Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Threatened Spikedace (Meda fulgida)

Zusammenfassung

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) designates critical habitat for the spikedace (Meda fulgida) under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The spikedace, a small fish, was listed as a threatened species under the Act on July 1, 1986 (51 FR 23769); however, final designation of the proposed critical habitat was postponed at that time. Critical habitat is now being designated in a total of approximately 154 kilometers (km) (95 miles (mi)) of portions of the Gila River in Grant and Catron counties, New Mexico; the Verde River in Yavapai County, Arizona; and Aravaipa Creek in Graham and Pinal counties, Arizona. Federal actions that may affect the areas designated as critical habitat are now subject to consultation with the Service, pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the Act.