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process. Applicants who claim a Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Register and make a determination on competitive bidding exemption must (List). our proposal within 1 year. Critical submit relevant documentation to allow DATES: We will accept comments habitat shall be designated, to the the Administrator to verify that the received or postmarked on or before maximum extent prudent and applicant is eligible for the claimed March 5, 2018. Comments submitted determinable, for any exemption. electronically using the Federal determined to be an endangered or * * * * * eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, threatened species under the Act. ■ 7. Amend § 54.645 by revising below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Listing a species as an endangered or paragraph (b) to read as follows: Eastern Time on the closing date. We threatened species and designations and must receive requests for public § 54.645 Payment Process. revisions of critical habitat can be hearings, in writing, at the address completed only by issuing a rule. * * * * * shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION This rule proposes adding the Panama (b) Before the Administrator may CONTACT by February 20, 2018. City ( econfinae) process and pay an invoice, both the ADDRESSES: Document availability: The as a threatened species to the List of Consortium Leader (or health care report upon which this proposed rule is Endangered and Threatened Wildlife in provider, if participating individually) based (see SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION) and the vendor must certify that they is available at http:// title 50 of the Code of Federal have reviewed the document and that it www.regulations.gov in Docket No. Regulations (50 CFR 17.11(h)). is accurate. The service provider must FWS–R4–ES–2017–0061 and on the The basis for our action. Under the certify on the invoice that it has Service’s Southeast Region website at Act, we may determine that a species is reviewed all applicable requirements for https://www.fws.gov/southeast/. an endangered or threatened species the program, including the competitive Comment submission: You may based on any of five factors: (A) The bidding requirements described in submit comments by one of the present or threatened destruction, § 54.642, and has complied with those following methods: modification, or curtailment of its requirements. All invoices must be (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal habitat or range; (B) Overutilization for received by the Administrator within eRulemaking Portal: http:// commercial, recreational, scientific, or six months (180 days) of the end date of www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, educational purposes; (C) Disease or the time period covered by the funding enter FWS–R4–ES–2017–0061, which is predation; (D) The inadequacy of commitment. the docket number for this rulemaking. existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) Then, in the Search panel on the left [FR Doc. 2017–27746 Filed 1–2–18; 8:45 am] Other natural or manmade factors side of the screen, under the Document BILLING CODE 6712–01–P affecting its continued existence. We Type heading, click on the Proposed Rules link to locate this document. You have determined that habitat loss and may submit a comment by clicking on fragmentation from development (Factor DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ‘‘Comment Now!’’ A) is the primary threat to the Panama City crayfish. Fish and Wildlife Service (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Supporting Documents 50 CFR Part 17 Processing, Attn: FWS–R4–ES–2017– 0061; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, A species status assessment (SSA) [Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2017–0061; MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls team prepared an SSA report for the 4500030113] Church, VA 22041–3803. Panama City crayfish. The SSA team We request that you send comments was composed of Service biologists, in RIN 1018–BC14 only by the methods described above. consultation with other species experts. We will post all comments on http:// Endangered and Threatened Wildlife The SSA report represents a www.regulations.gov. This generally compilation of the best scientific and and Plants; Threatened Species Status means that we will post any personal for the Panama City Crayfish commercial data available concerning information you provide us (see Public the status of the species, including the AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Comments, below, for more impacts of past, present, and future Interior. information). factors (both negative and beneficial) ACTION: Proposed rule. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: affecting the species. Maps depicting the Catherine Phillips, Field Supervisor, historical range and current populations SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Panama are included in the SSA for reference. Wildlife Service (Service), announce a City Ecological Services Field Office, Peer review. We solicited independent 12-month finding on a petition to list 1601 Balboa Avenue, Panama City, FL peer review of the SSA Report by six the Panama City crayfish (Procambarus 32405; telephone 850–769–0552; econfinae), a semi-terrestrial crayfish facsimile 850–763–2177. Persons who individuals with expertise in crayfish; species native to Bay County, Florida, as use a telecommunications device for the aquatic invertebrates, population, or a threatened species under the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay landscape ecology; genetics and Act (Act). After Service at 800–877–8339. conservation genetics; and/or speciation and conservation biology. We received review of the best available scientific SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: and commercial information, we find comments from one of the six peer that listing this species is warranted. Executive Summary reviewers. The SSA report and other Accordingly, we propose to list the Why we need to publish a rule. Under materials relating to this proposal can be Panama City crayfish as a threatened the Act, if we determine that a species found on the Service’s Southeast Region species under the Act. If we finalize this is an endangered or threatened species website at https://www.fws.gov/ rule as proposed, it would extend the throughout all or a significant portion of southeast/ and at http:// Act’s protections to this species and add its range, we are required to promptly www.regulations.gov under Docket No. this species to the Federal List of publish a proposal in the Federal FWS–R4–ES–2017–0061.

