Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Frankenia johnstonii (Johnston's frankenia) From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants, 1322-1335 [2016-00158]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 1322-1335]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-00158]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2011-0084; 92220-1113-0000]
RIN 1018-AH53


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of 
Frankenia johnstonii (Johnston's frankenia) From the Federal List of 
Endangered and Threatened Plants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule; availability of final post-delisting monitoring 
plan.

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SUMMARY: The best available scientific and commercial data indicate 
that Frankenia johnstonii (Johnston's frankenia) has recovered. 
Therefore, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (Act), we, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), 
remove (delist) the Johnston's frankenia from the Federal List of 
Endangered and Threatened Plants. This determination is based on a 
thorough review of all available information, which indicates that the 
threats to this species have been eliminated or reduced to the point 
that the species has recovered and no longer meets the definition of 
threatened or endangered under the Act. We also announce the 
availability of the final post-delisting monitoring plan for Johnston's 
frankenia.

DATES: This rule becomes effective February 11, 2016.

ADDRESSES: The final rule is available on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2011-0084. Comments and 
materials received, as well as supporting documentation used in the 
preparation of this rule, will be available for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours at: U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, Corpus Christi Ecological Services Field Office, TAMU-CC, 6300 
Ocean Drive, USFWS-Unit 5837, Corpus Christi, Texas 78412-5837. You may 
obtain copies of the final rule from the field office address above, by 
calling (361) 994-9005, or from our Web site at https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Library/. Persons who use a telecommunications device for 
the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 
800-877-8339.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dawn Gardiner, Assistant Field 
Supervisor, Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field Office, Corpus 
Christi, at the above address, or telephone 361-994-9005 or email to 
Dawn_Gardiner@fws.gov. Individuals who are hearing-impaired or speech-
impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8337 for TTY 
assistance.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Summary

    Recovery actions for Johnston's frankenia have resulted in a 
reduction in the magnitude of threats due to: (1) A significant 
increase in the number of documented populations; (2) a major expansion 
of the known range for the species; (3) a population estimate of more 
than 4 million plants; (4) the species' ability to successfully 
outcompete nonnative grasses, recolonize disturbed areas, and tolerate 
grazing in the specialized habitat it occupies indicates it is more 
resilient than previously believed; and (5) improved management 
practices as a result of outreach activities to, and cooperative 
agreements with, landowners. Our review of the status of this species 
shows that populations are stable, threats are addressed, and adequate 
regulatory mechanisms are in place so that the species is not 
currently, and is not likely to become, an endangered species within 
the foreseeable future in all or a significant portion of its range.
    The regulations in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) at Sec.  424.22(d) state that a species may be delisted if (1) it 
becomes extinct, (2) it recovers, or (3) the original classification 
data were in error. In the proposed rule of May 22, 2003 (68 FR 27961), 
the Service proposed to delist Johnston's frankenia due to an expansion 
of our knowledge of the species' known range, the number of newly 
discovered populations--some with large numbers of individual plants, 
increased knowledge of the life-history requirements of the species, 
and clarification of the degree of threats to its continued existence. 
The species is also being delisted because recovery efforts have 
improved the species' status, and the current new data show that 
removing Johnston's frankenia from the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Plants is warranted.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Previous Federal Action

    Federal Government actions on this species began with section 12 of 
the Act, which directed the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution to 
prepare a report on those plants considered to be endangered, 
threatened, or extinct. This report (House Document No. 94-51), which 
included Johnston's frankenia in the endangered category, was presented 
to Congress on January 9, 1975. On July 1, 1975, the Service published 
a notice in the Federal Register (40 FR 27823) that formally accepted 
the Smithsonian report as a petition within the context of section 
4(c)(20), now section 4(b)(3)(A), of the Act, and of the Service's 
intention thereby to review the status of those plants. On June 16, 
1976, the Service published a proposed rule in the Federal Register (41 
FR 24524) to

[[Page 1323]]

list approximately 1,700 plant species as endangered and solicited 
comments in order for the final rule to be as accurate and effective as 
possible. Subsequent amendments to the Act required withdrawal of most 
of this proposal, including the proposed listing of Johnston's 
frankenia. Johnston's frankenia was again proposed for listing as an 
endangered species on July 8, 1983 (48 FR 31414). The final rule 
listing Johnston's frankenia as an endangered species was published 
August 7, 1984 (49 FR 31418). Critical habitat was not designated for 
this species. The Johnston's Frankenia Recovery Plan was completed in 
1988 (Service 1988). On May 22, 2003, the Service published a proposed 
rule to delist Johnston's frankenia (68 FR 27961). On October 25, 2011, 
the Service published a notice of document availability, including 
updated information, to reopen the comment period on the proposed rule 
to delist Johnston's frankenia and announce the availability of the 
draft post-delisting monitoring plan (76 FR 66018).
    Additional information regarding previous Federal actions for 
Johnston's frankenia can be obtained by consulting the species' 
regulatory profile found at: https://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/SpeciesReport.do?spcode=Q1WH.

Species Information

    Johnston's frankenia (Frankenia johnstonii), a member of the 
Frankeniaceae family, is a distinct species of perennial shrub endemic 
to Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties in Texas and the northeastern part 
of the Mexican states of Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, and Tamaulipas. It is a 
low-growing, perennial shrub that occurs in open interspaces of the 
mesquite-blackbrush community of the South Texas Plains vegetation 
zone. This shrub species appears to be restricted to pockets of 
hypersaline (very salty) soils in open, rocky, gypseous hillsides or 
saline flats. It is found in a clumped distribution within this very 
specialized soil type.

Population Numbers and Distribution

    When Johnston's frankenia was originally listed, there were six 
known populations, with five occurring in Starr and Zapata Counties, 
and one population in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. All of the U.S. populations 
occurred on private lands and encompassed a 35-mile (mi) (56-kilometer 
(km)) radius, with the population in Mexico located approximately 125 
mi (201 km) to the west. Since the publication of the proposed rule to 
delist Johnston's frankenia in May 2003, the total number of known 
populations in Texas is at least 68, covering approximately 2,031 sq mi 
(5,260 sq km), in Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties, and at least 4 
populations in Mexico (Price et al. 2006, p. 10 in Attachment B and pp. 
2-5 in Attachment C; Janssen 2007, pers. comm.; Janssen 2010, pp. 5-6). 
Portions of 5 of these 68 populations extend onto publicly owned land 
including the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge 
(Refuge), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) right-of-ways, and 
lands managed by the United States International Boundary and Water 
Commission (USIBWC) adjacent to Falcon Reservoir in Starr and Zapata 
Counties.

Individual Plant Numbers

    Since the original listing in 1984 when 1,000 plants were counted, 
additional Johnston's frankenia surveys were completed in Starr, Webb, 
and Zapata Counties (Janssen 1999, entire; Price et al. 2006, p. 10 in 
Attachment B and pp. 2-5 in Attachment C; Janssen 2007, pers. comm.; 
Janssen 2010, pp. 5-6). The results of these status surveys showed a 
substantial increase in individual plants to at least 4 million plants.
    Further biological information (i.e., more detailed physical 
description, distribution and threats, habitat characteristics, and 
life history) for Johnston's frankenia can be found in our proposal for 
delisting this species, published in the Federal Register on May 22, 
2003 (68 FR 27961), and in the Johnston's Frankenia Recovery Plan 
(Service 1988, pp. 2-13).
    Based on best available information there is no evidence to suggest 
the number of populations and their numbers have declined since the 
2011 proposed rule.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the proposed rule to delist Johnston's frankenia published on 
May 22, 2003 (68 FR 27961), we requested that all interested parties 
submit written comments on the proposal by August 20, 2003. We also 
contacted appropriate Federal and State agencies, scientific experts 
and organizations, and other interested parties and invited them to 
comment on the proposal. Newspaper notices inviting general public 
comment were published. During the 2003 comment period, we received 
nine public comment letters. We did not receive any requests for a 
public hearing.
    On October 25, 2011 (76 FR 66018), we reopened the comment period 
for the proposed rule of May 22, 2003 (68 FR 27961), included updated 
information, and requested public comment on the Draft Post-Delisting 
Monitoring Plan. During the 2011 comment period, we received four 
public comment letters.
    In accordance with our peer review policy published on July 1, 1994 
(59 FR 34270), we solicited expert opinions from four knowledgeable 
individuals with scientific expertise that included familiarity with 
Johnston's frankenia and its habitat, biological needs, and threats. We 
received responses from four peer reviewers during the original comment 
period associated with the proposed delisting rule on May 22, 2003 (68 
FR 27961).
    We reviewed all comments received from the peer reviewers and the 
public for substantive issues and new information regarding the listing 
of Johnston's frankenia. Substantive comments received during the 
comment period are addressed below and, where appropriate, incorporated 
directly into this final rule and the post-delisting monitoring plan.
    Issue 1: Several commenters were concerned that the Service was 
basing this proposed delisting decision on the fact that the listing 
criteria and process has changed since 1984 when Johnston's frankenia 
was originally listed as endangered.
    Response: The Service believes that removal of Johnston's frankenia 
from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife is 
justified based on the information presented throughout this rule, not 
due to the differences between the 1984 and 2003 listing criteria and 
process. This species was listed in 1984 at a time when very little was 
known about its biology or distribution and only 5 populations in the 
U.S. had been located, comprising a total plant count of approximately 
1,000 individuals distributed over a 35-mi (56-km) radius. In addition, 
none of these populations were under protective management. We now know 
of at least 68 populations exceeding 4 million plants ranging over 
2,031 sq mi (5,260 sq km). Thus, the significant increase in number of 
documented populations, the major expansion of the range for the 
species, added conservation protection for some populations, and a 
population estimate of more than 4 million plants are some of the key 
reasons for the proposed delisting of Johnston's frankenia. These 
larger numbers and more expansive range coupled with protective 
management of some populations and the lack of overall threats is the 
basis for why this species is no longer considered threatened.

