Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules 7457

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 401 candidate list may very well be restored tridentata) communities. Recent survey through 453 to candidate status if additional information indicates there are at least Government contracts, Government information supporting such a change 66 extant populations of Aase’s onion procurement. becomes available to the Service. (containing approximately 400,000 Requests for such information were individuals), with 49 of these Ira L. Hobbs, issued by the Service in the 1993 Plant populations having more than 1,000 Director of Operations. Notice of Review (58 FR 51144; individuals. Because threats from [FR Doc. 96–4499 Filed 2–27–96; 8:45 am] September 30, 1993) and the 1994 suspected hybridization with other BILLING CODE 3410±98±M Animal Notice of Review (59 FR 58982; species have been shown to be November 15, 1994). A combined plant unfounded and because of the size and and animal notice of review, requesting distribution of extant populations, A. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR updated information on candidate aaseae is removed from candidate species, is being published elsewhere in status. Fish and Wildlife Service today’s Federal Register. Allium dictuon (Blue Mountain onion) is known only from the vicinity 50 CFR Part 17 Findings of Weller Butte in the Blue Mountains Candidate species are those species Endangered and Threatened Species; of Columbia County, Washington. Five for which the Service has on file occurrences of this plant are historically Notice of Reclassification of 96 sufficient information to support and currently known within a range of Candidate Taxa issuance of a proposed rule to list under about 4 square miles. Population AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, the Act. The Service recently completed estimates for this species range between Interior. a review of all candidate species to 1,000 and 3,000 plants. The species is ACTION: Notice of candidate taxa assure that this definition is uniformly removed from candidate status because reclassification. applicable. The results of this review it is believed to be stable and the threats indicate that 88 plant taxa and 8 animal associated with recreational use are SUMMARY: In this document, the U.S. taxa included in the settlement exhibits uncertain. Cattle grazing does occur in Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) should be removed from candidate the vicinity of Weller Butte, but the provides explanation for changes in the status. There are four primary impact of this activity on Allium status of 96 taxa of plants and animals explanations for these reclassifications: dictuon is uncertain and data currently that are under review for possible (1) The taxon is believed or known to available to the Service do not indicate addition to the List of Endangered and be extinct; (2) the taxon is not a listable that listing is warranted. Threatened Wildlife and Plants (List) entity or is the subject of taxonomic Allium hickmanii (Hickman’s onion) under the Endangered Species Act (Act) review; (3) the taxon is more occurs in Monterey and San Luis of 1973, as amended. widespread than previously thought or Obispo Counties (California) and is ADDRESSES: Comments and questions not subject to identified threats; and (4) associated with closed-cone coniferous concerning this notice should be sent to Service files contain insufficient forests, chaparral, coastal prairie, coastal the Chief, Division of Endangered information on status and threats to scrub, and valley and foothill Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, justify issuing a proposed rule. This grasslands. Additional populations of 1849 C Street, N.W., Mail Stop ARLSQ– notice provides specific explanations for Hickman’s onion have been found in the 452, Washington, D.C., 20240. each of the 96 reclassifications. last five years, indicating the species is The Ciervo aegialian scarab beetle more widespread than previously FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: (Aegialia concinna) is a flightless, known. Also, information in Service E. LaVerne Smith, Chief, Division of fossorial beetle that was first described files is currently insufficient to support Endangered Species, at telephone in 1977: long-term information on issuance of a proposed listing, so this number (703/358–2171). species trends is not available. General species is removed from candidate SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: threats from urban, suburban, and status. agricultural development were Artemisia campestris wormskioldii Background identified when this species was first (northern wormwood) was historically In December 1992, the Service designated as a candidate. Additional known from the banks of the Columbia reached a settlement agreement populations have been discovered in River near the mouth of the John Day (agreement) with the plaintiffs in the Fresno, San Joaquin, and Costa River in Wasco County, Oregon, Fund For Animals et al. v. Lujan et al. Counties. These discoveries include westward to the vicinity of the Hood case (D.D.C. Civ. No. 92–800) that new habitat types and suggest that the River. Today it is known from two provides for the Service to review the species is not likely to become widely disjunct sites along the listing status of species regarded as threatened or endangered in the Columbia River in Washington. Possible Category 1 candidates as of September foreseeable future. The species is trampling associated with recreational 1, 1992. For any species covered by the removed from candidate status because activity is the only identified threat to agreement and removed from candidate of the recent discoveries and limited this species. The most recent status (Category 1) status because listing is no information on habitat requirements, information indicated a declining trend, longer considered to be warranted, the life history, and status needed to but those data are from 1989. It is Service must publish a notice in the prepare a proposed listing. removed from candidate status Federal Register that provides Allium aaseae (Aase’s onion) is a primarily because the Service lacks explanation for the reclassification. This small, perennial plant that is endemic to sufficient information on current