[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 143 (Friday, July 24, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 44821-44835]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-15175]


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

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025; FF09E22000 FXES11130900000 201]
RIN 1018-BD45


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification 
of Morro Shoulderband Snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana) From 
Endangered to Threatened With a 4(d) Rule

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
reclassify the Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana) 
from an endangered to a threatened species under the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973, as amended (Act), and we propose a special rule under 
section 4(d) of the Act. This proposed reclassification is based on our 
evaluation of the best available scientific and commercial information, 
which indicates that the species' status has improved such that it is 
not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant 
portion of its range, but that it is still likely to become so in the 
foreseeable future. We also propose to update the Federal List of 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife to reflect the latest scientifically 
accepted taxonomy and nomenclature for the species as Helminthoglypta 
walkeriana, Morro shoulderband snail. We seek information, data, and 
comments from the public on this proposal. We also announce the 
availability of an assessment of the status of the Chorro shoulderband 
snail (Helminthoglypta morroensis) in which we conclude that the 
species does not meet the definition of a threatened species or an 
endangered species.

DATES: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 
September 22, 2020. We must receive requests for public hearings, in 
writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by 
September 8, 2020. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES

[[Page 44822]]

below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.

ADDRESSES: Comment submission: You may submit comments by one of the 
following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025, 
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then click on the 
Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left 
side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the 
Proposed Rules link to locate this document. You may submit a comment 
by clicking on ``Comment Now!''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: Docket No FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, MS: PRB/3W; 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Information Requested, below, for more information).
    Document availability: A copy of the Species Status Assessment 
Report referenced throughout this document is available at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen P. Henry, Field Supervisor, 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 
Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003; telephone 805-644-1766. If 
you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the 
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Information Requested

    We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule 
will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and 
be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request 
comments or information from other governmental agencies, tribes, the 
scientific community, industry, and other interested parties concerning 
this proposed rule. We particularly seek comments concerning:
    (1) Reasons why we should or should not reclassify the Morro 
shoulderband snail from an endangered to a threatened species under the 
Act;
    (2) New biological or other relevant data concerning any threat (or 
lack thereof) to this species;
    (3) New information on efforts by the State or other entities to 
protect or otherwise conserve the species;
    (4) New information concerning the range, distribution, and 
population size or trends of this species;
    (5) New information on current or planned activities in the habitat 
or range that may adversely affect or benefit the species; and
    (6) Information on activities or areas that might warrant being 
exempted from the section 9(a)(1) take prohibitions proposed in this 
rule under section 4(d) of the Act. The Service will evaluate ideas 
provided by the public in considering the extent of prohibitions that 
are necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of the 
species.
    Please include sufficient supporting information with your 
submission (e.g., scientific journal articles or other publications) to 
allow us to verify any scientific or commercial information you 
include. Submissions that merely provide support for or opposition to 
the action under consideration without supporting information, although 
noted, may not meet the standard of information required by section 
4(b)(1)(A) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). This standard directs 
us to make determinations whether any species is endangered or 
threatened ``solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial 
data available.''
    You may submit your comments and materials on this proposed rule by 
one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request you send comments 
only by the methods described in ADDRESSES. If you submit information 
via http://www.regulations.gov, we will post your entire submission--
including any personal identifying information--on the website. If you 
make your submission via a hardcopy and it includes personal 
identifying information, you may request at the top of your document 
that we withhold this information from public review. However, we 
cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so as we post all hardcopy 
submissions on http://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation used in preparing this proposed rule, will be available 
for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov.

Public Hearings

    Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for one or more public hearings 
on this proposal, if requested. We must receive requests for public 
hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT by the date shown in DATES. We will schedule a public hearing 
on this proposal, if any are requested, and announce the date, time, 
and place of those hearings, as well as how to obtain reasonable 
accommodation, in the Federal Register at least 15 days before the 
first hearing. For the immediate future, we will provide these public 
hearings using webinars that will be announced on the Service's 
website, in addition to the Federal Register. The use of these virtual 
public hearings is consistent with our regulation at 50 CFR 
424.16(c)(3).

Peer Review

    In accordance with our joint policy on peer review published in the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270) and our August 22, 2016, 
memorandum updating and clarifying the role of peer review of listing 
actions under the Act, we have sought the expert opinions of six 
appropriate and independent specialists regarding the Species Status 
Assessment (SSA) Report for the Morro Shoulderband Snail and Chorro 
Shoulderband Snail, which informed the determination in this proposed 
rule. The purpose of peer review is to ensure that our determinations 
and designations are based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, 
and analyses. The six peer reviewers we selected have expertise in 
shoulderband snail biology, taxonomy, habitat, and threats (factors 
negatively affecting the species), and their comments helped inform our 
determination. We received responses from all six peer reviewers, which 
we considered in our SSA report and this proposed rule. These comments 
will be available along with other public comments in the docket for 
this proposed rule. Additionally, we will consider all comments and 
information we receive during the comment period on this proposed rule 
as we prepare the final determination. Accordingly, the final decision 
may differ from this proposal.

Previous Federal Actions

    In 1994, we listed Helminthoglypta walkeriana (the banded dune 
snail) as endangered (59 FR 64613). This taxon contained two entities: 
H. walkeriana (what we now consider the Morro shoulderband snail) and 
H. walkeriana morroensis (what we now consider the Chorro shoulderband 
snail). At the time of listing, we thought the subspecific entity 
morroensis was extinct and that there may have been as few as several 
hundred individuals of Helminthoglypta walkeriana remaining (59 FR 
64615); consequently, we did not consider the

[[Page 44823]]

morroensis subspecies to be part of the listed entity.
    In 1997, the subspecific entity morroensis was rediscovered at 
North Point Natural Area near the northern limit of Morro Bay (Roth and 
Tupen 2004, p. 3). In subsequent years it was found in other areas as 
well. In 1998, we completed a Recovery Plan for the Morro Shoulderband 
Snail and Four Plants from Western San Luis Obispo County (Service 
1998, entire) and in 2001 designated critical habitat (66 FR 9233). 
Both the recovery plan and critical habitat addressed only 
Helminthoglypta walkeriana and not the subspecific entity morroensis, 
as explained above.
    In 2004, a taxonomic analysis was completed that elevated these 
subspecific taxa to full species: Helminthoglypta walkeriana and H. 
morroensis (Roth and Tupen 2004, entire). After 2004, H. walkeriana and 
H. morroensis were associated with the common names Morro shoulderband 
snail and Chorro shoulderband snail, respectively. Also in 2004, in an 
attempt to provide clarity on what was the listed entity, the Ventura 
Fish and Wildlife Office issued a ``Dear Stakeholders and Interested 
Parties'' letter stating we would no longer be regulating the Chorro 
shoulderband snail (Service 2004, entire).
    However, in 2006 the Service completed a 5-Year Review for both the 
Morro and Chorro shoulderband snail and recommended downlisting Morro 
shoulderband snail from endangered to threatened and delisting of 
Chorro shoulderband snail (Service 2006, entire), even though the 
Chorro shoulderband snail had previously not been treated as part of 
the listed entity.
    Neither entity, Helminthoglypta walkeriana morroensis or the newly 
recognized Helminthoglypta morroensis, was ever formally added to the 
endangered species list. Because of its confusing history, however, we 
have determined that it is most appropriate to now complete a listing 
assessment to determine whether or not the Chorro shoulderband snail 
meets the definition of threatened or endangered. Using the results of 
our evaluation in the SSA Report, we reaffirm the finding in our 5-year 
review that the information on the threats to the Chorro shoulderband 
snail does not support the species being listed as threatened or 
endangered under the Act. Since Helminthoglypta morroensis is not 
currently included on the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife, no revision to the list is needed to implement this 
determination. Our full determination and threats analysis regarding 
the status of the Chorro shoulderband snail is available in a Species 
Assessment form at Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025 on the internet at 
http://www.regulations.gov.
    In this proposed rule, we address the status of the Morro 
shoulderband snail. This proposed rule also constitutes our 5-year 
status review for the Morro shoulderband snail. Additionally, as a 
result of the new data and supportive references noted above, we 
propose to recognize the change in the common name of the listed entity 
H. walkeriana as the Morro shoulderband snail. We have included this 
proposed change in nomenclature in the Proposed Regulation Promulgation 
section of this proposed rule, and we expect to adopt it when we 
publish a final determination for this action.

Background

    It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly related to 
the reclassification of Morro shoulderband snail from an endangered 
species to a threatened species in this proposed rule. In this section, 
we summarize the conclusions of the SSA Report, including the species 
description, ecology, habitat, and resource needs. We also discuss 
recovery plan implementation. In our SSA Report, we define viability as 
the ability of the species to sustain populations in the wild over time 
and provide a thorough account of the species' overall condition 
currently and into the future. The full SSA Report is available at 
Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025 on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov.

