Six Species Listed as Threatened or Endangered Under Review

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it will conduct in-depth status reviews for 6 California species currently protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). A notice announcing the reviews and the opening of a 60-day comment period will publish in the Federal Register on January 19, 2011.

The Service was petitioned by the Pacific Legal Foundation to delist the Eureka Valley evening primrose and Eureka Valley dunegrass, and to reclassify the tidewater goby, San Clemente Island broom, San Clemente Island bush mallow and San Clemente Island Indian paintbrush from endangered to threatened under the ESA.

Information contained in the petition was based on 5-year reviews of the species, completed by the Service in 2007. The petition’s request to delist or reclassify these 6 species coincides with the Service’s own recommendations identified in each species’ respective 5-year review.

To ensure a comprehensive status review of these 6 species, the Service is soliciting information about the status of these species from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested parties. Comments will be accepted until March 19, 2011.

Information can be submitted by one of the following methods:

— Federal eRulemaking Portal: Look for the box that reads “Enter Keyword or ID” and enter the Docket number for this rule, which is FWS-R8-ES-2011-0005.

— U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2011-0005; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA 22203.

All information and comments received will be posted on www.regulations.gov.

The 5-year reviews for these species are available online:

• Tidewater goby
• San Clemente Island broom
• San Clemente Island bush mallow
• San Clemente Island Indian paintbrush
• Eureka Valley dunegrass
• Eureka Valley evening primrose

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.