Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) and Determination of Distinct Vertebrate Population Segment for the California Gnatcatcher (Poliopt

We, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose designation of critical habitat for the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica californica) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). A total of approximately 200,595 hectares (ha) (495,795 acres (ac)) of gnatcatcher habitat in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties, California are within the boundaries of proposed critical habitat. Critical habitat receives protection from destruction or adverse modification through required consultation under section 7 of the Act with regard to actions carried out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency. Section 4 of the Act requires us to consider economic and other relevant impacts when specifying any particular area as critical habitat. We are also considering revising the table of endangered and threatened wildlife published under 50 CFR 17.11 with respect to the coastal California gnatcatcher. We originally identified the coastal California gnatcatcher as a subspecies of the California gnatcatcher. However, new genetic information raises questions about the distinctiveness of the subspecies. Accordingly, we are considering whether and how the listing of the coastal California gnatcatcher should be amended. We are soliciting data and comments from the public on all aspects of this proposal, including data on economic and other impacts of the designation. We may revise this proposal prior to final designation to incorporate or address new information received during the comment period.