[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 120 (Tuesday, June 23, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 34142]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-16678]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC13


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; availability of draft San Xavier talussnail 
conservation agreement.

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SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) provides notice that a 
draft conservation agreement for the San Xavier talussnail (Snorella 
eremita) is available for review and comment. Comments will be accepted 
during the current public comment period on the proposal to list 
species as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended, which closes July 21, 1998. This Conservation Agreement will 
provide guidance for the conservation and management of the species and 
its habitat.

DATES: All comments on the draft Conservation Agreement and information 
on the proposal to list the San Xavier talussnail will be accepted 
through July 21, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Written comments and materials should be sent to the Field 
Supervisor, Arizona Ecological Services Field Office, 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, Fish and Wildlife 
Biologist, or Jerry Brabander, Acting Field Supervisor, Arizona 
Ecological Services Field Office, at the above address (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. Public hearing requests 
were invited through May 9, 1994.
    Considering the length of time that has elapsed since that initial 
proposal and a recent re-examination of property boundaries to clarify 
ownership of the talussnail habitat, the Service reopened the public 
comment period on May 22, 1998 (63 FR 28343). With the availability of 
the draft Conservation Agreement, the Service is seeking comments or 
suggestions from the public, concerned governmental agencies, the 
scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties 
concerning the proposed rule and the draft Conservation Agreement.
    The draft Conservation Agreement calls for restricting activities 
that would alter sediment runoff, vegetation, or moisture conditions. 
The draft Conservation Agreement was prepared by representatives from 
Federal and State agencies and is intended to be used as the basis for 
guiding the long-term protection of the species and its habitat.

Author

    The primary author of this document is Debra Bills, 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: June 17, 1998.
Geoffrey L. Haskett,
Regional Director, Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2.
[FR Doc. 98-16678 Filed 6-22-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P