Species Description

    The Morro shoulderband snail belongs to the land snail genus, 
Helminthoglypta (Ancey 1887), which contains three subgenera comprising 
more than 100 species and subspecies. Morro shoulderband snail shells 
are umbilicate (having a depression at the center), globose 
(spherical), reddish brown to chestnut in color, thin, and slightly 
translucent (Roth 1985, p. 5). The shell has five to six whorls and a 
single, narrow (2 to 2.5 millimeters (mm) [0.08 to 0.1 inches (in.)]), 
dark spiral band on the ``shoulder'' with thin light-yellowish margins 
above and below. Sculptural features of the shell include incised 
spiral grooves, spiral and transverse striae (grooves) that give the 
surface a checkerboard-like look, and papillae (small, round 
protrusions) at the intersections of some of the striae (Walgren 2003, 
p. 93). Adult shell dimensions range from 18 to 29 mm (0.7 to 1.1 in.) 
in diameter and from 14 to 25 mm (0.6 to 1.0 in.) in height (Roth 1985, 
p. 5).

Species Ecology, Habitat, and Resource Needs

    In general, we know very little about the specific life history of 
Morro shoulderband snails. Using information compiled for other 
Helminthoglypta species (van der Laan 1975a, entire; 1975b, entire; 
1980, entire), we infer information and apply it to the species, where 
appropriate. Like many species of Helminthoglypta that occur in 
Mediterranean climate regions of California, the Morro shoulderband 
snail has adapted to changing environmental conditions by having a two-
part life cycle. While feeding, reproduction, and most individual 
growth occur during the rainy season (Roth 1985, p. 13), individuals 
spend the majority of the year in aestivation (prolonged dormancy) to 
survive the drier seasons (Belt 2018, pers. comm.). Refugia used for 
the aestivation phase of the life cycle for the Morro shoulderband 
snail appear to be opportunistic in nature. They can include native and 
nonnative plant species, including dense clumps of native and nonnative 
grasses; young patches of ice plant (Carpobrotus spp.); cactus (Opuntia 
spp.); and anthropogenic features and debris (e.g., stockpiled 
construction materials, wood, cement, plastic) (Roth and Tupen 2004, p. 
17; SWCA 2013-2017, entire; Dugan 2018, pers. comm.).
    For Helminthoglypta species living in California, most activity 
occurs during the rainy season (Roth 1985, p. 13), and this is the case 
for Morro shoulderband snail. In coastal San Luis Obispo County, the 
period of greatest activity generally extends from October through 
April but can vary each year depending on the frequency and duration of 
seasonal rainfall and heavy fog/dew. During this period, individuals 
may be particularly active during the evening, night, and early morning 
hours when humidity is higher. Individuals can also be active during 
overcast and rainy days (van der Laan 1980, pp. 49, 52; USDA 1999, p. 
3; Tupen 2018, pers. comm.). The Morro shoulderband snail likely 
emerges from aestivation during and following periods of rainfall in 
search of food resources and for mating and egg-laying activities.
    Species of Helminthoglypta, like other terrestrial snails, become 
inactive during prolonged dry periods and enter a state of aestivation 
where individuals produce an epiphragm (a seal of dried mucus) across 
the shell aperture to greatly reduce water/weight loss (van der Laan 
1975b, p. 361). They frequently

[[Page 44824]]

aestivate attached to the lower outer branches of shrubs (van der Laan 
1975b, p. 365; Roth 1985, p. 13). This attachment to a substrate may 
provide additional protection from desiccation by forming a more 
complete seal of the aperture (van der Laan 1975b, p. 365). There is a 
possible decreased vulnerability to predation during dormancy when the 
attachment point is 20-30 centimeters (7.9-11.8 in.) above the ground 
surface (van der Laan 1975b, p. 365). Smaller snails tended to 
experience higher mortality rates during aestivation, possibly due to 
their thinner shells and higher surface-to-volume ratios (van der Laan 
1975b, p. 364). Individuals come out of aestivation after rain events 
that thoroughly wet the environment and may regain as much as 50 
percent of their body weight back within 24 hours (van der Laan 1975b, 
p. 364).
    Like other terrestrial snails, we expect the Morro shoulderband 
snail to have a patchy distribution coincident with the presence of 
suitable refugia and food sources.

Species Distribution and Abundance

    Initially, Hill (1974, p. 6) and others projected a very limited 
distribution for Helminthoglypta walkeriana (as the coastal form of the 
banded dune snail). Its range was thought to extend only a short 
distance inland along the southeastern shore of Morro Bay to Shark 
Inlet, southward to near Islay Creek, and northward on the Morro Bay 
sand spit at the western edge of the community of Los Osos. In the 
listing rule, the Service expanded the range to include the coastal 
dune and coastal sage scrub communities underlain by sandy soils near 
Morro Bay (i.e., Los Osos) (59 FR 64613, December 15, 1994). Based on 
known species occurrences and soil associations, we used the presence 
of Baywood Fine Sand soils and small areas of Dune Land soils to 
determine distribution. We currently estimate the distribution for the 
Morro shoulderband snail to be approximately 2,638 hectares (ha) (6,520 
acres (ac)) located in and around the community of Los Osos/Baywood 
Park and City of Morro Bay (Figure 1). At the time of listing, we 
estimated that there may have been as few as several hundred 
individuals of H. walkeriana (currently, Morro shoulderband snail) 
extant. Based on the most recent surveys, thousands of Morro 
shoulderband snails currently exist in this area (SWCA 2018, p. 7).
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP24JY20.004


[[Page 44825]]


    Using known species occurrence and estimated abundance along with 
the presence of suitable soil types, we identified six geographic units 
(hereafter, Population Areas) for the purpose of discussion in our SSA 
Report. These include North Morro Bay, Sand Spit, Morro Bay, East Los 
Osos, Downtown Los Osos, and South Los Osos. For a map and detailed 
description of these Population Areas, please reference the SSA Report 
(Service 2019, pp. 24-29). The level of survey effort throughout each 
of the six Population Areas comprising the distribution of the Morro 
shoulderband snail is limited and variable. For this reason, we are not 
able to make comparable estimates for species abundance. The Downtown 
and South Los Osos Population Areas have been subject to a greater 
level of survey effort associated with required monitoring for the 
installation of infrastructure to connect the community of Los Osos 
with its wastewater system. Between 2012 and 2017, more than 2,200 
individuals were found in these two Population Areas, with over 80 
percent occurring in the Downtown Los Osos area (SWCA 2018, p. 5).
    Portions of the North Morro Bay, Sand Spit, Morro Bay, East Los 
Osos, and South Los Osos Population Areas are within California 
Department of Parks and Recreation (hereafter, State Parks) ownership, 
but comprehensive surveys or monitoring have not been conducted. From 
discussions with State Parks biologists, we know Morro shoulderband 
snails are present on State Park lands in Monta[ntilde]a de Oro and 
Morro Bay State Parks and Morro Strand State Beach, portions of which 
are found within several of the Population Areas. Data on the level of 
species occupation and condition of individuals is generally lacking 
(Walgren and Andreano 2018, pers. comm.). There have been no 
comprehensive surveys for the Morro shoulderband snail conducted on the 
California Department of Fish and Wildlife's (CDFW) Morro Dunes 
Ecological Reserve (MDER); however, based on species observations and 
presence of suitable habitat, CDFW assumes the reserve contains a 
robust population of the species (CDFW in litt. 2018). While we know 
the species is present on MDER (Service files; Stafford 2018, pers. 
comm.), there is no evidence that the population is robust or that 
large numbers of individuals are present. Survey data gathered between 
2012 and 2017 in contiguous habitat of similar quality and species 
composition indicate greater Morro shoulderband snail numbers in 
disturbed habitats than in native habitats (SWCA 2018, p. 5).

