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Austin TexasEcological Services Field Office |
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Texas Snowbell 5-Year Review |
![Texas snowbell](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/Q224.jpg) |
The Texas snowbell was listed as endangered in 1984. More than two decades of research,
monitoring, reintroduction, and searching has greatly increased our knowledge of the biology of the species, refined the distribution (a three county area - Edwards, Real, and Val Verde), and
almost 1,000 plants have been located range-wide. |
Herbivory, however, is still the primary threat to the continued existence of Texas snowbells throughout its range. While there has been an increase in conservation efforts
by private landowners for this species, available data indicate population numbers are still not at levels that are believed necessary for long-term viability. Additionally, there are no
protections in place, such as fencing of plants, to ensure long-term survival for the species. Therefore, the 5-year status review recommended no change in classification. |
5-Year Review |
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Devils River Minnow 5-Year Review |
![Devils River minnow](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/E03V.jpg) |
The Devils River minnow (Dionda diaboli) , federally listed as threatened since1999, is a
fish that occurs in streams tributary to the Rio Grande in Texas and northern Mexico. Its range in the U.S. is limited to Val Verde and Kinney counties, Texas. |
Recent status reviews of the Devils River minnow were included in the critical habitat designation, published in August 2008, and the Devils River Minnow Recovery Plan, completed in 2005. These analyses indicate that the
species remains threatened by Factor A, related to habitat loss, and Factor C, which include impacts from nonnative species. Based on this information, the 5-year review of the Devils River
minnow concluded that the fish remains threatened throughout all of its range. |
5-Year Review |
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Concho Water Snake Proposed for Delisting
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that the Concho water snake should be removed from the Federal list of threatened and endangered species. The proposed rule, published in today’s Federal Register, has a comment due date of September 8. The snake inhabits portions of the Colorado and Concho rivers in central Texas (see map). |
![Concho water snake](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/C04E.jpg) |
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Comments can be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov or by mail to Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket FWS-R2-ES-2008-0037; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste 222, Arlington, VA 22203. |
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Bexar County Invertebrates DRAFT Recovery Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability of the draft Bexar County Karst Invertebrates Recovery Plan (draft Plan) for public comment. Nine Bexar County karst invertebrates were listed as endangered species on December 26, 2000 (65 FR 81419). These species inhabit caves and mesocaverns (humanly impassable voids in karst limestone) in Bexar County, Texas. Once finalized, the draft Plan is intended to identify objectives and tasks needed to remove these species from the endangered species list.
The closing date for receiving comments is July 15, 2008. Comments can be mailed to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 10711 Burnet Rd. Suite #200, Austin, TX 78758 or emailed to BexarKIrecplan@fws.gov.
To open the draft plan (Adobe .pdf format) Click here, or to simply
save the document, right-mouse click on the link and select "Save Target as". |
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Economic Analysis of Devils River minnow Proposed Critical Habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the draft economic analysis for the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the threatened Devils River minnow is available for public review. The Service proposed critical habitat for the fish, which occurs in Val Verde and Kinney counties, Texas, on July 31, 2007. The economic analysis evaluates the costs associated with the proposed critical habitat. The service is also reopening the comment period for the proposed rule and announcing an upcoming public hearing on the proposal. |
![Devils River minnow](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/E03V.jpg) |
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This small fish - adults reach approiximately 2 inches in length - is currently know to occupy three streams, all tributaries to the Rio Grande. Critical habitat for the fish is being proposed in parts of each of those streams: the Devils River, San Felipe Creek and Pinto Creek. |
Comments may be submitted until March 10 at: http://www.regulations.gov, or by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AV25; DPDM; USFWS; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203. |
We will hold a public hearing on February 27, 2008, in Del Rio, Texas, in the Kennedy Room, Del Rio Civic Center, 1915 Veterans Blvd. An informal information session will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and the public hearing will begin at 7:00 pm. For questions please contact Nathan Allan at (512) 490-0057, ext. 237, or Nathan_Allan@fws.gov. |
Draft Economic Analysis of Devils River Minnow Proposed Critical Habitat |
News Release Announcing Economic Analysis |
Proposed Critical Habitat Notice |
Notice of Availability of Economic Analysis |
Peer Review of Proposed Critical Habitat Rule |
Devils River Minnow Q & A's |
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DRAFT Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan for GDF Realty Investments, Ltd., et al.