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Information Requested (e) Activities that maintain native accommodations, in the Federal vegetation near occupied or likely to be Register and local newspapers at least Public Comments occupied Panama City crayfish habitat; 15 days before the hearing. We intend that any final action (f) Sustainable silviculture practices Peer Review resulting from this proposed rule will be that primarily occur adjacent to Panama based on the best scientific and City crayfish habitat and that are In accordance with our joint policy on commercial data available and be as implemented according to certified best peer review published in the Federal accurate and as effective as possible. management practices; or Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), Therefore, we request comments or (g) Any additional activities that and our August 22, 2016, memorandum information from other concerned should fall under the 4(d) rule. updating and clarifying the role of peer governmental agencies, Native Please include sufficient information review of listing actions under the Act, American tribes, the scientific with your submission (such as scientific we sought the expert opinions of six community, industry, or any other journal articles or other publications) to appropriate specialists regarding the interested parties concerning this allow us to verify any scientific or SSA report, which informed this proposed rule. We particularly seek commercial information you include. proposed rule. We received a response comments concerning: Please note that submissions merely from one of the six peer reviewers. The (1) The Panama City crayfish’s stating support for or opposition to the purpose of peer review is to ensure that biology, range, and population trends, action under consideration without our listing determination is based on including: providing supporting information, scientifically sound data, assumptions, (a) Biological or ecological although noted, will not be considered and analyses. The peer reviewers have requirements of the species, including in making a determination, as section expertise in crayfish biology, habitat, habitat requirements for feeding, 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that and stressors to the species. We invite breeding, and sheltering; determinations as to whether any any additional comment from the peer (b) Genetics and ; species is an endangered or threatened reviewers during this public comment (c) Historical and current range, species must be made ‘‘solely on the period; these comments will be including distribution patterns; basis of the best scientific and available along with other public (d) Historical and current population commercial data available.’’ comments in the docket for this You may submit your comments and levels, and current and projected trends; proposed rule. materials concerning this proposed rule and Previous Federal Action by one of the methods listed in (e) Past and ongoing conservation ADDRESSES. We request that you send In 2010, the Center for Biological measures for the species, its habitat, or comments only by the methods Diversity (CBD) petitioned the Service both. described in ADDRESSES. to list 404 aquatic, riparian, and wetland (2) Factors that may affect the If you submit information via http:// species from the Southeastern United continued existence of the species, www.regulations.gov, your entire States under the Act. The Panama City which may include habitat modification submission—including any personal crayfish was among these 404 species. or destruction, overutilization, disease, identifying information—will be posted On September 27, 2011, the Service predation, the inadequacy of existing on the website. If your submission is published a substantial 90-day finding regulatory mechanisms, or other natural made via a hardcopy that includes for 374 of the 404 species, including the or manmade factors. personal identifying information, you Panama City crayfish, soliciting (3) Biological, commercial trade, or may request at the top of your document information about, and initiating status other relevant data concerning any that we withhold this information from reviews for, those species (76 FR 59836). threats (or lack thereof) to this species public review. However, we cannot In 2015, CBD filed a complaint against and existing regulations that may be guarantee that we will be able to do so. the Service for failure to complete a 12- addressing those threats. We will post all hardcopy submissions month finding for the Panama City (4) Additional information concerning on http://www.regulations.gov. crayfish within the statutory timeframe. the historical and current status, range, Comments and materials we receive, The Service entered into a settlement distribution, and population size of this as well as supporting documentation we agreement with CBD to address the species, including the locations of any used in preparing this proposed rule, complaint; the court-approved additional populations of this species. will be available for public inspection settlement agreement specified that a (5) Specific prohibitions and on http://www.regulations.gov, or by 12-month finding for the Panama City exceptions to those prohibitions that appointment, during normal business crayfish would be delivered to the may be necessary and advisable for the hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Federal Register by September 30, 2017. Panama City crayfish’s conservation. We Service, Panama City Ecological On September 21, 2017, the Court intend to publish, as appropriate, a Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER approved an extension, allowing the more tailored proposed rule with INFORMATION CONTACT). Service to submit this 12-month finding provisions set forth under section 4(d) to the Federal Register no later than Public Hearing of the Act for public review and December 29, 2017. comment in the future. Activities we are Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for considering for potential exemption one or more public hearings on this Background under a section 4(d) rule include, but proposal, if requested. Requests must be A thorough review of the taxonomy, are not necessarily limited to, received by the date listed above in life history, and ecology of the Panama exceptions for: DATES. Such requests must be sent to the City crayfish (Procambarus econfinae) is (a) Specific soil and vegetation address shown in FOR FURTHER presented in the SSA report, version 1.0 restoration activities that will benefit INFORMATION CONTACT. We will schedule (Service 2017). The SSA report the Panama City crayfish; public hearings on this proposal, if any documents the results of our (b) Water quality improvement; are requested, and announce the dates, comprehensive biological status review (c) Genetic and population times, and places of those hearings, as for the Panama City crayfish, including monitoring; well as how to obtain reasonable an assessment of the potential stressors

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to the species. The SSA report does not crayfish, Procambarus kilbyi, and the in more detail in the SSA report represent a regulatory decision by the jackknife crayfish, Procambarus (Service 2017, pp. 23–24). Service on whether the species should hubbelli, are found in the same habitat Panama City crayfish build burrows be proposed for listing as an endangered as the Panama City crayfish and may co- for shelter and are categorized as or threatened species under the Act. It occur with it (FWC 2017). The Panama secondary burrowers, which are does provide the scientific basis that City crayfish is not known to hybridize normally in surface water when it is informs that decision, which involves with other species of crayfish. present on the hydric soils they inhabit the further application of standards Historically, the species inhabited (Hobbs 1981). They construct burrows within the Act and its implementing natural and often temporary bodies of that contact the water table as the regulations and policies. The full SSA shallow fresh water within open pine surface water of their habitat recedes, report can be found on the Service’s flatwoods and wet prairie-marsh and they occupy burrows when surface Southeast Region website at https:// communities. However, most of these water is absent or during periods of www.fws.gov/southeast/ and at http:// communities have been cleared for extreme water temperatures. They www.regulations.gov under Docket No. residential or commercial development emerge from the burrows when surface FWS–R4–ES–2017–0061. or replaced with slash pine plantations. water is present again or water The Panama City crayfish currently is Species Description temperatures are favorable. It appears known to inhabit the waters of grassy, that they can survive significant periods The Panama City crayfish is a small, gently sloped ditches and swales, slash of drought in their burrows when they semi-terrestrial crayfish that grows to pine plantations, utility rights-of-way can maintain contact with the water about 2 inches (in) (50.8 millimeters and a few remnant parcels protected table. During these dry periods the (mm)) in length (minus claws), and is under wetland and private easements Panama City crayfish excavates and found in south-central Bay County, (FWC 2016, p. 2). lives in unbranched burrows up to three Florida. The species’ color pattern The highest densities of Panama City feet long that extend down to the water consists of a medium dark-brown crayfish have been recorded in areas table, thereby enabling the species to background color, lighter brown mid- with little to no shrub or tree cover remain adequately hydrated and survive dorsal stripe, and darker brown (FWC 2016, p.2). Suitable habitat is (FWC 2016, p. 3). dorsolateral stripes (FWC 2016, p.1). normally dominated by herbaceous The Panama City crayfish was first vegetation. Lowest population densities Little is known about the specific described by Hobbs in 1942 from Bay have occurred in small, open sites feeding habits of the Panama City County, Panama City, Florida. where shrubs or trees were present, or crayfish. Observations on Panama City Currently, the Panama City crayfish is in the furrows between bedding rows in crayfish that were held in aquaria classified in the family and some pine plantations (Keppner and spanning 1.5 plus years (Keppner 2014) is considered a valid taxon by the Keppner 2005). When encountered in indicate that they are detritivores and scientific community (Taylor et al. 1996, dense titi (Cyrilla racemiflora and herbivores. Specimens were offered 2007; Integrated Taxonomic Information Cliftonia monophylla) swamps, the dead material, but they avoided System 2017). The life history of the species was associated with temporarily it in favor of processing the substrate for Panama City crayfish specifically is not inundated areas open to the sun with particles of prepared fish food and the well known. Cambarid crayfish may live some herbaceous vegetation. Such sites fresh aquatic vegetation that were about 2.5 to 3 years (Hobbs 2001, may be considered secondary or provided as primary food sources. p. 977), with a generation period of 2 suboptimal habitat for the species. On Herbaceous vegetation likely serves as a years. For this family of crayfish, the sites where mixed habitat features are food source for the Panama City majority breed more than once, with present (e.g., partially wooded sites or crayfish. mating among mature yearlings sites with permanent, deep-water The Panama City crayfish historically frequent; however, many individuals do ponds), the Panama City crayfish ranged throughout south-central Bay not become sexually active until late appears to select favorable areas County, Florida within a 56 square mile summer or fall. Females may produce dominated by herbaceous vegetation, area (see Figure 1). The historical range between 30 and 160 eggs, and have been with shallow or fluctuating water levels likely created one population connected found with eggs and/or young from (FWC 2016, p. 3; Keppner and Keppner by core and secondary soils. As urban March through September. Juveniles are 2005). growth came to Panama City, the range most frequently found in the summer The Panama City crayfish relies on became fragmented and isolated and have been observed through particular soil types for burrow patches. Today, the species has 13 December, so young appear to be construction and supporting the localized populations that can be produced from at least March through herbaceous vegetation; these soil types divided into two distinct groups: The December. Juveniles can be carried are categorized as core or secondary western and eastern group. The western overland by sheet flow during rainy soils. Core soils provide the best group includes 8 separate populations periods, which aids in dispersal substrate to support the species; and the eastern group includes 5 (Keppner and Keppner 2002, p. 11). secondary soils are less ideal but still separate populations. The 13 Eight crayfish species are known to used. The core and secondary soil types populations are described in more detail occur within the range of the Panama that support Panama City crayfish in the SSA report (Service 2017, pp. 35– City crayfish, although only the hatchet within their known range are described 54).

