Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Reclassification of the Tulotoma Snail From Endangered to Threatened

요약

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to reclassify the tulotoma snail (Tulotoma magnifica) from endangered to threatened, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This proposed action is based on a review of the best available scientific and commercial data, which indicate that the endangered designation no longer correctly reflects the status of this snail. We have documented a substantial improvement in the species' distribution and numbers over the past 15 years, including the discovery of several populations that were unknown when the species was listed. Minimum flows and other conservation measures have been implemented below two dams in the Coosa River, improving habitat and resulting in the expansion of tulotoma snail numbers and range in the Coosa River. The Alabama Clean Water Partnership has also developed the Lower Coosa River Basin Management Plan to address nonpoint source pollution and watershed management issues in most Coosa River tributaries occupied by the tulotoma snail. While great strides have been made to improve the species status, additional efforts are required to address the remaining threats to the