[[Page 1324]]

    Issue 2: Several commenters expressed concerns that the proposed 
rule did not define how the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) 
analyses were done, and that no detailed summaries or discussion of 
data reliability were found in the cited report by Shelley and Pulich 
(2000).
    Response: The Service created several GIS maps using location 
information presented in a final section 6-funded Texas Parks and 
Wildlife Department (TPWD) report (Janssen 1999, entire). Johnston's 
frankenia populations, color-coded by size (small, intermediate, or 
large), were drawn onto a 1:250,000 United States Geological Survey 
topographic map that allowed a more definitive analysis of the 
proximity of the different-sized populations to highways, county roads, 
cities, towns, and Falcon Reservoir. The Service also contracted with 
Texas State University (formerly known as Southwest Texas State 
University) for a GIS report (Shelley and Pulich 2000, entire) that 
showed roads, cities, and colonias (low-income, unincorporated 
settlements that lack running water, wastewater treatment, or other 
services) in relation to known Johnston's frankenia locations. This 
latter report included projections of future human development patterns 
and how these may impact Johnston's frankenia populations. Their GIS 
methodology is summarized on page 3 (Shelley and Pulich 2000). Their 
report concluded that most Johnston's frankenia populations are not 
suffering, nor harmed in a direct way by the pressures of human 
population growth (Shelley and Pulich 2000, p. 11).
    Issue 3: One commenter suggested that continued monitoring of the 
species is warranted, especially focusing on three aspects: (1) 
Gathering of more specific population data in Starr County, (2) 
determining the rate of habitat or population loss or damage over time, 
and (3) assessing the potential long-term impacts of low reproductive 
success in light of the species' low seed set, low seed viability, and 
the apparent absence of a seed bank.
    Response: As required by the Act, the Service worked with TPWD to 
prepare a post-delisting monitoring plan that is designed to detect 
population and habitat changes over time with onsite monitoring every 3 
years over a 10-year period.
    Issue 4: One commenter submitted that the population-by-population 
accounts that include confidential and unverifiable locality 
information, especially in Webb County, complicate understanding the 
vulnerability of these populations. It is undecipherable from the final 
report how much of the suitable soil in Webb County was surveyed and, 
therefore, how significant this part of the overall range is to the 
species. Two of the seven populations within Webb County are of the 
confidential and undetailed locality type, so that, while the large 
populations #2 and #3 are only described as being northeast and east of 
Laredo, respectively, it is unclear whether they are on isolated 
rangeland or in the zone of expected impact from urbanization in this 
rapidly growing area. Also in Webb County, two populations with 
conservation agreements are small in size, one large population with 
viable numbers is isolated and has mining on the site with no formal 
agreement for continued protection, and at least portions of the two 
other populations are at high risk or threatened.
    Response: Providing confidentiality for private landowners who were 
not part of the voluntary agreement program was often the only way to 
obtain plant information and access to the site. Regarding the Webb 
County Johnston's frankenia populations, the Service used its GIS-
produced map to determine that large populations, #2 and #3, occur 
approximately 20 and 10 mi (32 and 16 km), respectively, from the city 
of Laredo. Both of these populations are on large ranches and are no 
closer than 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from a road or highway. Additionally, one 
of the largest populations located to date, #5, as well as one 
intermediate-sized population, #7, occur in Webb County where the 
landowners have indicated their interest in conserving the species 
(Janssen 1999, pp. 23 and 28). Population #1 is located on the site 
where mining is taking place. However, this is also the population for 
which an extension was discovered on the neighboring ranch (Carr 2004, 
p. 2) where the new landowners have shown a high degree of interest in 
conservation of all of their rare species, offering protection to the 
portion of this population on their ranch (Williams 2004, pers. comm.). 
The Maverick-Catarina soils complex, on which all the known Johnston's 
frankenia populations in Webb County have been found to date, underlies 
approximately 13 percent (287,210 acres (ac) or 116 hectares (ha)) of 
the county's surface area (Sanders and Gabriel 1985, p. 127). Although 
the Service does not know how much of this acreage has been 
sufficiently surveyed for the species, the botanist who conducted most 
of the surveys for this species believed she had covered 75 to 80 
percent of the range as defined by suitable soils (Janssen 2001, pers. 
comm.). Therefore, we conclude that the majority of the large 
populations in Webb County are protected from threats, and that a 
significant portion of the suitable habitat has been surveyed.
    Issue 5: Although Zapata County appears to be the center of 
Johnston's frankenia distribution in the United States, there are other 
potential concerns about data provided for review. First, for a number 
of populations referred to as ``secure,'' landowner agreements were 
``pending'' or not in place, and, therefore, the conclusion of security 
is not well supported. Second, the reports from a secondary source for 
nine Starr County populations have incomplete population profiles with 
a dearth of information and do not address present threats or landowner 
intentions.
    Response: The Service agrees that Zapata County appears to be the 
center of the Johnston's frankenia distribution in the United States 
and it is the county with the highest level of protection for the 
species, primarily due to the lower levels of development taking place 
within this county and also due to the number of landowners who have 
taken an interest in conservation of the species, as evidenced by their 
participation in voluntary conservation agreements (Janssen 1999, pp. 
34-114; Price et al. 2006, pp. 2-3 in Attachment C). As part of the 
post-delisting monitoring plan, the Service will work with TPWD to take 
advantage of any future opportunities to encourage additional surveys 
in Starr and Webb Counties, and work with private landowners in those 
counties to pursue additional conservation agreements or to assist with 
other actions that would help landowners in their conservation efforts.
    The use of the word ``secure'' was used with the understanding that 
the term referred only to active voluntary agreements. We do not 
presume to know any landowner intentions beyond these agreements, thus 
our post-delisting monitoring plan identifies measurable management 
thresholds and responses for detecting and reacting to significant 
changes in Johnston's frankenia protected habitat, distribution, and 
persistence for all three counties.
    The voluntary protection of Johnston's frankenia on privately owned 
lands is important, and we conclude that the improved management 
practices as a result of outreach activities to landowners, and 
cooperative agreements with landowners, has been very beneficial to 
this species. However, the key reasons

[[Page 1325]]

the Service is proposing to delist Johnston's frankenia is due to the 
significant increase in the number of documented populations, a major 
expansion of the known range for the species, and a population estimate 
of more than 4 million plants. These larger numbers and more expansive 
range coupled with the lack of overall threats provide the primary 
basis for delisting.
    Issue 6: Several commenters had concerns with the long-term 
protection of Johnston frankenia because the majority of the plants 
occur on private lands. Private landowner voluntary protection 
agreements are short term and lack legal force and are, therefore, 
symbolic and do not ensure real protection in the long term.
    Response: The Service understands that protection on privately 
owned land is voluntary. Though the voluntary protection of Johnston's 
frankenia on privately owned lands is important, and we conclude that 
the improved management practices as a result of outreach activities 
to, and cooperative agreements with, landowners has been very 
beneficial to this species, these factors are not the sole basis for 
delisting. The primary reasons the Service is proposing to delist 
Johnston's frankenia are the significant increase in the number of 
documented populations, a major expansion of the known range for the 
species, and a population estimate of more than 4 million plants. These 
larger numbers and more expansive range coupled with the lack of 
threats to the species provide the primary basis for the delisting.
    Issue 7: It is not safe to assume continuing protection of the 
species on Federally owned lands following delisting unless a formal 
conservation agreement or plan is put in place.
    Response: A formal agreement or plan is not needed to continue 
protections for this species on Federal land. The Refuge will continue 
to monitor its Johnston's frankenia population, and conservation of 
this species will continue to be included in all management activities 
(Castillo 2007, pers. comm.). The USIBWC does not conduct active 
management practices on their Falcon Reservoir property, such as mowing 
or clearing, and they have indicated that they intend to continue 
considering Johnston's frankenia as a sensitive species. They will 
manage the population on their Falcon Reservoir land by recommending 
avoidance of impacts when coordinating with entities seeking access for 
projects on this land (Echlin 2004, pers. comm.). Though the Service 
acknowledges that these informal conservation efforts are beneficial, 
they are not the sole basis for delisting. The key primary reasons the 
Service is proposing to delist Johnston's frankenia are the significant 
increase in the number of documented populations, a major expansion of 
the known range for the species, and a population estimate of more than 
4 million plants. These larger numbers and more expansive range coupled 
with the lack of overall threats provide the primary basis for 
delisting.
    Issue 8: Once Johnston's frankenia is delisted, funding will no 
longer be available to Service and TPWD staff to do the work needed to 
obtain and maintain conservation agreements with landowners. Without 
monitoring, delisting will allow Johnston's frankenia numbers to drop 
to dangerous levels without anyone taking notice.
    Response: As discussed elsewhere in this rule, the Service is 
confident that the future existence of this species is ensured due to 
the significant expansion of the species' range, and increased 
abundance across its range. Furthermore, we have determined that the 
magnitude of threats facing the species is greatly reduced because of 
our reevaluation of the impact from the types of habitat modification 
activities (agricultural, industry, and residential) that were formerly 
considered significant. The post-delisting monitoring plan was 
specifically designed to detect population and habitat changes over 
time; if negative changes are observed from any monitoring activities, 
such as reduced numbers of plants or decreased extent of a population, 
then more intensive onsite observations or data collections will be 
employed. If changes are considered substantial, an education and 
outreach program will be implemented for plant conservation activities. 
If future information indicates an increased likelihood that the 
species may become threatened or endangered with extinction, the 
Service will initiate a status review and determine if relisting the 
species is warranted. Landowner contacts will be a requisite piece of 
implementing this monitoring plan, and as the level of landowner 
interest is investigated, voluntary conservation agreements could be 
offered to interested landowners.

