[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 12 (Thursday, January 17, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 3328-3373]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 08-105]



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Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service



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50 CFR Part 17



Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Designation of 
Critical Habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha 
quino); Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 73 , No. 12 / Thursday, January 17, 2008 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

[FWS-R8-ES-2008-0006, 92210-1117-0000, ABC Code: B4]

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AV23


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised 
Designation of Critical Habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly 
(Euphydryas editha quino)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
revise currently designated critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) under the Endangered Species Act of 
1973, as amended (Act). In total, approximately 98,487 acres (ac) 
(39,857 hectares (ha)) fall within the boundaries of the proposed 
revised critical habitat designation: 23,494 ac (9,508 ha) are 
federally owned; 7,756 ac (3,139 ha) are owned by the State of 
California; 4,359 ac (1,764 ha) are Tribal lands; 7,739 ac (3,132 ha) 
are owned by city or county governments; and 55,139 ac (22, 314 ha) are 
privately owned. Of these 98,487 ac (39,857 ha), we are considering 
excluding 1,684 ac (681 ha) of land within the San Diego County 
Multiple Species Conservation Plan's City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan, 
and 37,245 ac (15,073) of non-Federal land within the Western Riverside 
County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP) area. Areas 
included in the proposed revision are in Riverside and San Diego 
Counties, California.

DATES: We will accept comments from all interested parties until March 
17, 2008. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at 
the address shown in the ADDRESSES section by March 3, 2008.

ADDRESSES: If you wish to comment on this proposed rule, you may submit 
your comments and materials by one of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, 
Attn: 1018-AV23; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, 
VA 22203.
    We will not accept e-mail or faxes. 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: Jim Bartel, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 6010 
Hidden Valley Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011; telephone 760-431-9440; 
facsimile 760-431-5901. If you use a telecommunications device for the 
deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 800-
877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Comments

    We intend that any final action resulting from this proposal will 
be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request 
comments or suggestions on this proposed rule. We particularly seek 
comments concerning:
    (1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as 
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), including whether there are threats to the subspecies from human 
activity, the degree of which can be expected to increase due to the 
designation, and whether that increase in threat outweighs the benefit 
of designation such that the designation of critical habitat is not 
prudent;
    (2) Specific information on:
    <bullet> The amount and distribution of Quino checkerspot butterfly 
habitat;
    <bullet> What areas within the geographical area occupied at the 
time of listing that contain features essential to the conservation of 
the subspecies we should include in the designation and why; and
    <bullet> What areas not within the geographical area occupied at 
the time of listing are essential for the conservation of the 
subspecies and why;
    (3) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the 
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed revised critical 
habitat;
    (4) Any probable economic, national security, or other impacts of 
designating any areas that may be included in the final designation, 
and, in particular, any impacts on small entities, and the benefits of 
including or excluding areas that exhibit these impacts;
    (5) Whether the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan (under the San 
Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Program):
    <bullet> Is being implemented as set forth in the Plan;
    <bullet> Provides the same or better level of protection from 
adverse modification or destruction than that provided through a 
consultation under section 7 of the Act;
    <bullet> Provides for the implementation of conservation management 
strategies and actions for the foreseeable future, based on past 
practices, written guidance, or regulations; and
    <bullet> Provides conservation strategies and measures consistent 
with currently accepted principles of conservation biology;
    (6) Whether the Western Riverside County MSHCP:
    <bullet> Is being implemented as set forth in the MSHCP and 
Implementing Agreement (IA) with regard to the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly;
    <bullet> Provides the same or better level of protection from 
adverse modification or destruction of habitat essential to the 
conservation of the subspecies than that provided through consultation 
under section 7 of the Act;
    <bullet> Provides for the implementation of conservation management 
strategies and actions for the foreseeable future, based on past 
practices, written guidance, or regulations; and
    <bullet> Provides conservation strategies and measures consistent 
with currently accepted principles of conservation biology;
    (7) Whether we should include or exclude the Tribal lands of the 
Cahuilla Band of Indians and Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians from final 
revised critical habitat and why;
    (8) Whether there are areas we previously designated, but are not 
proposing for revised designation here, that should be designated as 
critical habitat; and
    (9) 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 
comments.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. We will not 
accept comments you send by e-mail or fax. Please note that we may not 
consider comments we receive after the date specified in the DATES 
section in our final determination.
    Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or 
other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be 
aware that we will post your entire comment--including your personal 
identifying information--on http://www.regulations.gov. While you can 
ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying 
information from

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public review, 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 this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 6010 Hidden Valley 
Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011; telephone 760-431-9440.

