[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 233 (Thursday, December 3, 2020)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 78029-78038]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-26139]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[FF09E21000 FXES11110900000 212]


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Eleven Species Not 
Warranted for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notification of findings.

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

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce 
findings that eleven species are not warranted for listing as 
endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (Act). After a thorough review of the best available 
scientific and commercial information, we find that it is not warranted 
at this time to list the Doll's daisy, Puget Oregonian, Rocky Mountain 
monkeyflower, southern white-tailed ptarmigan, tidewater amphipod, 
tufted puffin, Hamlin Valley pyrg, longitudinal gland pyrg, sub-globose 
snake pyrg, the Johnson Springs Wetland Complex population of relict 
dace, or Clear Lake hitch. However, we ask the public to submit to us 
at any time any new information relevant to the status of any of the 
species mentioned above or their habitats.

DATES: The findings in this document were made on December 3, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Detailed descriptions of the bases for these findings are 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under the 
following docket numbers:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Species                             Docket No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doll's daisy...........................  FWS-R5-ES-2020-0066.
Puget Oregonian........................  FWS-R1-ES-2020-0067.

[[Page 78030]]

 
Rocky Mountain monkeyflower............  FWS-R6-ES-2012-0052.
Southern white-tailed ptarmigan........  FWS-R6-ES-2012-0023.
Tidewater amphipod.....................  FWS-R5-ES-2020-0068.
Tufted puffin..........................  FWS-R7-ES-2020-0072.
Hamlin Valley pyrg.....................  FWS-R6-ES-2020-0069.
Longitudinal gland pyrg................  FWS-R6-ES-2020-0070.
Sub-globose snake pyrg.................  FWS-R6-ES-2020-0071.
Relict dace............................  FWS-R8-ES-2020-0113.
Clear Lake hitch.......................  FWS-R8-ES-2020-0112.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Supporting information used to prepare this finding is available by 
contacting the appropriate person as specified under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT. Please submit any new information, materials, 
comments, or questions concerning this finding to the appropriate 
person, as specified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 

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                Species                        Contact information
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doll's daisy...........................  Eric Schrading, Field
                                          Supervisor, New Jersey Field
                                          Office, (609) 382-5272.
Puget Oregonian........................  Brad Thompson, State
                                          Supervisor, Washington Fish
                                          and Wildlife Office, (360) 753-
                                          9440.
Rocky Mountain monkeyflower............  Ann Timberman, Acting Field
                                          Supervisor, Colorado
                                          Ecological Services Field
                                          Office, (970) 628-7181.
Southern white-tailed ptarmigan........  Ann Timberman, Acting Field
                                          Supervisor, Colorado
                                          Ecological Services Field
                                          Office, (970) 628-7181.
Tidewater amphipod.....................  Julie A. Slacum, Division
                                          Chief, Strategic Resource
                                          Conservation, Chesapeake Bay
                                          Field Office, (410) 573-4595.
Tufted puffin..........................  Stewart Cogswell, Field
                                          Supervisor, Anchorage Fish and
                                          Wildlife Conservation Office,
                                          (907) 271-2787.
Hamlin Valley pyrg, longitudinal gland   Laura Romin, Deputy Field
 pyrg, and sub-globose snake pyrg.        Supervisor, Utah Ecological
                                          Services Field Office, (801)
                                          975-3330, ext. 142.
Relict dace............................  Mark Jackson, Field Supervisor,
                                          Reno Fish and Wildlife Office,
                                          (775) 861-6300.
Clear Lake hitch.......................  Kim Turner, Acting Field
                                          Supervisor, Sacramento Fish
                                          and Wildlife Office, (916) 414-
                                          6700.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please 
call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    Under section 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), we 
are required to make a finding whether or not a petitioned action is 
warranted within 12 months after receiving any petition for which we 
have determined contains substantial scientific or commercial 
information indicating that the petitioned action may be warranted 
(``12-month finding''). We must make a finding that the petitioned 
action is: (1) Not warranted; (2) warranted; or (3) warranted but 
precluded. We must publish a notice of these 12-month findings in the 
Federal Register.

Summary of Information Pertaining to the Five Factors

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and the implementing 
regulations at part 424 of title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations 
(50 CFR part 424) set forth procedures for adding species to, removing 
species from, or reclassifying species on the Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants (Lists). The Act defines ``species'' as 
any subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants, and any distinct 
population segment of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which 
interbreeds when mature. The Act defines ``endangered species'' as any 
species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant 
portion of its range (16 U.S.C. 1532(6)), and ``threatened species'' as 
any species that is likely to become an endangered species within the 
foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range 
(16 U.S.C. 1532(20)). Under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, a species may 
be determined to be an endangered species or a threatened species 
because of any of the following five 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.
    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 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

[[Page 78031]]

species meets either definition, we must evaluate all identified 
threats by considering the expected response by the species, 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 the 
Service 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.
    In conducting our evaluation of the five factors provided in 
section 4(a)(1) of the Act to determine whether the Doll's daisy 
(Boltonia montana), Puget Oregonian (Cryptomastix devia), Rocky 
Mountain monkeyflower (Mimulus gemmiparus), southern white-tailed 
ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura altipetens), tidewater amphipod (Stygobromus 
indentatus), tufted puffin (Fratercula cirrhata), Hamlin Valley pyrg 
(Pyrgulopsis hamlinensis), longitudinal gland pyrg (Pyrgulopsis 
anguina), sub-globose snake pyrg (Pyrgulopsis saxatilis), and Clear 
Lake hitch (Lavinia exilicauda chi) meet the definition of ``endangered 
species'' or ``threatened species,'' we considered and thoroughly 
evaluated the best scientific and commercial information available 
regarding the past, present, and future stressors and threats. We 
reviewed the petitions, information available in our files, and other 
available published and unpublished information. Our evaluation may 
include information from recognized experts; Federal, State, and tribal 
governments; academic institutions; foreign governments; private 
entities; and other members of the public.
    The species assessment forms for the Doll's daisy, Puget Oregonian, 
Rocky Mountain monkeyflower, southern white-tailed ptarmigan, tidewater 
amphipod, tufted puffin, Hamlin Valley pyrg, longitudinal gland pyrg, 
sub-globose snake pyrg, the Johnson Springs Wetland Complex population 
of relict dace, and Clear Lake hitch contain more detailed biological 
information, a thorough analysis of the listing factors, and an 
explanation of why we determined that these species do not meet the 
definition of an endangered species or a threatened species. This 
supporting information can be found on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under the appropriate docket number (see ADDRESSES, 
above). The following are informational summaries for the findings in 
this document.

