Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Four Species of the Santa Rosa Plain, 73622-73623 [2014-29123]

Download as PDF 73622 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 238 / Thursday, December 11, 2014 / Notices Background DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service [FWS–R8–ES–2014–N225; 80221–1113– 0000–C2] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Four Species of the Santa Rosa Plain Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability. AGENCY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Santa Rosa Plain: Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine); Lasthenia burkei (Burke’s goldfields); Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam); Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) for public review and comment. The draft recovery plan includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. DATES: We must receive any comments on the draft recovery plan on or before February 9, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the recovery plan from our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/ species/recovery-plans.html. Alternatively, you may contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W–2605, Sacramento, CA 95825 (telephone 916– 414–6700). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor, at the above street address by telephone (see ADDRESSES). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: We announce the availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the following four species of the Santa Rosa Plain for public review and comment: • Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine) • Lasthenia burkei (Burke’s goldfields) • Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam) • Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense) The draft recovery plan includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Dec 10, 2014 Jkt 235001 Recovery of endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program and the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to the point at which listing is no longer appropriate under the criteria specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The Act requires the development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. We listed Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke’s goldfields), and Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam) as endangered on December 2, 1991 (56 FR 61173). The present ranges of these species are predominantly located on the Santa Rosa Plain, which is located in central Sonoma County, bordered on the south and west by the Laguna de Santa Rosa, on the east by the Coast Range foothills, and on the north by the Russian River. However, the geographic area covered by this recovery plan includes all known locations of the species, some of which are outside of the Plain. They are annual plants that exist only in seasonal wetlands. We listed the Sonoma County California tiger salamander, which we identified as a distinct population segment (DPS), as endangered on March 19, 2003 (68 FR 13498). The species is endemic to the Santa Rosa Plain. The Sonoma County California tiger salamander requires seasonal wetlands for breeding, and the surrounding uplands (upland habitat) for dispersal, feeding, growth, maturation, and maintenance of the juvenile and adult population. The loss, degradation, and fragmentation of seasonal wetlands due to development have led to population declines for all four species. While ongoing agricultural practices have disturbed seasonal wetlands, certain agricultural practices, such as irrigated or grazed pasture, have protected habitat from intensive development and are compatible with persistence of these listed species. However, conversion of pastures to vineyards is a current threat of high magnitude. Recovery Plan Goals The purpose of a recovery plan is to provide a framework for the recovery of species so that protection under the Act is no longer necessary. A recovery plan includes scientific information about PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the species and provides criteria that enable us to gauge whether downlisting or delisting the species is warranted. Furthermore, recovery plans help guide our recovery efforts by describing actions we consider necessary for each species’ conservation and by estimating time and costs for implementing needed recovery measures. The ultimate goal of this recovery plan is to recover Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke’s goldfields), Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam), and California Tiger Salamander Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense) so that they can be delisted. To meet the recovery goals, the following objectives have been identified: 1. Restore habitat conditions to sustain viable (meta) populations of species to support self-sufficiency in perpetuity. 2. Maintain the current geographic, elevational, and ecological distribution of each listed species. 3. Maintain the genetic structure and diversity of existing populations. 4. Protect and manage sufficient habitat to ensure that the listed entity is able to adapt to unforeseen or unknown threats, such as climate change. 5. Reintroduce individuals to successfully establish new populations in historically occupied areas. 6. Minimize the contribution of extant or potential threats. 7. Monitor species population trends across multiple years (and varied climatic conditions) to determine whether abundances are sustainable. 8. Manage occurrences on a case-bycase basis during consultation, with an emphasis on protections to identified core areas. As Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke’s goldfields), Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam), and California Tiger Salamander Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense) meet reclassification and recovery criteria, we will review their status and consider them for removal from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Request for Public Comments We request written comments on the draft revised recovery plan described in this notice. All comments received by the date specified above will be considered in development of a final recovery plan for Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke’s goldfields), Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam), E:\FR\FM\11DEN1.SGM 11DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 238 / Thursday, December 11, 2014 / Notices and California Tiger Salamander Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment (Ambystoma californiense). You may submit written comments and information by mail or in person to the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES). 