The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to list two mussel species, the Salina mucket ( Potamilus metnecktayi) and Mexican fawnsfoot ( Truncilla cognata) (collectively referred to as the Rio Grande mussels), as endangered species. This determination also serves as their 12-month findings on petitions to list the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot. Critical habitat is also proposed for the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot under the ESA. For Salina mucket, approximately 200 river miles (rmi) (321 river kilometers (rkm)) in Brewster, Terrell, and Val Verde Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. For Mexican fawnsfoot, approximately 185 rmi (299 rkm) in Maverick, Webb, and Zapata Counties, Texas, fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation. A draft economic analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Salina mucket and Mexican fawnsfoot is available. If finalized, as proposed proposed, this rule would add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to the species and their designated critical habitats. Comments must be postmarked on or before 25 September 2023. POC is Karen Myers, tele 512-937-7371.
(Federal Register 25 July 2023 [Proposed Rule] Pages 47952-47988)