Recovery Planning and Implementation

    Section 4(f) of the Act directs us to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of endangered and 
threatened species unless we determine that such a plan will not 
promote the conservation of the species. Recovery planning includes the 
development of a recovery outline shortly after a species is listed, 
and preparation of a draft and final recovery plan. The recovery 
outline guides the immediate implementation of urgent recovery actions 
and describes the process to be used to develop a recovery plan. 
Revisions of the plan may be done to address continuing or new threats 
to the species, as new, substantive information becomes available. The 
recovery plan identifies site-specific management actions that will 
achieve recovery of the species, measurable criteria that set a trigger 
for review of the species' status, and methods for monitoring recovery 
progress.
    Recovery plans are not regulatory documents and are instead 
intended to establish goals for long-term conservation of listed 
species, define criteria that are designed to indicate when the threats 
facing a species have been removed or reduced to such an extent that 
the species may no longer need the protections of the Act, and provide 
guidance to our Federal, State, and other governmental and 
nongovernmental partners on methods to minimize threats to listed 
species. There are many paths to accomplishing recovery of a species, 
and recovery may be achieved without all criteria being fully met. For 
example, one or more criteria may be exceeded while other criteria may 
not yet be accomplished. In that instance, we may determine that the 
threats are minimized sufficiently and the species is robust enough to 
delist. In other cases, recovery opportunities may be discovered that 
were not known when the recovery plan was finalized. These 
opportunities may be used instead of methods identified in the recovery 
plan. Likewise, information on the species may be learned that was not 
known at the time the recovery plan was finalized. The new information 
may change the extent that criteria need to be met for recognizing 
recovery of the species. Recovery of a species is a dynamic process 
requiring adaptive management that may, or may not, fully follow the 
guidance provided in a recovery plan.
    The Johnston's Frankenia Recovery Plan was approved by the Service 
on May 24, 1988 (Service 1988). In the case of Johnston's frankenia, 
the overarching goal of the final recovery plan was to remove the need 
for protection under the Act by managing the species and its habitat in 
a way that would ensure the continued existence of self-sustaining 
populations. Objective, measurable, and adequate recovery criteria that 
would provide a reference point for down-listing or delisting were not 
established in the recovery plan. The plan's author concluded that the 
lack of available biological and life-history information

[[Page 1326]]

for Johnston's frankenia precluded development of recovery criteria at 
that time and indicated that implementation of studies outlined in the 
plan would provide the necessary information to develop recovery 
criteria (Service 1988, p. 14). Although the recovery plan did not 
contain recovery criteria, it was used extensively to guide the 
conservation efforts that have been taken for Johnston's frankenia.
    The recovery plan's implementation schedule identified a list of 
actions that were needed to reduce and remove threats and move the 
species toward recovery. These actions included (1) maintaining the 
present populations through landowner agreements and habitat 
management; (2) providing permanent Service or conservation group 
protection for at least one population; (3) identifying essential 
habitat and searching for additional populations; (4) conducting field 
and greenhouse studies of the life history and ecology of the species 
to determine habitat requirements, vegetative physiognomy and community 
structure, and population biology; (5) applying data from studies to 
develop management recommendations; (6) monitoring populations; and (7) 
carrying out a campaign to develop public awareness, appreciation, and 
support for preservation of the species.
    The listing of Johnston's frankenia and implementation of actions 
in the recovery plan generated increased inventory and research 
activities for the species throughout its known range. Among the 
primary conservation actions undertaken for the species was a 6-year 
(1993-1999) project by the TPWD to intensively survey for additional 
populations, conduct field and greenhouse studies to characterize the 
habitat requirements and life history of the species, develop a 
landowner outreach program to increase awareness of this unique plant, 
develop a voluntary conservation agreement for landowners, and 
coordinate with agricultural technical assistance providers to transfer 
knowledge regarding best management for conservation of this species 
(Janssen 1999, entire). Subsequent to 2000, additional botanical 
surveys in Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties in Texas included 
Johnston's frankenia as a target species, and conservation agreements 
were also signed as part of this recovery effort (Price et al. 2006, p. 
10 in Attachment B, pp. 1-5 in Attachment C).
    The extensive survey efforts mentioned above led to population 
discoveries that have expanded the known range of the species as well 
as significantly increasing the number of known populations, some with 
large numbers of individual plants. Studies of the species' biology and 
ecology increased knowledge of the life-history requirements of this 
species, lessening the degree of perceived threat associated with low 
reproductive potential and the competition from nonnative grasses. 
Information gathered from these studies has enhanced our understanding 
of this species' capability to survive, and even to recolonize, in the 
specialized habitat in which it grows. Habitat losses from large-scale 
clearing of native vegetation and planting to pasture grasses have 
diminished in scope as private landowners have diversified their 
income-generating activities to include increased hunting 
opportunities, which depend on keeping more acreage in native brush 
habitat. Also, education and outreach efforts targeted to landowners 
have helped to elucidate the economic disadvantage of trying to plant 
pasture grasses on the hypersaline (elevated salt levels) soils 
inhabited by Johnston's frankenia.
    Because Johnston's frankenia occurs mostly on privately owned land, 
the recovery plan identified protection of at least one population on 
land controlled by the Service or a conservation group as a needed 
action. Now the species is known to occur on one tract of the Refuge 
where it is protected. Also, portions of two other populations extend 
onto land controlled by the USIBWC, which has indicated willingness to 
recognize the species as sensitive following delisting, allowing for 
prescribed avoidance of impacts to the species. Portions of two 
populations on private lands also extend onto TxDOT right-of-way in 
Zapata County, one along Highway 83 and the other along Highway 469. 
Signs have been erected to protect the plants from mowing at the 
Highway 83 right-of-way site.
    Recovery actions have resulted in a reduction in the magnitude of 
threats due to: (1) A significant increase in the number of documented 
populations, (2) a major expansion of the known range for the species, 
(3) a population estimate of more than a million plants, (4) the its 
ability to successfully outcompete nonnative grasses in the specialized 
habitat it occupies indicating the species is more resilient than 
previously thought, and (5) improved management practices as a result 
of outreach activities to, and cooperative agreements with, landowners.
    In summary, the implementation of the majority of actions in the 
recovery plan produced the information that led the Service to conclude 
not only that the species is more widespread and abundant than was 
known when it was listed, but also that the magnitude of the threats 
facing this species are not as severe as they were believed to be at 
the time of listing and are better managed for many populations now.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Act and its implementing regulations (50 CFR part 
424) set forth the procedures for listing species, reclassifying 
species, or removing species from listed status. A species may be 
determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more 
of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1) of the Act: (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 
human made factors affecting its continued existence. We must consider 
these same five factors in delisting a species. We may delist a species 
according to 50 CFR 424.11(d) if the best available scientific and 
commercial data indicate that the species is neither endangered nor 
threatened for the following reasons: (1) The species is extinct; (2) 
the species has recovered and is no longer endangered or threatened (as 
is the case with the Johnston's frankenia); and (3) the original 
scientific data used at the time the species was classified were in 
error.
    A recovered species is one that no longer meets the Act's 
definition of threatened or endangered. Determining whether a species 
is recovered requires consideration of the same five categories of 
threats specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. For species that are 
already listed as threatened or endangered, this analysis of threats is 
an evaluation of both the threats currently facing the species and the 
threats that are reasonably likely to affect the species in the 
foreseeable future following the delisting or downlisting and the 
removal or reduction of the Act's protections.
    A species is ``endangered'' for purposes of the Act if it is in 
danger of extinction throughout all or a ``significant portion of its 
range'' and is ``threatened'' if it is likely to become endangered 
within the foreseeable future throughout all or a ``significant portion 
of its range.'' The word ``range'' in the significant portion of its 
range phrase refers to the range in which the species currently exists. 
For the

[[Page 1327]]

purposes of this analysis, we will evaluate whether the currently 
listed species, the Johnston's frankenia, should be considered 
threatened or endangered. Then we will consider whether there are any 
portions of Johnston's frankenia range in danger of extinction or 
likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future.
    At the time of listing, we considered Johnston's frankenia to be 
vulnerable to extinction due to the following: (1) Threats to the 
integrity of the species' habitat such as clearing, then planting of 
nonnative grasses to improve pasture; (2) direct loss from construction 
associated with highways, residential development, and oil- and natural 
gas-related activities; (3) the low number and restricted distribution 
of populations; (4) low numbers of individual plants; and (5) the 
species' low reproductive potential. The following analysis examines 
all five factors currently affecting, or that are likely to affect, the 
Johnston's frankenia within the foreseeable future.