status notice is published to comply with the southwestern Idaho. The species occurs to issue a proposed listing. above requirement. on relatively barren, xeric habitats with Aster jessicae (Jessica’s aster) is It is important to note that candidate gentle to steep slopes and is usually endemic to mesic grasslands or steppe assessment is an ongoing function and associated with sparsely vegetated vegetation of the Palouse region in changes in status should be expected. bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) or southeast Washington and northern Species that are removed from the bitterbrush/sagebrush (Artemisia Idaho. The species is currently known 7458 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules from three population centers, two in River in Kittitas, Yakima, and Benton Calochortus nitidus (broad-fruit Idaho and one in Washington. Review of counties in Washington. Though once mariposa lily) is a perennial herb with file information indicates that the presumed extirpated in Washington, 29 large, showy flowers that is endemic to threats from grazing, non-native plants, populations have been documented in mid-elevation grassland habitats of the and land use practices are not the past 15 years, four of these in 1994. Palouse region in north-central Idaho. sufficiently severe to support a Approximately 55,000 plants are known The taxon was previously known from proposed listing. Also, additional to exist and viable seeds are being southeast Washington but is now information on the status of this species produced. The recent discovery of considered to be extirpated from the is needed. It is removed from candidate additional populations and apparent State. C. nitidus is currently known status primarily because the Service stability justify removal from candidate from more than 100 populations that lacks current information on biological status. range in size from a few individuals to vulnerability and threats needed for Astragalus mulfordiae (Mulford’s several thousand plants. The species is preparation of a proposed listing. milk-vetch) is endemic to the western believed to be stable and faces only Aster puniceus ssp. elliotti var. Snake River plain in Idaho and Oregon. weak threats from grazing, scabricaulis (Synphyotrichum Removal from candidate status is nonindigenous plants, logging, and puniceum var. scabricaule; rough- justified by identification of 36 extant agriculture. A conservation agreement stemmed aster) inhabits wetland areas populations and a lack of information was signed in 1991 to conserve C. in east-central Texas. Recent survey on threats to the species. The estimated nitidus on a parcel of land transferred work has discovered three additional population size is approximately 15,000 from the Bureau of Land Management to populations and extended the range to individuals in Oregon and between private ownership and numerous other a new (Cherokee) county. A recent 3,000 and 4,000 individuals in Idaho. populations occur on BLM lands. taxonomic study has placed this taxon Because of poor documentation of Calochortus westonii (Shirley in the genus Synphyotrichum and the threats and the existence of stable Meadows mariposa lily) is a perennial validity of the taxon is being reviewed. populations, the species is removed found in meadows and in the In addition, the species’ status appears from candidate status. understory of broadleaf upland forests to be stable, in part due to development Bloomeria humilis (dwarf goldenstar) and lower montane coniferous forests of and implementation of management is known from two populations that the southern Sierra on lands plans for roadside populations by the occur on private lands in northwestern administered by Sequoia National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service Species Texas Department of Transportation. San Luis Obispo County, California. Astragalus agnicidus (Humboldt milk- Management Guide allows for selective Current land uses, which have not been vetch) is limited to a single occurrence timber harvest at infrequent intervals in shown to be detrimental, include light on an 8-acre privately-owned ranch in C. westonii habitat. This action helps cattle grazing and periodic shrub southern Humboldt County, California. maintain suitable habitat for the species removal. No imminent threats are The population is afforded protection by and combined with recent population known at this time and no population an agreement between the landowner discoveries justifies removal of this losses have been documented. and the California Nature Conservancy species from candidate status. to reduce threats by delaying logging Calochortus clavatus var. avius Cardamine pattersonii (Saddle and excluding cattle. (Pleasant Valley mariposa lily) was Mountain bittercress) is endemic to four Astragalus australis var. olympicus historically known from only 13 mountaintops in the Coast Ranges of (Cotton’s milk-vetch) is found at locations containing approximately 450 Clatsop and Yamhill counties, Oregon. elevations above 5,000 feet on talus plants. Two of the historical The species grows on moss mats over slopes in arctic-alpine habitats that are occurrences were possibly extirpated. bare rocks or on grassy balds, and in the characterized by a variety of associated, Recent surveys conducted by the gravel of small creeks. Total habitat for low-growing cushion plants. Most of the Eldorado National Forest discovered this species covers about 100 to 150 known populations are found on federal additional occurrences within the acres and there are roughly 3,000 lands managed by the National Park original range. The variety is now individuals known. The only known Service or the U.S. Forest Service. The known from 125 locations with an threats are from recreational use of a only known threat to this species is estimate of 45,000 plants. The variety is trail and possible construction of a radio overgrazing or trampling by non-native removed from candidate status. repeater on nearby private land. Neither mountain goats (Oreamus americanus). Calochortus greenei (Greene’s of these threats are severe and inclusion The species is currently believed to be mariposa) generally grows in pinyon- as a candidate is therefore not stable. juniper woodland or upper montane warranted. Astragalus beatleyae (Beatley’s coniferous forests. It is known from