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. Authority We developed our recovery plan under the authority of section 4(f) of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this notice under section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: December 5, 2014._ Paul B. McKim Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region. [FR Doc. 2014–29123 Filed 12–10–14; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–P DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Bureau of Land Management [14XL1109AF.LLWYD04000.L1220 0000.MD0000] Notice of Proposed Supplementary Rules for the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreational Site, Wyoming Bureau of Land Management, Interior. ACTION: Proposed Supplementary Rules. AGENCY: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is proposing supplementary rules for the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreational Site located within the Greater Sand Dunes Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) Eastern Portion managed by the Rock Springs Field Office (RSFO) in Rock Springs, Wyoming. This action is necessary for the public health and safety of visitors in order to provide high quality and unique off-highway vehicle (OHV) activities in the open play sand dunes area. The proposed supplementary rules are intended to allow the BLM to more effectively manage a safe environment for OHV recreation by providing better visual identification of OHVs, implementing a mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:07 Dec 10, 2014 Jkt 235001 speed limit, and prohibiting the possession and use of glass containers in the OHV recreation area. DATES: Interested parties may submit written comments regarding the proposed supplementary rules until February 9, 2015. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by any of the following methods: Email: blm_wy_rsfo_sand_dunes@ blm.gov with ‘‘Supplemental Rules’’ in the subject line; Fax: (307) 352–0329; or Mail or Hand Delivery: BLM Rock Springs Field Office, Attn: Supplemental Rules, 280 Highway 191 North, Rock Springs, WY 82901. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Georgia Foster, RSFO Outdoor Recreation Planner, (307) 352–0327. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1– 800–877–8339 to speak with Georgia Foster during normal business hours. The FIRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to leave a message or question with the above individual. You will receive a reply during normal business hours. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Comment Procedures Comments may be mailed, emailed, or hand-delivered to Georgia Foster at the addresses listed above (See ADDRESSES). Written comments on the proposed supplementary rules should be specific, confined to issues pertinent to the proposed rules, and should explain the reason for any recommended change. Where possible, comments should reference the specific section or paragraph of the proposal that the commenter is addressing. The BLM is not obligated to consider, or include in the administrative record for the final supplementary rules, comments delivered to an address other than those listed above (See ADDRESSES) or comments that the BLM receives after the close of the comment period (See DATES), unless they are postmarked or electronically dated before the deadline. Comments, including names, street addresses, and other contact information for respondents, will be available for public review at the RSFO listed in ADDRESSES during regular business hours (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays). 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 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 73623 you may 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. II. Background Conditions of use for OHVs are defined under 43 CFR subpart 8341. Rules of conduct on public land are defined under 43 CFR subpart 8365. The BLM is proposing these supplementary rules in accordance with 43 CFR 8365.1–6, which authorizes state directors to establish supplementary rules for the protection of persons, property, and public lands and resources. The Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreational Site is managed in accordance with the 2006 Record of Decision and Jack Morrow Hills Coordinated Activity Plan/Green River Resource Management Plan Amendment, which designates 10,020 acres as open to OHV travel on the active sand dunes. These proposed supplementary rules would implement key decisions in the March 12, 2013 Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreation Site Facility Improvement Environmental Assessment (WY040–EA13–098) Decision Record, which is in compliance with the 2006 Record of Decision. III. Discussion of Proposed Supplementary Rules The proposed supplementary rules would apply to public lands administered by the BLM RSFO. The active sand dunes within the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreational Site consist of approximately 10,500 acres of public lands within Sweetwater County, Wyoming in the following described area: Sixth Principal Meridian, Wyoming T.23 N., R.103 W., sec.16, SE1⁄4SW1⁄4 and SW1⁄4. The proposed supplementary rules would provide for increased public safety while recreating at the Killpecker Sand Dunes Recreational Site. The rules would require safety flags on all vehicles in the OHV open area, prohibit speeds in excess of 15 miles per hour within 500 feet of access roads, and prohibit the use of glass containers within the OHV recreation area. These rules would allow for better visibility of OHVs, reduce traffic accidents along the access roads leading into the OHV area, and would help prevent injuries throughout the sand dunes. E:\FR\FM\11DEN1.SGM 11DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 238 (Thursday, December 11, 2014)]
[Notices]
[Pages 73622-73623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-29123]



