Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Endangered Layia carnosa (Beach Layia) to Threatened With Section 4(d) Rule

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reclassifying the plant beach layia (Layia carnosa) from an endangered to a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), due to substantial improvements in the species' overall status since its original listing as endangered in 1992. This action is based on a thorough review of the best scientific and commercial data available, which indicates that beach layia no longer meets the definition of an endangered species under the Act. Beach layia will remain protected as a threatened species under the Act. We are also finalizing a rule under section 4(d) of the Act that provides for the conservation of beach layia.