[Federal Register: December 2, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 231)] [Notices] [Page 66560] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr02de98-77] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service Notice of Availability of Final Revised Sonoran Pronghorn Recovery Plan AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the availability for public review of Final Revised Sonoran Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) Recovery Plan which the Service listed as an endangered species on March 11, 1967 (32 FR 4001). This animal's population is estimated to be less than 300 in the United States and less than 500 in the State of Sonora, Mexico. Distribution is limited primarily to Sonoran desert habitats. Factors that limit population growth are not well understood. However, loss of habitat due to drying of extended reaches of the Gila and Sonoyta Rivers, competition from domestic livestock, and human encroachment are believed to be limiting factors. Illegal hunting and predation on fawns may also be limiting factors. Although the Service considers this document to be in its final form, the Service is interested in comments from interested parties. The Service will consider all comments and may decide to amend this document at a later date based upon input received and upon the results and proceedings of a Sonoran Pronghorn Workshop to be held tentatively during the last week of January 1999. DATES: The Service will be open to written advice and comment on the Final Revised Recovery Plan through January 29, 1999. Additionally, in cooperation with the U.S. Marine Corps, the Service will co-sponsor a Sonoran Pronghorn Workshop tentatively during the last week in January 1999. Parties interested in attending the Sonoran Pronghorn Workshop tentatively scheduled for the last week of January 1999, should contact Mr. Ron Pearce, Range Management Director, United States Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, Arizona, at (520) 341-3401. ADDRESSES: Address requests for copies of the document, comments on the Final Recovery Plan, or requests for more information to Laura Thompson-Olais, Ecologist, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, 1611 North Second Avenue, Ajo, Arizona 85321. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Restoring endangered or threatened animals and plants to the point where they are again secure, self-sustaining members of their ecosystems is a primary goal of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered species program. To help guide the recovery effort, the Service is working to prepare recovery plans for most of the listed species native to the United States. Recovery plans describe actions considered necessary for conservation of the species, criteria for recognizing the recovery levels for down-listing or de- listing them, and initial estimates of times and costs to implement the needed recovery measures. Authority The Authority for this action is section 4(f) of the Endangered Species Act 16 U.S.C. 1533(f). The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended, (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) Requires the development of recovery plans for listed species unless such a plan would not promote the conservation of a particular species. Section 4(f) of the Act as amended in 1988 requires that public notice and an opportunity for public review and comment be provided during recovery plan development. The Service will consider all information presented during a public comment period prior to approval of each new or revised recovery plan. The Service and other Federal agencies will also take these comments into account in the course of implementing approved plans. The Service may also decide to amend the Plan if necessary. A recovery plan for Sonoran pronghorn was approved in 1982. Subsequent to the development of the original recovery plan, a large group of Sonoran proghorn were documented drinking free-standing water during the summer which verified their use of water. This and additional new information learned about the biology and ecology of the animal have necessitated revision of the original recovery plan. The availability of the draft revised Sonoran pronghorn recovery plan for review and comment was announced in the Federal Register on September 7, 1994. The revised plan, however, was never completed and further changes to the plan have been made since then. This notice gives the public another opportunity for review and comment before the final revised plan is approved. Recovery will focus on enhancing present populations, addressing expansion of presently used habitat, protecting present range and establishing a new separate herd of self-sustaining animals to guard against catastrophes decimating the core population. Dated: November 23, 1998. Renne Lohoefener, Acting Regional Director. [FR Doc. 98-32052 Filed 12-1-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310-55-M