[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 192 (Thursday, October 7, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 55775-55789]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-21651]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2020-0017; FF08E00000 FXES11110800000 212]

RIN 1018-BF94


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species 
Status for Tiehm's Buckwheat

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
list Eriogonum tiehmii (hereafter Tiehm's buckwheat), a plant species 
native to Nevada in the United States, as endangered under the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). If we finalize this 
rule as proposed, it would add this species to the List of Endangered 
and Threatened Plants and extend the Act's protections to the species.

DATES: We will accept any additional data, information, or comments 
received or postmarked on or before December 6, 2021. Comments 
submitted electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see 
ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the 
closing date. We must receive requests for a public hearing, in 
writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT by 
November 22, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the docket number or RIN 
for this rulemaking (presented above in the document headings). For 
best results, do not copy and paste either number; instead, type the 
docket number or RIN into the Search box using hyphens. Then, click on 
the Search button. On the resulting page, in the panel on the left side 
of the screen, under the Document Type heading, check the Proposed Rule 
box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on 
``Comment.''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2020-0017, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send any additional data, information, or

[[Page 55776]]

comments only by the methods described above. We will post all relevant 
data, information, or comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we also will post any personal information you 
provide us (see Information Requested, below, for more information).
    Availability of supporting materials: Our Species Status Assessment 
for Tiehm's buckwheat is available at https://www.fws.gov/reno/ and at 
https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2020-0017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marc Jackson, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Reno Ecological Services Field Office, 1340 
Financial Boulevard, Suite 234, Reno, Nevada 89502; telephone 775-861-
6337. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) 
may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (``Act''; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), if we determine 
that a species is an endangered or threatened species throughout all or 
a significant portion of its range, we are required to promptly publish 
a proposal in the Federal Register, unless doing so is precluded by 
higher-priority actions and expeditious progress is being made to add 
and remove qualified species to or from the Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants. The Service will make a determination 
on our proposal within 1 year. If there is substantial disagreement 
regarding the sufficiency and accuracy of the available data relevant 
to the proposed listing, we may extend the final determination for not 
more than six months. To the maximum extent prudent and determinable, 
we must designate critical habitat for any species that we determine to 
be an endangered or threatened species under the Act. Listing a species 
as an endangered or threatened species and designation of critical 
habitat can only be completed by issuing a rule.
    What this document does. We propose to list Tiehm's buckwheat as an 
endangered species under the Act.
    The basis for our action. Under the Act, we may determine that a 
species is an endangered or threatened species because of any of 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. We have determined that Tiehm's buckwheat is 
primarily at risk of extinction due to the destruction, modification, 
or curtailment of its habitat and range from mineral exploration and 
development; road development and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use; 
livestock grazing; nonnative, invasive plant species; and herbivory. 
Climate change may further influence the degree to which some of these 
threats (herbivory and nonnative invasive plant species), individually 
or collectively, may affect Tiehm's buckwheat. In addition, existing 
regulatory mechanisms may be inadequate to protect the species.
    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act requires the Secretary of the Interior 
(Secretary) to designate critical habitat concurrent with listing to 
the maximum extent prudent and determinable. Section 3(5)(A) of the Act 
defines critical habitat as (i) the specific areas within the 
geographical area occupied by the species, at the time it is listed, on 
which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to 
the conservation of the species and (II) which may require special 
management considerations or protections; and (ii) specific areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is 
listed, upon a determination by the Secretary that such areas are 
essential for the conservation of the species. Section 4(b)(2) of the 
Act states that the Secretary must make the designation on the basis of 
the best scientific data available and after taking into consideration 
the economic impact, the impact on national security, and any other 
relevant impacts of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. 
In this proposed rule, we present our determination that designating 
critical habitat is prudent but not determinable at this time, and that 
we intend to propose designated critical habitat subsequently.
    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 solicited reviews of 
the draft Species Status Assessment (SSA) for Tiehm's buckwheat. We 
sought the expert opinions of four independent specialists with 
expertise in botany, rare plant conservation, and plant ecology, and 
received responses from three of said experts. The purpose of peer 
review of the SSA report is to ensure that our listing determination is 
based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. Comments 
from peer reviewers have been incorporated into our SSA as appropriate.

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 as possible. Therefore, we request comments or 
information from other concerned governmental agencies, Native American 
Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested 
parties concerning this proposed rule.
    We particularly seek comments concerning:
    (1) Tiehm's buckwheat biology, distribution, and population size 
and trend, including:
    (a) Biological or ecological requirements of the species, including 
habitat requirements for pollination, reproduction, and dispersal;
    (b) Genetics and taxonomy;
    (c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns;
    (d) Historical and current population levels, and current and 
projected trends; and
    (e) Ongoing conservation measures for the species, its habitat, or 
both.
    (2) Factors that may affect the continued existence of the species, 
which may include habitat modification or destruction, overutilization, 
disease, predation, the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms, 
or other natural or manmade factors.
    (3) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning 
any threats (or lack thereof) to this species and existing regulations 
that may be addressing those threats.
    (4) Additional information concerning the historical and current 
status, range, distribution, and population size of this species, 
including the locations of any additional populations of this species.
    Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as 
scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to 
verify any scientific or commercial information you include.
    Please note that submissions merely stating support for, or 
opposition to, the action under consideration without providing 
supporting information, although noted, will not be considered in 
making a determination, as section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that 
determinations as to whether any species is an endangered or a 
threatened species must be made ``solely on the

[[Page 55777]]

basis of the best scientific and commercial data available.''
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you 
send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
    If you submit information via https://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the website. If your submission is made via a hardcopy 
that 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. We 
will post all hardcopy submissions on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Because we will consider all comments and information we receive 
during the comment period, our final determinations may differ from 
this proposal. Based on the new information we receive (and any 
comments on that new information), we may conclude that the species is 
threatened instead of endangered, or we may conclude that the species 
does not warrant listing as either an endangered species or a 
threatened species.

Public Hearing

    Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested. Requests must be received by the date specified 
in DATES. Such requests must be sent to the address shown in FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. We will schedule a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested, and announce the date, time, and place of the 
hearing, as well as how to obtain reasonable accommodations, in the 
Federal Register and by news release at least 15 days before the 
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 regulations at 50 CFR 
424.16(c)(3).

Previous Federal Actions

    On October 7, 2019, we received a petition from the Center for 
Biological Diversity (CBD; CBD 2019, entire) requesting that Tiehm's 
buckwheat be listed as threatened or endangered, that critical habitat 
be concurrently designated for this species under the Act, and that the 
petition be considered on an emergency basis. The Act does not provide 
for a process to petition for emergency listing; therefore, we 
evaluated the petition to determine if it presented substantial 
scientific or commercial information indicating that the petitioned 
action may be warranted. The Service published a 90-day finding on July 
22, 2020 (86 FR 44265), stating that the petition presented substantial 
scientific or commercial information indicating that listing Tiehm's 
buckwheat may be warranted.
    On September 29, 2020, CBD filed a complaint in the U.S. District 
Court for the District of Nevada against the Service alleging 
violations under the Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 551 et 
seq.); CBD amended the complaint on October 14, 2020, to include a 
claim under the Act that the Service had missed the 1-year deadline of 
October 7, 2020, for issuing a 12-month finding for Tiehm's buckwheat. 
On April 21, 2021, the court issued a decision, and, in response to a 
stipulated request for a revised remedy order, on May 17, 2021, the 
court ordered the Service to deliver a 12-month finding on Tiehm's 
buckwheat to the Federal Register by May 31, 2021, and if warranted, a 
proposed listing rule by September 30, 2021, and if warranted and 
designating critical habitat is prudent and determinable, a proposed 
critical habitat determination by January 31, 2022 (or May 2, 2022, if 
the determination is deemed a ``significant regulatory action'' by the 
Office of Management and Budget). On May 20, 2021, the court issued an 
amended judgment, which serves as the final judgment in this case.
    On June 4, 2021, the Service published a 12-month warranted finding 
(86 FR 29975) on the October 7, 2019, petition to list Tiehm's 
buckwheat. The Service now proposes to list Tiehm's buckwheat as an 
endangered species.

