas 75201. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rolanda F. Smith, Media Bureau, (202) 418–2700. This is a synopsis of the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rule Making, MB Docket No. 12–92, adopted April 5, 2012, and released April 6, 2012. The full text of this Commission decision is available for inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC’s Reference Information Center at Portals II, CY–A257, 445 Twelfth Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. This document may also be purchased from the Commission’s duplicating contractors, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., 445 12th Street SW., Room CY–B402, Washington, DC 20554, telephone 1–800–378–3160 or via email www.BCPIWEB.com. This document does not contain proposed information collection requirements subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any proposed information collection burden ‘‘for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees,’’ pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107–198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4). Provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 do not apply to this proceeding. Members of the public should note that from the time a Notice of Proposed Rule Making is issued until the matter is no longer subject to Commission consideration or court review, all ex parte contacts are prohibited in Commission proceedings, such as this one, which involve channel allotments. See 47 CFR 1.1204(b) for rules governing permissible ex parte contacts. For information regarding proper filing procedures for comments, see 47 CFR 1.415 and 1.420. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 73 Radio, Radio broadcasting. Federal Communications Commission. Nazifa Sawez, Assistant Chief, Audio Division, Media Bureau. For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR part 73 as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 PART 73—RADIO BROADCAST SERVICES 1. The authority citation for part 73 continues to read as follows: Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 334, 336 and 339. § 73.202 [Amended] 2. Section 73.202(b), the Table of FM Allotments under Texas, is amended by removing Channel 267A and by adding Channel 232A at Centerville; and by adding Midway, Channel 267A. [FR Doc. 2012–10269 Filed 4–26–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [FWS–R8–ES–2012–N073; FF0800000– FXES11130800000C4–123] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Reviews of Species in California and Nevada Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of 5-year reviews. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year reviews for 25 species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We conduct these reviews to ensure that our classification of species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants as threatened or endangered is accurate. A 5-year review assesses the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of the review. We are requesting any information that has become available since our last 5-year review of each of these species. Based on review results, we will determine whether we should change the listing status of any of these species. In this notice, we also announce 5-year reviews that were completed for 28 species in California and Nevada between March 17, 2011, and February 29, 2012. DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written information by June 26, 2012. ADDRESSES: For how and where to send comments or information, see ‘‘VIII., Contacts.’’ SUMMARY: For species-specific information, contact the appropriate person listed under ‘‘VIII., Contacts.’’ For contact information about completed 5-year reviews, see ‘‘IX., Completed 5-Year Reviews.’’ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: E:\FR\FM\27APP1.SGM 27APP1 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules Individuals who are hearing-impaired or speech-impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8337 for TTY assistance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Why do we conduct 5-year reviews? Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we maintain Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (which we collectively refer to as the List) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires us to review each listed species’ status at least once every 5 years. Then, under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether to remove any species from the List (delist), to reclassify it from endangered to threatened, or to reclassify it from threatened to endangered. Any change in Federal classification requires a separate rulemaking process. In classifying, we use the following definitions, from 50 CFR 424.02: (A) Species includes any species or subspecies of fish, wildlife, or plant, and any distinct population segment of any species of vertebrate, that interbreeds when mature; (B) Endangered species means any species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range; and (C) Threatened species means any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. We must support delisting by the best scientific and commercial data 25113 available, and only consider delisting if data substantiate that the species is neither endangered nor threatened for one or more of the following reasons (50 CFR 424.11(d)): (A) The species is considered extinct; (B) The species is considered to be recovered; or (C) The original data available when the species was listed, or the interpretation of data, were in error. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register announcing the species we are reviewing. II. What species are under review? This notice announces our active 5year status reviews of the species in Table 1. TABLE 1—CURRENT LISTING STATUS OF SPECIES UNDER 5-YEAR STATUS REVIEW, INCLUDING 5 ANIMAL SPECIES AND 20 PLANT SPECIES IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA Common name Scientific name Status Where listed Final listing rule Rhinichthys osculus lethoporus ... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (NV) ...... October 10, 1989 (54 FR 41448). Oncorhynchus clarki seleniris ...... Streptocephalus woottoni ............. Branchinecta sandiegonensis ...... Ovis canadensis sierrae ............... Threatened ....... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... Threatened ....... U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. July 16, 1975 (40 FR 29863). August 3, 1993 (58 FR 41384). February, 3 1997 (62 FR 4925). January 3, 2000 (65 FR 20). ANIMALS Independence Valley speckled dace. Paiute cutthroat trout .................... Riverside fairy shrimp .................. San Diego fairy shrimp ................ Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep ...... (CA) (CA) (CA) (CA) ....... ....... ....... ....... PLANTS Ben Lomond wallflower ................ Burke’s goldfields ......................... Erysimum teretifolium ................... Lasthenia burkei ........................... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... Butte County meadowfoam .......... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... Threatened ....... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... U.S.A. (CA) ....... U.S.A. (CA) ....... March 26, 1997 (62 FR 14338). June 18, 1997 (62 FR 33029). June 18, 1997 (62 FR 33029). Endangered ...... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... Threatened ....... U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. U.S.A. March 26, 1997 (62 FR 14338). July 31, 1997 (62 FR 40954). July 31, 1997 (62 FR 40954). January 29, 1997 (62 FR 4172). August 3, 1993 (58 FR 41378). June 22, 1992 (50 FR 27848). October 6, 1998 (63 FR 53596). Purple amole ................................ Sacramento Orcutt grass ............. San Bernardino bluegrass ........... Limnanthes floccosa subsp. californica. Neostapfia colusana ..................... Lasthenia conjugens .................... Navarretia leucocephala subsp. pauciflora. Tuctoria greenei ........................... Berberis pinnata subsp. insularis Phacelia insulars var. insularis .... Pentachaeta lyonii ........................ Arenaria paludicola ...................... Erysimum menziesii ..................... Astragalus magdalenae var. peirsonii. Chlorogalum purpureum .............. Orcuttia viscida ............................. Poa atropurpurea ......................... February 4, 1994 (59 FR 5499). December 2, 1991 (56 FR 61173). June 8, 1992 (57 FR 24192). Threatened ....... Endangered ...... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... U.S.A. (CA) ....... U.S.A. (CA) ....... Sebastopol meadowfoam ............. Limnanthes vinculans ................... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... Sonoma sunshine ........................ Blennosperma bakeri ................... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... Vail Lake ceanothus ..................... Willowy monardella ...................... Ceanothus ophiochilus ................. Monardella viminea ...................... Threatened ....... Endangered ...... U.S.A. (CA) ....... U.S.A. (CA) ....... Colusa grass ................................ Contra Costa goldfields ................ Few-flowered navarretia ............... mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS Greene’s tuctoria .......................... Island barberry ............................. Island phacelia ............................. Lyon’s pentachaeta ...................... Marsh sandwort ............................ Menzies’ wallflower ...................... Peirson’s milk-vetch ..................... III. What information do we consider in our review? We consider all new information available at the time we conduct a 5year status review. We consider the best VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Apr 26, 2012 Jkt 226001 scientific and commercial data that has become available since our current listing determination or most recent status review, such as: PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 (CA) (CA) (CA) (CA) (CA) (CA) (CA) ...... ...... ....... ....... ....... ....... ...... March 20, 2000 (65 FR 14878). March 28, 1997 (62 FR 14338). September 14, 1998 (63 FR 49006). December 2, 1991 (56 FR 61173). December 2, 1991 (56 FR 61173). October 13, 1998 (63 FR 54956). October 13, 1998 (63 FR 54938). (A) Species biology, including but not limited to population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics; E:\FR\FM\27APP1.SGM 27APP1 25114 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules (B) Habitat conditions, including but not limited to amount, distribution, and suitability; (C) Conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species; (D) Threat status and trends (see five factors under heading ‘‘IV., 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. We specifically request information regarding data from any systematic surveys, as well as any studies or analysis of data that may show population size or trends; information pertaining to the biology or ecology of these species; information regarding the effects of current land management on population distribution and abundance; information on the current condition of habitat; and recent information regarding conservation measures that have been implemented to benefit the species. Additionally, we specifically request information regarding the current distribution of populations and evaluation of threats faced by the species in relation to the five listing factors (as defined below and in section 4(a)(1) of the Act) and the species’ listed status as judged against the definition of threatened or endangered. Finally, we request recommendations pertaining to the development of, or potential updates to, recovery plans and additional actions or studies that would benefit these species in the future. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS IV. How do we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened? Section 4(a)(1) of the Act requires 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. Under section 4(b)(1) of the Act, we must base our assessment of these factors solely on the best scientific and commercial data available. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Apr 26, 2012 Jkt 226001 V. What could happen as a result of our review? For each species under review, if we find new information that indicates 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); (B) Reclassify the species from endangered to threatened (downlist); or (C) Remove the species from the List (delist). If we determine that a change in classification is not warranted, then the species remains on the List under its current status. VI. Request for New Information To ensure that a 5-year review is complete and based on the best available scientific and commercial information, we request new information from all sources. See ‘‘III., What Information Do We Consider in Our Review?’’ for specific criteria. If you submit information, support it with 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. Submit your comments and materials to the appropriate Fish and Wildlife Office listed under ‘‘VIII., Contacts.’’ VII. Public Availability of Comments Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the offices where the comments are submitted. VIII. Contacts Send your comments and information on the following species, as well as requests for information, to the corresponding contacts/addresses. You may view information we receive in response to this notice, as well as other documentation in our files, at the following locations by appointment, during normal business hours. For the Menzies’ wallflower, send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S. Fish and PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Wildlife Service, Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521. Information may also be submitted electronically at arcata@fws.gov. To obtain further information, contact Kathleen Brubaker at (707) 822–7201. For the Peirson’s milk-vetch, Riverside fairy shrimp, San Bernardino bluegrass, San Diego fairy shrimp, Vail Lake ceanothus, and Willowy monardella, send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Information may also be submitted electronically at fw8cfwocomments@fws.gov. To obtain further information, contact Bradd Baskerville-Bridges at the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office at (760) 431–9440. For the Independence Valley speckled dace and Paiute cutthroat trout, send information to State Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340 Financial Blvd., Suite 234, Reno, Nevada 89502–7147. Information may also be submitted electronically at fw1nfwo_5yr@fws.gov. To obtain further information, contact Jill Ralston at the Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office at (775) 861–6300. For the Burke’s goldfields, Butte County meadowfoam, Colusa grass, Contra Costa goldfields, few-flowered navarretia, Greene’s tuctoria, Sacramento Orcutt grass, Sebastopol meadowfoam, and Sonoma sunshine, send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800 Cottage Way, Room W–2605, Sacramento, CA 95825. Information may also be submitted electronically at fw1sfo5year@fws.gov. To obtain further information, contact Josh Hull at the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office at (916) 414–6600. For the Ben Lomond wallflower, island barberry, island phacelia, Lyon’s pentachaeta, marsh sandwort, purple amole, and Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep, send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003. Information may also be submitted electronically at fw8vfwo5year@fws.gov. To obtain further information on the animal species, contact Mike McCrary at the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at (805) 644–1766. To obtain further information on the plant species, contact Connie Rutherford at the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at (805) 644–1766. E:\FR\FM\27APP1.SGM 27APP1 25115 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules All electronic information must be submitted in Text format or Rich Text format. Include the following identifier in the subject line of the email: Information on 5-year review for [NAME OF SPECIES], and include your name and return address in the body of your message. IX. Completed 5-Year Reviews We also take this opportunity to inform the public of 5-year reviews that we completed between March 17, 2011, and February 29, 2012, for 28 species in California and Nevada (Table 2). Reviews for these 28 species can be found at https://www.fws.gov/ endangered/species/. Any recommended change in listing status resulting from these completed reviews will require a separate rulemaking process. TABLE 2—SUMMARY OF 28 SPECIES IN CALIFORNIA AND NEVADA FOR WHICH 5-YEAR REVIEWS WERE COMPLETED BETWEEN MARCH 17, 2011 AND FEBRUARY 29, 2012 Common name Scientific name Recommendation Lead fish and wildlife office Contact ANIMALS Alameda whipsnake (=striped racer). Buena Vista Lake shrew ........ California freshwater shrimp .. Little Kern golden trout .......... Peninsular bighorn sheep ...... Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus. Sorex ornatus relictus ........... Syncaris pacifica ................... Oncorhynchus aguabonita whitei. Lycaeides argyrognomon lotis. Dipodomys heermanni morroensis. Ovis Canadensis ................... Stephens’ kangaroo rat ......... Dipodomys stephensi ............ Lotis blue butterfly ................. Morro Bay kangaroo rat ......... No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. No status change .................. No status change .................. No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Sacramento ...... Sacramento ...... Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. No status change .................. Arcata ............... No status change .................. Ventura ............. No status change .................. Carlsbad ........... Downlist ................................. Carlsbad ........... Kathleen Brubaker, (707) 822–7201. Mike McCrary, (805) 644– 1766. Bradd Baskerville-Bridges, (760) 431–9440. Bradd Baskerville-Bridges, (760) 431–9440. PLANTS Ash Meadows sunray ............ Bakersfield cactus .................. Beach layia ............................ Ben Lomond spineflower ....... Coyote ceanothus .................. Encinitas baccharis ................ Fleshy owl’s-clover ................ Gambel’s watercress ............. Enceliopsis nudicaulis var. corrugata. Opuntia treleasei ................... Layia carnosa ........................ Chorizanthe pungens var. hartwegiana. Ceanothus ferrisae ................ Baccharis vanessae .............. Castilleja campestris subsp. succulenta. Nasturtium gambelii .............. No status change .................. Nevada ............. Jill Ralston, (775) 861–6300. No status change .................. Downlist ................................. Sacramento ...... Arcata ............... No status change .................. Ventura ............. No status change .................. No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Carlsbad ........... No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Kathleen Brubaker, (707) 822–7201. Connie Rutherford, (805) 644–1766. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Bradd Baskerville-Bridges, (760) 431–9440. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. No status change .................. Ventura ............. No status change .................. Ventura ............. Hoffmann’s rock-cress ........... Deinandra increscens subsp. villosa. Arabis hoffmannii .................. No status change .................. Ventura ............. Howell’s spineflower .............. Chorizanthe howellii .............. No status change .................. Arcata ............... Kneeland prairie pennycress Thlaspi californicum .............. No status change .................. Arcata ............... Marin dwarf-flax ..................... Pedate checkermallow ........... Hesperolinon congestum ...... Sidalcea pedata .................... No status change .................. No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Carlsbad ........... Pennell’s bird’s-beak .............. Cordylanthus tenuis subsp. capillaris. Eriophyllum latilobum ............ Alopecurus aequalis var.sonomensis. Calochortus tiburonensis ...... Clarkia imbricata ................... Delphinium luteum ................ No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Connie Rutherford, (805) 644–1766. Connie Rutherford, (805) 644–1766. Connie Rutherford, (805) 644–1766. Kathleen Brubaker, (707) 822–7201. Kathleen Brubaker, (707) 822–7201. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Bradd Baskerville-Bridges, (760) 431–9440. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. No status change .................. No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Sacramento ...... Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. No status change .................. No status change .................. No status change .................. Sacramento ...... Sacramento ...... Sacramento ...... Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Josh Hull, (916) 414–6600. Jkt 226001 Fmt 4702 Gaviota tarplant ..................... mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS San Mateo woolly sunflower .. Sonoma alopecurus ............... Tiburon mariposa lily .............. Vine Hill clarkia ...................... Yellow larkspur ...................... VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Apr 26, 2012 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Sfmt 4702 E:\FR\FM\27APP1.SGM 27APP1 25116 Federal Register / Vol. 77, No. 82 / Friday, April 27, 2012 / Proposed Rules X. Authority We publish this notice under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: March 30, 2012. Margaret T. Kolar, Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2012–10212 Filed 4–26–12; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 50 CFR Part 640 RIN 0648–BB44 Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Amendment 11 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of availability; request for comments. AGENCY: NMFS announces that the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (Councils) have submitted Amendment 11 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic (FMP) for review, approval, and implementation by NMFS. Amendment 11 proposes to limit spiny lobster fishing using trap gear in certain areas in the exclusive economic zone off the Florida Keys to protect threatened species of corals. DATES: Written comments must be received on or before June 26, 2012. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on the amendment identified by ‘‘NOAA–NMFS–2011–0223’’ by any of the following methods: • Electronic submissions: Submit electronic comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the ‘‘Instructions’’ for submitting comments. • Mail: Susan Gerhart, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. Instructions: All comments received are a part of the public record and will generally be posted to https:// www.regulations.gov without change. All Personal Identifying Information (for example, name, address, etc.) voluntarily submitted by the commenter may be publicly accessible. Do not mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:24 Apr 26, 2012 Jkt 226001 submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. NMFS will accept anonymous comments (enter N/A in the required field if you wish to remain anonymous). To submit comments through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: https:// www.regulations.gov, enter ‘‘NOAA– NMFS–2011–0223’’ in the search field and click on ‘‘search.’’ After you locate the document ‘‘Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Spiny Lobster Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic; Amendment 11,’’ click the ‘‘Submit a Comment’’ link in that row. This will display the comment web form. You can then enter your submitter information (unless you prefer to remain anonymous), and type your comment on the web form. You can also attach additional files (up to 10MB) in Microsoft Word, Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe PDF file formats only. Comments received through means not specified in this notice will not be considered. For further assistance with submitting a comment, see the ‘‘Commenting’’ section at https://www.regulations.gov/ #!faqs or the Help section at https:// www.regulations.gov. Electronic copies of Amendment 11 may be obtained from the Southeast Regional Office Web site at https:// sero.nmfs.noaa.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Susan Gerhart, telephone: 727–824– 5305, or email: Susan.Gerhart@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The spiny lobster fishery of the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and the South Atlantic is managed under the FMP. The FMP was prepared by the Councils and implemented through regulations at 50 CFR parts 622 and 640 under the authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). Background As required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), NMFS completed a formal consultation, and resulting biological opinion, on the continued authorization of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic spiny lobster fishery in 2009 (https://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/esa/ Fishery%20Biops/Final%20SL%20 BO.pdf). The biological opinion contained specific terms and conditions required to implement the prescribed reasonable and prudent measures (RPMs), including creation of new or expansion of existing closed areas to protect coral and implementation of trap PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 line-marking requirements. These actions were originally included in Amendment 10 to the FMP; however, the Councils chose to take no action in Amendment 10 to the FMP to allow for additional stakeholder input into the development of any potential areas closed to spiny lobster harvest and trap line-marking requirments. Actions Contained in Amendment 11 Amendment 11 considered actions to prohibit spiny lobster trap fishing in designated areas in the Florida Keys to protect threatened Acropora species of coral and to require markings on lobster trap lines unique to the spiny lobster fishery. Lobster Trap Gear Closed Areas The ESA requires analyses to determine whether, and to what extent, fishing operations impact threatened species such as threatened staghorn and elkhorn corals. The 2009 biological opinion on the spiny lobster fishery requires NMFS and the Councils to work together to protect areas of staghorn and elkhorn coral. RPMs included expansion of existing or creation of new areas closed to lobster trap fishing where colonies of these threatened coral species are present. Staff from the Councils and NMFS worked with various stakeholders to develop the proposed lobster trap gear closed areas. Areas were chosen to protect colonies with high conservation value and areas of high coral density. Lobster trap fishing would be prohibited in the proposed closed areas. The 60 proposed closed areas would cover 5.9 mi 2 (15.3 km 2) and are distributed throughout the Florida Keys. Spiny Lobster Trap Line Markings As described in Amendment 11, trap lines or rope are consistently found as marine debris and most frequently recovered without the buoys or traps still attached. These conditions cause significant difficulty for NMFS and other agencies when determining if line found in the environment, or entangling protected species, originated from the spiny lobster trap fishery. Trap line marking requirements are intended to allow greater accuracy in identifying fishery interaction impacts to benthic habitats and protected species by leading to more targeted measures to reduce the level and severity of those impacts. However, costs and labor for the spiny lobster fishery to mark their lobster trap gear could be high, with little evidence of the durability of the markings. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is currently conducting a study of various methods E:\FR\FM\27APP1.SGM 27APP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 82 (Friday, April 27, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 25112-25116]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-10212]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[FWS-R8-ES-2012-N073; FF0800000-FXES11130800000C4-123]

