[Federal Register: September 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 179)]
[Notices]               
[Page 50301]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr16se99-71]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

 
Notice of Availability of a Technical/Agency Draft Recovery Plan 
for Endangered Fat Threeridge (Amblema neislerii), Shinyrayed 
Pocketbook (Lampsilis subangulata), Gulf Moccasinshell (Medionidus 
penicillatus), Ochlockonee Moccasin- shell (Medionidus simpsonianus), 
Oval Pigtoe (Pleurobema pyriforme) and Threatened Chipola Slabshell 
(Elliptio chipolaensis), and Purple Bankclimber (Elliptoideus 
sloatianus) for Review and Comment

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Notice of document availability and public comment period.

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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service, announce the availability 
for public review of the technical/agency draft recovery plan for 
endangered fat threeridge (Amblema neislerii), shinyrayed pocketbook 
(Lampsilis subangulata), Gulf moccasinshell (Medionidus penicillatus), 
Ochlockonee moccasinshell (Medionidus simpsonianus), oval pigtoe 
(Pleurobema pyriforme) and threatened Chipola slabshell (Elliptio 
chipolaensis), and purple bankclimber (Elliptoideus sloatianus). These 
mussels are endemic to eastern Gulf Slope streams draining the 
Apalachicola Region of southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia, and north 
Florida. Their center of distribution is the Apalachicola-
Chattahoochee-Flint (ACF) River basin of southeast Alabama, southwest 
Georgia, and northwest Florida. They are currently known from 
restricted portions of from one to four independent river systems. 
These species inhabit stable sandy and gravelly substrates in medium-
sized streams to large rivers, often in areas swept free of silt by the 
current. The abundance and distributions of the seven mussel species 
decreased historically from habitat loss associated with reservoir 
construction, channel construction and maintenance, and erosion. These 
habitat changes have resulted in significant extirpations (localized 
loss of populations), restricted and fragmented distributions, and poor 
recruitment of young. We solicit review and comment from the public on 
this draft plan.

DATES: We must receive comments on the draft recovery plan on or before 
November 15, 1999 to receive consideration by us.

ADDRESSES: You may obtain a copy of the draft recovery plan by 
contacting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama City Field 
Office, 1612 June Avenue, Panama City, Florida 32405 (telephone 850/
769-0552). Send written comments and materials regarding the plan to 
the Project Leader at the above address. Comments and materials 
received are available on request for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Gail A. Carmody at the above 
address and telephone number (extension 225).