Recovery and Recovery Plan Implementation

    Section 4(f) of the Act directs us to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of endangered and 
threatened species unless we determine that such a plan will not 
promote the conservation of the species. Under section 4(f)(1)(B)(ii), 
recovery plans must, to the maximum extent practicable, include: 
``Objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a 
determination, in accordance with the provisions of [section 4 of the 
Act], that the species be removed from the list.'' However, revisions 
to the list (adding, removing, or reclassifying a species) must reflect 
determinations made in accordance with sections 4(a)(1) and 4(b) of the 
Act. Section 4(a)(1) requires that the Secretary determine whether a 
species is an endangered species or a threatened species (or not) 
because of one or more of five threat factors. Section 4(b) of the Act 
requires that we make our determination ``solely on the basis of the 
best scientific and commercial data available.'' Therefore, recovery 
criteria should help indicate when we would anticipate that an analysis 
of the species' status under section 4(a)(1) would result in a 
determination that the species is no longer an endangered or threatened 
species.
    While recovery plans provide important guidance to the Service, 
States, and other partners regarding methods to minimize threats to 
listed species and measurable objectives against which to measure 
progress towards recovery, they are not regulatory documents and cannot 
substitute for the determinations and promulgation of regulations 
required under section 4(a)(1) of the Act. A decision to reclassify a 
species' status or remove it from the Federal List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife (50 CFR 17.11) is ultimately based on an analysis 
of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time. We 
use these data to determine whether a species is no longer an 
endangered species or a threatened species, regardless of whether that 
information differs from the recovery plan. Below, we summarize 
recovery plan goals for the Morro shoulderband snail and discuss 
progress made toward meeting recovery plan objectives in terms of how 
they inform our analyses of the species' status and the stressors 
affecting them.
    In 1998, we completed the Recovery Plan for the Morro Shoulderband 
Snail and Four Plants from Western San Luis Obispo County, California, 
which included recovery goals and objectives for Morro shoulderband 
snail (Recovery Plan; Service 1998, pp. 40-41). The Recovery Plan 
identified criteria for downlisting Morro shoulderband snail from an 
endangered to a threatened species and criteria for its delisting. The 
Recovery Plan identifies four Conservation Planning Areas (CPAs). These 
CPAs were designed to incorporate areas where distribution of the Morro 
shoulderband snail and three other plant species covered in the plan 
overlap; thus, they are more limited than the Population Areas for the 
Morro shoulderband snail defined in the SSA.
    Our summary analysis of downlisting and delisting criteria follows:
    The Recovery Plan states that downlisting from endangered to 
threatened can be considered when sufficient populations and suitable 
occupied habitats from all CPAs are secured and protected (Service 
1998, p. 39). These areas should be intact and relatively unfragmented 
by urban development. Snail populations must be large enough to 
minimize the short-term (next 50 years) risk of extinction on any of 
the four CPAs identified in the recovery plan, based on results of 
tasks 3.2.1.1, 3.2.1.2, and 3.2.1.3 (see below) and on at least 
preliminary results from task 4.1. The identification and survey of 
potential habitat within the snail's historic range to see if 
undiscovered populations exist is necessary to consider downlisting.
    All of CPA 1 (Morro Spit) and portions of CPAs 2, 3, and 4 (West 
Pecho, South Los Osos, and Northeast Los Osos) are largely secure under 
various ownerships and management (Service 2019, pp. 72-74). All have 
conservation easements, deed restrictions, or are managed by a 
conservation association for conservation purposes. Landowners and 
managers include the County, State Parks, CDFW, the Land Conservancy of 
San Luis Obispo County, Morro Coast Audubon Society, and the Small 
Wilderness Area Program (SWAP). Approximately 202 ha (500 ac) have been 
added to conserved lands since time of listing. This includes 56 ha 
(138 ac) of parcels purchased and transferred to the California 
Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR) or CDFW managed for 
conservation purposes and 141 ha (348 ac) with conservation easement or 
deed restriction managed for conservation purposes. Overall, 85 percent 
(approximately (1,457 ha (3,600 ac)) of CPAs are now conserved. 
However, a lack of funding precludes adequate threats management on 
most of these lands (Service 2019, p. 53).

[[Page 44826]]

    Recovery Task 3.2.1.1 is to determine if brown garden snail (Cornu 
aspersum [formerly Helix aspersa]) is a competitive threat to the Morro 
shoulderband snail. Since the time of listing, we found that the Morro 
shoulderband snails feed primarily on dead plant materials and the 
brown garden snail consumes live plant materials, so competition 
between these species is likely minimal (Service 2019, p. 75). Task 
3.2.1.2 involves the study of habitat use and life-history needs of the 
Morro shoulderband snail. Monitoring and habitat restoration activities 
conducted in association with the construction of a sewer system in the 
community of Los Osos have generated substantial new information on the 
diversity of habitats in which the species can occur and numbers of 
individuals present. We also have new information based upon anecdotal 
observations and surveys conducted in association with proposed 
development in the Los Osos area (Service 2019, pp. 28-30). Task 
3.2.1.3 is to identify Morro shoulderband snail parasites and determine 
if parasitism rates are threatening populations. At the time of 
listing, parasitism was identified as a threat to the species, based on 
observations of vacant sarcophagid fly puparia within empty subadult 
shells (59 FR 64613, 64619; December 15, 1994). Since the time of 
listing, there has been an increase in snail observations, but there 
has not been a corresponding increase in sarcophagid fly pupae 
infestations of snails. There are a few species in this fly family that 
have been documented to eat live material (Walgren 2003, pp. 108-114; 
USFWS 2006, p. 7). While there have been no specific studies on the 
potential threats to the snail from these sarcophagid flies, the 
majority of flies in this family do not eat live organisms; thus, we 
conclude that the flies do not pose a threat to the species (Service 
2006, p. 13). Therefore, the best available current evidence does not 
indicate that parasitism is a threat to the species.
    Finally, Task 4.1 is to monitor populations to document population 
dynamics and cycles to ascertain trends. There has been no systematic 
monitoring conducted to provide data that would allow for trend 
analysis. However, based on the most recent surveys, thousands of Morro 
shoulderband snails were detected across its range, as compared to 
hundreds known at the time of listing (Service 2018, pp. 28-30; SWCA 
2018, p. 5; Walgren and Andreano 2018, pers. comm.). Therefore, though 
we do not have specific trend data, we conclude that we have still met 
the intent of this criterion.
    Delisting can be considered when habitats from all CPAs (and any 
newly located populations) are successfully managed to maintain the 
desired community structure and are secured from threats of 
development, invasion of nonnative plants, structural changes due to 
senescence of dune vegetation, recreational use, pesticides (including 
slug and snail baits), parasites, and competition or predation from 
nonnative snail species. The outcomes of recovery tasks must result in 
a low medium-to-long-term risk of extinction from any of the four CPAs 
(Service 1998, p. 40).
    Our analyses in the SSA Report indicate that the current viability 
of Morro shoulderband snail has improved to some degree since the time 
of listing due to concerted conservation efforts, predominantly in the 
form of land acquisition, and substantially more individuals than 
previously thought. Based on our future scenario analyses, the species 
is still at risk in the future due to the potential for development and 
because the level of continued conservation efforts and habitat 
management is uncertain. Currently and into the future, habitat loss 
due to development and habitat degradation, predominantly from invasive 
plant species, remain threats to the Morro shoulderband snail.
    To improve habitat for the species, the Morro Coast Audubon Society 
has a dedicated volunteer work force to target removal of invasive 
nonnative plant species who remove Ehrharta calycina (perennial veldt 
grass) and Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) seedlings at their Sweet 
Springs Preserve (outside of any CPA) under the direction of a Recovery 
Action Plan. The Los Osos/Morro Bay Chapter of SWAP does the same for 
the Elfin Forest Reserve in CPA 4. State Parks staff annually 
prioritize areas for invasive species treatment on a case-by-case 
basis. When funding is available, they implement actions to control 
invasive species in Monta[ntilde]a de Oro State Park, Morro Strand 
State Beach, Morro Bay State Park, and Los Osos Oaks Preserve (CPAs 1 
and 2, portions of 3 and 4, and Area A). Identified invasive species 
prioritized for removal include E. calycina, Conicosia pugioniformis 
(narrowleaf iceplant), Emex spinosa (devil's thorn), Cortaderia 
species, and Eucalyptus species because they are the most invasive and 
conspicuous in the landscape.
    Lack of funding precludes most State of California resource 
agencies (e.g., State Parks and CDFW) from implementing invasive 
species control programs on lands where these species are present. 
State Parks staff have conducted limited prescribed burns and proposed 
additional prescribed burns to improve the quality of coastal dune 
scrub and central maritime chaparral and their constituent species 
within their park units. Fires typically kill snails, but if properly 
applied in small areas to create a mosaic of varying stand ages for 
coastal dune scrub and central maritime chaparral, such burns could 
improve the quality of these habitats for Morro shoulderband snail in 
the long term. Previous threats to habitat resulting from illegal off-
road vehicle activities are largely controlled; however, illegal trail 
development and use by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 
negatively affects habitat for Morro shoulderband snails by increasing 
erosion, reducing native plant cover, and facilitating further invasion 
by nonnative plant species (Service 2018, pp. 75-76).
    Based on the Recovery Plan and our SSA Report, we conclude that the 
status of the Morro shoulderband snail has improved throughout its 
range from the significant preservation or conservation of habitat once 
at risk of development, along with land use decisions and management 
activities undertaken by the County of San Luis Obispo (County) and 
landowners since the time of listing. The SSA Report contains an 
accounting of known conservation and management efforts (Service 2019, 
pp. 23-24). Overall, our analysis indicates that the intent of the 
downlisting criteria for the Morro shoulderband snail has been met; 
however, delisting criteria have not yet been achieved.