Supporting Documents

    The Service prepared an SSA report for the Tiehm's buckwheat 
(Service, 2021 entire). The science provided in the SSA report is the 
basis for this proposed rule. The SSA report represents a compilation 
of the best scientific and commercial data available concerning the 
status of the species, including past, present, and future impacts 
(both negative and beneficial) affecting the species. The SSA underwent 
independent peer review by scientists with expertise in botany, rare 
plant conservation, and plant ecology. The Service also sent the SSA 
report to three partner agencies, the Nevada Division of Forestry, the 
Nevada Division of Natural Heritage (NDNH), and the Bureau of Land 
Management (BLM), for review. We received comments from NDNH and BLM. 
Comments received during peer and partner review were considered and 
incorporated into our SSA.

Proposed Listing Determination

Background

    A thorough review of the taxonomy, life history, and ecology of 
Tiehm's buckwheat is presented in the SSA report (Service 2021, pp. 13-
22). A summary of the SSA is provided below.

Species Description, Habitat, and Needs

    Tiehm's buckwheat was first discovered in 1983 and described in 
1985. All available taxonomic and genetic research information 
indicates that Tiehm's buckwheat is a valid and recognizable taxon and 
represents a distinct species. Tiehm's buckwheat is a low-growing 
perennial herb, with blueish gray leaves and pale, yellow flowers that 
bloom from May to June and turn red with age. Seeds ripen in late-June 
through mid-July (Reveal 1985, pp. 277-278; Morefield 1995, pp. 6-7).
    Tiehm's buckwheat occurs between 5,906 and 6,234 feet (ft; 1,800 
and 1,900 meters (m)) in elevation and on all aspects with slopes 
ranging from 0-50 degrees (Ioneer 2020a, p. 5; Morefield 1995, p. 11). 
The species occurs on dry, upland sites, subject only to occasional 
saturation by rain and snow and is not found in association with free 
surface or subsurface waters (Morefield 1995, p. 11). Although there is 
no information on Tiehm's buckwheat's specific water needs during its 
various life stages (i.e., dormant seed, seedling, juvenile, adult), it 
appears to be primarily dependent on occasional precipitation for its 
moisture supply (Morefield 1995, p. 11). Like most terrestrial plants, 
Tiehm's buckwheat requires soil for physical support and as a source of 
nutrients and water. Tiehm's buckwheat is a soil specialist 
specifically adapted to grow on its preferred soil type. The species is 
restricted to dry, open, relatively barren slopes with light-colored 
rocky clay soils derived from an uncommon formation of interbedded 
claystones, shales, tuffaceous sandstones, and limestones (Ioneer 
2020a, p. 5; Morefield 1995, p. 10). Vegetation varies from pure stands 
of Tiehm's buckwheat to sparse associations with a few other low-
growing herbs and grass species (Morefield 1995, p. 12). The abundance 
and diversity of arthropods (insects, mites, and spiders) observed in 
Tiehm's buckwheat subpopulations is especially high (1,898 specimens 
from 12 orders,

[[Page 55778]]

70 families, and 129 species were found in 2020) for a plant community 
dominated by a single plant species (McClinton et al. 2020, p. 11). 
Primary pollinator visitors to Tiehm's buckwheat include wasps, 
beetles, and flies (McClinton et al. 2020, p.18). Tiehm's buckwheat 
benefits from pollinator services and needs pollination to increase 
seed production.
    Tiehm's buckwheat is a narrow-ranging endemic known only from one 
population, comprising eight subpopulations, in the Rhyolite Ridge area 
of Silver Peak Range in Esmeralda County, Nevada. The single population 
of Tiehm's buckwheat is restricted to approximately 10 acres (4 
hectares) across a 3-square-mile area, located entirely on public lands 
administered by BLM. The subpopulations are separated by a rural, 
unpaved, county road where subpopulations 1, 2, and 8 occur north of 
the road, and subpopulations 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 occur south of the road 
(Figure 1). A 2019 survey estimated that the total Tiehm's buckwheat 
population is 43,921 individual plants (Table 1; Kuyper 2019, p. 2). 
Multiple survey efforts have not detected additional populations of the 
species.
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP07OC21.000

BILLING CODE 4333-15-C

                                         Table 1--Summary of Tiehm's Buckwheat Individuals and Occupied Habitat
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                                                                                    Estimated number of plants               Occupied habitat (acres)
                      Population                         Subpopulation   -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             1994 \a\      2008/2010 \b\     2019 \c\        2008/2010         2019
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1....................................................                  1          7,000+          15,380           9,240            4.71            4.81
                                                                       2          3,000+           4,000           4,541            1.17            1.56

[[Page 55780]]

 
                                                                       3            500+           4,000           1,860            0.62            0.63
                                                                       4            500+           1,960           8,159            0.58            1.04
                                                                       5              15             100         \d\ 199            0.03            0.04
                                                                       6          6,000+          11,100          19,871            1.64            1.88
                                                                       7             n/a             n/a          \d\ 50             n/a           0.004
                                                                       8             n/a             n/a           \d\ 1             n/a             (*)
                                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total............................................  .................         17,015+          36,540          43,921            8.75            9.97
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\a\ Ocular estimate.
\b\ Method employed: ``Estimating Population Size Based on Average Central Density'' (Morefield 2008, entire: Morefield 2010, entire).
\c\ Method employed: Modified density sampling methodology in BLM technical reference ``Sampling Vegetation Attributes'' (BLM 1999, Appendix B) and
  ``Measuring and Monitoring Plant Subpopulations'' (Elzinga et al. 1998; Kuyper 2019, entire).
\d\ Direct count.
* (1 plant).

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;
    (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. These include actions or conditions 
that have a direct or indirect impact as well as those that affect 
individuals through alteration of their habitat or resources. 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 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.

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 a decision by 
the Service on whether the species should be proposed for listing as an 
endangered or 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 No. FWS-R8-ES-2020-

[[Page 55781]]

0017 on https://www.regulations.gov and at https://www.fws.gov/reno/.
    To assess viability of the Tiehm's buckwheat, 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 the 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 impacts. 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 discussion, 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.
    For the Tiehm's buckwheat to maintain viability, its populations or 
some portion thereof must be resilient. A number of factors influence 
the resiliency of Tiehm's buckwheat, including suitable habitat, 
abundance, and recruitment. Elements of the species' habitat that 
determine whether the Tiehm's buckwheat population can grow to maximize 
habitat occupancy influence those factors, thereby influencing the 
resiliency of the population. These resiliency factors and habitat 
elements are discussed in detail in the SSA report (Service 2021, 
entire) and summarized here.

