[Federal Register: February 17, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 31)] [Notices] [Page 7819] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr17fe98-119] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of Public Comment Period for Status Review of the Northern Goshawk in the Contiguous United States West of the 100th Meridian AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior ACTION: Notice of the reopening of public comment period ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: On September 29, 1997, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced a 90-day finding for a petition to list the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) in the contiguous United States west of the 100th meridian under the Endangered Species Act (62 FR 50892). In that finding, the Service found that the petition presented substantial information indicating that the listing of the northern goshawk as a threatened or endangered species in the contiguous United States west of the 100th meridian may be warranted. At that time, the Service initiated a status review for the northern goshawk and announced that a 12-month finding will be prepared at the conclusion of the review. The previous comment period for this action closed on December 29, 1997. DATES: Comments and materials related to this petition must be received on or before March 19, 1998. ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this petition finding and status review should be sent to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Technical Support, 333 S.W. 1st Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97204, ATTN: Goshawk Status Review Team. The petition, finding, supporting data and comments will be available for public inspection by appointment, during normal business hours at the following address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Technical Support for Forest Resources, 333 S.W. 1st Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, Oregon 97204, (503/808-2565). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Monty Knudsen, Office of Technical Support for Forest Resources, 333 S.W. 1st Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97232-4181, (503/808-2564). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4(b)(3)(A) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (Act) requires that the Service make a finding on whether a petition to list, delist or reclassify a species presents substantial scientific or commercial information to indicate that the petitioned action may be warranted. To the maximum extent practicable, this finding is to be made within 90 days of the receipt of the petition (90-day finding), and notice of the finding is to be published promptly in the Federal Register. If a finding is made that substantial information was presented the Service is required to promptly commence a status review of the species and determine whether the petitioned action is warranted. The Act requires the Service to make this finding within 12-months of the receipt of the petition. On September 29, 1997, the Service announced a 90-day finding for a petition to list the northern goshawk in the contiguous United States west of the 100th meridian under the Endangered Species Act (62 FR 50892). In that finding, the Service found that the petition presented substantial information indicating that the listing of the northern goshawk as a threatened or endangered species in the contiguous United States west of the 100th meridian may be warranted. At that time, the Service initiated a status review for the northern goshawk and announced that a 12-month finding will be prepared at the conclusion of the review. At this time, the Service continues to seek additional data, information or comments from the public, other concerned government agencies, the scientific community, industry or any other interested party concerning the status of the northern goshawk in the western U.S. The Service is interested in information from throughout the species range in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Public Comments Solicited The following issues are of particular interest to the Service: 1. Genetic, morphological and ecological differences, including variations or intergradation of the subspecies Accipiter gentilis atricapillus and Accipiter gentilis apache within their range; 2. Data on historic and current population trends and dynamics, and documented or suspected influencing factors that may affect these population trends, and may, therefore, assist in determining population trends; 3. Reproductive trends and documented or suspected influencing factors that may affect reproduction in goshawks; 4. Trends in loss, modification and recovery of the forested habitat occupied by the two subspecies, and the extent to which habitat conversion and fragmentation affects goshawks and their prey; 5. Taxonomic clarification of North American goshawk subspecies; 6. Information on migration and dispersal patterns; and 7. Information on the goshawk in Canada and Mexico, as well as information on management and relevant regulatory mechanisms in Canada and Mexico. Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: February 5, 1998. Bill Shake, Acting Regional Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Region 1, Portland, Oregon. [FR Doc. 98-3411 Filed 2-13-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P