Regulatory and Analytical Framework

Regulatory Framework

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species is an ``endangered species'' or a ``threatened 
species.'' The Act defines an endangered species as a species that is 
``in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range,'' and a threatened species as a species that is ``likely to 
become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout 
all or a significant portion of its range.'' The Act requires that we 
determine whether any species is an ``endangered species'' or a 
``threatened species'' because of any of the following factors:
    (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;

[[Page 44827]]

    (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.
    These factors represent broad categories of natural or human-caused 
actions or conditions that could have an effect on a species' continued 
existence. In evaluating these actions and conditions, we look for 
those that may have a negative effect on individuals of the species, as 
well as other actions or conditions that may ameliorate any negative 
effects or may have positive effects. We consider these same five 
factors in reclassifying a species from endangered to threatened (50 
CFR 424.11(c)-(e)).
    We use the term ``threat'' to refer in general to actions or 
conditions that are known to or are reasonably likely to negatively 
affect individuals of a species. The term ``threat'' includes actions 
or conditions that have a direct impact on individuals (direct 
impacts), as well as those that affect individuals through alteration 
of their habitat or required resources (stressors). The term ``threat'' 
may encompass--either together or separately--the source of the action 
or condition or the action or condition itself.
    However, the mere identification of any threat(s) does not 
necessarily mean that the species meets the statutory definition of an 
``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species.'' In determining 
whether a species meets either definition, we must evaluate all 
identified threats by considering the species' expected response and 
the effects of the threats--in light of those actions and conditions 
that will ameliorate the threats--on an individual, population, and 
species level. We evaluate each threat and its expected effects on the 
species, then analyze the cumulative effect of all of the threats on 
the species as a whole. We also consider the cumulative effect of the 
threats in light of those actions and conditions that will have 
positive effects on the species--such as any existing regulatory 
mechanisms or conservation efforts. The Secretary determines whether 
the species meets the definition of an ``endangered species'' or a 
``threatened species'' only after conducting this cumulative analysis 
and describing the expected effect on the species now and in the 
foreseeable future.
    The Act does not define the term ``foreseeable future,'' which 
appears in the statutory definition of ``threatened species.'' Our 
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.11(d) set forth a framework for 
evaluating the foreseeable future on a case-by-case basis. The term 
foreseeable future extends only so far into the future as we can 
reasonably determine that both the future threats and the species' 
responses to those threats are likely. In other words, the foreseeable 
future is the period of time in which we can make reliable predictions. 
``Reliable'' does not mean ``certain''; it means sufficient to provide 
a reasonable degree of confidence in the prediction. Thus, a prediction 
is reliable if it is reasonable to depend on it when making decisions.
    It is not always possible or necessary to define foreseeable future 
as a particular number of years. Analysis of the foreseeable future 
uses the best scientific and commercial data available and should 
consider the timeframes applicable to the relevant threats and to the 
species' likely responses to those threats in view of its life-history 
characteristics. Data that are typically relevant to assessing the 
species' biological response include species-specific factors such as 
lifespan, reproductive rates or productivity, certain behaviors, and 
other demographic factors.

Analytical Framework

    The SSA report documents the results of our comprehensive 
biological review of the best scientific and commercial data regarding 
the status of the species, including an assessment of the potential 
threats to the species. The SSA report does not represent our decision 
on whether the species should be reclassified as a threatened species 
under the Act. It does, however, provide the scientific basis that 
informs our regulatory decisions, which involve the further application 
of standards within the Act and its implementing regulations and 
policies. The following is a summary of the key results and conclusions 
from the SSA report; the full SSA report can be found at Docket FWS-R8-
ES-2019-0025 on http://www.regulations.gov.
    To assess Morro shoulderband snail viability, we used the three 
conservation biology principles of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation (Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 306-310). Briefly, 
resiliency supports the ability of the species to withstand 
environmental and demographic stochasticity (for example, wet or dry, 
warm or cold years); redundancy supports the ability of the species to 
withstand catastrophic events (for example, droughts, large pollution 
events); and representation supports the ability of the species to 
adapt over time to long-term changes in the environment (for example, 
climate changes). In general, the more resilient and redundant a 
species is and the more representation it has, the more likely it is to 
sustain populations over time, even under changing environmental 
conditions. Using these principles, we identified the species' 
ecological requirements for survival and reproduction at the 
individual, population, and species levels, and described the 
beneficial and risk factors influencing the species' viability.
    The SSA process can be categorized into three sequential stages. 
During the first stage, we evaluated individual species' life-history 
needs. The next stage involved an assessment of the historical and 
current condition of the species' demographics and habitat 
characteristics, including an explanation of how the species arrived at 
its current condition. The final stage of the SSA involved making 
predictions about the species' responses to positive and negative 
environmental and anthropogenic influences. Throughout all of these 
stages, we used the best available information to characterize 
viability as the ability of a species to sustain populations in the 
wild over time. We use this information to inform our regulatory 
decision.

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

    In this section, we review the biological condition of the species 
and its resources, and the threats that influence the species' current 
and future condition, in order to assess the species' overall viability 
and the risks to that viability.
    We reviewed the potential threats that could be affecting Morro 
shoulderband snails now and in the future. In this proposed rule, we 
discuss in detail only those factors that could meaningfully affect the 
status of the species. At the time of listing, we identified urban 
development and other anthropogenic activities such as recreation, 
grazing, and utility construction as threats to the Morro shoulderband 
snail (59 FR 64613, December 15, 1994). In the SSA Report (Service 
2019, pp. 21-64), we reviewed four potential threats that could be 
affecting the Morro shoulderband snail in the current conditions 
section (development, agriculture, vegetation management, and 
predation), and those threats and two others (wildfire, invasive 
species) in the future conditions section. The primary risk factors 
affecting the Morro shoulderband snail are the present and threatened 
modification or destruction of its habitat from development,

[[Page 44828]]

wildfire, and invasive plant species (Factor A), as well as effects to 
its life cycle from changing climate conditions (Factor E). We also 
considered the effect of existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D) on 
the magnitude of threats. Additional threats affecting the species' 
habitat include agriculture (Factor A) and vegetation management 
(Factor A), and threats affecting the species include predation (Factor 
C); however, we have determined that these threats have little to no 
impact on species viability. We also analyzed the threat of collection 
(Factor B). At the time of listing, we stated that the taxonomic 
distinctiveness of the Morro shoulderband snail made it vulnerable to 
recreational or scientific collectors. Since the time of listing, 
however, we are not aware of specific collection activities for 
recreational or scientific purposes.

Development

    At the time of listing, development was identified as one of the 
main threats impacting the Morro shoulderband snail. Human development 
consists of converting the landscape into residential, commercial, 
industrial, and recreational features, with associated infrastructure 
such as roads. Converting the landscape into development not only 
removes individual Morro shoulderband snails but also removes their 
habitat, thereby reducing the space available for the species to 
inhabit and functionally lowering carrying capacity. In addition, 
development results in indirect effects by fragmenting the habitat and 
creating edge effects, such as increased vulnerability to desiccation, 
fire, and predation. The effects of development on the Morro 
shoulderband snail are predicated upon several factors (e.g., how the 
City and County of San Luis Obispo revise and implement their 
respective general plans, the economy, water availability).
    However, as detailed in the SSA, conservation actions have been 
undertaken since the time of listing to reduce the threat of 
development (Service 2018, pp. 24-25). Approximately 202 ha (500 ac) of 
Morro shoulderband snail habitat have been conserved since the time of 
listing. This includes 56 ha (138 ac) of parcels purchased and 
transferred to the CDPR or CDFW and 141 ha (348 ac) with conservation 
easement or deed restriction; all of these areas are managed for 
conservation purposes. Overall, 85 percent (approximately (1,457 ha 
(3,600 ac)) of CPAs are now protected from development. Although most 
lands within its distribution outside of CPAs are not under formal or 
legal protection as open space or conservation easements, many are 
protected as part of a State Park, State of California ecological 
reserve, or parcels set aside specifically to conserve and enhance 
natural resource values. For example, the County of San Luis Obispo's 
Broderson and Midtown parcels are both protected through deed 
restrictions that preclude development other than that which would 
enhance habitat that supports Morro shoulderband snails. With increased 
conserved lands the threat of development has been reduced since the 
time of listing, but some potential impacts remain that could result in 
the loss of populations and thus the loss of representation and 
redundancy across the species' range. For example, large portions of 
the East Los Osos and Downtown Los Osos Population Areas consist 
predominantly of public and private land parcels zoned for development. 
Apart from the protections afforded by the Act, the existing regulatory 
mechanisms do not address the impacts of development on the Morro 
shoulderband snail.