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

    We reviewed the potential threats that could be affecting the 
Tiehm's buckwheat now and in the future. In this proposed rule, we will 
discuss only those threats in detail that could meaningfully impact the 
status of the species. Those threats that are not known to have effects 
on Tiehm's buckwheat, such as disease and overutilization for 
commercial and scientific purposes, are not discussed here, but are 
evaluated in the SSA report. The primary threats affecting the status 
of the Tiehm's buckwheat are physical alteration of habitat due to 
mineral exploration and development, road development and OHV use, 
livestock grazing, and nonnative, invasive plant species (all Factor A 
threats); herbivory (Factor C); and climate change (Factor E). Climate 
change may further influence the degree to which these threats, 
individually or collectively, may affect Tiehm's buckwheat. While we 
generally discuss these threats individually, threats can also occur 
simultaneously, thus additively affecting the resiliency of Tiehm's 
buckwheat. Where different individual threats occur at the same time 
and place, we will describe how they may interact with one another in 
the threats discussion below. Threats may be reduced through the 
implementation of existing regulatory mechanisms or other conservation 
efforts that benefit Tiehm's buckwheat and its habitat. We also 
summarize and discuss how the existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D) 
address these threats.

Herbivory

    The naturally occurring Tiehm's buckwheat population (represented 
by one population with eight subpopulations) and a seedling transplant 
experiment suffered detrimental herbivory in 2020. All of the naturally 
occurring subpopulations experienced greater than 50 percent damage or 
loss of individual plants, while almost all experimental transplants 
were lost to rodent herbivores in a 2-week period (Service 2020, pp. 
29-33). An environmental DNA analysis (i.e., trace DNA found in soil, 
water, food items, or other substrates with which an organism has 
interacted) conducted on damaged Tiehm's buckwheat roots, nearby soils, 
and rodent scat strongly linked small mammal herbivory to the 
widespread damage and loss of the naturally occurring Tiehm's buckwheat 
population (Grant 2020, entire). This was the first time herbivory was 
documented on the species, although, prior to 2019, surveys of the 
population were infrequent. The significance of herbivory in the 
naturally occurring population depends not only on its frequency and 
intensity, but also on whether damaged plants can recover and survive, 
as we are uncertain if the species will be able to recover from this 
damage and loss. Rodent herbivore pressure precluded seedling survival 
in experimental plots. Further studies and monitoring need to be 
conducted to determine if management to reduce rodent herbivory is 
necessary to maintain Tiehm's buckwheat individuals and subpopulations, 
or if it was just a random catastrophic event that is not likely to 
occur on a regular basis.
    The recent herbivory event that Tiehm's buckwheat experienced was 
extensive enough to compromise the long-term viability of individuals, 
subpopulations, and the overall population. One possibility for why 
this occurred is that climate changes are causing changes in moisture 
availability. Total precipitation was above average in the Rhyolite 
Ridge area from 2015 through 2019, whereas in 2020, it was 
significantly below average. Increases in precipitation are typically 
followed by increases in rodent populations (Randel and Clark 2010; 
entire; Gillespie et al. 2008, pp. 78-81; Brown and Ernest 2002, pp. 
981-985; Beatley 1976, entire). This sudden shift from above average to 
below average precipitation may be what impacted the local rodent 
population at Rhyolite Ridge; a large rodent population was seeking 
water from whatever source was available and, in this case, found the 
shallow taproots of mature Tiehm's buckwheat plants (Boone 2020, 
entire; Morefield 2020, p. 12). If herbivory was driven by a water-
stressed rodent population, future alteration of temperature and 
precipitation patterns may create climate conditions for this situation 
to happen again, resulting in further damage or loss of Tiehm's 
buckwheat individuals.

Mineral Exploration and Development

    The specialized soils on which Tiehm's buckwheat occurs are high in 
lithium and boron, making this location of high interest for mineral

[[Page 55782]]

development. Trenches and mine shafts associated with mineral 
exploration and development have already impacted subpopulations 1, 2, 
3, 4, and 6, resulting in the loss of some of the Tiehm's buckwheat 
habitat (Morefield 1995, p. 15). Future mineral exploration and 
development would be expected to result in similar or more detrimental 
impacts to the species. The BLM lands on which Tiehm's buckwheat grows 
are subject to the operation of the Mining Law of 1872, as amended (30 
U.S.C. 22-54). Therefore, under BLM's regulations, operators may 
explore and cause a surface disturbance of up to 5 acres after an 
operator gives notice to BLM and waits 15 days (43 CFR 3809.21(a)). By 
contrast, if a listed species or designated critical habitat is 
present, an operator must submit a mining plan of operations and obtain 
BLM approval for any surface disturbance greater than casual use (43 
CFR 3809.11(b)(6)).
    In May 2020, Ioneer USA Corporation (Ioneer) submitted a plan of 
operations to BLM for the proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron 
project. The proposed project is awaiting BLM permitting and approval 
and, if permitted, would result in the complete loss of Tiehm's 
buckwheat habitat and subpopulations 4, 5, 6, and 7, even with the 
voluntary protection measures included in Ioneer's project proposal. 
The voluntary protection measures included in Ioneer's project proposal 
are summarized below in the Conservation Measures and Existing 
Regulatory Mechanisms section (protection measures are described more 
thoroughly in Service 2021, pp. 39-40, 46-47). The potential impact 
from the proposed project, combined with the loss resulting from the 
recent herbivory event, would reduce the total Tiehm's buckwheat 
population by 70 to 88 percent, or from 43,921 individuals to roughly 
5,289-8,696 individuals, and remove 30 percent of its total habitat 
(2.96 ac (1.2 ha); Ioneer 2020a, Figure 4, p. 29). The number of 
individuals estimated to survive is represented by a range, because we 
do not know yet if the plants damaged from herbivory will be able to 
recover and survive. The low end of this range is based on permanent 
loss of damaged plants, while the high end represents conditions if all 
the herbivore-damaged plants recover. At the end of the project as 
proposed, areas previously occupied by Tiehm's buckwheat in 
subpopulations 4-7 would be underwater within the boundaries of a 
quarry lake (Ioneer 2020b, pp. 71-72). Ioneer is proposing to remove 
and salvage all remaining plants in subpopulations 4, 5, 6, and 7 
(between 11,701-16,205 plants depending on if damaged plants recover 
from herbivory) and translocate them to another location. However, 
because Tiehm's buckwheat is a soil specialist and adjacent, unoccupied 
sites are not suitable for all early life-history stages, herbivore 
impacts on transplanted seedlings, and lack of testing and multiyear 
monitoring on the feasibility of transplanting the species, we are 
uncertain of the potential for success of translocation efforts.
    Subpopulation 6 may be the most resilient of the eight Tiehm's 
buckwheat subpopulations because it has the most individuals, produces 
a higher average density of flowers (correlating to a higher seed 
output), supports high pollinator diversity, and supports a variety of 
size classes, including having the most individuals in the smallest 
size class indicating that this subpopulation is likely experiencing 
the most recruitment (Kuyper 2019, p. 3; Ioneer 2020a, pp. 7-8; 
McClinton et al. 2020, p. 23, 51). Loss of this subpopulation to the 
proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project may have an immense 
impact on the overall resiliency and continued viability of the 
species, beyond just the numeric loss of redundancy and representation.
    Rare plant species, like Tiehm's buckwheat, that have restricted 
ranges, specialized habitat requirements, and limited recruitment and 
dispersal, have a higher risk of extinction due to demographic 
uncertainty and random environmental events (Shaffer 1987, pp. 69-75; 
Lande 1993, pp. 911-927; Hawkins et al. 2008, pp. 41-42; Caicco 2012, 
pp. 93-94; Kaye et al. 2019, p. 2). Additionally, habitat fragmentation 
poses specific threats to species through genetic factors such as 
increases in genetic drift and inbreeding, together with a potential 
reduction in gene flow from neighboring individuals or subpopulations 
(Jump and Pe[ntilde]uelas 2005, pp. 1015-1016). The effects of habitat 
fragmentation from the proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project on 
Tiehm's buckwheat may be compounded by the inherently poor dispersal of 
the species and its specific soil requirements.

