Notice of Availability of the Approved Recovery Plan for the Illinois Cave Amphipod (Gammarus acherondytes)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announce the availability of the approved recovery plan for the Illinois cave amphipod (Gammarus acherondytes.) The endangered Illinois cave amphipod is known only to occur in Monroe and St. Clair Counties in southwestern Illinois. It is a groundwater dwelling invertebrate found in gravel or cobble sections of cave streams. The quality and condition of groundwater in the amphipod's habitats are tied to land use practices within cave recharge areas. The plan proposes to develop partnerships with Federal and state agencies, organizations, and private landowners that will provide mechanisms for protecting Illinois cave amphipod populations through voluntary and incentive-driven stewardship efforts.