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Species Needs and Viability surface water to prevent desiccation of events), and representation (the ability individuals and populations. The of the species to adapt to changing The Panama City crayfish needs species needs both adequate water environmental conditions). Using freshwater wetlands that support quality and quantity to fulfill its life various time frames and the current and herbaceous vegetation, which is history. important to the Panama City crayfish projected resiliency, redundancy, and for food, shelter, and detritus formation. We describe the Panama City representation, we describe the species’ The species needs core or secondary crayfish’s viability by characterizing the level of viability over time. For the soils to provide the proper sediment status of the species in terms of its Panama City crayfish to maintain structure for burrow construction and to resiliency (ability of the populations to viability, its populations or some support the herbaceous vegetation. The withstand stochastic events), portion thereof must be resilient. A Panama City crayfish needs access to redundancy (ability of the species to number of factors influence the groundwater (through burrowing) or withstand large-scale, catastrophic resiliency of Panama City crayfish

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populations, including the inbreeding maximize habitat occupancy influence medium, or low (see Table 1). We coefficient, population isolation, and those factors, thereby increasing the evaluated each population and assigned population abundance. Elements of resiliency of populations. These it a high, medium, or low condition Panama City crayfish habitat that demographic and habitat factors are category for each factor, as well as an determine whether Panama City discussed here; for each factor, we overall condition. crayfish populations can grow to assigned a condition category of high,

TABLE 1—DEMOGRAPHIC AND HABITAT FACTORS FOR PANAMA CITY CRAYFISH [Service 2017, p. 64]

Demographic factors Habitat elements Condition Population Suitable category Inbreeding isolation Population Freshwater quality & Herbaceous ground cover habitat coefficient (km) abundance quantity (acres)

High ...... >0.400 <0.5 >51 <33% developed and easements or ROW with >15 >800 unsuitable. acres that is managed. Moderate ...... 0.200–0.400 0.5–2.0 21–50 33–66% developed easements or ROW with ≤15 100–800 and unsuitable. acres suitable habitat that is managed; or timber lands. Low ...... <0.200 >2 1–20 >66% developed and no managed lands, habitat cur- <100 unsuitable acres. rently a titi monoculture. Population Isolation: Least-cost path distance to nearest population in kilometers. Population Abundance: Based on population sampling counts from all conducted surveys recorded. Freshwater Quality & Quantity: Percentage of developed and unsuitable acres within the area supporting each population. Herbaceous Ground Cover: Includes land with and without easements, size of easements, and management activities. Suitable Habitat: Acres of undeveloped core and secondary soils within the area supporting each population.

Inbreeding coefficient: The Panama working hypothesis was that ditches burrows, and we currently do not have City crayfish, once connected through within the range promote movement, an estimate of detection probability core and secondary soils within a 56 especially during flooding events. This using this protocol. The protocol is square mile area, is now separated into idea is supported by observations of quantitative and results in a catch per 13 populations that, when combined, some localized movements of Panama standard unit effort estimate of the total a significantly smaller area than City crayfish into previously population. We use population counts occupied by the historical, unoccupied ditches after recent flooding to assess the relative population size interconnected population. A recent where they were not seen in these new across the range of the species. genetic analysis of population locations during the next sampling Freshwater quality and quantity: differentiation and clustering to assess event. Although crayfish are facultative air population structure of the Panama City Because the landscape occupied by breathers, moisture is required to crayfish quantified each population’s the Panama City crayfish is spatially facilitate the respiratory process inbreeding coefficient numbers (Duncan heterogeneous, it is important to (Longshaw and Stebbing 2016, p. 327). et al. 2017). An inbreeding coefficient understand how certain landscape Burrowing to groundwater or access to number shows the probability of features affect the species’ ability to surface water are both important habitat inheriting two copies of the same allele move in order to meet requirements for features needed to prevent desiccation from an ancestor that occurs on both foraging, migration, or other movement- of individuals and populations. sides of the pedigree. For Panama City dependent processes (Crooks and Declines in water quality are known to crayfish populations, the differences in Sanjayan 2006 as cited in Duncan et al. present a significant threat to other inbreeding coefficient numbers likely 2017). We relied on a landscape ‘‘Least species of crayfish (and presumably to correspond to patterns of fragmentation Cost Path’’ land cover analysis PCC). These declines can range from from urban development and not conducted by Duncan et al. (2017) to oxygen-deficient conditions resulting necessarily from selective pressures assist in determining what may affect from algal blooms, sewage spills, or maintaining adaptive differences. Little genetic connectivity in Panama City localized leaks to pollution originating work has been done on the population crayfish and inform our understanding from roadway runoff or chemical spills genetics of wild crayfish populations. of population isolation. (Acosta and Perry 2001). The Panama We have no comparison for values in Population abundance: The size of an City crayfish often inhabits ditches and crayfish species of expected inbreeding individual population coupled with age swales close or adjacent to commercial coefficients (Duncan et al. 2017), and and sex classifications can be used as an and private properties, which may affect treat this as a relative measure. Thus, we indicator of resiliency. Within the SSA the water quality at these sites. We used ranked individual populations into report, we have summarized the years a proxy measure of water quality and three numerically distinct breaks: Low that surveys of varying levels were quantity based on the amount of when inbreeding coefficients were less completed within each population. The development surrounding the than 0.200, moderate when they ranked protocol currently used for PCC population. We assumed that greater between 0.200–0.400, and high when monitoring typically depends on dip-net acreage in developed and unsuitable results were greater than 0.400. sampling when sufficient surface water landcover types (which includes Population isolation: To promote is present and nondestructive transportation and other development- genetic connectivity in Panama City evaluation of crayfish burrows. The related types) is correlated with declines crayfish, we must have an protocol can miss specimens in in this habitat element. Herbaceous understanding of their potential abilities vegetation and does not sample ground cover: Herbaceous vegetation is to move between populations. One individuals living below ground in important to the Panama City crayfish