Road Development and Off-Highway Vehicle Use

    Ecological impacts of roads and ground-disturbing activities like 
OHV use include altered hydrology, pollution, sedimentation, silt and 
dust erosion and deposition, habitat fragmentation, reduced species 
diversity, and altered landscape patterns (Forman and Alexander 1998, 
entire; Spellerberg 1998, entire). OHV impacts have occurred in 
subpopulation 1 (Caicco and Edwards 2007, entire; Donnelly and Fraga 
2020, p. 1; Ioneer 2020a, p. 10) and can kill or damage individual 
plants and modify habitat through fragmentation and soil compaction. 
Mining and mineral exploration activities that grade, improve, and 
widen roads in the Rhyolite Ridge area may allow easier and greater 
access for OHVs and recreational use. Additionally, road development 
and increased vehicle traffic associated with the mine may create 
conditions that further favor the establishment of nonnative, invasive 
species within Tiehm's buckwheat habitat.
    Ioneer's proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project would 
construct and maintain service and haul roads within the Rhyolite Ridge 
area. Cave Springs Road (as seen on Figure 1) is currently maintained 
by Esmeralda County and bisects the Tiehm's buckwheat subpopulations. 
Realignment of this road is proposed to accommodate haul roads. It is 
expected that the rerouted road would be transferred to the county at 
closure, as an amendment to the county's existing right-of-way with BLM 
(Ioneer 2020b, p. 44). The expected amount of truck traffic associated 
with providing needed materials and supplies and product transport for 
the proposed project is anticipated to be 100 round trips per day, 365 
days per year (Ioneer 2020b, p. 7).
    Dust deposition, often a result of vehicle traffic on roads, 
negatively affects the physiological processes of plants including 
photosynthesis, reproduction, transpiration, water use efficiency, leaf 
hydraulic conductance, and stomatal disruption that impedes the ability 
of the stomata to open and close effectively (Hirano et al. 1995, pp. 
257-260; Vardaka et al. 1995, pp. 415-418; Wijayratne et al. 2009, pp. 
84-87; Lewis 2013, pp. 56-79; Sett 2017, entire). Physiological 
disruption to Tiehm's buckwheat individuals from dust generated from 
vehicular traffic associated with the proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-
boron project would likely negatively affect the overall health and 
physiological processes of the population and of the subpopulations 
remaining (1, 2, 3, and 8) after full implementation of the proposed 
Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project.

Livestock Grazing

    Livestock grazing has the potential to result in negative impacts 
to Tiehm's buckwheat individuals, subpopulations, and/or the 
population, depending on

[[Page 55783]]

factors such as stocking rate and season of use. Livestock grazing may 
result in direct impacts to individual Tiehm's buckwheat plants due to 
trampling of vegetation and soil disturbance (compaction) in ways that 
can render habitat no longer suitable to established plants, while also 
discouraging population recruitment (by discouraging seed retention, 
seed germination, and seedling survival). Patterns of soil disturbance 
associated with grazing also can create conditions conducive to the 
invasion of nonnative plant species (Young et al. 1972, entire; Hobbs 
and Huenneke 1992, p. 329; Loeser et al. 2007, pp. 94-95).
    Tiehm's buckwheat occurs in the BLM Silver Peak livestock grazing 
allotment (BLM 1997, p. 15, Map 17). The Silver Peak allotment 
(NV00097) was authorized on September 9, 2020, with a 4-year term that 
expires on September 24, 2024 (BLM 2021a, entire). There are no grazing 
exclosures associated with Tiehm's buckwheat within this BLM allotment; 
therefore, the species may be exposed to the effects of livestock 
grazing described in the above paragraph. Although some Tiehm's 
buckwheat individuals may be impacted by this threat, current grazing 
damage to Tiehm's buckwheat has not been observed. There are currently 
658 active AUMs (animal unit months) and 2,507 temporarily suspended 
AUMs associated with the Silver Peak allotment due to stocking water 
range improvements that have fallen out of repair.
    Upon expiration of the Silver Peak allotment, BLM will consider 
reauthorization and/or changing the number of active AUMs. Range 
improvements are in progress, and additional AUMs may be returned on 
this allotment (Truax 2020, pers. comm.). However, grazing impacts 
could potentially increase in the future if additional AUMs are 
returned to this allotment.

Nonnative, Invasive Plant Species

    Nonnative, invasive plant species could negatively affect Tiehm's 
buckwheat individuals, subpopulations, and/or the population through 
competition, displacement, and degradation of the quality and 
composition of its habitat (Gonzalez et al. 2008, entire; Simberloff et 
al. 2013, entire). Surveys of Tiehm's buckwheat conducted between 1994 
and 2010 did not document any occurrences of nonnative, invasive 
species in its habitat (Morefield 1995, entire; Caicco and Edwards 
2007, entire; Morefield 2008, entire; Morefield 2010, entire). However, 
saltlover (Halogeton glomeratus) has since become established to some 
degree and is part of the associated plant community in all 
subpopulations of Tiehm's buckwheat (CBD 2019, pp. 20-21; Ioneer 2020a, 
pp. 9-10). Vehicles can carry the seeds of nonnative, invasive plant 
species into the area, and soil disturbances, such as mineral 
exploration activities, can encourage the spread of saltlover, which 
alters the substrate by making the soil more saline and less suitable 
as habitat for Tiehm's buckwheat.
    Road development and vehicle traffic associated with the proposed 
mine as well as livestock grazing, which currently occurs within the 
Tiehm's buckwheat population as part of the BLM's Silver Peak 
allotment, may create conditions that further favor the establishment 
of nonnative, invasive species within Tiehm's buckwheat habitat. For 
example, Ioneer's Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project proposes to 
construct and operate a quarry, processing plant, overburden storage 
facility, spent ore storage facility, and access roads (Ioneer 2020b, 
p. 11). If the project is approved, and these ground-disturbing 
activities occur, there is a potential for increase in spread of 
nonnative, invasive plant species. However, this possible increase 
would depend on conditions associated with approval of the proposed 
project. Under the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et 
seq.), BLM has the discretion to analyze best management practices to 
help reduce the likelihood that nonnative, invasive plant species are 
introduced and spread in Tiehm's buckwheat habitat.