Doll's Daisy

Previous Federal Actions
    On April 20, 2010, we received a petition from the Center for 
Biological Diversity (CBD), Alabama Rivers Alliance, Clinch Coalition, 
Dogwood Alliance, Gulf Restoration Network, Tennessee Forests Council, 
and West Virginia Highlands to list 404 aquatic, riparian, and wetland 
species, including Boltonia montana (referred to by the common names 
``Doll's-daisy'' and ``doll's daisy'' in the petition; referred to 
hereafter as Doll's daisy), as endangered or threatened species under 
the Act. On September 27, 2011, we published in the Federal Register 
(76 FR 59836) a 90-day finding in which we announced that the petition 
contained substantial information indicating listing may be warranted 
for the species. This document constitutes our 12-month finding on the 
April 20, 2010, petition to list Doll's daisy under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    Doll's daisy is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family that is 
known from Augusta County, Virginia; Sussex and Warren Counties, New 
Jersey; and Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, the latter regarded as a 
historical occurrence. The species occurs in certain isolated sinkhole 
ponds that have widely fluctuating water levels, and its life history 
is adapted to these variable habitat conditions. The species currently 
occurs in 21 population sites in New Jersey (5 are on land owned or 
managed by the State, 6 are on private property owned or managed by a 
conservation organization, and the remaining 10 populations are 
privately owned) and 22 population sites in Virginia (7 are on U.S. 
Forest Service land, and the remaining 15 are on private property).
    Soil, water, sunlight, pollinator services, and a suitable annual 
temperature regime are interrelated resource needs required by Dolly's 
daisy individuals and populations. At the metapopulation scale, the 
species likely requires some degree of habitat connectivity to maintain 
viability; however, there is significant uncertainty regarding the 
degree of connectivity that may be necessary between population sites. 
We assume there is no natural connectivity between the two extant 
metapopulations in New Jersey and Virginia.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the Doll's daisy, and we evaluated all relevant factors under the 
five listing factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and 
conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors 
affecting the Doll's daisy's biological status include habitat 
modification (as a result of development, agriculture, off-road vehicle 
use, altered surface hydrology, and groundwater withdrawals) and 
climate change. There are conservation measures in place that benefit 
the species. Our species status assessment report for the Doll's daisy 
evaluates three plausible future scenarios for the species. In our 
future condition analysis, scenarios 1 and 3 predict between 3 and 11 
populations would have lower resiliencies than the current condition, 
with the potential under one scenario that changes may result in the 
extirpation of several low resiliency populations, perhaps causing a 
loss of redundancy. Under scenario 2, we predict feasible conservation 
efforts

[[Page 78032]]

would improve the condition of 22 populations. Under all scenarios, the 
species would maintain multiple moderate or high resiliency populations 
in the New Jersey and Virginia metapopulations; therefore, the species' 
representation is not predicted to change from the current condition 
(although we note that the historical extirpation of the Pennsylvania 
metapopulation may have reduced the species' representation).
    Despite impacts from the primary stressors, Doll's daisy has 
maintained resilient populations throughout its range. Although we 
predict some continued impacts from these stressors in the future, we 
anticipate the species will continue to maintain resilient populations 
throughout the foreseeable future. Therefore, we find that listing the 
Doll's daisy as an endangered species or threatened species under the 
Act is not warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this 
finding can be found in the Doll's daisy species assessment and other 
supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Puget Oregonian

