Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; The Plant, Water Howellia (Howellia Aquatilis), Determined To Be a Threatened Species

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AB83

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; The Plant, Water

Howellia (Howellia Aquatilis), Determined To Be a Threatened Species

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines

Howellia aquatilis (water howellia) a wetlands plant, to be a

threatened species. Populations of H. aquatilis are extant in Montana,

Washington, and Idaho, but this aquatic plant has bee extirpated from

California, Oregon, and some sites in Washington and Idaho. The species

is threatened by loss of wetland habitat and habitat changes due to

timber harvesting, livestock grazing, residential development, and

competition by introduced plant species. Listing H. aquatilis will

afford this species protection under the Endangered Species Act of

1973, as amended.

EFFECTIVE DATE: August 15, 1994.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection,

by appointment, during normal business hours at the Office of the Field

Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana State Office, 100

North Park Avenue, Suite 320, Helena, Montana 59601.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dale Harms at the above address (406/449-5225).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Howellia aquatilis (water howellia) is a monotypic genus in the

bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The plant was first described by

Grey in 1879 from specimens collected in Multnomah County near

Portland, Oregon. Water howellia is described as an aquatic annual

plant that grows 10-60 cm (4-24 in) in height. It has extensively

branched, submerged or floating stems with narrow leaves 1-5 cm (0.4-2

in) in length. Two types of flowers are produced: small, inconspicuous

flowers beneath the water's surface, and emergent white flowers 2-2.7

mm (0.08-0.11 in) in length. The plant is predominantly self-

pollinating, and each fruit contains up to 5 large (2-4 mm; 0.08-1.6

in) brown seeds (Shelly and Moseley 1988).

Water howellia historically occurred over a large area of the

Pacific Northwest region of the United States, but today the species is

found only in specific habitats within the Pacific Northwest (Shelly

and Moseley 1988; Gamon 1992). It has been reported from Mendocino

County, California; Clackamas, Marion, and Multnomah Counties, Oregon;

Mason, Thurston, Clark, and Spokane Counties, Washington; Kootenai and

Latah Counties, Idaho; and Lake and Missoula Counties, Montana (Jokerst

1980; Shelly and Moseley 1988; Oregon Natural Heritage Program 1991;

Gamon 1992). Distribution of howellia in eastern Washington, Idaho, and

Montana is most likely related to the glacial history of these areas

(Shelly and Moseley 1988; Gamon 1992). Populations in Oregon and in

Clark County, Washington, occur within the floodplains of the lower

Columbia and Willamette Rivers.

Howellia grows in firm consolidated clay and organic sediments that

occur in wetlands associated with ephemeral glacial pothole ponds and

former river oxbows (Shelly and Moseley 1988; Lesica 1992). These

wetland habitats are filled by spring rains and snowmelt run-off; and

depending on temperature and precipitation, exhibit some drying during

the growing season. This plant's microhabitats include shallow water,

and the edges of deep ponds that are partially surrounded by deciduous

trees (Shelly and Moseley 1988; Gamon 1992; N. Curry, U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service, in litt., 1993).

Howellia reproduces entirely from seed and germination only occurs

when ponds dry out and the seeds are exposed to air (Lesica 1990,

1992). The size of a population is affected by the extent of drying the

previous growing season (Lesica 1992). Thus, populations vary in annual

abundance (Lesica 1992; Roe and Shelly 1992), and exceedingly wet or

dry seasons can have a detrimental effect on plant numbers the

following year. The length of time seeds remain viable is unknown.

However, seeds that remain in the soil longer than 8 months have shown

decreased rates of germination and vigor (Lesica 1992).

Genetic variability in howellia populations is low throughout its

range (Lesica et al. 1988). This suggests that all populations of

howellia most likely represent a single, narrowly adapted genotype.

This low rate of genetic variability within populations may explain why

the species is restricted to a highly specific habitat.