Castilleja salsuginosa (Monte Neva astragalus) is known only from the southern Jackson and Klamath counties, paintbrush) is known only from a 15- vicinity of Pahute Mesa, Nye County, Oregon and Siskiyou and Modoc acre area of private land in White Pine Nevada, where it occurs on lands counties, California. Estimated County, Nevada. However, information managed by the Department of Energy abundance was 1,610 individuals in in Service files cast considerable doubt and the Department of Defense. The Oregon and 6,840 individuals in on the distinctiveness of this taxon. Department of Energy recently California, but these data are from 1988 Botanist Mark Egger (in litt.) has completed extensive studies of the surveys. The threats posed by habitat concluded that material identified as C. distribution and life history of the destruction, harvest, and grazing are not salsuginosa is probably at best a variety species which indicate that listing is not severe and the species is not of the widespread species C. nana and warranted. The species is no longer particularly narrow in its choice of other botanists question even the regarded as a candidate because the substrate. Given the broad habitat varietal distinctiveness of the Monte identified threats have been resolved. tolerance, lack of severe threats, and Neva paintbrush. C. salsuginosa is Astragalus columbianus (Columbia lack of current status information on removed from candidate status while its milk-vetch) is a short-lived perennial which to base a proposed listing, this taxonomic status is under review. that occurs in sagebrush/bunchgrass species is removed from candidate Caulanthus amplexicaulis var. shrub-steppe habitat along the Columbia status. barbarae (Santa Barbara jewelflower) is Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules 7459 a serpentinite endemic, known from five Collomia rawsoniana (Rawson’s Cymopterus deserticola (desert occurrences in Santa Barbara County, flaming trumpet) was first described in cymopterus) is a perennial herb that California. It inhabits bluffs, dry 1888 from specimens collected in the grows on loose sandy soils in the disturbed slopes, openings in chaparral, higher valleys of the Sierra Nevada. The western Mojave Desert at about 45 feet under ghost pines, and Sargent cypress species is found within riparian zones in elevation. The species is restricted to forest. The species is believed to be of the upper watershed of the San about 10 occurrences over a 30 mile stable and the only potential threats are Joaquin River and the Fresno River at range. The plant occurs within the area from grazing and road grazing. Since elevations between 3,500 and 6,300 feet. being addressed by the West Mojave serpentinite supports limited forage, The species is removed from candidate Coordinated Management Plan, which threats from grazing are unlikely. The status because it is believed to be stable. will function as a multi-species habitat species is removed from candidate Threats associated with logging have conservation plan and this action will status. been alleviated by restricting logging in alleviate many of the threats to the Chamaesyce remyi var. hanaleiensis habitat areas as part of an interagency species. (no common name) was endemic to the agreement between the Service and the Delphinium pavonaceum (peacock island of Kauai. The plant has not been U.S. Forest Service. larkspur) is endemic to the central observed or collected in this Century Cordylanthus nidularius (Mt. Diablo portion of the Willamette Valley, and is believed to be extinct. It is bird’s-beak) is found in a single Oregon and to Benton, Clackamus, therefore removed from candidate population on Mt. Diablo in Contra Marion, and Polk counties. There are 53 status. Costa County, California on serpentine reported occurrences, but only 31 of The greenest tiger beetle (Cicindela soils of Mt. Diablo State Park. The these have been confirmed since 1985. tranquebarica viridissima) was recently species is believed to be stable and A status report prepared in 1980 does rediscovered and returned to candidate protected from threats by Park guidance. not provide site specific threats, status (see 60 FR 34226, June 30, 1995). Cordylanthus rigidus ssp. littoralis population size, or population trends. However, experts for the family (seaside bird’s-beak) is an annual Candidate status is not justified based Cicindelidae acknowledge that the member of the snapdragon family that on the lack of specific information on taxonomy of C. tranquebarica is in need flowers in mid-summer. Habitat occurs threats and population status. of serious revision. Recent studies in limited areas of loose sandy soils of Delphinium variegatum ssp. thornei indicate that C. t. viridissima is in fact stabilized dunes in openings in (Thorne’s royal larkspur) is a perennial synonymous with C. t. vibex, so maritime chaparral, oak woodland, and herb restricted to southern San candidate status for C. t. viridissima is closed cone pine forest communities. Clemente Island. Roughly 13,000 no longer appropriate. Seventeen extant populations have been individuals are known from 13 Claytonia lanceolata var. peirsonii identified and threats to these populations. The recent removal of (Peirson’s spring beauty) occurs on scree populations are believed to be few. goats from the island has removed the slopes in subalpine forests. The variety Recent discoveries on Fort Ord property only known threat to this species. is known from five populations in the indicate that this species is more Delphinium viridescens (Wenatchee eastern San Gabriel Mountains of Los widespread than previously known. larkspur) is found in moist meadows at Angeles County, California. In 1980, the Protections afforded for six of the 17 mid-elevation of the Wenatchee number of individuals was estimated at extant occurrences, including the Fort Mountains of Washington. Roughly about 3,300 but a major fire severely Ord population, justify removal from 5,000 stems of the species are known depressed the population later that year. candidate status. from 20 populations in Chelan and By 1987 the estimated number of Coryphantha recurvata (Santa Cruz Kittitas counties. Conservation efforts by individuals had risen to about 1,400. Its cactus) occurs at elevations of 4,000– the U.S. Forest Service and the current status is unknown. In the most 6,000 feet in grassland and oak Washington Department of Natural recent taxonomic treatment of the woodland in the rolling hills of the Resources have reduced threats to the genus, this variety was not recognized Atascosa Mountains in south-central species and warrant its removal from as distinct from the parent species C. Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Survey candidate status. lanceolata, so the variety is removed work conducted in 1994 identified Dudleya cymosa ssp. costafolia from candidate status. This treatment previously unknown sites, suggesting (Pierpoint Springs dudleya) is known has been challenged by the California the species is more widespread than only from its type locality. The only Native Plant Society so the Service will previously thought. The species is known threats are associated with use or follow the resolution of the taxonomic removed from candidate status construction of summer homes. issues. primarily because of recently discovered Significant threats are lacking and it is The San Joaquin dune beetle (Coelus populations. Preparation of a proposed removed from candidate status. gracilis) is a flightless, fossorial beetle listing would only be possible with Dudleya viscida (sticky dudleya) is a restricted to dunes of fine-grained sand. additional status information that perennial succulent that occurs on steep It was described from the Antioch dunes contradicts the known data. rocky cliffs and outcrops in chaparral (Contra Costa County, California) in Cupressus stephensonii (Cuyamaca and coastal sage scrub. The species is 1939 but has not been found there cypress) is a small tree or shrub that estimated to number between 100,000 recently despite searches. Current grows in clay soils in closed conifer and 250,000 individuals and appears to information on the status of the species forest, chaparral, and along riparian be stable. It is more abundant than is lacking and the known threats from drainages. It is known from two small previously thought and is being habitat alteration caused by populations in San Diego County, removed from candidate status for that nonindigenous tumbleweeds (Salsola California. This species has received reason. kali) or off-road vehicle use are believed considerable taxonomic revision and The spring pygmy sunfish (Elassoma to be slight. The species is removed was recently deemed synonymous with alabamae, formerly known as Elassoma from candidate status primarily because C. arizonica. Based on these changes, C. sp.) was discovered in 1938 in a spring the Service lacks current status stephensonii does not meet the Act’s in Lauderdale County, Alabama near the information needed for preparation of a definition of species and is therefore Tennessee River. The species was proposed listing. removed from candidate status. thought extinct until 1973 when it was 7460 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules found in part of Beaverdam Creek in road grading on Forest Service lands are stable. Therefore, it is removed from Limestone County. The species has been questionable. Similarly, potential candidate status. successfully introduced into other threats by cattle grazing and insects do Hackelia cronquistii (Cronquist’s waters and its distribution has increased not appear to be problematic. In stickseed) is found on sandy moist outside the range of introduction. addition, current status information sagebrush slopes in eastern Oregon and Tennessee Valley Authority biologists needed to support a proposed listing is Idaho. The species is being removed recently discovered additional not available, so this species is being from candidate status due to stable populations, including one on Wheeler removed from candidate status. populations in Oregon and large National Wildlife Refuge. The known Erythrina eggersii (Pin˜ on Espinoso amounts of potential habitat that are populations, each exceeding 1,000 Cock’s spur) is a spiny tree known only believed to be suitable for this species. individuals, are increasing. This species from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Hackelia venusta (showy stickseed) is removed from candidate status. Islands. On the island of St. John it is grows in openings within the Ponderosa Eriogonum brandegei (Brandegee known from four sites within the pine and Douglas fir forests of open, wild-buckwheat) is a long-lived National Park; threats to the St. John steep slopes on dry, loose, granitic well- perennial plant found in sagebrush population are not known. In Puerto drained soils. The species appears to be stands or in pinyon-juniper woodlands Rico it is known primarily from the restricted to a single population in between 5,700 and 7,500 feet in northern limestone hills, but its Tumwater Canyon, Chelan County, elevation. Prior to the late 1980s the distribution and abundance within this Washington. Two other potential total known population was 700 habitat type is poorly known. Given populations have been identified near individuals. However, inventories secure status on St. John and the lack of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, also in conducted in 1989, 1992, and 1993 status information that would be needed Chelan County, but the taxonomic status resulted in population estimates for preparation of a proposed listing in of these populations is uncertain. between 100,000 and several million Puerto Rico, it is removed from Tumwater Canyon was designated a individuals. The species is removed candidate status. Botanical Area by the Wenatchee from candidate status. The Florida mastiff bat (Eumops National Forest and the State of Eriogonum breedlovei var. breedlovei glaucinus floridanus) is known from Washington has developed management (Piute buckwheat) is restricted to Florida, Cuba, Jamaica, Central America, guidelines to protect the species. The dolomite and limestone substrates and South America. The studies upon species is being removed from candidate within the Piute Mountains in the which the original candidate status due to poorly documented southern Sierra Mountains of California. classification was based were seriously threats, management actions to Previously identified threats associated flawed in that they used a technique supplement the wild population with with gold mining were overstated and with low likelihood of detecting mastiff outplantings of disease-free plantings, the