Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
Proposed rule.
We, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose designation of critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, a bird, pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The proposed critical habitat consists of five units whose boundaries encompass a total area of approximately 26,853 hectares (ha) (66,354 acres (ac)) on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i.
Critical habitat identifies specific areas, both occupied and unoccupied, that are essential to the conservation of a listed species and that may require special management considerations or protection. The primary constituent elements for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio are those habitat components that are essential for the primary biological needs of foraging, nesting, rearing of young, intra-specific communication, roosting, dispersal, genetic exchange, or sheltering. All areas proposed as critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio contain one or more of the primary constituent elements.
We solicit data and comments from the public on all aspects of this proposal, including data on economic and other impacts. We may revise this proposal to incorporate or address new information received during the comment period.
We will consider comments from all interested parties received by August 6, 2001.
Requests for public hearing must be received by July 23, 2001.
Send written comments on this proposed rule to Paul Henson, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3–122, Box 50088, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96850.
Supporting documentation and references used in the preparation of this proposed rule and all comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours in the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office in Honolulu at the above address.
Paul Henson, Field Supervisor, or Eric VanderWerf, Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the above address (telephone: 808/541–3441; facsimile: 808/541–3470).
The Hawaiian archipelago consists of eight main islands and the numerous shoals and atolls of the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The islands were formed sequentially by basaltic lava that emerged from a hot spot in the earth’s crust located near the current southeastern coast of the island of Hawai‘i (Stearns 1985). O‘ahu, the third oldest main island, is 2.5 million to 3.5 million years old and is heavily weathered. O‘ahu has two principal mountain ranges, the Ko‘olau and the Wai‘anae Mountains, separated by a gently sloping plateau. The Ko‘olau Mountains extend 60 kilometers (km) (37 miles (mi)) from northwest to southeast along the eastern half of the island. The windward (northeastern) slope of these mountains is characterized by steep cliffs and short ridges less than 6 km (4 mi) long. The leeward (southwestern) slope is characterized by parallel ridges as long as 18 km (11 mi), alternating with steep-sided stream valleys. The peak elevation in the Ko‘olau Mountains occurs at Pu‘u Kõna
The O‘ahu ‘elepaio (
Three subspecies of ‘elepaio are recognized, each endemic to a single island: The O‘ahu ‘elepaio; the Hawai‘i ‘elepaio (
O‘ahu ‘elepaio occur in a variety of forest types, but are most common in riparian vegetation along streambeds and in mesic forest with a tall canopy and a well-developed understory (Shallenberger and Vaughn 1978, VanderWerf
Plant species composition in ‘elepaio habitat varies considerably depending on location and elevation, but some of the most common native plants in areas where ‘elepaio occur are ‘õhi‘a, pa
The current population of O‘ahu ‘elepaio is approximately 1,982 birds distributed in six core subpopulations and several smaller subpopulations (Table 1, Figure 1; VanderWerf
The breeding population, about 1,774 birds, is less than the total population because of a male-biased sex ratio; only 84 percent of territorial males have mates in large populations (n = 147, E. VanderWerf unpubl. data), and many small, declining populations contain mostly males (Table 1). The effective population size is probably even smaller than the breeding population because of the geographically fragmented distribution (Grant and Grant 1992). Natal dispersal distances in èlepaio are usually less than one km (0.62 mi) and adults have high site fidelity (VanderWerf 1998), but most èlepaio populations on O‘ahu are separated by many kilometers of unsuitable urban or agricultural habitat. There may be some exchange among subpopulations within each mountain range, but dispersal across the extensive pineapple fields that separate the Wai‘anae and Ko‘olau mountains is unlikely. While the current distribution superficially appears to constitute a metapopulation, it is uncertain if dispersal occurs among subpopulations.
Before humans arrived, forest covered about 127,000 ha (313,690 ac) on O‘ahu (Figure 2; Hawai‘i Heritage Program 1991), and it is likely that ‘elepaio once inhabited much of that area (VanderWerf
Despite its adaptability, the O‘ahu ‘elepaio has seriously declined since the arrival of humans, and it has disappeared from many areas where it was formerly common (Shallenberger 1977, Shallenberger and Vaughn 1978, Williams 1987, VanderWerf
Much of the historical decline of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio can be attributed to habitat loss, especially at low elevations. Fifty-six percent of the original prehistoric range has been developed for urban or agricultural use, and practically no ‘elepaio remain in developed areas (VanderWerf
However, many areas of O‘ahu that recently supported ‘elepaio and still contain apparently suitable forest habitat are currently unoccupied, demonstrating that habitat loss is not the only threat. Recent declines in O‘ahu ‘elepaio populations are due to a combination of low adult survival and low reproductive success. Both annual adult survival and reproductive success are lower on O‘ahu (0.76, 0.33, respectively) than in a large, stable population of another subspecies of ‘elepaio at Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on Hawai‘i Island (0.85, 0.62; VanderWerf 1998). The main cause of reduced adult survival on O‘ahu appears to be diseases, particularly avian pox (
The primary reason for low reproductive success is nest predation by the introduced black rat (
A comprehensive treatment of the life history and ecology of the ‘elepaio is provided by VanderWerf (1998), from which much of the information below is taken. ‘Elepaio are non-migratory and defend all-purpose territories year-round. The average territory size on O‘ahu was 2.0 ha (4.94 ac) in forest composed of introduced plant species (Conant 1977), but territory size likely varies with vegetation structure. Population density on O‘ahu was 50 percent lower in short forest on ridges than in tall riparian forest along streambeds (VanderWerf
O‘ahu ‘elepaio are socially monogamous, and approximately 63 percent of pairs remain together each year (E. VanderWerf, unpubl. data). Site fidelity is high, with 96 percent of males and 67 percent of females remaining on the same territory from year to year. Annual survival of healthy adults is high, approximately 85 percent in males and 70 percent in females (E. VanderWerf, unpubl. data). Young birds wander (or float) while they attempt to acquire a territory and a mate.
