Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Gymnoderma Lineare (Rock Gnome Lichen) Determined To Be Endangered

Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.

[Federal Register: January 18, 1995]

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC23

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Gymnoderma Lineare
(Rock Gnome Lichen) Determined To Be Endangered

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) determines the
lichen Gymnoderma lineare (rock gnome lichen) to be an endangered
species under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). This lichen, which is limited to 25 populations in North
Carolina and 7 populations in Tennessee, is threatened by collection,
logging, and habitat disturbance due to heavy use by hikers and
climbers. It is also indirectly threatened by exotic insect pests and
possibly air pollution, which are contributing to the demise of the
Fraser fir forests at higher elevations in the
[[Page 3558]]

Southern Appalachians. This action implements for Gymnoderma lineare

the Federal protection and recovery provisions provided by the Act.EFFEC
TIVE DATE: February 17, 1995.

ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection,
by appointment, during normal business hours at the Asheville Field
Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 330 Ridgefield Court,
Asheville, North Carolina 28806.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Nora Murdock at the above address
(Telephone 704/665-1195, Ext. 231).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

Gymnoderma lineare (Evans) Yoshimura and Sharp, first described by
Evans (1947) as Cladonia linearis from material collected in Tennessee,
is a squamulose lichen in the reindeer moss family. This species is the
only member of its genus occurring in North America (Yoshimura and
Sharp 1968). Gymnoderma lineare occurs in rather dense colonies of
narrow straps (squamules). The only similar lichens are the squamulose
species of the genus Cladonia. Gymnoderma lineare has terminal portions
of the straplike individual lobes that are blue-grey on the upper
surface and generally shiny-white on the lower surface; near the base
they grade to black (unlike squamulose Cladonia, which are never
blackened toward the base) (Weakley 1988, Hale 1979). Hale's (1979)
description of the species reads, ``Squamules dark greenish mineral
grey; lower surface white to brownish toward the tips, weakly
corticated; podetia lacking but small clustered apothecia common on low
tips.'' Weakley further describes the species as having squamules about
1 millimeter (.04 inches (in.)) across near the tip, tapering to the
blackened base, sparingly and subdichotomously branched, and generally
about 1 to 2 centimeters (.39 to .79 in.) long (though they can be
longer or shorter, depending upon environmental factors). The squamules
are nearly parallel to the rock surface, but the tips curl away from
the rock, approaching or reaching a perpendicular orientation to the
rock surface. The fruiting bodies (apothecia) are borne at the tips of
the squamules and are black (contrasting to the brown or red apothecia
of Cladonia spp.) (Weakley 1988). The apothecia are borne singly or in
clusters, usually at the tips of the squamules but occasionally along
the sides; these have been found from July through September (Evans
1947, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program records 1991). The
apothecia are either sessile or borne on short podetia 1 to 2
millimeters (.04 to .08 in.) in height; the largest of these have a
diameter of about 1 millimeter (.04 in.), with most being much smaller.
The apothecia are cylindrical in shape and radial in symmetry (Evans
1947). The primary means of propagation of this lichen appears to be
asexual, with colonies spreading clonally.
Gymnoderma was considered a monotypic genus for over a century,
until its revision by Yoshimura and Sharp (1968). These authors
reclassified Evans' (1947) Cladonia linearis as Gymnoderma lineare on
the basis of its short and solid podetia that lack symbiotic algae.
Gymnoderma lineare is endemic to North Carolina and Tennessee and
occurs only in areas of high humidity, either at high elevations, where
it is frequently bathed in fog, or in deep gorges at lower elevations.
It is primarily limited to vertical rock faces where seepage water from
forest soils above flows at (and only at) very wet times. It is almost
always found growing with the moss Andreaea in these vertical
intermittent seeps. This association makes it rather easy to search
for, due to the distinctive reddish brown color of Andreaea that can be
observed from a considerable distance (Weakley 1988). Most populations
occur above an elevation of 1,524 meters (5,000 feet). In Tennessee, it
is apparently limited to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Other
species often found growing with G. lineare include Huperzia selago,
Stereocaulon sp., Scirpus cespitosus, Carex misera, Rhododendron spp.,
Saxifraga michauxii, Krigia montana, Heuchera villosa, Geum radiatum,
and sometimes Juncus trifidus. The high-elevation coniferous forests
adjacent to the rock outcrops and cliffs most often occupied by the
species are dominated by red spruce (Picea rubens) and another Federal
candidate species, Fraser fir (Abies fraseri).
Thirty-seven populations of Gymnoderma lineare have been reported
historically; thirty-two remain in existence. Seven of these
populations are in Sevier County, Tennessee. In North Carolina, two
populations remain in Mitchell County, five in Jackson County, four in
Yancey County, one in Swain County, three in Transylvania County, four
in Buncombe county, two in Avery County, two in Ashe County, one in
Rutherford County, and one in Haywood County. Historically, five
additional populations were known for this species. The reasons for the
disappearance of the species at most of these sites are undocumented;
however, one is believed to have been destroyed by highway
construction. Many of the formerly occupied sites are subjected to
heavy recreational use by hikers, climbers, and sightseers. In
addition, the coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by
Fraser fir at the high-elevation sites, are being decimated by the
balsam wooly adelgid, an exotic insect pest, and possibly by air
pollution. The death of the forests adjacent to the habitat occupied by
this lichen has resulted in locally drastic changes in microclimate,
including desiccation and increased temperatures.
The continued existence of this species is threatened by trampling
and associated soil erosion and compaction, other forms of habitat
disturbance due to heavy recreational use of the habitat by hikers,
climbers, and sightseers, as well as by development for commercial
recreational facilities and residential purposes. It is also
potentially threatened by logging, collectors, and air pollution
(either directly or indirectly).

