2018-12409: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing Oenothera coloradensis (Colorado Butterfly Plant) From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants

Summary

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to remove the Colorado butterfly plant (Oenothera coloradensis, currently listed as Gaura neomexicana ssp. coloradensis) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants (List) due to recovery. This determination is based on a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial data, which indicate that the threats to the Colorado butterfly plant have been eliminated or reduced to the point that it has recovered, and that this plant is no longer likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future and, therefore, no longer meets the definition of a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposed rule, if made final, would also remove the currently designated critical habitat for the Colorado butterfly plant. We are seeking information, data, and comments from the public on the proposed rule to remove the Colorado butterfly plant from the List (i.e., "delist" the species). In addition, we are also seeking input on considerations for post- delisting monitoring of the Colorado butterfly plant.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 50 CFR 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants