Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Threatened Status for Virginia sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum), a Plant From the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

uests must be received by November

13, 1997.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be

sent to the Field Supervisor, Chesapeake Bay Field Office, U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, 177 Admiral Cochrane Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Comments and materials received will be available for public

inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above

address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Andy Moser, Chesapeake Bay Field

Office (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone 410/573-4537; facsimile 410/

269-0832).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Helenium virginicum (Virginia sneezeweed) is a perennial member of

the aster family (Asteraceae) known only from Augusta and Rockingham

counties, Virginia. The common name, sneezeweed, is based on the use of

the dried leaves of these plants in making snuff, inhaled to cause

sneezing that would supposedly rid the body of evil spirits (Niering

1979). Helenium virginicum stems grow to a height of 4 to 11 decimeters

(1.5 to 3.5 feet) above a rosette of basal leaves. Coarse hairs are

visible on the basal and lower stem leaves. The basal leaves may be

broad in the middle tapering toward the ends, but otherwise may appear

oblong. Stem leaves are lance-shaped, and become progressively smaller

from the base to the tip of the stem. The stems are winged, the wings

being continuous with the bases of the stem leaves. The flower ray

petals are yellow, and wedge-shaped with three lobes at the ends. The

central disk of the flower is nearly ball-shaped. Flowering occurs from

July to October (Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

1995).

Helenium virginicum is similar to common sneezeweed (Helenium

autumnale), but differs in having a sparsely-leaved stem, larger basal

leaves, and longer pappus scales (appendages which crown the ovary or

fruit). It is also differentiated by leaf shape, stem and leaf hairs,

and habitat requirements.

Helenium virginicum was first described by S.F

epartment of Conservation and Recreation

1995).

Helenium virginicum is similar to common sneezeweed (Helenium

autumnale), but differs in having a sparsely-leaved stem, larger basal

leaves, and longer pappus scales (appendages which crown the ovary or

fruit). It is also differentiated by leaf shape, stem and leaf hairs,

and habitat requirements.

Helenium virginicum was first described by S.F. Blake in 1936 from

specimens collected near Stuart's Draft, Virginia. It is a perennial

wetland species found only on the shores of shallow, seasonally flooded

ponds in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. From 1985 through 1995,

extensive status survey work was conducted for H. virginicum in over

100 limestone sinkhole ponds along the western edge of the Blue Ridge

Mountains in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. A total of 28 separate

populations were located during these surveys. The ponds at these

locations range in size from less than 0.04 hectare(ha) (0.1 acre (ac))

to 3 ha (8 ac) and are seasonally flooded, semipermanent, or permanent

bodies of water. The ponds supporting H.

virginicum have poorly drained, acidic, silty loam soils, and are

typically flooded from January through July.

Helenium virginicum is adapted to survive the water level

fluctuations of the seasonal ponds, giving it a competitive advantage

in this habitat. From year to year, the number of H. virginicum plants

at any given site may vary greatly. A high water level one year may

leave the ponds flooded, resulting in less shoreline for plants to

become established or to survive. However, a high water level also

eliminates the invading shrubs and trees that may compete with H.

virginicum on the pond shores. When the water level is lower, more pond

shore is exposed and the surviving plants and the seeds stored in the

soil enable the H. virginicum populations to rebound (Virginia

Department of Conservation and Recreation 1995)

lants to

become established or to survive. However, a high water level also

eliminates the invading shrubs and trees that may compete with H.

virginicum on the pond shores. When the water level is lower, more pond

shore is exposed and the surviving plants and the seeds stored in the

soil enable the H. virginicum populations to rebound (Virginia

Department of Conservation and Recreation 1995).

Seeds of Helenium virginicum are dispersed in late fall and winter;

germinating in late summer or early fall of the following year if

conditions are suitable. Seeds will not germinate in the dark or under

a standing column of water. In the first year of growth, the plant

exists as a basal rosette with a diffuse root system. Plants seem to

grow year-round, even while submerged. Flowering usually does not occur

until the plant is more than one year old. One aerial stem bearing

several flower heads is formed during the first flowering season; in

subsequent years several flowering stems may be formed in a season.

Plants may live for five years, flowering in consecutive years (J.S.

Knox, Washington and Lee University, pers. comm. 1997).

Of the 28 populations of Helenium virginicum identified during the

10-year survey period, 25 currently are considered to be extant. The

remaining three populations, where no H. virginicum have been seen in

recent years, may be extirpated. Of the 25 extant populations, 5 are on

U.S. Forest Service land and the remaining 20 are on private lands. The

most recent status report (Van Alstine 1996) provides an excellent

review of the status and trends for the species. The report indicates

that the majority of sites on private land are in wetlands and have a

range of disturbances and threats including ditching, filling, mowing,

and grazing.