Only seventy-nine small populations of this aquatic plant were

known to exist when the proposed rule to list the species was published

(58 FR 19795). Subsequent inventories conducted for howellia in the

State of Washington located 28 new sites in Spokane County alone, thus

expanding the number of known populations to 107 (Roe and Shelly 1992;

N. Curry, in litt., 1993; J. Gamon, Washington Natural Heritage Program

in litt., 1993; R. Moseley, Idaho Conservation Data Center, in litt.

1993). In Montana, this aquatic plant has been found in only 13.5

percent of 437 potential habitats that have been surveyed since 1987

(Roe and Shelly 1992). Howellia appears to be extirpated from

California and Oregon and from Mason, and Thurston Counties in

Washington, and Kootenai County in Idaho (Jokerst 1980; Shelly and

Moseley 1988; Oregon Natural Heritage Program 1991; Gamon 1992).

Nearly all of the remaining populations of howellia are clustered

in two main population centers or metapopulations. Within these areas,

individual populations occur primarily in clusters of closely adjacent

ponds, although some ponds within the range of these metapopulations

are unoccupied. One metapopulation near Spokane, Washington, consists

of 46 individual populations in Spokane County, Washington, and one in

Latah County, Idaho. A second metapopulation is found in the drainage

of the Swan River in northwestern Montana (Lake and Missoula Counties),

where 59 individual populations are found. In addition to

metapopulations, a third site near Vancouver in southwestern Washington

(Clark County) contains two small populations that are in close

proximity of each other (Gamon 1992).

The large fluctuations in annual numbers, the low genetic

variability, and habitat specificity indicates that isolated

populations of howellia may be vulnerable to extirpation (Lesica 1992).

However, the individual populations within the metapopulations appear

interdependent, and may act as founders (Lesica 1992; S. Shelly, pers.

comm., 1991). Most populations are extremely small. The fifty-nine

populations found in Montana cover an area of only about 51 ha (127

acres). Of this area, one population occurs in a 12-ha (30-acre) pond,

one in a 2-ha (5-acre) pond, one in a 1.6-ha (4-acre) pond, 4 in 1.2 ha

(3 acres) of ponds, 24 in ponds of 0.4 to 0.8 ha (1 to 2 acres) in

size, and the remaining 28 are in ponds of 0.4 ha (1 acre) or less

(Shelly and Moseley 1988; Schassberger and Shelly 1991). The U.S.

Forest Service (Forest Service) estimates total area of occupied and

suitable unoccupied habitat on Forest Service lands to be less than 80

ha (200 acres) (J. Overbay, U.S. Forest Service, in litt., 1993).

Populations of howellia occur both on private and public lands. Of

the 59 known populations in Montana, 21 (36 percent) are found on

private lands, 34 (57 percent) occur on lands administered by the

Forest Service, and 4 (7 percent) occur on a mixture of private and

Forest Service lands (Schassberger and Shelly 1991). In Washington, 34

of the 47 populations (72 percent) are found on Service administered

lands, 11 (24 percent) occur on private lands, 1 (2 percent) is on

State land, and 1 (2 percent) is on Bureau of Land Management land (J.

Gamon, in litt., 1993). The one population in Idaho occurs solely on

private property (Shelly and Moseley 1988).

In the February 21, 1990, Notice of Review, the species was

reclassified from a Category 2 to a Category 1 species because: (1) It

has been extirpated from a large portion of its previously known range,

(2) it has narrow ecological requirements, (3) it has a low degree of

inter- and intrapopulation genetic variation, and (4) habitat

alteration is presently continuing throughout a major portion of its

range (Shelly and Moseley 1988).

On October 30, 1991, the Service was petitioned by the Biodiversity

Legal Foundation to list howellia as an endangered species. A petition

finding and proposed rule to list H. aquatilis as a threatened species

without designating critical habitat was published in the April 16,

1993, Federal Register (58 FR 19795).

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

A proposed rule to list this aquatic plant was published on April

16, 1993 (58 FR 19795). In that rule, all interested parties were

requested to submit any reports or information that might contribute to

the development of a final rule. Newspaper notices inviting public

comment were published in six different newspapers in Washington,

Idaho, and Montana (from May 5 to May 7, 1993). The Service received 12

comments from 2 Federal and 3 State agencies, and 7 from private

organizations, companies, and individuals. Ten comments were in support

of the listing, one was opposed, and one did not state a position.