Invasive Species

    Invasion of native habitat by nonnative plant species can reduce 
suitability for native constituent species that evolved in these 
habitats. Areas dominated by a single invasive plant species tend to 
support lower levels of animal diversity due to a reduction in 
heterogeneity as compared to the original native plant community 
(Steidl and Litt 2009, p. 57). The presence of nonnative plant species 
can also alter the abundance of native plants that serve as an 
important food source for herbivores, such as snails. Invasive plant 
species can increase vegetative cover and reduce space between native 
plant species in native communities. Invasive plant species can change 
fuel properties in native habitats, which can then affect fire behavior 
and alter fire regime characteristics such as frequency, severity, 
extent, type, and seasonality (Brooks et al. 2004, entire). In coastal 
dune scrub and maritime chaparral, native communities that typically 
support a sparse understory, invasive grasses, such as perennial veldt 
grass, can serve as ladder fuel to carry fire into these communities. 
Fires can also create an opportunity for invasive plant species to 
expand their local distributions and dominance (Brooks and Lusk 2008, 
p. 9).
    While once thought to be largely restricted to native coastal scrub 
communities underlain by sandy soils, Morro shoulderband snails are 
known to persist, at least in the short term, in disturbed areas and 
those dominated by nonnative species (e.g., perennial veldt grass, ice 
plant) (SWCA 2018, p. 5). Biologists and land planners typically 
classify these areas as ruderal or ``disturbed'' and, as such, discount 
them in terms of their conservation value. Ruderal, disturbed, and 
nonnative grassland habitats are, therefore, subject to mowing, 
herbicide use, development, and other uses that put individual Morro 
shoulderband snails in these areas at a greater risk of injury or 
mortality than those found in native habitat.
    Currently, three of the six Population Areas that support the Morro 
shoulderband snail are in moderate- or low-quality habitat, with 
impacts from nonnative species (Service 2019, pp. 37-38). Habitat in 
these areas is either somewhat degraded (one Population Area) (9.5 
percent of species distribution) or highly degraded and fragmented (two 
Population Areas) (38.3 percent of species distribution).
    Both the Morro Coast Audubon Society and SWAP conduct activities to 
improve habitat quality for the Morro shoulderband snail and other 
coastal dune scrub species on lands conserved and protected under their 
ownership and/or management (Sweet Springs Nature Preserve and Elfin 
Forest, respectively). These actions focus primarily on the removal of 
exotic plant species (perennial veldt grass, iceplant), restoration of 
coastal dune scrub, and erosion control. The CDPR also conducts similar 
activities on its lands (i.e., Monta[ntilde]a de Oro and Morro Bay 
State Parks and Morro Strand State Beach). The County of San Luis 
Obispo owns two large parcels in Los Osos, Broderson and Mid-Town, that 
support coastal dune scrub and, to a lesser extent, central maritime 
chaparral. Management actions on both parcels focus on the restoration 
and enhancement of habitat for the Morro shoulderband snail (KMA 2017, 
entire; County of San Luis Obispo 2017, entire). The Land Conservancy 
of San Luis Obispo County recently purchased approximately 5.7 ha (14 
ac) adjacent to the Morro Coast Audubon Society Sweet Springs Preserve. 
They plan to enhance habitat quality for coastal dune scrub species, 
including Morro shoulderband snail, before transferring these lands to 
Morro Coast Audubon Society ownership and management (Theobald 2017, 
pers. comm.). Overall, while these conservation measures have decreased 
the overall impact of invasive plant species, degradation of native 
habitats from those species is ongoing. Apart from the protections 
afforded by the Act, the existing regulatory mechanisms

[[Page 44829]]

do not address the impact of invasive species.

Wildfire

    Morro shoulderband snails evolved in a fire-adapted landscape 
dominated by coastal dune scrub and maritime chaparral. Exposure to 
fire can result in individual mortality; however, an evolutionary 
strategy has enabled the species to persist in these habitats. Theories 
related to the nature of fire history in California shrublands are 
complicated and varied (Goforth and Minnich 2007, p. 779). In the range 
of the Morro shoulderband snail, the ``natural'' condition was one of 
frequent, small fires that fragmented the landscape into a fine-grained 
mosaic of age classes that precluded large, catastrophic fires (Minnich 
and Chou 1997, p. 244). In this type of situation, areas of unburned 
coastal dune scrub and central maritime chaparral would serve as 
refugia for individual snails that could then recolonize areas as the 
fire-adapted plant communities reestablished.
    We consider an increase in wildfire frequency and/or intensity 
associated with continued climate change to be a plausible in the 
future within the range of the Morro shoulderband snail (Service 2019, 
entire). A landscape-level or more severe fire event would constitute a 
threat to the species due to its very limited distribution. This type 
of fire could leave little in the way of habitat to serve as native 
refugia and result in a substantial amount of individual mortality, 
increasing the likelihood of local population extirpation. Absent 
individuals in nearby habitat to recolonize burned areas as habitat 
reestablishes, large-scale fire could result in a reduction in the 
overall distribution of the species, and thus loss of redundancy and 
representation. The existing regulatory mechanisms do not address the 
impact of wildfire on the Morro shoulderband snail or its habitat.

Climate Change

    Climate change is likely to affect many terrestrial gastropod 
populations in California, including the Morro shoulderband snail. 
Species with small geographic ranges are particularly vulnerable to 
extinction due to the effects of climate change (Allan et al. 2005, p. 
284). In the range of the Morro shoulderband snail, climate change may 
result in both droughts and localized flood events from heavy rainfall. 
In the future, extreme storm events may increase in severity beyond 
historic levels of intensity with potential to increase flood risks in 
California (Dettinger 2011, pp. 521-522). Future estimates of changes 
in temperature and precipitation patterns in California by the 2060s 
based on downscaled climate models show that the historically maximum 
July temperatures are likely to increase and heat waves may span longer 
durations (Pierce et al. 2013, entire).
    The increased frequency of protracted drought events predicted in 
California is likely to result in higher mortality during prolonged 
periods of seasonal aestivation, particularly among smaller individuals 
in the population (van der Laan 1975b, p. 364). Higher levels of egg 
mortality from desiccation are expected. Warmer temperatures and 
greatly reduced wet season precipitation during prolonged multiyear 
drought events also increase stress on vegetation (Coates et al. 2015, 
p. 14277) and may limit time for feeding and breeding in the Morro 
shoulderband snail. Coastal sage scrub communities had the highest 
seasonal variability in terms of the relative amount of ground covered 
by green vegetation during the drought years of 2013-2014 (Coates et 
al. 2015, p. 14283). Coastal sage scrub plant species also had the 
highest land surface temperature values of the communities analyzed, 
likely resulting from lower vegetation cover, lower evapotranspiration, 
and south-facing slopes typical of coastal sage scrub communities 
(Coates et al. 2015, p. 14284). These effects of prolonged drought 
reduce the value and quality of sheltering habitat as well as food 
availability within the primary plant community associated with the 
Morro shoulderband snail. Combined with impacts from wildfire, invasive 
species, and development, the negative effects of climate change on 
growth and reproduction are likely to result in decreased population 
abundance and increased vulnerability to local extirpation into the 
future.

Summary of Threats

    We examined the effects of threats affecting the Morro shoulderband 
snail and its habitat; we now summarize these threats and their 
cumulative effects on the species. Currently, the species and its 
habitat are being impacted by development, invasive nonnative plants, 
wildfire, and effects associated with climate change. Along with a 
decrease in habitat quality due to increased temperatures and increased 
frequency of droughts, the effects of climate change may also 
exacerbate low population size and fragmented habitats, resulting in 
increased risk of extirpation. The effects of climate change will also 
combine with the effects of development, wildfire, and invasive species 
to exacerbate habitat loss and mortality of individuals. However, the 
magnitude of threats has decreased since the time of listing, and 
conservation actions have addressed impacts from development and 
nonnative plants. Still, the species' low abundance and fragmented 
habitat mean it is vulnerable to threats into the future, including 
potential extirpation of Population Areas by wildfire.

Current and Potential Future Condition

    We assessed the viability of the Morro shoulderband snail by 
evaluating its ability to maintain a sufficient number and distribution 
of healthy populations in order to maintain resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation. We analyzed threats to the species and ongoing 
conservation actions by incorporating the effects of development, 
invasive species, wildfire, and changing climate conditions into our 
analyses of resiliency, representation, and redundancy.
    For the Morro shoulderband snail to maintain viability, its 
populations, or some portion thereof, need to be resilient to 
stochastic events. Resiliency is measured by the size and growth rate 
of each population, which influence the likelihood that the populations 
comprising a species are able to withstand or bounce back from 
environmental or demographic stochastic events. We evaluated variables 
influencing the ability of the Morro shoulderband snail to withstand 
stochastic events by Population Area, including abundance (as 
available); distribution of individuals; habitat quality and 
configuration; and the likelihood that suitable habitat would persist 
into the future. To determine habitat quality and configuration in each 
Population Area, we evaluated its context in the overall landscape 
relative to fragmentation and whether one or more of those primary 
constituent elements identified for critical habitat designated in 2001 
(66 FR 9233, February 7, 2001) are present. Primary constituent 
elements for this species include the following physical or biological 
features: Sand or sandy soil needed for reproduction; a slope not 
greater than 10 percent to facilitate movement of individuals; and 
native coastal dune scrub vegetation. To determine the likelihood that 
suitable habitat will persist into the future, we evaluated the 
proportion of protected habitat in each Population Area. We then 
created an overall current condition for each Population Area based on 
these three variables.

