Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Morro Shoulderband Snail From Endangered to Threatened With Section 4(d) Rule, 6063-6077 [2022-02008]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 23 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6063-6077]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-02008]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025; FF09E22000 FXES1113090FEDR 223]
RIN 1018-BD45


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification 
of Morro Shoulderband Snail From Endangered to Threatened With Section 
4(d) Rule

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are 
reclassifying the Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana) 
from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (Act). This action is based on our evaluation of the best 
available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that 
the species' status has improved such that it is not currently in 
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range, but that it is still likely to become so in the foreseeable 
future. We also finalize a rule issued under section 4(d) of the Act 
that provides for the conservation of the Morro shoulderband snail. In 
addition, we update the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife to reflect the latest scientifically accepted taxonomy and 
nomenclature for the species as Helminthoglypta walkeriana, Morro 
shoulderband snail.

DATES: This rule is effective March 7, 2022.

[[Page 6064]]


ADDRESSES: This final rule is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments and materials we received, as well as 
supporting documentation we used in preparing this rule, are available 
for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. 
FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen P. Henry, Field Supervisor, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 
Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003; telephone 805-644-1766. 
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call 
the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Previous Federal Actions

    On December 15, 1994, we published a final rule (59 FR 64613) 
listing Helminthoglypta walkeriana (Morro shoulderband snail (=banded 
dune snail)) as endangered. This taxon contained two entities: H. 
walkeriana (what we now consider the Morro shoulderband snail) and H. 
walkeriana morroensis (what we now consider the Chorro shoulderband 
snail). At the time of listing in 1994, we thought the subspecific 
entity morroensis was extinct and that there may have been as few as 
several hundred individuals of Helminthoglypta walkeriana remaining (59 
FR 64613, p. 64615, December 15, 1994); consequently, we did not 
consider the morroensis subspecies to be part of the listed entity.
    In 1997, the subspecific entity morroensis was rediscovered at 
North Point Natural Area near the northern limit of Morro Bay (Roth and 
Tupen 2004, p. 3). In subsequent years, it was found in other areas as 
well. In 1998, we completed the Recovery Plan for the Morro 
Shoulderband Snail and Four Plants from Western San Luis Obispo County 
(Service 1998, entire), and in 2001, we designated critical habitat for 
the Morro shoulderband snail (66 FR 9233; February 7, 2001). Both the 
recovery plan and critical habitat addressed only Helminthoglypta 
walkeriana and not the subspecific entity morroensis, as explained 
above.
    In 2004, a taxonomic analysis was completed that elevated these 
subspecific taxa to full species: Helminthoglypta walkeriana and H. 
morroensis (Roth and Tupen 2004, entire). After 2004, H. walkeriana and 
H. morroensis were associated with the common names Morro shoulderband 
snail and Chorro shoulderband snail, respectively. Also in 2004, in an 
attempt to provide clarity on what was the listed entity, the Ventura 
Fish and Wildlife Office issued a ``Dear Stakeholders and Interested 
Parties'' letter stating we would no longer be regulating the Chorro 
shoulderband snail (Service 2004, entire).
    However, in 2006, the Service completed a 5-year review for both 
the Morro and Chorro shoulderband snails and recommended downlisting 
Morro shoulderband snail from endangered to threatened and delisting 
Chorro shoulderband snail (Service 2006, entire), even though the 
Chorro shoulderband snail had previously not been treated as part of 
the listed entity.
    Neither entity, Helminthoglypta walkeriana morroensis or the newly 
recognized Helminthoglypta morroensis, was ever formally added to the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. Because of its 
confusing history, however, we determined that it was most appropriate 
to now complete a listing assessment to determine whether or not the 
Chorro shoulderband snail meets the definition of an ``endangered 
species'' or of a ``threatened species'' in the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.). Using the results of our evaluation in the species status 
assessment (SSA) report, we reaffirm our 5-year review that the 
information on the threats to the Chorro shoulderband snail does not 
support the species being listed as endangered or threatened under the 
Act. Since Helminthoglypta morroensis is not currently included on the 
Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, no revision to the 
list is needed to implement this determination.
    On July 24, 2020, we published a proposed rule (85 FR 44821) to 
reclassify the Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana) 
from an endangered to a threatened species under the Act. In that 
proposed rule, we also announced the availability of a species 
assessment form constituting our full determination and threats 
analysis regarding the status of the Chorro shoulderband snail (Service 
2020, entire), which is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025.

Summary of Changes From the Proposed Rule

    This final rule incorporates two minor substantive changes to our 
July 24, 2020, proposed rule (85 FR 44821). First, we made a slight 
edit to the preamble text of the rule issued under section 4(d) rule of 
the Act (``4(d) rule'') to remove reference to a specific fire 
protection plan. We made this change to clarify that any fire 
protection plan meeting the standards set out in the 4(d) rule will be 
exempted from take prohibitions. Additionally, based on a public 
comment, we clarified the effect of conservation on the downlisting of 
the Morro shoulderband snail. We made no other substantive changes from 
the July 24, 2020, proposed rule in this final rule.

Supporting Documents

    A species status assessment (SSA) team prepared an SSA report for 
the Morro shoulderband snail and the Chorro shoulderband snail (Service 
2019). The SSA team was composed of Service biologists, in consultation 
with other species experts. The SSA report represents a compilation of 
the best scientific and commercial data available concerning the status 
of the species, including the impacts of past, present, and future 
factors (both negative and beneficial) affecting the species. In 
accordance with our joint policy on peer review published in the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and our August 22, 
2016, memorandum updating and clarifying the role of peer review of 
listing actions under the Act, in 2018, we sent the SSA report to peer 
reviewers with expertise in snail ecology, microhabitat, and 
distribution, which included three experts from partner agencies: The 
California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California 
Department of Parks and Recreation (hereafter, State Parks), and the 
County of San Luis Obispo. We received six responses, including from 
two reviewers from partner agencies: Biologists at State Parks and the 
County of San Luis Obispo. We incorporated the results of those 
reviews, as appropriate, into the final SSA report, which is the 
foundation for this final rule.

[[Page 6065]]

I. Reclassification Determination

Background

    It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly related to 
the reclassification of Morro shoulderband snail from an endangered 
species to a threatened species in this final rule. Below, we summarize 
the conclusions of the SSA report, including the species description, 
ecology, habitat, and resource needs. We also discuss recovery plan 
implementation. In our SSA report, we define viability as the ability 
of the species to sustain populations in the wild over time and provide 
a thorough account of the species' overall condition currently and into 
the future. The full SSA report is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025.

Species Description

    The Morro shoulderband snail belongs to the land snail genus, 
Helminthoglypta (Ancey 1887), which contains three subgenera comprising 
more than 100 species and subspecies. Morro shoulderband snail shells 
are umbilicate (having a depression at the center), globose 
(spherical), reddish brown to chestnut in color, thin, and slightly 
translucent (Roth 1985, p. 5). The shell has five to six whorls and a 
single, narrow (2 to 2.5 millimeters (mm) (0.08 to 0.1 inches (in.))), 
dark spiral band on the ``shoulder'' with thin light-yellowish margins 
above and below. Sculptural features of the shell include incised 
spiral grooves, spiral and transverse striae (grooves) that give the 
surface a checkerboard-like look, and papillae (small, round 
protrusions) at the intersections of some of the striae (Walgren 2003, 
p. 93). Adult shell dimensions range from 18 to 29 mm (0.7 to 1.1 in.) 
in diameter and from 14 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1.0 in.) in height (Roth 1985, 
p. 5).

Species Ecology, Habitat, and Resource Needs

    In general, we know very little about the specific life history of 
Morro shoulderband snails. Using information compiled for other 
Helminthoglypta species (van der Laan 1975a, entire; 1975b, entire; 
1980, entire), we infer information and apply it to the species, where 
appropriate. Like many species of Helminthoglypta that occur in 
Mediterranean climate regions of California, the Morro shoulderband 
snail has adapted to changing environmental conditions by having a two-
part life cycle. While feeding, reproduction, and most individual 
growth occur during the rainy season (Roth 1985, p. 13), individuals 
spend the majority of the year in aestivation (prolonged dormancy) to 
survive the drier seasons (Belt 2018, pers. comm.). Refugia used for 
the aestivation phase of the life cycle for the Morro shoulderband 
snail appear to be opportunistic in nature. They can include native and 
nonnative plant species, including dense clumps of native and nonnative 
grasses; young patches of ice plant (Carpobrotus spp.); cactus (Opuntia 
spp.); and anthropogenic features and debris (e.g., stockpiled 
construction materials, wood, cement, plastic) (Roth and Tupen 2004, p. 
17; SWCA 2013-2017, entire; Dugan 2018, pers. comm.).
    For Helminthoglypta species living in California, most activity 
occurs during the rainy season (Roth 1985, p. 13), and this is the case 
for Morro shoulderband snail. In coastal San Luis Obispo County, the 
period of greatest activity generally extends from October through 
April but can vary each year depending on the frequency and duration of 
seasonal rainfall and heavy fog/dew. During this period, individuals 
may be particularly active during the evening, night, and early morning 
hours when humidity is higher. Individuals can also be active during 
overcast and rainy days (van der Laan 1980, pp. 49, 52; U.S. Department 
of Agriculture (USDA) 1999, p. 3; Tupen 2018, pers. comm.). The Morro 
shoulderband snail likely emerges from aestivation during and following 
periods of rainfall in search of food resources and for mating and egg-
laying activities.
    Species of Helminthoglypta, like other terrestrial snails, become 
inactive during prolonged dry periods and enter a state of aestivation 
where individuals produce an epiphragm (a seal of dried mucus) across 
the shell aperture to greatly reduce water and weight loss (van der 
Laan 1975b, p. 361). They frequently aestivate attached to the lower 
outer branches of shrubs (van der Laan 1975b, p. 365; Roth 1985, p. 
13). This attachment to a substrate may provide additional protection 
from desiccation by forming a more complete seal of the aperture (van 
der Laan 1975b, p. 365). There is a possible decreased vulnerability to 
predation during dormancy when the attachment point is 20- 30 
centimeters (7.9-11.8 in.) above the ground surface (van der Laan 
1975b, p. 365). Smaller snails tended to experience higher mortality 
rates during aestivation, possibly due to their thinner shells and 
higher surface-to-volume ratios (van der Laan 1975b, p. 364). 
Individuals come out of aestivation after rain events that thoroughly 
wet the environment and may regain as much as 50 percent of their body 
weight back within 24 hours (van der Laan 1975b, p. 364).
    Like other terrestrial snails, we expect the Morro shoulderband 
snail to have a patchy distribution coincident with the presence of 
suitable refugia and food sources.