[[Page 73622]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2014-N225; 80221-1113-0000-C2]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery 
Plan for Four Species of the Santa Rosa Plain

AGENCY:  Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:  Notice of availability.

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

SUMMARY:  We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the 
availability of the Draft Recovery Plan for the Santa Rosa Plain: 
Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine); Lasthenia burkei (Burke's 
goldfields); Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam); Sonoma 
County Distinct Population Segment of the California Tiger Salamander 
(Ambystoma californiense) for public review and comment. The draft 
recovery plan includes recovery objectives and criteria, and specific 
actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the Federal 
Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

DATES: We must receive any comments on the draft recovery plan on or 
before February 9, 2015.

ADDRESSES:  You may obtain a copy of the recovery plan from our Web 
site at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/species/recovery-plans.html. 
Alternatively, you may contact the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-2605, 
Sacramento, CA 95825 (telephone 916-414-6700).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Jennifer Norris, Field Supervisor, at 
the above street address by telephone (see ADDRESSES).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  We announce the availability of the Draft 
Recovery Plan for the following four species of the Santa Rosa Plain 
for public review and comment:

 Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine)
 Lasthenia burkei (Burke's goldfields)
 Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam)
 Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment of the California 
Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma californiense)

The draft recovery plan includes recovery objectives and criteria, and 
specific actions necessary to achieve removal of the species from the 
Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Background

    Recovery of endangered or threatened animals and plants to the 
point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their 
ecosystems is a primary goal of our endangered species program and the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). Recovery means improvement of the status of listed species to 
the point at which listing is no longer appropriate under the criteria 
specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The Act requires the 
development of recovery plans for listed species, unless such a plan 
would not promote the conservation of a particular species.
    We listed Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei 
(Burke's goldfields), and Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam) 
as endangered on December 2, 1991 (56 FR 61173). The present ranges of 
these species are predominantly located on the Santa Rosa Plain, which 
is located in central Sonoma County, bordered on the south and west by 
the Laguna de Santa Rosa, on the east by the Coast Range foothills, and 
on the north by the Russian River. However, the geographic area covered 
by this recovery plan includes all known locations of the species, some 
of which are outside of the Plain. They are annual plants that exist 
only in seasonal wetlands.
    We listed the Sonoma County California tiger salamander, which we 
identified as a distinct population segment (DPS), as endangered on 
March 19, 2003 (68 FR 13498). The species is endemic to the Santa Rosa 
Plain. The Sonoma County California tiger salamander requires seasonal 
wetlands for breeding, and the surrounding uplands (upland habitat) for 
dispersal, feeding, growth, maturation, and maintenance of the juvenile 
and adult population.
    The loss, degradation, and fragmentation of seasonal wetlands due 
to development have led to population declines for all four species. 
While ongoing agricultural practices have disturbed seasonal wetlands, 
certain agricultural practices, such as irrigated or grazed pasture, 
have protected habitat from intensive development and are compatible 
with persistence of these listed species. However, conversion of 
pastures to vineyards is a current threat of high magnitude.

Recovery Plan Goals

    The purpose of a recovery plan is to provide a framework for the 
recovery of species so that protection under the Act is no longer 
necessary. A recovery plan includes scientific information about the 
species and provides criteria that enable us to gauge whether 
downlisting or delisting the species is warranted. Furthermore, 
recovery plans help guide our recovery efforts by describing actions we 
consider necessary for each species' conservation and by estimating 
time and costs for implementing needed recovery measures.
    The ultimate goal of this recovery plan is to recover Blennosperma 
bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke's goldfields), 
Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam), and California Tiger 
Salamander Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment (Ambystoma 
californiense) so that they can be delisted. To meet the recovery 
goals, the following objectives have been identified:
    1. Restore habitat conditions to sustain viable (meta) populations 
of species to support self-sufficiency in perpetuity.
    2. Maintain the current geographic, elevational, and ecological 
distribution of each listed species.
    3. Maintain the genetic structure and diversity of existing 
populations.
    4. Protect and manage sufficient habitat to ensure that the listed 
entity is able to adapt to unforeseen or unknown threats, such as 
climate change.
    5. Reintroduce individuals to successfully establish new 
populations in historically occupied areas.
    6. Minimize the contribution of extant or potential threats.
    7. Monitor species population trends across multiple years (and 
varied climatic conditions) to determine whether abundances are 
sustainable.
    8. Manage occurrences on a case-by-case basis during consultation, 
with an emphasis on protections to identified core areas.
    As Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke's 
goldfields), Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam), and 
California Tiger Salamander Sonoma County Distinct Population Segment 
(Ambystoma californiense) meet reclassification and recovery criteria, 
we will review their status and consider them for removal from the 
Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants.

Request for Public Comments

    We request written comments on the draft revised recovery plan 
described in this notice. All comments received by the date specified 
above will be considered in development of a final recovery plan for 
Blennosperma bakeri (Sonoma sunshine), Lasthenia burkei (Burke's 
goldfields), Limnanthes vinculans (Sebastopol meadowfoam),

[[Page 73623]]

and California Tiger Salamander Sonoma County Distinct Population 
Segment (Ambystoma californiense). You may submit written comments and 
information by mail or in person to the Sacramento Fish and Wildlife 
Office (see ADDRESSES).

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.

Authority

    We developed our recovery plan under the authority of section 4(f) 
of the Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). We publish this notice under section 
4(f) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 
et seq.).

    Dated: December 5, 2014._
Paul B. McKim
Regional Director, Pacific Southwest Region.
[FR Doc. 2014-29123 Filed 12-10-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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