[[Page 44830]]

    Based on overall current condition, we then forecasted the 
condition of these variables into the future for 30 years under three 
different scenarios. The three future scenarios attempt to encompass 
the range of plausible possibilities for each Population Area over the 
next 30 years. To forecast climate change impacts, we relied on 
scientific papers (Dettinger 2011, entire; Pierce et al. 2013, entire) 
that incorporated multi-model ensembles and downscaled regional climate 
projections that examine key characteristics relating to the Morro 
shoulderband snail, such as summer temperatures and seasonal changes in 
precipitation.
    First, we forecasted the condition of each Population Area under 
the status quo, with continued climate change effects, all existing 
threats continuing at their current level, and no additional 
conservation efforts for the species (Status Quo). Second, we 
forecasted the condition of each Population Area under implementation 
of the LOHCP, a draft regional Habitat Conservation Plan that proposes 
the Morro shoulderband snail as a covered species, against a backdrop 
of continued climate change effects (Limited Conservation). In this 
scenario, the LOHCP consolidates the threat of development to one 
Population Area, while other existing threats continue at their current 
level. Finally, we forecasted implementation of the LOHCP, active 
management for the Morro shoulderband snail within existing protected 
but generally unmanaged lands, and additional habitat protection 
through acquisition and subsequent management (Major Conservation), 
again against a backdrop of continued climate change. This scenario 
includes decreased threats due to development and invasive plant 
species, as well as conservation benefits from habitat restoration.

    Table 1--Summary of Morro Shoulderband Snail Resiliency: Current and Future Conditions by Population Area
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           Future scenario:
         Population area           Current condition   Future scenario:         limited        Future scenario:
                                                          status quo         conservation     major conservation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Morro Bay.................  Moderate..........  Moderate..........  Moderate..........  High
Sand Spit.......................  High..............  Moderate..........  Moderate..........  High
Morro Bay.......................  Low...............  Low...............  Low...............  Low
East Los Osos...................  Moderate..........  Low...............  Low...............  Moderate
Downtown Los Osos...............  Moderate..........  Low...............  Low...............  Low
South Los Osos..................  High..............  Moderate..........  High..............  High
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Maintaining representation of healthy populations across the 
diversity of habitat types or ecological gradients within the 
distribution of Morro shoulderband snail will likely conserve the 
relevant genetic diversity and adaptive capacity associated with 
individual persistence across these habitat types. Currently, there is 
species representation in all of six Population Areas; however, changes 
under future scenarios could put individuals in some Population Areas 
at greater risk of extirpation, resulting in a potential loss of 
representation and leaving the species extant only in the periphery of 
its range.
    The Morro shoulderband snail needs multiple resilient Population 
Areas distributed throughout its extremely limited distribution to 
provide for redundancy. Historically, based on the mapping of Baywood 
Fine Sand soils, it is likely that habitat was once well-distributed 
throughout the species' range. Development now primarily separates 
these Population Areas. Low resiliency and disconnected Population 
Areas, currently and in the future, suggest that stochastic events 
could increase species vulnerability to loss of redundancy and could 
increase the risk of loss of Population Areas, which would then 
diminish species redundancy. An overall decrease in the condition of 
Population Areas in two of the three future scenarios suggests a 
potential compromised redundancy and, therefore, risk of extirpation 
from catastrophic events in the future, unless major conservation 
actions are undertaken. Prolonged and/or more intensive drought, 
increased wildfire frequency and/or intensity, and localized flooding 
are those events that could affect the Morro shoulderband snail at the 
catastrophic scale.
    The resiliency of Morro shoulderband snail Population Areas within 
its distribution has changed over time due to loss, degradation, and/or 
fragmentation of native habitat. Currently, we consider two Population 
Areas (Sand Spit and South Los Osos) to have a high level of 
resiliency, three Population Areas (North Morro Bay, East Los Osos, 
Downtown Los Osos) to have moderate resiliency, and one Population Area 
(Morro Bay) to have a low resiliency. It is not likely that loss of 
this Population Area would affect species representation across the 
remaining portion of range as current numbers of individuals in this 
Population Area are very low, and it is generally isolated from the 
other five Population Areas. Regarding redundancy, we consider those 
Population Areas with low or moderate resiliencies to be at a greater 
risk of local extirpation, which has the potential to decrease overall 
species redundancy.
    Our analyses indicate that the current viability of the Morro 
shoulderband snail has likely improved to some degree since the time of 
listing due to implementation of conservation efforts, predominantly 
through protection of habitat through conservation easement, deed 
restriction, or management for conservation purposes. Additionally, 
there are substantially more individuals than thought at the time of 
listing.
    Overall, we anticipate that the viability of the species will 
decline in the future under two of the three scenarios: Status Quo and 
Limited Conservation. Under the Status Quo scenario, resiliency of the 
North Morro Bay and Morro Bay Population Areas would remain moderate 
and low, respectively, while all other Population Areas would be 
expected to experience decreased resiliency. Under the Status Quo 
scenario, half of the Population Areas are projected to be in the low 
resiliency category. Under the Limited Conservation scenario, 
resilience of the North Morro Bay, Morro Bay, and South Los Osos 
Population Areas would remain unchanged. The South Los Osos Population 
Area is where the majority of the conservation strategy for the LOHCP 
would occur. Only in the Major Conservation scenario does resiliency 
remain the same or improve, with the exception of Downtown Los Osos, 
where we anticipate the majority of development would occur as part of 
LOHCP implementation. For redundancy, an overall decrease in the

[[Page 44831]]

condition of Population Areas in two of the three future scenarios 
suggests those low-condition populations are at risk of being lost and, 
therefore, that there could be decreased species redundancy. Against a 
backdrop of increased climate change effects expected to result in 
prolonged and/or more intensive droughts, increased wildfire frequency 
and/or intensity, and localized flooding events, risk of extirpation 
could increase with decreased species redundancy.

Determination of Morro Shoulderband Snail Status

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species meets the definition of an endangered species or a 
threatened species. The Act defines an ``endangered species'' as a 
species ``in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant 
portion of its range,'' and a ``threatened species'' as a species 
``likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range.'' The Act 
requires that we determine whether a species meets the definition of 
``endangered species'' or ``threatened species'' because of any of the 
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.

Status Throughout All of Its Range

    We evaluated threats to the species and assessed the cumulative 
effect of the threats under the section 4(a)(1) factors. This included 
an examination of the best scientific and commercial information 
available regarding the past, present, and future threats faced by the 
species, as well as information presented in the 2006 5-year review 
(Service 2006, entire), additional information available since it was 
completed, and other available published and unpublished information. 
We also consulted with species experts and land management staff who 
are actively managing habitat for the conservation of the Morro 
shoulderband snail.
    The primary risk factors affecting Morro shoulderband snails are 
the present and threatened modification or destruction of its habitat 
from development (Factor A), wildfire (Factor A), and invasive species 
(Factor A), as well as effects to its life cycle from changing climate 
conditions (Factor E). We also considered the threat of collection 
(Factor B) and examined whether there were any existing regulatory 
mechanisms (Factor D) addressing ongoing threats. Additional threats to 
the species include agriculture and vegetation management (Factor A) 
and predation (Factor C) (Service 2019, pp. 21-45).
    Threats influencing the viability of Morro shoulderband snail 
populations at the time of listing were urban development, off-road 
vehicle activity, nonnative vegetation (referred to as invasive species 
in this proposed rule), parasitoids (an insect whose larvae live as 
parasites that eventually kill their hosts), and competition from brown 
garden snails, all of which were exacerbated by effects associated with 
small population size and drought conditions (59 FR 64613, December 15, 
1994). Since the time of listing, we have determined that some of these 
threats are no longer affecting the species, particularly off-road 
vehicle activity, brown garden snails, parasitoids, and controlled 
burns (Service 2006, pp. 11-15). Our current analysis indicates that 
the remaining threats identified at the time of listing have been 
reduced in magnitude, and that overall the level of impacts to Morro 
shoulderband snail and its habitat that placed the species in danger of 
extinction in 1994 have been substantially reduced. These reductions 
have occurred predominantly because of significant protection of lands 
at risk of development and surveys indicating that population numbers 
now occur in the thousands rather than the hundreds. However, threats 
are still impacting the species and its habitat, and new threats have 
been identified since the time of listing.
    Of the factors identified above, habitat loss and degradation from 
fragmentation associated with development and invasive plant species 
(Factor A), wildfire (Factor A), and effects to the Morro shoulderband 
snail life cycle from changing climate conditions (Factor E) are the 
most significant threats to the species currently and into the 
foreseeable future. Conservation actions have decreased the magnitude 
of impacts from nonnative invasive plant species; however, degradation 
of native habitats by these species is ongoing. Apart from the 
protections afforded by the Act, no regulatory mechanisms are 
addressing the threats impacting the species and its habitat.
    We considered plausible future conditions for the Morro 
shoulderband snail to evaluate the status of the species into the 
future. Under the status quo, the species would lose resiliency due to 
continued threats of habitat loss, decreasing habitat quality due to 
invasive species and drought, and increased wildfire frequency and 
intensity. These effects will increase into the future, putting some 
Population Areas at risk of extirpation. Major conservation efforts, 
including implementation of the Los Osos Habitat Conservation Plan 
conservation program, active management within currently protected but 
generally unmanaged lands throughout the distribution of the species, 
and additional habitat protection through acquisition and subsequent 
management, could help ameliorate some of these threats in the future; 
however, this level of conservation is not guaranteed to be 
implemented.
    After our review and analysis of threats as they relate to the five 
statutory factors, we find that this information does not indicate that 
these threats are affecting individual populations of Morro 
shoulderband snail or the species as a whole across its range to the 
extent that they currently are of sufficient imminence, scope, or 
magnitude to rise to the level that the species is presently in danger 
of extinction throughout all of its range. However, while numbers of 
individuals across the majority of its range are greater now than at 
the time of listing, the species remains negatively affected by 
continued and future threats and inadequate resource needs across much 
of its range.
    The best available information indicates there are continued 
population- and range-wide-level impacts to Morro shoulderband snails 
despite beneficial conservation efforts in several of the Population 
Areas that have reduced the magnitude of development. Specifically, 
Morro shoulderband snail populations across the range continue to be 
negatively affected by effects of development and invasive nonnative 
plant species, though at a lower level than at the time of listing. 
However, in the foreseeable future, available information also 
indicates increasing temperatures and reductions in the amount of 
annual rainfall associated with climate change will likely result in 
prolonged drought conditions that negatively influence Morro 
shoulderband snail abundance in the future, along with increasing 
frequency and intensity of wildfires. These effects will combine with 
the ongoing low-grade impacts of development and invasive plants such 
that the species is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable 
future.
    Thus, after assessing the best available information, we determine 
that the Morro shoulderband snail is not