The nesting season usually extends from mid February–May, but active nests have been found from January–July (VanderWerf 1998). Nest site selection is not specialized, and nests have been found in a variety of plants, including 6 native species and 13 introduced species (E. VanderWerf, unpubl. data). The nest is a finely-woven, free-standing cup made of rootlets, bark strips, leaf skeletons, lichen, and spider silk, and is placed in a fork or on top of a branch (Conant 1977, VanderWerf 1998). Both sexes participate in all aspects of nesting, but the female plays a larger role in nest building and the male provides more food for the nestlings. Clutch size is 1 to 3 eggs, usually 2, and eggs hatch after 18 days. The nestling period is 16 days. Fledglings are fed by their parents for more than a month after leaving the nest, and may remain in the natal territory for up to 9 months, until the start of the next breeding season. Fecundity (reproductive rate) is low; even if nest predators are removed the mean number of fledglings per pair is 0.75 per year (VanderWerf 1999). O‘ahu ‘elepaio will re-nest once or twice after failure, but they rarely attempt to re-nest if the first nest is successful. Other than introduced predators, storms with heavy rain and strong winds are the most common cause of nest failure.
The diet and foraging behavior of ‘elepaio are extremely varied. The diet consists of a wide range of arthropods, particularly insects and spiders, and includes introduced species such as fruit flies (Tephritidae; VanderWerf 1998). Large prey, such as moths and caterpillars, are beaten against a branch before being eaten. In a study on Hawai‘i Island, VanderWerf (1993, 1994) found that ‘elepaio foraged at all heights on all available plant species, and that they caught insects from a variety of substrates, including the ground and fallen logs (2 percent), trunks (5 percent), branches (24 percent), twigs (38 percent), foliage (20 percent), and in the air (11 percent). ‘Elepaio are versatile and agile in pursuit of prey, using a diversity of foraging behaviors that is among the highest recorded for any bird, including perch-gleaning (48 percent), several forms of flight-gleaning (30 percent), hanging (11 percent), aerial flycatching (7 percent), and active pursuit (4 percent) (VanderWerf 1994).
We were petitioned by Mr. Vaughn Sherwood on March 22, 1994, to list the O‘ahu ‘elepaio as an endangered or threatened species with critical habitat. The November 15, 1994, Animal Notice of Review (59 FR 58991) classified the O‘ahu ‘elepaio (then
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing regulations (50 CFR 424.12) require that, to the maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Secretary designate critical habitat at the time a species is determined to be endangered or threatened. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) also state that designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the following situations exist—(1) the species is threatened by taking or other activity and the identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the degree of threat to the species, or (2) such designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial
Although we determined in the final listing rule that critical habitat designation for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio would be prudent, we also indicated in the final listing rule that we were not able to develop a proposed critical habitat designation for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio at that time due to budgetary and workload constraints. However, on June 28, 2000, the United States District Court for the District of Hawai‘i established, in the case of
On November 9, 2000, we mailed letters to 32 landowners on O‘ahu informing them that the Service was in the process of designating critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio and requesting from them information on management of lands that currently or recently (within the past 25 years) supported O‘ahu ‘elepaio. The letters contained a fact sheet describing the O‘ahu ‘elepaio and critical habitat, a map showing the historic and current range of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, and a questionnaire designed to gather information about land management practices, which we requested be returned to us by November 27, 2000. We received 11 responses to our landowner mailing with varying types and amounts of information on current land management activities. Some responses included detailed management plans, provided new information on locations where ‘elepaio have been observed recently, and described management activities such as fencing, hunting, public access, fire management, methods for controlling invasive weeds and introduced predators, and collaboration with conservation researchers. In addition, we met with several landowners and managers, including the U.S. Army and the Hawai‘i State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, to obtain more specific information on management activities and suitability of certain habitat areas for ‘elepaio. The information provided in the responses and during meetings was considered and incorporated into this proposed rule.
Critical habitat is defined in section 3, paragraph (5)(A) of the Act as—(i) the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) that may require special management considerations or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. “Conservation,” as defined by the Act, means the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring an endangered or a threatened species to the point at which listing under the Act is no longer necessary.
Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act through the prohibition against destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat with regard to actions carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency. Section 7 also requires conferences on Federal actions that are likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. In our regulations at 50 CFR 402.02, we define destruction or adverse modification as “the direct or indirect alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat for both the survival and recovery of a listed species. Such alterations include, but are not limited to, alterations adversely modifying any of those physical or biological features that were the basis for determining the habitat to be critical.” Aside from the added protection that may be provided under section 7, the Act does not provide other forms of regulatory protection to lands designated as critical habitat. Because consultation under section 7 of the Act does not apply to activities on private or other non-Federal lands that do not involve a Federal nexus, critical habitat designation would not afford any additional protections under the Act against such activities.
Critical habitat also provides non-regulatory benefits to the species by informing the public and private sectors of areas that are important for species recovery and where conservation actions would be most effective. Designation of critical habitat can help focus conservation activities for a listed species by identifying areas that contain the physical and biological features that are essential for conservation of that species, and can alert the public as well as land-managing agencies to the importance of those areas. Critical habitat also identifies areas that may require special management considerations or protection, and may help provide protection to areas where significant threats to the species have been identified or help to avoid accidental damage to such areas.
In order to be included in a critical habitat designation, the habitat must be “essential to the conservation of the species.” Critical habitat designations identify, to the extent known and using the best scientific and commercial data available, habitat areas that provide essential life cycle needs of the species (i.e., areas on which are found the primary constituent elements, as defined at 50 CFR 424.12(b)). Section 3(5)(C) of the Act states that not all areas that can be occupied by a species be designated as critical habitat unless the Secretary determines that all such areas are essential to the conservation of the species. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(e)) also state that, “The Secretary shall designate as critical habitat areas outside the geographic area presently occupied by the species only when a designation limited to its present range would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species.”
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we take into consideration the economic impact, and any other relevant impact, of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. We may exclude areas from critical habitat designation when the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of including the areas within critical habitat, provided the exclusion will not result in extinction of the species.
