[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 8620]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3749]



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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AB


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of 
Comment Period on Koala Review

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Status review; notice of reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Service gives notice that the comment period on the status 
review of the Australian koala, as initiated in response to a petition 
to add the species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, 
will be reopened until April 1, 1995.

DATES: All comments and information received through April 1, 1995, 
will be considered in making a final decision on whether the requested 
action is warranted, and will be included in the administrative record.

ADDRESSES: Comments, information, and questions should be submitted to 
the Chief, Office of Scientific Authority; Room 725, 4401 North Fairfax 
Drive; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Arlington, Virginia 22203 (Fax 
number 703-358-2276). Express and messenger-delivered mail should be 
addressed to the Office of Scientific Authority; Room 750, 4401 North 
Fairfax Drive; Arlington, Virginia 22203. The petition finding, 
supporting data, and comments will be available for public inspection, 
by appointment, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 
the Arlington, Virginia address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dr. Charles W. Dane, Chief, Office of Scientific Authority, at the 
above address (phone 703-358-1708).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the Federal Register of October 4, 1994 
(59 FR 50557-50558), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) 
announced the 90-day finding that a petition to add the Australian 
koala (Phasocarctos cinereus) to the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife had presented substantial information indicting that the 
requested action may be warranted. A status review was initiated, with 
the original comment period ending February 1, 1995. During that 
period, requests to extend the comment period were received from the 
Fund for Animals and Australians for Animals (the original 
petitioners), the Zoological Society of San Diego, and the American Zoo 
and Aquarium Association's Marsupial and Monotreme Advisory Group. All 
indicated that more time was needed to collect pertinent information. 
In response, the Service has decided to reopen the comment period until 
April 1, 1995.

    Authority: Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.).

    Dated: February 7, 1995.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 95-3749 Filed 2-14-95; 8:45 am]
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