[Federal Register: October 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 202)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 56581-56590]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20oc99-26]                         


DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AE88

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of 
Threatened Status for the Plant Helianthus paradoxus (Pecos Sunflower)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determine 
Helianthus paradoxus (Pecos or puzzle sunflower) to be a threatened 
species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act). This species is dependent on desert wetlands for its 
survival. It is known from 22 sites in Cibola, Valencia, Guadalupe, and 
Chaves counties, New Mexico, and from 3 sites in Pecos and Reeves 
counties, Texas. Threats to this species include drying of wetlands 
from groundwater depletion, alteration of wetlands (e.g. wetland fills, 
draining, impoundment construction), competition from non-native plant 
species, excessive livestock grazing, mowing, and highway maintenance. 
This rule implements the Federal protection and recovery programs of 
the Act for this plant.

DATES: This rule is effective November 19, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Ecological Services Field Office, 
2105 Osuna Road, NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87113.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Charlie McDonald, Botanist, at the 
above address (telephone 505-346-2525 ext. 112; facsimile 505-346-2542).