Climate Change

    The effects of climatic changes in the Great Basin depend largely 
on the interaction of temperature and precipitation. Temperatures in 
the Great Basin have increased over the past 100 years. Between 1895 
and 2011, temperatures in the Great Basin have increased 1.2[deg] to 
2.5 [deg]F (0.7[deg] to 1.4[deg]C), with a greater increase in the 
southern Great Basin (where Eriogonum tiehmii occurs) than in the 
northern Great Basin (Snyder et al. 2019, p. 3). Temperatures are 
increasing more at night than during the day and more in winter than in 
summer, leading to fewer cold snaps, more heatwaves, fewer frosty days 
and nights, less snow, and earlier snowmelt (Snyder et al. 2019, p. 3; 
Padgett et al. 2018, p. 167; Abatzoglou and Kolden 2013, entire; 
Knowles et al. 2006, p. 4557; Mote et al. 2005, entire; Stewart et al. 
2005, p. 1152). Although these observed trends provide information as 
to how climate has changed in the past, climate models can be used to 
simulate and develop future climate projections.
    Simulations using downscaled methods from 20 global climate models 
project mean average temperature during December, January, and February 
for the Rhyolite Ridge area to increase by 2.3 [deg]F (1.3 [deg]C) by 
2060 and 3.4 [deg]F (1.9 [deg]C) by 2099 under moderate emission 
scenarios (RCP 4.5; Hegewisch and Abatzoglou (2020a). Under high 
emission scenarios (RCP 8.5), mean average temperatures during winter 
months increase by 3.6 [deg]F (2 [deg]C) by 2060 and 7.1 [deg]F (3.9 
[deg]C) by 2099. Likewise, these models project maximum average 
temperatures during June, July, and August for the Rhyolite Ridge area 
to increase by 2.9 [deg]F (1.6 [deg]C) by 2060 and 4.1 [deg]F (2.3 
[deg]C) by 2099 under moderate emission scenarios (RCP 4.5). Under high 
emission scenarios (RCP 8.5), maximum average temperatures during 
summer months increased by 4.6 [deg]F (2.6 [deg]C) by 2060 and 8.9 
[deg]F (4.9 [deg]C) by 2099 (Hegewisch and Abatzoglou 2020a).
    Additionally, simulations using these downscaling methods from 
multiple models project annual precipitation for the Rhyolite Ridge 
area to increase by 0.4 in (10.16 mm (milometers)) by 2060 and 0.6 in 
(15.24 mm) by 2099 under moderate emission scenarios (RCP 4.5). Under 
high emission scenarios (RCP 8.5), annual precipitation increases by 
0.3 in (7.62 mm) by 2060 and 0.7 in (17.78 mm) by 2099 (Hegewisch and 
Abatzoglou 2020a). Total precipitation was above average in the 
Rhyolite Ridge area during the period 2015-2019, ranging from 6.1 to 
8.7 in (15.5 to 22 cm) a year (Hegewisch and Abatzoglou 2020b). 
Whereas, in 2020, total average precipitation for the same area was 2.7 
in (6.8 cm; Hegewisch and Abatzoglou 2020c).
    Tiehm's buckwheat is adapted to dry, upland sites, subject only to 
occasional saturation by rain and snow. Increasing temperature can 
affect precipitation patterns. The fraction of winter precipitation 
(November-March) that falls as snow versus rain is declining in the 
western United States (Palmquist et al. 2016, pp. 13-16). When 
temperatures are cold enough to limit water losses from plant 
transpiration and soils are not frozen, shifts from snow to rain may 
have minimal impact on deep soil water storage. If rainfall replaces 
snow and temperatures are increased enough to thaw soils to stimulate 
plant growth and physiological activity earlier in the year, this 
scenario would result in less deep soil water recharge (i.e., less soil 
water infiltration and more evaporation) and potential changes in plant 
community

[[Page 55784]]

composition (Huxman et al. 2005, entire).
    Fire is a naturally occurring phenomenon that impacts the 
distribution and structure of vegetation (Willis 2017, p. 52). However, 
due to increasing temperatures and reductions in precipitation, the 
severity and frequency of wildfires is likely to increase (Snyder et 
al. 2019, p. 8; Comer et al. 2013, pp. 130-135; Chambers and Wisdom 
2009, pp. 709-710). While the Great Basin is extremely prone to fires, 
with 14 million ac (5.6 million ha) burning in the last 20 years, there 
are no reported accounts of fire within Tiehm's buckwheat habitat or in 
the surrounding Rhyolite Ridge area (BLM 2020, entire). We currently do 
not have any data to indicate what level of effect wildfire could have 
on Tiehm's buckwheat; however, it could result in habitat loss or 
habitat fragmentation and/or remove Tiehm's buckwheat individuals.
    The direct, long-term impact from climate change to Tiehm's 
buckwheat is yet to be determined. The timing of phenological events, 
such as flowering, are often related to environmental variables such as 
temperature. Large-scale patterns of changing plant distributions, 
flowering times, and novel community assemblages in response to rising 
temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are apparent in many 
vegetation biomes (Munson and Long 2017, entire; Willis 2017, pp. 44-
49; Hawkins et al. 2008, entire; Burgess et al. 2007, entire; Parmesan 
2006, entire). However, we do not know if or how climate change may 
alter the phenology of Tiehm's buckwheat or cause changes in pollinator 
behavior.
    In summary, Tiehm's buckwheat is adapted to dry, upland sites, 
subject only to occasional saturation by rain and snow. Under climate 
change predictions, we anticipate alteration of precipitation and 
temperature patterns, as models forecast warmer temperatures and slight 
increases in precipitation. The timing and type of precipitation 
received (snow vs. rain) may impact plant transpiration and the soil 
water recharge needed by Tiehm's buckwheat. Additionally, variability 
in interannual precipitation combined with increasing temperatures, as 
recently seen from 2015 through 2020, may make conditions less suitable 
for Tiehm's buckwheat by bolstering local rodent populations. High 
rodent abundance combined with high temperatures and drought may have 
contributed to the large herbivore impacts in 2020 in both the 
transplant experiment and native population. Thus, climate change may 
exacerbate impacts from rodent herbivory currently affecting this 
species and its habitat.

Conservation Measures and Regulatory Mechanisms

BLM

    Tiehm's buckwheat is on the BLM Sensitive Species List (BLM 2008a, 
pp. 1-48). Although Tiehm's buckwheat is managed as a BLM sensitive 
species, BLM's regulations do not allow the agency to require 
conservation measures for sensitive species as a condition for 
exploring for, or developing minerals subject to disposal under the 
Mining Law of 1872, as amended (30 U.S.C. 22-54; Mining Law). Under 
BLM's handbook, the Silver Peak allotment permits grazing across 
281,489 ac (113,915 ha) that also encompass the area occupied by 
Tiehm's buckwheat. Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 
1976, as amended (43 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.), BLM has the discretion to 
establish and implement special management areas, such as areas of 
critical environmental concern, to reduce or eliminate actions that 
adversely affect sensitive species, such as Tiehm's buckwheat. Although 
Tiehm's buckwheat is a BLM sensitive species, there are no special 
restrictions or terms and conditions regarding livestock use within the 
Silver Peak allotment where this species occurs nor are there any on 
the ground protections for Tiehm's buckwheat as a sensitive species. 
BLM has best management practices (BMPs) for invasive and nonnative 
species that focus on the prevention of further spread and/or 
establishment of these species (BLM 2008b, pp. 76-77). BMPs should be 
considered and applied where applicable to promote healthy, functioning 
native plant communities, or to meet regulatory requirements. BMPs 
include inventorying weed infestations, prioritizing treatment areas, 
minimizing soil disturbance, and cleaning vehicles and equipment (BLM 
2008b, pp. 76-77). However, incorporation or implementation of BMPs is 
at the discretion of an authorized BLM officer.
    In response to the recent herbivory event on Tiehm's buckwheat 
subpopulations, BLM has been monitoring the species biweekly. Photo 
plots were established near undamaged plants in subpopulations 1, 3, 
and 6 to help determine whether herbivory is continuing (Crosby 2020a, 
pers. comm.; Crosby 2020b, pers. comm.). Ocular estimates from the 
photo plots indicate that herbivory is not ongoing (Crosby 2020b, pers. 
comm.). Game cameras that were installed by BLM when damage to the 
species was first reported were removed in mid-November 2020 but may be 
reinstalled if deemed necessary (Crosby 2020a, pers. comm.).