Species Distribution and Abundance

    Initially, Hill (1974, p. 6) and others projected a very limited 
distribution for Helminthoglypta walkeriana (as the coastal form of the 
banded dune snail). Its range was thought to extend only a short 
distance inland along the southeastern shore of Morro Bay to Shark 
Inlet, southward to near Islay Creek, and northward on the Morro Bay 
sand spit at the western edge of the community of Los Osos. In the 
listing rule (59 FR 64613; December 15, 1994), the Service expanded the 
range to include the coastal dune and coastal sage scrub communities 
underlain by sandy soils near Morro Bay (i.e., Los Osos). Based on 
known species occurrences and soil associations, we used the presence 
of Baywood Fine Sand soils and small areas of Dune Land soils to 
determine distribution. We currently estimate the distribution for the 
Morro shoulderband snail to be approximately 2,638 hectares (ha) (6,520 
acres (ac)) located in and around the community of Los Osos/Baywood 
Park and City of Morro Bay (see figure, below). At the time of listing, 
we estimated that there may have been as few as several hundred 
individuals of H. walkeriana (currently, Morro shoulderband snail) 
extant. Based on the most recent surveys, thousands of Morro 
shoulderband snails currently exist in this area (SWCA Environmental 
Consultants (SWCA) 2018, p. 7).
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR03FE22.040

BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
    Using known species occurrence and estimated abundance along with 
the presence of suitable soil types, we identified six geographic units 
(hereafter, ``population areas'') for the purpose of discussion in our 
SSA report. These include North Morro Bay, Sand Spit, Morro Bay, East 
Los Osos, Downtown Los Osos, and South Los Osos. For a map and detailed 
description of these population areas, please reference the SSA report 
(Service 2019, pp. 24-29). The level of survey effort throughout each 
of the six population areas comprising the distribution of the Morro 
shoulderband snail is limited and variable. For this reason, we are not 
able to make comparable estimates for species abundance. The Downtown 
and South Los Osos population areas have been subject to a greater 
level of survey effort associated with required monitoring for the 
installation of infrastructure to connect the community of Los Osos 
with its wastewater system. Between 2012 and 2017, more than 2,200 
individuals were found in these two population areas, with over 80 
percent occurring in the Downtown Los Osos area (SWCA 2018, p. 5).
    Portions of the North Morro Bay, Sand Spit, Morro Bay, East Los 
Osos, and South Los Osos population areas are within State Parks 
ownership, but comprehensive surveys or monitoring have not been 
conducted. From discussions with State Parks biologists, we know Morro 
shoulderband snails are present on State Park lands in Monta[ntilde]a 
de Oro and Morro Bay State Parks and

[[Page 6067]]

Morro Strand State Beach, portions of which are found within several of 
the population areas. Data on the level of species occupation and 
condition of individuals is generally lacking (Walgren and Andreano 
2018, pers. comm.). There have been no comprehensive surveys for the 
Morro shoulderband snail conducted on CDFW's Morro Dunes Ecological 
Reserve (MDER); however, based on species observations and presence of 
suitable habitat, CDFW assumes the reserve contains a robust population 
of the species (Stafford 2018, pers. comm.). While we know the species 
is present on MDER (Service files; Stafford 2018, pers. comm.), there 
is no evidence that the population is robust or that large numbers of 
individuals are present. Survey data gathered between 2012 and 2017 in 
contiguous habitat of similar quality and species composition indicate 
greater Morro shoulderband snail numbers in disturbed habitats than in 
native habitats (SWCA 2018, p. 5).

Recovery Criteria

    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. Under section 4(f)(1)(B)(ii), 
recovery plans must, to the maximum extent practicable, include 
objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a 
determination, in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the 
Act, that the species be removed from the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife or the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants.
    Recovery plans provide a roadmap for us and our partners on methods 
of enhancing conservation and minimizing threats to listed species, as 
well as measurable criteria against which to evaluate progress towards 
recovery and assess the species' likely future condition. However, they 
are not regulatory documents and do not substitute for the 
determinations and promulgation of regulations required under section 
4(a)(1) of the Act. A decision to revise the status of a species or to 
delist a species is ultimately based on an analysis of the best 
scientific and commercial data available to determine whether a species 
is no longer an endangered species or a threatened species, regardless 
of whether that information differs from the recovery plan.
    There are many paths to accomplishing recovery of a species, and 
recovery may be achieved without all of the criteria in a recovery plan 
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 that the 
species is robust enough that it no longer meets the Act's definition 
of an endangered species or a threatened species. In other cases, we 
may discover new recovery opportunities after having finalized the 
recovery plan. Parties seeking to conserve the species may use these 
opportunities instead of methods identified in the recovery plan. 
Likewise, we may learn new information about the species after we 
finalize the recovery plan. The new information may change the extent 
to which existing criteria are appropriate for identifying recovery of 
the species. The recovery of a species is a dynamic process requiring 
adaptive management that may, or may not, follow all of the guidance 
provided in a recovery plan.
    Below, we summarize recovery plan goals for the Morro shoulderband 
snail and discuss progress made toward meeting recovery plan objectives 
in terms of how they inform our analyses of the species' status and the 
stressors affecting them.
    In 1998, we completed the Recovery Plan for the Morro Shoulderband 
Snail and Four Plants from Western San Luis Obispo County, California, 
which included recovery goals and objectives for Morro shoulderband 
snail (Recovery Plan; Service 1998, pp. 40-41). The Recovery Plan 
identified criteria for downlisting Morro shoulderband snail from an 
endangered to a threatened species and criteria for its delisting. The 
Recovery Plan identified four ``conservation planning areas'' (CPAs). 
These CPAs were designed to incorporate areas where distribution of the 
Morro shoulderband snail and three other plant species covered in the 
plan overlap; thus, they are more limited than the population areas for 
the Morro shoulderband snail defined in the SSA.
    Our summary analysis of downlisting and delisting criteria follows:
    The Recovery Plan stated that downlisting from endangered to 
threatened can be considered when sufficient populations and suitable 
occupied habitats from all CPAs are secured and protected (Service 
1998, p. 39). These areas should be intact and relatively unfragmented 
by urban development. Snail populations must be large enough to 
minimize the short-term (next 50 years) risk of extinction on any of 
the four CPAs identified in the Recovery Plan, based on results of 
tasks 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.2, and 3.2.1.3 (see below) and on at least 
preliminary results from task 4.1. The identification and survey of 
potential habitat within the snail's historic range to see if 
undiscovered populations exist are necessary to consider downlisting.
    All of CPA 1 (Morro Spit) and portions of CPAs 2, 3, and 4 (West 
Pecho, South Los Osos, and Northeast Los Osos) are largely secure under 
various ownerships and management (Service 2019, pp. 72-74). All have 
conservation easements or deed restrictions, or are managed by a 
conservation association for conservation purposes. Landowners and 
managers include the County, State Parks, CDFW, the Land Conservancy of 
San Luis Obispo County, Morro Coast Audubon Society, and the Small 
Wilderness Area Program (SWAP). Approximately 202 ha (500 ac) have been 
added to conserved lands since time of listing. This includes 56 ha 
(138 ac) of parcels purchased and transferred to State Parks or CDFW 
managed for conservation purposes and 141 ha (348 ac) with a 
conservation easement or deed restriction managed for conservation 
purposes. Overall, 85 percent (approximately 1,457 ha (3,600 ac)) of 
CPAs are now conserved. However, a lack of funding precludes adequate 
threats management on most of these lands (Service 2019, p. 53).
    Recovery Task 3.2.1.1 is to determine if brown garden snail (Cornu 
aspersum (formerly Helix aspersa)) is a competitive threat to the Morro 
shoulderband snail. Since the time of listing, we found that Morro 
shoulderband snails feed primarily on dead plant materials and the 
brown garden snail consumes live plant materials, so competition 
between these species is likely minimal (Service 2019, p. 75).
    Task 3.2.1.2 involves the study of habitat use and life-history 
needs of the Morro shoulderband snail. Monitoring and habitat 
restoration activities conducted in association with the construction 
of a sewer system in the community of Los Osos have generated 
substantial new information on the diversity of habitats in which the 
species can occur and numbers of individuals present. We also have new 
information based upon anecdotal observations and surveys conducted in 
association with proposed development in the Los Osos area (Service 
2019, pp. 28-30).
    Task 3.2.1.3 is to identify Morro shoulderband snail parasites and 
determine if parasitism rates are threatening populations. At the time 
of listing, parasitism was identified as a threat to the species, based 
on observations of vacant sarcophagid fly

