26625741, 68A-27.0021 - Florida Administrative Rules, Law, Code, Register

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Florida Department of State and Division of Library and Information Services

Notice: 26625741

Notice of Proposed Rule

Department:

FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Division:

Freshwater Fish and Wildlife

Chapter:

RULES RELATING TO ENDANGERED OR THREATENED SPECIES

Overview

RULE:

68A-27.0021	Designation of Candidate Species; Prohibitions; Permits
68A-27.003	Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List; Prohibitions

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this rulemaking is (1) to add the striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) to the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species List as a State-designated Threatened species and (2) to incorporate in rule by reference the Species Conservation Measures and Permitting Guidelines (Guidelines) for the striped newt. The effect of this rule revision is a change in listing status for the striped newt found warranted by the Commission, thereby providing the species with the protections for State-designated Threatened species in Chapter 68A-27, F.A.C.

SUMMARY:

The proposed rule changes finalize the state listing process for the striped newt. In 2019, the FWC received a request to evaluate the striped newt for listing as State-designated Threatened, and the Commission approved a Biological Review Group to evaluate the status of the species. Based on this evaluation, staff made a listing status recommendation to Commissioners in 2021. Commissioners agreed that the species warranted listing as State-designated Threatened and approved incorporating the striped newt into Rule 68A-27.0021, F.A.C., as a Candidate species, with direction to staff to develop a management plan and Guidelines. Commissioners approved the management plan and proposed rule revisions November 30, 2022. The proposed rule revisions will complete the listing process by removing the striped newt from the Candidate Species List in Rule 68A-27.0021, F.A.C., adding the species as State-designated Threatened to Rule 68A-27.003, F.A.C., and incorporating the Guidelines in rule by reference. The Guidelines provide information on ways to avoid take, authorize take in certain circumstances, and provide minimization and mitigation options when take cannot be avoided.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution

LAW:

Art. IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution

PRINT PUBLISH DATE:

12/13/2022 Vol. 48/240

COMMENTS:

From 12/13/2022 To 1/3/2023 (21 Days)
The public comment period for this notice has already expired.

REFERENCE MATERIALS:

No reference(s).

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