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for food, detritus formation, and cover. Docket No. FWS–R4–ES–2017–0061 on long-term Panama City crayfish Absence of vegetation increases http://www.regulations.gov. persistence. For example, roadside ditch exposure of this small crayfish to maintenance and construction activities Summary of Factors Affecting the predation and reduces availability of have resulted in the destruction of Species food. Suitable habitat: Species sampling several crayfish sites. efforts and a recent landscape modeling The Act directs us to determine While ditch maintenance activities analysis support the theory that the whether any species is an endangered may have temporary negative impacts Panama City crayfish almost exclusively species or a threatened species because on the species, if conducted using relies on core and secondary soils. of any factors affecting its continued conservation management principles, These soils provide the sediment existence. We reviewed the potential they may provide long-term habitat structure needed for burrow risk factors (i.e., threats, stressors) that improvements that support Panama City construction to the water table and also could be affecting the Panama City crayfish presence. For example, the support the herbaceous vegetation upon crayfish now and in the future. In this design of the ditch helps determine which the species relies for food and proposed rule, we will discuss in detail whether it can support Panama City cover. Lands supporting the Panama only those factors that could crayfish. Swales and ditches with City crayfish must be of sufficient size meaningfully impact the status of the herbaceous vegetation and a 3:1 or to sustain a population, but we don’t species. The primary risk factors (i.e., shallower slope are more likely to know the minimum size, as many threats) affecting the status of the support Panama City crayfish than factors influence a Panama City crayfish Panama City crayfish are habitat loss ditches with a steeper slope (FWC 2017, population, including other habitat and degradation, habitat fragmentation, p. 22). and subpopulation isolation due to conditions. The recent work of Duncan Infrastructure development has development (Factor A from the Act). et al. (2017) showed that all remaining impacted, or is anticipated to impact, Additional stressors to the species populations with >800 acres of suitable several crayfish sites (Keppner and include collection for bait (Factor B), habitat supporting them were Keppner 2001, pp. 13–14, 2004, p. 9). genetically healthy, and population disease (Factor C), off-road vehicle use (Factor A), and insecticide application For example, several proposed road counts support this as well. construction or expansion projects, such Maintaining representation in the (Factor E); however, our analysis shows as the widening of Star Avenue and form of genetic or ecological diversity is that while these stressors may be Kern Avenue and the widening and important to maintain the Panama City impacting individual Panama City hardening of Tram Road, may impact crayfish’s capacity to adapt to future crayfish, they are not having species- Panama City crayfish habitat in the environmental changes. The 13 wide impacts. For a full description of future. Infrastructure development can remaining populations show relatively all identified stressors, refer to chapter eliminate suitable Panama City crayfish high genetic differentiation with 4 of the SSA report (Service 2017). habitat by removing the required inbreeding coefficients ranging from Factor A. The Present or Threatened herbaceous vegetation and digging up 0.214 to 0.493 and associated acreages Destruction, Modification, or the surrounding soils. of suitable habitat ranging from 5 acres Curtailment of Its Habitat or Range to 5,309 acres. Silvicultural practices such as Redundancy reduces the risk that a Development projects and land ditching and bedding, roller chopping, large portion of the species’ range will conversion can result in direct loss of installing fire breaks, and constructing be negatively affected by a natural or habitat, as well as fragmentation and roads can alter the hydrology of Panama anthropogenic catastrophic event at a isolation of populations. The effects of City crayfish sites, create physical given point in time. Species that have development may also include barriers to crayfish movement, and resilient populations spread throughout alterations to water quality and destroy underground burrows (Hobbs their historical range are less susceptible quantity. Historically, the Panama City 2001, p. 988; Keppner and Keppner to extinction (Carroll et al. 2010; crayfish inhabited natural and often 2001, p. 13, 2004, p. 10; FWC 2006, p. Redford et al. 2011). The Panama City temporary bodies of shallow fresh water 10). These activities may contribute to crayfish historically lacked redundancy within open pine flatwoods and wet the isolation of Panama City crayfish in that its historical range consisted of prairie-marsh communities (Hobbs populations. Fire suppression and high one population of interconnected soils. 1942). The Panama City crayfish’s tree density on silvicultural sites can Today, there is a distinct genetic natural habitat (wet pine flatwoods) has reduce herbaceous groundcover difference between individual patches been lost or degraded through necessary for suitable crayfish habitat located in the western range versus residential, commercial, and industrial (Keppner and Keppner 2001, p. 13, individual patches within the eastern development, as well as conversion to 2004, p. 10; FWC 2006, p. 27). Similarly, range, which likely corresponds to intensive pine silviculture and for removal of tree canopy cover, changes patterns of fragmentation from urban ranching and farming uses. It is likely in ground cover vegetation, and development as well as some natural that no unaltered natural pine flatwoods associated changes in water quality and wetland buffers (creeks, stream bodies) remain within the Panama City surface water availability are all (Duncan et al. 2017). crayfish’s current range. possible changes associated with the Most known Panama City crayfish effects of conversion to farming and Summary of Biological Status and occurrences are in human-altered ranching practices, such as cattle Threats habitats and are vulnerable to further grazing (e.g., Jansen and Robertson We completed a comprehensive loss or alteration. Although artificial 2001, pp. 71–73). These activities assessment of the biological status of the habitats such as roadside ditches and negatively impact the habitat of the Panama City crayfish, and prepared a rights-of-way have allowed the Panama Panama City crayfish. Although report of the assessment, which City crayfish to persist in areas from minimal changes are expected to occur provides a thorough account of the which they would otherwise likely have due to farming and ranching practices, species’ overall viability. In this section, been extirpated, human activities can conversion from silviculture to grazing we summarize the conclusions of that alter the hydrology and configuration of use has occurred on lands adjacent the assessment, which can be accessed at these sites, making them unsuitable for crayfish’s range.

