[Federal Register: May 25, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 100)]
[Proposed Rules]               
[Page 28136-28142]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr25my99-37]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AF61

 
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed 
Endangered Status for Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus 
(Ventura Marsh Milk-vetch)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose 
endangered species status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (Act), for Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus 
(Ventura marsh milk-vetch). Historically known from a three-county 
region in coastal southern California, Astragalus pycnostachyus var. 
lanosissimus was believed extinct until its rediscovery in 1997. The 
newly discovered and only known extant population of this taxon occurs 
in Ventura County, California. This population occupies less than one 
acre and is located in degraded dune habitat previously used for 
disposal of petroleum wastes. The most significant current threats to 
Astragalus pycnostachyus var. lanosissimus are direct destruction of 
this population and alteration of its habitat from proposed soil 
remediation, residential development, and associated activities. 
Because of the small area occupied by this taxon, it is also threatened 
by catastrophic natural and human-caused events. Competition from 
nonnative invasive plant species and predation by nonnative snails are 
additional threats. This proposal, if made final, would extend the 
Act's protection to this plant. We seek additional data and invite 
comments from the public on this proposed rule.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by July 
26, 1999. Public hearing requests must be received by July 9, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and materials concerning this proposal and 
public hearing requests to the Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and 
Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2493 Portola Road, 
Suite B, Ventura, California, 93003. Comments and materials received, 
as well as the supporting documentation used in preparing this rule, 
will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal 
business hours at the above address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Steeck, Botanist, at the address 
above (telephone 805/644-1766; facsimile 805/644-3958).