[Federal Register: June 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 107)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 29983] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr04jn99-24] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Reopening of Comment Period on 90-day Finding and Commencement of Status Review for a Petition To List the Black-tailed Prairie Dog as Threatened AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of reopening comment period on 90-day petition finding. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Fish and Wildlife Service provides notice of the reopening of the comment period on the 90-day finding for a petition to list the black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. As amended. The initial comment period opened on March 15, 1999 (64 FR 14424), and closed on May 24, 1999. To accommodate several requests for extensions, we are reopening the comment period for an additional 45 days. DATES: To be considered in the 12-month finding for this petition, written comments and materials should be received on or before July 19, 1999. ADDRESSES: Information, data, or comments concerning this petition should be submitted to the Field Supervisor., South Dakota Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 420 South Garfield Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota 57501. The petition, finding, support data, and comments are available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pete Gober, at the above address, or telephone (605) 224-8693. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background The black-tailed prairie dog is a colonial ground squirrel and one of five species in the genus Cynomys, all of which occur in western North America. the black-tailed prairie dog (C. ludovicianus), is found in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, northern Texas, and Canada. On July 31, 1998, we received a petition to list the black-tailed prairie dog as a threatened species throughout its range pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). On March 25, 1999 (64 FR 14424), we published a 90-day notice on this petition, finding that it presented substantial information indicating that listing this species may be warranted, and initiating a status review of the species. Public Comments Solicited We are soliciting information primarily on (1) population status and trends, (2) management policies and conservation plans affecting black-tailed prairie dogs, and (3) threats to the species, including those identified in the petition. The original comment period for this action expired May 24, 1999. With this notice, we reopen the comment period for an additional 45 days. Author: The author of this notice is Pete Gober (see ADDRESSES section). Authority: Authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: May 27, 1999. Terry Terrell, Deputy Regional Director, Denver, Colorado. [FR Doc. 99-14163 Filed 6-3-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M