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Freshwater crayfish may be sensitive limited and we do not expect off-road guidelines are not regulatory in nature. to declines in water quality and declines vehicle use is resulting in species-wide We are not aware of any regulatory have been identified as a threat to other impacts. mechanisms in place to address the crayfish species. Water quality declines threat of habitat loss, fragmentation, and Factor B. Overutilization for can range from oxygen-deficient degradation due to development. Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or conditions resulting from algal blooms Educational Purposes Factor E. Other Natural or Manmade or sewage spills to pollution originating Factors Affecting Its Continued from roadway runoff, pesticide Crayfish may be recreationally Existence applications, or chemical spills (Acosta harvested for fish bait. Within the range and Perry 2001, p. 46). Given the level of the Panama City crayfish, several of The Service considered several of development throughout the range of the areas where the species occurs are additional stressors to the Panama City the Panama City crayfish and the known to be utilized by locals collecting crayfish, including chemical application occurrences of Panama City crayfish fish bait (FWC 2016, p.11; Keppner and and sea level rise. adjacent to private properties, runoff Keppner 2001, 2005). However, Mosquitocides are used within the from roads or improper application of although harvesting individual crayfish range of the Panama City crayfish to chemicals, such as pesticides or at these sites has been documented, the treat both larval and adult mosquitoes. fertilizers, may negatively impact water actual species collected are unknown. The mosquitocides registered for use quality and have direct impacts on the Therefore, while harvesting crayfish within the range of the Panama City species. may be impacting individual Panama crayfish do not pose known threats to The majority of known Panama City City crayfish, we find that it is not water quality if applied per label crayfish occurrences in the western part having a species-wide impact. directions (FWC 2016, p. 10). Fertilizers, of the range are in roadside ditches and Florida State Code 68A–9.002 insecticides, and herbicides may pose a swales that are isolated from other authorizes the Director of the Florida risk to Panama City crayfish if applied Panama City crayfish populations by Fish and Wildlife Conservation inappropriately. roads, development, and land use Commission to issue permits to collect The Panama City crayfish was changes. Fragmentation and isolation any wildlife species for ‘‘scientific, included in a statewide vulnerability can increase vulnerability to local educational, exhibition, propagation, assessment for approximately 1000 extirpation due to adverse genetic, management or other justifiable species in Florida (Reece et al. 2013, demographic, and environmental purposes.’’ Permits have been issued for Hocter et al. 2014) using a Standardized events. Further, when Panama City biologists conducting surveys on the Index of Vulnerability and Value crayfish have been extirpated from an Panama City crayfish; however, the Assessment (SIVVA; Reece and Noss area, lack of habitat connections Panama City crayfish is not known to be 2014). Based on the data used in this between sites can prevent Panama City targeted for significant scientific or assessment, the Panama City crayfish crayfish from recolonizing the newly educational collections. did not meet the vulnerability vacant sites (FWC 2006, p. 10). Recent assessment criteria. The assessment genetic work indicates the isolation in Factor C. Disease or Predation used a 10 meter digital elevation model the western portion of the range has Disease agents and pests identified for ‘‘bathtub’’ projection that showed 2 resulted in inbreeding and drift (Duncan freshwater crayfish include viruses, meters of sea level rise and overlapped et al. 2017, p. 17). bacteria, rickettsia-like organisms, fungi, these projections with species’ ‘element In addition to the effects on habitat protistans, and metazoans (Evans et al. occurrences.’ (Reece et al 2013). The described above, many of the activities 2002, p. 1). There is no reported assessment focused on those species contributing to habitat loss and information on the presence of disease which had 50% or more of their degradation can also directly harm or or parasites in the Panama City crayfish occurrences intersecting with the sea kill Panama City crayfish. Continuous to date. Nothing indicates that predation level rise projection. The Panama City loss of individuals can eventually lead or competition by native or non-native crayfish did not meet this criteria. to extirpation of isolated populations. In predators is currently affecting Panama Overall, little suitable habitat for particular, roadside maintenance, City crayfish at the species level. Panama City crayfish will be affected by dredging, and infrastructure sea level rise (Hocter et al. 2014). development in roadside ditches and Factor D. The Inadequacy of Existing silvicultural and farming activities, if Regulatory Mechanisms Conservation Actions done without appropriate safeguards, The following existing regulatory Several private lands within the have the potential to kill, harm, or mechanisms were considered and Panama City crayfish’s range are being displace Panama City crayfish due to discussed as they relate to the stressors, managed under conservation easements the removal by heavy machinery of soil under the applicable Factors, affecting for the species. These easements largely from crayfish sites. In addition, fill the Panama City crayfish: Florida State cover wet pine flatwoods and wet placed on sites in preparation for Code 68A–9.002 (Factor B). prairie habitats. Other private lands are construction activities can entomb The Panama City crayfish is currently inaccessible to surveyors, but if they crayfish in their burrows identified as a State Species of Special lack significant disturbance and have Off-road vehicle use may impact the Concern in Florida (Florida State Code suitable habitat for the species, they are Panama City crayfish by crushing, as 68A–27.005). Species of Special likely occupied by Panama City well as impacting the habitat through Concern require individuals to obtain a crayfish. rutting of the soil and destruction of permit from the FWC Executive Director Areas in silviculture adjacent to vegetation (FWC 2016, p. 11). Off-road in order to take, possess, transport, or human-altered habitats may serve as vehicle use has been documented in sell the species. refuges for Panama City crayfish, and areas within the eastern part of the FWC has developed voluntary draft silvicultural BMPs require operators to Panama City crayfish’s range along Gulf guidelines for developers to consider minimize impacts to Panama City Power rights-of-way. Gulf Power has when undertaking projects that may crayfish. Use of BMPs for agriculture blocked access to these rights-of-way impact Panama City crayfish and its and grazing can also help minimize with gates, so access to these areas is habitat (FWC 2016). However, these impacts to aquatic species (e.g., Florida

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Department of Agriculture and how the stressors associated with refer to the SSA report (Service 2017) Consumer Services 2008, p. 1). Gulf habitat loss, fragmentation, and for the full analysis of the future Power Company manages rights-of-way degradation from residential and scenarios. along approximately 114 acres of land commercial development will influence In scenario one, the ‘‘status quo’’ that is populated by the Panama City resiliency, redundancy, and scenario, we considered the crayfish. The Service and FWC have a representation for the Panama City development most likely to occur. Based management agreement that provides crayfish throughout its current known on the SERAP model, this was recommended BMPs to Gulf Power range using a series of plausible development with a ≥80 percent Company; the management practices scenarios for 2030, 2050, and 2070. We probability. Under this scenario, through this agreement have proven predicted both future population factors Panama City crayfish will lose 1,401 to effective as the crayfish continue to (inbreeding and population isolation) 3,096 acres of habitat rangewide as thrive within the easement areas. and habitat factors (water quality and developed land increases from 20,221 to quantity, herbaceous ground cover, and 25,040 acres. This loss, fragmentation, Current Condition suitable habitat) and evaluated these to and degradation of habitat would reduce The historical range of the Panama inform our future conditions. the number of resilient populations in City crayfish included a 56-square-mile To predict potential future changes high or moderate condition from nine area in Bay County, Florida. It was related to urban growth, we used layers currently to five by 2050. This loss of likely one contiguous population within from the Southeast Regional Assessment resiliency comes from both a reduction open pine flatwoods and prairie-marsh Project (SERAP, from the Biodiversity in habitat elements as well as the effects communities providing connectivity and Spatial Analysis Center at North of isolation and drift on the populations across the landscape. Currently, the Carolina State University; 60m themselves. species is found in 13 genetically resolution), a modification of the Under the ‘‘status quo’’ scenario, only distinct populations within the SLEUTH Projected Urban Growth model one resilient population (the St. Joe boundaries of its historical range. (Jantz et al. 2010, entire; Terando et al. population) is predicted to remain in Within its range, 61 percent (9,180 2014, entire). SERAP identifies the the western group by 2050. This results acres) of habitat with core soils and 46 parameters in global and regional in a loss of redundancy and percent (5,646 acres) of habitat with models that are most likely to affect the representation, as only one resilient secondary soils remain undeveloped, Southeast region’s climate and local population will remain in the western and the total amount of available landscape dynamics, with the goal of group. In the eastern group, four suitable habitat based on soils is 54 providing decision makers with resilient populations are predicted to percent of the historical habitat information about low-probability, high- persist through 2070. available to the species. impact climate extremes through In scenario two, the ‘‘intermediate The current condition is a qualitative downscaled models and threats development’’ scenario, we considered estimate based on an analysis of the analysis. We used these products to map development with a moderate potential three population factors (inbreeding, future predicted changes in to occur. Based on the SERAP model, population isolation, and population urbanization in 2030, 2050, and 2070. this was development with a ≥30 sampling/relative abundance) and three The uncertainty associated with the percent probability of occurring. In this habitat elements (water quality/ SLEUTH model increases in time, as the scenario, the Panama City crayfish will availability, herbaceous ground cover, species’ response to the dynamic nature lose 2,252 to 4,854 acres of habitat and suitable habitat). Overall population of the variables becomes less predictive. rangewide as developed land increases and habitat condition rankings were There is a greater confidence in from 20,221 to 27,332 acres. This loss, determined by combining the three predicting potential development and fragmentation, and degradation of population factors and three habitat the species’ response to changes in the habitat is predicted to reduce the elements using the most frequent score landscape in the near future rather than number of resilient populations in high for individual factors as the overall the distant future. or moderate condition from nine score. Of the 13 populations described, To address uncertainty associated currently to four by 2070. This loss of the current conditions show 4 (31 with the degree and extent of potential resiliency comes from both a reduction percent) populations are estimated to future stressors and their impacts on in habitat elements as well as the effects have high resiliency, 5 (38 percent) species’ requisites, the 3Rs were of isolation and drift on the populations moderate resiliency, and 4 (31 percent) assessed using three scenarios: status themselves. low resiliency. In the western group of quo development (i.e., ≥80 percent Under the ‘‘intermediate populations, 4 populations have low probability of occurring), moderate development’’ scenario, only one resiliency, 3 populations have moderate development (≥30 percent probability of resilient population (the St. Joe resiliency, and 1 has high resiliency. In occurring), and high development (≥0 population) is predicted to remain in the eastern group, 2 populations have percent probability of occurring). The the western group by 2050. This results moderate resiliency and 3 populations scenarios included projecting possible in a loss of redundancy and have high resiliency. Generally, genetic future development using the SERAP representation, as only one resilient variation is low and inbreeding is high model (Jantz et al. 2010, entire; Terando population will remain in the western across the range, which indicate a high et al. 2014, entire). They also describe group. In the eastern group, three degree of current population isolation. the predicted effects of the development resilient populations are predicted to This pattern is generally more on loss and fragmentation of suitable persist through 2070. pronounced in the sampling locations in habitat rangewide and on each of 11 In scenario three, ‘‘high development’’ the west (heavily urbanized areas). known populations, and draw or ‘‘worst case’’ scenario, we considered inferences about population health the development that is least likely to Future Condition based on the work of Duncan et al. occur. Based on the SERAP model, this For the purpose of this assessment, (2017, entire). We excluded two was development with at >0 percent we define viability as the ability of the populations (College Point and City of probability of occurring. In this species to sustain populations in the Lynn Haven) from our scenario analysis scenario, the Panama City crayfish will wild over time. This discussion explains due to insufficient available data. Please lose 3,233 to 6,130 acres of habitat

