Keeping Texas First - Update on Endangered Species

Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts sent this bulletin at 10/31/2011 02:35 PM CDT

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Link to Keeping Texas First - Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

This email contains important updates and deadlines relating to endangered species and environmental regulatory activity in Texas. Please visit 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.

Opportunity to Provide Input

Proposal to Delist Johnston’s Frankenia: Comments due Dec. 27, 2011

Oct. 25, 2011 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced the reopening of the public comment period on a proposal to delist Johnston’s frankenia. This plant is endemic to south Texas in Webb, Zapata and Starr Counties and an adjacent area in northeastern Mexico.

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

On Oct. 6, 2011, FWS announced the availability of the Draft Texas Conservation Plan 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.

News and Information

Annual Candidate Notice of Review adds the Bracted Twistflower

Oct. 26, 2011 – FWS issued an annual candidate notice of review, which added the bracted twistflower to the candidate species list. This plant is located in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas.

Addition of the Red-crowned Parrot to the Candidate Species List

Oct. 6, 2011 – FWS announced in a 12-month finding that listing the red-crowned parrot warrants protection but is precluded by higher priority species. As a result, FWS has added this species to the candidates list and will review its status annually.

Final Rule to Delist the Concho Water Snake

Oct. 27, 2011 – FWS issued a final rule to delist the Concho water snake. This rule will be effective on Nov. 28, 2011. The Concho water snake is endemic to the Colorado and Concho rivers in central Texas.