SOUTHERN UTAH — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to remove the endangered Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni kanabensis) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Animals under the Endangered Species Act, due to taxonomic error.

Since the initial listing, new research demonstrates that Kanab ambersnail is not a valid subspecies and does not constitute a listable entity under the Endangered Species Act. The populations listed as Kanab ambersnail are found in Kane County, Utah, and in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. However, additional genetic analysis has determined the populations currently listed as Kanab ambersnail and eight other studied ambersnail populations in Utah and Arizona all belong to the same species in the Oxyloma genus, most likely the wide-ranging Niobrara ambersnail (Oxyloma haydeni).

More information can be found at http://www.regulations.gov, reference docket number FWS–R6–ES–2019–0055. The Service invites public comment on the proposed rule for a 60-day period. After the public comment period, the Service will decide if the rule should be approved, revised or withdrawn.

This process encourages the participation of all interested parties, including the general public. Comments must be received on or before March 6, 2020. The Service will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means the agency will post any personal information provided through the process. Email or faxes will not be accepted.

Public hearings on this proposal must be requested by Feb. 20 within 45 days of this announcement. Public hearing requests should be sent to Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS–R6–ES–2019–0055; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041–3803.

A complete file is available for public inspection by appointment during normal business hours, at the Utah Ecological Services Field Office in West Valley City. To make an appointment call 801–975–3330, ext. 61924 or email [email protected]. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800–877–8339.