Background

    We intend to discuss only those topics directly relevant to the 
designation of critical habitat in this proposed rule. For more 
information on the Quino checkerspot butterfly, refer to the final 
listing rule published in the Federal Register on January 16, 1997 (62 
FR 2313), the final rule designating critical habitat published in the 
Federal Register on April 15, 2002 (67 FR 18356), and the Recovery Plan 
for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino) (recovery 
plan; Service 2003a). The recovery plan was co-authored by a Technical 
Recovery Team of seven expert biologists and ecologists (Service 2003a, 
p. ii), and provides a comprehensive scientific review and analysis of 
published and non-published information through 2002 relevant to 
conservation of the Quino checkerspot butterfly. While an extensive 
amount of peer-reviewed, published scientific information is available 
on the species Euphydryas editha (Edith's checkerspot butterfly), such 
information specific to the Quino checkerspot butterfly subspecies is 
relatively sparse. Therefore, much of the information used in the final 
listing rule (62 FR 2313, January 16, 1997), the previous final rule 
designating critical habitat (67 FR 18356, April 15, 2002), and the 
recovery plan (Service 2003a) has been based on research on other 
subspecies of Edith's checkerspot. A number of biological and 
ecological similarities exist among subspecies of Edith's checkerspot 
(Service 2003a, p. 7), including similar life histories, shared or 
related host plant species, and similar movement behavior. We believe 
that extrapolation of data collected on other Edith's checkerspot 
butterfly subspecies, particularly the federally endangered bay 
checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis), to the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly is justified in most cases (67 FR 18356, April 
15, 2002).

Taxonomy and Biology

    The Quino checkerspot butterfly is a member of the family 
Nymphalidae (brushfooted butterflies) and the subfamily Melitaeinae 
(checkerspots and fritillaries). The life cycle of the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly includes four distinct life stages: Egg, larva 
(caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult, with the larval stage 
divided into 5 to 7 instars (periods between molts, or shedding skin) 
(Service 2003a, p. 157). Typically there is one generation of adults 
per year, although larvae may remain in diapause (summer dormancy) for 
multiple years prior to maturation (Service 2003a, p. 8).

Distribution

    The Quino checkerspot butterfly was historically distributed 
throughout the coastal portion of southern California (Los Angeles, 
Orange, western Riverside, San Diego, and southwestern San Bernardino 
Counties; Service 2003a, p. 32), and northern Baja California, Mexico 
(Mattoni, et al. 1997, p. 105). The historical distribution of the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly included the westernmost slopes of the 
Santa Monica Mountains, Los Angeles Plain and Transverse Ranges to the 
edge of the upper Anza-Borrego Desert, and south to El Rosario in Baja 
California, Mexico (Mattoni, et al. 1997, pp. 104-105). Extant U.S. 
populations are apparently restricted to southwest Riverside and 
southern San Diego Counties (Service 2003a, p. 3; see further 
discussion below under Status and Local Distribution of Populations).

