[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 176 (Tuesday, September 12, 1995)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47398-47399]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-22587]



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DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service


Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan for the Aquatic and 
Riparian Species of Pahranagat Valley for Review and Comment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the 
availability for public review of a draft recovery plan for the aquatic 
and riparian species of Pahranagat Valley. This plan undertakes an 
ecosystem approach by discussing the recovery needs of three native, 
endangered fish species. The Service solicits review and 

[[Page 47399]]
comment from the public on this draft plan.

DATES: Comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or 
before November 13, 1995 to receive consideration by the Service.

ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the draft recovery plan may obtain 
a copy by contacting the State Supervisor, Nevada Ecological Services 
State Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4600 Kietzke Lane, 
Building C-125, Reno, Nevada, 89502 (telephone: 702-784-5227), or the 
Assistant Regional Director, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Eastside Federal Complex, 911 NE 11th Avenue, 
Portland, Oregon, 97232-4181 (telephone: 503-231-6241). Written 
comments and materials regarding the plan should be addressed to Mr. 
David L. Harlow, State Supervisor, at the above Reno, Nevada address. 
Comments and materials received are available on request for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above 
Reno, Nevada address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Stephanie Byers at the above Reno, 
Nevada address (telephone: 702-784-5227).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Restoring endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point 
where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their 
ecosystems is a primary goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 
(Service) endangered species program. To help guide the recovery 
effort, the Service is working to prepare recovery plans for most of 
the listed species native to the United States. Recovery plans describe 
actions considered necessary for the conservation of the species, 
establish criteria for reclassification or delisting, and estimate time 
and cost for implementing the recovery measures needed.
    The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C. 
1531 et seq.) requires the development of recovery plans for listed 
species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a 
particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988, 
requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and 
comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will 
consider all information presented during a public comment period prior 
to approval of each new or revised recovery plan. The Service and other 
Federal agencies will also take these comments into account in the 
course of implementing approved recovery plans.
    Three native, endangered fish species are endemic to the Pahranagat 
Valley in Lincoln County, Nevada. The Pahranagat roundtail chub is 
found in only 12 km of the Pahranagat River. The White River springfish 
is found only in the spring pool of Ash Spring. The Hiko White River 
springfish is found in the spring pools of Hiko and Crystal Springs. 
Populations of Pahranagat roundtail chub vary between 150 to 250 adult 
fish. The White River springfish population is stable with 
approximately 7000 fish. The Hiko White River springfish population is 
critically low (<35) in Crystal Spring and more common (approximately 
5500 fish) in Hiko Spring. The principle causes of decline for these 
species are habitat modification and nonnative fish introductions. 
Critical habitat has been designated for the two subspecies of 
springfish. Ninety-five percent of the habitats occupied by these 
species are on private lands. Recovery of this species will require 
removal and/or control of nonnative fishes, restoration and protection 
of occupied habitats, and protection of ground water sources.

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service solicits written comments on the recovery plan 
described. All comments received by the date specified will be 
considered prior to approval of the plan.

Authority

    The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered 
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).

    Dated: September 1, 1995.
Michael J. Spear,
Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 95-22587 Filed 9-11-95; 8:45 am]
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