The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking comments on a draft economic analysis related to its proposal to designate critical habitat for an endangered fish, thevermilion darter.
The intent of the draft economic analysis is to identify and analyze the potential economic impacts associated with the proposed critical habitat designation for the vermilion darter that the Service published in the Federal Register on December 3, 2009 (74 FR 63366). The economic impact of the proposed critical habitat designation is analyzed by comparing scenarios both “with critical habitat” and “without critical habitat.” The incremental costs are those attributable solely to the designation of critical habitat, above and beyond the baseline costs (the costs incurred regardless of whether critical habitat is designated); these are the costs the Service may consider in the final designation of critical habitat. The draft economic analysis forecasts both baseline and incremental impacts of all potential conservation efforts for the vermilion darter associated with economic activities and conservation activities.
The draft economic analysis, published in the Federal Register today, finds that the proposed critical habitat designation for the vermilion darter will result in minimal incremental costs of about $39 annually.
The proposed critical habitat for the vermilion darter is in five units, totaling approximately 13 stream miles, and is located in Jefferson County, in and near Pinson, Alabama. The units are within the upper mainstem reaches of Turkey Creek and in four tributaries, including Beaver Creek, an unnamed tributary to Beaver Creek, Dry Creek, and Dry Branch.
Anyone interested in commenting on the draft economic analysis can also comment on the proposed critical habitat designation during the reopening of the public comment period, which will run until July 29, 2010.
The complete notice on the draft economic analysis, the draft economic analysis, and the proposed critical habitat rule can be obtained on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket Number FWS-R4-ES-2009-0079 or by calling 601-321-1121 for a copy.
Written comments on the draft economic analysis and the proposed rule should be submitted by one of the following methods: (1) go the Federal eRulemaking Portal:http://www.regulations.gov
