Rabbitsfoot (Quadrula cylindrica cylindrica)

 

May 9, 2013 - Comment Period Reopened

 

The rabbitsfoot is a freshwater mussel found in rivers and streams in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. We estimate that it has been lost from about 64 percent of its historical range. While 51 of 140 historical populations are still present, only 11 populations are viable; 23 populations are at risk of extirpation and 17 populations do not seem to be reproducing at a level that can sustain the populations. Most of the existing rabbitsfoot populations are marginal to small and isolated.

 

May 9, 2013:

Comment Period Re-opened and Draft Economic Analysis of Critical Habitat Available

We are reopening the public comment period on our October 16, 2012, proposed listing and designation of critical habitat for the Neosho mucket and rabbitsfoot mussels.  In addition, a draft economic analysis and draft environmental assessment of the proposed chritical habitat designation are also available for public review and comment.  Reopening the comment period allows an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the revised proposed rule, the associated draft economic analysis and draft environmental assessment. 

 

Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rules.

 

All comments must be received by June 9, 2013.

 

Public Information Meetings in Missouri

May 8, 2013 News Release for Missouri: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hosts Information Meetings on Neosho Mucket and Rabbitsfoot

 

 

May 8, 2013 News Release: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Estimates Economic Impacts and Releases Draft Environmental Assessment of Critical Habitat Designation for Neosho Mucket and Rabbitsfoot

 

 

 

Federal Register Proposed Rule; Reopening of Comment Period - - Proposed Endangered Status for the Neosho Mucket, Threatened Status for the Rabbitsfoot, and Designation of Critical Habitat for Both Species (PDF )

 

Draft Economic Analysis of Critical Habitat for Neosho Mucket and Rabbitsfoot (141-page PDF; 2 MB )

 

 

 

Two Public Information Meetings in Missouri

May 21, 2013

Joplin, Missouri

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center 

Service representatives will talk about both mussel species, including life history, threats to the species, critical habitat and the process to list them as endangered, as well as address questions and concerns.

 

May 23,2013

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Greenville, Missouri

Greenville School District facilities

The Greenville meeting will focus on the rabbitsfoot mussel, which is found locally. 

 

Oct. 16, 2012

Proposal to List the Rabbitsfoot as Threatened and Designate Critical Habitat

Comment period closed on December 17, 2012

 

Federal Register Proposed Rule (Oct. 16, 2012): Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Endangered Status for the Neosho Mucket, Threatened Status for the Rabbitsfoot, and Designation of Critical Habitat for Both Species (98-page PDF; 4.8MB)

 

Service Proposes to Protect Neosho Mucket and Rabbitsfoot under the Endangered Species Act: Agency Seeks Information from the Public, Scientific Community before making final decision

 

Proposed Critical Habitat Unit Maps

Indiana

Illinois

Missouri

Ohio

 

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Last updated: May 14, 2013