Service Proposes Endangered Species Status and Critical Habitat Designations for the Georgia Pigtoe Mussel, Interrupted Rocksnail, and Rough Hornsnail

The Please follow the instructions for submitting comments. With this proposal, the Service is seeking comments, suggestions, and any additional information on biology, threats, range, distribution, population size, or current or planned activities and the activities’ possible impacts on these species or their proposed critical habitats.

Public comments on the proposed rule will be accepted until August 28, 2009. Written comments on the proposal should be submitted by one of the following methods:

Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov"> Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
• U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn:.RIN Number:1018-AU88; Document ID Number: FWS-R4-ES-2008-01, Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.

Written requests for a public hearing will be accepted until August 13, 2009.

A final decision on whether or not to list these three species and designate critical habitat will consider all comments and information received by the comment-period deadline.

A copy of the proposed rule and other information about the Georgia pigtoe, interrupted rocksnail, and rough hornsnail is available on the Internet at http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/E9-15236.html or by contacting the Jackson, Mississippi Field Office at 601/321-1121.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Visit the Service’s website at http://www.fws.gov or http://www.fws.gov/southeast/