[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 207 (Wednesday, October 26, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 66250-66255]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-27727]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[FWS-R1-ES-2010-0071; MO 92210-0-0009]
RIN 1018-AX16
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of
Critical Habitat for Lepidium papilliferum (Slickspot Peppergrass)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; reopening of comment period.
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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
reopening of the comment period on our May 10, 2011, proposal to
designate critical habitat for Lepidium papilliferum (slickspot
peppergrass) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended
(Act). We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis
(DEA) of the proposed designation and an amended required
determinations section of the proposal. We are reopening the comment
period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment
simultaneously on the proposed rule, the associated DEA, and the
amended required determinations section. Comments previously submitted
on this rulemaking do not need to be resubmitted, as they will be fully
considered in preparation of the final rule.
DATES: We will consider comments received on or before December 12,
2011. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the
closing date. Any comments that we receive after the closing date may
not be considered in the final decision on this action.
ADDRESSES:
Document availability: You may obtain a copy of the DEA via http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2010-0071 or by contacting
the office listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
[[Page 66251]]
Comment submission: You may submit comments by one of the following
methods:
(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. In the box that reads ``Enter Keyword or ID,''
enter the docket number for this proposed rule, which is FWS-R1-ES-
2010-0071, and then click the Search button. You should then see an
icon that reads ``Submit a Comment.'' Please ensure that you have found
the correct rulemaking before submitting your comment.
(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public
Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2010-0071; Division of Policy and
Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax
Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide
us (see the Public Comments section below for more information).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brian T. Kelly, State Supervisor,
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office, 1387 S. Vinnell Way, Room 368, Boise,
ID 83709, by telephone (208-378-5243), or by facsimile (208-378-5262).
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call
the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Public Comments
We will accept written comments and information during this
reopened comment period on our proposed critical habitat for Lepidium
papilliferum that was published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2011
(76 FR 27184), our DEA of the proposed designation, and the amended
required determinations provided in this document. We will consider
information and recommendations from all interested parties. We are
particularly interested in comments concerning:
(1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act, including whether
there are threats to the species from human activity, the degree to
which threats from human activity can be expected to increase due to
the designation, and whether that increase in threats outweighs the
benefit of designation such that the designation of critical habitat
may not be prudent.
(2) Specific information on:
(a) The amount and distribution of Lepidium papilliferum habitat;
(b) What areas occupied at the time of listing and that contain
features essential to the conservation of Lepidium papilliferum should
be included in the designation and why;
(c) The habitat components (primary constituent elements) essential
to the conservation of the species, such as specific soil
characteristics, plant associations, or pollinators, and the quantity
and spatial arrangement of these features on the landscape needed to
provide for the conservation of the species;
(d) What areas not occupied at the time of listing are essential
for the conservation of the species, if any, and why; and
(e) Special management considerations or protections that the
features essential to the conservation of Lepidium papilliferum may
require, including managing for the potential effects of climate
change.
(3) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the
proposed critical habitat areas and their possible impacts on proposed
critical habitat.
(4) Any reasonably foreseeable economic, national security, or
other relevant impacts that may result from designating any area that
may be included in the final designation. We are particularly
interested in any impacts on small entities, and the benefits of
including or excluding areas from the proposed designation that are
subject to these impacts.
(5) Information on whether the benefits of an exclusion of any
particular area outweigh the benefits of inclusion under section
4(b)(2) of the Act, after considering both the potential impacts and
benefits of the proposed critical habitat designation. Under section
4(b)(2) of the Act, we may exclude an area from critical habitat if we
determine that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of
including that particular area as critical habitat, unless failure to
designate that specific area as critical habitat will result in the
extinction of the species. We are considering the possible exclusion of
areas under private ownership, in particular, as we anticipate the
benefits of exclusion may outweigh the benefits of inclusion in those
areas. We therefore request specific information on:
(a) The benefits of including any specific areas in the final
designation and supporting rationale,
(b) The benefits of excluding any specific areas from the final
designation and supporting rationale, and
(c) Whether any specific exclusions may result in the extinction of
the species and why (see ``Consideration of Impacts Under Section
4(b)(2) of the Act,'' below).
(6) The use of Public Land Survey System quarter-quarter sections
to delineate the proposed critical habitat designation. We used
quarter-quarter sections in this proposed rule because they are the
most-commonly-used minimum size and method for delineating land
ownership boundaries within the range of Lepidium papilliferum.