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Reviews of
Species in California and Nevada

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of 5-year reviews.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are initiating 5-year
reviews for 25 species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). We conduct these reviews to ensure that our
classification of species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and Plants as threatened or endangered is accurate. A 5-year
review assesses the best scientific and commercial data available at
the time of the review. We are requesting any information that has
become available since our last 5-year review of each of these species.
Based on review results, we will determine whether we should change the
listing status of any of these species. In this notice, we also
announce 5-year reviews that were completed for 28 species in
California and Nevada between March 17, 2011, and February 29, 2012.

DATES: To ensure consideration, please send your written information by
June 26, 2012.

ADDRESSES: For how and where to send comments or information, see
``VIII., Contacts.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For species-specific information,
contact the appropriate person listed under ``VIII., Contacts.'' For
contact information about completed 5-year reviews, see ``IX.,
Completed 5-Year Reviews.''

[[Page 25113]]

Individuals who are hearing-impaired or speech-impaired may call the
Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8337 for TTY assistance.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Why do we conduct 5-year reviews?

Under the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we maintain Lists of
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants (which we collectively
refer to as the List) in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 50
CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of
the Act requires us to review each listed species' status at least once
every 5 years. Then, under section 4(c)(2)(B), we determine whether to
remove any species from the List (delist), to reclassify it from
endangered to threatened, or to reclassify it from threatened to
endangered. Any change in Federal classification requires a separate
rulemaking process.
In classifying, we use the following definitions, from 50 CFR
424.02:
(A) Species includes any species or subspecies of fish, wildlife,
or plant, and any distinct population segment of any species of
vertebrate, that interbreeds when mature;
(B) Endangered species means any species that is in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range; and
(C) Threatened species means any species that is likely to become
an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range.
We must support delisting by the best scientific and commercial
data available, and only consider delisting if data substantiate that
the species is neither endangered nor threatened for one or more of the
following reasons (50 CFR 424.11(d)):
(A) The species is considered extinct;
(B) The species is considered to be recovered; or
(C) The original data available when the species was listed, or the
interpretation of data, were in error.
Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice
in the Federal Register announcing the species we are reviewing.

II. What species are under review?

This notice announces our active 5-year status reviews of the
species in Table 1.

Table 1--Current Listing Status of Species Under 5-Year Status Review, Including 5 Animal Species and 20 Plant
Species in California and Nevada
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Final listing
Common name Scientific name Status Where listed rule
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANIMALS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Independence Valley speckled Rhinichthys Endangered........... U.S.A. (NV).......... October 10, 1989
dace. osculus (54 FR 41448).
lethoporus.
Paiute cutthroat trout........ Oncorhynchus Threatened........... U.S.A. (CA).......... July 16, 1975
clarki (40 FR 29863).
seleniris.
Riverside fairy shrimp........ Streptocephalus Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... August 3, 1993
woottoni. (58 FR 41384).
San Diego fairy shrimp........ Branchinecta Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... February, 3 1997
sandiegonensis. (62 FR 4925).
Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep... Ovis canadensis Threatened........... U.S.A. (CA).......... January 3, 2000
sierrae. (65 FR 20).
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PLANTS
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Ben Lomond wallflower......... Erysimum Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... February 4, 1994
teretifolium. (59 FR 5499).
Burke's goldfields............ Lasthenia burkei Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... December 2, 1991
(56 FR 61173).
Butte County meadowfoam....... Limnanthes Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... June 8, 1992 (57
floccosa subsp. FR 24192).
californica.
Colusa grass.................. Neostapfia Threatened........... U.S.A. (CA).......... March 26, 1997
colusana. (62 FR 14338).
Contra Costa goldfields....... Lasthenia Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... June 18, 1997
conjugens. (62 FR 33029).
Few-flowered navarretia....... Navarretia Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... June 18, 1997
leucocephala (62 FR 33029).
subsp.
pauciflora.
Greene's tuctoria............. Tuctoria greenei Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... March 26, 1997
(62 FR 14338).
Island barberry............... Berberis pinnata Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... July 31, 1997
subsp. (62 FR 40954).
insularis.
Island phacelia............... Phacelia Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... July 31, 1997
insulars var. (62 FR 40954).
insularis.
Lyon's pentachaeta............ Pentachaeta Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... January 29, 1997
lyonii. (62 FR 4172).
Marsh sandwort................ Arenaria Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... August 3, 1993
paludicola. (58 FR 41378).
Menzies' wallflower........... Erysimum Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... June 22, 1992
menziesii. (50 FR 27848).
Peirson's milk-vetch.......... Astragalus Threatened........... U.S.A. (CA).......... October 6, 1998
magdalenae var. (63 FR 53596).
peirsonii.
Purple amole.................. Chlorogalum Threatened........... U.S.A. (CA).......... March 20, 2000
purpureum. (65 FR 14878).
Sacramento Orcutt grass....... Orcuttia viscida Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... March 28, 1997
(62 FR 14338).
San Bernardino bluegrass...... Poa atropurpurea Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... September 14,
1998 (63 FR
49006).
Sebastopol meadowfoam......... Limnanthes Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... December 2, 1991
vinculans. (56 FR 61173).
Sonoma sunshine............... Blennosperma Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... December 2, 1991
bakeri. (56 FR 61173).
Vail Lake ceanothus........... Ceanothus Threatened........... U.S.A. (CA).......... October 13, 1998
ophiochilus. (63 FR 54956).
Willowy monardella............ Monardella Endangered........... U.S.A. (CA).......... October 13, 1998
viminea. (63 FR 54938).
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III. What information do we consider in our review?