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rangewide as developed land increases would not persist in the near term; in major losses of resiliency, from 20,221 to 28,899 acres. This loss, other words, the risk of the Panama City representation, and redundancy for fragmentation, and degradation of crayfish significantly declining in the Panama City crayfish in the foreseeable habitat is predicted to reduce the near term is low given that it has future. Especially problematic is the number of resilient populations in high persisted despite historical levels of predicted complete loss of resilience or moderate condition from nine habitat loss. The current conditions as and redundancy from the western currently to three by 2070. This loss of assessed in the Panama City crayfish populations, which reduces half of the resiliency comes from both a reduction SSA report show that only 43 to 54 representation of Panama City crayfish. in habitat elements as well as the effects percent of the original lands historically These combined losses under even the of isolation and drift on the populations available to the Panama City crayfish most probable status quo scenario make themselves. remain potentially available for use by the ability of Panama City crayfish to Under the ‘‘high development’’ the Panama City crayfish. However, sustain its populations into the scenario, all resilient populations in the while the species’ habitat has been foreseeable future questionable western group are predicted to be lost reduced by at least 46 percent, the assuming current levels of protection by 2050, resulting in a loss of all species currently consists of 13 and management. representation and redundancy in the populations, 9 of which are highly to We have carefully assessed the best western group. In the eastern group, moderately resilient and found across scientific and commercial information three resilient populations are predicted its historical range. Further, despite available regarding the past, present, to persist through 2070. changes to the crayfish’s natural habitat and future threats to the Panama City crayfish. Habitat loss from development Determination of wet pine flatwoods, the species currently persists using artificial is occurring rangewide and has resulted Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533), habitats such as roadside ditches and in the fragmentation of the landscape. and its implementing regulations at 50 rights-of-way although these sites may The fragmentation of suitable habitat CFR part 424, set forth the procedures become unsuitable long term due to has caused the isolation of existing for adding species to the Federal Lists anthropogenic activities that can alter populations limited to ditches, swales, of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife their hydrology or configuration. slash pine plantations, and utility and Plants. Under section 4(a)(1) of the Therefore, we conclude that the current rights-of-ways. At the population level, Act, we may list a species based on: (A) risk of extinction of the Panama City Panama City crayfish now exists in 13 The present or threatened destruction, crayfish is sufficiently low that it does populations. Currently, four populations modification, or curtailment of its not meet the definition of an are estimated to maintain high habitat or range; (B) Overutilization for endangered species under the Act. resiliency; five are estimated to have commercial, recreational, scientific, or The Act defines a threatened species moderate resiliency; and four are educational purposes; (C) Disease or as any species that is ‘‘likely to become estimated to have low resiliency, predation; (D) The inadequacy of endangered throughout all or a including the two populations that are existing regulatory mechanisms; or (E) significant portion of its range within in the low condition but were excluded Other natural or manmade factors the foreseeable future.’’ We find that the from future scenario analysis because of affecting its continued existence. status of the Panama City crayfish meets inadequate data. We have carefully assessed the best the definition of a threatened species. At the species level, the 13 Panama scientific and commercial information Based on the biology of the species and City crayfish populations are broken available regarding the past, present, the threats acting on it, the foreseeable down into an eastern group of five and future threats to the Panama City future used in the determination was 20 populations and a western group of crayfish. Our analysis of this to 30 years. The generation time for the eight populations based on the information indicates that, at the species species is 2 years with a life-span up to characteristics of Panama City crayfish level, habitat development (Factor A) is 3.5 years; the period of 20–30 years and its geographic distribution. the primary factor affecting the Panama encompasses 10–15 generations, which Currently, four populations, all in the City crayfish now and into the future. is more than sufficient time to west, are in low condition, including There may be additional infrastructure determine the species’ response to the the two that were excluded from future projects (e.g. roads, ditches, etc.) that stressors. Although the future scenarios, condition analysis because of affect the hydrology within the range of which were snapshots in time for inadequate data. These two populations the Panama City crayfish as a result of predicting resiliency, redundancy, and represent 31 percent of the known forest clearing for permanent rights of representation extended through 2070, populations overall and 50 percent of way or silviculture. Additionally, the the uncertainty as to the outcomes with the western group, and, although still in current level of habitat fragmentation regard to the responses to the stressors existence, they may not contribute to (Factor A) further isolates populations, became so great as to render the the future redundancy of Panama City which reduces gene flow and limits the scenarios too unreliable beyond 2050 for crayfish, because the populations are potential for the species to disperse. In that time period to be considered the already experiencing genetic drift and addition, we have no evidence that ORV foreseeable future. the habitat that supports them is use (Factor A), overutilization (Factor B) Habitat fragmentation and isolation susceptible to future development. or disease (Factor C) is affecting have contributed to the partitioning into All future scenarios predicted a populations of Panama City crayfish. 13 populations. While the Panama City negative impact on the redundancy of The Act defines an endangered crayfish faces a variety of threats, only Panama City crayfish. Under the ‘‘status species as any species that is ‘‘in danger one threat, habitat loss and degradation, quo’’ scenario, 62 percent of of extinction throughout all or a habitat fragmentation, and populations are in low condition by significant portion of its range.’’ We find subpopulation isolation due to urban 2050; this percentage increases to 69 that an endangered species status is not development, was considered an percent under the ‘‘intermediate appropriate for the Panama City crayfish important factor in our assessment of development’’ scenario and to 77 because the species maintains multiple the future viability of the Panama City percent under the ‘‘high development’’ resilient populations across its historical crayfish. Based on our future scenarios scenario. The greatest loss of range and the risk is low that the species for urban development, we predict redundancy for Panama City crayfish is

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predicted to occur in the western group. its range.). While it is the Service’s provide that, in determining whether a In this group, 100 percent of the position under the SPR Policy that designation of critical habitat would not populations are in low condition by undertaking no further analysis of be beneficial to the species, the factors 2050 under the ‘‘high development’’ ‘‘significant portion of its range’’ in this that the Service may consider include, scenario and 88 percent under the other circumstance is consistent with the but are not limited to, whether the two scenarios. In the eastern group, language of the Act, we recognize that present or threatened destruction, three populations are predicted to the Policy is currently under judicial modification, or curtailment of a remain strongholds for Panama City review, so we also took the additional species’ habitat or range is not a threat crayfish, although they would represent step of considering whether there could to the species, or whether any areas only 60 percent of the remaining eastern be any significant portions of the meet the definition of ‘‘critical habitat’’ populations. species’ range where the species is in (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)(ii)). At the species level, we estimate that danger of extinction. We evaluated As discussed above, there is no the Panama City crayfish currently has whether there is substantial information evidence that collection or vandalism low to moderate adaptive potential indicating that there are any portions of are threats to the species, and there is across its range, and all of the future the species’ range: (1) That may be no indication that identification and scenarios are predicted to have an ‘‘significant,’’ and (2) where the species mapping of critical habitat is likely to impact on the species’ representation may be in danger of extinction. In initiate any such threats. Therefore, in during the 50-year time horizon. Even practice, a key part of identifying the absence of finding that the though Panama City crayfish has low portions appropriate for further analysis designation of critical habitat would representation in the western group, is whether the threats are geographically increase threats to the species, if there with only two of the eight populations concentrated. The threats affecting the are benefits to the species from a critical not in low condition, these two species are throughout its entire range; habitat designation, a finding that populations likely will persist because therefore, there is not a meaningful designation is prudent is appropriate. of the protection afforded through geographical concentration of threats. The potential benefits of designation conservation easements. The eastern As a result, even if we were to may include: (1) Triggering consultation group comprises a much larger area and undertake a detailed SPR analysis, there under section 7 of the Act, in new areas contains the three populations currently would not be any portions of the for actions in which there may be a in high condition. However, two of species’ range where the threats are Federal nexus where it would not these populations, Highpoint and 231- harming the species to a greater degree otherwise occur because, for example, it north, are predicted to be in low such that it is in danger of extinction in is unoccupied; (2) focusing conservation condition in the future. This is that portion. activities on the most essential features especially concerning given that the and areas; (3) providing educational Highpoint population contains unique Critical Habitat benefits to State or county governments genetic diversity not found in other Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as or to private entities; and (4) preventing populations, although more work is amended, and implementing regulations people from causing inadvertent harm needed to confirm this (Duncan et al. in 50 CFR 424.12, require that, to the to the protected species. Because 2017, p. 19). maximum extent prudent and designation of critical habitat would not In short, based on our analysis of the determinable, we designate critical likely increase the degree of threat to the species’ current and future conditions, habitat at the time the species is species and may provide some measure as well as the conservation efforts determined to be an endangered or of benefit, designation of critical habitat discussed above, we conclude that the threatened species. Critical habitat is is prudent for the Panama City crayfish. population and habitat factors used to defined in section 3 of the Act as: Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(2)) determine the resiliency, representation (1) The specific areas within the further state that critical habitat is not and redundancy for Panama City geographical area occupied by the determinable when one or both of the crayfish will continue to decline so it is species, at the time it is listed in following situations exists: (1) likely to become in danger of extinction accordance with the Act, on which are Information sufficient to perform throughout its range within the found those physical or biological required analysis of the impacts of the foreseeable future. Therefore, on the features (a) essential to the conservation designation is lacking; or (2) the basis of the best available scientific and of the species and (b) Which may biological needs of the species are not commercial information, we propose require special management sufficiently well known to permit listing the Panama City crayfish as considerations or protection; and identification of an area as critical threatened in accordance with sections (2) Specific areas outside the habitat. A careful assessment of the 3(6) and 4(a)(1) of the Act. geographical area occupied by the economic impacts that may occur due to Under the Act and our implementing species at the time it is listed in a critical habitat designation is ongoing, regulations, a species may warrant accordance with the Act, upon a and we are in the process of working listing if it is endangered or threatened determination by the Secretary of the with the States and other partners in throughout all or a significant portion of Interior that such areas are essential for acquiring the complex information its range. Because we have determined the conservation of the species. needed to perform that assessment. that the Panama City crayfish is Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) Until these efforts are complete, threatened throughout all of its range, state that the designation of critical information sufficient to perform a under the Final Policy on Interpretation habitat is not prudent when any of the required analysis of the impacts of the of the Phrase ‘‘Significant Portion of Its following situations exist: (1) The designation is lacking, and, therefore, Range’’ in the Endangered Species Act’s species is threatened by taking or other we find designation of critical habitat Definitions of ‘‘Endangered Species’’ human activity, and identification of for this species to be not determinable and ‘‘Threatened Species’’ (79 FR critical habitat can be expected to at this time. 37577, July 1, 2014) (SPR Policy), if a increase the degree of threat to the species warrants listing throughout all species, or (2) such designation of Available Conservation Measures of its range, no portion of the species’ critical habitat would not be beneficial Conservation measures provided to range can be a ‘‘significant’’ portion of to the species. The regulations also species listed as endangered or