[[Page 44832]]

currently in danger of extinction, but is likely to become in danger of 
extinction within the foreseeable future, throughout all of its range.

Status Throughout a Significant Portion of the Range

    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range. The court in Center for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 
2020 WL 437289 (D.D.C. Jan. 28, 2020) (Everson), vacated the aspect of 
the 2014 Significant Portion of its Range Policy that provided that the 
Services do not undertake an analysis of significant portions of a 
species' range if the species warrants listing as threatened throughout 
all of its range. Therefore, we proceed to evaluating whether the 
species is endangered in a significant portion of its range--that is, 
whether there is any portion of the species' range for which both (1) 
the portion is significant; and, (2) the species is in danger of 
extinction in that portion. Depending on the case, it might be more 
efficient for us to address the ``significance'' question or the 
``status'' question first. We can choose to address either question 
first. Regardless of which question we address first, if we reach a 
negative answer with respect to the first question that we address, we 
do not need to evaluate the other question for that portion of the 
species' range.
    Following the court's holding in Everson, we now consider whether 
there are any significant portions of the species' range where the 
species is in danger of extinction now (i.e., endangered). In 
undertaking this analysis for the Morro shoulderband snail, we choose 
to address the status question first--we consider information 
pertaining to the geographic distribution of both the species and the 
threats that the species faces to identify any portions of the range 
where the species is endangered.
    For the Morro shoulderband snail, we considered whether the threats 
are geographically concentrated in any portion of the species' range at 
a biologically meaningful scale. We examined the following threats: 
Development; invasive species; wildfire; climate change; collection; 
agriculture and vegetation management; and predation; including 
cumulative effects. Threats do occur at different magnitudes across the 
range of the Morro shoulderband snail. For example, the East Los Osos 
and Downtown Los Osos population areas are at higher risk of 
development than other areas. Other population areas are at higher risk 
of fire, such as South Los Osos and Sand Spit. However, there is no 
population area with a significantly higher magnitude of threats than 
in other areas, and the magnitude of effects in those areas is not such 
that the species is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable 
future. Thus, we found no concentration of threats in any portion of 
the Morro shoulderband snail's range at a biologically meaningful 
scale. Thus, there are no portions of the species' range where the 
species has a different status from its rangewide status. Therefore, no 
portion of the species' range provides a basis for determining that the 
species is in danger of extinction in a significant portion of its 
range, and we determine that the species is likely to become in danger 
of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all of its 
range. This is consistent with the courts' holdings in Desert Survivors 
v. Department of the Interior, No. 16-cv-01165-JCS, 2018 WL 4053447 
(N.D. Cal. Aug. 24, 2018), and Center for Biological Diversity v. 
Jewell, 248 F. Supp. 3d, 946, 959 (D. Ariz. 2017).

Determination of Status

    Our review of the best available scientific and commercial 
information indicates that the Morro shoulderband snail meets the 
definition of a threatened species. Therefore, we propose to reclassify 
the Morro shoulderband snail as a threatened species in accordance with 
sections 3(20) and 4(a)(1) of the Act.

Proposed Rule Issued Under Section 4(d) of the Act

Background

    Section 4(d) of the Act contains two sentences. The first sentence 
states that the ``Secretary shall issue such regulations as he deems 
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation'' of species 
listed as threatened. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted that statutory 
language like ``necessary and advisable'' demonstrates a large degree 
of deference to the agency (see Webster v. Doe, 486 U.S. 592 (1988)). 
Conservation is defined in the Act to mean ``the use of all methods and 
procedures which are necessary to bring any endangered species or 
threatened species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant 
to [the Act] are no longer necessary.'' Additionally, the second 
sentence of section 4(d) of the Act states that the Secretary ``may by 
regulation prohibit with respect to any threatened species any act 
prohibited under section 9(a)(1), in the case of fish or wildlife, or 
section 9(a)(2), in the case of plants.'' Thus, the combination of the 
two sentences of section 4(d) provides the Secretary with wide latitude 
of discretion to select and promulgate appropriate regulations tailored 
to the specific conservation needs of the threatened species. The 
second sentence grants particularly broad discretion to us when 
adopting the prohibitions under section 9.
    The courts have recognized the extent of the Secretary's discretion 
under this standard to develop rules that are appropriate for the 
conservation of a species. For example, courts have upheld rules 
developed under section 4(d) as a valid exercise of agency authority 
where they prohibited take of threatened wildlife, or include a limited 
taking prohibition (see Alsea Valley Alliance v. Lautenbacher, 2007 
U.S. Dist. Lexis 60203 (D. Or. 2007); Washington Environmental Council 
v. National Marine Fisheries Service, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 5432 (W.D. 
Wash. 2002)). Courts have also upheld 4(d) rules that do not address 
all of the threats a species faces (see State of Louisiana v. Verity, 
853 F.2d 322 (5th Cir. 1988)). As noted in the legislative history when 
the Act was initially enacted, ``once an animal is on the threatened 
list, the Secretary has an almost infinite number of options available 
to him with regard to the permitted activities for those species. He 
may, for example, permit taking, but not importation of such species, 
or he may choose to forbid both taking and importation but allow the 
transportation of such species'' (H.R. Rep. No. 412, 93rd Cong., 1st 
Sess. 1973).
    Exercising this authority under section 4(d), we have developed a 
proposed rule that is designed to address the Morro shoulderband 
snail's specific threats and conservation needs. Although the statute 
does not require us to make a ``necessary and advisable'' finding with 
respect to the adoption of specific prohibitions under section 9, we 
find that this rule as a whole satisfies the requirement in section 
4(d) of the Act to issue regulations deemed necessary and advisable to 
provide for the conservation of the Morro shoulderband snail. As 
discussed under Summary of Biological Status and Threats, we have 
concluded that the Morro shoulderband snail is likely to become in 
danger of extinction within the foreseeable future primarily due to the 
ongoing impacts of development and invasive plants combined with 
projected impacts from climate change and increasing frequency and 
severity of wildfire. The provisions of this proposed 4(d) rule would 
promote

[[Page 44833]]

conservation of the Morro shoulderband snail by encouraging management 
of the landscape in ways that meet both land management considerations 
and the conservation needs of the Morro shoulderband snail. The 
provisions of this rule are one of many tools that we would use to 
promote the conservation of the Morro shoulderband snail. This proposed 
4(d) rule would apply only if and when the Service makes final the 
listing of the Morro shoulderband snail as a threatened species.