We consider all new information available at the time we conduct a
5-year status review. We consider the best scientific and commercial
data that has become available since our current listing determination
or most recent status review, such as:
(A) Species biology, including but not limited to population
trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics;

[[Page 25114]]

(B) Habitat conditions, including but not limited to amount,
distribution, and suitability;
(C) Conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit
the species;
(D) Threat status and trends (see five factors under heading ``IV.,
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.
We specifically request information regarding data from any
systematic surveys, as well as any studies or analysis of data that may
show population size or trends; information pertaining to the biology
or ecology of these species; information regarding the effects of
current land management on population distribution and abundance;
information on the current condition of habitat; and recent information
regarding conservation measures that have been implemented to benefit
the species. Additionally, we specifically request information
regarding the current distribution of populations and evaluation of
threats faced by the species in relation to the five listing factors
(as defined below and in section 4(a)(1) of the Act) and the species'
listed status as judged against the definition of threatened or
endangered. Finally, we request recommendations pertaining to the
development of, or potential updates to, recovery plans and additional
actions or studies that would benefit these species in the future.

IV. How do we determine whether a species is endangered or threatened?

Section 4(a)(1) of the Act requires 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.
Under section 4(b)(1) of the Act, we must base our assessment of
these factors solely on the best scientific and commercial data
available.

V. What could happen as a result of our review?

For each species under review, if we find new information that
indicates 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);
(B) Reclassify the species from endangered to threatened
(downlist); or
(C) Remove the species from the List (delist).

If we determine that a change in classification is not warranted, then
the species remains on the List under its current status.

VI. Request for New Information

To ensure that a 5-year review is complete and based on the best
available scientific and commercial information, we request new
information from all sources. See ``III., What Information Do We
Consider in Our Review?'' for specific criteria. If you submit
information, support it with 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.
Submit your comments and materials to the appropriate Fish and
Wildlife Office listed under ``VIII., Contacts.''

VII. Public Availability of Comments

Before including your address, phone number, email address, or
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be
aware that your entire comment--including your personal identifying
information--may be made publicly available at any time. While you can
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying
information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be
able to do so. Comments and materials received will be available for
public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the
offices where the comments are submitted.

VIII. Contacts

Send your comments and information on the following species, as
well as requests for information, to the corresponding contacts/
addresses. You may view information we receive in response to this
notice, as well as other documentation in our files, at the following
locations by appointment, during normal business hours.
For the Menzies' wallflower, send information to Field Supervisor,
Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arcata Fish
and Wildlife Office, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521. Information
may also be submitted electronically at arcata@fws.gov. To obtain
further information, contact Kathleen Brubaker at (707) 822-7201.
For the Peirson's milk-vetch, Riverside fairy shrimp, San
Bernardino bluegrass, San Diego fairy shrimp, Vail Lake ceanothus, and
Willowy monardella, send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-
Year Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife
Office, 6010 Hidden Valley Road, Suite 101, Carlsbad, CA 92011.
Information may also be submitted electronically at
fw8cfwocomments@fws.gov. To obtain further information, contact Bradd
Baskerville-Bridges at the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office at (760)
431-9440.
For the Independence Valley speckled dace and Paiute cutthroat
trout, send information to State Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nevada Fish and Wildlife Office, 1340
Financial Blvd., Suite 234, Reno, Nevada 89502-7147. Information may
also be submitted electronically at fw1nfwo_5yr@fws.gov. To obtain
further information, contact Jill Ralston at the Nevada Fish and
Wildlife Office at (775) 861-6300.
For the Burke's goldfields, Butte County meadowfoam, Colusa grass,
Contra Costa goldfields, few-flowered navarretia, Greene's tuctoria,
Sacramento Orcutt grass, Sebastopol meadowfoam, and Sonoma sunshine,
send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year Review, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 2800
Cottage Way, Room W-2605, Sacramento, CA 95825. Information may also be
submitted electronically at fw1sfo5year@fws.gov. To obtain further
information, contact Josh Hull at the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife
Office at (916) 414-6600.
For the Ben Lomond wallflower, island barberry, island phacelia,
Lyon's pentachaeta, marsh sandwort, purple amole, and Sierra Nevada
bighorn sheep, send information to Field Supervisor, Attention: 5-Year
Review, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and Wildlife
Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003. Information may
also be submitted electronically at fw8vfwo5year@fws.gov. To obtain
further information on the animal species, contact Mike McCrary at the
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at (805) 644-1766. To obtain further
information on the plant species, contact Connie Rutherford at the
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office at (805) 644-1766.