Comments pertinent to this rulemaking on whether Howellia aquatilis

merits listing and if critical habitat should be designated are

discussed in the following summary:

Issue 1: One individual representing a cattlemen's association

opposed the listing of howellia due to the potential economic effects

it may have on private landowners on whose property it is located,

especially if this land is used for livestock grazing.

Response: The Service is required to evaluate five listing criteria

in making a decision on whether a species should be listed as

threatened or endangered. During this evaluation, the Service did

determine that livestock grazing is a threat to the plant and its

habitat. However, listing this species as threatened does not preclude

livestock grazing by private landowners on their property.

Issue 2: Two individuals believe that critical habitat should be

designated since it would protect the mosaic of ponds necessary for the

long-term survival of howellia.

Response: The Service finds that designation of critical habitat is

not prudent at this time. The Service is concerned that publication of

site-specific maps of critical habitat might increase take and

vandalism at these sites. Only federally authorized, permitted, or

funded activities that would destroy or adversely modify critical

habitat would be precluded if critical habitat were designated. The

Service believes that section 7 consultation without critical habitat

designation will sufficiently protect those populations that occur on

Federal lands.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

The Service has determined that howellia should be listed as a

threatened species based on a thorough review and consideration of all

available information. A species may be determined to be an endangered

or threatened species due to one or more of the five factors described

in section 4(a)(1) of the act. These factors and their application to

Howellia aquatilis (water howellia) are as follows:

A. The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment

of Its Habitat or Range

Howellia aquatilis has narrow ecological requirements and any

subtle changes in its habitat could devastate a population. Any

disturbance that alters the surface or subsurface hydrology of the

habitat can negatively influence a population. Activities that affect

the ecology of a wetland bottom habitat also may affect wetland

succession and the survival of howellia populations.

Howellia aquatilis and its wetlands habitats are being threatened

by Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass), a highly competitive,

robust grass that invades wetlands. Reed canary grass has the potential

to extirpate howellia populations due to its ability to rapidly form

dense monocultures, causing the decline of nearly all other plants in a

wetland (Apfelbaum and Sams 1987). This exotic grass accelerates the

rate of wetland succession causing significant changes in substrate and

water table levels (Gamon 1992).

Both native and exotic varieties of this grass occur in North

America and it is not known whether the variety that occurs in wetlands

within the range of howellia is native or exotic (Lackschewitz 1991; L.

Kunze, Washington Natural Heritage Program, pers. comm., 1993).

However, due to the pernicious characteristic of the invasions, and the

lack of historical records of its presence in this region, some

ecologists in the Pacific northwest believe this invasive variety of P.

arundinacea is an exotic form that was introduced by humans (L. Kunze,

pers. comm, 1993; S. Vrilakas, Oregon Natural Heritage Program, pers.

comm., 1993).

Howellia is most abundant in areas with little or no other aquatic

vegetation, since it does not compete well with other plants (Gamon

1992). Howellia has been observed growing amongst reed canary grass

stands, but only where these stands are sparse or in openings (N.

Curry, in litt., 1993). Reed canary grass is considered a major threat

to howellia in the State of Washington since it occurs in 83 percent of

the ponds where howellia is present. This exotic also threatens the

howellia population in Idaho since it is present in nearby ponds (R.

Moseley, in litt., 1993). Reed canary grass has also been found in

several of the Montana ponds occupied by howellia (Shelly and Moseley

1988).

Lythrum salicaria (purple loosestrife), another aggressive exotic

plant, also poses a threat to howellia (Gamon, in litt., 1993), because

it can out-compete and eliminate other aquatic plants (West 1990).