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment 
of Its Habitat or Range

Habitat Modification
    Agricultural Land Management Practices--At the time of listing in 
1984, all known populations were found on rangeland that was considered 
in poor condition. We thought this species was vulnerable due to 
suspected low reproductive rates, and that the populations could be 
adversely impacted by any habitat change brought about by (1) land and 
vegetation manipulation such as chaining or plowing, and (2) converting 
pastureland to buffelgrass. Initial concerns regarding the practice of 
woody brush eradication on private lands having the potential to 
adversely affect Johnston's frankenia populations has been alleviated 
by a shift in land use practices. Fluctuating cattle markets and 
frequent droughts in the area have provided an impetus for south Texas 
ranchers to diversify their sources of income, and as a result, many 
ranchers have shown increased interest in retaining native brush 
habitat to enhance wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities (Ibarra 
2001, pers. comm.). Johnston's frankenia has also shown the ability to 
regenerate and recolonize areas that were formerly root-plowed pastures 
(Janssen 1999, pp. 23, 72, 78, 83, 96-97, 104; Price et al. 2006, p. 4 
in Attachment C). These areas were root plowed 6, 10, or 15 years in 
the past, and regrowth was observed in eight populations. Due to the 
shift in land management practices and the ability of Johnston's 
frankenia to successfully regenerate in disturbed areas, we no longer 
consider these land management practices to be a threat to the species.
    As early as the 1930's, ranchers were converting their rangeland to 
buffelgrass due to increasing concern with drought. Buffelgrass is 
drought-resistant and was brought in to improve grazing on ranches 
where soils had been extensively cleared and root-plowed. Initial 
concerns regarding Johnston's frankenia vulnerability to competition 
from nonnative, invasive grass species planted for grazing have been 
lessened by the results of research on this species' life history 
requirements (Janssen 1999, pp. 161-172). Ecological research shows 
that long-term replacement of Johnston's frankenia by buffelgrass 
(Pennisetum ciliare), or other improved range grass species, is 
unlikely due to the hypersaline soils underlying Johnston's frankenia 
populations. Janssen (1999, pp. 161-164) reported that these 
hypersaline conditions where Johnston's frankenia populations exist 
differed drastically from those used by buffelgrass or other range 
grass species. Buffelgrass does not tolerate highly saline soils and 
does not appear to be a threat to the continued existence of Johnston's 
frankenia (Janssen 1999, pp. 161-166, 222).
    To address conservation concerns associated with agricultural land 
management practices, during 1995 and 1996, the TPWD conducted an 
extensive endangered and rare species education and outreach campaign 
in Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties that included activities such as 
landowner meetings, coordination with the NRCS, county fair exhibits, 
development of printed information, and school presentations. This 
campaign promoted conservation of Johnston's frankenia, in part by 
sharing the results of Janssen's field studies on the ecology and 
biology of this species. In October 2000, a presentation was made to 
NRCS District Conservationists from Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties to 
emphasize their agency's role in helping landowners identify and avoid 
impacts to Johnston's frankenia population sites, especially in light 
of the lack of success converting the land cover on these hyper-saline 
sites to pastures of buffelgrass. In 2001 and 2007, the NRCS District 
Conservationists for Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties reiterated that 
their approach to promoting conservation of this species is to educate 
landowners about the presence of Johnston's frankenia on their land and 
to encourage landowners to leave the Johnston's frankenia community 
intact, avoiding clearing of this unique brush assemblage (Ibarra 2001, 
pers. comm.; Saenz 2007, pers. comm.).
    In summary, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service 
(NRCS) in Starr and Zapata Counties, the level of threat to Johnston's 
frankenia communities from agricultural land-conversion activities has 
diminished due to depressed economic conditions in cattle ranching and 
increased economic benefits from wildlife-related recreation that leads 
to less clearing of native brush (Ibarra 2001, pers. comm.; Saenz 2007, 
pers. comm.). Though the voluntary conservation agreements are 
beneficial, the primary reasons that the Service is proposing to delist 
Johnston's frankenia are the significant increase in the number of 
documented populations, a major expansion of the known range for the 
species, and a population estimate of more than 4 million plants, 
combined with the reduction in threats such as land conversion to 
grazing pastures. These larger numbers and more expansive range coupled 
with the lack of overall threats is the basis for delisting.
    Industry Activities--At the time of listing, direct loss from 
construction activities associated with oil- and natural gas-related 
development was considered a threat. Oil and gas exploration and 
production activities had accelerated throughout the region due to the 
passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Shelley and Pulich 
2000, p. 4). The Service was able to more closely document the 
Johnston's frankenia population locations in relation to these threats 
posed by oil and gas development using a GIS approach. The threats 
associated with oil and gas development on ranches consist primarily of 
road, pipeline, and well-pad construction, and their impacts are 
largely contained within the footprint of the actual construction. 
Janssen (2012, pers. comm.) did botanical surveys on three ranches and 
for several pipeline companies during 2011 and found all Johnston's 
frankenia populations were stable despite the extreme drought that 
summer. Janssen also indicated that visits were made over the last 
several years to many of the known populations and all were still 
intact. A Zapata County landowner also relayed that new plants were 
found during 2011 on the individual's land, and a Starr County 
landowner offered that the populations on the landowner's land were 
stable (Janssen 2012, pers. comm.). We also have documented Johnston's 
frankenia recovery after disturbance (Janssen 1999, pp. 23, 72, 78, 83, 
96-97, 104;

[[Page 1328]]

Price et al. 2006, p. 4 in Attachment C). All of these survey reports 
indicate stable populations of Johnston's frankenia despite some level 
of oil and gas activity.
    The threats to Johnston's frankenia populations from oil and gas 
development have also been minimized due to lack of exposure. The 
Service used a GIS-based analysis of the distribution of Johnston's 
frankenia populations in relation to locations of existing and proposed 
roads associated with industrial development (Shelley and Pulich 2000, 
p. 11) to pinpoint the U.S. populations most likely to be threatened 
within the next 20 years as well as those populations furthest removed 
from these types of threats. Based on the populations identified in the 
1999 report, the results of this analysis showed that 15 of the 
intermediate-sized and largest populations, containing approximately 4 
million plants (77 percent of documented plants), remain in remote 
locations on rangeland, where threats from industrial construction 
activities are diminished. Thirteen of the smallest (fewer than 2,000 
individuals) Johnston's frankenia populations, containing approximately 
5,300 plants (0.1 percent), also occur on remote rangeland, removed 
from roads associated with industrial and residential construction 
threats. The populations discovered in 2004 and 2007, containing 
approximately 4,400 plants (0.09 percent of total known Texas plants) 
are on isolated rangeland as well, removed from the threat of 
industrial and residential development in the foreseeable future (Price 
et al. 2006, pp. 2-6 in Attachment C; Janssen 2007, pers. comm.).
    To address conservation concerns associated with industrial 
activities, voluntary agreements were developed. The TPWD voluntary 
landowner conservation agreements proved effective in avoiding oil- and 
natural gas-related activity impacts on four ranches in Zapata County. 
Each landowner requested a Johnston's frankenia survey, which led to 
the gas company surveying a much larger (50-square-mile (80.5-sq-km)) 
area prior to initiating any work. In addition, mitigation measures 
were included on all projects, which included flagging any Johnston's 
frankenia sites, walking seismic lines instead of driving, and the 
presence of an onsite monitor to protect populations (Shelley and 
Pulich 2000, p. 9; Janssen 2006, pers. comm.; Janssen 2010, pers. 
comm.). As of December 2011, Janssen (2012, pers. comm.) worked with 
The Nature Conservancy to get three ranch landowner conservation 
agreements signed and to ensure installation of gate signs and ``stay 
on the road'' signs to protect Johnston's frankenia populations. One 
energy company became aware of the existence of these agreements 
through leasing negotiations with a signatory landowner who requested 
Johnston's frankenia surveys prior to seismic exploration.
    In summary, the threats to Johnston's frankenia populations from 
oil and gas development have been minimized due to lack of exposure to 
these activities, and voluntary conservation agreements provide an 
additional layer of confidence for the future status of the species.
    Residential Development--At the time of listing, direct loss from 
construction activities associated with residential development was 
considered a threat. Human population growth in Starr, Webb, and Zapata 
Counties has more than doubled since 1970 and is projected to double or 
triple again by 2030 (Shelly and Pulich 2000, p. 5). Human population 
growth leads to an increase not just in home building, but the roads 
and other infrastructure such as powerlines, cell towers, and other 
facilities necessary to support the residential development. All of 
these residential-related activities have the potential to modify or 
destroy Johnston's frankenia habitat.
    Residential development has not been uniformly distributed across 
the three counties; instead, people are concentrating residential 
development in a few geographic areas, with the highest level of growth 
in and around the City of Laredo in Webb County. Major areas of growth 
follow the primary transportation corridors including Interstate 35 and 
Highway 83, and along the Rio Grande River downstream of the Falcon 
Reservoir (Shelley and Pulich 2000, p. 5). According to Shelley and 
Pulich (2000, p. 5), relatively few people are living far from the 
cities and highways.
    The Service used a GIS-based analysis of the distribution of 
Johnston's frankenia populations in relation to locations of existing 
and proposed highways associated with residential development (Shelley 
and Pulich 2000, p. 11). The GIS modeling results provide data 
confirming that residential development impacts such as road and home 
construction would be minimal since the majority of Johnston's 
frankenia populations are found on isolated rangeland (see Industry 
Activities above). As stated prior, most of the known populations are 
located in remote areas and are deemed to be safe from development 
pressures (Janssen 1999, pp. 12-160; Shelley and Pulich 2000, p. 10; 
Price et al. 2006, p. 9 in Attachment B and pp. 2-3 and 6). We have no 
information to indicate there has been a change in the concentration of 
human population growth since these studies.
    If the current trend in population growth holds, this growth is 
unlikely to impact the majority of Johnston's frankenia populations 
that are distant from centers of residential development or 
transportation corridors. Also, the high salinity of the soils 
supporting Johnston's frankenia, in conjunction with the arid climate 
of the area, results in highly erodible soils, which are not desired by 
most real estate developers (Shelley and Pulich 2000, p. 8). Existing 
Johnston's frankenia populations that are distant from current 
development are likely to continue to thrive in their unique 
environment (Shelley and Pulich 2000, pp. 8, 11).
    Public lands on which Johnston's frankenia occurs include Refuge 
and USIBWC-controlled lands including Falcon Reservoir, and sites on 
two TxDOT right-of-ways. All three sites (and possibly a fourth where 
landownership is unknown) on Federal land are small populations, and 
TxDOT right-of-way sites have a combined total of only 536 individual 
plants.
    The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge ensures the 
continued protection of this species where it extends onto their tract 
by regular monitoring of the previously mapped and known populations 
(Best 2004, pers. comm.; Castillo 2007, pers. comm.). The National 
Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Pub. L. 105-57) (Refuge 
Improvement Act) establishes a conservation mission for Refuges. The 
Refuge Improvement Act requires all refuges to have an approved 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan. The Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
for the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge lists specific 
management objectives for threatened and endangered plants. The Refuge 
has indicated that they will continue to implement these actions 
following delisting (Castillo 2007, pers. comm.). In part, these 
management objectives include the following actions: (1) Monitor 
populations of threatened and endangered floral and faunal species on 
Refuge tracts and throughout the area of ecological concern, (2) 
implement recovery objectives identified in recovery plans, and (3) in 
conjunction with the various lead offices, determine threatened and 
endangered species needs on the Refuge and develop strategies to 
provide for such needs. These strategies include habitat enhancement 
and restoration, support

