[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 87 (Wednesday, May 6, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Page 25063]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-11973]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
Notice of Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan for the Least
Bell's vireo (Vireo bellii pusillus) for Review and Comment
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of document availability.
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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability
for public review of a draft recovery plan for the least Bell's vireo
(Vireo bellii pusillus). The breeding distribution of the least Bell's
vireo is limited to eight counties in southern California and portions
of northern Baja California, Mexico. Historically, this species was
widespread throughout riparian woodlands in the Central Valley and low
elevation riverine valleys of California and northern Baja California.
Least Bell's vireos winter in southern Baja California, Mexico. The
Service solicits review and comment from the public on this draft plan.
DATES: Comments on the draft recovery plan must be received on or
before July 6, 1998, to be considered by the Service.
ADDRESSES: Persons wishing to review the draft recovery plan may
receive a copy by contacting the Carlsbad Field Office, U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, 2730 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, California 92008.
Written comments and material regarding the plan should also be
addressed to the same address above. Comments and material received are
available on request for public inspection, by appointment, during
normal business hours at the same address.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Avery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (see ADDRESSES) at 760/431-9440).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Restoring an endangered or threatened animal or plant to the point
where it is again secure, self-sustaining member of its ecosystem is a
primary goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species
program. To help guide the recovery effort, the Service is working to
prepare recovery plans for most of the listed species native to the
United States. Recovery Plans describe actions considered necessary for
conservation of the species, establish criteria for the recovery levels
for reclassifying them from endangered to threatened or removing them
from the list, and estimate the time and cost for implementing the
needed recovery measures.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended (16 U.S.C.
1531 et seq.) Requires the development of recovery plans for listed
species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a
particular species. Secion 4(f) of the Act, as amended in 1988,
requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and
comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will
consider all information presented during a public comment period prior
to approval of each new or revised Recovery Plan. The Service and other
Federal agencies will take these comments into account in the course of
implementing approved recovery plans.
The least Bell's vireo was listed as endangered on May 2, 1986.
Critical habitat for the species was designated on February 2, 1994.
The least Bell's vireo is an obligate riparian species during the
breeding season, preferring early successional habitat. This species
typically inhabits structurally diverse woodlands along watercourses.
Extensive breeding habitat loss and degradation and brood parasitism by
the brown-headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) have resulted in a rangewide
decline of the least Bell's vireo. The objective of this plan is the
reclassification of the least Bell's vireo to threatened and
ultimately, delisting through recovery.
Public Comments Solicited
The Service solicits written comments on the recovery plan
described. All comments received by the date specified above will be
considered prior to approval of the plan.
Authority
The authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered
Species Act, 16 U.S.C. 1533(F).
Dated: March 30, 1998.
Michael J. Spear,
Regional Director, Region 1.
[FR Doc. 98-11973 Filed 5-5-98; 8:45 am]
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