species is being removed from bats. While native habitat appears to be and an uncertain taxonomic status. candidate status due to lack of known declining, the species also appears to Haplopappus (=Pyrrocoma) threats to the species. have adapted to human presence by insecticruris (bugleg goldenweed) is Eriogonum chrysops (golden using Spanish tile roofs. The current or endemic to Camas, Elmore, and Blaine buckwheat) is a perennial herb limited historic number of mastiff bats in counties, Idaho. It occurs in two habitat to the Dry Creek drainage in central Florida is unknown. This species is types: the densely vegetated habitat of Malheur County, Oregon. Roughly 9,500 being removed from candidate status the Cama prairie found in mesic areas individuals were known from five sites because current status information is with deep soils, and less vegetated, in 1988 but current status information is not available to prepare a proposed somewhat xeric habitats of the lacking. Former threats from herbicide listing, recent surveys indicate that Artemisia arbuscula or shrub/grassland use, grazing, off-road vehicles, and mastiff bats in south Florida may be type. The species’ known distribution nonindigenous plants are now regarded more abundant than previously known, has increased from four populations in as inconsequential, justifying removal and adaptation to human presence 1983 to more than 83 populations in from candidate status. suggests that the species is unlikely to 1985 surveys. It appears to occupy Eriogonum ericifolium var. thornei become threatened or endangered in the disturbed and undisturbed habitats. The (Thorne’s buckwheat) is restricted to foreseeable future. Idaho Native Plant Society recently two populations in the New York Franklinia alatamaha (Franklin tree) recommended removing this species Mountains of San Bernardino County, was last seen in the wild in McIntosh from candidate status and the Service California. When elevated to candidate County, Georgia in 1803. The type concurs. status, threats from mining and grazing locality has been searched repeatedly Haplopappus radiatus (Snake River were identified but it is uncertain over the past 200 years, but no goldenweed) is endemic to the dry, whether these activities still threaten specimens have been observed. While rolling hills, ridge, and canyon slopes of the species’ existence due to the transfer probably extinct in the wild, the species the Snake River in eastern Oregon and of management of the areas occupied by is extant through cultivation and widely western Idaho. The habitat is generally this plant to the National Park Service. distributed as an ornamental. It is a grazing-modified sagebrush/grassland Eriophyllum lanatum var. hallii (Fort removed from candidate status because community. Estimated abundance in Tejon woolly-sunflower) is currently the species is not threatened or Idaho is approximately 35,000 known from three populations in endangered. individuals from 22 known populations. eastern Santa Barbara and western Kern Gilia maculata (little San Bernardino Total abundance of the 37 known counties, California. The two Santa Mountains gilia) is restricted to sandy Oregon populations may exceed 100,000 Barbara populations were estimated to wash terraces at the base of the Little individuals. This species is too widely contain 800 and 12 individuals San Bernardino Mountains in San distributed and abundant to be respectively and the Kern County Bernardino County, California. Recent considered a candidate species. population has an estimated 500 surveys have increased the number of Hastingsia bracteosa (large-flowered individuals. Development on private known locations for this species, rush-lily) is a lilaceous plant growing lands appears unlikely and reduced the intensity of threats to the from bulbs and is found in serpentine hypothesized threats from erosion and species, and its status is believed to be bogs at lower elevations in Jackson and Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules 7461

Josephine counties, Oregon, and Santa Cruz islands, Santa Catalina Wallowa Mountains of northeast Siskiyou and Del Norte counties, Island, and San Clemente Island. Given Oregon. The total population of 20,000 California. The species is historically the widespread distribution and individuals occupies roughly 20 acres of known from 43 locations in Oregon but taxonomic uncertainty, the two subalpine and alpine meadows. This the most recent status information on subspecies are removed from candidate rare endemic has a stable population the species is from 1980. It is being status. that appears to be fully using its removed from candidate status due to Layia leucopappa (Comanche layia) is available habitat. It is removed from weak or unclear data on threats and due known only from a small area of the candidate status. to the lack of current status information. Tejon Ranch and surrounding area in Lotus argophyllus ssp. adsurgens (San Hemizonia arida (Red Rock tarplant) Kern County, California. Five of the six Clemente Island silver hosackia) is is associated with clay soils in desert known populations occur on the restricted to 10 populations at the scrub. Its distribution is limited to a few privately owned ranch. Although the southern tip of San Clemente Island, square miles in the Mojave desert, Kern plant has a very limited distribution, California. Former threats posed by County, California. Threats posed by off- only one population faces potential grazing and rooting pigs have been road vehicles have been relieved via threats from grazing. The species is alleviated by removal of feral goats and transfer of the land to the California removed from candidate status. pigs from the island. Therefore, Department of Parks and Recreation and The Hawaiian stream goby ‘o‘opu candidate status is no longer justified. the species is therefore removed from alamo‘o (Lentipes concolor) occurs in Luina serpentina (colonial luina) is a candidate status. freshwater streams throughout the main stout branching plant that forms Hesperolinon didmyocarpum (Lake Hawaiian Islands. The species has an colonies or large mats which hug the County dwarf-flax) is known from six amphidromous life-history pattern that ground. The species is known only from populations on a combined area of less allows for transfer of genetic material two sites and grows