Comments on the draft plan for the Chittenango ovate amber snail may be directed in writing to: Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New York Field Office, 3817 Luke Road, Cortland, NY 13045, by e-mail to robyn_niver@fws.gov, or by fax to 607-753-9699. Comments must be received by Jan. 15, 2004. Copies of the draft recovery plan are available below, or by writing to the above address or calling 607-753-9334.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robyn Niver at the above address or telephone, or e-mail Robyn_Niver@fws.gov.

Federal Register Notice of Availability of the Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail for Review and Comment - December 5, 2003

Draft Revised Recovery Plan for the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail (PDF format)

News Release: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Seeks Comment on Draft Plan - December 12, 2003

Chittenango ovate amber snail (USFWS)

The Chittenango ovate amber snail is only known to occur at Chittenango Falls State Park, Chittenango, New York. NYSDEC biologist, Alvin Breisch, has been involved with monitoring efforts at the site since the 1980s but much remains to be learned about this invertebrate. For example, what will be the long term effects to the Chittenango ovate amber snail from the invasion of an exotic snail (Succinea sp. B) which has spread throughout the watershed? Can this original inhabitor survive additional threats from its small population size and extremely limited range, potential water quality changes, and human disturbance?

Partners, including the NYSDEC, the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), the Seneca Park, Rosamond Gifford and Brookfield zoos, and Bristol-Myers Squib, have assisted with annual searches for the Chittenango ovate amber snail. In 2002, ESF professor, Dr. James Gibbs, graduate student James Arrigoni, and Breisch initiated a mark-release-recapture study to better estimate the current population size of the snail at the falls. This research continued in 2003 with Kris Whiteleather, independent contractor, and Joe Brown, zoo keeper at Rosamond Gifford Zoo, spearheading the efforts. Our field office and other volunteers have also assisted with these efforts.