Behavior and Population Structure

    Scientific information indicates that Quino checkerspot butterfly 
populations display metapopulation dynamics characterized by highly 
variable habitat occupancy patterns, similar to most subspecies of 
Edith's checkerspot butterfly (Mattoni, et al. 1997, p. 111; Service 
2003a, pp. 21-27). Edith's checkerspot butterfly metapopulation 
structure is described by Ehrlich and Murphy (1987, p. 123) as 
subdivision of a population into subpopulations that occupy clusters of 
habitat patches and interact extensively. Harrison, et al. (1988, p. 
360) described Edith's checkerspot butterfly metapopulation structure 
as: ``a set of [subpopulations] that are interdependent over ecological 
time.'' Although subpopulations within a metapopulation may change in 
size independently, their probabilities of existing at a given time are 
not independent, because they are linked by an extirpation and mutual 
recolonization process that occurs every 10 to 100 generations 
(Harrison, et al. 1988, p. 360). Ehrlich and Murphy (1987, p. 127) 
noted that the minimum viable population approach favored by many 
conservation biologists may not be appropriate for the Edith's 
checkerspot butterfly; instead, focus should be shifted toward 
``minimum viable metapopulations.'' Minimum viable metapopulation size 
is the minimum number of interacting local populations (and available 
habitat patches) required to balance subpopulation extirpations and 
recolonizations, and therefore required for long-term persistence 
(Hanski, et al. 1996, p. 527). No minimum viable metapopulation sizes 
have been assessed for the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Metapopulation 
viability analyses have been conducted for other species of nymphalid 
butterflies (Schtickzelle and Baguette 2004, p. 277; Schtickzelle, et 
al. 2005, p. 89) and one species within the genus Euphydryas (Wahlberg, 
et al. 2002, p. 224); however, these analyses are not applicable to 
Quino checkerspot butterfly as these studies all examined species that 
occur in other types of habitats (e.g., forest clear cuts, bogs, and 
marshes).
    Harrison (1989, p. 1241) found that, although dispersal direction 
from habitat patches seemed to be random in the bay checkerspot 
butterfly, dispersing butterflies were likely to move into habitat 
patches when they passed within approximately 163 feet (ft) (50 meters 
(m)) of those habitat patches. Dispersing butterflies were most likely 
to remain in habitat patches where existing bay checkerspot butterfly 
density was low (Harrison 1989, p. 1241). Bay checkerspot butterfly 
occupancy patterns also suggested that unoccupied habitat separated 
from occupied habitat by hilly terrain was less likely to be colonized 
than habitat separated by flat ground (Harrison 1989, p. 1241). 
Harrison (1989, pp. 1241, 1242) concluded that the long-term habitat 
recolonization pattern of her study population was likely due to 
relatively large numbers of bay checkerspot butterflies having 
dispersed from consistently occupied ``source'' habitat. High habitat 
colonization rates probably only occur during rare outbreak years, when 
high local densities combine with favorable establishment conditions in 
unoccupied habitat (Harrison 1989, p. 1242). These rare outbreak events 
are also thought to play a crucial role in Quino checkerspot butterfly 
metapopulation resilience and subspecies' survival (Murphy and White 
1984, p. 353; Ehrlich and Murphy 1987, p. 127).

Delineating Population Footprints (Distribution)