Our Policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered Species Act, published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271), provides criteria, establishes procedures, and provides guidance to ensure that decisions made by the Service represent the best scientific and commercial data available. It requires that our biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of the best scientific and commercial data available, use primary and original sources of information as the basis for
Section 4 requires that we designate critical habitat based on what we know at the time of the designation. Habitat is often dynamic, however, and populations may move from one area to another over time. Furthermore, we recognize that designation of critical habitat may not include all of the habitat areas that may eventually be determined to be necessary for the recovery of the species. For these reasons, all should understand that critical habitat designations do
As required by the Act and regulations (section 4(b)(2) and 50 CFR § 424.12), we used the best scientific information available to determine areas that contain the physical and biological features that are essential for the survival and recovery of the Oa
The distribution and abundance of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio have declined seriously in the last few decades (Williams 1987; O‘ahu ‘elepaio final listing rule, 65 FR 20760; VanderWerf
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Section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act provides that areas outside the geographical area currently occupied by the species may meet the definition of critical habitat upon determination that they are essential for the conservation of the species. Because of the territorial nature of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, its small total population size, limited range, fragmented distribution, and resulting vulnerability to genetic, demographic,
We determined the amount and spatial arrangement of critical habitat needed to support a viable population of O‘ahu ‘elepaio. Because a recovery plan for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio has not been completed yet, in making this determination we looked to the historical distribution of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio for a model of a viable population. The best and most recent information available on the distribution of an apparently viable O‘ahu ‘elepaio population is from 1975, when extensive surveys were conducted over much of the island (Shallenberger 1977, Shallenberger and Vaughn 1978, Banko 1981). ‘Elepaio began declining on O‘ahu before 1975 and had already disappeared from some parts of the island (Figure 2; Conant 1977, Williams 1987, VanderWerf
In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at 50 CFR 424.12, in determining which areas to propose as critical habitat, we are required to consider those physical and biological features that are essential to the conservation of the species and that may require special management considerations and protection. Such features are termed Primary Constituent Elements, and include but are not limited to: space for individual and population growth and for normal behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals and other nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for nesting and rearing of offspring; and habitats that are protected from disturbance and are representative of the historic geographical and ecological distributions of the species.
‘Elepaio are adaptable and able to forage and nest in a variety of forest types composed of both native and introduced plant species (Conant 1977, VanderWerf 1993, 1994, 1998). Nest site selection by ‘elepaio is non-specialized; nests have been found in seven native and 13 introduced plant species (E. VanderWerf, unpubl. data). Shallenberger and Vaughn (1978) found the highest relative abundance of ‘elepaio in forest dominated by introduced guava and kukui trees, but they were also found in the following forest types (in order of decreasing abundance): mixed native-exotic; tall exotic; koa dominant; mixed koa-‘
The primary constituent elements required by the O‘ahu ‘elepaio for foraging, sheltering, roosting, nesting, and rearing of young are found in undeveloped areas that support wet, mesic, and dry forest composed of both native and introduced plant species. Higher population density can be expected in tall, closed canopy riparian forest than in low scrubby forest on ridges and summits. In addition, the primary constituent elements associated with the biological needs of dispersal and genetic exchange among populations are found in undeveloped areas that support wet or dry shrub land and wet or dry cliff habitat. ‘Elepaio may not establish territories in shrub or cliff habitats and may use them only transiently, but areas containing these habitats are important for linking populations by facilitating dispersal and promoting genetic exchange.
We used several criteria to identify and select lands proposed for designation as critical habitat. We began with all areas that are currently occupied by ‘elepaio, excluding one very small, isolated subpopulation at Hau‘ula that contains only a single male (Figure 1; subpopulation Q). We then added unoccupied lands containing the primary constituent elements that were needed for conservation of the species. As discussed in greater detail in the Methods section, in deciding which unoccupied areas were needed for recovery we used the distribution of ‘elepaio in 1975 as a model of a viable population. Within this area of distribution in 1975 we gave preference to lands that (a) provided more preferred forest types, (b) were more recently occupied (since 1975), and (c) were contiguous and formed large
We were unable to map the proposed critical habitat unit boundaries in sufficient detail to exclude all existing developed lands that do not contain the primary constituent elements. However, existing development features and structures within the boundaries of the mapped units, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, antennas, water tanks, agricultural fields, paved areas, lawns, and other urban landscaped areas that do not contain the primary constituent elements are not proposed as critical habitat. Federal actions limited to those areas, therefore, would not trigger a section 7 consultation, unless they affect the species and/or primary constituent elements in adjacent critical habitat.
Lands proposed as critical habitat occur in five separate units and provide the full range of primary constituent elements needed by the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, including: a variety of currently occupied undeveloped forested areas that are used for foraging, roosting, sheltering, nesting, and raising offspring; a variety of currently unoccupied undeveloped forested areas that are adjacent to occupied areas and provide for expansion of existing subpopulations; and shrub land and cliff habitats that link subpopulations and are used for dispersal. If ‘elepaio were restored throughout each of the proposed critical habitat units, the resulting distribution would closely resemble the distribution in 1975, when the subpopulations were larger and less isolated, the overall population appeared to be viable, and when the O‘ahu ‘elepaio was not considered endangered. The area proposed as critical habitat (26,733 ha) is larger than the area occupied in 1975 (20,900 ha) because the proposed critical habitat contains not only lands expected to support breeding ‘elepaio populations, but also intervening lands that provide for periodic dispersal and not permanent occupation.
The potential ‘elepaio population in the area proposed as critical habitat is 10,104 birds, as estimated by multiplying the current density of ‘elepaio in different parts of the island by the area of each critical habitat unit (Table 2). These estimates are approximate, and the actual population in each unit may be larger if density can be increased beyond current levels, or lower if it proves difficult to establish dense populations in some currently unoccupied areas.
The approximate area and land ownership within each proposed critical habitat unit are shown in Table 3. Proposed critical habitat includes land under Federal, State, and private ownership, with Federal lands being managed by the Department of Defense and the Department of the Interior. Proposed lands include most (99 percent) of the species’ current range and encompass approximately 21 percent of the species' original range. Approximately 21 percent of proposed lands are currently occupied by ‘elepaio, and 79 percent are currently unoccupied but were recently occupied (since 1975). A detailed description of each unit and reasons for proposing each portion of the unit as critical habitat are presented below.