Only 7 of the remaining 32 populations cover an area larger than 2
square meters (2.4 square yards). Most are 1 meter (3.3 feet) or less
in size. It is not known what constitutes a genetic individual in this
species, and it is possible that each of these small colonies or
patches consists of only a single clone (Weakley 1988). Over the past
decade several of the currently extant populations have undergone
significant declines (Paula DePriest, Smithsonian Institution, personal
communication, 1992; Karin Heiman, Environmental Consultant, personal
communication, 1992), some within as little as 1 year (Alan Smith,
Environmental Consultant, personal communication, 1992). Although all
but five of the remaining populations are in public ownership, many
continue to be impacted by collectors, recreational use, and
environmental factors. Although no populations are known to have been
lost as a result of logging operations, this is a potential threat.

Previous Federal Action

Federal government actions on Gymnoderma lineare began with the
1990 publication in the Federal Register of a revised notice of review
of plant taxa for listing as endangered or threatened species (55 FR
6184); Gymnoderma lineare was included in that notice as a category 2
species. Category 2 species are those for which listing as endangered
or threatened may be warranted but for which substantial data on
biological vulnerability and threats is not currently known or on file
to support proposed rules.

[[Page 3559]]

Subsequent to this notice, the Service received additional
information from the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program (Alan
Weakley, North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, personal
communication, 1991) and the Smithsonian Institution (DePriest,
personal communication, 1992); this information and additional field
data gathered by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program, the
Service, and the National Park Service (Keith Langdon and Janet Rock,
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, personal communication, 1992;
Bambi Teague, Blue Ridge Parkway, personal communication, 1991)
indicated that the addition of Gymnoderma lineare to the Federal List
of endangered or threatened plants is warranted. The Service approved
this species for elevation to category 1 on August 30, 1993, and
proposed it for listing as endangered on December 28, 1993 (58 FR
68623).

