[Federal Register: December 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 241)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 70209] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr16de99-20] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 RIN 1018-AF34 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of Comment Period on Proposed Threatened Status for the Santa Ana Sucker AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of reopening of comment period. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), reopen the comment period on the proposal to list the Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) as a threatened species. The comment period is extended to accommodate the public notice requirement of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, (Act) and to consider new scientific information. In addition, reopening of the comment period will allow further opportunity for all interested parties to submit comments on the proposal, which is available (see ADDRESSES section). We are seeking comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties concerning the proposed rule. Comments already submitted on the proposed rule need not be resubmitted as they will be fully consider in the final determination. DATES: The reopened comment period closes January 3, 2000. ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposed rule should be sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 2730 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, California, 92008. Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above address. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Glen Knowles, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section) at (760) 431-9440. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On January 26, 1999, the Service published a rule proposing threatened status for the Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) in the Federal Register (64 FR 3915). The original comment period closed on March 29, 1999. Section 4(b)(5)(D) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) requires us to ``publish a summary of the proposed regulation in a newspaper of general circulation in each area of the United States in which the species is believed to occur.'' To accommodate this requirement, we are reopening the comment period for this proposal to list the Santa Ana sucker as a threatened species. The comment period now closes on January 3, 2000. Written comments should be submitted to the Service (see ADDRESSES section). The Santa Ana Sucker was once one of the most common fish species in southern California. Today, the species is reduced to approximately 25 percent of its former range. These declines occurred coincident with the urbanization of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The species is threatened by potential habitat destruction, natural and human-induced changes in streamflows, urban development and related land-use practices, intensive recreation, the introduction of non-native competitors and predators, and demographics associated with small populations. Comments from the public regarding the accuracy of this proposed rule are sought, especially regarding: (1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning any threat (or lack thereof) to this species; (2) The location of any additional occurrences of this species and the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be critical habitat pursuant to section 4 of the Act; (3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and population size of this species; (4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their possible impacts on the Santa Ana Sucker or its habitat; (5) Information regarding the introduction of the Santa Clara River population and the role it may play in the recovery of this species. Comments previously submitted during the first comment period need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in the final determination. Author: The primary author of this notice is Glen Knowles (see ADDRESSES section). Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). Dated: December 10, 1999. Elizabeth H. Stevens, Deputy Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office, Sacramento, California. [FR Doc. 99-32576 Filed 12-15-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P