[[Page 6068]]

puparia within empty subadult shells (59 FR 64613, p. 64619, December 
15, 1994). Since the time of listing, there has been an increase in 
snail observations, but not a corresponding increase in sarcophagid fly 
pupae infestations of snails. A few species in this fly family have 
been documented to eat live material (Walgren 2003, pp. 108-114; 
Service 2006, p. 7). While there have been no specific studies on the 
potential threats to the snail from these sarcophagid flies, the 
majority of flies in this family do not eat live organisms; thus, we 
conclude that the flies do not pose a threat to the species (Service 
2006, p. 13). Therefore, the best available current evidence does not 
indicate that parasitism is a threat to the species.
    Finally, Task 4.1 is to monitor populations to document population 
dynamics and cycles to ascertain trends. No systematic monitoring has 
been conducted to provide data that would allow for trend analysis. 
However, based on the most recent surveys, thousands of Morro 
shoulderband snails were detected across the species' range, as 
compared to hundreds known at the time of listing (Service 2019, pp. 
28-30; SWCA 2018, p. 5; Walgren and Andreano 2018, pers. comm.). 
Therefore, although we do not have specific trend data, we conclude 
that we have still met the intent of this criterion.
    Delisting can be considered when habitats from all CPAs (and any 
newly located populations) are successfully managed to maintain the 
desired community structure and are secured from threats of 
development, invasion of nonnative plants, structural changes due to 
senescence of dune vegetation, recreational use, pesticides (including 
slug and snail baits), parasites, and competition or predation from 
nonnative snail species. The outcomes of recovery tasks must result in 
a low medium-to-long-term risk of extinction from any of the four CPAs 
(Service 1998, p. 40).
    Our analyses in the SSA report indicate that the current viability 
of Morro shoulderband snail has improved to some degree since the time 
of listing due to information indicating there are substantially more 
individuals than previously thought, as well as beneficial effects of 
certain conservation efforts, predominantly in the form of land 
acquisition. Based on our future scenario analyses, the species is 
still at risk in the future due to the potential for development and 
because the level of continued conservation efforts and habitat 
management is uncertain. Currently and into the future, habitat loss 
due to development and habitat degradation, predominantly from invasive 
plant species, remain threats to the Morro shoulderband snail.
    To improve habitat for the species, the Morro Coast Audubon Society 
has a dedicated volunteer work force to remove the invasive, nonnative 
plant species Ehrharta calycina (perennial veldt grass) and Eucalyptus 
globulus (blue gum) seedlings at their Sweet Springs Preserve (outside 
of any CPA) under the direction of a recovery action plan. The Los 
Osos/Morro Bay Chapter of SWAP does the same for the Elfin Forest 
Reserve in CPA 4. State Parks staff annually prioritize areas for 
invasive species treatment on a case-by-case basis. When funding is 
available, they implement actions to control invasive species in 
Monta[ntilde]a de Oro State Park, Morro Strand State Beach, Morro Bay 
State Park, and Los Osos Oaks Preserve (CPAs 1 and 2, portions of 3 and 
4, and Area A). Identified invasive species prioritized for removal 
include E. calycina, Conicosia pugioniformis (narrowleaf iceplant), 
Emex spinosa (devil's thorn), Cortaderia species, and Eucalyptus 
species because they are the most invasive and conspicuous in the 
landscape.
    Lack of funding precludes most State of California resource 
agencies (e.g., State Parks and CDFW) from implementing invasive 
species control programs on lands where these species are present. 
State Parks staff have conducted limited prescribed burns and proposed 
additional prescribed burns to improve the quality of coastal dune 
scrub and central maritime chaparral and their constituent species 
within their park units. Fires typically kill snails, but if properly 
applied in small areas to create a mosaic of varying stand ages for 
coastal dune scrub and central maritime chaparral, such burns could 
improve the quality of these habitats for the Morro shoulderband snail 
in the long term. Previous threats to habitat resulting from illegal 
off-road vehicle activities are largely controlled; however, illegal 
trail development and use by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 
negatively affects habitat for Morro shoulderband snails by increasing 
erosion, reducing native plant cover, and facilitating further invasion 
by nonnative plant species (Service 2019, pp. 75-76).
    Based on the Recovery Plan and our SSA report, we conclude that the 
status of the Morro shoulderband snail has improved throughout its 
range due to information demonstrating that there are substantially 
more individuals than previously thought, and due to conservation 
efforts predominantly in the form of land acquisition. The SSA report 
contains an accounting of known conservation and management efforts 
(Service 2019, pp. 23-24). Overall, our analysis indicates that the 
intent of the downlisting criteria for the Morro shoulderband snail has 
been met; however, delisting criteria have not yet been achieved.

Regulatory and Analytical Framework

Regulatory Framework

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species is an endangered species or a threatened species. The 
Act defines an ``endangered species'' as a species that is in danger of 
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and a 
``threatened species'' as a species that is likely to become an 
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range. The Act requires that we determine 
whether any species is an ``endangered species'' or a ``threatened 
species'' because of any of the following factors:
    (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;
    (B) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes;
    (C) Disease or predation;
    (D) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
    (E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence.
    These factors represent broad categories of natural or human-caused 
actions or conditions that could have an effect on a species' continued 
existence. In evaluating these actions and conditions, we look for 
those that may have a negative effect on individuals of the species, as 
well as other actions or conditions that may ameliorate any negative 
effects or may have positive effects. We consider these same five 
factors in downlisting a species from endangered to threatened (see 50 
CFR 424.11(c), (d), and (e)).
    We use the term ``threat'' to refer in general to actions or 
conditions that are known to or are reasonably likely to negatively 
affect individuals of a species. The term ``threat'' includes actions 
or conditions that have a direct impact on individuals (direct 
impacts), as well as those that affect individuals through alteration 
of their habitat or required resources (stressors). The term ``threat'' 
may encompass--either together or separately--the source of the action 
or condition or the action or condition itself.

[[Page 6069]]

    However, the mere identification of any threat(s) does not 
necessarily mean that the species meets the statutory definition of an 
``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species.'' In determining 
whether a species meets either definition, we must evaluate all 
identified threats by considering the species' expected response and 
the effects of the threats--in light of those actions and conditions 
that will ameliorate the threats--on an individual, population, and 
species level. We evaluate each threat and its expected effects on the 
species, then analyze the cumulative effect of all of the threats on 
the species as a whole. We also consider the cumulative effect of the 
threats in light of those actions and conditions that will have 
positive effects on the species--such as any existing regulatory 
mechanisms or conservation efforts. The Secretary determines whether 
the species meets the definition of an ``endangered species'' or a 
``threatened species'' only after conducting this cumulative analysis 
and describing the expected effect on the species now and in the 
foreseeable future.
    The Act does not define the term ``foreseeable future,'' which 
appears in the statutory definition of ``threatened species.'' Our 
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.11(d) set forth a framework for 
evaluating the foreseeable future on a case-by-case basis. The term 
foreseeable future extends only so far into the future as we can 
reasonably determine that both the future threats and the species' 
responses to those threats are likely. In other words, the foreseeable 
future is the period of time in which we can make reliable predictions. 
``Reliable'' does not mean ``certain''; it means sufficient to provide 
a reasonable degree of confidence in the prediction. Thus, a prediction 
is reliable if it is reasonable to depend on it when making decisions.
    It is not always possible or necessary to define foreseeable future 
as a particular number of years. Analysis of the foreseeable future 
uses the best scientific and commercial data available and should 
consider the timeframes applicable to the relevant threats and to the 
species' likely responses to those threats in view of its life-history 
characteristics. Data that are typically relevant to assessing the 
species' biological response include species-specific factors such as 
lifespan, reproductive rates or productivity, certain behaviors, and 
other demographic factors.

