Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Proposed Critical Habitat Determination for the Delta Smelt

Resumo

The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) revises its proposed designation of critical habitat for the delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus) originally published on October 3, 1991, concurrently with the proposal to list the species, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The final rule listing the delta smelt as a threatened species was published on March 5, 1993. In the final rule, the Service postponed the decision on critical habitat determination for up to 1 year beyond the date that the final rule was due (October 3, 1993) in accordance with section 4(b)(6)(C)(ii) of the Act. The Service has refined the primary constituent elements described in the original critical habitat proposal. This revised proposed rule supersedes all aspects of the Service's previous proposal. Critical habitat designation for the delta smelt would provide additional protection under section 7 of the Act with regard to activities that require Federal agency action. As required by section 4 of the Act, the Service will consider economic and other relevant impacts prior to making a final decision on the size and configuration of critical habitat. The Service solicits data and co