[Federal Register: August 3, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 148)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 42058-42068]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr03au99-21]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF42

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposal To Remove 
the Aleutian Canada Goose From the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we) proposes to remove the 
Aleutian Canada goose (Branta canadensis leucopareia), currently listed 
as threatened, from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife. 
Current data indicate that the population of Aleutian Canada goose in 
North America has recovered. This recovery has primarily been the 
result of four activities: the removal of introduced Arctic foxes 
(Alopex lagopus) from some of its nesting islands; the release of 
captive-reared and wild, translocated family groups of geese to fox-
free islands to establish new breeding colonies; protection of the 
Aleutian Canada goose throughout its range from mortality due to 
hunting; and protection and management of migration and wintering 
habitat. Removal from the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife 
would result in elimination of regulatory protection offered by the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) but would not affect 
protection provided to the subspecies by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 
Section 4(g) of the Act requires us to implement a system in 
cooperation with the States to monitor a recovered species for at least 
5 years following delisting. This proposal includes a draft monitoring 
plan that may be implemented if the Aleutian Canada goose is delisted 
as proposed.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by 
November 1, 1999. Requests for a public hearing must be received by 
September 17, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Comments and information concerning this proposal should be 
sent to Ann Rappoport, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 605 West 4th 
Avenue, Room G-62, Anchorage, Alaska 99501. Comments and information 
received will be available for inspection, by appointment, during 
normal business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ann Rappoport, at the above address 
(907) 271-2787, or Greg Balogh, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 605 
West 4th Avenue, Room G-62, Anchorage, Alaska 99501, (907) 271-2778.