[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 99 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 28343]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-13795]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC13


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of 
Comment Period on Proposed Endangered Status for the San Xavier 
Talussnail

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of reopening of public comment period.

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

SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides notice that 
the public comment period for the proposal to list the San Xavier 
talussnail (Sonorella eremita) is reopened. This land snail is known to 
occur at a single site near Tucson, Arizona, in an area of limestone 
talus about 50 by 100 feet in size.

DATES: The comment period originally closed on May 24, 1994. This 
notice reopens the public comment period, which now closes on July 21, 
1998.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and materials should be sent to the Field 
Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 2321 W. Royal Palm Road, Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona 
85021. Comments and materials received will be available for public 
inspection during normal business hours, by appointment, at the above 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Debra Bills, Arizona Ecological 
Services Field Office, at the above address or telephone (602) 640-
2720.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The San Xavier talussnail was first proposed as endangered on March 
23, 1994 (59 FR 13691). At that time, a 60-day public comment period 
was opened until May 23, 1994, and all interested parties were 
requested to submit factual reports or information that might 
contribute to the development of a final rule. A final determination of 
whether to list the San Xavier talussnail has not yet been made.
    Following a recent examination of property boundaries, the Service 
discovered that the owner of the habitat occupied by the San Xavier 
talussnail is not the entity previously believed to be the owner. In 
consideration of the new information concerning ownership of the 
species' habitat and the length of time that has elapsed since the 
initial proposal, the Service has determined that reopening the comment 
period is necessary. The Service is seeking comments or suggestions 
from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific 
community, industry, or any other interested party concerning this 
proposed rule. The Service is seeking any new information that may have 
been developed since the proposal was published, and that may expand 
the current knowledge concerning the status, distribution, or threats 
surrounding the San Xavier talussnail.
    Author: The primary author of this document is Jennifer Fowler-
Probst, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office (see ADDRESSES 
section).

Authority

    The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act (16 
U.S.C. 1532 et seq.).

    Dated: May 13, 1998.
Jamie Rappaport Clark,
Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 98-13795 Filed 5-21-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P