Ioneer

    As part of the proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project, 
Ioneer is developing a conservation plan for Tiehm's buckwheat to 
protect and preserve the continued viability of the species on a long-
term basis. The conservation plan is in the early stages of 
development.
    Ioneer has also implemented or proposed various protection measures 
for Tiehm's buckwheat. Ioneer funded the development of a habitat 
suitability model to identify additional potential habitat for Tiehm's 
buckwheat through field surveys (Ioneer 2020a, p. 12). In addition, a 
demographic monitoring program was initiated in 2019 to detect and 
document trends in population size, acres inhabited, size class 
distribution, and cover with permanent monitoring transects established 
in subpopulations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 (Ioneer 2020a, p. 16). Ioneer also 
funded collection of Tiehm's buckwheat seed in 2019 (Ioneer 2020a, pp. 
13-14). Some of this seed was used by the University of Nevada, Reno, 
for a propagation trial and transplant study (Ioneer 2020a, p. 14). The 
remainder of this seed is in long-term storage at Rae Selling Berry 
Seed Bank at Portland State University (Ioneer 2020a, p. 13). Ioneer's 
proposed plans include avoiding subpopulations 1, 2, 3, and 8 (5,289 
plants; Ioneer 2020a, p. 11), installing fences and signage around 
subpopulations 1 and 2 (Ioneer 2020a, p. 11), and removing and 
salvaging all remaining plants in subpopulations 4, 5, 6, and 7 
(16,205-11,701 plants depending on if damaged plants recover from 
herbivory) and translocating them to another location (Ioneer 2020a, p. 
15). However, the proposed project may or may not be permitted by BLM, 
thus these protection measures may or may not be fully implemented.

Summary of Current Condition

    Data about the Tiehm's buckwheat population are sparse, as research 
and monitoring to better understand the species are still in their 
infancy (Grant 2020, entire; Ioneer 2020a, pp. 11-18; McClinton et al. 
2020, entire; Service 2020, entire). As a result, little is known about 
subpopulation connectivity and dispersal (i.e., gene-flow) and 
recruitment and/or seedling establishment, to inform population trend. 
Further studies and monitoring need to be conducted to determine if 
management to reduce herbivory is necessary to maintain Tiehm's

[[Page 55785]]

buckwheat individuals and subpopulations, or if the 2020 event was just 
a random catastrophic event that is not likely to occur on a regular 
basis.
    Globally, Tiehm's buckwheat is known from 8 subpopulations that 
make up a single population (Table 1). Surveys have not detected 
additional populations of Tiehm's buckwheat. Tiehm's buckwheat 
substantially contributes to supporting the high abundance and 
diversity of arthropods and pollinators found in the Rhyolite Ridge 
area. A specific set of soil conditions are required for the growth of 
Tiehm's buckwheat, as the species is specifically adapted to grow on 
its preferred soil type (Ioneer 2020a, p. 5; Morefield 1995, p. 10).
    Tiehm's buckwheat occurs entirely on 10 ac (4 ha) of Federal lands 
with sparse associations of other plant species. Rare plant species, 
like Tiehm's buckwheat, that have restricted ranges, specialized 
habitat requirements, and limited recruitment and dispersal have a 
higher risk of extinction due to demographic uncertainty and random 
environmental events. Under current conditions, primary threats to the 
species include mineral exploration and development, road development 
and OHV use, livestock grazing, nonnative, invasive plant species, 
herbivory, and climate change. Many of the threats currently affecting 
the species have the potential to work in combination. For example, 
mineral exploration, road development and OHV use, and livestock 
grazing can introduce nonnative, invasive plant species, which in turn 
can directly compete with and displace Tiehm's buckwheat within its 
habitat. With only one population (8 subpopulations), the risks to a 
small plant population like Tiehm's buckwheat include losses in 
reproductive individuals, declines in seed production and viability, 
loss of pollinators, loss of genetic diversity, and Allee effects 
(Willis 2017, pp. 74-77; Berec et al. 2007, entire; Eisto et al. 2000, 
pp. 1418-1420) which will impact a species that already has very 
limited redundancy and representation.

Determination of Tiehm's Buckwheat 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 endangered species as a species 
``in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range,'' and 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

    After evaluating threats to the species and assessing the 
cumulative effect of the threats under the section 4(a)(1) factors, we 
found that the population occurs in an extremely small area, has 
specialized habitat requirements, and has limited recruitment and 
dispersal. Our analysis revealed that the species is vulnerable to 
ongoing and future threats that affect both individual plants and their 
habitat.
    We have carefully assessed the best scientific and commercial 
information available regarding the current and future threats to 
Tiehm's buckwheat. We considered the five factors identified in section 
4(a)(1) of the Act in determining whether Tiehm's buckwheat meets the 
definition of an endangered species (section 3(6)) or threatened 
species (section 3(20)). We find that Tiehm's buckwheat is in danger of 
extinction due to the present or threatened destruction, modification, 
or curtailment of its habitat or range including habitat loss and 
degradation due to mineral exploration and development, road 
development and OHV use, livestock grazing, and nonnative, invasive 
plant species (all Factor A threats); herbivory (Factor C); and climate 
change (Factor E). Of these, we consider mineral exploration and 
development and herbivory to be the greatest threats to Tiehm's 
buckwheat. The existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D) are inadequate 
to protect the species from these threats. We did not identify threats 
to the continued existence of Tiehm's buckwheat due to overutilization 
for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes 
(Factor B).
    In 2020, a detrimental herbivory event caused greater than 50 
percent damage or loss of individual Tiehm's buckwheat plants across 
all subpopulations. Cumulative impacts from the herbivory and the 
proposed Rhyolite Ridge lithium-boron project (if permitted by BLM) 
would reduce the total Tiehm's buckwheat population by 70 to 88 
percent, or from 43,921 individuals to roughly 5,289-8,696 individuals 
as we do not know yet if damaged plants will be able to recover and 
survive or if translocating plants is feasible. Road development and 
vehicle traffic associated with the proposed mine as well as livestock 
grazing may further affect the overall health and physiological 
processes of individual Tiehm's buckwheat plants and create conditions 
that further favor the establishment of nonnative, invasive species 
within the species' habitat. Increased temperatures and alteration of 
precipitation patterns due to climate change may impact plant 
transpiration and soil water recharge needed by Tiehm's buckwheat, as 
well as bolstering local rodent populations. High rodent abundance 
combined with high temperatures and drought may have contributed to the 
herbivore impacts in 2020.
    We find that Tiehm's buckwheat is in danger of extinction 
throughout all of its range due to the severity and immediacy of 
threats currently impacting the species now and those which are likely 
to occur in the near term. We find that a threatened species status is 
not appropriate because the threats are severe and imminent, and 
Tiehm's buckwheat is in danger of extinction now, as opposed to likely 
to become endangered in the future. Therefore, on the basis of the best 
available scientific and commercial information, we propose listing 
Tiehm's buckwheat as an endangered species in accordance with sections 
3(6), 3(20), and 4(a)(1) of the Act.

Status Throughout a Significant Portion of Its 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. We have determined that the Tiehm's buckwheat is in danger 
of extinction throughout all of its range and accordingly did not 
undertake an analysis of any significant portion of its range. Because 
the Tiehm's buckwheat warrants listing as endangered throughout all of 
its range, our determination is consistent with the decision in Center 
for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 2020 WL 437289 (D.D.C. Jan. 28, 
2020), in which the court vacated the aspect of the Final Policy on 
Interpretation of the Phrase ``Significant Portion of Its Range'' in 
the Endangered Species Act's Definitions of ``Endangered Species'' and 
``Threatened Species'' (79 FR 37578; July 1, 2014) that provided the 
Service does not

[[Page 55786]]

undertake an analysis of significant portions of a species' range if 
the species warrants listing as threatened throughout all of its range.

