[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 241 (Thursday, December 16, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 70209]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-32576]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF34


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of 
Comment Period on Proposed Threatened Status for the Santa Ana Sucker

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

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

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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), pursuant to the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), reopen the comment 
period on the proposal to list the Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus 
santaanae) as a threatened species. The comment period is extended to 
accommodate the public notice requirement of the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973, as amended, (Act) and to consider new scientific information. 
In addition, reopening of the comment period will allow further 
opportunity for all interested parties to submit comments on the 
proposal, which is available (see ADDRESSES section). We are seeking 
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental 
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested 
parties concerning the proposed rule. Comments already submitted on the 
proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they will be fully consider in 
the final determination.

DATES: The reopened comment period closes January 3, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposed rule should 
be sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 2730 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, 
California, 92008. Comments and materials received will be available 
for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at 
the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen Knowles, Carlsbad Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section) at (760) 431-9440.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On January 26, 1999, the Service published a rule proposing 
threatened status for the Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) in 
the Federal Register (64 FR 3915). The original comment period closed 
on March 29, 1999. Section 4(b)(5)(D) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.) requires us to ``publish a summary of the proposed regulation in 
a newspaper of general circulation in each area of the United States in 
which the species is believed to occur.'' To accommodate this 
requirement, we are reopening the comment period for this proposal to 
list the Santa Ana sucker as a threatened species. The comment period 
now closes on January 3, 2000. Written comments should be submitted to 
the Service (see ADDRESSES section).
    The Santa Ana Sucker was once one of the most common fish species 
in southern California. Today, the species is reduced to approximately 
25 percent of its former range. These declines occurred coincident with 
the urbanization of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The species is 
threatened by potential habitat destruction, natural and human-induced 
changes in streamflows, urban development and related land-use 
practices, intensive recreation, the introduction of non-native 
competitors and predators, and demographics associated with small 
populations. Comments from the public regarding the accuracy of this 
proposed rule are sought, especially regarding:
    (1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning 
any threat (or lack thereof) to this species;
    (2) The location of any additional occurrences of this species and 
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be 
critical habitat pursuant to section 4 of the Act;
    (3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and 
population size of this species;
    (4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their 
possible impacts on the Santa Ana Sucker or its habitat;
    (5) Information regarding the introduction of the Santa Clara River 
population and the role it may play in the recovery of this species.
    Comments previously submitted during the first comment period need 
not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in the final 
determination.
    Author: The primary author of this notice is Glen Knowles (see 
ADDRESSES section).

    Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: December 10, 1999.
Elizabeth H. Stevens,
Deputy Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Sacramento, 
California.
[FR Doc. 99-32576 Filed 12-15-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P