[Federal Register: June 2, 2004 (Volume 69, Number 106)]
[Notices]
[Page 31129]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02jn04-67]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of a Final Recovery Plan for the Ouachita
Rock Pocketbook
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of document availability.
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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
availability of a final recovery plan for the endangered Ouachita rock
pocketbook (Arkansia wheeleri). This rare freshwater mussel inhabits
portions of certain streams in and near the southern slope of the
Ouachita Uplift. A viable population of fewer than 1,800 individuals
inhabits the Kiamichi River in Oklahoma and a smaller population (fewer
than 100 individuals) inhabits the lower Little River in Oklahoma and
Arkansas. Limited evidence exists for recent occurrence of the species
in the Ouachita River in Arkansas (where it occurred historically) and
in two Red River tributaries in Texas. Populations outside of the
Kiamichi River are believed to be too reduced at present to ensure
long-term viability. All of the populations have experienced reductions
and degradation of their inhabited stream segments and are separated by
major impoundments. The final plan outlines objectives, criteria, and
tasks for recovering this endangered species.
ADDRESSES: A copy of the final recovery plan may be requested by
contacting the Oklahoma Ecological Services Field Office, 222 South
Houston Avenue, Suite A, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74127.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Martinez, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, at the above address, or by telephone, 918/581-7458 ext. 228.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Restoring endangered or threatened animals and plants to points
where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their
ecosystems is a primary goal of the Service's endangered species
program. The Service is working to prepare recovery plans for most of
the listed species native to the United States. Recovery plans describe
actions considered necessary for conservation of the species, establish
criteria for recovery levels to upgrade or delist the species, and
estimate time and cost for implementing the identified recovery
measures.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.), requires the development of recovery plans for listed
species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a
particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988,
requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and
comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Ouachita rock
pocketbook was listed as endangered in 1991 (56 FR 54950) and a draft
recovery plan was prepared and issued for the species in 1994.
Issuance of the draft plan included a notice of availability and
opportunity for public comment (59 FR 35948) and other public
notification efforts. Pertinent information received by the Service
during the public comment period has been considered in preparation of
the final recovery plan, and is summarized in the plan's appendix. This
information will also be taken into account in the course of
implementing recovery actions. Additional information on population
status and distribution has been collected and updated since
publication of the draft in 1994; however, no substantive changes have
been made to the overall recovery strategy for the species in the final
recovery plan.
The Ouachita rock pocketbook (Arkansia wheeleri) represents a
monotypic genus now believed to be restricted to approximately 431
kilometers (268 miles) of stream segments in the Red River and Ouachita
River drainages in southeastern Oklahoma, southwestern Arkansas, and
northwestern Texas. Stream impoundment, potential water withdrawals,
channelization, water quality degradation, and potential land use
changes are major threats to the species' continued survival.
The final recovery plan includes updated scientific information
about the Ouachita rock pocketbook and identifies research and
management actions needed to conserve and recover the species'
populations and habitat. The strategy for recovery is based on
protection of the Kiamichi River population along with re-establishing
and protecting viable populations in other portions of the species'
historical range. Activities believed necessary to accomplish recovery
include increased protection of populations and their habitats,
restoration of degraded habitats, filling of critical information gaps
regarding the species' biology and propagation, and public outreach
efforts. The plan includes downlisting and interim delisting recovery
criteria.
Authority: The Authority for this action is section 4(f) of the
Endangered Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(f).
Dated: April 6, 2004.
Bryan Arroyo,
Acting Regional Director.
[FR Doc. 04-12394 Filed 6-1-04; 8:45 am]
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