Unit 1 consists of approximately 4,501 ha (11,122 ac) encompassing the higher elevations of the northern Waiànae Mountains. It is bounded on the south by Kolekole pass, and on the north, east, and west by forest edge created by human actions. Natural features within the unit include Mt. Kaàla, the highest peak on O‘ahu at 1,227 m (4,025 feet), several other high peaks along the spine of the Waiànae Range, the upper portions of large, broad valleys on the slopes of the Waiànae Range, including Waiànae Kai, Ma
Unit 1 contains two important èlepaio core subpopulations: one in upper Haleàuàu and Mohi‘akea gulches above the firebreak road on U.S. Army Schofield Barracks West Range; the other in upper Ma
Unit 2 consists of approximately 2,515 ha (6,215 ac) encompassing the higher elevations of the southern Waiànae Mountains. It is bounded on the north by Kolekole Pass, and on the east, west, and south by forest edge created by human actions. Natural features of the unit include several high peaks along the spine of the southern Waiànae Range, including Palikea, Kaua, Ka
Unit 2 contains the second largest O‘ahu ‘elepaio subpopulation, encompassing several land parcels, including Honouliuli Preserve (which is managed by The Nature Conservancy of Hawaiì), Naval Magazine Pearl Harbor Lualualei Branch, Na
Unit 3 is the largest unit, encompassing 14,840 ha (36,669 ac) of the higher elevations of the central Koòlau Mountains. Natural features of the unit include the summit of the Koòlau Range and the upper portions of numerous narrow valleys separated by steep ridges, including (from south to north) Manaika
Unit 3 contains two important core ‘elepaio subpopulations: one located almost entirely on private land in Moanalua, North and South Ha
Unit 4 consists of approximately 800 ha (1,977 ac) encompassing the higher elevations of the leeward (western) side of the central K‘oolau Mountains above Kalihi and Kapa
Unit 5 consists of approximately 4,197 ha (10,371 ac) encompassing the higher elevations of the southern K‘oolau Mountains. It is bounded on the west by the Pali Highway. Natural features of the unit include: the summit of the southern K‘oolau Mountains, including Konahuanui, the highest peak in the K‘oolau Range at 960 m (3,150 ft), the upper portion of Maunawili Valley on the windward (northern) side of the mountains, and the upper portions of numerous narrow valleys separated by steep ridges on the leeward side, including (from east to west) Ka
Unit 5 contains the largest remaining
Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the Service, to ensure that actions they fund, authorize, or carry out do not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat to the extent that the action appreciably diminishes the value of the critical habitat for the survival and recovery of the species. Individuals, organizations, states, local governments, and other non-Federal entities are affected by the designation of critical habitat only if their actions occur on Federal lands, require a Federal permit, license, or other authorization, or involve Federal funding.
Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical habitat, if any is designated or proposed. Regulations implementing this interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR part 402. Section 7(a)(4) requires Federal agencies to confer with us on any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species or result in destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. Conference reports provide conservation recommendations to assist the agency in eliminating conflicts that may be caused by the proposed action. The conservation recommendations in a conference report are advisory.
We may issue a formal conference report, if requested by the Federal action agency. Formal conference reports include an opinion that is prepared according to 50 CFR 402.14, as if the species was listed or critical habitat designated. We may adopt the formal conference report as the biological opinion when the species is listed or critical habitat designated, if no substantial new information or changes in the action alter the content of the opinion (see 50 CFR 402.10(d)).
If a species is listed or critical habitat is designated, section 7(a)(2) requires Federal agencies to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of such a species nor to destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency (action agency) must enter into consultation with us. Through this consultation the Federal action agency would ensure that
When we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat, we also provide reasonable and prudent alternatives to the project, if any are identifiable. Reasonable and prudent alternatives are defined at 50 CFR 402.02 as alternative actions identified during consultation that can be implemented in a manner consistent with the intended purpose of the action, that are consistent with the scope of the Federal agency’s legal authority and jurisdiction, that are economically and technologically feasible, and that the Director believes would avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. Reasonable and prudent alternatives can vary from slight project modifications to extensive redesign or relocation of the project. Costs associated with implementing a reasonable and prudent alternative are similarly variable.
Regulations at 50 CFR 402.16 require Federal agencies to reinitiate consultation on previously reviewed actions in instances where critical habitat is subsequently designated and the Federal agency has retained discretionary involvement or control over the action or such discretionary involvement or control is authorized by law. Consequently, some Federal agencies may request reinitiation of consultation with us on actions for which formal consultation has been completed if those actions may affect designated critical habitat.
Activities on Federal lands that may affect the
Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us to evaluate briefly in any proposed or final regulation that designates critical habitat those activities involving a Federal action that may adversely modify such habitat or that may be affected by such designation. Activities that may result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat include those that alter the primary constituent elements to an extent that the value of critical habitat for the survival and recovery of the ‘elepaio is appreciably reduced. We note that such activities may also jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Activities that may directly or indirectly adversely affect critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio include, but are not limited to:
(1) Removing, thinning, or destroying
(2) Appreciably decreasing habitat value or quality as an indirect effect of an action (e.g., introduction or promotion of potential nest predators, diseases or disease vectors, vertebrate or invertebrate food competitors, or invasive plant species; forest fragmentation; overgrazing; augmentation of feral ungulate populations; water diversion or impoundment, groundwater pumping, or other activities that alter water quality or quantity to an extent that affects vegetation structure or produces mosquito breeding habitat; and activities that increase the risk of fire).
To properly portray the effects of critical habitat designation, we must first compare the section 7 requirements for actions that may affect critical habitat with the requirements for actions that may affect a listed species. Section 7 prohibits actions funded, authorized, or carried out by Federal agencies from jeopardizing the continued existence of a listed species or destroying or adversely modifying the listed species’ critical habitat. Actions likely to “jeopardize the continued existence” of a species are those that would appreciably reduce the likelihood of the survival and recovery of a listed species. Actions likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat are those that would appreciably reduce the value of critical habitat for the survival and recovery of the listed species.
Common to both definitions is an appreciable detrimental effect on survival and recovery of a listed species. Given the similarity of these definitions, actions likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat would almost always result in jeopardy to the species concerned, particularly when the area of the proposed action is occupied by the species concerned. In those cases, critical habitat provides little additional protection to a species, and the ramifications of its designation are few or none. However, critical habitat designation in unoccupied areas may trigger consultation under section 7 of the Act where it would not have otherwise occurred if critical habitat had not been designated.
Federal agencies already consult with us on activities in areas currently occupied by the species to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence of the species. These actions include, but are not limited to:
(1) Regulation of activities affecting waters of the United States by the Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean Water Act;
(2) Regulation of water flows, damming, diversion, and channelization by Federal agencies;
(3) Development on private or State lands requiring permits from other Federal agencies, such as Housing and Urban Development;
(4) Military training or similar activities of the U.S. Department of Defense (Army and Navy) on their lands or lands under their jurisdiction at Schofield Barracks, Ma
(5) Construction of communication sites licensed by the Federal Communications Commission;
(6) Road construction and maintenance, right-of-way designation, and regulation of agricultural activities be Federal agencies;
(7) Hazard mitigation and post-disaster repairs funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
(8) Activities not previously mentioned that are funded or authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service), Department of Defense, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, Department of Interior (U.S. Geological Survey, National Park Service), Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Environmental Protection Agency, or any other Federal agency.
