[Federal Register: November 1, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 210)]
[Rules and Regulations]               
[Page 58909-58933]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr01no99-13]                         


[[Page 58909]]

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Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 17



Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of 
Threatened Status for Bull Trout in the Coterminous United States; 
Final Rule



Notice of Intent To Prepare a Proposed Special Rule Pursuant to Section 
4(d) of the Endangered Species Act for the Bull Trout; Proposed Rule


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF01

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Determination of 
Threatened Status for Bull Trout in the Coterminous United States

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, determine threatened 
status for all populations of bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) 
within the coterminous United States, with a special rule, pursuant to 
the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This 
determination is based on our finding that the Coastal-Puget Sound and 
St. Mary-Belly River population segments are threatened, coupled with 
our earlier findings of threatened status for the Klamath River, 
Columbia River, and Jarbidge River population segments. These 
population segments are disjunct and geographically isolated from one 
another with no genetic interchange between them due to natural and 
man-made barriers. These population segments collectively encompass the 
entire range of the species in the coterminous United States. 
Therefore, for the purposes of consultation and recovery, we recognize 
these five distinct population segments as interim recovery units. With 
this final rule, the bull trout will now be listed as threatened 
throughout its entire range in the coterminous United States.
    The Coastal-Puget Sound bull trout population segment encompasses 
all Pacific coast drainages within Washington, including Puget Sound. 
The St. Mary-Belly River bull trout population segment occurs in 
northwest Montana. Bull trout are threatened by the combined effects of 
habitat degradation, fragmentation and alterations associated with 
dewatering, road construction and maintenance, mining, and grazing; the 
blockage of migratory corridors by dams or other diversion structures; 
poor water quality; incidental angler harvest; entrainment (process by 
which aquatic organisms are pulled through a diversion or other device) 
into diversion channels; and introduced non-native species. This final 
determination was based on the best available scientific and commercial 
information including current data and new information received during 
the comment period.

EFFECTIVE DATE: December 1, 1999.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection, 
by appointment, during normal business hours at the Snake River Basin 
Office, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Room 368, Boise, Idaho 83709.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Ruesink, Supervisor, at the 
above address (telephone 208/378-5243; facsimile 208/378-5262) to make 
an appointment to inspect the complete file for this rule or for 
information pertaining to the Columbia River population segment; Gerry 
Jackson, Manager, Western Washington Office (telephone 360/753-9440; 
facsimile 360/753-9008) for information pertaining to the Coastal-Puget 
Sound population segment; Kemper McMaster, Field Supervisor, Montana 
Field Office (telephone 406/449-5225; facsimile 406/449-5339) for 
information pertaining to the St. Mary-Belly River population segment; 
Steven Lewis, Field Supervisor, Klamath Falls Fish and Wildlife Office 
(telephone 541/885-8481; facsimile 541/885-7837) for information 
pertaining to the Klamath River population segment; Robert D. Williams, 
Field Supervisor, Nevada State Office (telephone 775/861-6300; 
facsimile 775/861-6301) for information pertaining to the Jarbidge 
River population segment.