Purple loosestrife is present in Lake County, Montana, and also in the

immediate vicinity of the Spokane howellia metapopulation (West 1990;

N. Curry, pers. comm., 1993).

Impacts associated with timber harvest also pose a threat to H.

aquatilis populations. Of the 59 populations of howellia in the Swan

Valley, Montana, 22 (37 percent) occur within areas where logging has

occurred around the wetland margins (Shelly and Moseley 1988). In

Montana, 58 percent of the populations of howellia occur on Forest

Service lands, and an additional 7 percent occur on lands partially

owned by the Forest Service (Schassberger and Shelly 1991). Thirty-

eight percent of the private lands in Montana where howellia occurs are

owned by the Plum Creek Timber Company (Shelly and Moseley 1988).

Timber harvest has been increasing within the area of the Spokane

metapopulation (Gamon 1992).

The removal of trees from around ponds may cause an increase in

water temperatures and evaporation, thus increasing wetland drying and

influencing plant succession. Increased siltation occurs in wetlands

where logging or associated road building and maintenance is conducted,

also impacting bottom substrates and the vegetational composition of

the sites. Water howellia occurs most frequently in ponds with firm,

consolidated organic clay bottom sediments. It also is found in more

open areas within these ponds. An increase in bottom sedimentation and

subsequent competition from other vegetation could have an adverse

effect on H. aquatilis populations.

Livestock, by their grazing and trampling, can also adversely

affect howellia populations due to the disturbance of shorelines and

associated vegetation. Trampling of bottom sediments adversely affects

the seed bank and the consolidated substrate which appears to be

necessary for germination. Additionally, livestock waste increases

nutrient loading in wetlands causing a change in the water quality that

may alter pond vegetation composition. It is not known how much grazing

impact can be tolerated by H. aquatilis, although the plant still

exists in ponds that have been disturbed by grazing (N. Curry, pers.

comm., 1993; B. Wiseman, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, pers.

comm., 1992). The timing, magnitude, and duration of grazing evidently

influences the plant's ability to withstand grazing. The cumulative

impacts of grazing and other human-induced disturbances threaten a

number of populations.

The California population may have been eliminated by cattle

grazing and trampling (Griggs and Dibble 1979), and two wetlands on

private lands in Montana with populations of H. aquatilis have been

heavily impacted by domestic livestock, especially horses (Shelly and

Moseley 1988). In Washington, 23 percent of the populations occur on

private lands (J. Gamon, pers. comm. 1991), many of which are subject

to grazing. Additionally, grazing occurred on some of the lands

administered by the Service until 1993 (N. Curry, pers. comm. 1993). In

Spokane County, Washington, several of the ponds containing H.

aquatilis have been significantly altered by past and current grazing

practices.

Sites where howellia was historically found in Oregon have been

converted to urban areas, and an increase in residential development is

occurring in the Spokane metapopulation area (Gamon 1992).

Additionally, the construction of dams along the Columbia and

Willamette Rivers has led to a loss of suitable wetland habitats

(Shelly and Moseley 1988; Gamon 1992). Many wetlands within the

historic range of H. aquatilis have been drained, filled, or excavated

for other uses (Gamon 1992).

B. Overutilization for Commercial, Recreational, Scientific, or

Educational Purposes

Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or

educational purposes is presently not a threat to H. aquatilis.

However, listing the species due to its taxonomic status as a monotypic

genus may generate increased public interest. The Service has not

designated critical habitat because the publication of precise maps and

descriptions of critical habitat in the Federal Register could lead to

increased take and vandalism (Gamon 1992).

C. Disease or Predation

Howellia aquatilis may be subject to foraging by native and

domestic animals, but it was found that domestic livestock do not feed

on H. aquatilis in Idaho (Shelly and Moseley 1988). Incidence of

disease is not known.

D. The Inadequacy of Existing Regulatory Mechanisms

Some protection already exists for this species since it is

contained on the U.S. Forest Service's list of sensitive species for

the Pacific Northwest region. A sensitive species designation may help

control the use of the species and its habitat. Federal laws, such as

the Clean Water Act and the Food Security Act, and some State laws

protect wetlands. However, it is doubtful that these laws are adequate

to protect howellia and its habitats. Populations that occur entirely

on private lands receive no Federal protection.