(7) The projected and reasonably likely impacts of climate change
on Lepidium papilliferum and on the critical habitat areas we are
proposing.
(8) Whether we could improve or modify our approach to designating
critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public participation
and understanding, or to better accommodate public concerns and
comment.
(9) Information on the extent to which the description of economic
impacts in the DEA is reasonable and accurate.
(10) The likelihood of adverse social reactions to the designation
of critical habitat, as discussed in the DEA, and how the consequences
of such reactions, if likely to occur, would relate to the conservation
and regulatory benefits of the proposed critical habitat designation.
If you submitted comments or information on the proposed rule (76
FR 27184) during the initial or extended comment period (76 FR 39807)
that was open from May 11 through September 9, 2011, please do not
resubmit them. We will incorporate them into the public record as part
of this comment period, and we will fully consider them in the
preparation of our final determination. Our final determination
concerning critical habitat will take into consideration all written
comments and any additional information we receive during all comment
periods. On the basis of public comments, we may, during the
development of our final determination, find that areas proposed are
not essential, are appropriate for exclusion under section 4(b)(2) of
the Act, or are not appropriate for exclusion.
You may submit your comments and materials concerning the proposed
rule or DEA by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that
you send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
If you submit a comment via http://www.regulations.gov, your entire
comment--including any personal identifying information--will be posted
on the Web site. We will post all hardcopy comments on http://www.regulations.gov as well. If you
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submit a hardcopy comment that includes personal identifying
information, you may request at the top of your document that we
withhold this information from public review. However, we cannot
guarantee that we will be able to do so.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we used in preparing the proposed rule and DEA, will be
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov at Docket
No. FWS-R1-ES-2010-0071, or by appointment, during normal business
hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish and Wildlife
Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). You may obtain copies of
the proposed rule and the DEA on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS-R1-ES-2010-0071, or by mail
from the Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT).
Background
It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly relevant to
the designation of critical habitat for Lepidium papilliferum in this
document. For more information on previous Federal actions concerning
L. papilliferum, refer to the proposed designation of critical habitat
published in the Federal Register on May 10, 2011 (76 FR 27184). For
more information on L. papilliferum or its habitat, please refer to the
final listing rule published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2009
(74 FR 52014), which is available online at http://www.regulations.gov
at Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2010-0071 or from the Idaho Fish and Wildlife
Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
Previous Federal Actions
On May 10, 2011, we published a proposed rule to designate critical
habitat for Lepidium papilliferum (76 FR 27184). We proposed to
designate as critical habitat approximately 23,374 hectares (57,756
acres) in four units in Ada, Elmore, Payette, and Owyhee Counties in
Idaho. We announced a 60-day comment period in that proposed rule,
scheduled to close on July 11, 2011. On June 1, 2011, we received a
request from the Governor of Idaho seeking a 60-day extension of the
comment period so that the State of Idaho may coordinate comments
between the State agencies that may be affected by critical habitat,
and to allow adequate time for citizens to provide input on the
proposed critical habitat designation. In response to this request, on
July 7, 2011, we announced in the Federal Register an extension of the
comment period for an additional 60 days, until September 9, 2011 (76
FR 39807).
Critical Habitat
Section 3 of the Act defines critical habitat as the specific areas
within the geographical 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 essential to the conservation of the species and
that may require special management considerations or protection, and
specific areas outside the geographical 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. If the proposed rule is
made final, section 7 of the Act will prohibit destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat by any activity funded, authorized, or
carried out by any Federal agency. Federal agencies proposing actions
affecting critical habitat must consult with us on the effects of their
proposed actions, under section 7(a)(2) of the Act.
Consideration of Impacts Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we designate or revise
critical habitat based upon the best scientific data available, after
taking into consideration the economic impact, impact on national
security, or any other relevant impact of specifying any particular
area as critical habitat. We may exclude an area from critical habitat
if we determine that the benefits of excluding the area outweigh the
benefits of including the area as critical habitat, provided such
exclusion will not result in the extinction of the species.
When considering the benefits of inclusion for an area, we consider
the additional regulatory benefits that area would receive from the
protection from adverse modification or destruction as a result of
actions with a Federal nexus (activities conducted, funded, permitted,
or authorized by Federal agencies), the educational benefits of mapping
areas containing essential features that aid in the recovery of the
listed species, and any benefits that may result from designation due
to State or Federal laws that may apply to critical habitat.
When considering the benefits of exclusion, we consider, among
other things, whether exclusion of a specific area is likely to result
in conservation; the continuation, strengthening, or encouragement of
partnerships; or implementation of a management plan.