If you have questions regarding whether specific activities would constitute adverse modification of critical habitat, contact the Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Ecological Services Field Office (see
Critical habitat is defined in section 3, paragraph (5)(A) of the Act as—(i) the specific areas within the geographic area occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to the conservation of the species and (II) that may require special management considerations or protection; and (ii) specific areas outside the geographic area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. Special management and protection are not required if adequate management and protection are already in place. Adequate special management or protection is provided by a legally operative plan/agreement that addresses the maintenance and improvement of the primary constituent elements important to the species and manages for the long-term conservation of the species. If any areas containing the primary constituent elements are currently being managed to address the conservation needs of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio and do not require special management or protection, these areas would not meet the definition of critical habitat in section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and would not be included in this proposed rule.
To determine if a plan provides adequate management or protection we consider: (1) Whether there is a current plan specifying the management actions and whether such actions provide sufficient conservation benefit to the species; (2) whether the plan provides assurances that the conservation management strategies will be implemented; and (3) whether the plan provides assurances that the conservation management strategies will be effective. In determining if management strategies are likely to be implemented, we consider whether: (a) A management plan or agreement exists that specifies the management actions being implemented or to be implemented; (b) there is a timely schedule for implementation; (c) there is a high probability that the funding source(s) or other resources necessary to implement the actions will be available; and (d) the party(ies) have the authority and long-term commitment to implement the management actions, as demonstrated, for example, by a legal instrument providing enduring protection and management of the lands. In determining whether an action is likely to be effective, we consider whether: (a) The plan specifically addresses the management needs, including reduction of threats to the species; (b) such actions have been successful in the past; (c) there are provisions for monitoring and assessment of the effectiveness of the management actions; and (d) adaptive management principles have been incorporated into the plan.
Based on information provided to us by landowners and managers to date, we find that no areas are adequately managed and protected to address the threats to ‘elepaio. Several areas are covered under current management plans and are being managed in a manner that meets some of the conservation needs of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, but in no areas does the management adequately reduce the primary threats to this species. Specifically, the threat from introduced nest predators, primarily rodents, has been successfully managed on a small scale in Honouliuli Preserve by The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, in Schofield Barracks West Range and M’kua Military Reservation by the U.S. Army, and in the Honolulu Watershed Forest Reserve by the Hawai‘i State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, but in each case the management actions have affected only a small proportion of the ‘elepaio in the area. Adequate reduction of the threat from rodents will require larger scale management that protects more ‘elepaio. The other primary threat to the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, introduced diseases carried by mosquitoes, has not been managed in any area.
The O‘ahu Forest National Wildlife Refuge does not meet these criteria because the refuge was created only recently (December 2000) and there is no current management that meets the recovery needs of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio. Refuge lands have not been adequately surveyed yet, and even whether the area is currently occupied by ‘elepaio remains uncertain.
The Sikes Act Improvements Act of 1997 (Sikes Act) requires each military installation that includes land and water suitable for the conservation and management of natural resources to complete, by November 17, 2001, an Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). An INRMP integrates implementation of the military mission of the installation with stewardship of the natural resources found there. Each INRMP includes an assessment of the ecological needs on the installation, including needs to provide for the conservation of listed species; a statement of goals and priorities; a detailed description of management actions to be implemented to provide for these ecological needs; and a monitoring and adaptive management plan. We consult with the military on the development and implementation of INRMPs for installations with listed species. We believe that bases that have completed and approved INRMPs that address the needs of the species generally do not meet the definition of critical habitat discussed above, because they require no additional special management or protection. Therefore, we do not include these areas in critical habitat designations if they meet the following three criteria: (1) A current INRMP must be complete and provide a conservation benefit to the species; (2) the plan must provide assurances that the conservation management strategies will be implemented; and (3) the plan must provide assurances that the conservation management strategies will be effective, by providing for periodic monitoring and revisions as necessary. If all of these criteria are met, then the lands covered under the plan would not meet the definition of critical habitat. To date, no military installation on O‘ahu has completed a final INRMP that provides sufficient management and protection for the ‘elepaio.
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on the basis of the best scientific and commercial information available, and that we consider the economic and other relevant impacts of designating a particular area as critical habitat. We may exclude areas from critical habitat designation if the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of designation, provided the exclusion will not result in the extinction of the species. We will conduct an analysis of the economic impacts of designating these areas as critical habitat prior to a final determination. When completed, we will announce the availability of the draft economic analysis with a notice in the
Currently, there are no habitat conservation plans (HCPs) that include the O‘ahu ‘elepaio as a covered species. However, we believe that in most instances the benefits of excluding HCPs from critical habitat designations will outweigh the benefits of including them. In the event that future HCPs are developed within the boundaries of proposed or designated critical habitat, we will work with applicants to ensure that the HCPs provide for protection and
We will provide technical assistance and work closely with applicants throughout the development of any future HCPs to identify lands essential for the long-term conservation of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio and appropriate management for those lands. The take minimization and mitigation measures provided under such HCPs would be expected to protect the essential habitat lands proposed as critical habitat in this rule and provide for the conservation of the covered species. Furthermore, we will complete intra-Service consultation on our issuance of section 10(a)(1)(B) permits for these HCPs to ensure permit issuance will not destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. If an HCP that includes the O’ahu ‘elepaio is ultimately approved after this critical habitat designation is finalized, we will reassess the critical habitat boundaries in light of the HCP. We will seek to undertake this review when the HCP is approved, but funding constraints may influence the timing of such a review.
We intend that any final action resulting from this proposal be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we solicit comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested party concerning this proposed rule. We are particularly interested in comments concerning:
(1) The reasons why any area should or should not be determined to be critical habitat as provided by section 4 of the Act and 50 CFR 424.12(a)(1), including whether the benefits of designation will outweigh any threats to the species due to designation;
(2) Specific information on the number and distribution of O‘ahu ‘elepaio and what habitat is essential to the conservation of this species and why;
(3) Whether lands within proposed critical habitat are currently being managed to address conservation needs of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio;
(4) Land use practices and current or planned activities in the subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat;
(5) Any foreseeable economic or other impacts resulting from the proposed designation of critical habitat, in particular, any impacts on small entities or families;
(6) Whether future development and approval of conservation measures (e.g., Conservation Agreements, Safe Harbor Agreements, etc.) should be excluded from critical habitat and, if so, by what mechanism; and,
(7) Economic and other values associated with designating critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio, such as those derived from non-consumptive uses (e.g., hiking, camping, bird-watching, enhanced watershed protection, improved air quality, increased soil retention, “existence values,” and reductions in administrative costs).