E. Other Natural or Manmade Factors Affecting Its Continued Existence

The lack of genetic variation between populations of H. aquatilis,

and its extremely specialized habitat requirements add to the

vulnerability of the species. Because of its low genetic variability,

howellia may be less able to adapt to abrupt environmental changes

(Lesica et al. 1988). As a result, this species may be vulnerable to

random environmental events and/or habitat alterations.

Short- and long-term climatic changes could affect H. aquatilis by

influencing the drying patterns of wetlands. Successive years of

exceedingly wet or dry weather are expected to cause declines or even

extirpation of some of the populations. Long-term climatic changes

could also cause these shallow wetlands to dry up, ultimately causing

expiration of the species.

Natural wetland succession due to sediment deposition may in turn

affect the existing plant community. This natural succession could

cause the extirpation of H. aquatilis populations (Jokerst 1980;

Shelly and Moseley 1988; Gamon 1992).

The Service has assessed the best scientific and commercial

information available regarding past, present, and future threats to

this species in determining to publish this rule final. Based on this

evaluation, the preferred action is to list Howellia aquatilis (water

howellia) as a threatened species. The Service has determined that,

although it is not in immediate danger of extinction, howellia is

likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable future if the

present threats and declines continue.

Howellia has been extirpated from over one-third of its known range

(Shelly and Moseley 1988). Although additional populations of this

plant have recently been discovered, the Service does not believe that

the overall status of the species has changed as a result of these

recent discoveries. Nearly all known howellia populations are clustered

within two areas of the northwestern United States, and these

populations exhibit little genetic variation between or among

populations. This highly specialized aquatic is vulnerable to both

natural and human disturbances which if continued, will lead to its

eventual extinction. For the reasons given below, it is not prudent to

designate critical habitat for howellia at this time.

Critical Habitat

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the

maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary designate

critical habitat at the time a species is determined to be endangered

or threatened. The Service finds that designation of critical habitat

is presently not prudent for the species because it could lead to

increased take and vandalism. Publication of precise maps and

descriptions of critical habitat in the Federal Register would likely

contribute to vandalism of the species or its habitat (Gamon 1992).

The proper Federal, State, and local agencies have been notified of

the locations and management needs of this plant. Landowners have been

notified of the location and importance of protecting habitat of this

species. Protection of its habitat will be addressed through the

recovery process and through the section 7 consultation process. The

Service believes that Federal involvement can be effective without the

designation of critical habitat and finds that designation of critical

habitat for this plant is not prudent at this time.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or

threatened under the Endangered Species Act include recognition,

recovery actions, requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions

against certain activities. Listing encourages conservation actions by

Federal, State, and private agencies, groups, and individuals. The Act

provides for possible land acquisition and cooperation with States and

requires that recovery actions be carried out for all listed species.

The protection required of Federal Agencies and the prohibitions

against certain activities involving listed species are discussed, in

part, below.

Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal Agencies to

evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or

listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical

habitat, if designated. Regulations implementing this interagency

cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR Part 402.

Section 7(a)(2) requires Federal Agencies to ensure that activities

they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the

continued existence of a listed species or to destroy or adversely

modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a listed

species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal Agency must

enter into formal consultation with the Service.

In the case of howellia, Federal activities that might be affected

by listing this plant as threatened include timber harvest, livestock

grazing, road construction, and filling of wetlands. Such Federal

activities may be subject to section 7 review.

The Act and its implementing regulations found at 50 CFR 17.71 and

17.72 for threatened species set forth a series of general prohibitions

and exceptions that apply to all threatened plants. All trade

prohibitions of section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by 50 CFR

17.71, apply. These prohibitions, in part, make it illegal for any

person, subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, to import or

export, transport in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of a

commercial activity, sell or offer for sale, this species in interstate

or foreign commerce, or to remove and reduce to possession the species

from areas under Federal jurisdiction. Seeds from cultivated specimens

of threatened plant species are exempt from these prohibitions provided

that a statement of ``cultivated origin'' appears on their containers.