Previous Federal Action

are on

U.S. Forest Service land and the remaining 20 are on private lands. The

most recent status report (Van Alstine 1996) provides an excellent

review of the status and trends for the species. The report indicates

that the majority of sites on private land are in wetlands and have a

range of disturbances and threats including ditching, filling, mowing,

and grazing.

Previous Federal Action

Federal government actions on this species began on November 28,

1983, when the Service published a notice of review in the Federal

Register (48 FR 53640) covering all native plants being considered for

listing as endangered or threatened. Helenium virginicum was included

in that notice as a category 2 species. Category 2 species were defined

as those taxa for which the Service lacked information to determine if

category 1 status was warranted. It was subsequently retained as a

category 2 species when the Notice of Review for Native Plants was

revised in 1985 (50 FR 39526), and again in 1990 (55 FR 61184).

In 1985, the Service contracted with The Nature Conservancy to

conduct status survey work on Helenium virginicum and numerous other

rare plant species. Their final report, dated October 20, 1986,

recommended threatened status for this plant but indicated that

additional ponds should be checked for the presence of this species.

In 1990 and 1991, the Virginia Department of Conservation and

Recreation's Division of Natural Heritage conducted further fieldwork,

funded in part by the Service, to locate additional Helenium virginicum

populations. An exhaustive search resulted in the discovery of seven

additional locations of the species, but three of these locations

contained very few individuals. Based largely on this new information,

H. virginicum was moved to category 1 when the Notice of Review for

Plant Taxa was revised in 1993 (58 FR 51144)

rk,

funded in part by the Service, to locate additional Helenium virginicum

populations. An exhaustive search resulted in the discovery of seven

additional locations of the species, but three of these locations

contained very few individuals. Based largely on this new information,

H. virginicum was moved to category 1 when the Notice of Review for

Plant Taxa was revised in 1993 (58 FR 51144). Category 1 species were

defined as those taxa for which the Service had on file sufficient

information on biological vulnerability and threats to support

preparation of listing proposals. Upon publication of the February 28,

1996, Notice of Review (61 FR 7596), the Service ceased using category

designations and included H. virginicum as a candidate species. As

currently defined, candidate species are those taxa for which the

Service has on file sufficient information on biological vulnerability

and threats to support proposals to list the species as threatened or

endangered.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1513) and regulations (50 CFR Part

424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act set

forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists. 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). These factors

and their application to Helenium virginicum Blake (Virginia

sneezeweed) are as follows:

A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or

curtailment of its habitat or range. Habitat modification is the

principal threat to Helenium virginicum. It is threatened by

residential development, incompatible agricultural practices, filling

and ditching of wetland habitats, groundwater withdrawal, and other

disruptions of hydrology. Because the survival and maintenance of H

ws:

A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or

curtailment of its habitat or range. Habitat modification is the

principal threat to Helenium virginicum. It is threatened by

residential development, incompatible agricultural practices, filling

and ditching of wetland habitats, groundwater withdrawal, and other

disruptions of hydrology. Because the survival and maintenance of H.

virginicum populations depend on seasonal water level fluctuations,

either wetland drainage or increases in the time of inundation may

result in high levels of mortality. Of the 18 populations visited in

1995, eight were located in relatively undisturbed wetlands, while the

remaining 10 were in wetlands altered by ditching, mowing, grazing or

filling (Van Alstine 1996). At least four of the sites where recently

the species has dramatically declined have modified hydrology (Van

Alstine and Ludwig 1991). Three of these sites have been either ditched

or filled, thereby shortening or eliminating the wet phase.

Among the most threatened populations of Helenium virginicum are

those in the area south and southwest of Lyndhurst, Virginia, where

land use is increasingly being converted from agricultural to

residential. Increased drainage control which accompanies such

development will adversely affect many of the sites located on or near

agricultural lands over the next 10 years (Van Alstine and Ludwig

1991).

One proposed project, the widening of Route 340 from two to four

lanes in Augusta County, could have severe impacts on one of the

largest populations of Helenium virginicum. However, it may be possible

to avoid or reduce impacts by careful routing of the highway,

controlling runoff, and maintaining current hydrology.

Cattle grazing and mowing affect many of the sites supporting the

species. In general, the effects of moderate levels of grazing and

mowing appear to be beneficial, since several of the regularly grazed

or mowed sites are among the largest and best established populations

ible

to avoid or reduce impacts by careful routing of the highway,

controlling runoff, and maintaining current hydrology.