[[Page 1329]]

for research and recovery actions, and propagation and reintroduction 
into appropriate sites.
    For the portions of two populations that extend on to lands managed 
by the USIBWC, they have agreed to continue protection of the species 
after delisting by designating this plant as a sensitive species 
(Borunda 2004, pers. comm.; Anaya 2013, pers. comm.). The USIBWC has 
indicated that it will recommend avoidance of impacts to Johnston's 
frankenia when coordinating with entities seeking access for projects 
on this land (Echlin 2004, pers. comm.; Anaya 2013, pers. comm.). This 
designation will allow consideration for these populations during 
project review by a number of Federal agencies, including the Service, 
as USIBWC requires licenses or permits for any proposed activities that 
cross or encroach upon the floodplains within their jurisdiction 
(USIBWC 2000, p. 2). The USIBWC has indicated that its agency does not 
carry out active management activities around Falcon Reservoir, such as 
mowing or clearing, on the land where Johnston's frankenia occurs, 
although any future flooding that refills the reservoir could 
conceivably impact the populations if the water level rises 
significantly above current levels (Echlin 2004, pers. comm.). Even 
though USIBWC has agreed to continue protection of these two portions 
of Johnston's frankenia populations, which we anticipate will continue 
into the foreseeable future, we are not placing undue reliance on the 
conservation of these areas. Considering the known occurrence of 68 
widely distributed populations that number into the millions of plants, 
we find that the potential loss of any portion of these two populations 
would be insignificant to the species as a whole.
    Portions of two Johnston's frankenia populations, one consisting of 
36 plants and the other estimated to contain around 500 plants, exist 
on TxDOT right-of-ways with the remainder of both populations extending 
onto neighboring private ranches. The TxDOT manages for rare plants in 
right-of-ways under a Memorandum of Understanding with TPWD. 
Stipulations include outlining the perimeter of the population with 
reflector stakes, restrictive signage, and no mowing, blading, or 
herbicides within delineated areas (TXDOT 2001, entire). As long as 
Johnston's frankenia remains on the Texas Conservation Action Plan's 
Species of Greatest Conservation Need list, it will continue to be 
covered (Poole 2013, pers. comm.).
    In a further effort to promote conservation of populations 
occurring on private land, TPWD initiated a voluntary conservation 
agreement program in 1995 to protect Johnston's frankenia from 
mechanical and chemical habitat alteration and overstocking of cattle. 
The conservation agreements included recommendations for land 
management practices that would avoid root plowing, bulldozing, 
disking, roller chopping, and herbicide applications in Johnston's 
frankenia sites, as well as using stocking rates appropriate to acreage 
and rainfall. The agreements also allowed TPWD staff, with prior 
landowner contact, to enter the property at least once per year to 
survey and monitor each population site for the 10-year life of the 
agreement and to compile this information in a report. The agreements 
included provisions for landowners to contact TPWD whenever damage 
accidentally occurs or is anticipated so that TPWD could inspect 
Johnston's frankenia populations and make recommendations for avoidance 
or recovery. The agreements also provided for TPWD to act as the 
landowner's liaison to the Service on any occasion in which concerns 
regarding this species were raised. The TPWD has agreed to work closely 
with the FWS to implement the post-delisting monitoring plan (Anaya 
2013, pers. comm.).
    In summary, while voluntary conservation agreements are not 
considered essential for the survival of this species, they provide 
additional confidence for its long-term security and the threats to 
Johnston's frankenia populations from residential development have been 
minimized due to lack of exposure to such development.
Climate Change and Drought
    Beyond documenting new populations, climate change was not analyzed 
in the 2003 proposal to delist. In our 2011 proposed rule, we outlined 
the state of our knowledge on climate change (IPCC 2007, pp. 5, 8, 12, 
13, and 15; Seager et al. 2007, p. 1181). There is unequivocal evidence 
that the earth's climate is warming based on observations of increases 
in average global air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of 
glaciers and polar ice caps, and rising sea levels, with abundant 
evidence supporting predicted changes in temperature and precipitation 
in the southwestern deserts (IPCC 2014, entire). It is very likely that 
over the past 50 years, cold days, cold nights, and frost have become 
less frequent over most land areas, and hot days and hot nights have 
become more frequent (IPCC 2007, p. 8). Each of the last three decades 
has been successively warmer at the Earth's surface than any preceding 
decade since 1850 (IPCC 2014, p. 2). Further, the period from 1983 to 
2012 was likely the warmest 30-year period of the last 1,400 years in 
the Northern Hemisphere (IPCC 2014, p. 2).
    As part of the current, worldwide collaboration in climate 
modelling under the IPCC, climate assessments of the full dataset of 30 
climate models for historical and 21st century comparisons provide 
predictions at scales ranging from global to county level in the U.S. 
(USGS National Climate Change Viewer 2015; https://www.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/clu_rd/nccv/viewer.asp). This global climate 
information has been recently downscaled by NASA to scales relevant to 
our region of interest, and projected into the future under two 
different scenarios of possible emissions of greenhouse gases (Alder 
and Hostetler 2013, p. 2). From this dataset, annual mean maximum 
temperature, precipitation, and evaporative deficit were analyzed in 
relation to the Johnston's frankenia.
    At the state level for Texas as a whole, these models depict a 
temperature increase into the future in both mean maximum and minimum 
temperatures annually. Between 1950-2005 and 2025-2049, the mean model 
prediction (of 30 models) in annual maximum temperature is an increase 
of 3.2-3.6 [deg]F (from the 1950-2005 average of 77.7 [deg]F to 81.0-
81.3 [deg]F between 2025-2049) under 2 different scenarios for Texas. 
The lesser value of a 3.2 [deg]F change is dependent on lower 
greenhouse gas emissions, while the greater value of a 3.6 [deg]F 
change represents a higher greenhouse gas emission scenario into the 
future. At this time, we lack the ability to predict which scenario 
will be more accurate; hence both scenarios are analyzed to create the 
predicted range of change. Further time frames, from 1950-2005 to 2050-
2074, and then from 1950-2005 to 2075-2099, predict an increase of an 
average of 4.3-6.1 [deg]F and 5.0-9.0 [deg]F, respectively, in annual 
mean maximum temperatures (USGS National Climate Change Viewer 2015; 
https://www.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/clu_rd/nccv/viewer.asp).
    Higher resolution information for annual mean maximum temperature 
at the county level for Starr, Webb, and Zapata counties reveals 
similar trends (Table 1). For example, for Webb County, which is the 
largest of the counties and farthest to the north, the annual mean 
maximum temperature from 1950-2005 at 84.4 [deg]F will increase by 3.1 
to 3.4 [deg]F, to 87.4 to 87.8 [deg]F, by the 2025-2049 time period; by 
2050-2074, there will be a change by 4.1 to 5.9 [deg]F, to 88.5 to 90.3 
[deg]F average annual maximum temperature. Between 1950-

[[Page 1330]]

2005 and 2075-2099, the average annual maximum temperature is predicted 
to rise by 4.7 to 8.6 [deg]F, to 89.1 to 93.0 [deg]F, depending on 
which of the two scenarios plays out.
    Annual Mean Maximum Temperature ([deg]F)--Each new time frame is 
compared to the original temperature averaged during the 1950-2005 
period, bolded.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Change in                   Change in                   Change in
                                                          1950-2005      [deg]F       2025-2049      [deg]F       2050-2074      [deg]F       2075-2099
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scenario:                                                                                         STARR COUNTY
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.................................................          85.3           3.1          88.3           4.0          89.2           4.5          89.8
    2.................................................          85.3           3.4          88.7           5.8          91.0           8.3          93.6
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   WEBB COUNTY
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.................................................          84.4           3.1          87.4           4.1          88.5           4.7          89.1
    2.................................................          84.4           3.4          87.8           5.9          90.3           8.6          93.0
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  ZAPATA COUNTY
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.................................................          85.5           3.1          88.5           4.0          89.4           4.5          90.0
    2.................................................          85.5           3.4          88.9           5.8          91.3           8.5          94.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 1. Annual mean maximum temperature changes from years 1950-2005, 2025-2049, 2050-2074, and 2075-2099 under two emissions scenarios. Each average
  represents compiled data from 30 climate models, downscaled to the county level.