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

In the December 28, 1993, proposed rule and associated
notifications, all interested parties were requested to submit factual
reports or information that might contribute to the development of a
final rule. Appropriate State agencies, county governments, Federal
agencies, scientific organizations, and other interested parties were
contacted and requested to comment. Newspaper notices inviting public
comment were published in the ``Asheville Citizen-Times'' (Asheville,
North Carolina) on January 14, 1994, and the ``Mountain Press''
(Sevierville, Tennessee) on January 17, 1994.
Fifteen comments were received. Eleven of these expressed support
for the proposal, and one presented additional information without
stating a position. One additional respondent took no position on the
proposal but expressed a negative view toward the potential designation
of critical habitat. Two respondents opposed the proposal; one stated
no reason for opposition, the other expressed the opinion that logging
was not a potential threat to the lichen and that extinction is a
natural process. In the proposed rule the Service stated that no
populations of this species were known to have been destroyed as a
result of logging operations but that this was a potential threat. This
is particularly true where the lichen grows on boulder faces along
stream edges in hardwood forests. Although there is no direct evidence
of destruction of populations by silvicultural activities, monitoring
of this species has only recently begun. Other populations have
undoubtedly been lost without their extirpation having been documented.
In addition, there is a strong association of this species with
watersheds where intensive logging has not occurred (Langdon, personal
communication, 1993; Weakley, personal communication, 1993). Based upon
this evidence, the Service believes that intensive logging is a
potential threat to some of the remaining populations of this species.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

After a thorough review and consideration of all information
available, the Service has determined that Gymnoderma lineare should be
classified as an endangered species. Procedures found at section
4(a)(1) of the Act and regulations (50 CFR part 424) implementing the
listing provisions of the Act were followed. A species may be
determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one or more
of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1). These factors and
their application to Gymnoderma lineare (Evans) Yoshimura and Sharp are
as follows:

A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of its habitat or range. Gymnoderma lineare is a narrow
endemic, restricted to high-elevation mountaintops and cliff faces and
the lower-elevation gorges in the Southern Appalachians of western
North Carolina and eastern Tennessee (see ``Background'' section for
specific distributions). Although populations are declining and
vanishing for reasons that are, in many cases, not clearly understood,
destruction and adverse modification of habitat pose a major threat to
the remaining populations of this species. Fourteen percent of the
historically known populations have been completely extirpated, and
many others have been severely reduced in size. Only 32 populations
remain, most covering an area less than 1 square meter (1.2 square
yards) in size.

Five of these populations are on privately owned lands, with one
slated for residential development within the near future. Although the
majority of the remaining populations are on publicly owned lands, most
of these are subject to heavy recreational use, and many have been
damaged as a result. Four populations contain 75 percent of the
remaining plants. Three of these are located on lands administered by
the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service, at sites where
they are subjected to intense use by hikers, climbers, and sightseers.
The only other relatively large population is located on a privately
owned site that has been developed as a commercial recreational
facility. All the known populations combined cover a total area of
approximately 142 square meters (170 square yards). All five privately
owned sites are unprotected and are located in an area that is rapidly
developing as a center for resorts and tourism.
B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes. Gymnoderma lineare is not currently a significant
component of the commercial trade in native plants. Hale (1979) stated,
``This is one of the most unusual endemic lichens in North America and
should not be collected by individuals.'' Nevertheless, many
populations have been decimated by scientific collectors. Paula
DePriest (personal communication, 1992) observed that at least one
population in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was virtually
wiped out by lichenologists who collected them during a field trip.
Given the very small size of most colonies and the slow growth rate of
this species, extirpation by collecting or by natural accident (such as
slides or floods) is a distinct possibility (Weakley 1988). Many of the
populations are easily accessible, being close to trails or roads.
Publicity could generate an increased demand and intensify collecting
pressure (see ``Critical Habitat'' section for reasons why critical
habitat is not being designated).