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All electronic information must be submitted in Text format or Rich
Text format. Include the following identifier in the subject line of
the email: Information on 5-year review for [NAME OF SPECIES], and
include your name and return address in the body of your message.

IX. Completed 5-Year Reviews

We also take this opportunity to inform the public of 5-year
reviews that we completed between March 17, 2011, and February 29,
2012, for 28 species in California and Nevada (Table 2). Reviews for
these 28 species can be found at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/. Any recommended change in listing status resulting from
these completed reviews will require a separate rulemaking process.

Table 2--Summary of 28 Species in California and Nevada for Which 5-Year Reviews Were Completed Between March
17, 2011 and February 29, 2012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lead fish and wildlife
Common name Scientific name Recommendation office Contact
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANIMALS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alameda whipsnake (=striped Masticophis No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
racer). lateralis 414-6600.
euryxanthus.
Buena Vista Lake shrew......... Sorex ornatus No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
relictus. 414-6600.
California freshwater shrimp... Syncaris pacifica No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
414-6600.
Little Kern golden trout....... Oncorhynchus No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
aguabonita 414-6600.
whitei.
Lotis blue butterfly........... Lycaeides No status change. Arcata................ Kathleen
argyrognomon Brubaker, (707)
lotis. 822-7201.
Morro Bay kangaroo rat......... Dipodomys No status change. Ventura............... Mike McCrary,
heermanni (805) 644-1766.
morroensis.
Peninsular bighorn sheep....... Ovis Canadensis.. No status change. Carlsbad.............. Bradd Baskerville-
Bridges, (760)
431-9440.
Stephens' kangaroo rat......... Dipodomys Downlist......... Carlsbad.............. Bradd Baskerville-
stephensi. Bridges, (760)
431-9440.
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PLANTS
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ash Meadows sunray............. Enceliopsis No status change. Nevada................ Jill Ralston,
nudicaulis var. (775) 861-6300.
corrugata.
Bakersfield cactus............. Opuntia treleasei No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
414-6600.
Beach layia.................... Layia carnosa.... Downlist......... Arcata................ Kathleen
Brubaker, (707)
822-7201.
Ben Lomond spineflower......... Chorizanthe No status change. Ventura............... Connie
pungens var. Rutherford,
hartwegiana. (805) 644-1766.
Coyote ceanothus............... Ceanothus No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
ferrisae. 414-6600.
Encinitas baccharis............ Baccharis No status change. Carlsbad.............. Bradd Baskerville-
vanessae. Bridges, (760)
431-9440.
Fleshy owl's-clover............ Castilleja No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
campestris 414-6600.
subsp.
succulenta.
Gambel's watercress............ Nasturtium No status change. Ventura............... Connie
gambelii. Rutherford,
(805) 644-1766.
Gaviota tarplant............... Deinandra No status change. Ventura............... Connie
increscens Rutherford,
subsp. villosa. (805) 644-1766.
Hoffmann's rock-cress.......... Arabis hoffmannii No status change. Ventura............... Connie
Rutherford,
(805) 644-1766.
Howell's spineflower........... Chorizanthe No status change. Arcata................ Kathleen
howellii. Brubaker, (707)
822-7201.
Kneeland prairie pennycress.... Thlaspi No status change. Arcata................ Kathleen
californicum. Brubaker, (707)
822-7201.
Marin dwarf-flax............... Hesperolinon No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
congestum. 414-6600.
Pedate checkermallow........... Sidalcea pedata.. No status change. Carlsbad.............. Bradd Baskerville-
Bridges, (760)
431-9440.
Pennell's bird's-beak.......... Cordylanthus No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
tenuis subsp. 414-6600.
capillaris.
San Mateo woolly sunflower..... Eriophyllum No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
latilobum. 414-6600.
Sonoma alopecurus.............. Alopecurus No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
aequalis 414-6600.
var.sonomensis.
Tiburon mariposa lily.......... Calochortus No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
tiburonensis. 414-6600.
Vine Hill clarkia.............. Clarkia imbricata No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
414-6600.
Yellow larkspur................ Delphinium luteum No status change. Sacramento............ Josh Hull, (916)
414-6600.
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X. Authority

We publish this notice under the authority of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

Dated: March 30, 2012.
Margaret T. Kolar,
Acting Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-10212 Filed 4-26-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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