    At the state level, precipitation changes for Texas are expected to 
be minimal yet still in a predicted decreasing trend. Model means 
indicate an average change in mean precipitation from 1950-2005 to 
2025-2049 to be 0.0 to -0.4 to inches/day x 100, (from 7.5 to 7.1-7.5 
inches/day x 100) followed by the same predictions from 2050-2074, and 
then all models settle on a solid -0.4 inches/day x 100 loss into the 
2075-2099 time frame, indicating a slight loss in precipitation. This 
loss of precipitation may be enhanced by the predicted increase in the 
annual mean evaporative deficit, which will lead to drier overall 
conditions. The evaporative deficit annual mean rate for Texas from 
1950-2005 was 1.4 inches/month for both scenarios. This deficit grows 
to 1.8 inches/month in the 2025-2049 predictions, and to 1.9-2.2 
inches/month in the 2050-2074 range, followed by an increased 
evaporative deficit into 2075-2099 of 2.0-2.6 inches/month.
    At the county level, the annual mean precipitation appears to have 
no change for Webb County from the 1950-2005 to the 2075-2099 time 
period; however, both Starr and Zapata Counties indicate a similar 
slight decrease in precipitation by -0.4 inches/day x 100 over the same 
time period (Table 2).
    Annual Mean Precipitation (inches/day x 100)--Each new time frame 
is compared to the original temperature averaged during the 1950-2005 
period, bolded.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Change (in/day x                  Change (in/day x                  Change (in/day x
                                        1950-2005          100)           2025-2049          100)           2050-2074          100)           2075-2099
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scenario:                                                                                STARR COUNTY
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1...............................           5.5                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1
    2...............................           5.5                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          WEBB COUNTY
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1...............................           5.5                 0.0           5.5                 0.0           5.5                 0.0           5.5
    2...............................           5.5                 0.0           5.5                 0.0           5.5                 0.0           5.5
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                         ZAPATA COUNTY
                                     -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1...............................           5.5                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1
    2...............................           5.5                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1                -0.4           5.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 2. Annual mean precipitation predictions from years 1950-2005, 2025-2049, 2050-2074, and 2075-2099 under two emissions scenarios. Each average
  represents compiled data from 30 climate models, downscaled to the county level.

    Data depicting annual mean evaporative deficit was calculated using 
the same set of 30 models and two scenarios, and was simulated using 
the temperature and precipitation models at the county level for Starr, 
Webb, and Zapata Counties (Alder and Hostetler, 2013, p. 10). As seen 
in Table 3, an increase in water lost to evaporative processes is 
expected for all three counties. Webb County has the lowest level of 
current water deficit (at 2.3 inches/month lost to evaporation and 
plant transpiration), and has the least pronounced increase in water 
deficit of the three counties into the future. Starr and Zapata 
Counties currently have a higher water deficit (at 2.5 inches/month of 
water lost), yet Zapata County shows the most pronounced future 
predicted water deficit of the three counties (Table 3). Monthly 
averages of evaporative deficit are predicted to show enhanced peaks in 
the warmer months from current levels, starting in May and ranging 
through August, with a steadily growing peak in July through the range 
of time frames. This indicates that the evaporative deficit will become 
more extreme in the warmer months, especially in July, compared to 
rates occurring today.
    Annual Mean Water Deficit (inches/month)--Each new time frame is 
compared to the original temperature

[[Page 1331]]

averaged during the 1950-2005 period, bolded.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      Change  (in/                Change  (in/                Change  (in/
                                                          1950-2005        mo)        2025-2049        mo)        2050-2074        mo)        2075-2099
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scenario:                                                                                         STARR COUNTY
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.................................................           2.5           0.5           3.0           0.6           3.1           0.7           3.2
    2.................................................           2.5           0.5           3.0           1.0           3.5           1.4           3.9
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                   WEBB COUNTY
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.................................................           2.3           0.5           2.8           0.6           2.9           0.8           3.1
    2.................................................           2.3           0.6           2.9           1.0           3.3           1.5           3.8
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  ZAPATA COUNTY
                                                       -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1.................................................           2.5           0.6           3.1           0.7           3.2           0.8           3.3
    2.................................................           2.5           0.6           3.1           1.0           3.5           1.5           4.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Table 3. Annual mean water deficit predictions from years 1950-2005, 2025-2049, 2050-2074, and 2075-2099 under two emissions scenarios. Each average
  represents compiled data from 30 climate models, downscaled to the county level.

    A fourth climate variable available at a county level is annual 
mean runoff, measured in inches/month. Although the overall runoff 
amount over the year will likely remain the same throughout the time 
periods of the climate models, reflecting a similar amount per month, 
future time series predictions show runoff occurring in more extreme 
events than those experienced during the 1950-2005 period (USGS 
National Climate Change Viewer 2015; https://www.usgs.gov/climate_landuse/clu_rd/nccv/viewer.asp). Monthly averages of runoff for 
the three future time periods indicate a slight increase in runoff 
inches/month during September, which could correlate to more heavy 
rainfall events occurring over briefer time periods, at least within 
September.
    Collectively, climate information for the counties of Starr, Webb, 
and Zapata in south western Texas predicts future patterns of 
increasing temperatures, somewhat stable precipitation, and increasing 
evaporative deficits into the future, at a gradual rate. This suggests 
a gradual trend toward hotter, drier conditions for the Johnston's 
frankenia. The interaction of these climate variables with other local 
topographic, edaphic, and microclimate conditions, as well as local 
ecological interactions, leads to a complexity of possible outcomes for 
the future status of Johnston's. For instance, localized evaporative 
loss will be dependent on soil type, chemistry, content of organic 
matter, root depth, and overall vegetative cover, among other factors. 
As Johnston's frankenia is known to live in washes, being in this type 
of location could buffer impacts of water loss from increased 
temperatures and increased evapo-transpiration due to greater shading 
and access to moisture. Moreover, if rainfall events become more 
intense, the hydrological flow into drainages and washes could either 
benefit Johnston's frankenia or lead to increased gully erosion and 
potentially scour out individual Johnston's frankenia plants. 
Therefore, it is difficult to predict how climate will impact this 
species throughout its range into the future.
    Nevertheless, we believe that increasing global temperatures and 
drought conditions will likely have little impact on Johnston's 
frankenia because this species is well adapted to the warm, arid 
landscape of south Texas. Despite the drought of 2011, and because this 
species is drought-deciduous (leaves sprout after small rain events), 
Johnston's frankenia populations remained stable (Janssen 2012, pers. 
comm.). In addition, we suggest that climate change may actually 
benefit Johnston's frankenia by making the landscape more arid, thus 
reducing competition with other less physiologically adapted plants. 
However, we continue to lack specific evidence as to how climate change 
will directly or indirectly affect this species.
    Summary of Factor A: Intensive survey efforts by TPWD in south 
Texas have shown Johnston's frankenia to be much more widespread and 
abundant than was known at the time of listing or when the recovery 
plan was prepared. The occurrence of sizable populations in areas 
relatively isolated from industrial activities and residential 
development, the large numbers of individual plants and widely 
dispersed populations, the diminished threat of pasture clearing and 
nonnative grass planting, less emphasis on livestock grazing, and the 
species' ability to recover from some level of ground disturbance, has 
ameliorated concerns regarding the threats to the species' habitat. 
Habitat modifications will continue to occur (agricultural land 
management practices, industry activities, and residential 
development), but the resulting impacts will be to a smaller number of 
individual plants rather than entire populations, and these threats 
will not occur throughout the entire range of the species. In summary, 
habitat modification is no longer a threat to the species, nor is this 
factor likely to become one within the foreseeable future. The 
significant increase in Johnston's frankenia abundance makes it more 
resilient, and its widened distribution makes it better represented 
throughout its range, minimizing the impacts from any one, or 
combination of, the above described threats. The specific effects of 
climate change and drought on Johnston's frankenia remain uncertain; 
however, it seems that the plant is well adapted to arid conditions. 
Therefore, climate change does not appear to be a threat to this 
species. In addition, conservation measures and the voluntary 
conservation agreements are beneficial to the species; however, they 
are not necessary for the long-term survival of this species.

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or 
Educational Purposes

    Johnston's frankenia is not a highly collected or sought after 
species. There is no evidence to indicate that this species is 
currently or will be collected for any commercial, recreational, 
scientific, or educational purpose.
    Summary of Factor B: We conclude that overutilization is not a 
current or foreseeable threat to the species.