    Our ability to delineate individual population footprints 
(distribution) for

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the Quino checkerspot butterfly is limited to correlating presence-
absence survey observations with mapped habitat components. Quino 
checkerspot butterfly habitat patches are defined in any given year by 
adult movement within annually shifting host plant and nectar source 
distributions. Geographic population footprints have not been 
quantified for the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Therefore, the recovery 
plan discusses Quino checkerspot butterfly population locations in 
terms of ``occurrence complexes'' (Service 2007, p. 35), which are our 
best estimators based on recorded movement distances (see below 
discussion). Occurrence complexes are mapped in the recovery plan using 
a 0.6 mile (mi) (1 kilometer (km)) movement radius from each butterfly 
observation, and may be based on the observation of a single 
individual. Occurrences within approximately 1.2 mi (2 km) of each 
other are considered to be part of the same occurrence complex, as 
these occurrences are proximal enough that the observed butterflies 
were likely to have come from the same population (Service 2003a, p. 
35). All post-listing butterfly observations are classified as 
occurrence complexes, and the only one considered extirpated is Harford 
Springs. Occurrence complexes may expand due to new observation 
locations, or contract due to habitat loss (e.g. occurrence complexes 
defined in part by development, see Service 2003a, p. 78). Information 
regarding habitat within and contiguous with an occurrence complex must 
be used to estimate population distributions associated with occurrence 
complexes (Service 2003a, p. 35).
    Long-distance movement in bay checkerspot butterflies has been 
documented as far as 4 mi (6.4 km; 1 male) (Murphy and Ehrlich 1980, p. 
319), 3.5 mi (5.6 km; 1 male), and 2 mi (3 km; 1 female) (Harrison 
1989, p. 1239). White and Levin (1981) conducted the only mark-
recapture movement study including Quino checkerspot butterflies. White 
and Levin (1981) studied within-habitat patch movement of the Quino and 
bay checkerspot butterfly subspecies. They concluded that patterns of 
dispersal changed ``dramatically'' from year to year (White and Levin 
1981, p. 348), and Quino checkerspot butterflies were less sedentary 
than the more heavily studied bay checkerspot butterflies (White and 
Levin 1981, p. 105). The high rate of dispersal observed by White and 
Levin (1981, p. 348), when it occurs during outbreak events, would 
result in expansion of existing population distributions, and 
recolonization of habitat patches where subpopulations have been 
extirpated within a metapopulation distribution, as hypothesized by 
Murphy and White (1984, p. 353).
    Although the average mark-recapture distance traveled by a Quino 
checkerspot butterfly in White and Levin's (1981, p. 349) study was 
only 305 ft (93 m), recorded movement distances were limited by the 
local study area. White and Levin (1981, p. 349) stated, ``It seems 
likely from the lower rate of return in 1972 and from the observed 
pattern of out-dispersal that many marked animals dispersed beyond the 
area covered by our efforts that year. This out-dispersal might make 
the value for average distance [traveled] in 1972 an underestimate of 
significant magnitude'' (1981, p. 353). According to recorded Edith's 
checkerspot butterfly movement distances (Gilbert and Singer 1973, pp. 
65, 66; Harrison, et al. 1988, pp. 367-380; Harrison 1989, pp. 1239, 
1240), occurrence complexes appropriately describe the area within 
which a significant proportion of the habitat patch associated with 
individual observed butterflies is likely to occur (Service 2003a, p. 
35). The size of occurrence complexes is defined as the total area 
encompassed by all 1.2 mi (2 km) movement radii from individual 
butterfly observation locations. New occurrence information since 2002 
supports expanding some occurrence complexes and/or merging some 
separate occurrence complexes that were previously described in the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly recovery plan.
    Some occurrence complexes were identified in the recovery plan 
(Service 2003a, p. 35) as ``core.'' Core occurrence complexes are those 
that, based on geographic size, number of reported individuals, and 
repeated observations, appear to be centers of population density. Such 
population density centers are likely to contain ``source'' habitat 
(supporting ``source'' subpopulations) for a Quino checkerspot 
butterfly metapopulation (Murphy and White 1984, p. 353; Ehrlich and 
Murphy 1987, p. 125; Mattoni, et al. 1997, p. 111), or ``source'' 
populations for megapopulations (a group of populations also dependent 
on one another, but on a time scale greater than that of 
subpopulations; Service 2003a, pp. 21, 24). A source population is one 
in which the emigration rate typically exceeds the immigration rate 
(therefore a source of colonists for unoccupied habitat patches within 
a population footprint), although they are not necessarily more stable 
than non-source populations (Service 2003a, p. 166).

Status and Local Distribution of Populations in Riverside County

    The recovery plan identified 7 core and 18 non-core occurrence 
complexes in western Riverside County: Harford Springs (non-core); 
Canyon Lake (non-core); Warm Springs Creek (core); Warm Springs Creek 
North (non-core); Skinner/Johnson (core); Domenigoni Valley (non-core); 
Sage (core); Black Hills (non-core); San Ignaciao (non-core); Rocky 
Ridge (non-core); Wilson Valley (core); Vail Lake (core); Butterflied/
Radec (non-core); Aguanga (non-core); Dameron Valley (non-core); Billy 
Goat Mountain (non-core); Brown Canyon (non-core); Southwest Cahuilla 
(non-core); Tule Peak (core); Silverado (core); Spring Canyon (non-
core); Cahuilla Creek (non-core); Bautista Road (non-core); Pine Meadow 
(non-core); and Lookout Mountain (non-core) (Service 2003a, pp. 39, 41, 
44). Occurrence data collected in Riverside County since the recovery 
plan was published in 2003 has resulted in expansion of all core 
occurrence complexes, and merging of some core occurrence complexes 
with non-core occurrence complexes (see discussion below). Quino 
checkerspot butterflies have not been observed in the Harford Springs 
(non-core) Occurrence Complex or other proximal historic locations 
since 1986, and therefore are no longer considered extant in that area.
    Development has reduced the quality, connectivity, and amount of 
associated habitat in the Warm Springs Creek Core Occurrence Complex 
since the recovery plan was published in 2003 (Allen and Preston 2006, 
p. 7). Although habitat associated with this core occurrence complex 
may support a declining population, the Quino checkerspot butterfly 
captive rearing facility is also located within this area, and it is 
likely to be a site of focused population management and augmentation 
in the future. Despite concern for the viability of this population, 
several experts have expressed the opinion that this core occurrence 
complex represents an important Quino checkerspot butterfly population 
that has potential to persist indefinitely if the remaining habitat is 
conserved and managed (Ballmer, et al. 2003, p. 2; Ballmer and Osborne 
2005, pp. 1-2; Allen and Preston 2006, pp. 10-12). Because the Warm 
Springs Creek Core Occurrence Complex has been isolated from other core 
occurrence complexes (Service 2003a, p. 41) and recent development has 
reduced and fragmented habitat in this area (Allen and Preston 2006, p. 
7),