Provisions of the Proposed 4(d) Rule

    This proposed 4(d) rule would prohibit all acts described under 
section 9(a)(1) of the Act, except take resulting from the activities 
listed below when conducted within habitats occupied by the Morro 
shoulderband snail. This proposed rule to reclassify the Morro 
shoulderband snail as a threatened species discusses take of 
individuals through removal or degradation of native habitat as one of 
the reasons for its decline. It also discusses the effects of more 
frequent or increased intensity of wildfire events associated with 
climate change. The specific focus of the exceptions to this proposed 
4(d) rule is take directly associated with activities related to native 
habitat restoration and fire hazard reduction activities occurring 
within the range of the Morro shoulderband snail.
    This proposed 4(d) rule outlines exemptions from the prohibitions 
of section 9(a)(1) of the Act. These include habitat restoration 
activities in disturbed or degraded native scrub and chaparral habitats 
throughout the estimated 2,638-ha (6,520-ac) range of the Morro 
shoulderband snail and specific fire hazard reduction activities within 
the estimated range of the species.
    Habitat restoration activities improve the condition and habitat 
suitability for the Morro shoulderband snail and other constituent 
scrub and chaparral species. Habitat within the range of the species 
has been subject to degradation that has reduced its suitability for 
Morro shoulderband snail. This degradation is the result of invasion by 
nonnative plant species, particularly the perennial veldt grass 
(Ehrharta calycina), that occurs after clearing of native plant 
communities or on unmanaged lands post-fire. Perennial veldt grass and 
other nonnative grass species can serve as ladder fuels and convey 
fires originating in the wildland-urban interface into the native scrub 
and chaparral communities that surround the community of Los Osos. 
Community concern over the frequency and intensity of wildfire is 
increasing every year with the increased frequency of catastrophic 
wildfire events in California. Widespread wildfires within the range of 
Morro shoulderband snail could result in local extirpations of 
populations/occurrences of the Morro shoulderband snail and reduce or 
eliminate the ability of the species to recolonize recovering habitat 
post-fire, even with management of post-wildfire areas.
    This proposed 4(d) rule would exempt from the prohibitions in 
section 9(a)(1) of the Act incidental take resulting from any of the 
following activities when conducted within the range of the Morro 
shoulderband snail:
    (1) Native habitat restoration activities, inclusive of invasive 
and/or nonnative species removal, conducted by a conservation 
organization (e.g., the California Native Plant Society, Audubon 
Society, the Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County) pursuant to a 
Service-approved management or restoration plan.
    (2) Fire hazard reduction activities implemented by the California 
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) in accordance with 
a Service-approved plan (such as the Los Osos Community Wildfire 
Protection Plan (CWPP)) within the range of the Morro shoulderband 
snail.
    Fire hazard reduction activities implemented by CALFIRE and 
conducted in accordance with a Service-approved plan, like the Los Osos 
CWPP, on legal parcels or other non-Federal land within the range of 
the species would be exempted from take prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) 
of the Act. The CWPP was developed by the San Luis Obispo County 
Community Fire Safe Council with input from the Service and identifies 
areas that would receive a range of hazard reduction treatments within 
and adjacent to the community of Los Osos. Anticipated treatments 
include removal of downed, dead, or diseased vegetation, creation of 
shaded fuel breaks, and mowing of nonnative grassland. The CWPP 
includes measures to reduce the amount and form of take of Morro 
shoulderband snails that may be present in the treatment areas. We 
anticipate that these fire hazard reduction activities will have short-
term effects on the Morro shoulderband snail. Implementation of the 
CWPP fire hazard reduction activities would reduce the risk of 
catastrophic wildfires, which could result in local extirpations of 
Morro shoulderband snail occurrences/populations.
    We recognize the special and unique relationship with our State 
natural resource agency partners in contributing to conservation of 
listed species. State agencies often possess scientific data and 
valuable expertise on the status and distribution of endangered, 
threatened, and candidate species of wildlife and plants. State 
agencies, because of their authorities and their close working 
relationships with local governments and landowners, are in a unique 
position to assist us in implementing all aspects of the Act. In this 
regard, section 6 of the Act provides that we shall cooperate to the 
maximum extent practicable with the States in carrying out programs 
authorized by the Act. Therefore, as set forth at 17.31(b), any 
qualified employee or agent of a State conservation agency that is a 
party to a cooperative agreement with us in accordance with section 
6(c) of the Act, who is designated by his or her agency for such 
purposes, would be able to conduct activities designed to conserve the 
Morro shoulderband snail that may result in otherwise prohibited take 
without additional authorization.
    This proposed 4(d) rule would enhance conservation of the Morro 
shoulderband snail by allowing activities that would contribute to the 
recovery of the species (restoration activities) or minimize the risks 
of wildfire that could extirpate populations of Morro shoulderband 
snail (fire hazard reduction activities). We expect that take of 
individuals would be predominantly in the form of capture (and moving 
out of harm's way) of individuals identified during preactivity 
surveys; however, take in the form of accidental injury or mortality 
would also be exempted.
    Nothing in this proposed 4(d) rule would change in any way the 
recovery planning provisions of section 4(f) of the Act, the 
consultation requirements under section 7 of the Act, or our ability to 
enter into partnerships for the management and protection of the Morro 
shoulderband snail. However, interagency cooperation may be further 
streamlined through planned programmatic consultations for the species 
between us and other Federal agencies, where appropriate. We ask the 
public, particularly State agencies and other interested stakeholders 
that may be affected by the proposed 4(d) rule, to provide comments and 
suggestions regarding additional guidance and methods that we could 
provide or use, respectively, to streamline the implementation of this 
proposed 4(d) rule (see Information Requested).

Effects of This Proposed Rule

    This proposed rule would revise 50 CFR 17.11(h) to reclassify the 
Morro shoulderband snail from an endangered species to a threatened 
species on the

[[Page 44834]]

Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This 
reclassification does not substantially change the protection afforded 
to this species under the Act. Anyone taking, attempting to take, or 
otherwise possessing this species, or part thereof, in violation of 
section 9 of the Act or its implementing regulations, with the 
exceptions as outlined above, is subject to a penalty under section 11 
of the Act. Pursuant to section 7 of the Act, Federal agencies must 
still ensure that any actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are 
not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of Morro shoulderband 
snail. This proposed rule would not affect the critical habitat 
designation for the Morro shoulderband snail at 50 CFR 17.95(f).
    This proposed 4(d) rule only addresses Federal Endangered Species 
Act requirements and would not change any prohibitions provided for by 
State law. As explained above, the provisions included in this proposed 
4(d) rule are advisable to provide for the conservation of the Morro 
shoulderband snail. Nothing in this proposed 4(d) rule would change in 
any way the recovery planning provisions of section 4(f) of the Act, 
the consultation requirements under section 7 of the Act, or the 
ability of the Service to enter into partnerships for the management 
and protection of the Morro shoulderband snail.

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To help us with 
revisions to this proposed rule, your comments should be as specific as 
possible. For example, you should identify the sections or paragraphs 
that are unclear, which sections or sentences are too long, the 
sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

National Environmental Policy Act

    It is our determination that we do not need to prepare an 
environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement, as 
defined under the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 
1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), in connection with regulations adopted 
pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. We published a notice outlining 
our reasons supporting this determination in the Federal Register on 
October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this proposed rule is 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FWS-R8-ES-2019-0025, or upon request from the Field Supervisor, 
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Author

    The primary author of this proposed rule is the Ventura Fish and 
Wildlife Office, Ventura, California.

Lists of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we hereby propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of 
chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth 
below:

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, unless 
otherwise noted.

0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h), the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife, under SNAILS, by revising the entry for ``Snail, Morro 
shoulderband (=Banded dune)'' to read as set forth below.


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       Listing citations and
         Common name            Scientific name    Where listed        Status            applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Snails
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Snail, Morro shoulderband....  Helminthoglypta   Wherever found..  T............  59 FR 64613, 12/15/1994;
                                walkeriana.                                        [Federal Register citation
                                                                                   when published as a final
                                                                                   rule]; 50 CFR 17.45(b); \4d\
                                                                                   50 CFR 17.95(f).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
3. Revise Sec.  17.45 to read as follows:


Sec.  17.45  Special rules--snails and clams.

    (a) [Reserved]
    (b) Morro shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta walkeriana).
    (1) Prohibitions. The following prohibitions that apply to 
endangered wildlife also apply to the Morro shoulderband snail. Except 
as provided under paragraph (b)(2) of this section and Sec. Sec.  17.4 
and 17.5, it is unlawful for any person subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States to commit, to attempt to commit, to solicit another 
to commit, or cause to be committed, any of the following acts in 
regard to this species:
    (i) Import or export, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(b).
    (ii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(1).
    (iii) Possession and other acts with unlawfully taken specimens, as 
set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(1).
    (iv) Interstate or foreign commerce in the course of commercial 
activity, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(e).
    (v) Sale or offer for sale, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(f).
    (2) Exceptions from prohibitions. In regard to this species, you 
may:
    (i) Conduct activities as authorized by a permit under Sec.  17.32.
    (ii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(2) through (c)(4) for 
endangered wildlife.
    (iii) Take as set forth at Sec.  17.31(b).

[[Page 44835]]

    (iv) Take incidental to an otherwise lawful activity caused by:
    (A) Native habitat restoration activities, inclusive of invasive 
and/or nonnative species removal, conducted by a conservation 
organization pursuant to a Service-approved management or restoration 
plan.
    (B) Fire-hazard reduction activities implemented by the California 
Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in accordance with a 
Service-approved plan within the range of the Morro shoulderband snail.
    (v) Possess and engage in other acts with unlawfully taken 
wildlife, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(2) for endangered wildlife.

Aurelia Skipwith,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-15175 Filed 7-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P