on steep, rocky, than five acres. The current range is among the various island populations. open serpentine slopes. There are no comparable to its known historical Although populations on the island of known threats and the last survey was range and only one population is subject Oahu have declined, recent studies conducted in 1980, so status to threatened habitat degradation. The indicate that the species is not information necessary to support listing species is believed to be stable and is sufficiently threatened with extinction is not available. removed from candidate status due to a to be considered a candidate species. Lunania buchii (no common name) lack of documented threats. Lilium maritimum (coast lily) grows was originally described from Hibiscadelphus crucibracteatus (hau in closed-cone coniferous forest, coastal specimens collected by the U.S. Forest kuahiwi) was historically found on the prairie, and coastal scrub habitats of Service from Luquillo and Maricao, island of Lanai but is now believed to Mendocino and Sonoma counties, Puerto Rico. This species had be extinct. The last known specimen, California. Populations from Marin, San previously been reported from Haiti. discovered in 1981, died in 1985. The Mateo, and San Francisco counties may Studies by H.O. Sleumer, conducted in species is removed from candidate have been extirpated. Today, many 1980, placed L. buchii in synonymy status. populations are found in roadside with L. eckmanii, a species common to Ivesia aperta var. canina (Dog Valley ditches at elevations from 30 to 1,100 Hispaniola. More recent studies of the ivesia) is known only from Dog Valley, feet. Although the species faces threats Puerto Rican specimens suggest that Sierra County, California on lands associated with horticultural collecting, they are not fully consistent with L. managed by the Toiyabe National the Service lacks current status eckmanii, further clouding the Forest. The population size was information needed to justify candidate taxonomic status of the species. The estimated at 2,700 individuals in 1989, status. species is withdrawn from candidate but has increased by about 33 percent Limnanthes floccosa ssp. pumila status. since then. Potential threats from (dwarf wooly meadow-foam) is endemic Lupinus aridus ssp. ashlandensis grazing, recreation, and dam to two basalt formations in Jackson (Mount Ashland lupine) is a perennial construction have not materialized and County, Oregon. The plant occurs at the lupine that grows in granitic outcrops the species’ status is improving. The edges of deep vernal pools and during only on the summit of Mount Ashland species is removed from candidate most years the populations number in in Jackson County, Oregon. The status. the thousands of individuals. While this population was estimated at roughly Juncus leiospermus var. ahartii species has a limited distribution, it 350,000 individuals in 1991 and faces (Ahart’s rush) is known from Butte, faces only limited threats and is no verified threats. It is believed to be Calaveras, and Placer counties, generally abundant. It is removed from stable and is therefore removed from California. Since the late 1980s, several candidate status. candidate status. additional populations of this plant Lomatium erythrocarpum (red-fruited Malacothamnus abbottii (Abbott’s have been discovered. Only the Oroville desert-parsley) is a perennial herb that bush-mallow) is known from private population in Butte County is known to is restricted to western Baker County, lands in southern Monterey County, face threats associated with habitat Oregon, along the Elkhorn Ridge of the California. It was originally described degradation. Because of insufficient Blue Mountains. It occurs on loose from a single location in 1896 and was information on status, distribution, and gravel or talus on east- or south-facing thought extinct until its rediscovery in threats, the species is removed from slopes at elevations between 7,500 and 1990. At least five populations have candidate status. 8,500 feet. Although the species has a been located and the species appears to Lavatera assurgentiflora ssp. limited distribution and is rare, it faces persist in areas with surface assurgentiflora and L. a. glabra were only minor threats associated with disturbance. The species is more combined in a 1993 taxonomic trampling by ungulates or humans. The abundant than originally believed and treatment to form Lavatera species is removed from candidate although it is globally rare, threats are assurgentiflora (island tree mallow). The status. unknown. Current information on the species is widespread and cultivated as Lomatium greenmanii (Greenman’s distribution, abundance, and life history an ornamental or windbreak on the desert-parsley) is endemic to the is insufficient to support candidate mainland and it also occurs on the summit region of Mount Howard in the status. 7462 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules

Oenothera psammophila (St. Anthony information to support issuance of Potentilla basaltica (Soldier Meadows evening primrose) is part of the early proposed listing, and a lack of clearly cinquefoil) occupies alkali meadows, successional community dominated by identified threats, maintaining this seeps, and occasionally, marshes Elymus flavescens and Psoralea species in candidate status is not bordering thermal springs, outflow lanceolata. In 1983, approximately warranted. streams, and depressions in Soldier 50,000 individuals were known from Phlox idahonis (Clearwater phlox) is Meadows, Humboldt County, Nevada. 