If we receive information that any of the areas proposed as critical habitat are currently being managed to address the conservation needs of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio and provide adequate management and protection, these areas would not meet the definition of critical habitat in section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and would not be included in the final critical habitat designation for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio. If you wish to comment, you may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposal by any one of several methods:
1. You may submit written comments and information to Paul Henson, Field Supervisor, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3–122, Box 50088, Honolulu, HI 96850.
2. You may hand deliver written comments to our Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 3–122, Honolulu, Hawai‘i.
3. You may send comments by electronic mail (e-mail) to FW1PIE_OahuElep_crithab@r1.fws.gov. If you are sending comments by electronic mail (e-mail), please submit them in ASCII file format or embedded in the text of the e-mail message, and avoid the use of special characters and encryption. Please include “Attn: 1018–AG99” and your name and return address in your e-mail message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that we have received your e-mail message, contact us directly by calling our Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Service Office at phone number 808/541–3441. Please note that the e-mail address (FW1PIE_OahuElep_crithab@r1.fws.gov) will be closed at the termination of the public comment period.
Our practice is to make comments, including names and home addresses of respondents, available for public review during regular business hours. Respondents may request that we withhold their home address, which we will honor to the extent allowable by law. There also may be circumstances in which we would withhold a respondent’s identity, as allowable by law. If you wish us to withhold your name and/or address, you must state this request prominently at the beginning of your comment. To the extent consistent with applicable law, we will make all submissions from organizations or businesses, and from individuals identifying themselves as representatives or officials of organizations or businesses, available for public inspection in their entirety. Comments and materials received will be available for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office in Honolulu.
In accordance with our policy published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we will seek the expert opinions of at least three appropriate and independent specialists regarding this proposed rule. The purpose of such review is to ensure listing and critical habitat decisions are based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. We will send copies of this proposed rule to these peer reviewers immediately following publication in the
Executive Order 12866 requires each agency to write regulations and notices that are easy to understand. We invite your comments on how to make this proposed rule easier to understand, including answers to questions such as the following: (1) Are the requirements in the proposed rule clearly stated? (2) Does the proposed rule contain technical language or jargon that interferes with the clarity? (3) Does the format of the proposed rule (grouping and order of sections, use of headings, paragraphing, etc.) aid or reduce its clarity? (4) Is the description of the proposed rule in the
In accordance with Executive Order 12866, this document is a significant rule and was reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). We are preparing a draft analysis of this proposed action, which will be available for public comment, to determine the economic consequences of designating the specific areas as critical habitat. The availability of the draft economic analysis will be announced in the
(a) While we will prepare an economic analysis to assist us in considering whether areas should be excluded pursuant to section 4 of the Act, we do not believe this rule will have an annual economic effect of $100 million or adversely affect an economic sector, productivity, jobs, the environment, or other units of government. Therefore, we do not believe a cost benefit and economic analysis pursuant to EO 12866 is required.
Under the Act, critical habitat may not be adversely modified by a Federal agency action; critical habitat does not impose any restrictions on non-Federal persons unless they are conducting activities funded or otherwise sponsored, authorized, or permitted by a Federal agency (see Table 4 below). Section 7 requires Federal agencies to ensure that they do not jeopardize the continued existence of this species. Based upon our experience with this species and its needs, we conclude that any Federal action or authorized action that could potentially cause adverse modification of proposed critical habitat would currently be considered as “jeopardy” under the Act in areas occupied by the species. Accordingly, the designation of currently occupied areas as critical habitat does not have any incremental impacts on what actions may or may not be conducted by Federal agencies or non-Federal persons that receive Federal authorization or funding. The designation of areas as critical habitat where section 7 consultations would not have occurred but for the critical habitat designation may have impacts on what actions may or may not be conducted by Federal agencies or non-Federal persons who receive Federal authorization or funding that are not attributable to the species listing. We will evaluate any impact through our economic analysis (under section 4 of the Act; see Economic Analysis section of this rule). Non-Federal persons that do not have Federal involvement in their actions are not restricted by the designation of critical habitat.
(b) This rule will not create inconsistencies with other agencies' actions. As discussed above, Federal agencies have been required to ensure that their actions not jeopardize the continued existence of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio since its listing in May 2000. The prohibition against adverse modification of critical habitat would
(c) This rule, if made final, will not materially affect entitlements, grants, user fees, loan programs, or the rights and obligations of their recipients. Federal agencies are currently required to ensure that their activities do not jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species, and, as discussed above, we do not anticipate that the adverse modification prohibition resulting from critical habitat designation will have any incremental effects in areas of occupied habitat.
(d) This rule will not raise novel legal or policy issues. The proposed rule follows the requirements for determining critical habitat contained in the Act.
In the economic analysis (required under section 4 of the Act), we will determine whether designation of critical habitat will have a significant effect on a substantial number of small entities. As discussed under Regulatory Planning and Review above, this rule is not expected to result in any restrictions in addition to those currently in existence for areas where section 7 consultations would have occurred as result of the species being listed under the Act. We will also evaluate whether designation includes any areas where section 7 consultations would occur only as result of the critical habitat designation, and in such cases determine if it will significantly affect a substantial number of small entities. As indicated in Table 3 (see Proposed Critical Habitat Designation section), we propose designation on property owned by local governments and private property. Within these areas, the types of Federal actions or authorized activities that we have identified as potential concerns are:
(1) Regulation of activities affecting waters of the United States by the Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean Water Act;
(2) Regulation of water flows, damming, diversion, and channelization by Federal agencies;
(3) Development on private or State lands requiring permits from other Federal agencies, such as Housing and Urban Development;
(4) Military training or similar activities of the U.S. Department of Defense (Army and Navy) on their lands or lands under their jurisdiction at Schofield Barracks, Ma
(5) Construction of communication sites licensed by the Federal Communications Commission;
(6) Road construction and maintenance, right-of-way designation, and regulation of agricultural activities by Federal agencies;
(7) Hazard mitigation and post-disaster repairs funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
(8) Activities funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, or any other Federal agency.
Potentially some of these activities sponsored by Federal agencies within the proposed critical habitat areas are carried out by small entities (as defined by the Regulatory Flexibility Act) through contract, grant, permit, or other Federal authorization. For actions on non-Federal property that do not have a Federal connection (such as funding or authorization), the current restrictions concerning take of the species remain in effect, and this rule will have no additional restrictions.
