[Federal Register: March 20, 2000 (Volume 65, Number 54)] [Proposed Rules] [Page 14936-14937] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr20mr00-38] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 RIN 1018--AE30 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reopening of Comment Period on Proposed Endangered Status for the Southern California Distinct Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog 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 proposed rule to list the southern California distinct population segment (DPS) of the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) as an endangered species. The comment period is reopened in response to requests from the public for additional time to obtain biological information regarding the frog and formulate comments on the proposed rule. 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 considered in the final determination. DATES: The reopened comment period closes April 19, 2000. ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal 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 at the above address, telephone 760-431-9440; facsimile 760-431-9618. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background On December 22, 1999, the Service published a rule proposing endangered status for the southern California DPS of the mountain yellow-legged frog (Rana muscosa) in the Federal Register (64 FR 71714). The original comment period closed on February 22, 2000. The comment period now closes on April 19, 2000. Written comments should be submitted to the Service (see ADDRESSES section). The mountain yellow-legged frog is a true frog in the family Ranidae. The southern California mountain yellow-legged frog can still be found in four small streams in the San Gabriel mountains, San Bernardino mountains, and the San Jacinto mountains. In addition to predation from trout and other widespread factors, the few remaining frogs are threatened by recreation (i.e. suction dredging, campgrounds, day use areas), 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 and status 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 mountain yellow-legged frog or its habitat. 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.). [[Page 14937]] Dated: March 10, 2000. Elizabeth H. Stevens, Acting Manager, California/Nevada Operations Office. [FR Doc. 00-6795 Filed 3-17-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-P