298 colonies. By 1994 this number had endemic to moist meadows and The total population in 1990 was grown to roughly 85,000 individuals in streambanks in the Clearwater estimated to be 85,000 individuals in 10 685 colonies. Recent studies indicate Mountains of north-central Idaho. The sub-populations. More recently, a small, that threats from trampling and off-road species occurs in relatively flat disjunct population was discovered on vehicles are less than previously grassland/shrub habitats, ranging from private lands in Lassen County, believed. In light of reduced levels of 2,800 to 3,275 feet in elevation and is California. The Bureau of Land threat and improving status, this species the only phlox occurring in mountain Management has adopted conservation is removed from candidate status. meadows of northern Idaho. This practices to protect P. basaltica and the Oenothera wolfii (Wolf’s evening species is known from four threatened desert dace (Eremichthys primrose) is known from six sites in metapopulations (eight occurrences), all acros), thereby reducing the threats from Mendocino, Humboldt, and Del Norte within four miles of the town of grazing, wetland alteration, and counties, California and seven sites in Headquarters, Idaho. Although the recreational use and justifying removal Curry County, Oregon. The species faces timing and intensity of grazing may from candidate status. limited threats from slope stabilization, adversely affect the species, the threat The Pecos springsnail (Pyrgulopsis road widening, and bridge replacement. from grazing is not sufficient to warrant [=Fontelicella] pecosensis) is endemic to Also, review of file information a proposed listing for this plant. It is southeastern New Mexico, occurring on indicates insufficient status information therefore being removed from candidate mud and pebble substrates near the to support issuance of a proposed listing status. margins of springs. Threats to the water for this species. The species is removed Pleuropogon oregonus (Oregon quality of the spring have been from candidate status. semaphore grass) grows in moist alleviated by purchase of the water Ophioglossum concinnum (pololei) meadows and marshlands at about 2,500 rights and this species’ status is believed was thought to be endemic to the to 4,000 feet in elevation with numerous to be improving. Potential threats from Hawaiian Islands but taxonomic aquatic and semiaquatic associates. The oil and gas development do not appear revisions have placed it within o. species is known from two widely relevant since reserves that would affect polyphyllum, a species found in Asia, separated regions of Oregon. There are the springs have not been identified. South America, and Africa. This eight known populations, four in Lake The dusky gopher frog (Rana areolata revision greatly increases the range and County and four in Union County. sevosa) is part of a group of frogs that abundance of the species and it is Because the species faces only minor is subject to considerable taxonomic removed from candidate status. threats from grazing and stream debate. One treatment considers gopher Orobanche parishii ssp. brachyloba channelization and is believed to be frogs as conspecific with crawfish frogs (short-lobed broom-rape) occurs on the stable, removal from candidate status is under R. areolata. An alternate Pacific coast from San Luis Obispo justified. treatment splits the gopher frogs from south to Baja California and on the Polemonium pectinatum (Washington crawfish frogs, assigning the gopher Channel Islands. It is associated with polemonium) is found primarily along frogs to R. capito. Neither designation is sandy soils in coastal bluff scrub, the outer margins of riparian areas near universally accepted. The distribution coastal dunes, and coastal scrub. Several the transition with xeric vegetation in of the various subspecies of gopher frogs new populations have recently been Lincoln, Whitman, and Adams counties, is also problematic. This taxon is discovered on San Nicolas Island and Washington and is believed extirpated removed from candidate status, pending San Miguel Island, supporting removal from Spokane County. Currently there resolution of the taxonomic and from candidate status. are 35 extant populations with an distribution questions raised above. Penstemon discolor (Catalina estimated total of 15,000 to 20,000 Ranunculus reconditus (obscure beardtongue) is known to occur in the individuals. Minor threats have been buttercup) is a perennial forb that Santa Catalina, Dragoon, Atascosa, reduced by a conservation agreement historically grew in Wasco County, Winchester, and Galiuro mountains of aimed at reducing the populations of Oregon and across the Columbia River southeastern Arizona. Since 1991, noxious weeds and removal from in Klickitat County, Washington. The several additional populations have candidate status is justified. Oregon sites were believed extirpated been discovered. These discoveries Polyctenium williamsiae (Williams’ until 1988, when two populations were lessen the significance of threats posed combleaf) is presently known from five discovered. The estimated population to the Santa Catalina population and occurrences in Washoe and Nye sizes from 1988 surveys were 7,400 supports removal from candidate status counties, Nevada. The species occurs on plants in Washington and 250–400 because a listing proposal is no longer sandy clay margins and bottoms of plants in Oregon. Minor threats from warranted. ephemeral pools in sagebrush scrub. At grazing and nonindigenous plants, Pentachaeta exilis ssp. aeolica its spring 1995 meeting, the Northern coupled with the need for updated (slender pentachaeta) is a small, Nevada Native Plant Society Rare Plant status information, justify removal of ephemeral plant associated with dry Committee recommended removing this this species from candidate status. grasslands. Based on status information species from Category 1 candidate status Rorippa subumbellata (Tahoe yellow from 1977, the species is restricted to but retaining it in Category 2 status. A cress) occurs on sandy substrates, along three populations in Monterey and San listing proposal is no longer warranted lake margins, near stream mouths, and Benito counties, California. The only for this species in light of the potential in back-beach depressions. Occurrence potential threat is grazing by cattle. The for locating additional populations and and availability of suitable habitat for R. extent of this threat is not presently Federal agency efforts to conserve this subumbellata are correlated with lake sufficient to warrant a proposed listing. plant, so it is removed from candidate water surface elevation. A dam Given the lack of recent status status. constructed on the Truckee River Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 40 / Wednesday, February 28, 1996 / Proposed Rules 7463 outflow in 1871 allows lake surface believed and should be removed from subspecies are removed from candidate elevation to fluctuate between 6,223 feet candidate status. status. and 6,229.1 feet. Surveys of the entire Sidalcea covillei (Owens Valley