Federal Register: October 9, 2007 (Volume 72, Number 194)
DOCID: fr09oc07-104 FR Doc 07-4940
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
NOTICE: NOTICES
DOCID: fr09oc07-104
ACTION: Endangered and threatened species:
DOCUMENT ACTION: Notice of Availability of Draft Post-delisting Monitoring Plan; Request for Comments.
SUBJECT CATEGORY:
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Draft Post- Delisting Monitoring Plan for the Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus)
DATES: Comments from all interested parties on the WVNFS draft PDM Plan must be received on or before November 8, 2007.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY:
We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of the draft postdelisting monitoring plan (draft PDM Plan) for the Virginia northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus), currently referred to as the West Virginia northern flying squirrel (WVNFS). The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that the Service implement a system, in cooperation with the States, to monitor effectively, for at least 5 years, the status of all species that have been recovered and no longer need protection of the ESA. The WVNFS has been proposed to be removed from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife and Plants (delisted) due to recovery.
SUMMARY:
Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel; post-delisting monitoring plan,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Background
We published the proposed rule to remove the WVNFS, due to
recovery, from the Federal List of Threatened and endangered Wildlife
on December 19, 2006 with a 120day comment period that closed on April
23, 2007. Recovery actions have resulted in reduction in the threats,
which has led to: (1) A significant increase in the number of known
WVNFS capture sites: (2) multiple generation reproduction; (3) the
proven resiliency of the squirrels; and (4) the vast improvement and continued expansion of suitable habitat.
[[Page 57347]]
We are currently reviewing the comments received on the proposed rule and preparing responses as appropriate.
Section 4(g)(1) of the ESA requires that we implement a system, in cooperation with the States, to effectively monitor, for not less than 5 years, the status of all species that have been recovered and delisted. Additionally, we are to make prompt use of the emergency listing authority under section 4(b)(7) of the ESA if the recovered species is presented with significant risk to its well being. In order to meet the ESA's monitoring requirement, and to facilitate the efficient collection of data, we have designed a plan to detect changes in the status of the WVNFS.
The WVNFS draft PDM Plan was developed in cooperation with the State resources agencies of West Virginia and Virginia and Virginia and the U.S. Forest Service. Our West Virginia Field Office (WVFO) will have the lead agency responsibility for this monitoring effort, and will coordinate all phases of implementation of the plan and ensure that monitoring requirements outlined within the plan are accomplished. The draft PDM Plan proposes to conduct monitoring annually for at least 10 years. The primary focus will be on WVNFS habitat and implementation of plans or agreements to protect and manage habitat. Distribution and persistency throughout its range will also be monitored.
Viewing Documents
The supporting documents for the draft PDM Plan is available for inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at our WVFO (see ADDRESSES). The comments and materials we receive on the monitoring plan during the comment period will be available for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours at the WVFO, 3046366586. Please call to make arrangements to view documents. Public Comments Solicited
We request comments on the WVNFS draft PDM Plan. All comments received by the date specified above will be considered during preparation of the final PDM Plan. We will take into consideration the relevant comments, suggestions, or objections that we receive by the comment due date indicated above in the DATES section. These comments, suggestions, or objections, and any additional information received, may lead us to adopt a final PDM Plan that differs from this draft PDM Plan. Comments merely stating support or opposition to the draft PDM Plan without providing supporting data are not as helpful.
Public Availability of Comments
Before including your address, phone number, electronic mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire documentincluding your personal identifying informationmay be publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comments to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Authority: The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: September 14, 2007.
Thomas J. Healy,
Acting Regional Director, Region 5, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 074940 Filed 10507; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 431055M
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
Direct all questions or requests for additional information about the draft PDM Plan to Laura Hill (see ADDRESSES). Individuals who are hearing impaired or speech impaired may call the Federal Relay Service at 18008778337 for TTY assistance, 24 hours a day 7 days a week.