Click here to view the Draft Economic Analysis (PDF File 249kb)
SERVICE RELEASES DRAFT ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
OF PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR THE QUINO CHECKERSPOT BUTTERFLY
Public Hearing Scheduled
"Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a draft economic analysis of its proposal to designate critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino). The draft report, prepared by Industrial Economics, Inc., analyzes the potential economic impacts of the proposal to designate critical habitat for the butterfly on approximately 301,010 acres of land in Riverside and San Diego counties, California.
"Public hearings on the proposed critical habitat have been scheduled for July 17, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Castle Creek Inn Resort, 29850 Circle R Way, Escondido, California.
"To determine the potential economic impacts from the proposed critical habitat designation, above those attributed to the listing of the species under the Act, IEc incorporated data from a variety of sources, including the San Diego Association of Governments; California Urban and Biodiversity Analysis; State of California, Department of Finance; other Federal, state, and local agencies; and public comments on the proposal to designate critical habitat.
"According to the draft analysis, over the next 20 years urban growth in Riverside and San Diego counties will mostly occur in areas outside of those proposed as critical habitat for the butterfly. The analysis estimates that approximately 18,446 acres of the 301,010 acres of proposed critical habitat are likely to become urbanized.
"If a project requiring Federal funding, permitting or authorization is planned in an area designated as critical habitat for the butterfly, the Federal agency responsible for issuing the permit or funding would be required to consult with the Service, if the project will affect the Quino checkerspot butterfly or its critical habitat. Private landowners undertaking projects on their own land who do not need Federal funding or permits would not be impacted by the proposed critical habitat designation, although they would require a permit from the Service if the project would result in take of the butterfly.
"IEcs draft economic analysis estimates that over a ten-year period there could be between 21 and 41 formal and/or informal consultations with the Service for projects that may affect critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot. Costs of the consultations are estimated to total about $267,000 for 21 consultations, up to $770,000 for 41 consultations. The totals include costs to the Service, other Federal agencies, local entities and individuals for conducting biological surveys, preparing biological opinions, providing technical assistance, and other administrative efforts.
"The preparation of an economic analysis is required whenever critical habitat is proposed. If the economic benefits of excluding an area as critical habitat outweigh the benefits of including it, we may exclude the area unless such an exclusion would lead to the extinction of the species.
"The Quino checkerspot butterfly, once one of the most abundant butterflies in southern California, is known from six populations in Riverside and San Diego counties. The butterfly has a wingspan of about 1.5 inches and has red, black, and cream colored, checkered pattern on the topside of the wings. It is primarily dependent on plantain, white snapdragon, and owls clover - three native plant species - for egg deposition and larval growth. Adults use a variety of native plants as sources of nectar.
"The Quino checkerspot butterfly has lost more than 70 percent of its habitat to development, conversion of land to agriculture, and the invasion of non-native species. Other threats to the butterfly include off-road vehicle activity and grazing.
"A Notice of Availability of the Draft Economic Analysis was published in todays Federal Register. Copies of the draft analysis are available through the internet at http://carlsbad.fws.gov">. Written comments on the proposal to designate critical habitat for the butterfly and the draft economic analysis should be submitted to Field Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 2730 Loker Avenue West, Carlsbad, California 92008. Comments received by 5:00 p.m. on July 30, 2001 will be considered in any final determination.
"You may also submit comments by electronic mail to fws1quino@fws.gov">. Please submit electronic comments in ACSII file format and avoid the use of special characters or encryption. Please include "Attn: RIN 1018-AH03" and your name and return address in your e-mail message. If you do not receive a confirmation from the system that the Service has received your message, please contact the Carlsbad Office directly at phone number 760/431-9440.