In the case of Lepidium papilliferum, the benefits of critical
habitat include public awareness of the presence of the species and the
importance of habitat protection, and, where a Federal nexus exists,
increased habitat protection for L. papilliferum due to protection from
adverse modification or destruction of critical habitat. In practice,
situations with a Federal nexus exist primarily on Federal lands or for
projects undertaken by, or with the authorization or permission of,
Federal agencies. We are considering the possible exclusion of areas
under private ownership from the designation of critical habitat for L.
papilliferum, as we anticipate the benefits of exclusion may outweigh
the benefits of inclusion in those areas.
The final decision on whether to exclude any areas will be based on
the best scientific data available at the time of the final
designation, including information obtained during the comment period
and information about the economic impact of designation. Accordingly,
we have prepared a draft economic analysis (DEA) concerning the
proposed critical habitat designation, which is available for review
and comment (see ADDRESSES section).
Draft Economic Analysis
The DEA identifies and analyzes the potential economic impacts
associated with the proposed critical habitat designation for Lepidium
papilliferum. The DEA describes the economic impacts of all potential
conservation efforts for L. papilliferum; some of these costs will
likely be incurred regardless of whether we designate critical habitat.
The economic impact of the proposed critical habitat designation is
analyzed by comparing scenarios both ``with critical habitat'' and
``without critical habitat.'' The ``without critical habitat'' scenario
represents the baseline for the analysis, considering protections
already in place for the species (e.g., under the Federal listing and
other Federal, State, and local regulations). The baseline, therefore,
represents the costs incurred regardless of whether critical habitat is
designated. The ``with critical habitat'' scenario describes the
incremental impacts associated specifically with the designation of
critical habitat for the species. In other words, these incremental
impacts would not occur but for the designation.
These incremental impacts produce the costs that we consider in the
final designation of critical habitat when evaluating the benefits of
excluding particular areas under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. The
analysis looks retrospectively at baseline impacts incurred since the
species was listed, and forecasts both baseline and incremental impacts
likely to occur if
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we finalize the proposed critical habitat designation.
As described above, the DEA separates conservation measures into
two distinct categories according to ``without critical habitat'' and
``with critical habitat'' scenarios. The ``without critical habitat''
scenario represents the baseline for the analysis, considering
protections otherwise afforded to the species (e.g., under the Federal
listing and other Federal, State, and local regulations). The ``with
critical habitat'' scenario describes the incremental impacts
specifically due to designation of critical habitat for the species. In
other words, these incremental conservation measures and associated
economic impacts would not occur but for the designation. Conservation
measures implemented under the baseline (without critical habitat)
scenario are described qualitatively within the DEA, but economic
impacts associated with these measures are not quantified. Economic
impacts are only quantified for conservation measures implemented
specifically due to the designation of critical habitat (i.e.,
incremental impacts). For a further description of the methodology of
the analysis, see Chapter 2, ``Framework for the Analysis,'' of the
DEA.
The DEA provides estimated costs of the foreseeable potential
economic impacts of the proposed critical habitat designation for
Lepidium papilliferum over the next 20 years, from 2012 through 2031.
We determined that this 20-year timeframe was the appropriate period
for analysis because the availability of land-use planning information
becomes very limited for most activities beyond that timeframe. The DEA
identifies potential incremental costs as a result of the proposed
critical habitat designation; these are those costs attributed to
critical habitat over and above those baseline costs attributed to
listing and other regulatory protections. The DEA quantifies economic
impacts of L. papilliferum conservation efforts associated with the
following categories of activity: (1) Wildfire and invasive nonnative
species management; (2) commercial and residential development; (3)
utility and transportation activities; and (4) livestock use. The most
visible effect to L. papilliferum and its habitat from livestock use is
through localized trampling impacts; however, as stated in the final
listing rule, under current management conditions we do not consider
this activity to represent a significant threat to the species.
Although the final listing rule evaluated recreation as a possible
minor threat to the species, this does not appear to be a major factor
impacting either L. papilliferum or its habitat. We therefore do not
anticipate any measurable economic impact of critical habitat
designation for this species on recreation, and this activity was not
considered in the draft economic analysis.
Approximately 95 percent of the proposed critical habitat area is
on public lands (roughly 86 percent is Federal land managed by the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)). Of this, 8 percent is State land, 2
percent is County land (Payette, Ada, Owyhee, and Elmore counties,
Idaho), and the remaining 5 percent covers privately owned lands.
Commercial and residential develop could result in the loss of Lepidium
papilliferum populations, as well as indirect losses through the
development of infrastructure that allows greater access to the habitat
(e.g., off-road vehicles, human-ignited wildfires) and habitat
fragmentation. Although no development has taken place within the
proposed critical habitat areas since publication of the proposed rule,
portions of the critical habitat area are adjacent to urban and rural
development, or within the Interstate 84 corridor, increasing the
probability that the areas may be subject to future development.
The most significant biological threats to the species are related
to increased frequency of wildfire, combined with the invasion of
nonnative annual grasses. The invasion of nonnative annual grasses
provides a continuous source of fuel, which directly contributes to a
dramatic increase in natural fire frequency. Conservation measures
related to wildfire and nonnative species have been incorporated into a
Conservation Agreement being implemented by the BLM, which applies to
86 percent of the proposed critical habitat area. Rights-of-way and
pipeline activities, particularly those related to utilities and
transportation activities, became subject to section 7 consultation in
2009, when the species was listed under the Act, and actions are
already being reviewed to evaluate potential impacts to the species
related to equipment operation or construction within areas occupied by
the species. A review of our consultation records indicates that no
project modifications have been required to date, either because the
activities were not within Lepidium papilliferum habitat, or
conservation measures were incorporated into project designs to avoid
impacts to the species or its habitat.
The draft economic analysis concludes that critical habitat
designation is not likely to affect levels of economic activity or
conservation measures being implemented within the proposed critical
habitat area. Unless changes occur to existing conservation measures or
the management of land use activities, the incremental impacts of
critical habitat designation would be limited to the additional
administrative costs of section 7 consultations for Federal agencies,
associated with considering the potential for adverse modification of
critical habitat. These costs are estimated to be $14,200 annually, or
$161,000 over a 20-year period, based on the present value discounted
at seven percent.
Because approximately 86 percent of the proposed critical habitat
area is Federal land managed by the BLM, the proposed critical habitat
designation is unlikely to generate economic impacts beyond
administrative costs of section 7 consultation. Additionally, a binding
Conservation Agreement has been developed to address the conservation
needs of this species on BLM land, and BLM already consults with us
under section 7 of the Act to ensure their activities do not jeopardize
the continued existence of the species. The BLM intends to continue to
manage these lands for conservation of Lepidium papilliferum, by
implementing the specific conservation measures identified in Chapter 3
of the draft economic analysis. In addition, project proponents and
land managers are aware of the species' presence throughout its range,
and the need to consult with the Service for projects that have a
Federal nexus that may affect the species. We believe activities on
private lands are unlikely to have a Federal nexus or be subject to
section 7 consultation, based on a review of our consultation records
to date. However, in the case that private lands may possibly be
subject to a Federal permit or funding source in the future (e.g., U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
programs or Federal permitting of alternative energy projects), the DEA
underestimates potential administrative costs due to critical habitat
designation in the 5 percent of proposed critical habitat that overlaps
the private lands. However, we have no information indicating that any
such activity will occur on private lands in the foreseeable future.
In conclusion, the Service does not foresee a circumstance in which
critical habitat designation will change the outcome of future section
7 consultations. Any conservation
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measures implemented to minimize impacts to the species would very
likely be sufficient to also minimize impacts to critical habitat.
Therefore, we do not believe any additional conservation measures would
be needed solely to minimize impacts to critical habitat. Based on this
reasoning, we also do not anticipate critical habitat designation to
result in any appreciable incremental economic benefits. Any economic
benefits related to conservation activities would flow from the listing
of the species, rather than the designation of critical habitat, and
would fall within the economic baseline.
As we stated earlier, we are soliciting data and comments from the
public on the DEA, as well as all aspects of the proposed rule and our
amended required determinations. We may revise the proposed rule or
supporting documents to incorporate or address information we receive
during the public comment period. In particular, we may exclude an area
from critical habitat if we determine that the benefits of excluding
the area outweigh the benefits of including the area, provided the
exclusion will not result in the extinction of the species.
Required Determinations--Amended
In our May 10, 2011, proposed rule (76 FR 27184), we indicated that
we would defer our determination of compliance with several statutes
and executive orders until the information concerning potential
economic impacts of the designation and potential effects on landowners
and stakeholders became available in the DEA. We have now made use of
the DEA data to make these determinations. In this document, we affirm
the information in our proposed rule concerning Executive Order (E.O.)
12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 12630 (Takings), E.O.
13132 (Federalism), E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform), E.O. 13211
(Energy, Supply, Distribution, and Use), the Unfunded Mandates Reform
Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.), the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44
U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C.
4321 et seq.), and the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994,
``Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments'' (59 FR 22951). However, based on the DEA data, we are
amending our required determination concerning the Regulatory
Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.).
Regulatory Flexibility Act
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C. 802(2)),
whenever an agency is required to publish a notice of rulemaking for
any proposed or final rule, it must prepare and make available for
public comment a regulatory flexibility analysis that describes the
effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small
organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Based on our DEA of the proposed
designation, we provide our analysis for determining whether the
proposed rule would result in a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities. Based on comments we receive, we
may revise this determination as part of our final rulemaking.
According to the Small Business Administration, small entities
include small organizations, such as independent nonprofit
organizations; small governmental jurisdictions, including school
boards and city and town governments that serve fewer than 50,000
residents; and small businesses (13 CFR 121.201). For example, small
businesses include manufacturing and mining concerns with fewer than
500 employees, wholesale trade entities with fewer than 100 employees,
retail and service businesses with less than $5 million in annual
sales, general and heavy construction businesses with less than $27.5
million in annual business, special trade contractors doing less than
$11.5 million in annual business, and agricultural businesses with
annual sales less than $750,000. To determine if potential economic
impacts to these small entities are significant, we considered the
types of activities that might trigger regulatory impacts under this
designation as well as types of project modifications that may result.
In general, the term ``significant economic impact'' is meant to apply
to a typical small business firm's business operations.
To determine if the proposed designation of critical habitat for
Lepidium papilliferum would affect a substantial number of small
entities, we considered the number of small entities affected within
particular types of economic activities, such as commercial and
residential development. In order to determine whether it is
appropriate for our agency to certify that this rule would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities,
we considered each industry or category individually. In estimating the
numbers of small entities potentially affected, we also considered
whether their activities have any Federal involvement. Critical habitat
designation will not affect activities that do not have any Federal
involvement; designation of critical habitat only affects activities
conducted, funded, permitted, or authorized by Federal agencies. In
areas where L. papilliferum is present, Federal agencies already are
required to consult with us under section 7 of the Act on activities
they fund, permit, or implement that may affect the species. If we
finalize this proposed critical habitat designation, consultations to
avoid the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat would
be incorporated into the existing consultation process.
In the DEA, we evaluated the potential economic effects on small
entities resulting from implementation of conservation actions related
to the proposed designation of critical habitat for Lepidium
papilliferum. As estimated in Chapter 4 of the DEA, incremental impacts
of the proposed designation are limited to additional incremental costs
of time spent by the Service, Federal action agency, and any third
parties in section 7 consultation over and above time spent on the
jeopardy analysis component of the consultation. Small entities may
participate in section 7 consultation as a third party (the primary
consulting parties being the Service and the Federal action agency);
therefore, it is possible that the small entities may spend additional
time considering critical habitat during section 7 consultation for L.
papilliferum. These incremental administrative impacts are the only
potential incremental impacts of critical habitat designation that may
be borne by small entities. Some of the forecast consultations for L.
papilliferum may involve third parties, such as ranchers, energy
companies (for pipeline projects), or developers. The maximum
annualized incremental impact to such third parties is anticipated to
total $2,810 between 2012 and 2031; such costs are expected to be
distributed between multiple third parties. While $2,810 is expected to
represent the maximum total cost annually, the potential third party
cost for each individual consultation is anticipated to be
significantly less, on the order of $260 to $1,750 depending on the
consultation type. Small entities are consequently anticipated to bear
a relatively low cost impact as a result of the designation of critical
habitat for L. papilliferum. We do not believe this designation will
have a significant impact on these small entities or affect a
substantial number of them. Please
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refer to Appendix A of the DEA of the proposed critical habitat
designation for a more detailed discussion of potential economic
impacts.
In summary, we have considered whether the proposed designation
would result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number
of small entities. Information for this analysis was gathered from the
Small Business Administration, stakeholders, and the Service. For the
above reasons and based on currently available information, we certify
that if promulgated, the proposed designation would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small business
entities. Therefore, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not
required.
Authors
The primary authors of this notice are the staff members of the
Idaho Fish and Wildlife Office, Pacific Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.
Authority
The authority for this action is the Endangered Species Act of
1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
Dated: October 17, 2011.
Eileen Sobeck,
Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 2011-27727 Filed 10-25-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P