Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed Designation of Critical Habitat for the Southern California Distinct Vertebrate Population Segment of the Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog (Rana muscosa)

Résumé

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to designate critical habitat for the endangered southern California distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) of the mountain yellow- legged frog (Rana muscosa) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We have determined that approximately 8,770 ac (3,549 ha) of land containing features essential to the conservation of the mountain yellow-legged frog exist in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties, CA. We are proposing to designate approximately 8,283 acres (ac) (3,352 hectares (ha)) of streams and riparian areas as critical habitat within 3 units in southern California, further divided into subunits: Unit 1 (7 subunits) in the San Gabriel Mountains (Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties); Unit 2 (3 subunits) in San Bernardino Mountains (San Bernardino County); and Unit 3 (4 subunits) in the San Jacinto Mountains (Riverside County). Lands being proposed as critical habitat are under Federal, local/state, and private ownership; no tribal lands are included in this proposed designation. This proposed designation includes areas currently known to be occupied by the southern California