Previous Federal Actions
    On March 17, 2008, we received a petition (dated March 13, 2008) 
from CBD, Conservation Northwest, the Environmental Protection 
Information Center, the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, and Oregon 
Wild to list 32 species and subspecies of snails and slugs (mollusks), 
including Puget Oregonian (Cryptomastix devia), in the Pacific 
Northwest as endangered or threatened species under the Act. On October 
5, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 61826) a 90-day 
finding that the petition presented substantial information indicating 
that listing the Puget Oregonian under the Act may be warranted. This 
document constitutes our 12-month finding on the March 13, 2008, 
petition to list the Puget Oregonian under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    The Puget Oregonian is a snail that inhabits moist, conifer-forest 
habitats that include some level of deciduous tree community 
composition. The species is most commonly located in stands with 
bigleaf maple (Acer macrophyllum) that occur along stream and river 
terraces or other habitats with a flat or gentle slope. Within that 
landscape, the species' habitat niche is near or under bigleaf maple 
crowns and in, or under, hardwood logs and other woody material, leaf 
litter, moist talus, and the lowest fronds of western swordfern 
(Polystichum munitum). The Puget Oregonian is found in the Cascade 
Range and Puget Trough in Washington, and south into the foothills of 
the Coast Range and Willamette Valley, in Oregon; the species is 
recognized as extirpated from British Columbia, Canada.
    Most occurrence records for this species come from the Cispus River 
in Washington on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, resulting from 
surveys conducted under the Northwest Forest Plan in areas where U.S. 
Forest Service projects were being considered. As a result, much of the 
potential suitable habitat for the Puget Oregonian remains unsurveyed.
    The primary stressors affecting the Puget Oregonian include the 
effects of past, current, and future habitat loss, modification, and 
fragmentation from forest management, land conversion to agriculture 
and development, big leaf maple dieback disease, and wildfire. However, 
the species has been found in areas that had been previously impacted 
by some of these stressors (forest practices, bigleaf maple dieback 
disease and wildfire). The best available data provide no information 
on whether there is a declining or increasing population trend and 
limited information on whether the range of the species has contracted 
or expanded in the last century. Ten of the 15 habitat units assessed 
appear to have high resilience, containing multiple contemporary 
validated records of this species as well as a high percentage of 
suitable habitat within the unit and in the immediate and surrounding 
area. Although the species does not appear to be particularly abundant 
across its range, and much uncertainty regarding presence of the 
species in suitable but unsurveyed portions of the range, the snail's 
distribution across a large area (redundancy), with ten highly 
resilient populations in four different sub-basins (representation), 
indicates the species is likely to withstand catastrophic events in one 
or more sub-basin.
    The resources that the Puget Oregonian needs are likely to diminish 
in quantity and quality over time with future increases in 
environmental stressors including the effects of climate change, human 
population growth in the Pacific Northwest, forest management, and 
bigleaf maple dieback disease. If suitable habitat diminishes as 
expected, we would anticipate a corresponding decline in the 
resiliency, redundancy, and representation of the species. However, the 
Puget Oregonian's current distribution in at least 15 sites across at 
least four different sub-basins will support its ability to maintain 
resiliency into the mid-21st century. Furthermore, the species' ability 
to take refuge in small areas (microhabitat) could add to the future 
resiliency of populations.
    We know that features of the species' habitat may change in the 
future, and we can project the scope and magnitude of some of those 
environmental changes. However, our incomplete understanding of how the 
species may respond to changes in its environment over time creates a 
wide range of possibilities for the future condition of the 15 analytic 
units we assessed. The best available information does not indicate 
that the future magnitude and scope of potential environmental 
stressors would be at a level that would cause the species to be in 
danger of extinction in the foreseeable future.
    Therefore, we find that listing the Puget Oregonian as an 
endangered species or threatened species under the Act is not 
warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be 
found in the Puget Oregonian species status assessment and other 
supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Rocky Mountain Monkeyflower

Previous Federal Actions
    On October 4, 2011, we received a petition from WildEarth Guardians 
requesting, in part, that we list the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower as an 
endangered or threatened species under the Act. On August 29, 2012, we 
published in the Federal Register (77 FR 52293) a 90-day finding that 
the petition presented substantial information indicating that listing 
the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower under the Act may be warranted. This 
document constitutes our 12-month finding on the September 30, 2011, 
petition to list the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    The Rocky Mountain monkeyflower, also known as the budding 
monkeyflower, is a small, narrow endemic plant found in north-central 
Colorado. Uniquely, this plant exhibits an asexual reproduction 
strategy not seen within the Mimulus genus or in any other Holarctic 
species; the plant produces propagules which contain ``bulbils,'' which 
have all of the components needed to develop into a new plant, 
including a shoot axis and rudimentary leaves and roots. The Rocky 
Mountain monkeyflower occupies approximately 60 acres (24.28 hectares) 
on State or Federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the 
National Park Service, and Colorado

[[Page 78033]]

Parks and Wildlife in Boulder, Clear Creek, Grand, Jefferson, and 
Larimer Counties in Colorado. Currently, we know of 24 occurrences of 
the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower that constitute 19 populations; 
surveyors have observed over 14 million ramets (ramets are individuals 
that result from asexual reproduction and thus may be genetically 
identical).
    The Rocky Mountain monkeyflower inhabits montane to subalpine 
habitats at elevations of 2,400 to 3,400 meters (7,874 to 11,154 feet) 
and is found under overhangs of south-facing cliffs or boulders. Little 
information exists about the ecological factors that affect growth and 
establishment of the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower in the wild. The 
survival of propagules is strongly influenced by moisture, temperature, 
and substrate type. A number of patterns are apparent in the few 
available studies on habitat parameters; all of the previous studies 
and species descriptions suggest that periods of very moist or 
saturated soil are important, but it appears that too much water can be 
problematic for this species. The optimal hydrological conditions are 
sites that are periodically saturated or, at most, consistently moist 
with no long periods of standing water. Similarly, successful sites 
have very shallow soil, typically fewer than two centimeters deep.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower, and we evaluated all relevant 
stressors under the five listing factors, including any regulatory 
mechanisms and conservation measures addressing these stressors. We 
identified climate change as the primary stressor affecting the Rocky 
Mountain monkeyflower's biological status. Currently, the Rocky 
Mountain monkeyflower has multiple, resilient populations distributed 
across its range, encompassing various ecological conditions and some 
genetic variation. While the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower is a narrow 
endemic plant with low population sizes and a limited range, this 
limitation does not seem to be currently compromising the species' 
resiliency, redundancy, and representation, given the relatively large 
numbers of ramets in multiple populations, the low risk of inbreeding 
depression due to the plant's asexual reproduction, good or moderate 
hydrological conditions in most populations, and relatively high levels 
of genetic diversity for an asexual species. The species is only known 
to occur on Federal and State public lands, which minimizes many 
threats such that there are no stressors currently providing species-
level impacts. In the future, while we may lose some small Rocky 
Mountain monkeyflower populations, we project that each analysis unit 
will likely remain occupied. Moreover, in all projected future 
scenarios, the three populations containing over 90 percent of 
monkeyflower ramets will be in good or moderate condition. Furthermore, 
the plant's asexual reproduction strategy confers, and likely would 
continue to confer, additional resiliency because this less energy-
intensive method of reproduction allows the species to reproduce in 
relatively harsh conditions. Thus, based on our analysis, we anticipate 
that the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower will continue to have multiple, 
resilient populations distributed across its narrow range, providing 
for limited but sufficient redundancy and representation necessary to 
withstand catastrophic events and adapt to environmental change into 
the future.
    Therefore, we find that listing the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower as 
an endangered species or threatened species under the Act is not 
warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be 
found in the Rocky Mountain monkeyflower species assessment and other 
supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Southern White-Tailed Ptarmigan

Previous Federal Actions
    On August 24, 2010, we received a petition from CBD requesting that 
we list either the U.S. population or the Rocky Mountain population of 
the white-tailed ptarmigan as threatened or endangered distinct 
population segments (DPSs) and that we designate critical habitat. 
Following our correspondence with the petitioner regarding the accepted 
taxonomy of the white-tailed ptarmigan and our DPS policy, the 
petitioner revised the petition on September 1, 2011. The revised 
petition requested that we list the southern white-tailed ptarmigan (L. 
l. altipetens) and the Mt. Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan (L. l. 
rainierensis) as threatened subspecies. On June 5, 2012, we published 
in the Federal Register (77 FR 33143) a 90-day finding that the 
petition presented substantial information that listing may be 
warranted for the southern white-tailed ptarmigan and the Mt. Rainier 
white-tailed ptarmigan. This document constitutes the 12-month finding 
on the September 1, 2011, petition to list the southern white-tailed 
ptarmigan under the Act. We will address our finding for the Mt. 
Rainier white-tailed ptarmigan in a future determination.
Summary of Finding
    The southern white-tailed ptarmigan is a small bird that lives in 
high-elevation, alpine ecosystems in Colorado, northern New Mexico, and 
historically in the Snowy Range of southern Wyoming. Alpine ecosystems 
are characterized by high winds, cold temperatures, short growing 
seasons, low atmospheric oxygen concentrations, and intense solar 
radiation. The southern white-tailed ptarmigan is one of five 
subspecies of white-tailed ptarmigan in the Phasianidae family, 
subfamily Tetraoninae, which includes the grouse, or ground-feeding 
game birds. So named for its perpetually white tail feathers, the 
southern white-tailed ptarmigan changes its plumage seasonally to match 
the coloration and patterns of its alpine habitats, from white in 
winter to brown in the summer, effectively camouflaging the birds 
against snow and alpine rocks and vegetation. In addition to cryptic 
coloration, the southern white-tailed ptarmigan displays other 
adaptations to the temperature, precipitation, wind, and snow cover 
extremes of its alpine habitats. For example, heavily feathered feet 
support the southern white-tailed ptarmigan like snowshoes as they walk 
across the snow, and the subspecies feeds almost exclusively on willow 
buds during the winter when other food sources are scarce.
    Nearly all suitable habitat for the southern-white tailed ptarmigan 
occurs on lands managed by Federal land management agencies, with over 
85 percent managed by the U.S. Forest Service, over 5 percent managed 
by the National Park Service, and 4.5 percent managed by the Bureau of 
Land Management. Approximately 6 percent of suitable habitat is located 
on privately owned land. The distribution of southern white-tailed 
ptarmigan is largely unchanged from historical levels in Colorado and 
New Mexico, but a lack of recent observations indicates that the 
subspecies is presumed extirpated from the Snowy Range in southern 
Wyoming.
    We determined that individual southern white-tailed ptarmigan have 
specific habitat needs to breed, feed, and shelter, including suitable 
winter snow conditions, available late-lying snowfields, summer 
precipitation and monsoonal moisture, brood-rearing habitat, and 
willows. We also determined that populations of southern white-tailed 
ptarmigan need external recruitment of immigrants, breeding dispersal, 
adult female survival, and

[[Page 78034]]

population growth in order to be resilient. Demographic connectivity 
between populations is critical for resiliency, as it allows for 
genetic exchange, dispersal, and external recruitment. The subspecies 
needs a sufficient number and distribution of resilient populations to 
withstand the annual variation in its environment, catastrophes, and 
novel biological and physical changes in its environment.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the southern white-tailed ptarmigan, and we evaluated all relevant 
factors under the five listing factors, including any regulatory 
mechanisms and conservation measures addressing these stressors. 
Potential stressors to the southern white-tailed ptarmigan include 
predation, mining and related poisoning due to toxic concentrations of 
trace metals, hunting, recreation, livestock and native ungulate 
grazing, and the effects of global climate change. Through our 
analysis, we found that only climate change may affect southern white-
tailed ptarmigan populations due to increases in minimum and maximum 
temperatures; changes in snow quantity, quality, extent, and duration; 
shifts in plant phenology; advancement of treeline, and expansion of 
willow into alpine areas; and changes in the amount and timing of 
seasonal precipitation. Although the other stressors may affect 
individuals or local areas, they do not affect resiliency, redundancy, 
or representation, alone or cumulatively, currently or into the future 
for the southern white-tailed ptarmigan.
    Currently, 14 out of 19 analytical units (a scale of analysis 
similar to populations) have high resiliency, 3 have medium resiliency, 
1 in New Mexico has very low resiliency, and the Snowy Range analytical 
unit in Wyoming is presumed extirpated. Other than local declines in 
New Mexico and the presumed extirpation in the Snowy Range, the 
southern white-tailed ptarmigan currently occupies nearly all of its 
historical range, and the subspecies has sufficient resiliency, 
redundancy, and representation to withstand stochastic and catastrophic 
events and to adapt to environmental changes. Therefore, given the 
current levels of resiliency distributed across Colorado, the lack of 
significant stressors, and the life-history characteristics of the 
subspecies that make it uniquely adapted to the environmental extremes 
of its alpine habitats, we conclude that the current risk of extinction 
is low. In the future, we project reductions in resiliency, due to 
changes in climate, with a minor reduction in redundancy and 
representation if the analytical unit in New Mexico declines from very 
low resiliency to an extirpated condition. However, at least 17 
resilient analytical units are projected to remain distributed across 
Colorado in the future, so the subspecies maintains enough resiliency, 
redundancy, and representation to withstand stochastic and catastrophic 
events and to adapt to changing conditions. Therefore, we consider the 
future risk of extinction to also be low.
    We find that listing the southern white-tailed ptarmigan as an 
endangered subspecies or a threatened subspecies under the Act is not 
warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be 
found in the southern white-tailed ptarmigan species assessment and 
other supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Tidewater Amphipod

