The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today announced the completion of 5-year reviews for 16 species in California. Of the reviews being announced today, the Service has recommended downlisting the Lane Mountain milk-vetch from endangered to threatened. The Service has recommended no change in status for the 15 other species reviewed.
These 5-year reviews were undertaken as required by section 4(c)(2)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act). This list of completed reviews incorporates species that were noticed for review on March 22, 2006, and February 14, 2007. The 5-year review constitutes a recommendation by the Service. Any change in the listing status will require a separate rulemaking process.
More information about the species included in this announcement is available on the Internet: Menzies wallflower Independence Valley speckled dace and Paiute cutthroat trout Antioch Dunes evening-primrose, Butte County meadowfoam, Colusa grass, Contra Costa wallflower, few-flowered navarretia, Lange's metalmark butterfly, and Sacramento Orcutt grass Ben Lomond wallflower, barberry, phacelia, Lane Mountain milk-vetch, and marsh sandwort
Recommended for downlisting is the Lane Mountain milk-vetch.
No status change is recommended for Antioch Dunes evening-primrose, Ben Lomond wallflower, Butte County meadowfoam, Colusa grass, Contra Costa wallflower, few-flowered navarretia, Independence Valley speckled dace, barberry, phacelia, marsh sandwort, Lange's metalmark butterfly, Menzies wallflower, Paiute cutthroat trout, Sacramento Orcutt grass, and Vail Lake ceanothus.
Copies of the 5-year reviews can be found on the California and Nevada Region's website Internet at http://www.fws.gov/cno/es/five_year_review_lists.html.
Under the Act, the Service maintains a list of endangered and threatened wildlife and plant species at 50 CFR 17.11 (for animals) and 17.12 (for plants). The Act also requires that we conduct a review of listed species at least once every 5 years and on the basis of such reviews determine whether or not any species should be removed from the List (delisted), or reclassified from endangered to threatened (downlisted) or from threatened to endangered (uplisted). Any change in federal classification requires a separate rulemaking process distinct from the 5-year review.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
More information about the Fish and Wildlife Service operations in California, Nevada, and the Klamath Basin is available at www.fws.gov/cno.