Cattle grazing and mowing affect many of the sites supporting the

species. In general, the effects of moderate levels of grazing and

mowing appear to be beneficial, since several of the regularly grazed

or mowed sites are among the largest and best established populations.

Nonetheless, there is a potential that overly frequent, or poorly timed

mowing (and perhaps overgrazing) could have a long-term adverse effect

on the species by interfering with flowering and seed production (Van

Alstine and Ludwig 1991).

B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific or

educational purposes. Other species in the genus Helenium have been

shown to contain compounds with antitumor properties. However, there is

no information to show that Helenium virginicum is in commercial trade

for these compounds. Overcollection has not been documented as a

problem for the

species. Most collections, to date, have been for scientific purposes

and have been taken from locally large populations which can tolerate

these low levels of collection. Overcollection could become a problem

at some of the sites supporting smaller populations of H. virginicum.

C. Disease or predation. Disease and predation are currently not

believed to be factors affecting the continued existence of the

species. Although grazing may affect Helenium virginicum, its effects

are thought to be mostly positive, because most grazers appear to feed

preferentially on competing vegetation while avoiding H. virginicum.

The effects of long-term heavy grazing are not known.

D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Helenium

virginicum is currently listed as an endangered species by the State of

Virginia. State law prohibits the taking of this species from State or

private lands without consent of the landowner but does not protect the

species' habitat

eting vegetation while avoiding H. virginicum.

The effects of long-term heavy grazing are not known.

D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Helenium

virginicum is currently listed as an endangered species by the State of

Virginia. State law prohibits the taking of this species from State or

private lands without consent of the landowner but does not protect the

species' habitat. The Corps of Engineers' regulatory program provides

limited regulation of the species' wetland habitats. This has not

prevented draining and filling of sites supporting the species.

E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued

existence. Invasion of an exotic species, the purple loosestrife

(Lythrum salicaria), is a potential threat. Purple loosestrife is

slowly extending its range throughout freshwater wetland areas in

Virginia and may invade Helenium virginicum habitats, outcompeting the

species at affected sites. Climate changes (either natural or human-

caused) are also a potential threat to the species. Several consecutive

years of unusually wet or unusually dry weather can dramatically lower

population numbers; at these times the populations may be especially

vulnerable to the modifications to hydrology discussed under factor A.

The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and

commercial information available regarding the past, present, and

future threats faced by this species in determining to propose this

rule. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list

Helenium virginicum as a threatened species. This species is faced with

increasing threats from loss and degradation of habitat due to

development and related changes in hydrology as well as other

activities incompatible with the species long-term survival. These

threats are compounded by the species' restricted range and small

number of populations. While not in immediate danger of extinction, H

nium virginicum as a threatened species. This species is faced with

increasing threats from loss and degradation of habitat due to

development and related changes in hydrology as well as other

activities incompatible with the species long-term survival. These

threats are compounded by the species' restricted range and small

number of populations. While not in immediate danger of extinction, H.

virginicum is likely to become an endangered species in the foreseeable

future if the present threats and declines in the number and sizes of

populations continue. In accordance with the definitions for endangered

and threatened species found in section 3 of the Act, threatened is the

most appropriate classification for H. virginicum.

Critical Habitat

Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as: (i) The

specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at

the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found

those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation

of the species and (II) that may require special management

consideration or protection and; (ii) specific areas outside the

geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon

a determination that such areas are essential for conservation of the

species. Conservation means the use of all methods and procedures

needed to bring the species to the point at which listing under the Act

is no longer necessary.

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing

regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent

and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time

the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service

finds that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for Helenium

virginicum, at this time

Act

is no longer necessary.

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing

regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent

and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time

the species is determined to be endangered or threatened. The Service

finds that designation of critical habitat is not prudent for Helenium

virginicum, at this time. Service regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1))

state that designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or

both of the following situations exist--(1) The species is threatened

by taking or other human activity, and identification of critical

habitat can be expected to increase the degree of threat to the

species, or (2) such designation of critical habitat would not be

beneficial to the species.

Twenty of the 25 known extant populations of Helenium virginicum

are on private land. Most of these populations are located near or

adjacent to residential areas or public roads. The publication of

precise maps and descriptions of critical habitat in the Federal

Register, as required in a proposal for critical habitat, would make

this plant vulnerable to incidents of collection and vandalism and,

therefore, could contribute to the decline of the species. Although

this species is not known to be sought by collectors, related members

of the genus are commercially cultivated and at least one member of the

genus, H. amarum, has been shown to contain compounds of possible

medicinal value. The listing of this species as threatened also

publicizes its rarity and, thus, may make this plant more attractive to

researchers, collectors, and those wishing to see rare plants. The

desirability and accessibility of the species, therefore, could make

the plants subject to collection if their precise locations were

publicized.