In the economic analysis, we will determine whether designation of critical habitat will cause (a) any effect on the economy of $100 million or more, (b) any increases in costs or prices for consumers, individual industries, Federal, State, or local government agencies, or geographic regions; or (c) any significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or the ability of U.S.-based enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises. As discussed above, we anticipate that the designation of critical habitat will not have any additional effects on these activities in areas where section 7 consultations would occur regardless of the critical habitat designation. We will evaluate any impact of designating areas where section 7 consultations would not have occurred but for the critical habitat designation through our economic analysis.
On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order EO 13211 on regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. As this final rule is not expected to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or use, this action is not a significant energy action and no Statement of Energy Effects is required.
In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 August 25, 2000
(a) We believe this rule will not “significantly or uniquely” affect small governments. A Small Government Agency Plan is not required. Small governments will be affected only to the extent that any programs having Federal funds, permits, or other authorized activities must ensure that their actions will not adversely affect the critical habitat. However, as discussed above, these actions are currently subject to equivalent restrictions through the listing protections of the species, and no further restrictions are anticipated to result from critical habitat designation of occupied areas. In our economic analysis, we will evaluate any impact of designating areas where section 7 consultations would not have occurred but for the critical habitat designation.
(b) This rule will not produce a Federal mandate of $100 million or greater in any year; that is, it is not a “significant regulatory action” under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The designation of critical habitat imposes no obligations on State or local governments.
In accordance with Executive Order 12630, this rule does not have significant takings implications. A takings implication assessment is not required. As discussed above, the designation of critical habitat affects only Federal agency actions. The rule will not increase or decrease the current restrictions on private property concerning take of the species. The rule will not increase or decrease the current restrictions on private property concerning take of this species. We do not anticipate that property values will be affected by the critical habitat designation. Landowners in areas that are included in the designated critical habitat will continue to have opportunity to utilize their property in
In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have significant Federalism effects. A Federalism assessment is not required. As discussed above, the designation of critical habitat in areas currently occupied by the Oa
In accordance with Executive Order 12988, the Department of the Interior’s Office of the Solicitor has determined that this rule does not unduly burden the judicial system and does meet the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. We designate critical habitat in accordance with the provisions of the Act. The proposed rule uses standard property descriptions and identifies the primary constituent elements within the designated areas to assist the public in understanding the habitat needs of the O‘ahu ‘elepaio.
This rule does not contain any information collection requirements for which Office of Management and Budget approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act is required.
We have determined that an Environmental Assessment and/or an Environmental Impact Statement as defined by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 need not be prepared in connection with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Endangered Species Act. A notice outlining our reason for this determination was published in the
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, “Government-to-Government Relations With Native American Tribal Governments” (59 FR 22951) Executive Order 13175 and the Department of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our responsibility to communicate meaningfully with federally recognized Tribes on a government-to-government basis. The proposed designation of critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘elepaio does not contain any Tribal lands or lands that we have identified as impacting Tribal trust resources.
A complete list of all references cited in this proposed rule is available upon request from the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office (see
The primary author of this document is Eric A. VanderWerf, Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office (see
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and record keeping requirements, Transportation.
Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531–1544; 16 U.S.C. 4201–4245; Pub. L. 99–625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.
2. In § 17.11(h) revise the entry for “ ‘Elepaio, O‘ahu” under “BIRDS” to read as follows:
(h) * * *
3. Amend § 17.95(b) by adding critical habitat for the O‘ahu ‘Elepaio (
(b) Birds.
O‘ahu ‘elepaio (
1. Critical Habitat Units are depicted for the City and County of Honolulu on the maps following.
2. Within these areas, the primary constituent elements required by the O‘ahu ‘elepaio are those habitat components that are essential for the biological needs of foraging, sheltering, roosting, nesting, and rearing of young. The primary constituent elements are provided in undeveloped areas that support various types of wet, mesic, and dry forest with a generally continuous canopy and a dense understory and that
Within the forests and shrub lands providing the primary constituent elements, plant species composition varies with rainfall, elevation, and degree of habitat disturbance and plant species occur in a variety of assemblages. Dominant native and introduced species within these plant assemblages include, but are not limited to, ‘o
3. Existing developed features and structures, such as buildings, roads, aqueducts, antennas, water tanks, agricultural fields, paved areas, lawns, and other urban landscaped areas that do not contain one or more of the primary constituent elements, are not included as critical habitat.
Unit 1 consists of one hundred and one boundary points with the following coordinates in UTM Zone 4 with the units in meters using North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83): 588465, 2375750; 587846, 2376228; 587213, 2376416; 586946, 2376176; 586675, 2376658; 586672, 2377028; 586468, 2377154; 586672, 2377219; 586430, 2377462; 586532, 2377741; 586464, 2377863; 586261, 2377727; 585895, 2377915; 585242, 2377801; 584907, 2377864; 584433, 2377671; 584139, 2377961; 583974, 2378388; 584099, 2378414; 584016, 2378599; 584207, 2378563; 583425, 2379849; 583801, 2379814; 583831, 2380171; 584075, 2380122; 584324, 2379841; 584526, 2380031; 584181, 2381150; 584078, 2381295; 583938, 2381385; 583738, 2381388; 583402, 2381505; 583315, 2381668; 582998, 2381518; 582785, 2381368; 582566, 2381369; 582561, 2381485; 582694, 2381702; 582685, 2381865; 582566, 2382005; 582651, 2382112; 583122, 2382432; 582768, 2382529; 582445, 2382889; 581998, 2383075; 581881, 2383019; 581546, 2383276; 581387, 2383071; 581221, 2383069; 581023, 2383019; 580811, 2382809; 580192, 2382557; 580070, 2382662; 579894, 2382772; 580060, 2383144; 580151, 2383425; 580526, 2383690; 580750, 2383802; 581314, 2383901; 581353, 2383719; 587168, 2382252; 586876, 2381574; 587645, 2381564; 587539, 2382159; 590187, 2381495; 590131, 2381324; 590955, 2381123; 591938, 2379504; 592106, 2379316; 592575, 2379032; 592871, 2378937; 592520, 2378940; 592213, 2379019; 592100, 2378936; 592014, 2378940; 591993, 2379074; 591950, 2379089; 591765, 2378955; 591393, 2378631; 591229, 2378138; 591294,
Unit 2 consists of fifty-six boundary points with the following coordinates in UTM Zone 4 with the units in meters using North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83): 592373, 2366709; 592345, 2367091; 592171, 2367271; 592449, 2367406; 591970, 2368628; 592530, 2369066; 592575, 2369415; 593190, 2369759; 593231, 2369971; 592864, 2370362; 593156, 2370385; 593368, 2370513; 593249, 2370991; 592348, 2370899; 592469, 2371381; 592374, 2371861; 592582, 2372284; 592295, 2372774; 592100, 2373836; 591816, 2374384; 592053, 2374764; 592045, 2375115; 592504, 2375529; 593245, 2375497; 594056, 2374659; 594299, 2374644; 594081, 2374253; 593970, 2373860; 594207, 2373793; 594437, 2374070; 594578, 2374412; 594867, 2374406; 594965, 2374331; 594978, 2374067; 595140, 2374463; 595431, 2374602; 595604, 2374352; 595772, 2374351; 595782, 2374020; 596005, 2373471; 595754, 2373256; 595960, 2372960; 595678, 2372709; 595531, 2372434; 595485, 2371908; 595272, 2371337; 595489, 2370340; 595296, 2369703; 595561, 2369694; 595565, 2369178; 595390, 2368213; 595117, 2368245; 594830, 2366778; 593114, 2366319; 592309, 2366563; 592373, 2366709.