C. Disease or predation. This taxon is not known to be threatened
by disease or predation.

D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Gymnoderma
lineare is afforded legal protection in North Carolina by North
Carolina General Statute, article 20, chapter 106, sections 202.1-
202.8, that prohibits intrastate trade and taking of State-listed
plants without a State permit and written permission of the landowner.
Gymnoderma lineare is listed in North Carolina as threatened; it is not
currently listed in Tennessee. State prohibitions against taking are
difficult to enforce and do not cover adverse alterations of habitat or
unintentional damage from recreational use. The Act will provide
additional protection and encouragement of active management for
Gymnoderma lineare, particularly on Federal lands.
E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued
existence. This taxon is rare and vulnerable due to its specialized
habitat requirements for bare rock faces with a precise amount of
moisture and light. As mentioned in the previous sections of this rule,
most of the remaining populations are small in
[[Page 3560]]

numbers of individuals and in terms of area covered by the plants.
Therefore, there is probably little genetic variability in this
species, making it more important to maintain as much habitat and as
many of the remaining colonies as possible. Rock slides, severe storms
or droughts, or other natural events could easily eliminate populations
of this lichen.In recent years the spruce-fir forests adjacent to
the high-elevation cliffs and rock outcrops occupied by this rare
lichen have suffered dramatic declines due, at least in part, to
airborne pollution and the impacts of an exotic insect, the balsam
wooly adelgid. The impacts of this forest decline on Gymnoderma lineare
cannot be accurately assessed at this time. Even though rock gnome
lichen often grows in exposed places, the drastic decline of adjacent
high-elevation forests may result in excessive desiccation of the moist
sites required by the species. This theory would seem to be supported
by the fact that Geum radiatum (spreading avens), already federally
listed as endangered, is showing drastic declines at many of the same
sites. With all but seven of the remaining populations of Gymnoderma
lineare being less than 2 square meters (2.4 square yards) in size, and
with this species' very slow growth rate, even relatively small
declines could pose a significant threat to the long-term survival and
recovery of the species.

In addition to the indirect effects of air pollution on this
species' habitat, lichens are known to effectively accumulate a wide
variety of pollutants washed from the atmosphere by precipitation (St.
Clair 1987). Photosynthetic rates, respiration rates, and the membrane
integrity of lichens have all been found to be very sensitive to a wide
range of common air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide. St. Clair
(1987) states, ``Indeed lichen physiological processes appear to
provide an indication of pollution damage long before any visible
thallus necrosis or changes in community structure can be detected.'' A
field study conducted by Pearson and Rodgers (1982) showed that
membrane integrity in lichens is severely impacted following exposure
to sulfur dioxide. Lawrey (1987) found that increasing levels of sulfur
dioxide pollution had resulted in the elimination of some species of
lichens in an area just north of the range of Gymnoderma lineare. Heavy
metals and ozone also have been found to negatively affect lichens'
potassium efflux, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rates
(Puckett 1976, Nash and Sigal 1979, Sigal and Taylor 1979). Several
observers have already noted declines in populations of Gymnoderma
lineare that cannot be directly attributed to physical disturbance of
the habitat (Weakley, personal communication, 1992; DePriest, personal
communication, 1992; Shawn Oakley, The Nature Conservancy, North
Carolina Field Office, personal communication, 1992). Given the
extremely small size of most of the remaining populations, declines of
just a few centimeters a year could result in the imminent extirpation
of all but three of the remaining populations of this species.
The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and
future threats faced by this species in determining to make this rule
final. Based on this evaluation, the preferred action is to list
Gymnoderma lineare as endangered. With 14 percent of the known
populations having been completely extirpated and all the remaining
populations subject to some form of threat, this species warrants
protection under the Act. With the small number of individuals and area
covered by the remaining populations, and with significant declines
having been documented in many of these, this species is in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range and
therefore qualifies as an endangered species under the Act. Critical
habitat is not being designated for the reasons discussed below.

