Keeping Texas First - Update on Endangered Species

This email contains important updates and deadlines relating to endangered species issues in Texas. Please visit the Comptroller’s new website, Keeping Texas First, to stay informed and, more importantly, to become involved with these and other issues, which may affect tens of thousands of Texans in every part of our state.

Announcements about U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Review of Species

12-Month Finding on a Petition to List Five Mussel Species in Texas

On Oct. 6, 2011, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced a 12-month finding on a petition to list the Fatmucket, Golden Orb, Smooth Pimpleback, Texas Pimpleback and Texas Fawnsfoot. After reviewing available information, FWS found that listing these species is warranted but precluded by higher priorities. FWS will add these five species to the candidate species list.

FWS Review of Four Texas Salamanders: Comments due Oct. 21, 2011

FWS is gathering and analyzing available information on four candidate species for use in the development of a proposed listing and critical habitat rule. These species include the Austin blind salamander, Jollyville salamander, Georgetown salamander and Salado salamander. While FWS will accept new information at any time, the agency is requesting that any pertinent information be submitted by Oct. 21, 2011.

FWS Review of the Texas Golden Gladecress and Neches River Rose-mallow: Comments due Oct. 15, 2011

FWS is gathering and analyzing information on the Neches River rose-mallow and Texas golden gladecress to use in development of a proposed listing and critical habitat rule. While FWS will accept new information at any time, the agency is requesting any pertinent information be submitted by Oct. 15, 2011.

90-Day Finding on a Petition to List the American Eel: Comments due Nov. 28, 2011

On Sept. 29, 2011, FWS announced a 90-day finding on a petition to list the American eel as threatened. FWS found that the petition presented information indicating that listing may be warranted.

90-Day Finding on a Petition to List 404 Species in Southeastern United States: Comments due Nov. 28, 2011

On Sept. 27, 2011, FWS issued a partial 90-day finding on a petition to list 404 species in the southeastern U.S. as threatened or endangered under the ESA. FWS determined that for 374 of the 404 species, the petition presents substantial information indicating that listing may be warranted. Fourteen of these species are located in Texas.

Recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Findings that Species Do Not Warrant Listing

FWS Determines the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Does Not Warrant Protection

On Oct. 5, 2011, FWS announced it has completed a status review of the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl and concluded that it does not warrant protection under the ESA.

FWS Determines the Northern Leopard Frog Does Not Warrant Protection

On Oct. 5, 2011, the FWS announced it has completed a status review of the northern leopard frog and concluded that it does not warrant protection under the ESA.

FWS Determines the Oklahoma Grass Pink Orchard Does Not Warrant Protection

On Oct. 4, 2011, the FWS announced it has completed a status review of the Oklahoma Grass pink orchard and concluded that it does not warrant protection under the ESA.

Other Activity Relating to Species in Texas

Draft Texas Conservation Plan for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard: Comments due Dec. 5, 2011

On Oct. 6, 2011, FWS announced the availability of the Draft Texas Conservation Plan (TCP) and Draft Environmental Assessment for the dunes sagebrush lizard. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts has applied for an Enhancement of Survival Permit. This permit application includes the draft TCP. The draft TCP will function as a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances between FWS and the Comptroller’s office.

Final Recovery Plan for Nine Species of Karst Invertebrates in Bexar County

On Oct. 4, 2011, the FWS announced the availability of the final recovery plan for nine Karst Invertebrates which occur in Bexar County, Texas.

Updated Recovery Plan for the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

On Sept. 22, 2011, NOAA, FWS and Mexican environmental officials released an updated bi-national plan to guide and strengthen the conservation and recovery of the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.

Reminder of Previously Announced Deadlines and Activities:

• 90-day Finding on a Petition to List the Saltmarsh Topminnow: Comments due Oct. 11, 2011
• Great Plains Wind Energy Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP): Comments due Oct. 12, 2011 by 4:30 p.m.
• CST Oncor Incidental Take Permit: Comments due Oct. 13, 2011
• Designation of Revised Critical Habitat for the Southwestern Willow Flycatcher: Comments due Oct. 14, 2011
• 90-day finding on petition to list all chimpanzees (in the wild and in captivity): Comments due Oct. 31, 2011