[Federal Register: April 20, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 75)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 19333-19334]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr20ap99-42]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF59

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To 
List the Sierra Nevada Distinct Population Segment of California 
Bighorn Sheep as Endangered

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
make permanent the provisions of the emergency rule listing the Sierra 
Nevada distinct population segment of California bighorn sheep (Ovis 
canadensis californiana) as an endangered species pursuant to the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The emergency rule 
listing the population is published concurrently in this issue of the 
Federal Register. The population historically occurred only in the 
Sierra Nevada in California from Sonora Pass, Mono County south to 
Walker Pass, Kern County. Currently, the Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep is 
known from five disjunct subpopulations along the eastern escarpment of 
the Sierra Nevada in Mono and Inyo counties, California. A total of 
about 100 animals are known to exist. All five subpopulations are 
imminently threatened by mountain lion predation and disease. We 
solicit additional data and information that may assist us in making a 
final decision on this proposed action.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by June 
21, 1999. Public hearing requests must be received by June 4, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments and materials concerning this proposal to 
the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura Fish and 
Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Rd., Suite B, Ventura, California 93003. 
Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection 
by appointment during normal business hours at the address listed 
above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carl Benz, Assistant Field Supervisor, 
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, at the address listed above 
(telephone 805/644-1766; facsimile 805/644-3958).