Analytical Framework

    The SSA report documents the results of our comprehensive 
biological review of the best scientific and commercial data regarding 
the status of the species, including an assessment of the potential 
threats to the species. The SSA report does not represent our decision 
on whether the species should be reclassified as a threatened species 
under the Act. It does, however, provide the scientific basis that 
informs our regulatory decisions, which involve the further application 
of standards within the Act and its implementing regulations and 
policies. The following is a summary of the key results and conclusions 
from the SSA report; the full SSA report can be found on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025.
    To assess Morro shoulderband snail viability, we used the three 
conservation biology principles of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation (Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 306-310). Briefly, 
resiliency supports the ability of the species to withstand 
environmental and demographic stochasticity (for example, wet or dry, 
warm or cold years), redundancy supports the ability of the species to 
withstand catastrophic events (for example, droughts, large pollution 
events), and representation supports the ability of the species to 
adapt over time to long-term changes in the environment (for example, 
climate changes). In general, the more resilient and redundant a 
species is and the more representation it has, the more likely it is to 
sustain populations over time, even under changing environmental 
conditions. Using these principles, we identified the species' 
ecological requirements for survival and reproduction at the 
individual, population, and species levels, and described the 
beneficial and risk factors influencing the species' viability.
    The SSA process can be categorized into three sequential stages. 
During the first stage, we evaluated individual species' life-history 
needs. The next stage involved an assessment of the historical and 
current condition of the species' demographics and habitat 
characteristics, including an explanation of how the species arrived at 
its current condition. The final stage of the SSA involved making 
predictions about the species' responses to positive and negative 
environmental and anthropogenic influences. Throughout all of these 
stages, we used the best available information to characterize 
viability as the ability of a species to sustain populations in the 
wild over time. We use this information to inform our regulatory 
decision.

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

    Below, we review the biological condition of the species and its 
resources, and the threats that influence the species' current and 
future condition, in order to assess the species' overall viability and 
the risks to that viability.
    We note that, by using the SSA framework to guide our analysis of 
the scientific information documented in the SSA report, we have not 
only analyzed individual effects on the species, but we have also 
analyzed their potential cumulative effects. We incorporate the 
cumulative effects into our SSA analysis when we characterize the 
current and future condition of the species. To assess the current and 
future condition of the species, we undertake an iterative analysis 
that encompasses and incorporates the threats individually and then 
accumulates and evaluates the effects of all the factors that may be 
influencing the species, including threats and conservation efforts. 
Because the SSA framework considers not just the presence of the 
factors, but to what degree they collectively influence risk to the 
entire species, our assessment integrates the cumulative effects of the 
factors and replaces a standalone cumulative effects analysis.
    We reviewed the potential threats that could be affecting Morro 
shoulderband snails now and in the future. In this final rule, we 
discuss in detail only those factors that could meaningfully affect the 
status of the species. At the time of listing, we identified urban 
development and other anthropogenic activities such as recreation, 
grazing, and utility construction as threats to the Morro shoulderband 
snail (59 FR 64613; December 15, 1994). In the SSA report (Service 
2019, pp. 21-64), we reviewed four potential threats that could be 
affecting the current condition of the Morro shoulderband snail 
(development, agriculture, vegetation management, and predation), and 
those threats and two others (wildfire, invasive species) that could 
affect the future condition of the species. For the Morro shoulderband 
snail, we consider the foreseeable future to be 30 years. This 
timeframe takes into account threats associated with fire, habitat 
degradation, and climate change, and also the implementation of the Los 
Osos Habitat Conservation Plan (LOHCP).
    The primary risk factors affecting the Morro shoulderband snail are 
the present and threatened modification or

[[Page 6070]]

destruction of its habitat from development, wildfire, and invasive 
plant species (Factor A), as well as effects to its life cycle from 
changing climate conditions (Factor E). We also considered the effect 
of existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D) on the magnitude of 
threats. Additional threats affecting the species' habitat include 
agriculture (Factor A) and vegetation management (Factor A), and 
threats affecting the species include predation (Factor C); however, we 
have determined that these threats have little to no impact on the 
species' viability. We also analyzed the threat of collection (Factor 
B). At the time of listing, we stated that the taxonomic 
distinctiveness of the Morro shoulderband snail made it vulnerable to 
recreational or scientific collectors. Since the time of listing, 
however, we are not aware of specific collection activities for 
recreational or scientific purposes. Therefore, we conclude that 
overcollection (Factor B) is not a threat to the species.

Development

    At the time of listing, development was identified as one of the 
main threats impacting the Morro shoulderband snail. Human development 
consists of converting the landscape into residential, commercial, 
industrial, and recreational features, with associated infrastructure 
such as roads. Converting the landscape into development not only 
removes individual Morro shoulderband snails but also removes their 
habitat, thereby reducing the space available for the species to 
inhabit and functionally lowering carrying capacity. In addition, 
development results in indirect effects by fragmenting the habitat and 
creating edge effects, such as increased vulnerability to desiccation, 
fire, and predation. The effects of development on the Morro 
shoulderband snail are predicated upon several factors (e.g., how the 
City and County of San Luis Obispo revise and implement their 
respective general plans, the economy, water availability).
    However, as detailed in the SSA report, conservation actions have 
been undertaken since the time of listing to reduce the threat of 
development (Service 2019, pp. 24-25). Approximately 202 ha (500 ac) of 
Morro shoulderband snail habitat have been conserved since the time of 
listing. This includes 56 ha (138 ac) of parcels purchased and 
transferred to the California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) 
or CDFW and 141 ha (348 ac) with conservation easement or deed 
restriction; all of these areas are managed for conservation purposes. 
Overall, 85 percent (approximately (1,457 ha (3,600 ac)) of CPAs are 
now protected from development. Although most lands within the species' 
distribution outside of CPAs are not under formal or legal protection 
as open space or conservation easements, many are protected as part of 
a State Park, State of California ecological reserve, or parcels set 
aside specifically to conserve and enhance natural resource values. For 
example, the County of San Luis Obispo's Broderson and Midtown parcels 
are both protected through deed restrictions that preclude development 
other than that which would enhance habitat that supports Morro 
shoulderband snails. With increased conserved lands, the threat of 
development has been reduced since the time of listing, but some 
potential impacts remain that could result in the loss of populations 
and thus the loss of representation and redundancy across the species' 
range. For example, large portions of the East Los Osos and Downtown 
Los Osos population areas consist predominantly of public and private 
land parcels zoned for development. Apart from the protections afforded 
by the Act, the existing regulatory mechanisms do not address the 
impacts of development on the Morro shoulderband snail.

Invasive Species

    Invasion of native habitat by nonnative plant species can reduce 
suitability for native constituent species that evolved in these 
habitats. Areas dominated by a single invasive plant species tend to 
support lower levels of animal diversity due to a reduction in 
heterogeneity as compared to the original native plant community 
(Steidl and Litt 2009, p. 57). The presence of nonnative plant species 
can also alter the abundance of native plants that serve as an 
important food source for herbivores, such as snails. Invasive plant 
species can increase vegetative cover and reduce space between native 
plant species in native communities. Invasive plant species can change 
fuel properties in native habitats, which can then affect fire behavior 
and alter fire regime characteristics such as frequency, severity, 
extent, type, and seasonality (Brooks et al. 2004, entire). In coastal 
dune scrub and maritime chaparral, native communities that typically 
support a sparse understory, invasive grasses, such as perennial veldt 
grass, can serve as ladder fuel to carry fire into these communities. 
Fires can also create an opportunity for invasive plant species to 
expand their local distributions and dominance (Brooks and Lusk 2008, 
p. 9).
    While once thought to be largely restricted to native coastal scrub 
communities underlain by sandy soils, Morro shoulderband snails are 
known to occur, at least in the short term, in disturbed areas and 
those dominated by nonnative species (e.g., perennial veldt grass, ice 
plant) (SWCA 2018, p. 5). Biologists and land planners typically 
classify these areas as ruderal or ``disturbed'' and, as such, discount 
them in terms of their conservation value. Ruderal, disturbed, and 
nonnative grassland habitats are, therefore, subject to mowing, 
herbicide use, development, and other uses that put individual Morro 
shoulderband snails in these areas at a greater risk of injury or 
mortality than those found in native habitat.
    Currently, three of the six population areas that support the Morro 
shoulderband snail are in moderate- or low-quality habitat, with 
impacts from nonnative species (Service 2019, pp. 37-38). Habitat in 
these areas is either somewhat degraded (one population area) (9.5 
percent of species distribution) or highly degraded and fragmented (two 
population areas) (38.3 percent of species distribution).
    Both the Morro Coast Audubon Society and SWAP conduct activities to 
improve habitat quality for the Morro shoulderband snail and other 
coastal dune scrub species on lands conserved and protected under their 
ownership and/or management (Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and Elfin 
Forest, respectively). These actions focus primarily on the removal of 
exotic plant species (perennial veldt grass, iceplant), restoration of 
coastal dune scrub, and erosion control. The CDPR also conducts similar 
activities on its lands (i.e., Monta[ntilde]a de Oro and Morro Bay 
State Parks and Morro Strand State Beach). The County of San Luis 
Obispo owns two large parcels in Los Osos, Broderson and Mid-Town, that 
support coastal dune scrub and, to a lesser extent, central maritime 
chaparral. Management actions on both parcels focus on the restoration 
and enhancement of habitat for the Morro shoulderband snail (Kevin Merk 
Associates, LLC (KMA) 2017, entire; County of San Luis Obispo 2017, 
entire). The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County recently 
purchased approximately 5.7 ha (14 ac) adjacent to the Morro Coast 
Audubon Society's Sweet Springs Preserve. They plan to enhance habitat 
quality for coastal dune scrub species, including Morro shoulderband 
snail, before transferring these lands to Morro Coast Audubon Society 
ownership and management (Theobald 2017, pers. comm.). Overall,

[[Page 6071]]

while these conservation measures have decreased the overall impact of 
invasive plant species, degradation of native habitats from those 
species is ongoing, and the existing regulatory mechanisms do not 
address the impact of invasive species.