Determination of Status

    Our review of the best available scientific and commercial 
information indicates that the Tiehm's buckwheat meets the Act's 
definition of an endangered species. Therefore, we propose to list the 
Tiehm's buckwheat as an endangered species in accordance with sections 
3(6), and 4(a)(1) of the Act.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened species under the Act include recognition, recovery actions, 
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain 
practices. Recognition through listing results in public awareness and 
conservation by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies, private 
organizations, and individuals. The Act encourages cooperation with the 
States and other countries and calls for recovery actions to be carried 
out for listed species. The protection required by Federal agencies and 
the prohibitions against certain activities are discussed, in part, 
below.
    The primary purpose of the Act is the conservation of endangered 
and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The 
ultimate goal of such conservation efforts is the recovery of these 
listed species, so that they no longer need the protective measures of 
the Act. Section 4(f) of the Act calls for the Service to develop and 
implement recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and 
threatened species. The recovery planning process involves the 
identification of actions that are necessary to halt or reverse the 
species' decline by addressing the threats to its survival and 
recovery. The goal of this process is to restore listed species to a 
point where they are secure, self-sustaining, and functioning 
components of their ecosystems.
    Recovery planning consists of preparing draft and final recovery 
plans, beginning with the development of a recovery outline and making 
it available to the public within 30 days of a final listing 
determination. The recovery outline guides the immediate implementation 
of urgent recovery actions and describes the process to be used to 
develop a recovery plan. Revisions of the plan may be done to address 
continuing or new threats to the species, as new substantive 
information becomes available. The recovery plan also identifies 
recovery criteria for review of when a species may be ready for 
reclassification from endangered to threatened (``downlisting'') or 
removal from protected status (``delisting''), and methods for 
monitoring recovery progress. Recovery plans also establish a framework 
for agencies to coordinate their recovery efforts and provide estimates 
of the cost of implementing recovery tasks. Recovery teams (composed of 
species experts, Federal and State agencies, nongovernmental 
organizations, and stakeholders) are often established to develop 
recovery plans. When completed, the recovery outline, draft recovery 
plan, and the final recovery plan will be available on our website 
(https://www.fws.gov/endangered), or from our Reno Ecological Services 
Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Implementation of recovery actions generally requires the 
participation of a broad range of partners, including other Federal 
agencies, States, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, 
and private landowners. Examples of recovery actions include habitat 
restoration (e.g., restoration of native vegetation), research, captive 
propagation and reintroduction, and outreach and education.
    If this species is listed, funding for recovery actions will be 
available from a variety of sources, including Federal budgets, State 
programs, and cost-share grants for non-Federal landowners, the 
academic community, and nongovernmental organizations. In addition, 
pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the State of Nevada could be eligible 
for Federal funds to implement management actions that promote the 
protection or recovery of the Tiehm's buckwheat. Information on our 
grant programs that are available to aid species recovery can be found 
at: https://www.fws.gov/grants.
    Although the Tiehm's buckwheat is only proposed for listing under 
the Act at this time, please let us know if you are interested in 
participating in recovery efforts for this species. Additionally, we 
invite you to submit any new information on this species whenever it 
becomes available and any information you may have for recovery 
planning purposes (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their 
actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as an 
endangered or threatened species and with respect to its critical 
habitat, if any is designated. Regulations implementing this 
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR 
part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to 
confer with the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of a species proposed for listing or result in 
destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a 
species is listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires 
Federal agencies to ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or 
carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the 
species or destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a 
Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the 
responsible Federal agency must enter into consultation with the 
Service.
    Federal agency actions within the species' habitat that may require 
conference or consultation or both as described in the preceding 
paragraph include management and any other landscape-altering 
activities on Federal lands administered by BLM or other Federal 
agencies (or permitted or funded by a Federal agency).
    The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of 
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to endangered plants. 
The prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, codified at 50 CFR 
17.61, make it illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States to: Import or export; remove and reduce to possession 
from areas under Federal jurisdiction; maliciously damage or destroy on 
any such area; remove, cut, dig up, or damage or destroy on any other 
area in knowing violation of any law or regulation of any State or in 
the course of any violation of a State criminal trespass law; deliver, 
receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign commerce, 
by any means whatsoever and in the course of a commercial activity; or 
sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce an endangered 
plant. Certain exceptions apply to employees of the Service, the 
National Marine Fisheries Service, other Federal land management 
agencies, and State conservation agencies.
    We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities 
involving endangered plants under certain circumstances. Regulations 
governing permits are codified at 50 CFR 17.62. With regard to 
endangered plants, a permit may be issued for scientific purposes or 
for enhancing the propagation or survival of the species. The statute 
also contains certain exemptions from the prohibitions, which are found 
in sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
    It is our policy, as published in the Federal Register on July 1, 
1994 (59 FR

[[Page 55787]]

34272), to identify to the maximum extent practicable at the time a 
species is listed, those activities that would or would not constitute 
a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this policy is to 
increase public awareness of the effect of a proposed listing on 
proposed and ongoing activities within the range of the species 
proposed for listing. Based on the best available information, the 
following actions are unlikely to result in a violation of section 9, 
if these activities are carried out in accordance with existing 
regulations and permit requirements; this list is not comprehensive:
    (1) OHV or other vehicle use on existing roads and trails in 
compliance with the BLM Tonopah Field Office's resource management 
plan.
    (2) Recreational use with minimal ground disturbance (e.g., hiking, 
walking).
    Based on the best available information, the following activities 
may potentially result in a violation of section 9 of the Act if they 
are not authorized in accordance with applicable law; this list is not 
comprehensive:
    (1) Unauthorized handling, removing, trampling, or collecting of 
the Tiehm's buckwheat on Federal land; and
    (2) Removing, cutting, digging up, or damaging or destroying the 
Tiehm's buckwheat in knowing violation of any law or regulation of the 
State of Nevada or in the course of any violation of a State criminal 
trespass law.
    Questions regarding whether specific activities would constitute a 
violation of section 9 of the Act should be directed to the Reno 
Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

