[Federal Register: May 11, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 90)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 25263-25269]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr11my99-23]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF43

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Rule To 
Delist the Douglas County Population of Columbian White-Tailed Deer

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) propose to remove the 
Douglas County population of the Columbian white-tailed deer 
(Odocoileus virginianus leucurus) from the Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plant species (delist), pursuant to the 
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

    Two populations of this subspecies exist, one in Douglas County, 
Oregon, (Douglas County population), and the other in Columbia and 
Clatsop counties, Oregon, and Wahkiakum County, Washington (Columbia 
River population). The Columbian white-tailed deer was listed as 
endangered in 1967 under the Endangered Species Preservation Act, and 
subsequently listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended 
(Act).

    The Douglas County population has increased from a low of fewer 
than 300 deer in 1940 to a current total of about 5,500 deer. The range 
of this population also has increased. Habitat has been secured and/or 
protected for the population, enabling it to increase in numbers and 
range to the point where a change in status is appropriate.

    The Douglas County population of Columbian white-tailed deer meets 
the recovery plan's criteria for delisting. The Columbia River 
population numbers meet the criteria for downlisting to threatened, but 
do not presently meet the objectives for secure habitat needed to 
delist the population. We anticipate another proposed rule in the 
future to downlist this population.

    This proposed rule includes a proposed 5-year post-delisting 
monitoring plan for the Douglas County population as required for 
species that are delisted due to recovery. Monitoring will include 
population trends and productivity.

DATES: We must receive your comments on the Douglas County population 
of Columbian white-tailed deer delisting by July 12, 1999. Public 
hearing requests must be received by June 25, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and materials concerning this proposal to the 
Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southwest Oregon Field 
Office, 2900 N.W. Stewart Parkway, Roseburg, Oregon 97470. Comments and 
materials received will be available for public inspection, by 
appointment, during normal business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Craig Tuss, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service (See ADDRESSES section ), (telephone 541/957-
3474; facsimile 541/957-3475) for information pertaining to the Douglas 
County population.