The Service conducted hearings in Safford and Camp Verde, Arizona and Silver City, New Mexico in December. A fourth public hearing on the proposal will be held from 7:00-9:30 p.m., January 31, 2000 at the Buena High School Performing Arts Center in Sierra Vista, Arizona. The Service selected the location to gather information relevant to the San Pedro River, where the two species were initially identified by scientists in 1851.
"We are currently evaluating the economic effects of the proposed designation and seeking public input in the decision process," said the Services Southwest Regional Director Nancy Kaufman. At the Services request, the court has granted an extension of the Services deadline for making a determination on critical habitat. "We are extending the comment period and conducting an additional public hearing to give the public every opportunity to participate in this decision."
Critical habitat refers to specific, historically occupied, geographic areas that are essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and which may require special management considerations. These areas do not necessarily have to be occupied by the species at the time of designation.
A designation does not set up a preserve or refuge and only applies to situations where Federal funding or a Federal permit is involved. It has no impact on landowners taking actions on their land that do not involve Federal funding or permits.
Federal agencies must consult with the Service before taking actions, issuing permits or providing funding for activities that might adversely modify critical habitat. Relatively few projects have ever been stopped or significantly altered as a result of such consultations. The Service believes that economic activities such as grazing can be compatible with conservation of the spikedace and loach minnow provided that habitat is maintained in good condition.
The Service is asking the public to provide written comments on the proposal until February 14, 2000. Comments should be submitted to Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 2321 W. Royal Palm Rd., Suite 103, Phoenix, Arizona 85021-4951.
Editors Note: For a copy of the initial news release on this proposal, call the above contacts or visit default.cfm. Q&As, maps, and photo support are also available.