Critical Habitat

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the
maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary propose critical
habitat at the time the species is proposed to be endangered or
threatened. The Service finds that designation of critical habitat is
not presently prudent for Gymnoderma lineare. Publication of critical
habitat descriptions and maps would increase public interest and
possibly lead to additional threats for this species from collecting
and vandalism (see threat factor ``B'' above). The species has already
been subjected to excessive collecting by scientific collectors at
several sites. Increased publicity and a provision of specific location
information associated with critical habitat designation could result
in increased collection from the remaining wild populations. Although
taking of endangered plants from lands under Federal jurisdiction (and
from privately owned lands under certain circumstances--see ``Available
Conservation Measures'' section) and reduction to possession is
prohibited by the Act, taking provisions are difficult to enforce.
Publication of critical habitat descriptions would make Gymnoderma
lineare more vulnerable and would increase enforcement problems for the
U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service. Also, the
populations on private lands would be more vulnerable to taking.
Increased visits to population locations stimulated by critical habitat
designation, even without collection of plants, could adversely affect
the species due to the associated increase in trampling of the fragile
habitat occupied by this lichen. The lichen is easily scraped off its
rocky substrate, and denuded habitat is not quickly recolonized. The
Federal and State agencies and landowners involved in managing the
habitat of this species have been informed of the plant's locations and
of the importance of protection; therefore, it would not be prudent and
no additional benefit would result from a determination of critical
habitat.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or
threatened under the Act include recognition, recovery actions,
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain
practices. Recognition through listing encourages and results in
conservation actions by Federal, State, and private agencies, groups,
and individuals. The Act provides for possible land acquisition and
cooperation with the States and requires that recovery actions be
carried out for all listed species. Such actions are initiated by the
Service following listing. The protection required of Federal agencies
and the prohibitions against taking are discussed, in part, below.
Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR
part 402. Section 7(a)(4) requires Federal agencies to ensure that
activities they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or to destroy or
adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a
listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency
must enter into formal consultation with the Service.
The U.S. Forest Service and the National Park Service have
jurisdiction

[[Page 3561]]

over portions of the species' habitat. Federal activities that could
impact Gymnoderma lineare and its habitat in the future include, but
are not limited to, the following--construction of recreational
facilities (including trails, buildings, or maintenance of these
facilities), use of aerially applied retardants in fire-fighting
efforts, road and utility line construction, certain forest management
activities, permits for mineral exploration and mining, regulation of
air pollution, and any other activities that do not include planning
for the species' continued existence. The Service will work with the
involved agencies to secure protection and proper management of
Gymnoderma lineare while accommodating agency activities to the extent
possible.The Act and its implementing regulations found at 50 CFR
17.61, 17.62, and 17.63 set forth a series of general prohibitions and
exceptions that apply to all endangered plants. All prohibitions at
section 9(a)(2) of the Act, implemented by 50 CFR 17.61, apply. These
prohibitions, in part, make it illegal for any person subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States to import or export any endangered
plant, transport it in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of
a commercial activity, sell or offer it for sale in interstate or
foreign commerce, or remove it from areas under Federal jurisdiction
and reduce it to possession. In addition, the 1988 amendments (P.L.
100-478) to the Act protect endangered plants from malicious damage or
destruction on Federal lands, and the removal, cutting, digging up, or
damaging or destroying in knowing violation of any State law or
regulation, including State criminal trespass law. Certain exceptions
apply to agents of the Service and State conservation agencies.
It is the policy of the Service, published in the Federal Register
on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent
practicable at the time a species is listed those activities that would
or would not constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent
of this policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of the
listing on proposed and ongoing activities within a species' range. Of
the thirty-two remaining populations of Gymnoderma lineare all but five
are located on public lands. Collection, damage or destruction of this
species on public lands is prohibited, although in appropriate cases a
Federal endangered species permit may be issued to allow collection.
Removal, cutting, digging up, damaging or destroying endangered plants
on non-Federal lands would constitute a violation of section 9 if
conducted in knowing violation of State law or regulations or in
violation of State criminal trespass law. North Carolina prohibits
intrastate trade and take of G. lineare without a State permit and
written permission from the landowner. G. lineare is not legally
protected under Tennessee State law, since the State's list does not
include nonvascular plants. The only known populations in Tennessee are
found on public lands. The Service is not aware of any otherwise
conducted or proposed by the public that will be affected by this
listing and result in a violation of section 9.
The Act and 50 CFR 17.62 and 17.63 also provide for the issuance of
permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities involving
endangered species under certain circumstances. It is anticipated that
few permits would ever be sought or issued since Gymnoderma lineare is
not common in the wild and is not commercially cultivated. Questions
regarding whether specific activities will constitute a violation of
section 9 should be directed to the Field Supervisor of the Service's
Asheville Office (see ADDRESSES section). Requests for copies of the
regulations on listed plants and inquiries regarding prohibitions
should be addressed to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Southeast
Regional Office, Ecological Services Division, Threatened and
Endangered Species, 1875 Century Boulevard, Atlanta, Georgia 30345-3301
(Telephone 404/679-7099, Facsimile 404/679-7081).