II. Critical Habitat

Background

    Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as:
    (1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the 
species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which 
are found those physical or biological features that are:
    (a) Essential to the conservation of the species, and
    (b) Which may require special management considerations or 
protection; and
    (2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas 
are essential for the conservation of the species.
    Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define the geographical area 
occupied by the species as an area that may generally be delineated 
around species' occurrences, as determined by the Secretary (i.e., 
range). Such areas may include those areas used throughout all or part 
of the species' life cycle, even if not used on a regular basis (e.g., 
migratory corridors, seasonal habitats, and habitats used periodically, 
but not solely by vagrant individuals). Additionally, our regulations 
at 50 CFR 424.02 define the word ``habitat'' as follows: ``For the 
purposes of designating critical habitat only, habitat is the abiotic 
and biotic setting that currently or periodically contains the 
resources and conditions necessary to support one or more life 
processes of a species.''
    Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use 
and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring 
an endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures 
provided pursuant to the Act are no longer necessary. Such methods and 
procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated 
with scientific resources management such as research, census, law 
enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live 
trapping, and transplantation, and, in the extraordinary case where 
population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise 
relieved, may include regulated taking.
    Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act 
through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation 
with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is 
not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect 
land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or 
other conservation area. Such designation also does not allow the 
government or public to access private lands. Such designation does not 
require implementation of restoration, recovery, or enhancement 
measures by non-Federal landowners. Where a landowner requests Federal 
agency funding or authorization for an action that may affect a listed 
species or critical habitat, the Federal agency would be required to 
consult with the Service under section 7(a)(2) of the Act. However, 
even if the Service were to conclude that the proposed activity would 
result in destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat, 
the Federal action agency and the landowner are not required to abandon 
the proposed activity, or to restore or recover the species; instead, 
they must implement ``reasonable and prudent alternatives'' to avoid 
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.
    Under the first prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat, 
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time 
it was listed are included in a critical habitat designation if they 
contain physical or biological features (1) which are essential to the 
conservation of the species and (2) which may require special 
management considerations or protection. For these areas, critical 
habitat designations identify, to the extent known using the best 
scientific and commercial data available, those physical or biological 
features that are essential to the conservation of the species (such as 
space, food, cover, and protected habitat). In identifying those 
physical or biological features that occur in specific occupied areas, 
we focus on the specific features that are essential to support the 
life-history needs of the species, including, but not limited to, water 
characteristics, soil type, geological features, prey, vegetation, 
symbiotic species, or other features. A feature may be a single habitat 
characteristic or a more complex combination of habitat 
characteristics. Features may include habitat characteristics that 
support ephemeral or dynamic habitat conditions. Features may also be 
expressed in terms relating to principles of conservation biology, such 
as patch size, distribution distances, and connectivity.
    Under the second prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat, 
we can designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical 
area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a 
determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the 
species. The implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(b)(2) further 
delineate unoccupied critical habitat by setting out three specific 
parameters: (1) When designating critical habitat, the Secretary will 
first evaluate areas occupied by the species; (2) the Secretary will 
consider unoccupied areas to be essential only where a critical habitat 
designation limited to geographical areas occupied by the species would 
be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species; and (3) for an 
unoccupied area to be considered essential, the Secretary must 
determine that there is a reasonable certainty both that the area will 
contribute to the conservation of the species and that the area 
contains one or more of those physical or biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species.

[[Page 55788]]

    Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on 
the basis of the best scientific data available. Further, our Policy on 
Information Standards Under the Endangered Species Act (published in 
the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271)), the Information 
Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658)), 
and our associated Information Quality Guidelines provide criteria, 
establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure that our decisions 
are based on the best scientific data available. They require our 
biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of 
the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources 
of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical 
habitat.
    When we are determining which areas should be designated as 
critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the 
information from the SSA report and information developed during the 
listing process for the species. Additional information sources may 
include any generalized conservation strategy, criteria, or outline 
that may have been developed for the species; the recovery plan for the 
species; articles in peer-reviewed journals; conservation plans 
developed by States and counties; scientific status surveys and 
studies; biological assessments; other unpublished materials; or 
experts' opinions or personal knowledge.
    As the regulatory definition of ``habitat'' indicates (50 CFR 
424.02), habitat is dynamic, and species may move from one area to 
another over time. We recognize that critical habitat designated at a 
particular point in time may not include all of the habitat areas that 
we may later determine are necessary for the recovery of the species. 
For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that 
habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not be needed 
for recovery of the species. Areas that are important to the 
conservation of the species, both inside and outside the critical 
habitat designation, will continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation 
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act; (2) regulatory 
protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act 
for Federal agencies to ensure their actions are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species; and (3) the prohibitions found in section 9 of the Act. 
Federally funded or permitted projects affecting listed species outside 
their designated critical habitat areas may still result in jeopardy 
findings in some cases. These protections and conservation tools will 
continue to contribute to recovery of the species. Similarly, critical 
habitat designations made on the basis of the best available 
information at the time of designation will not control the direction 
and substance of future recovery plans, habitat conservation plans, or 
other species conservation planning efforts if new information 
available at the time of those planning efforts calls for a different 
outcome.

Critical Habitat Prudency Determination

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing 
regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent 
and determinable, the Secretary shall designate critical habitat at the 
time the species is determined to be an endangered or threatened 
species. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that the Secretary 
may, but is not required to, determine that a designation would not be 
prudent in the following circumstances:
    (i) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and 
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species;
    (ii) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the 
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes 
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from 
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
    (iii) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no 
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species 
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States;
    (iv) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat; or
    (v) The Secretary otherwise determines that designation of critical 
habitat would not be prudent based on the best scientific data 
available.
    As discussed earlier, there is currently no threat of collection or 
vandalism identified for this species under Factor B, and 
identification and mapping of critical habitat is not expected to 
initiate any such threat. In our SSA report and proposed listing 
determination for the Tiehm's buckwheat, we determined that the present 
or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat or 
range is a threat to Tiehm's buckwheat and that those threats in some 
way can be addressed by section 7(a)(2) consultation measures. The 
species occurs wholly in the jurisdiction of the United States, and we 
are able to identify areas that meet the definition of critical 
habitat. Therefore, because none of the circumstances enumerated in our 
regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(1) have been met and because the 
Secretary has not identified other circumstances for which this 
designation of critical habitat would be not prudent, we have 
determined that the designation of critical habitat is prudent for 
Tiehm's buckwheat.

Critical Habitat Determinability

    Having determined that designation is prudent, under section 
4(a)(3) of the Act we must find whether critical habitat for Tiehm's 
buckwheat is determinable. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(2) state 
that critical habitat is not determinable when one or both of the 
following situations exist:
    (i) Data sufficient to perform required analyses are lacking, or
    (ii) The biological needs of the species are not sufficiently well 
known to identify any area that meets the definition of ``critical 
habitat.''
    We reviewed the available information pertaining to the biological 
needs of the species and habitat characteristics where this species is 
located. A careful assessment of the economic impacts that may occur 
due to a critical habitat designation is still ongoing, and we are in 
the process of working with the States and other partners in acquiring 
the complex information needed to perform that assessment. Therefore, 
the information sufficient to perform a required analysis of the 
impacts of the designation is lacking. For this reason, we conclude 
that the designation of critical habitat for the Tiehm's buckwheat is 
not determinable at this time.
    When critical habitat is not determinable, the Act allows the 
Service an additional year to publish a critical habitat designation 
(16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(6)(C)(ii)); however, as described further in 
Previous Federal Actions, we are subject to a District of Nevada court 
order to submit to the Federal Register a proposed critical habitat 
determination by January 31, 2022 (or May 2, 2022 if the determination 
is deemed a ``significant regulatory action'' by the Office of 
Management and Budget).

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the

[[Page 55789]]

Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (1) Be logically organized;
    (2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (5) 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 better help us 
revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For 
example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs 
that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, 
the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

    It is our position that, outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court 
of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, we do not need to prepare 
environmental analyses pursuant to the National Environmental Policy 
Act in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of 
the Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this 
determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 
49244). This position was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 
Ninth Circuit (Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 F.3d 1495 (9th Cir. 1995), 
cert. denied 516 U.S. 1042 (1996)).

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994 
(Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to Tribes. At this time, we are not aware of 
Tribal lands occurring within the range of the Tiehm's buckwheat.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this rulemaking is available 
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the 
Reno Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Species Assessment Team and the 
Reno Ecological Services Field Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we 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.  17.12(h), the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants, 
by adding an entry for ``Eriogonum tiehmii (Tiehm's buckwheat)'' in 
alphabetical order under Flowering Plants to read as set forth below:


Sec.  17.12   Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          Listing citations and
         Scientific name              Common name          Where listed       Status        applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Flowering Plants
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Eriogonum tiehmii...............  Tiehm's buckwheat..  Wherever found.....          E   [Federal Register
                                                                                         citation when published
                                                                                         as a final rule]
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Martha Williams,
Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the 
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-21651 Filed 10-6-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P