Wildfire

    Morro shoulderband snails evolved in a fire-adapted landscape 
dominated by coastal dune scrub and maritime chaparral. Exposure to 
fire can result in individual mortality; however, an evolutionary 
strategy has enabled the species to persist in these habitats. Theories 
related to the nature of fire history in California shrublands are 
complicated and varied (Goforth and Minnich 2007, p. 779). In the range 
of the Morro shoulderband snail, the ``natural'' condition was one of 
frequent, small fires that fragmented the landscape into a fine-grained 
mosaic of age classes that precluded large, catastrophic fires (Minnich 
and Chou 1997, p. 244). In this type of situation, areas of unburned 
coastal dune scrub and central maritime chaparral would serve as 
refugia for individual snails that could then recolonize areas as the 
fire-adapted plant communities reestablished.
    We consider an increase in wildfire frequency and/or intensity 
associated with continued climate change to be plausible in the future 
within the range of the Morro shoulderband snail (Service 2019, 
entire). A landscape-level or more severe fire event would constitute a 
threat to the species due to its very limited distribution. This type 
of fire could leave little in the way of habitat to serve as native 
refugia and result in a substantial amount of individual mortality, 
increasing the likelihood of local population extirpation. Absent 
individuals in nearby habitat to recolonize burned areas as habitat 
reestablishes, large-scale fire could result in a reduction in the 
overall distribution of the species, and thus loss of redundancy and 
representation. The existing regulatory mechanisms do not address the 
impact of wildfire on the Morro shoulderband snail or its habitat.

Climate Change

    Climate change is likely to affect many terrestrial gastropod 
populations in California, including the Morro shoulderband snail. 
Species with small geographic ranges are particularly vulnerable to 
extinction due to the effects of climate change (Allan et al. 2005, p. 
284). In the range of the Morro shoulderband snail, climate change may 
result in both droughts and localized flood events from heavy rainfall. 
In the future, extreme storm events may increase in severity beyond 
historic levels of intensity with potential to increase flood risks in 
California (Dettinger 2011, pp. 521-522). Future estimates of changes 
in temperature and precipitation patterns in California by the 2060s 
based on downscaled climate models show that the historically maximum 
July temperatures are likely to increase and heat waves may span longer 
durations (Pierce et al. 2013, entire).
    The increased frequency of protracted drought events predicted in 
California is likely to result in higher mortality during prolonged 
periods of seasonal aestivation, particularly among smaller individuals 
in the population (van der Laan 1975b, p. 364). Higher levels of egg 
mortality from desiccation are expected. Warmer temperatures and 
greatly reduced wet season precipitation during prolonged multiyear 
drought events also increase stress on vegetation (Coates et al. 2015, 
p. 14277) and may limit time for feeding and breeding in the Morro 
shoulderband snail. Coastal sage scrub communities had the highest 
seasonal variability in terms of the relative amount of ground covered 
by green vegetation during the drought years of 2013-2014 (Coates et 
al. 2015, p. 14283). Coastal sage scrub plant species also had the 
highest land surface temperature values of the communities analyzed, 
likely resulting from lower vegetation cover, lower evapotranspiration, 
and south-facing slopes typical of coastal sage scrub communities 
(Coates et al. 2015, p. 14284). These effects of prolonged drought 
reduce the value and quality of sheltering habitat as well as food 
availability within the primary plant community associated with the 
Morro shoulderband snail. Combined with impacts from wildfire, invasive 
species, and development, the negative effects of climate change on 
growth and reproduction are likely to result in decreased population 
abundance and increased vulnerability to local extirpation into the 
future.

Summary of Threats

    We examined the effects of threats affecting the Morro shoulderband 
snail and its habitat; we now summarize these threats and their 
cumulative effects on the species. Currently, the species and its 
habitat are being impacted by development, invasive nonnative plants, 
wildfire, and effects associated with climate change. Along with a 
decrease in habitat quality due to increased temperatures and increased 
frequency of droughts, the effects of climate change may also 
exacerbate low population size and fragmented habitats, resulting in 
increased risk of extirpation. The effects of climate change will also 
combine with the effects of development, wildfire, and invasive species 
to exacerbate habitat loss and mortality of individuals. However, the 
magnitude of threats has decreased since the time of listing, and 
conservation actions have addressed some of the impacts from 
development and nonnative plants. Still, the species' low abundance and 
fragmented habitat mean it is vulnerable to threats into the future, 
including potential extirpation of population areas by wildfire.

Current and Potential Future Condition

    We assessed the viability of the Morro shoulderband snail by 
evaluating its ability to maintain a sufficient number and distribution 
of healthy populations in order to maintain resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation. We analyzed threats to the species and ongoing 
conservation actions by incorporating the effects of development, 
invasive species, wildfire, and changing climate conditions into our 
analyses of resiliency, representation, and redundancy.
    For the Morro shoulderband snail to maintain viability, its 
populations, or some portion thereof, need to be resilient to 
stochastic events. Resiliency is measured by the size and growth rate 
of each population, which influence the likelihood that the populations 
comprising a species are able to withstand or bounce back from 
environmental or demographic stochastic events. We evaluated variables 
influencing the ability of the Morro shoulderband snail to withstand 
stochastic events by population area, including abundance (as 
available), distribution of individuals, habitat quality and 
configuration, and the likelihood that suitable habitat would persist 
into the future. To determine habitat quality and configuration in each 
population area, we evaluated its context in the overall landscape 
relative to fragmentation and whether one or more of those primary 
constituent elements identified for critical habitat designated in 2001 
(66 FR 9233; February 7, 2001) are present. Primary constituent 
elements for this species include the following physical or biological 
features: Sand or sandy soil needed for reproduction; a slope not 
greater than 10 percent to facilitate movement of individuals; and 
native coastal dune scrub vegetation. To determine the likelihood that 
suitable habitat will persist into the future, we evaluated the 
proportion of protected

[[Page 6072]]

habitat in each population area. We then created an overall current 
condition for each population area based on these three variables.
    Based on overall current condition, we then forecasted the 
condition of these variables into the future for 30 years under three 
different scenarios. The three future scenarios attempt to encompass 
the range of plausible possibilities for each population area over the 
next 30 years. To forecast climate change impacts, we relied on 
scientific papers (Dettinger 2011, entire; Pierce et al. 2013, entire) 
that incorporated multi-model ensembles and downscaled regional climate 
projections that examine key characteristics relating to the Morro 
shoulderband snail, such as summer temperatures and seasonal changes in 
precipitation.
    First, we forecasted the condition of each population area under 
the status quo, with continued climate change effects, all existing 
threats continuing at their current level, and no additional 
conservation efforts for the species (``Status Quo'' scenario). Second, 
we forecasted the condition of each population area under 
implementation of the LOHCP, a draft regional habitat conservation plan 
that proposes the Morro shoulderband snail as a covered species, 
against a backdrop of continued climate change effects (``Limited 
Conservation'' scenario). In the ``Limited Conservation'' scenario, the 
LOHCP consolidates the threat of development to one population area, 
while other existing threats continue at their current level. Finally, 
we forecasted implementation of the LOHCP, active management for the 
Morro shoulderband snail within existing protected but generally 
unmanaged lands, and additional habitat protection through acquisition 
and subsequent management (``Major Conservation'' scenario), again 
against a backdrop of continued climate change. The ``Major 
Conservation'' scenario includes decreased threats due to development 
and invasive plant species, as well as conservation benefits from 
habitat restoration.