Previous Federal Actions
    We identified the tidewater amphipod as a Category 2 candidate 
species for listing in a May 22, 1984, notice of review (49 FR 21664). 
Category 2 candidate species were taxa for which the Service had 
information indicating that proposing to list the species as endangered 
or threatened was possibly appropriate, but for which conclusive data 
on biological vulnerability and threats were not at that time available 
to support proposed rules. The tidewater amphipod remained designated 
as a Category 2 candidate species in subsequent candidate notices of 
review (54 FR 554, January 6, 1989; 56 FR 58804, November 21, 1991; 59 
FR 58982, November 15, 1994). In the February 28, 1996, notice (61 FR 
7596), we discontinued the designation of Category 2 species as 
candidates, which removed the tidewater amphipod from our candidate 
list.
    On April 20, 2010, we received a petition from CBD, Alabama Rivers 
Alliance, Clinch Coalition, Dogwood Alliance, Gulf Restoration Network, 
Tennessee Forests Council, and West Virginia Highlands to list 404 
aquatic, riparian, and wetland species, including the tidewater 
amphipod, as endangered or threatened species under the Act. On 
September 27, 2011, we published in the Federal Register (76 FR 59836) 
a 90-day finding in which we announced that the petition contained 
substantial information indicating listing may be warranted for the 
species. This document constitutes our 12-month finding on the April 
20, 2010, petition to list the tidewater amphipod under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    The tidewater amphipod is a small, subterranean, shallow 
groundwater crustacean. Compared to similar amphipods, the tidewater 
amphipod is relatively large, with males reaching lengths of 9.7 
millimeters (mm) (0.38 inches (in)) and females 8.2 mm (0.32 in). The 
species' entire known current distribution occurs within five counties 
in Maryland and seven counties in Virginia spanning a distance of 180 
miles (289 kilometers) of the Coastal Plain physiographic region. 
Contemporary collections of tidewater amphipods have typically been 
made during the winter and spring months when individuals can be found 
in seepage springs, tile drains, and shallow wells.
    Specific diet, water quality and quantity tolerances, and 
behavioral and reproductive traits of tidewater amphipod are unknown. 
However, based on the general principles of conservation biology, 
information about other groundwater amphipod species, and local 
information from the areas where tidewater amphipods have been 
observed, we infer that individuals need shallow water habitats with 
sufficient space to breed and shelter; sufficient water quality for 
breeding and sheltering; forest cover, which provides a buffer for 
water quality and quantity, and provides food; and a clay or confining 
layer or pore space to help support feeding and sheltering when water 
quantities are low.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the tidewater amphipod, and we evaluated all relevant factors under 
the five listing factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and 
conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors 
affecting the tidewater amphipod's biological status include reduced 
groundwater quality and quantity, and we identified development (i.e., 
impervious surfaces) as a primary source of changes to both. In 
response to degraded water quality, we conclude there could be 
decreased fitness and declines in the tidewater amphipod's resiliency 
caused by changes in biodiversity within its habitats. In response to 
the greater threat of reduced water quantity, there is evidence that 
the tidewater amphipod can burrow deeper underground for periods of 
time and reemerge when sufficient water levels return. While 
representation is assumed to have decreased when compared to historical 
conditions, it appears the species has

[[Page 78035]]

sustained multiple populations across much of its historical range and 
through multiple stochastic events such as drought. Considering the 
future scenarios, the majority of populations do not appear to be at 
high risk of development, and the impact to the species caused by 
impervious surfaces is not projected to increase substantially. Thus, 
the primary threats appear to have low imminence and magnitude such 
that they are not providing species-level impacts to the tidewater 
amphipod. We evaluated numerous other factors (e.g., climate change, 
effects of small population size, collection, predation, disease, 
recreation, forest management, and other conservation efforts) and 
determined that they had little to no measurable impact on the species. 
The species status assessment report describes many uncertainties in 
the species' occurrence, populations, and response to threats, but, 
considering the available data, the risk of extinction is low.
    Therefore, we find that listing the tidewater amphipod as an 
endangered species or threatened species under the Act is not 
warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be 
found in the tidewater amphipod species assessment and other supporting 
documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Tufted Puffin

Previous Federal Actions
    On February 14, 2014, we received a petition from the Natural 
Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to list the contiguous U.S. DPS of 
tufted puffin as an endangered or threatened species under the Act. 
Alternatively, the NRDC stated that we should list the tufted puffin 
species (i.e., the entire population(s) across its known range) and 
apply this alternative if we found the contiguous U.S. population of 
the species did not meet our DPS policy. On September 18, 2015, we 
published in the Federal Register (80 FR 56423) a 90-day finding in 
which we announced that the petition contained substantial information 
indicating listing may be warranted for the contiguous U.S. DPS of 
tufted puffin in the States of Washington, Oregon, and California. The 
90-day finding neglected to make a determination specific to the NRDC's 
alternative listing request. This document constitutes our 12-month 
finding on the February 14, 2014, petition to list the tufted puffin 
(addressing both petitioned entities) under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    The tufted puffin is a widely distributed pelagic seabird found in 
the North Pacific Ocean. The tufted puffin is a burrow-nester that 
commonly nests colonially on offshore islands. Tufted puffins nest 
along the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and Alaska in the 
United States, and in Canada (British Columbia), Russia, and Japan. The 
majority of tufted puffins (82 percent) nest in North America, 
primarily Alaska; Russia has the second largest concentration of 
nesting tufted puffins (18 percent). Colony size is variable, ranging 
from just a few birds to large colonies of greater than 100,000 tufted 
puffins.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the tufted puffin, and we evaluated all relevant factors under the 
five listing factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and 
conservation measures addressing these stressors. We determined that 
the most significant threats impacting the tufted puffin and its 
habitat are changing climate conditions, oil spills, fisheries bycatch, 
mammalian and avian predators, nonnative plants and animals, and human 
disturbance. The most significant of these threats to potentially 
impact the resource needs of tufted puffins are climate change and oil 
spills. Currently, the best available information for tufted puffins 
indicates adequate redundancy and representation across the species' 
range, including robust populations across the majority of its range. 
The species continues to occur throughout its historical range. While 
the tufted puffin's range will likely continue to contract in the south 
due to climate change, models predict the species will continue to 
remain widely distributed throughout most of its historical range. The 
tufted puffin is expected to maintain resilient colonies throughout a 
large proportion of its range, including likely continued 
representation across most of its range.
    Therefore, we find that listing the contiguous U.S. DPS of tufted 
puffin or the tufted puffin species as endangered or threatened is not 
warranted. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be 
found in the tufted puffin species assessment and other supporting 
documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Hamlin Valley Pyrg, Longitudinal Gland Pyrg, Sub-Globose Snake Pyrg