The Act and 50 CFR 17.72 also provide for the issuance of permits to

carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving threatened species

under certain circumstances. In some instances permits may be issued

for a specified time to relieve undue economic hardship. The Service

anticipates that few trade permits would ever be sought or issued

because H. aquatilis is not utilized in trade. Requests for copies of

the regulations on plants and inquiries regarding them may be addressed

to the Office of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 432, Arlington, Virginia, 22203-3507

(703/358-2104).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Service has determined that listing actions pursuant to section

4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, do not require

an Environmental Assessment as defined under the authority of the

National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. A notice outlining the

Service's reasons for this determination was published in the October

25, 1983 Federal Register (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

Apfelbaum, S.I. and C.E. Sams. 1987. Ecology and control of reed

canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). Natural Areas Journal. 7:69-

74.

Gamon, J. 1992. Report on the status in Washington of Howellia

aquatilis Gray. Unpublished Report, Washington Natural Heritage

Program, Olympia. 46pp.

Griggs, F.T. and J.E. Dibble. 1979. Status Report, Howellia

aquatilis Gray, for the Mendocino National Forest. Unpublished

report, Mendocino National Forest, California. 12pp.

Jokerst, J.D. 1980. Status report Howellia aquatilis Gray for the

Mendocino National Forest. Unpublished report, California State

University, Chico. 18pp.

Lackschewitz, K. 1991. Vascular plants of west-central Montana--

identification guidebook. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Intermountain

Research Station, General Technical Report INT-277, 44pp.

Lesica, P. 1990. Habitat requirements, germination behavior and seed

bank dynamics of Howellia aquatilis in the Swan Valley, Montana.

Unpublished report, Flathead National Forest, Kalispell, Montana.

48pp.

Lesica, P. 1992. Autecology of the endangered plant Howellia

aquatilis; implications for management and reserve design.

Ecological Applications 2:411-421.

Lesica, P., R.F. Leary, F.W. Allendorf, and D.E. Bilderback. 1988.

Lack of genic diversity within and among populations of an

endangered plant, Howellia aquatilis. Conservation Biology 2:275-

282.

Oregon Natural Heritage Program. 1991. Rare, threatened and

endangered plants and animals of Oregon. Oregon Natural Heritage

Program, Portland. 64pp.

Roe, L.S. and J.S. Shelly. 1992. Update to the status review of

Howellia aquatilis: field surveys, monitoring studies and transplant

experiments, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Flathead National Forest.

Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena. 51pp.

Schassberger, L.A. and J.S. Shelly. 1991. Update to the status

review of Howellia aquatilis: field surveys, monitoring studies, and

transplant experiments 1990. Unpublished report, U.S. Forest

Service, Flathead National Forest, Kalispell, MT. 57pp.

Shelly, J.S. and R. Moseley. 1988. Report on the conservation status

of Howellia aquatilis, a candidate threatened species. Unpublished

Report, Montana Natural Heritage Program, Helena, Montana. 166pp.

West, B. 1990. We've got trouble right here in River City.

Proceeding of the 28th Annual Meeting of the Montana Chapter of The

Wildlife Society, Lewiston (Abstract).

Author

The primary author of this proposed rule is Lori H. Nordstrom,

Montana State Office (See ADDRESSES section). Harold M. Tyus, Denver

Regional Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Denver, Colorado

served as editor.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, and Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

PART 17--[AMENDED]

Accordingly, Part 17, Subchapter B of Chapter I, Title 50 of the

Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:

1. The authority citation for Part 17 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.

4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500, unless otherwise noted.

2. Sec. 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in

alphabetical order under Campanulaceae--Bellflower family, to the List

of Endangered and Threatened Plants to read as follows:

Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *

(h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Species

---------------------------------------- Historic range Status When listed Critical Special

Scientific name Common name habitat rules

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *

Campanulaceae--Bell

flower family:

* * * * * * *

Howellia Water howellia.... U.S.A. (MT, ID, T ........... NA NA

aquatilis. WA, OR, CA).

* * * * * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dated: June 30, 1994.

Mollie H. Beattie,

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 94-17134 Filed 7-13-94; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-M