[[Page 1332]]

C. Disease or Predation

    In the original 1984 listing rule, all the known populations were 
located in heavily grazed rangelands (Turner 1980, entire). Detrimental 
effects referred to in the recovery plan (Service 1988, pp. 12-13) were 
browsing of tender, new growth that might contribute to lowered 
reproductive success, direct trampling of young plants or seedlings, 
and soil compaction, which may negatively affect germination. Janssen 
observed that the population showing the most harmful effects of 
grazing was one where the fenced area was inadequate to support the 
number of cattle being stocked and the animals were not receiving any 
type of supplemental feed (Janssen and Williamson 1993, p. 8; Janssen, 
1999, p. 9). Observations of cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits 
nibbling on Johnston's frankenia indicate a likelihood that other 
mammals will also browse on this plant (Janssen 2001, pers. comm.). 
Janssen (1999, p. 9) did not entirely agree that grazing was heavy 
across the entire range or that it was a major threat as mentioned in 
the recovery plan (Service 1988, pp. 11-13) based on Turner's (1980, p. 
6) observations. Based on Janssen's 6 years of field observations, she 
felt there was little difference in the appearance of Johnston's 
frankenia populations between ranches with and without cattle, and 
because the majority of the populations were remote and dispersed 
enough to minimize concentrated grazing impacts, Janssen concluded that 
grazing should not be considered a direct threat (Janssen 1999, p. 9).
    There is no evidence to indicate that Johnston's frankenia is 
threatened by any disease. Therefore, we conclude that disease is not a 
current or foreseeable threat to the species.
    Summary of Factor C: The final listing rule included some evidence 
to indicate that this species was threatened by cattle grazing. We 
acknowledge that the anecdotal observations that Johnston's frankenia 
does not appear to differ on grazed or ungrazed rangelands does not 
necessarily mean there are no effects to Johnston's frankenia; however, 
to date there has been no substantial evidence to the contrary. Though 
the final listing rule included some evidence of detrimental effects 
due to cattle grazing and other browsers on plant growth, no data 
suggest that populations are threatened, and the majority of 
populations are remote and dispersed enough to minimize concentrated 
grazing impacts. We have also found that the species has a much broader 
distribution than originally thought as well as a substantial increase 
in the number of populations. Because we have no data to suggest that 
either grazing or other browsing threatens any of the populations, we 
find that predation is not a threat to the species as a whole. In 
summary, grazing is no longer considered a threat to the species, nor 
is it likely to become one within the foreseeable future.

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

    Prior to the species' listing in 1984, no Federal or State laws 
protected Johnston's frankenia (49 FR 31418, August 7, 1984), and its 
known distribution was limited to Starr and Zapata Counties. As 
previously described, implementation of specific recovery actions and 
surveys have resulted in and documented many more individuals, sites, 
and populations than were previously known. In addition, the majority 
of these populations are located on private land. Endangered plants do 
not receive a high degree of protection on private property under the 
Act. If the landowner is not using Federal funding or does not require 
any type of Federal permit or authorization, listed plants may be 
removed at any time unless prohibited by State law. Under Chapter 88 of 
the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, any Texas plant that is placed on 
the Federal list as endangered is also required to be listed by the 
State as endangered. The State prohibits taking and possession of 
listed plants for commercial sale, or sale of all or any part of an 
endangered, threatened, or protected plant from public lands.
    The Service anticipates Texas removing Johnston's frankenia from 
its State list of endangered species as a result of the Federal 
delisting. State law, similar to the Act, primarily provides protection 
on public lands, and Johnston's frankenia primarily occurs on private 
land and is, therefore, by and large, not protected by State law. 
Therefore, the State delisting is not expected to result in a 
significant change in its protective status.
    Summary of Factor D: Johnston's frankenia was not, and is not 
presently, threatened by inadequate regulatory mechanisms. The level of 
regulatory protection provided to this plant will not differ 
significantly following delisting because the majority of the 
populations are on private land. Therefore, we find that the level of 
regulatory protection provided to this plant will not change 
significantly following delisting. In addition, since there are no 
threats under the other factors from which the species needs to be 
protected, no additional regulatory mechanisms are needed.

E. Other Natural or Human-Made Factors Affecting Its Continued 
Existence

Biological Characteristics
    In the original 1984 listing rule, certain inherent biological 
characteristics, including small numbers of individuals, restricted 
distribution, and low reproductive potential, were thought to affect 
the continued existence of Johnston's frankenia. The recovery plan for 
Johnston's frankenia referred to the approximately 1,000 plants known 
at the time of listing and their occurrence in small populations with 
none greater than a few hundred plants, implying a small gene pool with 
limited variability and, therefore, a diminished capacity for 
tolerating stresses and threats (Service 1988, p. 11). However, the 
recovery plan also indicated that scattered populations, disjunct 
distributions, and low reproductive capacity are commonly seen in the 
genus Frankenia (Whalen 1980, pp. 54-193).
    Data were collected on reproductive characteristics from six large 
populations in Starr, Webb, and Zapata Counties (Janssen 1999, pp. 177-
212). Results of field observations showed that this species flowers 
throughout the year, but less abundantly in winter, with the highest 
numbers of flowers and fruit in spring and early summer. The percentage 
of seed set among populations that Janssen studied ranged 15-30 
percent. Turner (1980, p. 6) observed seed set at less than 50 percent 
for Johnston's frankenia. Using seed viability tests, Janssen (1999, p. 
182) found 31 percent of the seeds were viable. Results of soil seed 
bank analysis from three populations over 1 year yielded the 
germination of only four total seedlings (Janssen 1999, pp. 177-212). 
All attempts at germination in a greenhouse ended in failure, which was 
attributed to insufficient light conditions within the greenhouse 
(Janssen and Williamson 1996, p. 182; Janssen 1999, p. 182). Poole 
noted that seedlings are rarely seen (Service 1988, p. 12). Seedling 
recruitment studies monitoring 2 populations over 2 years documented 32 
of 39 seedlings (82 percent) surviving in 1 population and 17 of 18 (94 
percent) surviving in the other (Janssen 1999, pp. 203-204). With 
respect to these factors, Johnston's frankenia has low fruit-to-flower 
ratio, low seed set, and low seed viability. Janssen (1999, pp. 208-
212) acknowledged that her results regarding these factors might 
reflect decreased

[[Page 1333]]

vigor in the limited number of populations on which she was able to 
conduct reproductive studies.
    The seeds are small in size, may remain for the most part in the 
above-ground litter, and probably could not emerge if buried deep. The 
seed's thin coat is suited for absorbing water rapidly and germinating. 
This may be the reason that, despite low seed set and viability, those 
seeds that do germinate have a high rate of recruitment (82 and 85 
percent in the two populations studied). The fruit does not appear to 
be specialized for dispersal, and seedlings are always found in close 
proximity to the parent. Timing of germination and seedling size are 
critical in determining the fate of seedlings. The variation in timing 
of germination and seedling survival seen in Johnston's frankenia may 
be tied to rainfall amounts. Seedling loss seems to be primarily a 
result of browsing, trampling, and lack of precipitation Janssen 1999, 
p. 212).
    The results of Janssen and Williamson's (1996, pp. 13-16) 
reproductive analysis of Johnston's frankenia showed this species to be 
a generalist with respect to pollinators. A large variety of diurnal 
(daytime) pollinators visited Johnston's frankenia flowers including 
flies, bees, and butterflies, with bee flies and bees being the most 
common. Plant species, like Johnston's frankenia, that have the 
capacity to attract multiple pollinators, reduce the risk of population 
declines due to the disappearance of one pollinator. The high rate of 
floral visitation to Johnston's frankenia by these insects shows the 
plant to be competing successfully for pollinators (Janssen 1999, pp. 
197-198, 208). Although Johnston's frankenia is readily cross-
pollinated, this species also has a floral morphology that allows self-
pollination, and self-compatibility is indicated (Janssen and 
Williamson 1996, pp. 13-16; Janssen 1999, pp. 194-196, 208). Janssen 
(1999, pp. 208-209) concluded that ``although self-pollination can 
result in less genetic variability, it may not be so detrimental for 
plants that occupy narrow ecological habitats.''
    In summary, though studies to address the question of low 
reproductive potential were conducted on a limited number of 
populations, research results indicated low fruit-to-flower ratio, low 
seed set, low seed viability, nonpersistent seed bank, and small and 
thin-walled seeds. Combined, these biological traits would suggest low 
reproductive potential for Johnston's frankenia despite having multiple 
pollinators.
    Summary of Factor E: In the original listing rule, threats to 
Johnston's frankenia, as discussed in Factor E, focused on the species' 
inherent biological characteristics, including small population 
numbers, restricted distribution, and low reproductive potential, that 
might restrict the gene pool of the species and diminish the species' 
capability to deal with stress and other threats. Although the 
reproductive characteristics of Johnston's frankenia may contribute to 
a reproductive potential that is relatively lower than many flowering 
plant species (yet common to all Frankenia spp.), this plant readily 
cross-pollinates and has the capability to self-fertilize. This plant 
also hosts a variety of pollinators, reducing its dependence on the 
survival of any single pollinator species. There does not appear to be 
any reason for the gene pool to be more restricted now than it was in 
the past. In addition, with regard to low numbers and restricted 
distribution, we now know that the species is much more prevalent and 
widely distributed than originally thought, with close to 4 million 
more plants found over 2,031 sq mi (5,260 sq km). Therefore, we 
conclude that low reproductive potential, while appearing to be a 
biological characteristic of Johnston's frankenia, is no longer 
considered a threat to this species now or in the foreseeable future.