Previous Federal Actions
    On July 30, 2007, we received a petition (dated July 24, 2007) from 
Forest Guardians (now WildEarth Guardians) requesting that the Service: 
(1) Consider all full species in our Mountain Prairie Region ranked as 
G1 or G1G2 by the organization NatureServe, except those that are 
currently listed, proposed for listing, or candidates for listing; and 
(2) list each species as either endangered or threatened. This petition 
included the Hamlin Valley pyrg, longitudinal gland pyrg, and sub-
globose snake pyrg. On February 27, 2009, we received another petition 
dated February 17, 2009, from the CBD, Tierra Curry, Noah Greenwald, 
Dr. James Deacon, Don Duff, and the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation 
Society, requesting that we list 42 species of Great Basin springsnails 
in Nevada, Utah, and California, including the Hamlin Valley pyrg, 
longitudinal gland pyrg, and sub-globose snake pyrg, as endangered or 
threatened, and designating critical habitat under the Act. On August 
18, 2009, we published in the Federal Register (74 FR 41649) a 90-day 
finding in which we announced that the petitions contained substantial 
information indicating listing these three species may be warranted. 
This document constitutes the 12-month finding on the July 30, 2007, 
and February 17, 2009, petitions to list the Hamlin Valley pyrg, 
longitudinal gland pyrg, and sub-globose snake pyrg under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    The three springsnail species are in the genus Pyrgulopsis of the 
Hydrobiidae family. In general, the three species are morphologically 
similar with hardened shells and soft anatomy, and they are 
differentiated based on subtle morphological characteristics. The 
Hamlin Valley pyrg occurs only in the White Rock Cabin Springs province 
in Hamlin Valley, straddling the Utah and Nevada State line. The Utah 
portion of the spring province is all on private land, while the Nevada 
portion is entirely within the White Rock Range Wilderness Area managed 
by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The longitudinal gland pyrg 
occurs on private land at three springs or spring provinces (Big 
Springs province, Stateline Springs province, and Clay Spring) in the 
Snake Valley area of White Pine County, Nevada, and Millard County, 
Utah. The sub-globose snake pyrg occurs only in Utah at Gandy Warm 
Springs in Snake Valley, contained entirely within the Gandy Mountain 
Caves Area of Critical Environmental Concern managed by the BLM.
    All three springsnails are very small in size, only a few 
millimeters in length

[[Page 78036]]

