Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Determination of Critical Habitat for the Mexican Spotted Owl

Zusammenfassung

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes to designate critical habitat for the Mexican spotted owl (Strix occidentalis lucida), a subspecies federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). A total of 1,931,264 hectares (ha) (4,770,223 acres) of critical habitat is proposed. This proposed critical habitat designation, if made final, would provide additional protection requirements under section 7 of the Act with regard to activities that are funded, authorized, or carried out by any Federal agency. As information is received by the Service from the Indian Tribal Governments, the Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Team (Team), Federal and State agencies, and the general public, revisions may be made to this proposal to incorporate that new information. In addition, section 4 of the Act requires the Service to consider economic impact and any other relevant impacts prior to making a final decision on the size and scope of critical habitat. An economic analysis is currently being prepared and notice of its availability will be published in the Federal Register and local newspapers.