Notice of Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan for the Little Colorado Spinedace for Review and Comment

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The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announces the availability for public review of a draft recovery plan for the Little Colorado spinedace (Lepidomeda vittata) which the Service listed as a threatened species on September 16, 1987 (52 FR 35040). The range of this fish is restricted to north-flowing tributaries of the Little Colorado River in Apache, Navajo, and Coconino counties in eastern Arizona. Collected in 1871-1874 by the Wheeler expedition, this species was believed to be abundant throughout the upper Little Colorado River and cool water tributaries thereto that rise from the northern slopes of the White Mountains and the Mollogon Rim. Since 1960, populations throughout the species' known historic range have fluxuated greatly. Populations are now known to exist in the upper Little Colorado mainstem, East Clear Creek, Chevelon Creek, Nutriosa and Rudd Creek. Modifications within the Little Colorado River and tributaries and watershed have brought about reduced flows and degraded water quality. These factors plus introduction of non-native fish are believed to be major threats to the species continued existence in its Creek, native habitats. The Service solicits rev