and width, and have limited ability or tendency to move. These species 
are herbivores or detritivores that primarily graze on the periphyton 
(freshwater organisms attached or clinging to plants) of exposed 
surfaces of aquatic plants and substrates in the small springs they 
inhabit. We determined the following spring conditions are most 
critical in influencing the physical and biological needs of 
springsnails: Sufficient water quality, adequate substrate and 
vegetation, free-flowing water, and adequate spring discharge. When 
each of these physical and biological needs is present and functioning 
within a spring, stable populations of springsnails are expected.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the springsnails, and we evaluated all relevant factors under the 
five listing factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and 
conservation measures addressing these stressors. Historically and 
through the present, the three springsnail species and their habitats 
were impacted to varying degrees by predation and competition, 
vegetation and soil disturbance, water pollution, spring modification, 
and groundwater pumping. However, we determined the most important 
stressors likely to impact future conditions of the three species 
include groundwater pumping and withdrawals, altered precipitation and 
temperature, and, in the case of the sub-globose snake pyrg, nonnative 
fish competition.
    The Hamlin Valley pyrg occurs in one population with 10 of 11 
occupied springbrooks in high overall resiliency condition and one 
springbrook in moderate condition; resiliency is high in all but one 
springbrook due to high abundance despite some environmental stressors. 
Redundancy and representation are limited due to the species' narrow 
range and its single population; however, this is likely similar to 
historical conditions. Therefore, we conclude that the current risk of 
extinction is low. In the future, we project the Hamlin Valley pyrg 
population to have high resiliency due to predicted high abundance and 
protection of the water source from pumping due to wilderness 
designation of groundwater areas upslope of the spring province. 
Redundancy and representation are projected to continue to be limited 
due to the species' narrow range and only one population, but this is 
likely similar to historical conditions for this narrow endemic 
species. In the future, we expect the species' habitat to continue to 
provide for the needs of sufficient water quality, adequate substrate 
and vegetation, free-flowing water, and adequate spring discharge. 
Additionally, we consider the future risk of catastrophic or stochastic 
events affecting this species or its habitat to be low.
    The longitudinal gland pyrg currently occurs in three locations 
with 13 occupied springbrooks in high overall resiliency condition, 5 
springbrooks in moderate condition, and only 1 springbrook in low 
condition. Resiliency is high in most springbrooks due to high 
abundance despite some environmental stressors. Competition and 
predation, spring modification, and vegetation and soil disturbance 
from grazing and roads are the only historical and current stressors. 
Because most populations exhibit high resilience despite the co-
occurrence of stressors, we concluded that the stressors have a low to 
moderate effect on the longitudinal gland pyrg. Current abundance, 
range, and effects of stressors make it unlikely there would be a loss 
in redundancy or representation, and we expect the redundancy and 
representation to be adequate. Therefore, we conclude that the current 
risk of extinction is low. In the future, we project that the 
longitudinal gland pyrg will continue to have populations with high 
resiliency due to predicted high abundance despite the future effects 
of environmental stressors and because groundwater pumping is unlikely 
to occur in the foreseeable future. Redundancy and representation are 
projected to continue to be adequate in the future with three occupied 
spring systems with multiple occupied springbrooks. In the future, we 
expect the species' habitat to continue to provide for the needs of 
sufficient water quality, adequate substrate and vegetation, free-
flowing water, and adequate spring discharge. Additionally, we consider 
the future risk of catastrophic or stochastic events affecting this 
species or its habitat to be low.
    The sub-globose snake pyrg currently occurs in one spring system 
with multiple springbrooks in the upper reaches of the spring system in 
moderate resiliency condition. The spring system is a warm water system 
with temperatures greater than 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees 
Fahrenheit). The population appears to be resilient to environmental 
stressors; however, numbers of snails are down overall due to the 
recent invasion of armored catfish into the lower reaches of the 
system, which is the only current threat to the species. The upper 
reaches of the system still have high numbers of snails and a low 
probability of armored catfish invasion. The BLM, Utah Division of 
Wildlife Resources, and the Service entered into the Conservation 
Agreement and Strategy for the Sub-globose Snake Pyrg (Agreement) in 
2020. We evaluated the certainty that the conservation measures in the 
Agreement will be implemented and effective in our Policy for the 
Evaluation of Conservation Efforts (PECE) analysis. Using the criteria 
specified in PECE (68 FR 15100, March 28. 2003), we have determined 
that all of the PECE criteria have been satisfied. We find that the 
2020 CAS has a high level of certainty for future implementation and 
certainty of the effectiveness. Nonnative fish removal efforts under 
the strategy have already begun to reduce armored catfish numbers in 
Gandy Warm Springs. Current redundancy and representation are limited 
due to the narrow range of the species and its single population, but 
this is likely similar to historical conditions. Therefore, we conclude 
that the current risk of extinction is low. Our assessment of the 
future status of this species takes into consideration the Agreement, 
which includes the continuation of conservation actions to eliminate 
nonnative fish from Gandy Warm Springs and prevent future invasion, 
thereby addressing this threat to the species. Future resiliency is 
expected to increase due to the removal of nonnative fish in accordance 
with the Agreement, the fact that groundwater pumping is unlikely, and 
the species' past ability to sustain itself despite other environmental 
stressors. Redundancy and representation are projected to continue to 
be limited in the future due to the species' narrow range and its 
single population, but this is likely similar to historical conditions. 
In the future, we expect the species' habitat to continue to provide 
for the needs of sufficient water quality, adequate substrate and 
vegetation, free-flowing water, and adequate spring discharge. 
Additionally, we consider the future risk of catastrophic or stochastic 
events affecting the sub-globose snake pyrg or its habitat to be low.
    Therefore, we find that listing the Hamlin Valley pyrg, 
longitudinal gland pyrg, and sub-globose snake pyrg as endangered 
species or threatened species under the Act is not warranted. A 
detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found in the 
Hamlin Valley pyrg, longitudinal gland pyrg, and sub-globose snake pyrg 
species assessment and other supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, 
above).

[[Page 78037]]

Johnson Springs Wetland Complex Population of Relict Dace

Previous Federal Actions
    On June 27, 2014, we received a petition from Forest Service 
Employees for Environmental Ethics, requesting that the Johnson Springs 
Wetland Complex Population (JSWC) population of relict dace be listed 
as an endangered DPS under the Act. On April 10, 2015, we published a 
90-day finding (80 FR 19259) that the petition presented substantial 
information indicating that listing the JSWC population of relict dace 
may be warranted and that we were initiating a status review. This 
document constitutes our 12-month finding on the June 27, 2014 petition 
to list the JSWC population of relict dace under the Act.
Summary of Finding
    The relict dace is a small fish in the Cyprinidae family that was 
first described in 1972 (Hubbs and Miller 1972, pp. 101-102). It is 
found in spring systems in five isolated valleys in the northeastern 
corner of Nevada; these valleys are estimated to have been separated 
for hundreds of thousands of years. Four of these valleys contain 
native populations, including the JSWC, and one includes only 
introduced populations.
    Waterbodies occupied by the species include springs, spring pools, 
and spring outflows; wetlands; natural and human-modified channels; 
ditches; ephemeral reservoirs; and creeks. The relict dace feeds on 
aquatic invertebrates, including mayfly and damselfly nymphs; they 
consume relatively little plant material (Carmichael 1983, p. 88). 
Little is known about relict dace breeding or behavior; however, the 
species is considered secretive (NDOW 2007, p. 4).
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding whether the JSWC population of relict 
dace qualifies as a DPS. Based on our thorough review, we find that the 
JSWC population of relict dace meets our criteria for discreteness 
under our February 7, 1996 DPS policy (61 FR 4722); however, it does 
not meet the criteria for significance based on the four criteria 
outlined in the DPS policy. The JSWC population of relict dace does not 
occur in a unique or unusual setting for relict dace, does not show 
evidence that loss of the discrete population segment would result in a 
significant gap in the range of relict dace, and does not represent the 
only surviving native occurrence of relict dace. While genetic 
discontinuity demonstrates the JSWC population segment is markedly 
separate from other relict dace populations, we find no evidence that 
these measures of genetic divergence result in marked differences in 
the JSWC population segment's genetic characteristics. Therefore, the 
JSWC relict dace population is not a listable entity under the Act. 
Because the JSWC population of relict dace is not a listable entity, we 
did not perform a status assessment under the five factors as required 
under section 4(a) of the Act. This finding constitutes our completion 
of our review of the petitioned action.
    A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found in 
the JSWC population of relict dace species assessment and other 
supporting documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