National Environmental Policy Act

The Service has determined that an Environmental Assessment, as
defined under the authority of the National Environmental Policy Act of
1969, need not be prepared in connection with regulations adopted
pursuant to section 4(a) of the Act. A notice outlining the Service's
reasons for this determination was published in the Federal Register on
October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

Evans, A.W. 1947. A study of certain North American Cladoniae.
Bryologist 50:14-51.

Hale, M. 1979. How to know the lichens, second edition. William C.
Brown Company, Dubuque, IA. P. 231.

Lawrey, J.D. 1987. Lichens as indicators of atmospheric quality in
the northern district of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. Final
report to the U.S. National Park Service, Denver, CO. Contract
number CX-0001-4-0059.

Nash, T., III, and L. Sigal. 1979. Gross photosynthetic response of
lichens to short-term ozone fumigations. The Bryologist 82(2):280-
285.

Pearson, L., and G. Rodgers. 1982. Air pollution damage to cell
membranes in lichens. III. Field experiments. Phyton 22(2):329-327.
Puckett, K. 1976. The effects of heavy metals on some aspects of
lichen physiology. Canadian Journal of Botany 54(23):2695-2703.
St. Clair, L. 1987. Final report concerning the establishment of an
air quality biomonitoring program using various lichen parameters in
the James River Face Wilderness Area, Jefferson National Forest,
Virginia. U.S. Forest Service, Jefferson National Forest, Roanoke,
VA. 16 pp.

Sigal, L., and O. Taylor. 1979. Preliminary studies on the gross
photosynthetic response of lichens to peroxyacetylnitrate
fumigations. The Bryologist 82(4):564-575.
Weakley, A. S. 1988. Species account for Gymnoderma lineare. North
Carolina Plant Conservation Program, Raleigh, NC. 3 pp.
Yoshimura, I., and A. J. Sharp. 1968. A revision of the genus
Gymnoderma. American Journal of Botany 55(5):635-640.

Authority: The primary author of this final rule is Ms. Nora
Murdock (see Addresses section).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Regulation Promulgation

Accordingly, part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the
Code of Federal Regulations, is amended as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C.
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.

2. Section 17.12(h) is amended by adding the following, in
alphabetical order under lichens, to the List of Endangered and
Threatened Plants to read as follows:

Sec. 17.12 Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * *

(h) * * *

Species

--------------------------------------------------- Historic range Family name Status When listed Critical Special
Scientific name Common name habitat rules

* * * * * **
Lichens

* * * * * **
Gymnoderma lineare...... Rock gnome lichen....... U.S.A. (NC, TN)......... Cladoniaceae........... E 572 NA NA

* * * * * **

[[PaDated: December 6, 1994.

Mollie H. Beattie,

Director, Fish and Wildlife Service.

[FR Doc. 95-1174 Filed 1-17-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

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Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Gymnoderma Lineare (Rock Gnome Lichen) Determined To Be Endangered

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