     Table--Summary of Morro Shoulderband Snail Resiliency: Current and Future Conditions by Population Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Future scenario:
         Population area           Current condition   Future scenario:         Limited        Future scenario:
                                                          Status quo         Conservation     Major Conservation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Morro Bay.................  Moderate..........  Moderate..........  Moderate..........  High.
Sand Spit.......................  High..............  Moderate..........  Moderate..........  High.
Morro Bay.......................  Low...............  Low...............  Low...............  Low.
East Los Osos...................  Moderate..........  Low...............  Low...............  Moderate.
Downtown Los Osos...............  Moderate..........  Low...............  Low...............  Low.
South Los Osos..................  High..............  Moderate..........  High..............  High.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Maintaining representation of healthy populations across the 
diversity of habitat types or ecological gradients within the 
distribution of Morro shoulderband snail will likely conserve the 
relevant genetic diversity and adaptive capacity associated with 
individual persistence across these habitat types. Currently, the 
species is represented in all of six population areas; however, changes 
under future scenarios could put individuals in some population areas 
at greater risk of extirpation, resulting in a potential loss of 
representation and leaving the species extant only in the periphery of 
its range.
    The Morro shoulderband snail needs multiple resilient population 
areas distributed throughout its extremely limited distribution to 
provide for redundancy. Historically, based on the mapping of Baywood 
Fine Sand soils, it is likely that habitat was once well-distributed 
throughout the species' range. Development now primarily separates 
these population areas. Low resiliency and disconnected population 
areas, currently and in the future, suggest that stochastic events 
could increase species vulnerability to loss of redundancy and could 
increase the risk of loss of population areas, which would then 
diminish species redundancy. An overall decrease in the condition of 
population areas in two of the three future scenarios suggests a 
potential compromised redundancy and, therefore, risk of extirpation 
from catastrophic events in the future, unless major conservation 
actions are undertaken. Prolonged and/or more intensive drought, 
increased wildfire frequency and/or intensity, and localized flooding 
are those events that could affect the Morro shoulderband snail at the 
catastrophic scale.
    The resiliency of Morro shoulderband snail population areas within 
the species' distribution has changed over time due to loss, 
degradation, and/or fragmentation of native habitat. Currently, we 
consider two population areas (Sand Spit and South Los Osos) to have a 
high level of resiliency, three population areas (North Morro Bay, East 
Los Osos, Downtown Los Osos) to have moderate resiliency, and one 
population area (Morro Bay) to have a low resiliency. It is not likely 
that loss of the Morro Bay population area would affect species 
representation across the remaining portion of the range, as current 
numbers of individuals in this population area are very low, and it is 
generally isolated from the other five population areas. Regarding 
redundancy, we consider those population areas with low or moderate 
resiliencies to be at a greater risk of local extirpation, which has 
the potential to decrease overall species redundancy.
    Our analyses indicate that the current viability of the Morro 
shoulderband snail has likely improved to some degree since the time of 
listing because there are substantially more individuals than thought 
at the time of listing and certain conservation efforts (predominantly 
protection of habitat through conservation easement, deed restriction, 
or management for conservation purposes) have been implemented.
    Overall, we anticipate that the viability of the species will 
decline in the future under two of the three scenarios: ``Status Quo'' 
and ``Limited Conservation.'' Under the ``Status Quo'' scenario, 
resiliency of the North Morro Bay and Morro Bay population areas would 
remain moderate and low, respectively, while all other population areas 
would be expected to experience decreased resiliency. Under the 
``Status Quo'' scenario, half of the population areas are projected to 
be in the low resiliency category. Under the ``Limited Conservation'' 
scenario, resilience of the North Morro Bay, Morro Bay, and South Los 
Osos population areas would remain unchanged. The South Los Osos 
population area is where the majority of the conservation strategy for 
the LOHCP would occur. Only in the ``Major

[[Page 6073]]

Conservation'' scenario does resiliency remain the same or improve, 
with the exception of Downtown Los Osos, where we anticipate the 
majority of development would occur as part of LOHCP implementation. 
For redundancy, an overall decrease in the condition of population 
areas in two of the three future scenarios suggests those low-condition 
populations are at risk of being lost and, therefore, that there could 
be decreased species redundancy. Against a backdrop of increased 
climate change effects expected to result in prolonged and/or more 
intensive droughts, increased wildfire frequency and/or intensity, and 
localized flooding events, risk of extirpation could increase with 
decreased species redundancy.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the proposed rule published on July 24, 2020 (85 FR 44821), we 
requested that all interested parties submit written comments on the 
proposed reclassification of the Morro shoulderband snail from 
endangered to threatened and the associated proposed 4(d) rule by 
September 22, 2020. 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 in the San Luis Obispo 
Tribune. We did not receive any requests for a public hearing. We 
received seven public comments. Six expressed only opinions in support 
or in opposition to the proposed downlisting without supporting 
information.

Peer Reviewer Comments

    As discussed in Supporting Documents above, we received comments 
from six peer reviewers during the 2018 peer review of the SSA. We 
reviewed all comments we received from the peer reviewers for 
substantive issues and new information regarding the information 
contained in the SSA report. The peer reviewers generally concurred 
with our methods and conclusions, and provided additional information, 
clarifications, and suggestions to improve the final SSA report, 
including on snail morphology, habitat preferences, and behavior. Peer 
reviewer comments were incorporated into the final SSA report (Service 
2019, entire).

Comments From Federal Agencies, States, and Tribes

    We did not receive any comments from Federal agencies, States or 
State agencies, or Tribes during the public comment period.

Public Comments

    (4) Comment: One commenter thought that the proposed rule inferred 
that the Service did not intend to include the Chorro shoulderband 
snail in the original 1994 listing. The commenter notes that, in fact, 
information in the Service's Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office's files 
indicates that the inclusion of the Chorro shoulderband snail in the 
1994 listing rule was intentional. The commenter stated that the 
proposed rule states that it was appropriate to complete a listing 
assessment for the Chorro shoulderband snail.
    Our response: We acknowledge that the Chorro shoulderband snail was 
part of the taxonomic entity that was included in the original listing 
rule in 1994 (59 FR 64613; December 15, 1994). We further acknowledge 
the confusing history of the two taxa, and that we referred to them in 
different ways in the original listing rule (59 FR 64613; December 15, 
1994), the designated critical habitat (66 FR 9233; February 7, 2001), 
and our 2004 letter to partners. We address the inconsistency under 
Summary of Previous Federal Actions, above. Additionally, in the July 
24, 2020, proposed rule (85 FR 44821), we announced the availability of 
a Species Assessment form constituting our full determination and 
threats analysis regarding the status of the Chorro shoulderband snail 
(Service 2020, entire). In that assessment, we determined that, based 
on the best available science, the Chorro shoulderband snail does not 
meet the Act's definition of an ``endangered species'' or a 
``threatened species.'' Although information on the Chorro shoulderband 
snail is limited, under section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act, we are required 
to make our determinations based solely on the best scientific and 
commercial data available at the time of our rulemaking.
    (5) Comment: One commenter noted the line in the proposed rule that 
states, ``the current viability of Morro shoulderband snail has 
improved to some degree since the time of listing due to concerted 
conservation efforts'' and thought that this means the proposed rule 
infers that conservation measures are the reason for the substantial 
increase in numbers. The commenter notes the reason for increase in 
knowledge of number of snails is based on surveys from ruderal/
disturbed habitat, not from the acreage that has been conserved. 
Commenter notes most of the land that has been conserved is not managed 
for the Morro shoulderband snail. Currently, the Morro shoulderband 
snail is not restricted to native habitat and is able to persist in 
highly disturbed areas and those dominated by nonnative plant species.
    Our response: We have revised the rule to clarify that we are 
reclassifying the Morro shoulderband snail from endangered to 
threatened (i.e., ``downlisting'' the species) because there are 
substantially more individuals than previously thought, as well as 
beneficial effects of certain conservation efforts, predominantly in 
the form of land acquisition, since the time the species was listed. We 
acknowledge that those lands are not managed for the Morro shoulderband 
snail; however, they still provide protection from development, which 
was one of the greatest threats identified at the time of listing.

Determination of Morro Shoulderband Snail's Status

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species meets the definition of an ``endangered species'' or 
a ``threatened species.'' The Act defines an ``endangered species'' as 
a species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range, and a ``threatened species'' as a 
species that is likely to become an endangered species within the 
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its 
range. For a more detailed discussion on the factors considered when 
determining whether a species meets the definition of an ``endangered 
species'' or a ``threatened species'' and our analysis on how we 
determine the foreseeable future in making these decisions, please see 
Regulatory and Analytical Framework, above.

Status Throughout All of Its Range

    We evaluated threats to the species and assessed the cumulative 
effect of the threats under the Act's section 4(a)(1) factors. This 
included an examination of the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
faced by the species, as well as information presented in the 2006 5-
year review (Service 2006, entire), additional information available 
since the 5-year review was completed, and other available published 
and unpublished information. We also consulted with species experts and 
land management staff who are actively managing habitat for the 
conservation of the Morro shoulderband snail.

[[Page 6074]]