In addition, critical habitat designation for Helenium virginicum

is not prudent due to lack of benefit

also

publicizes its rarity and, thus, may make this plant more attractive to

researchers, collectors, and those wishing to see rare plants. The

desirability and accessibility of the species, therefore, could make

the plants subject to collection if their precise locations were

publicized.

In addition, critical habitat designation for Helenium virginicum

is not prudent due to lack of benefit. Five of the species' 25 known

extant populations occur on Federal land in the George Washington and

Jefferson National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is aware of the

locations of these populations and has protected four of them through

designation as Special Interest Areas (Biological). The fifth

population, discovered more recently, is likely to receive a similar

designation. The Forest Service has indicated a commitment to assisting

in the recovery of this species by protecting these sites. Because it

is highly likely that a Forest Service activity which would cause

adverse modification of critical habitat would also cause jeopardy to

the species, the designation of critical habitat on Federal lands would

not provide greater protection for this species or its habitat than

that provided by listing.

The remaining 20 of the 25 known extant populations of Helenium

virginicum are located on private lands. The owners and managers of

these private lands were informed of the population locations and of

the importance of protecting the species and its habitat. It is highly

likely that an activity on private land involving Federal permitting or

funding which causes adverse modification of critical habitat would

also cause jeopardy to the species. For this reason, the designation of

critical habitat on private lands would not provide greater protection

for this species or its habitat than that provided by listing. As

outlined above, the designation of critical habitat could cause

additional threats but likely would provide no additional benefits for

the species

modification of critical habitat would

also cause jeopardy to the species. For this reason, the designation of

critical habitat on private lands would not provide greater protection

for this species or its habitat than that provided by listing. As

outlined above, the designation of critical habitat could cause

additional threats but likely would provide no additional benefits for

the species. Therefore, the Service concludes that designation of

critical habitat for H. virginicum is not prudent.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or

threatened under the Act include recognition, recovery actions,

requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain

activities. Recognition through listing encourages and results in

conservation actions by Federal, State, and local agencies, private

organizations, and individuals. The Act provides for possible land

acquisition and cooperation with the states and requires that recovery

plans be developed for all listed species. The protection required of

Federal agencies and the prohibitions against certain activities

involving listed plants are discussed, in part, below.

Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their

actions with respect to any species that is listed or proposed for

listing as endangered or threatened and with respect to those species'

designated or proposed critical habitat, if any. Regulations

implementing this interagency cooperation provision of the Act are

codified at 50 CFR part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires

Federal agencies to confer with the Service on any action that is

likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species or

result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical

habitat

proposed critical habitat, if any. Regulations

implementing this interagency cooperation provision of the Act are

codified at 50 CFR part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires

Federal agencies to confer with the Service on any action that is

likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species or

result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical

habitat. If a species is listed subsequently, 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 such

a species or to destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a

Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the

Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the Service.

Federal agency actions that may require conference and/or consultation

include U.S. Forest Service land management activities and U.S. Army

Corps of Engineers permitting of projects such as road construction and

filling of wetlands subject to section 404 of the Clean Water Act

(U.S.C. 1344 et seq.).

The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of

general trade prohibitions and exceptions that apply to all threatened

plants. All 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 in interstate or foreign

commerce, or remove and reduce the species to possession from areas

under Federal jurisdiction. In addition, for plants listed as

endangered, the Act prohibits the malicious damage or destruction on

areas under Federal jurisdiction and the removal, cutting, digging up,

or damaging or destroying of such plants in knowing violation of any

State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law

ce, or remove and reduce the species to possession from areas

under Federal jurisdiction. In addition, for plants listed as

endangered, the Act prohibits the malicious damage or destruction on

areas under Federal jurisdiction and the removal, cutting, digging up,

or damaging or destroying of such plants in knowing violation of any

State law or regulation, including State criminal trespass law. Section

4(d) of the Act allows for the provision of such protection to

threatened species through regulation. The protection may apply to this

species in the future if regulations are promulgated. Seeds from

cultivated specimens of threatened plants are exempt from these

prohibitions provided that their containers are marked ``Of Cultivated

Origin.'' Certain exceptions to the prohibitions apply to agents of the

Service and State conservation agencies.