Determination

    At the time of the Johnston's frankenia listing in 1984, the 
Service knew of only two counties in Texas (Starr and Zapata) and one 
locality in Mexico where this plant occurred. Approximately 1,000 
plants in 5 populations were known to exist in a 35-mi (56-km) radius 
area in Texas, and several hundred plants in Mexico. We concluded that 
there were relatively small populations occurring in highly specialized 
habitats on rocky gypseous hillsides or saline flats. All known 
populations were located on privately owned lands with poor rangeland 
conditions. The plants were not reproducing well and showed signs of 
having been browsed by cattle. Given the small number of plants, their 
restricted distribution, land management practices that could 
potentially degrade or destroy habitat, the impact of grazing on the 
plants, and the low reproductive potential of the species, Johnston's 
frankenia was regarded as a species in danger of becoming extinct.
    After reviewing new information on the status of Johnston's 
frankenia, the Service proposed to remove this plant from the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Plants under the Act in 2003. This plant was 
then known to occur in three counties in south Texas (Starr, Webb, and 
Zapata) and several northeastern states of Mexico (Nuevo Leon, 
Coahuila, and Tamaulipas). And by 2011, additional surveys found a 
total of more than 4 million plants in 68 populations ranging over an 
area of approximately 2,031 sq mi (5,260 sq km) in Texas, and 4 healthy 
populations in Mexico. As a result of increased recovery efforts, 
extensive surveys in south Texas have shown Johnston's frankenia to be 
much more widespread and abundant than was known at the time of listing 
or when the recovery plan was prepared.
    By 2003, the Service indicated that, although the reproductive 
characteristics of Johnston's frankenia may contribute to its low 
reproductive potential, this plant appears to be well adapted to the 
arid climate and saline soils that it inhabits. The species takes 
advantage of sporadic rainfall events and uses the moisture to 
germinate quickly. It readily cross-pollinates, but also has the 
capability to self-fertilize. This plant is a generalist with respect 
to pollinators, thus reducing the danger associated with the decline of 
any one pollinator. And, although the reproductive characteristics of 
Johnston's frankenia may contribute to a reproductive potential that is 
relatively low, there does not appear to be any reason for the gene 
pool to be more restricted now than it was in the past.
    At the time of the Johnston's frankenia listing in 1984, the 
Service summarized the threat of habitat modification in terms of 
agricultural practices such as grazing and use of chaining and plowing 
with supplemental planting of nonnative grasses for pastures. By 2003, 
the Service found these threats to be minimal because use of nonnative 
grasses did not prove to result in any competitive disadvantage to 
Johnston's frankenia. The species has also shown the ability to 
regenerate and recolonize areas that were formerly root-plowed 
pastures. Recent observations over a 6-year period revealed little 
difference in Johnston's frankenia abundance in grazed areas versus 
non-grazed areas. In addition, the species has a much broader 
distribution than originally thought, and the majority of the 
populations are remote and dispersed enough to minimize concentrated 
grazing impacts. In addition, ranchers in the area are now retaining 
more native brush and grass habitat to enhance wildlife hunting 
opportunities instead of planting nonnative species for crops.

[[Page 1334]]

    No data were available at the time of listing with regard to the 
future increase in industrial activities and residential development in 
Johnston's frankenia habitat. In 2003, the Service addressed these 
potential threats in conjunction with the significant increase in 
populations over a much larger range, and found that sizable 
populations were in areas relatively isolated from industrial and 
residential development. The species' ability to recover from some 
level of ground disturbance has also minimized concerns regarding these 
threats. In addition, education and voluntary conservation easements 
are expected to continue to benefit Johnston's frankenia in the future.
    In summary, we have carefully assessed the best scientific and 
commercial data available regarding the past, present, and future 
threats to Johnston's frankenia. We have found that the magnitude of 
habitat stressors is far reduced. Overall, we now know that this plant 
has multiple populations distributed widely across a much broader area 
than previously known, with an estimated total number of 4 million 
individual plants. Johnston's frankenia appears to be well adapted to 
its semi-arid environment, and has the ability to recover from several 
types of disturbance, including currently anticipated changes likely 
from climate change. Its range of genetic variation due to number of 
plants, populations, and locations will allow the species' adaptive 
capabilities to be conserved. Further, increased awareness and a number 
of voluntary conservation agreements are likely to reduce potential for 
new threats impacting the species. Any remaining stressors that may 
negatively affect individuals or populations are not expected to 
cumulatively affect the species as a whole. Based on the analysis above 
and given the lack of overall threats and the large population numbers 
previously described in this final rule, Johnston's frankenia does not 
currently meet the Act's definition of endangered, in that it is not in 
danger of extinction throughout all of its range, or the definition of 
threatened, in that it is not likely to become endangered in the 
foreseeable future throughout all its range.

Significant Portion of the Range Analysis

    Having determined that Johnston's frankenia does not meet the 
definition of endangered or threatened throughout its range, we must 
next consider whether there are any significant portions of its range 
that are in danger of extinction or likely to become endangered. A 
portion of a species' range is significant if it is part of the current 
range of the species and is important to the conservation of the 
species as evaluated based upon its representation, resiliency, or 
redundancy.
    If we identify any portions of a species' range that warrant 
further consideration, we then determine whether in fact the species is 
endangered or threatened in any significant portion of its range. 
Depending on the biology of the species, its range, and the threats it 
faces, it may be more efficient for the Service to address the 
significance question first and in others the status question first. 
Thus, if the Service determines that a portion of the range is not 
significant, the Service need not determine whether the species is 
endangered or threatened there. If the Service determines that the 
species is not endangered or threatened in a portion of its range, the 
Service need not determine if that portion is significant.
    For Johnston's frankenia, we applied the process described above to 
determine whether any portions of the range warranted further 
consideration. As discussed above, a portion of a species' range is 
significant if it is part of the current range of the species and is 
important to the conservation of the species because it contributes 
meaningfully to the representation, resiliency, or redundancy of the 
species. The contribution must be at a level such that its loss would 
result in a decrease in the ability to conserve the species. While 
there is some variability in the habitats occupied by Johnston's 
frankenia across its range, the basic ecological components required 
for the species to complete its life cycle are present throughout the 
habitats occupied by the 68 populations. No specific location within 
the current range of the species provides a unique or biologically 
significant function that is not found in other portions of the range. 
The currently occupied range of Johnston's frankenia encompasses 
approximately 2,031 sq mi (5,260 sq km) in Starr, Webb, and Zapata 
Counties in Texas.
    In conclusion, major threats to Johnston's frankenia have been 
reduced, managed, or eliminated. Though habitat modifications will 
continue to occur (agricultural land management practices, industry 
activities, and residential development), the resulting impacts are 
expected to affect a smaller number of individual plants rather than 
entire populations due to increased awareness and voluntary 
conservation efforts. Therefore, we have determined that Johnston's 
frankenia is not in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range nor is it likely to become endangered 
now or within the foreseeable future throughout all or any significant 
portion of its range. On the basis of this evaluation, we believe that 
Johnston's frankenia no longer requires the protection of the Act, and 
we remove Johnston's frankenia from the Federal List of Endangered and 
Threatened Plants (50 CFR 17.12(h)).

Effects of the Rule

    This final rule will revise 50 CFR 17.12(h) to remove the 
Johnston's frankenia from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened 
Plants. Because no critical habitat was ever designated for this 
species, this rule will not affect 50 CFR 17.96.
    The prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, 
particularly through sections 7 and 9, no longer apply to this species. 
Federal agencies are no longer required to consult with the Service 
under section 7 of the Act in the event that activities they authorize, 
fund, or carry out may affect the Johnston's frankenia.

Post-Delisting Monitoring

    Section 4(g)(1) of the Act requires us, in cooperation with the 
States, to implement a monitoring program for not less than 5 years for 
all species that have been recovered and delisted. The purpose of this 
requirement is to develop a program that detects the failure of any 
delisted species to sustain itself without the protective measures 
provided by the Act. If, at any time during the monitoring period, data 
indicate that protective status under the Act should be reinstated, we 
can initiate listing procedures, including, if appropriate, emergency 
listing.
    Section 4(g) of the Act explicitly requires cooperation with the 
States in development and implementation of post-delisting monitoring 
programs, but we remain responsible for compliance with section 4(g) 
and, therefore, must remain actively engaged in all phases of post-
delisting monitoring. We also seek active participation of other 
entities that are expected to assume responsibilities for the species' 
conservation after delisting.
    We have finalized a Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan for Johnston's 
frankenia that identifies measurable management thresholds and 
responses for detecting and reacting to significant changes in 
Johnston's frankenia protected habitat, distribution, and persistence. 
The Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan will consist of two approaches: (1) 
Use remote sensing in a

[[Page 1335]]

subset of occupied habitat to monitor land use changes over time; and 
(2) conduct onsite assessments within a subset of populations to 
monitor plant status over a 10-year period. If declines are detected 
equaling or exceeding defined thresholds (Service 2013), the Service in 
combination with other post-delisting monitoring participants will 
investigate causes of these declines, including consideration of 
habitat changes, substantial human persecution, stochastic events, or 
any other significant evidence. The result of the investigation will be 
to determine if the Johnston's frankenia warrants expanded monitoring, 
additional research, additional habitat protection, or resumption of 
Federal protection under the Act.
    The final Post-Delisting Monitoring Plan is available with this 
final rule at https://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2011-
0084, and on the Southwest Region's electronic library (https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Library).

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with regulations pursuant to section 4(a) of the 
Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this determination 
in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to Tribes. We have determined that no Tribes will 
be affected by this rule.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this final rule is 
available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2011-
0084 or upon request from the Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field 
Office, Corpus Christi (see ADDRESSES).

Author

    The primary authors of this final rule are staff members of the 
Texas Coastal Ecological Services Field Office, Corpus Christi (see FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 
of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; 4201-4245; unless 
otherwise noted.


Sec.  17.12  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  17.12(h) by removing the entry for ``Frankenia 
johnstonii'' under ``FLOWERING PLANTS'' from the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Plants.

    Dated: December 21, 2015.
Stephen Guertin,
Acting Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-00158 Filed 1-11-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P