Public comments accepted until September 20, 2010
A large white earthworm native to portions of Idaho and Washington will undergo a status review to determine if the species warrants protection under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today. The giant Palouse earthworm, a species first described in 1897, was once thought to be abundant in the Palouse area but has rarely been seen in the intervening 113 years and only at a handful of sites. The most recent sighting, earlier this year, located a group of worms believed to be giant Palouse earthworms near Moscow, Idaho. An earlier survey found the species near Ellensburg, Washington.
Today’s announcement responds to a 2009 petition by the Friends of the Clearwater, Center for Biological Diversity, Palouse Audubon, Palouse Prairie Foundation, and the Palouse Group of the Sierra Club. Following a 90-day review of information provided by the petitioners, the Service determined that substantial information was presented to indicate that the species may warrant listing as a threatened or endangered species and will now initiate a status review to determine whether listing the species is warranted. Based on that review, the Service will issue a 12-month finding on the petition. A proposal to determine critical habitat for the species will be made if a listing action is proposed.
An earlier 90-day finding, published by the Service on October 9, 2007, stated that a 2006 petition did not provide substantial scientific or commercial information to indicate listing the species might be warranted. The 2009 petition included additional information.
Early descriptions and collection sites indicated the species was endemic to the Palouse bioregion and utilized grassland sites with good soil and native vegetation. Since then much of the Palouse grasslands have been cleared of native vegetation and converted to agricultural, residential or commercial use. Widespread habitat conversion for agriculture and development, and introduction of non-native earthworms may have affected the ability of the area to support giant Palouse earthworms.
Ongoing efforts to conserve and restore native habitats in the Palouse bioregion may benefit the giant Palouse earthworm. In recent years a few giant Palouse earthworms have been found in remnant native habitats in the Palouse bioregion but surveyors have not found the species in farmed or previously farmed habitats.
To ensure that the status review initiated today is comprehensive, the Service is requesting scientific and commercial data and other information regarding the giant Palouse earthworm. To allow adequate time to conduct this review, the agency requests that such information be provided on or before September 20, 2010.
You may submit information by one of the following methods:
) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov">. In the box that reads “Enter Keyword or ID,” enter the docket number for this notice, which is docket number FWS-R1-ES-2010–0023. Check the box that reads “Open for Comment/Submission,” and then click the Search button. You should then see an icon that reads “Submit a Comment.” Please ensure that you have found the correct rulemaking before submitting your comment.2) U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2010–0023FWS; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. We will post all information received on http://www.regulations.gov">. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us (see the Information Solicited section below for more details).
After September 20, 2010, you must submit information directly to the Field Office: Ken Berg, Manager, Washington Fish and Wildlife Office, 510 Desmond Dr. SE, Suite 102, Lacey, WA 98503; by telephone (360-753-9440); or by facsimile (360-753-9405). If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) please call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339. Please note that we might not be able to address or incorporate information that we receive after the above requested date.
