[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 143 (Tuesday, July 27, 2004)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44676-44677]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-16988]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 5-Year Review of 
the Bliss Rapids Snail

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of review.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (``we'') announces a 5-year 
review of the Bliss Rapids snail (Taylorconcha serpenticola) under 
section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act) (16 
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). The purpose of reviews conducted under this 
section of the Act is to ensure that the classification of species as 
threatened or endangered on the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife and Plants (List) is accurate.
    We are requesting submission of the most current scientific and 
commercial information available on the Bliss Rapids snail since its 
original listing as a threatened species in 1992 (57 FR 59244). If the 
present classification of this species is not consistent with the best 
scientific and commercial information available at the conclusion of 
this review, we may propose a change in the listing status of this 
species. Any change in Federal classification would require a separate 
rule-making process.

DATES: In order to allow us adequate time to consider your information 
in this review, we must receive your information no later than 
September 24, 2004. We also continue to accept information about any 
listed species at any time.

ADDRESSES: Submit information and questions to the Field Supervisor, 
Attention Bliss Rapids Snail 5-Year Review, Snake River Fish and 
Wildlife Office, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 368, Boise, Idaho 83709. 
Comments may also be faxed to 208-378-5262, or e-mailed to 
[email protected]. Please include ``Bliss Rapids Snail 5-Year 
Review Comments'' in the title line for faxes and e-mails. Please 
submit electronic comments in an ASCII file format, and avoid the use 
of special characters and encryption. Information received in response 
to this notice and review will be available for public inspection by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Lysne at the above address, by 
phone at 208/378-5243, or by e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Why is a 5-year Review Conducted?

    Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act requires that we conduct a review of 
listed species at least once every 5 years. We are then, under section 
4(c)(2)(B) and the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) to determine, 
on the basis of such review, whether or not any species should be 
removed from the List (delisted), or reclassified from endangered to 
threatened, or threatened to endangered. Our regulations at 50 CFR 
424.21 require that we publish a notice in the Federal Register 
announcing those species currently under active review. This notice 
announces our active review of the Bliss Rapids snail.

What Information is Considered in the Review?

    The 5-year review considers all new information available at the 
time of the review. This review will consider the best scientific and 
commercial data that has become available since the current listing 
determination or most recent status review, such as:
    A. Species biology including, but not limited to, population 
trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics;
    B. Habitat conditions including, but not limited to, amount, 
distribution, and suitability;
    C. Conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit 
the species;
    D. Threat status and trends (see five factors under heading ``How 
Do We Determine Whether a Species is Endangered or Threatened?''); and
    E. Other new information, data, or corrections including, but not 
limited to, taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of 
erroneous information contained in the List, and improved analytical 
methods.

How is the Bliss Rapids Snail Currently Listed?

    The List is found in 50 CFR 17.11 (wildlife) and 17.12 (plants). 
Amendments to the List through final rules are published in the Federal 
Register. The List is also available on our Internet site at http://endangered.fws.gov/wildlife.html#Species. In Table 1 below, we provide 
a summary of the listing information for the Bliss Rapids snail.

                                         Table 1.--Summary of the Listing Information for the Bliss Rapids Snail
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            Common name                   Scientific name               Status                Where listed                  Final listing rule
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Bliss Rapids snail................  Taylorconcha serpenticola.  Threatened...........  U.S.A. (ID)..............  57 FR 59244 (14-DEC-92).
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[[Page 44677]]

Definitions Related to This Notice

    The following definitions are provided to assist those persons who 
contemplate submitting information regarding the status of the species 
being reviewed:
    A. Species includes any species or subspecies of fish, wildlife, or 
plant, and any distinct population segment of any species of 
vertebrate, which interbreeds when mature.
    B. Endangered means any species that is in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
    C. Threatened means any species that is likely to become an 
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range.

How Do We Determine Whether a Species is Endangered or Threatened?

    Section 4(a)(1) of the Act requires that we determine whether a 
species is endangered or threatened based on one or more of the five 
following factors:
    A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;
    B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes;
    C. Disease or predation;
    D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
    E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence.
    Our assessment of these factors is required, under section 4(b)(1) 
of the Act, to be based solely on the best scientific and commercial 
data available.

What Could Happen as a Result of This Review?

    If we find that there is information concerning the Bliss Rapids 
snail indicating a change in classification may be warranted, we may 
propose a new rule that could do one of the following: (a) reclassify 
the species from threatened to endangered; or (b) remove of the species 
from the List. If we find that a change in classification is not 
warranted, the Bliss Rapids snail will remain on the List under its 
current threatened status.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    We request any new scientific or commercial information concerning 
the status of the Bliss Rapids snail. See ``What Information is 
Considered in the Review?'' heading above for specific types of 
information. If possible, this information should be supported by 
documentation such as maps, a list of bibliographic references, methods 
used to gather and analyze the data, and/or copies of any pertinent 
publications, reports, or letters by knowledgeable sources.

    Authority: This document is published under the authority of the 
Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: June 22, 2004.
William F. Shake,
Acting Regional Director, Region 1, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 04-16988 Filed 7-26-04; 8:45 am]
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