[PCA] Fw: [epa-species] Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

[Federal Register: August 31, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 168)]
[Notices]
[Page 51840-51841]
>From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr31au05-149]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Initiation of a 5-
Year Review of Aleutian Shield Fern (Polystichum aleuticum)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of review.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces a 5-
year review of Aleutian shield fern (Polystichum aleuticum) under
section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act) (16
U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). A 5-year review is a periodic process conducted
to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A
5-year review is based on the best scientific and commercial data
available at the time of the review; therefore, we are requesting
submission of any such information on Aleutian shield fern that has
become available since its original listing as an endangered species in
1988 (53 FR 4626). Based on the results of this 5-year review, we will
make the requisite finding under section 4(c)(2)(B) of the ESA.

DATES: To allow us adequate time to conduct this review, we must
receive your information no later than September 15, 2005. However, we
will continue to accept new information about any listed species at any
time.

ADDRESSES: Submit information to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Alaska Regional Office, Endangered Species Division Chief, Attention:
5-Year Review, 1011 East Tudor Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-6199.
Comments may also be faxed to 907-271-2786, or e-mailed to <A HREF="
mailto:charla_sterne at fws.gov">
charla_sterne at fws.gov</A>. See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for file formats
and
other information about electronic filing. Information received in
response to this notice and review will be available for public
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the above
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Michael Roy at the above address, or
at (907) 786-3925.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Act, the Service maintains a list
of endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species at 50 CFR 17.11
(for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). Section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Act
requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every
5 years. Then, on the basis of such reviews under section 4(c)(2)(B),
we determine whether or not any species should be removed from the List
(delisted), or reclassified from endangered to threatened or from
threatened to endangered. Delisting a species must be supported by the
best scientific and commercial data available and only considered if
such data substantiates that the species is neither endangered nor
threatened for one or more of the following reasons: (1) The species is
considered extinct; (2) the species is considered to be recovered; and/
or (3) the original data available when the species was listed, or the
interpretation of such data, were in error. Any change in Federal
classification would require a separate rulemaking process. The
regulations in 50 CFR 424.21 require that we publish a notice in the
Federal Register announcing those species currently under active
review. This notice announces our active review of the Aleutian shield
fern currently listed as endangered.
    The 5-year review considers the best scientific and commercial data
and all new information that has become available since the listing
determination or most recent status review. Categories of requested
information include: (A) Species biology, including, but not limited
to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and
genetics; (B) habitat conditions, including but not limited to, amount,
distribution, and suitability; (C) conservation measures that have been
implemented that benefit the species; (D) threat status and trends; and
(E) other new information, data, or corrections, including but not
limited to, taxonomic or nomenclatural changes, identification of
erroneous information contained in the List, and improved analytical
methods.

Public Solicitation of New Information

    To ensure that the 5-year review is complete and based on the best
available scientific and commercial information, we are soliciting new
information from the public, concerned governmental agencies, tribes,
the scientific community, industry, environmental entities, and any
other interested parties concerning the status of Aleutian shield fern.

[[Page 51841]]

Electronic Access and Filing Addresses

    You may submit comments by sending electronic mail to: <A HREF="
mailto:charla-sterne at fws.gov">
charla-sterne at fws.gov</A>.
    Please submit electronic comments in an ASCII file format, and
avoid the use of special characters and encryption. Identify all
comments in electronic form by including ``Aleutian shield fern 5-Year
Review Comments'' in the title line.
    If you wish to provide information for this 5-year review, you may
submit your comments and materials to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service's Alaska Regional Office (see ADDRESSES section). Our practice
is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents,
available for public review during regular business hours. Respondents
may request that we withhold a respondent's identity, as allowable by
law. If you wish us to withhold your name or address, you must state
this request prominently at the beginning of your comment. We will not,
however, consider anonymous comments. To the extent consistent with
applicable law, we will make all submissions from organizations or
businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as
representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available
for public inspection in their entirety. Comments and materials
received will be available for public inspection, by appointment,
during normal business hours (see ADDRESSES section).

    Authority: This document is published under the authority of the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).

    Dated: July 26, 2005.
Gary Edwards,
Acting Regional Director, Region 7, Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 05-17317 Filed 8-30-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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