Interior Department, Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is publishing a revised proposal to establish two distinct population segments (DPS) of the Columbian white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus leucurus): The Douglas County DPS and the Columbia River DPS. We also propose to remove the Douglas County, Oregon, population from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. A previous proposed rule was issued on May 11, 1999. In this revised proposed rule, we provide new information and clarify our reasons for proposing to delist the population. Current data indicate that the Douglas County DPS of Columbian white-tailed deer has recovered. This DPS has increased from about 2,500 animals in 1983, to over 5,000 today. The range of the population has also increased. This robust population growth, coupled with habitat acquired and protected for the population, have brought the Douglas County DPS to the point where a change in status is appropriate. This recovery has primarily been the result of habitat acquisition and management for the deer, hunting restrictions, and the application of local ordinances designed to protect the deer population. The proposed delisting of the Douglas County DPS will not change the endangered status of the Columbia River DPS. It will remain fully protected by the Act.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 RIN 1018-AF43 AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Proposed rule; revision and notice of public hearing. SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is publishing a revised proposal to establish two distinct population segments (DPS) of the Columbian white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus leucurus ): The Douglas County DPS and the Columbia River DPS. We also propose to remove the Douglas County, Oregon, population from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife, under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act), as amended. A previous proposed rule was issued on May 11, 1999. In this revised proposed rule, we provide new information and clarify our reasons for proposing to delist the population. Current data indicate that the Douglas County DPS of Columbian white-tailed deer has recovered. This DPS has increased from about 2,500 animals in 1983, to over 5,000 today. The range of the population has also increased. This robust population growth, coupled with habitat acquired and protected for the population, have brought the Douglas County DPS to the point where a change in status is appropriate. This recovery has primarily been the result of habitat acquisition and management for the deer, hunting restrictions, and the application of local ordinances designed to protect the deer population. The proposed delisting of the Douglas County DPS will not change the endangered status of …
Citation: 67 FR 42217