    The primary risk factors affecting Morro shoulderband snails are 
the present and threatened modification or destruction of its habitat 
from development (Factor A), wildfire (Factor A), and invasive species 
(Factor A), as well as effects to its life cycle from changing climate 
conditions (Factor E). We also considered the threat of collection 
(Factor B), agriculture and vegetation management (Factor A) and 
predation (Factor C) (Service 2019, pp. 21-45). Finally, we examined 
the adequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms in addressing these 
threats (Factor D).
    Threats influencing the viability of Morro shoulderband snail 
populations at the time of listing were urban development, off-road 
vehicle activity, nonnative vegetation (referred to as invasive species 
in this final rule), parasitoids (an insect whose larvae live as 
parasites that eventually kill their hosts), and competition from brown 
garden snails, all of which were exacerbated by effects associated with 
small population size and drought conditions (59 FR 64613; December 15, 
1994). Since the time of listing, we have determined that some of these 
threats are no longer affecting the species, particularly off-road 
vehicle activity, brown garden snails, parasitoids, and controlled 
burns (Service 2006, pp. 11-15). Our current analysis indicates that 
the remaining threats identified at the time of listing have been 
reduced in magnitude, and that overall the level of impacts to Morro 
shoulderband snail and its habitat that placed the species in danger of 
extinction in 1994 have been substantially reduced. These reductions 
have occurred predominantly because of significant protection of lands 
at risk of development and surveys indicating that population numbers 
now occur in the thousands rather than the hundreds. However, threats 
are still impacting the species and its habitat, and new threats have 
been identified since the time of listing.
    Of the factors identified above, habitat loss and degradation from 
fragmentation associated with development and invasive plant species 
(Factor A), wildfire (Factor A), and effects to the Morro shoulderband 
snail's life cycle from changing climate conditions (Factor E) are the 
most significant threats to the species currently and into the 
foreseeable future. Conservation actions have somewhat decreased the 
magnitude of impacts from nonnative, invasive plant species; however, 
degradation of native habitats by these species is ongoing. Apart from 
the protections afforded by the Act, no regulatory mechanisms are 
addressing the threats impacting the species and its habitat.
    We considered plausible future conditions for the Morro 
shoulderband snail to evaluate the status of the species into the 
future. Under the ``Status Quo'' scenario, the species would lose 
resiliency due to continued threats of habitat loss, decreasing habitat 
quality due to invasive species and drought, and increased wildfire 
frequency and intensity. These effects will increase into the future, 
putting some population areas at risk of extirpation. Major 
conservation efforts, including implementation of the LOHCP 
conservation program, active management within currently protected but 
generally unmanaged lands throughout the distribution of the species, 
and additional habitat protection through acquisition and subsequent 
management, could help ameliorate some of these threats in the future; 
however, this level of conservation is not sufficiently certain to be 
implemented.
    After our review and analysis of threats as they relate to the five 
statutory factors, we find that this information does not indicate that 
these threats are affecting individual populations of Morro 
shoulderband snail or the species as a whole across its range to the 
extent that the threats currently are of sufficient imminence, scope, 
or magnitude to rise to the level that the species is presently in 
danger of extinction throughout all of its range. However, while 
numbers of individuals across the majority of the species' range are 
greater now than at the time of listing and some habitat for the 
species is protected from development, the species remains negatively 
affected by continued and future threats and inadequate resource needs 
across much of its range.
    The best available information indicates there are continued 
population- and rangewide-level impacts to Morro shoulderband snails 
despite beneficial conservation efforts in several of the population 
areas that have reduced the magnitude of development. Specifically, 
Morro shoulderband snail populations across the range continue to be 
negatively affected by effects of development and invasive, nonnative 
plant species, although at a lower level than at the time of listing. 
However, in the foreseeable future, available information also 
indicates increasing temperatures and reductions in the amount of 
annual rainfall associated with climate change will likely result in 
prolonged drought conditions that negatively influence Morro 
shoulderband snail abundance in the future, along with increasing 
frequency and intensity of wildfires. These effects will combine with 
the ongoing low-grade impacts of development and invasive plants such 
that the species is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable 
future.
    After evaluating threats to the species and assessing the 
cumulative effect of the threats under the Act's section 4(a)(1) 
factors, based on the best available information, we determine that the 
Morro shoulderband snail is not currently in danger of extinction, but 
is likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable 
future, throughout all of its range.

Status Throughout a Significant Portion of Its Range

    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range. The court in Center for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 
2020 WL 437289 (D.D.C. Jan. 28, 2020) (Center for Biological 
Diversity), vacated the aspect of the Final Policy on Interpretation of 
the Phrase ``Significant Portion of Its Range'' in the Endangered 
Species Act's Definitions of ``Endangered Species'' and ``Threatened 
Species'' (79 FR 37578; July 1, 2014) that provided that the Service 
does not undertake an analysis of significant portions of a species' 
range if the species warrants listing as threatened throughout all of 
its range. Therefore, we proceed to evaluating whether the species is 
endangered in a significant portion of its range--that is, whether 
there is any portion of the species' range for which both (1) the 
portion is significant; and (2) the species is in danger of extinction 
in that portion. Depending on the case, it might be more efficient for 
us to address the ``significance'' question or the ``status'' question 
first. We can choose to address either question first. Regardless of 
which question we address first, if we reach a negative answer with 
respect to the first question that we address, we do not need to 
evaluate the other question for that portion of the species' range.
    Following the court's holding in Center for Biological Diversity, 
we now consider whether there are any significant portions of the 
species' range where the species is in danger of extinction now (i.e., 
endangered). In undertaking this analysis for the Morro shoulderband 
snail, we choose to address the status question first--we consider 
information pertaining to the geographic distribution of both the 
species and the threats that the species

[[Page 6075]]

faces to identify any portions of the range where the species is 
endangered.
    For the Morro shoulderband snail, we considered whether the threats 
are geographically concentrated in any portion of the species' range at 
a biologically meaningful scale. We examined the following threats: 
Development; invasive species; wildfire; climate change; collection; 
agriculture and vegetation management; and predation; as well as 
cumulative effects. Threats do occur at different magnitudes across the 
range of the Morro shoulderband snail. For example, the East Los Osos 
and Downtown Los Osos population areas are at higher risk of 
development than other areas. Other population areas are at higher risk 
of fire, such as South Los Osos and Sand Spit. However, we found no 
concentration of threats in any portion of the Morro shoulderband 
snail's range at a biologically meaningful scale, so there is no 
population area where the species might be endangered. Therefore, no 
portion of the species' range provides a basis for determining that the 
species is in danger of extinction in a significant portion of its 
range, and we determine that the species is likely to become in danger 
of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all of its 
range. This does not conflict with the courts' holdings in Desert 
Survivors v. U.S. Department of the Interior, 321 F. Supp. 3d 1011, 
1070-74 (N.D. Cal. 2018), and Center for Biological Diversity v. 
Jewell, 248 F. Supp. 3d 946, 959 (D. Ariz. 2017) because, in reaching 
this conclusion, we did not need to consider whether any portions are 
significant and therefore did not apply the aspects of the Final 
Policy's definition of ``significant'' that those court decisions held 
were invalid.

Determination of Status

    Our review of the best scientific and commercial data available 
indicates that the Morro shoulderband snail meets the Act's definition 
of a ``threatened species.'' Therefore, we are reclassifying the Morro 
shoulderband snail as a threatened species in accordance with sections 
3(20) and 4(a)(1) of the Act.
    It is our policy, as published in the Federal Register on July 1, 
1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent practicable at 
the time a species is classified, those activities that would or would 
not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this 
policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of a listing on 
proposed and ongoing activities within the range of the species being 
listed. Because we are reclassifying this species as a threatened 
species, the prohibitions in the section 9 of the Act will not 
automatically apply. We are, therefore, issuing a rule under section 
4(d) of the Act (a ``4(d) rule'') to provide for the conservation of 
the species; section 4(d) authorizes us to apply any of the 
prohibitions in section 9 to a threatened species. The 4(d) rule, which 
includes a description of the kinds of activities that will or will not 
constitute a violation, complies with this policy.

II. Rule Issued Under Section 4(d) of the Act

Background

    Section 4(d) of the Act contains two sentences. The first sentence 
states that the Secretary shall issue such regulations as she deems 
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of species 
listed as threatened. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted that statutory 
language like ``necessary and advisable'' demonstrates a large degree 
of deference to the agency (see Webster v. Doe, 486 U.S. 592 (1988)). 
Conservation is defined in the Act to mean the use of all methods and 
procedures which are necessary to bring any endangered species or 
threatened species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant 
to the Act are no longer necessary. Additionally, the second sentence 
of section 4(d) of the Act states that the Secretary may by regulation 
prohibit with respect to any threatened species any act prohibited 
under section 9(a)(1), in the case of fish or wildlife, or section 
9(a)(2), in the case of plants. Thus, the combination of the two 
sentences of section 4(d) provides the Secretary with wide latitude of 
discretion to select and promulgate appropriate regulations tailored to 
the specific conservation needs of the threatened species. The second 
sentence grants particularly broad discretion to us when adopting the 
prohibitions under section 9.
    The courts have recognized the extent of the Secretary's discretion 
under this standard to develop rules that are appropriate for the 
conservation of a species. For example, courts have upheld rules 
developed under section 4(d) as a valid exercise of agency authority 
where they prohibited take of threatened wildlife, or include a limited 
taking prohibition (see Alsea Valley Alliance v. Lautenbacher, 2007 
U.S. Dist. Lexis 60203 (D. Or. 2007); Washington Environmental Council 
v. National Marine Fisheries Service, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 5432 (W.D. 
Wash. 2002)). Courts have also upheld 4(d) rules that do not address 
all of the threats a species faces (see State of Louisiana v. Verity, 
853 F.2d 322 (5th Cir. 1988)). As noted in the legislative history when 
the Act was initially enacted, ``once an animal is on the threatened 
list, the Secretary has an almost infinite number of options available 
to him [or her] with regard to the permitted activities for those 
species. He [or she] may, for example, permit taking, but not 
importation of such species, or he [or she] may choose to forbid both 
taking and importation but allow the transportation of such species'' 
(H.R. Rep. No. 412, 93rd Cong., 1st Sess. 1973).
    Exercising this authority under section 4(d), we have developed a 
rule that is designed to address the Morro shoulderband snail's 
specific threats and conservation needs. Although the statute does not 
require us to make a ``necessary and advisable'' finding with respect 
to the adoption of specific prohibitions under section 9, we find that 
this rule as a whole satisfies the requirement in section 4(d) of the 
Act to issue regulations deemed necessary and advisable to provide for 
the conservation of the Morro shoulderband snail. As discussed above 
under Summary of Biological Status and Threats, we have concluded that 
the Morro shoulderband snail is likely to become in danger of 
extinction within the foreseeable future primarily due to the ongoing 
impacts of development and invasive plants combined with projected 
impacts from climate change and increasing frequency and severity of 
wildfire. The provisions of this 4(d) rule promote conservation of the 
Morro shoulderband snail by encouraging management of the landscape in 
ways that meet both land management considerations and the conservation 
needs of the Morro shoulderband snail. The provisions of this rule are 
one of many tools that we will use to promote the conservation of the 
Morro shoulderband snail.

Provisions of the 4(d) Rule

    This final 4(d) rule provides for the conservation of the Morro 
shoulderband snail by prohibiting all acts described under section 
9(a)(1) of the Act, except take resulting from the activities listed 
below when conducted within habitats occupied by the Morro shoulderband 
snail. This final rule to reclassify the Morro shoulderband snail as a 
threatened species discusses take of individuals through removal or 
degradation of native habitat as one of the reasons for its decline. It 
also discusses the effects of more frequent or increased intensity of 
wildfire events associated with climate change. The specific focus of 
the exceptions to prohibitions included in this final 4(d)

[[Page 6076]]

rule is take directly associated with habitat restoration activities in 
disturbed or degraded native scrub and chaparral habitats throughout 
the estimated 2,638-ha (6,520-ac) range of the Morro shoulderband 
snail, and specific fire hazard reduction activities within the 
estimated range of the species.
    Habitat restoration activities improve the condition and habitat 
suitability for the Morro shoulderband snail and other constituent 
scrub and chaparral species. Habitat within the range of the species 
has been subject to degradation that has reduced its suitability for 
the Morro shoulderband snail. This degradation is the result of 
invasion by nonnative plant species, particularly perennial veldt 
grass, that occurs after clearing of native plant communities or on 
unmanaged lands post-fire. Perennial veldt grass and other nonnative 
grass species can serve as ladder fuels and convey fires originating in 
the wildland-urban interface into the native scrub and chaparral 
communities that surround the community of Los Osos. Community concern 
over the frequency and intensity of wildfire is increasing every year 
with the increased frequency of catastrophic wildfire events in 
California. Widespread wildfires within the range of the Morro 
shoulderband snail could result in local extirpations of populations/
occurrences of the Morro shoulderband snail and reduce or eliminate the 
ability of the species to recolonize recovering habitat post-fire, even 
with management of post-wildfire areas.
    This final 4(d) rule sets forth the following exceptions to the 
prohibitions on incidental take when conducted within the range of the 
Morro shoulderband snail:
    (1) Native habitat restoration activities, inclusive of invasive 
and/or nonnative species removal, conducted by a conservation 
organization (e.g., the California Native Plant Society, Audubon 
Society, the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County) pursuant to a 
Service-approved management or restoration plan.
    (2) Fire hazard reduction activities implemented by the California 
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) in accordance with 
a Service-approved plan within the range of the Morro shoulderband 
snail.
    Fire hazard reduction activities on legal parcels or other non-
Federal land within the range of the species will be exempted from the 
take prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) of the Act. Anticipated fire 
reduction treatments include removal of downed, dead, or diseased 
vegetation, creation of shaded fuel breaks, and mowing of nonnative 
grassland. We anticipate that these fire hazard reduction activities 
will have short-term effects on the Morro shoulderband snail. 
Implementation of fire hazard reduction activities will reduce the risk 
of catastrophic wildfires, which otherwise could result in local 
extirpations of Morro shoulderband snail occurrences/populations. Under 
the Act, ``take'' means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, 
kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such 
conduct. Some of these provisions have been further defined in 
regulation at 50 CFR 17.3. Take can result knowingly or otherwise, by 
direct and indirect impacts, intentionally or incidentally. Regulating 
incidental take would help preserve the species' remaining populations, 
slow their rate of decline, and decrease synergistic, negative effects 
from other threats.
    We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities, 
including those described above, involving threatened wildlife under 
certain circumstances. Regulations governing permits are codified at 50 
CFR 17.32. With regard to threatened wildlife, a permit may be issued 
for the following purposes: For scientific purposes, to enhance 
propagation or survival, for economic hardship, for zoological 
exhibition, for educational purposes, for incidental taking, or for 
special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act. The statute 
also contains certain statutory exemptions from the prohibitions, which 
are found in sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
    We recognize the special and unique relationship with our State 
natural resource agency partners in contributing to conservation of 
listed species. State agencies often possess scientific data and 
valuable expertise on the status and distribution of endangered, 
threatened, and candidate species of wildlife and plants. State 
agencies, because of their authorities and their close working 
relationships with local governments and landowners, are in a unique 
position to assist us in implementing all aspects of the Act. In this 
regard, section 6 of the Act provides that we shall cooperate to the 
maximum extent practicable with the States in carrying out programs 
authorized by the Act. Therefore, any qualified employee or agent of a 
State conservation agency that is a party to a cooperative agreement 
with us in accordance with section 6(c) of the Act, who is designated 
by his or her agency for such purposes, will be able to conduct 
activities designed to conserve the Morro shoulderband snail that may 
result in otherwise prohibited take without additional authorization.
    Nothing in this 4(d) rule will change in any way the recovery 
planning provisions of section 4(f) of the Act, the consultation 
requirements under section 7 of the Act, or our ability to enter into 
partnerships for the management and protection of the Morro 
shoulderband snail. However, interagency cooperation may be further 
streamlined through planned programmatic consultations for the species 
between us and other Federal agencies, where appropriate.

III. Common Name of Listed Entity

    As a result of the new data and supportive references noted earlier 
in this rule, we recognize the change in the common name of the listed 
entity Helminthoglypta walkeriana as the Morro shoulderband snail, 
without the synonym ``banded dune snail.'' We include this change in 
nomenclature for the species under Regulation Promulgation, below.

Required Determinations

National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with determining a species' listing status under 
the Endangered Species Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons 
for this determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 
FR 49244). This position was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for 
the Ninth Circuit (Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 F.3d 1495 (9th Cir. 
1995), cert. denied 516 U.S. 1042 (1996)).

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), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), 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

[[Page 6077]]

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 did not receive any comments from Tribes on the proposed rule. 
We have determined that no Tribes will be affected by this rule because 
there are no Tribal lands or interests within or adjacent to Morro 
shoulderband snail habitat.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this rulemaking is available 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov and upon request from 
the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this final rule are the staff members of the 
Fish and Wildlife Service's Species Assessment Team and the Ventura 
Fish and Wildlife Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 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--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

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

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


0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11, in paragraph (h), by removing the entry for 
``Snail, Morro shoulderband (=Banded dune)'' and adding the entry 
``Snail, Morro shoulderband'' in its place under SNAILS in the List of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife to read as follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Listing citations and
           Common name              Scientific name      Where listed         Status         applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
                                                     Snails
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Snail, Morro shoulderband.......  Helmin thoglypta    Wherever found....  T              59 FR 64613, 12/15/
                                   walkeriana.                                            1994; 87 FR [INSERT
                                                                                          FEDERAL REGISTER PAGE
                                                                                          WHERE THE DOCUMENT
                                                                                          BEGINS], 2/3/2022; 50
                                                                                          CFR 17.45(b); \4d\ 50
                                                                                          CFR 17.95(f).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.45 by adding paragraph (b) to read as follows:


Sec.  17. 45  Special rules--snails and clams.

* * * * *
    (b) Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana)--(1) 
Prohibitions. The following prohibitions that apply to endangered 
wildlife also apply to the Morro shoulderband snail. Except as provided 
under paragraph (b)(2) of this section and Sec. Sec.  17.4 and 17.5, it 
is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
States to commit, to attempt to commit, to solicit another to commit, 
or cause to be committed, any of the following acts in regard to this 
species:
    (i) Import or export, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(b) for endangered 
wildlife.
    (ii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(1) for endangered 
wildlife.
    (iii) Possession and other acts with unlawfully taken specimens, as 
set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(1) for endangered wildlife.
    (iv) Interstate or foreign commerce in the course of commercial 
activity, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(e) for endangered wildlife.
    (v) Sale or offer for sale, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(f) for 
endangered wildlife.
    (2) Exceptions from prohibitions. In regard to this species, you 
may:
    (i) Conduct activities as authorized by a permit under Sec.  17.32.
    (ii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(2) through (4) for 
endangered wildlife.
    (iii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.31(b).
    (iv) Take incidental to an otherwise lawful activity caused by:
    (A) Native habitat restoration activities, inclusive of invasive 
and/or nonnative species removal, conducted by a conservation 
organization pursuant to a Service-approved management or restoration 
plan.
    (B) Fire-hazard reduction activities implemented by the California 
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in accordance with a 
Service-approved plan within the range of the Morro shoulderband snail.
    (v) Possess and engage in other acts with unlawfully taken 
wildlife, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(2) for endangered wildlife.

Martha Williams,
Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the 
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-02008 Filed 2-2-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P