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threatened species under the Act Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER modify its critical habitat. If a Federal include recognition, recovery actions, INFORMATION CONTACT). action may affect a listed species or its requirements for Federal protection, and Implementation of recovery actions critical habitat, the responsible Federal prohibitions against certain practices. generally requires the participation of a agency must enter into consultation Recognition through listing results in broad range of partners, including other with the Service. public awareness, and conservation by Federal agencies, States, Tribes, Federal agency actions within the Federal, State, Tribal, and local nongovernmental organizations, species’ habitat that may require agencies; private organizations; and businesses, and private landowners. conference or consultation or both as individuals. The Act encourages Examples of recovery actions include described in the preceding paragraph cooperation with the States and other habitat restoration (e.g., restoration of include management and any other countries and calls for recovery actions native vegetation), research, captive landscape-altering activities on Federal to be carried out for listed species. The propagation and reintroduction, and lands administered by the issuance of protection required by Federal agencies outreach and education. The recovery of section 404 Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. and the prohibitions against certain many listed species cannot be 1251 et seq.) permits by the U.S. Army activities are discussed, in part, below. accomplished solely on Federal lands Corps of Engineers, and construction The primary purpose of the Act is the because their ranges may occur and maintenance of roads or highways conservation of endangered and primarily or solely on non-Federal by the Federal Highway Administration. threatened species and the ecosystems lands. To achieve recovery of these The Act and its implementing upon which they depend. The ultimate species requires cooperative regulations set forth a series of general goal of such conservation efforts is the conservation efforts on private, State, prohibitions and exceptions that apply recovery of these listed species, so that and Tribal lands. If this species is listed, to threatened wildlife. The prohibitions they no longer need the protective funding for recovery actions will be of section 9(a)(1) of the Act, as applied measures of the Act. Subsection 4(f) of available from a variety of sources, to threatened wildlife and codified at 50 the Act calls for the Service to develop including Federal budgets, State CFR 17.31, make it illegal for any person and implement recovery plans for the programs, and cost share grants for non- subject to the jurisdiction of the United conservation of endangered and Federal landowners, the academic States to take (which includes harass, threatened species. The recovery community, and nongovernmental harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, planning process involves the organizations. In addition, pursuant to trap, capture, or collect; or to attempt identification of actions that are section 6 of the Act, the State of Florida any of these) threatened wildlife within necessary to halt or reverse the species’ would be eligible for Federal funds to the United States or on the high seas. In decline by addressing the threats to its implement management actions that addition, it is unlawful to import; survival and recovery. The goal of this promote the protection or recovery of export; deliver, receive, carry, transport, process is to restore listed species to a the Panama City crayfish. Information or ship in interstate or foreign point where they are secure, self- on our grant programs that are available commerce in the course of commercial sustaining, and functioning components to aid species recovery can be found at: activity; or sell or offer for sale in of their ecosystems. http://www.fws.gov/grants. interstate or foreign commerce any Recovery planning includes the Although the Panama City crayfish is listed species. It is also illegal to development of a recovery outline only proposed for listing under the Act possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or shortly after a species is listed and at this time, please let us know if you ship any such wildlife that has been preparation of a draft and final recovery are interested in participating in taken illegally. Certain exceptions apply plan. The recovery outline guides the recovery efforts for this species. to employees of the Service, the immediate implementation of urgent Additionally, we invite you to submit National Marine Fisheries Service, other recovery actions and describes the any new information on this species Federal land management agencies, and process to be used to develop a recovery whenever it becomes available and any State conservation agencies. plan. Revisions of the plan may be done information you may have for recovery We may issue permits to carry out to address continuing or new threats to planning purposes (see FOR FURTHER otherwise prohibited activities the species, as new substantive INFORMATION CONTACT). involving threatened wildlife under information becomes available. The Section 7(a) of the Act requires certain circumstances. Regulations recovery plan also identifies recovery Federal agencies to evaluate their governing permits are codified at 50 criteria for review of when a species actions with respect to any species that CFR 17.32. With regard to threatened may be ready for downlisting (i.e., is proposed or listed as an endangered wildlife, a permit may be issued for the reclassification from endangered status or threatened species and with respect following purposes: For scientific to threatened status) or delisting (i.e., to its critical habitat, if any is purposes, to enhance the propagation or removal from the List), and methods for designated. Regulations implementing survival of the species, for economic monitoring recovery progress. Recovery this interagency cooperation provision hardship, for zoological exhibition, for plans also establish a framework for of the Act are codified at 50 CFR part educational purposes, or for other agencies to coordinate their recovery 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires special purposes consistent with the efforts and provide estimates of the cost Federal agencies to confer with the purposes of the Act. There are also of implementing recovery tasks. Service on any action that is likely to certain statutory exemptions from the Recovery teams (composed of species jeopardize the continued existence of a prohibitions, which are found in experts, Federal and State agencies, species proposed for listing or result in sections 9 and 10 of the Act. nongovernmental organizations, and destruction or adverse modification of It is our policy, as published in the stakeholders) are often established to proposed critical habitat. If a species is Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR develop recovery plans. When listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) of 34272), to identify to the maximum completed, the recovery outline, draft the Act requires Federal agencies to extent practicable at the time a species recovery plan, and the final recovery ensure that activities they authorize, is listed, those activities that would or plan will be available on our website fund, or carry out are not likely to would not constitute a violation of (http://www.fws.gov/endangered), or jeopardize the continued existence of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this from our Panama City Ecological the species or destroy or adversely policy is to increase public awareness of

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the effect of a proposed listing on (1) Be logically organized; Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR proposed and ongoing activities within (2) Use the active voice to address FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above). the range of the species proposed for readers directly; Authors listing. Activities that the Service (3) Use clear language rather than believes could potentially harm the jargon; The primary authors of this proposed Panama City crayfish and result in (4) Be divided into short sections and rule are the staff members of the ‘‘take’’ include, but are not limited to: sentences; and Service’s Unified Listing Team and the (1) Unauthorized handling or (5) Use lists and tables wherever Panama City Ecological Services Field collecting of the species; Office. (2) Destruction or alteration of the possible. species’ habitat by development; If you feel that we have not met these List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 (3) Actions that would alter the requirements, send us comments by one Endangered and threatened species, hydrology within suitable soils available of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To Exports, Imports, Reporting and for the Panama City crayfish; better help us revise the rule, your (4) Actions that result in permanent comments should be as specific as recordkeeping requirements, loss of habitat within suitable soils once possible. For example, you should tell Transportation. available to the Panama City crayfish; us the numbers of the sections or Proposed Regulation Promulgation (5) Application of chemicals, paragraphs that are unclearly written, including insecticides and petroleum which sections or sentences are too Accordingly, we propose to amend products in violation of label long, the sections where you feel lists or part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title restrictions, or other actions that pollute tables would be useful, etc. 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the soils and waters that are used by the as set forth below: Panama City crayfish; and National Environmental Policy Act (42 (6) Destruction of herbaceous U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) PART 17—ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS vegetation directly adjacent to occupied We have determined that pools that affects the hydrology and environmental assessments and ■ 1. The authority citation for part 17 removes cover for the crayfish. environmental impact statements, as continues to read as follows: Questions regarding whether specific defined under the authority of the activities would constitute a violation of National Environmental Policy Act, Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 1531– section 9 of the Act should be directed need not be prepared in connection 1544; and 4201–4245, unless otherwise to the Panama City Ecological Services with listing a species as an endangered noted. FOR FURTHER Field Office (see or threatened species under the ■ 2. Amend § 17.11(h), the List of INFORMATION CONTACT, above). Endangered Species Act. We published Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, by Required Determinations a notice outlining our reasons for this adding an entry for ‘‘Crayfish, Panama determination in the Federal Register City’’ in alphabetical order under Clarity of the Rule on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). to read as set forth We are required by Executive Orders References Cited below: 12866 and 12988 and by the Presidential Memorandum of June 1, A complete list of references cited in § 17.11 Endangered and threatened 1998, to write all rules in plain the SSA report is available on the wildlife. language. This means that each rule we internet at http://www.regulations.gov * * * * * publish must: and upon request from the Panama City (h) * * *

Common name Scientific name Where listed Status Listing citations and applicable rules

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CRUSTACEANS

******* Crayfish, Panama City ... Procambarus econfinae Wherever found ...... T [Federal Register citation when published as a final rule].

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* * * * * Dated: November 21, 2017. James W. Kurth, Deputy Director for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Exercising the Authority of the Director for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. [FR Doc. 2017–28313 Filed 1–2–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4333–15–P

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