HomeMy WebLinkAbout20001407.tiff 05/24/00 08:35 FAX 303 275 2371 US FISH & WILDLIFE. W1001
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
ECOLOGICAL SERVICES
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COLORADO FIELD OFFICE ~' `• = ''�:�+' ,
755 PARFET STREET, SUITE 361 • = ..
LAKEWOOD, COLORADO 80215
PHONE: (303) 275-2370 FAX: (303) 275-2371
SEND TO: Ai 67-7rif-;42401-114.----
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MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O.BOX 25486
DENVER FEDERAL CENTER
'h• DENVER,COLORADO 80225-0201
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2000-1407
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NEWS RELEASE
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
134 UNION BOULEVARD
LAKEWOOD,COLORADO 80228
00-14 May 18, 2000
For Immediate Release Diane Katzenberger 303-236-7917 ext 408
Mary Jennings 307-772-2374
Mike Long 307-772-:?374
'ISO AND WILDLIF F CE REOPENS COMMENT PERIQf
ON PROPOSAL,T LIST CU i FLY PLANT,AS THR TENED
The U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service has reopened the comment prod on the proposal to list
the Colorado butterfly plant(Guara neomexicana ssp.col oradensis)as athreatened species pursuant
to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act),as amended. The comment period is being reopened
until June 16, 2000 to accommodate the public notice requirement of the Act. In addition, the
extended comment period will allow the Service to review and consider any new scientific
information on the plant.
The Colorado butterfly plant was proposed for listing under the Act on March 24, 1998. The
Service received comments on the proposal during a 60-day public comment period that closed on
May 26, 1998. However, the Act requires that a summary of proposed species listings be published
in a newspaper of general circulation in each area of the United States in which the species is
believed to occur. Due to an oversight,this requirement was not met. Therefore,we are reopening
the comment period and publishing the required notices in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, Western
Nebraska Observer, and the Ft. Collins Coloredoan.
The Colorado butterfly plant is a short-lived perennial herb found in moist ar eas of
iloodplains within a small area in southeastern Wyoming, western Nebraska, and north-central
Colorado. It stands 2-3 feet tall with one or a few reddish,fumy stems and white flowers flat turn
pink or red with age.
The Colorado butterfly plant is currently known from 22 populations with a total of less than
26,000 individuals. Most populations are found on private land and are not considered secure at this
time. Indiscriminate herbicide spraying,haying and mowing at certain tunes of the year,some water
development,land conversion for cultivation,competition from exotic plants, and loss of habitat to
urban growth are the main threats to the plant. The low numbers and limited distribution of this
plant contribute to its vulnerability, The complete proposed rule to list the Colorado butterfly plant
was published in the Federal Register on March 28, 1998.
The Endangered Species Act directs Federal agencies to protect and promote the 1ecovery
of listed species. Collection of listed plants on Federal lands is unlawful. In addition, proposed
05/19/00 FRI 10:34 (TX/RI NO 56981
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Federal projects and actions require review to ensure they will not jeopardize the survival o f the
species. For private and non-Federal landowners,consultations come into play only in cases where
activities affecting listed species require Federal funding or permitting. The Act does not prohibit
"take" of listed plants on private lands,but landowners must comply with any State laws protecting
imperiled plants.
Native plants are important for their ecological,economic and aesthetic values. Plants play
art important role in development of crops that resist disease, insects and drought. At least 25
percent of prescription drugs contain ingredients derived from plant compounds, including
treatments for cancer,juvenile leukemia,heart disease and malaria,and medicines to assist in organ
transplants. Plants are also being used to develop natural pesticides.
Comments and additional information regarding this proposal should be mailed to the Field
Supervisor, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, 4000 Airport Parkway, Cheyenne,Wyoming 82001.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for
conserving,protecting,and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit
of the American people.The Service manages the 93-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System
comprised of more than 500 national wildlife refuges,thousands of small wetlands,and other special
management areas. It also operates 66 national fish hatcheries and 78 Ecological Services field
stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Specks Act,
manages migratory bird populations,restores nationally significant fisheries,conserves and restores
wildlife habitat such as wetlands,and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts.It
also oversees the Federal Aid prograrnthat distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes
on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
—FWS--
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