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

to carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving threatened

plants under certain circumstances. Such permits are available for

scientific purposes and to enhance the propagation or survival of the

species. For threatened plants, permits are also available for

botanical or horticultural exhibition, education purposes, or special

purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act. In the case of

Helenium virginicum, it is anticipated that few trade permits would

ever be sought or issued since the species is not common in cultivation

nor in the wild.

It is the policy of the Service published in the Federal Register

on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent

practicable at the time a species is listed those activities that would

or would not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent

of this policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of this

listing on proposed and ongoing activities within the species' range

of the Service published in the Federal Register

on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent

practicable at the time a species is listed those activities that would

or would not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent

of this policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of this

listing on proposed and ongoing activities within the species' range.

Collection, damage, or destruction of listed species on Federal lands

is prohibited, although in appropriate cases a Federal endangered

species permit may be issued to allow collection. Such activities on

non-Federal lands would constitute a violation of section 9, if

conducted in knowing violation of State law or regulations or in

violation of State criminal trespass law. The Service is not aware of

any otherwise lawful activities being conducted or proposed by the

public that would affect Helenium virginicum and result in a violation

of section 9. Questions regarding whether specific activities would

constitute a violation of section 9 should be directed to the Field

Supervisor of the Service's Chesapeake Bay Field Office (see ADDRESSES

section).

Requests for copies of the regulations concerning listed plants and

general inquiries regarding prohibitions and permits may be addressed

to the Federal Wildlife Permit Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,

Washington, D.C. 20240 (703/235-1903).

Public Comments Solicited

The Service intends that any final action resulting from this

proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore,

the Service hereby solicits comments or suggestions from the public,

other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community,

industry, or any other interested party concerning this proposed rule.

Comments particularly are sought concerning:

(1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning

any threat (or lack thereof) to Helenium virginicum;

as possible. Therefore,

the Service hereby solicits comments or suggestions from the public,

other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community,

industry, or any other interested party concerning this proposed rule.

Comments particularly are sought concerning:

(1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning

any threat (or lack thereof) to Helenium virginicum;

(2) The locations of any additional populations of this species and

the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be

critical habitat pursuant to section 4 of the Act;

(3) Additional information concerning the range and distribution of

the species; and

(4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their

possible impacts on the species.

Final promulgation of the regulation on this species will take into

consideration the comments and any additional information received by

the Service, and such communications may lead to a final regulation

that differs from this proposal.

The Endangered Species Act provides for a public hearing on this

proposal, if requested. Requests must be received within 45 days of the

date of publication of this proposal in the Federal Register. Such

requests must be made in writing and be addressed to the Field

Supervisor, Chesapeake Bay Field Office (see ADDRESSES section).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that Environmental

Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements, as defined under the

authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be

prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section

4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice

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

the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

Required Determinations

The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection

requirements.

adopted pursuant to section

4(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice

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

the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

Required Determinations

The Service has examined this regulation under the Paperwork

Reduction Act of 1995 and found it to contain no information collection

requirements.

References Cited

Blake, S.F. 1936. A New Helenium from Virginia. Claytonia 3(2):13-

15.

Niering, W.A. 1979. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North

American Wildflowers--Eastern Region. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. p.

383.

Van Alstine, N.E. 1996. A Reassessment of the Status of the Helenium

virginicum Populations in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Natural

Heritage Technical Report 96-6. VA Dept. of Conservation and

Recreation, Richmond, VA. Unpublished report to the U.S. Fish and

Wildlife Service. 36pp.

Van Alstine, N.E., and J.C. Ludwig. 1991. Natural Heritage

Inventory: Helenium virginicum. 1990 Final Report. VA Dept. of

Conservation and Recreation, Div. of Natural Heritage, Richmond, VA.

Unpublished report. 50pp.

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. 1995. Natural

Resources Fact Sheet--Virginia Sneezeweed (Helenium virginicum). VA

Dept. of Conservation and Recreation, Richmond, VA. 2pp.

Author

The primary author of this proposed rule is Andy Moser, Chesapeake

Bay Field office (see ADDRESSES section).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17,

subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations,

as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

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.

egulation Promulgation

Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes to amend part 17,

subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations,

as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

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

alphabetical order under FLOWERING PLANTS, to the List of Endangered

and Threatened Plants:

Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *

(h) * * *

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

Species

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

Scientific name Common name habitat rules

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

Flowering Plants

* * * * * * *

Helenium virginicum.............. Virginia sneezeweed. U.S.A. (VA)........ Asteraceae......... T NA NA

* * * * * * *

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

Dated: September 15, 1997.

Jamie Rappaport Clark,

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 97-25694 Filed 9-26-97; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P