[Federal Register: July 29, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 145)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 41061-41068]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr29jy99-23]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC91

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Withdrawal of the 
Proposed Rule To List the Least Chub as Endangered With Critical 
Habitat

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: We withdraw the September 29, 1995, proposed rule to list the 
least chub (Iotichthys phlegethontis), a fish, as an endangered species 
with critical habitat pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, 
as amended (Act). After reviewing all available scientific and 
commercial information we find that the least chub is no longer likely 
to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range.

    Habitat loss and degradation were significant threats to the least 
chub at the time of the proposed rule and a major causes of the least chub's 
decline. Conservation activities implemented in the last several years 
have significantly reduced these threats. Enhancement, maintenance, and 
protection projects implemented over the last several years have 
focused on those specific factors that have contributed to habitat 
degradation. Extensive monitoring of the status of the least chub 
indicate that the status of the species has improved. The known range 
of the least chub was enlarged by the inclusion of three previously 
unknown populations discovered during surveys in historical habitats.

    The State of Utah, other cooperating agencies and stakeholders 
continue as active participants in the effort to reduce or eliminate 
threats to the least chub through the implementation of the Least Chub 
Conservation Agreement and Strategy (Perkins et al. 1997). This 
Agreement calls for enhancement, maintenance, and protection of least 
chub habitat, as well as the development of mitigation protocols for 
proposed water development and future habitat alteration. Conservation 
actions implemented since the publication of the proposed rule include 
extensive surveys, habitat protection and enhancement activities, the 
acquisition of wetland habitat, genetic studies and the introduction of 
the least chub onto Fish Spring National Wildlife Refuge.

ADDRESSES: The complete administrative file for this rule is available 
for inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the 
Utah Field Office, Ecological Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
145 East 1300 South, Suite 404, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Reed E. Harris, Field Supervisor, 
Utah Field Office, at the above address, telephone (801)524-5001.