Clear Lake Hitch

Previous Federal Actions
    We received a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity on 
September 25, 2012 (CBD 2012, entire), to list the Clear Lake hitch as 
threatened or endangered under the Act. The Service issued a 90-day 
finding on April 10, 2015 (80 FR 19259), stating the petition presented 
substantial information that listing the Clear Lake hitch may be 
warranted and that we were initiating a status review. This document 
constitutes the 12-month finding on the September 25, 2012, petition to 
list the Clear Lake hitch.
Summary of Finding
    The Clear Lake hitch (hitch) (Lavinia exilicauda chi) is a large 
cyprinid (freshwater minnow) that is endemic to the Clear Lake 
watershed in Lake County, California. Historically, the Clear Lake 
hitch occurred in several lakes and ponds found throughout the Clear 
Lake watershed, including: Clear Lake, Thurston Lake, Upper Blue Lake, 
Lower Blue Lake, and Lampson Pond. During the spring, Clear Lake hitch 
were also found in the numerous tributaries to these larger water 
bodies, including: Kelsey, Scott, Middle, Adobe, Seigler Canyon, 
Manning, Cole, Morrison, and Schindler Creeks. All of the waterbodies, 
listed above, with the exception of Thurston Lake, were hydrologically 
connected to each other in the past, and it appears that Thurston Lake 
and its tributary, Thurston Creek, have always been isolated from the 
other waterways. Local opinion is that hitch were introduced into 
Thurston Lake by a local resident less than 50 years ago. The Clear 
Lake hitch is restricted to the Clear Lake watershed in Lake County, 
California, in the central Coast Range Mountains. Currently, the hitch 
is thought to be extirpated from the Blue Lakes, but still occurs in 
Clear and Thurston Lakes throughout the year. In the spring, 
reproductive adults migrate into tributary streams to spawn and then 
migrate back to the lakes after spawning. It is unclear whether Lampson 
Pond still exists; therefore, the status of the Clear Lake hitch in 
Lampson Pond is unknown.
    For most of the year, Clear Lake hitch are only found within their 
lacustrine (lake) environment. However, between February and May, a 
portion of the overall reproductive population begins to migrate into 
the surrounding tributaries to spawn. Spawning activities include one 
to five males pursuing a gravid female to fertilize her freshly 
extruded eggs, which are deposited on fine to medium sized gravel 
within the tributary stream. Fertilized eggs develop and hatch within 7 
to 10 days, fry are free-swimming after another 7 to 10 days, and young 
migrate to the lake at about a month old before the streams dry up. 
Juvenile hitch are found within the nearshore habitat of the lake where 
they depend on submerged aquatic vegetation for cover and prey. 
Juvenile hitch move from the nearshore portion of the lake into open 
water in early-to late-fall. There is evidence that Clear Lake hitch do 
not require tributary streams with gravel to spawn, but can also spawn 
successfully in different portions of the lake (i.e., along the shore, 
the mouths of tributaries, and Rodman Slough) that lack a gravel 
substrate.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the past, present, and future threats 
to the Clear Lake hitch, and we evaluated all relevant factors under 
the five listing factors, including any regulatory mechanisms and 
conservation measures addressing these stressors. The primary stressors 
affecting the Clear Lake hitch's biological status include habitat 
degradation, predation and competition, drought and climate change. 
Based on our examination of the best available scientific information, 
we have determined that habitat degradation, predation and competition, 
drought and climate change are not likely to adversely affect the 
overall viability of the Clear Lake hitch in a biologically meaningful 
way to such an extent that the species is in danger of extinction or 
likely to become so in the foreseeable future throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range for the following reasons: (1) The 
Clear Lake hitch has a long life span, (2) the Clear Lake hitch are 
highly fecund, and (3) the Clear Lake hitch has shown the ability to 
use different spawning strategies, which

[[Page 78038]]

demonstrates its behavioral flexibility to variable environmental 
conditions. Additionally, regulatory mechanisms such as the California 
Endangered Species Act (CESA) and local ordinances are currently acting 
to ameliorate the severity of some existing threats, such as the take 
of individuals, degradation of tributary streams, and loss of wetland 
habitat surrounding Clear Lake. Furthermore, the SSA presented three 
plausible future scenarios, which included various states of potential 
future conditions for the species. Our analysis of these scenarios 
indicates that the Clear Lake hitch will maintain its current 
resiliency, representation, or redundancy, or undergo only a slight 
decrease in condition into the foreseeable future. Even under a 
projection of a slight decrease in future condition, the Clear Lake 
hitch was not projected to be in danger of extinction in the next 50 
years.
    Therefore, we find that listing the Clear Lake hitch as an 
endangered or threatened species under the Act is not warranted at this 
time. A detailed discussion of the basis for this finding can be found 
in the Clear Lake hitch species assessment form and other supporting 
documents (see ADDRESSES, above).

New Information

    We request that you submit any new information concerning the 
taxonomy of, biology of, ecology of, status of, or stressors to the 
Doll's daisy, Puget Oregonian, Rocky Mountain monkeyflower, southern 
white-tailed ptarmigan, tidewater amphipod, tufted puffin, Hamlin 
Valley pyrg, longitudinal gland pyrg, sub-globose snake pyrg, the 
Johnson Springs Wetland Complex population of relict dace, or Clear 
Lake hitch to the appropriate person, as specified under FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT, whenever it becomes available. New information 
will help us monitor these species and make appropriate decisions about 
their conservation and status. We encourage local agencies and 
stakeholders to continue cooperative monitoring and conservation 
efforts.

References Cited

    A list of the references cited in this petition finding is 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov in the 
appropriate docket provided above in ADDRESSES and upon request from 
the appropriate person, as specified under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT.

Authors

    The primary authors of this document are the staff members of the 
Species Assessment Team, Ecological Services Program.

Authority

    The authority for this action is section 4 of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

Aurelia Skipwith,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-26139 Filed 12-2-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P