Streptanthus morrisonii ssp. elatus lake shore conducted in 1993 counted checkermallow) grows in alkaline and (Three Peaks jewelflower) is known approximately 6,500 individuals at 35 subalkaline meadows in the Owens only from a few serpentine barrens in locations. The persistence of these River drainage in California. It is Lake County, California. Habitat for this populations over the last 15 years and restricted to 31 sites in Inyo County and species has been seriously impacted by occurs on habitat protected in part by recent colonization of new sites as water mining and road-building, but recent conservation efforts in the eastern levels recede indicate that R. actions by BLM will protect habitat for Mohave Desert. The primary threat to subumbellata should not be considered this species. Information in Service files the species was believed to be a candidate species. is currently insufficient to support Rubus nigerrimus (northwest hydrologic alteration and grazing, but issuance of proposed listings, so this raspberry) occurs primarily along the these threats no longer exist. The subspecies is removed from candidate banks and channels of small streams species is removed from candidate status. that are tributary to the Snake River. status. The species is found at elevations Sidalcea stipularis (Scadden Flat Synthyris ranunculina (Charleston ranging from 700 to 2,200 feet. It is checkerbloom) is known from only two kittentails) is found in permanently known from 18 locations scattered occurrences: one on private land and damp areas, moist meadows, along among approximately 80 square miles in the second on a utility right-of-way. No creek corridors, snow banks, on moss- Whitman and Garfield counties, threats to the species have been covered rock, and moist cliff crevices. Washington. Most populations are identified. S. stipularis is believed to be All known sites are on the eastern flank small, consisting of 15 to 30 individuals stable and does not warrant status as a of the Spring Mountains Range at and seedling establishment appears to candidate species. elevations ranging from 8,600 to 11,800 be low. Removal of this species from Sphaeromeria compacta (Charleston feet. The species is known only from candidate status is based primarily on a tansy) is known only from the Spring lands within the Toiyabe National lack of current status information Mountains, Clark County, Nevada, Forest’s Spring Mountains Recreation needed to support issuance of a where it occurs at timberline and above. Area and the Service and U.S. Forest proposed listing. It occurs on talus slopes, in frost-heave Service are developing an ecosystem- Scrophularia macrantha (Mimbres broken rubble, and on gravelly slopes in level conservation agreement to provide figwort) is a narrowly endemic limestone-derived soils. The species is for long-term conservation of this herbaceous perennial found in the known from three separate populations species. Minor historic threats (from Mimbres Mountains and the Cooks but individual numbers are unknown. trampling by horses and hikers and Range in Grant and Luna counties, New The primary threat is trampling by spring manipulation) support removal Mexico. It is generally restricted to hikers. In the face of limited status data from candidate status. and minor threats, the species is north-facing igneous cliffs and steep Trifolium polyodon (Pacific Grove removed from candidate status. talus slopes from 6,500 to 8,200 feet in clover) was included as part of the elevation. Status surveys conducted in Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus common Trifolium variegatum in a 1982 and 1994 indicate the species is (most beautiful jewelflower) is the recent taxonomic revision. This species stable and previously identified threats subject of an ongoing taxonomic is removed from candidate status from grazing and recreational use were revision. New subspecies of S. albidus because it is no longer a listable entity over-emphasized since these activities may be named and some new under the Act. did not occur in the species’ habitat. It populations of S. albidus ssp. is hereby removed from candidate peramoenus may be identified. As a Author status. result, the range and current status are Senecio huachucanus (Huachuca unknown, supporting removal from This notice was compiled from groundsel) is a herbaceous perennial candidate status pending the results of materials supplied by the Service’s staff that grows on steep, mesic, high the taxonomic revisions. biologists located throughout the elevation mountain slopes. The species Streptanthus brachiatus ssp. country in regional and field offices. is known from the Santa Rita and brachiatus (Socrates Mine jewelflower), The materials were compiled by Dr. Huachuca Mountains in Arizona and Streptanthus brachiatus ssp. hoffmanii Richard E. Sayers, Jr., Division of the Sierra Azul, Sonora, Mexico. Aside (Freed’s jewelflower), and Streptanthus Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and from one population in the Santa Rita morrisonii ssp. hirtiflorus are very rare Wildlife Service, 1849 C Street, NW., Mountains, populations tend to be and vulnerable subspecies that are the Mailstop ARLSQ–452, Washington, DC isolated and small (less than a few subjects of ongoing status reviews. The 20240 (phone 703/358–2105; facsimile hundred plants). The Santa Rita Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 703/358–1735). population probably contains thousands protects known locations from Authority: The authority for this notice is of plants on many acres in remote, disturbance and the potential for habitat the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as wilderness lands. Since 1991, loss from geothermal development in amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. the Geysers Geothermal Steamfield has populations at two sites in the Dated: February 16, 1996. Huachuca Mountains, one site in the been reduced by BLM protection and Sierra Azula, and the large population reduced rates of geothermal John G. Rogers, in the Santa Rita Mountains have been exploitation. Information in Service files Acting Director, Fish and Wildlife Service. discovered, indicating the species is is currently insufficient to support [FR Doc. 96–4413 Filed 2–27–96; 8:45 am] more widespread than previously issuance of proposed listings, so these BILLING CODE 4310±55±P