Reclassification of Smooth Coneflower From Endangered To Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), reclassify smooth coneflower (Echinacea laevigata) from endangered to threatened (``downlist'') under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), due to improvements in the species' overall status since the original listing in 1992. This action is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, which indicates that smooth coneflower is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, but it is still likely to become so in the foreseeable future. We are also finalizing a rule under section 4(d) of the Act that provides for the conservation of smooth coneflower.