The Service announces the opening of the public comment period for the draft Environmental Assessment/Habitat Conservation Plan (EA/HCP) for GDF Realty Investments, Ltd., and Purcell Investments, L.P., for an incidental take permit (TE–171255) pursuant to section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act) for the golden-cheeked warbler(Dendroica chrysoparia) and five karst invertebrates: Tooth Cave spider (Neoleptoneta myopica), Bone Cave harvestman (Texella reyesi), Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris texana), Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle (Texamaurops reddelli), and Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone). The proposed take would occur as the result of construction and operation of a residential, commercial, and/or retail development with associated streets and utilities on portions of the approximately 70-acre GDF property in Austin, Travis County, Texas.
The Service seeks comments from the public or any other interested party on the draft EA/HCP. All comments must be received by February 29, 2008. Written comments may be submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin, Ecological Services Office, 10711 Burnet Rd. Suite #200, Austin, TX, 78758 or faxed to 512-490-0974, attention: Adam Zerrenner.
Click here to download Draft Plan. |
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12-Month Finding on a Petition To List the Jollyville Plateau salamander
On December 13, 2007, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae) as an endangered species. Following a status review of the best available scientific and commercial data, we found that the threats to the continued existence of this species supported a positive finding that listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, is warranted. However, given the large number of pending listing actions, we found that listing the Jollyville Plateau salamander is warranted, but precluded by other listing actions of higher priority. The Service now considers this species as a candidate for listing.
Click here to download the document. |
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Rio Grande silvery minnow 10 (j) Proposed Rule
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to reintroduce the Rio Grande silvery minnow into its historic habitat in the Big Bend reach of the Rio Grande in Texas. |
![Rio Grande silvery minnow](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/E07I.jpg) |
Rio Grande silvery minnow |
The fish would be reestablished in an area designated as a nonessential experimental population under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act. The Act encourages experimental reintroductions as a way to help recover a species while keeping federal regulations to a minimum. A nonessential experimental population places no burden on private landowners and water users, yet allows an opportunity to move this endangered species closer to recovery by reestablishing it in a reach of the Rio Grande where it was once common.
We welcome public comment and input on the proposal and associated Draft Environmental Assessment. Details on how to submit comments can be found in the proposed rule. In addition, a hearing on the proposal will be held October 10, at Sul Ross State University, Gallego Center, Room 129 in Alpine, Texas. The hearing begins at 7 p.m. and lasts until 8:45 p.m., with an informal question and answer session beginning at 6 p.m. Residents, state, county and local officials, landowners, farmers, recreationists and others are encouraged to attend and comment. |
News Release |
Proposed Rule |
Peer Review |
DRAFT Environmental Assessment |
Q & A's |
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed construction and range improvement projects at the Hill Country Shooting Sports Center, Kerrville, Texas. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department submitted the proposed project to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for funding under the Wildlife Restoration Act grant program administered by the Service. This notice is published to meet the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
The Service seeks comments from the public and any other interested parties on any part of the EA. Comments must be received by the Service by October 19, 2006. Written comments may be submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Federal Assistance, 500 Gold St. SW, Suite 9019, Albuquerque, NM 87102, faxed to
505/248-7471, or e-mailed to HCSSC@fws.gov |
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USFWS Section 10(a)(1)(A) Scientific Permit Requirements for Conducting Presence/Absence Surveys for Endangered Karst Invertebrates in Central Texas |
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has developed a document that outlines the USFWS process for conducting presence/absence surveys for federally-listed endangered terrestrial karst invertebrate species in Travis, Williamson, and Bexar counties, Texas, under a section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. |
![Bexar, Travis, Williamson Counties Texas Map](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/Bexar_Travis_Williamson_County_Texas_Map.jpg) |
Section 10(a)(1)(A) permits, also referred to as recovery, enhancement of survival, or scientific permits, allow for 'take' of listed species that may or will occur while conducting research to further the recovery of a listed species. This document outlines methods to be used, information to be included in final reports, and minimum qualifications for personnel conducting presence/absence surveys for endangered karst invertebrates under a section 10(a)(1)(A) permit.