Unit 3 consists of one hundred and six boundary points with following coordinates in UTM Zone 4 with the units in meters using North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83): 615481, 2366443; 613829, 2366084; 612845, 2367394; 612829, 2367639; 612488, 2368140; 611561, 2368027; 611448, 2368566; 611117, 2369088; 610523, 2369387; 610693, 2369643; 610226, 2370083; 611040, 2370565; 609681, 2371985; 609025, 2371951; 609034, 2373100; 608391, 2373401; 608469, 2373609; 608065, 2373567; 607941, 2373859; 608199, 2373978; 608109, 2374925; 607637, 2375635; 607869, 2375817; 607456, 2375780; 607136, 2375598; 607046, 2375977; 607565, 2376766; 606428, 2378568; 605381, 2378725; 606026, 2379972; 604900, 2380551; 605708, 2381032; 607698, 2381439; 609468, 2381214; 610319, 2381573; 611728, 2381425; 611797, 2380904; 612201, 2380506; 613364, 2381362; 615459, 2380980; 616152, 2380161; 616780, 2378903; 616513, 2378013; 616873, 2376632; 616699, 2375737; 617180, 2375933; 617356, 2375158; 617664, 2375259; 617994, 2375029; 617757, 2373739; 618311, 2372859; 618082, 2372506; 618563, 2371385; 617894, 2370668; 618022, 2370181; 618247, 2370148; 618043, 2370014; 619043, 2369685; 618878, 2369509; 619381, 2369376; 619182, 2369040; 619525, 2368805; 619611, 2368922; 619747, 2368829; 619588, 2368664; 619928, 2368585; 619650, 2368496; 619614, 2368284; 620097, 2368401; 619967, 2368174; 620164, 2368022; 620005, 2367870; 620257, 2367795; 619954, 2367590; 620341, 2367572; 620055, 2367214; 621150, 2366779; 621549, 2366388; 621302, 2366064; 621511, 2365913; 621381, 2365424; 621553, 2365265; 621489, 2364827; 620880, 2364530; 620469, 2364040; 619115, 2363338; 617176, 2363590; 616868, 2363761; 616638, 2364642; 615913, 2365439; 615777, 2365575; 615420, 2365753; 615767, 2365918; 615684, 2366361; 616156, 2366495; 616990, 2367187; 617469, 2367398; 618312, 2367466; 619282, 2367250; 619336, 2367460; 618293, 2367672; 617426, 2367594; 616876, 2367352; 616189, 2366748; 615713, 2366555; 615481, 2366443.
Unit 4 consists of thirty-five boundary points with the following coordinates in UTM Zone 4 with the units in meters using North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83): 619449, 2361897; 619967, 2362184; 619999, 2362473; 620286, 2362404; 620537, 2362773; 621409, 2363520; 621660, 2363584; 622719, 2364191; 622901, 2364348; 623091, 2364242; 623209, 2363699; 623046, 2363507; 623201, 2363403; 623106, 2363264; 623391, 2363271; 623404, 2363073; 623634, 2363216; 623976, 2362864; 623238, 2362105; 621688, 2361633; 621467, 2361418; 621345, 2361518; 620954, 2360860; 620598, 2360514; 620700, 2360831; 620572, 2360908; 619869, 2360908; 619670, 2360852; 619064, 2360661; 618935, 2360886; 619170, 2361072; 619199, 2361402; 619163, 2361470; 618977, 2361595; 619449, 2361897.
Unit 5 consists of seventy-eight boundary points with the following coordinates in UTM Zone 4 with the units in meters using North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83): 626915, 2356759; 626560, 2357502; 626675, 2357669; 626333, 2357906; 626359, 2358234; 626110, 2358313; 626031, 2357725; 625623, 2357254; 625538, 2357354; 625351, 2357186; 625091, 2357420; 625118, 2357617; 625085, 2358039; 624568, 2358236; 624821, 2358624; 624568, 2358859; 625059, 2359019; 625083, 2359182; 624607, 2359469; 624378, 2359605; 624247, 2359627; 623768, 2359261; 623004, 2359366; 622941, 2359584; 622499, 2359435; 621968, 2359088; 621864, 2359256; 621335, 2359722; 622127, 2360488; 621920, 2360603; 623746, 2361359; 625281, 2363179; 625896, 2363475; 626109, 2363219; 626146, 2363135; 626234, 2362910; 626392, 2362857; 626871, 2362399; 626986, 2361859; 627500, 2361686; 626946, 2361095; 627268, 2360638; 627548, 2360727; 627690, 2360077; 628361, 2360895; 628839, 2360922; 629079, 2360676; 629519, 2360722; 629341, 2360070; 630776, 2359069; 631754, 2358982; 632440, 2358108; 632959, 2357815; 633019, 2357425; 632769, 2356517; 632191, 2356385; 630620, 2355286; 630491, 2355266; 630104, 2355644; 630041, 2355624; 629732, 2355117; 629510, 2355214; 629279, 2356032; 629033, 2356130; 628836, 2356015; 628378, 2356236; 628317, 2355841; 628209, 2355703; 627673, 2354542; 627125, 2354591; 627125, 2355143; 627381, 2355990; 627200, 2356033; 626832, 2355846; 626399, 2355498; 626215, 2355823; 626806, 2356493; 626915, 2356759.
(Proposed: Designation of critical habitat for the Oa