The objective of this document is to identify survey methods that will produce sound scientific information upon which to base decisions and actions for the conservation of these endangered species. Using consistent survey methodology will also allow for greater comparison and analysis of results, and thereby increase our understanding of these species and their habitat requirements. Information that relates to the effectiveness of these survey guidelines in conserving endangered karst species is welcome. The Procedures are available on the Southwest Region website. (http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Library/) |
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Barton Springs Salamander Recovery Plan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is pleased to announce the availability of the approved Barton Springs Salamander (Eurycea sosorum)Recovery Plan. The Barton Springs salamander is a small amphibian known only from Barton Springs located in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas. |
The salamander was listed as an endangered species in 1997 primarily due to threats from degradation of water quality and quantity. |
![Barton Springs Salamander image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/D010.jpg) |
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Pecos Sunflower Recovery Plan
The final Recovery Plan for the threatened Pecos Sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus) has been approved by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. A Fact Sheet is also available.
The Pecos sunflower occurs in seven populations; two occur in west Texas and five are located in New Mexico. Two Texas populations occur on desert springs within the same general Pecos Plain region in west Texas. Two populations occur along the Rio San Jose and one on the Rio Grande in west-central New Mexico, comprising a second distinct region. Finally, there are two distinct populations on the Pecos River in eastern New Mexico, each constituting its own region. Thus, a total of four highly disjunct regional areas contain the entire genomic and ecotypical characteristics of Pecos sunflower. |
The recovery strategy is to protect and manage a significant, sustainable portion of each of the four regions’ Pecos sunflower habitats (termed “core conservation areas”) against the threat of future habitat loss and degradation, and as needed, from any other threats to the sunflower. |
![Pecos Sunflower image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/Q0YJ.jpg) |
Land uses within these protected areas would be prescribed by management plans or voluntary deed restrictions that are sensitive to the species. |
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Devils River Minnow Recovery Plan
The final Recovery Plan for the threatened Devils River minnow (Dionda diaboli) has been approved by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife. The Recovery Plan identifies specific, voluntary actions that will help recover the fish so it may eventually be removed from the list of threatened and endangered species. Objectives and criteria for delisting the species are spelled out. In addition, the fish’s status and current management practices are described. |
A Fact Sheet and a document providing Answers to common Questions about the Devils River Minnow Recovery Plan are also available. |
![Devils River Minnow Vignette](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/E03V.jpg) |
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In a letter hand-delivered to Governor Rick Perry, officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officially notified Texas that the federal government will recognize that new, optional water quality measures serve to protect certain federally listed endangered species, if voluntarily implemented in developments over the Edwards Aquifer. “After over a decade of wrestling with both state and federal regulations, the state and federal governments have come together on one set of requirements to serve two environmental goals.” |
To view a copy of the letter and for more information on the optional water quality standards and the Edwards Aquifer Rules, please visit www.tceq.state.tx.us | ![Fish and Wildlife Service and TCEQ Joint Logo image](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/FWS_TCEQ_joint_logos.jpg) |
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Critical Habitat for Bexar County, Texas Karst-dwelling Invertebrates |
The eyeless Madla Cave meshweaver (a type of spider) is one of nine endangered invertebrates who has become adapted
to an underground life in the caves underlying Bexar County. The photograph was taken through a magnifying lens to better
show the 1/4" long meshweaver. |
![Madla Cave meshweaver](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/J019.jpg) |
| Photo by Jean Krejca U.S. Fish and Wilidlife Service |
![beetle Rhadine exilis](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081105144326im_/http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/EndangeredSpecies/lists/images/I0RF.jpg) |
Rhadine exilis is a small, eyeless ground beetle that lives with eight other endangered invertebrates in the caves and
fractured bedrock below Bexar County. Their habitat is very susceptible to contamination. Some pollutants that sink into the ground move through the
bedrock areas before entering the aquifer. |
Photo by Jean Krejca U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. | |
News release announcing Critical Habitat Proposal
Critical Habitat Maps
Caution - some of the pdf documents below are very large. For best results, right-mouse click and choose "Save Target As." Save the file to your local drive and open after downloading is complete.
FINAL Critical Habitat Notice
FINAL Economic Analysis Critical Habitat
PROPOSED Critical Habitat Notice
DRAFT Economic Analysis Critical Habitat
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