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remaining contiguous habitat, including habitat more than one km 
distant from observation locations (outside of the mapped occurrence 
complexes), is likely the minimum area needed to support a viable 
managed population. Therefore, we have determined that the Warm Springs 
Creek North (non-core) Occurrence Complex (Service 2003a, p. 39) and 
habitat contiguous with the Warm Springs Creek Core Occurrence Complex 
habitat should be considered a single population footprint and merged 
with the Warm Springs Creek Core Occurrence Complex identified in the 
recovery plan (Service 2003a) into a single, expanded Warm Springs 
Creek Core Occurrence Complex. The expanded Warm Springs Creek Core 
Occurrence Complex is a constrained population distribution defined by 
remaining undeveloped, connected habitat associated with Quino 
checkerspot butterfly observations in this area.
    Occurrence data collected in Riverside County since listing (62 FR 
2313, January 16, 1997) has continued almost annually to expand the 
known northeastern limits of the subspecies' range (Pratt, et al. 2001, 
pp. 169-171; Service 2003a, p. 44; Poopatanapong 2008, pp. 2, 4). The 
recovery plan identified four non-core occurrence complexes east of 
Temecula in the foothills and valleys south of Mount San Jacinto: Brown 
Canyon (Service 2003a, p. 41), Bautista Road, Pine Meadow, and Lookout 
Mountain (Service 2003a, p. 44). The Bautista Road (described as non-
core in the recovery plan) Occurrence Complex is in a valley east of 
Temecula and north of the town of Anza. Multiple new observations have 
occurred within and around the Bautista Road Occurrence Complex (AMEC 
2004, p. 6; Mooney Jones & Stokes 2005, p. 10). Consistent with 
criteria outlined in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 35), we now 
consider the Bautista Road Occurrence Complex to be a core occurrence 
complex. As described below, from 2004 to 2006, multiple new 
observation locations were also reported in the town of Anza, and north 
and northwest of the Bautista Road (core), Pine Grove (non-core), and 
Lookout Mountain (non-core) occurrence complexes, resulting in new non-
core occurrence complexes and expansion of the subspecies' known range 
(Service Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database). The new non-
core occurrence complexes are: the Cave Rocks Occurrence Complex within 
the town of Anza, just north of the intersection of Bautista Road and 
State Route (SR) 371 (AMEC 2004, p. 9); the Quinn Flat Occurrence 
Complex located between Forbes Ranch Road and Morris Ranch Road 
northeast of Quinn Flat and SR 74 (Pratt 2005, p. 1; Toth 2005, p. 1; 
San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF) GIS database); the Horse Creek 
Occurrence Complex adjacent to Bautista Road, southeast of Bautista 
Spring (AMEC 2004, p. 6; Malisch 2006, p. 1); and the North Rouse Ridge 
Occurrence Complex located on Rouse Ridge in the hills east of Bautista 
Canyon, near where Bautista Road exits the foothills (Toth 2005, p. 1; 
Poopatanapong 2007, pp. 2, 4; SBNF GIS database).
    Recent monitoring information indicates that the Tule Peak and 
Silverado core occurrence complexes described in the recovery plan 
(Service 2003a, p. 44) are part of a single high-density population 
footprint supporting periodic outbreak events, similar to historic 
events (Service 2003a, p. 29) such as the 1977 outbreak reported by 
Murphy and White (1984, p. 351; Ehrlich and Murphy 1987, p. 127) in San 
Diego County (Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (CFWO) 2004; Pratt 
2004, p. 17). Occupancy in the Silverado Core Occurrence Complex was 
first documented in 1998 (Pratt 2001, p. 17), followed by the discovery 
of hundreds of Quino checkerspot adults in 2001 within the Tule Peak 
Core Occurrence Complex (TeraCor 2002, p. 14). The hundreds of adults 
observed during surveys in the Tule Peak Core Occurrence Complex in 
2001 were unprecedented, because typically five or fewer individuals 
are reported during project-based surveys (Service GIS database). In 
2004, following a year of above-average host plant density in the Anza 
area (CFWO 2004), another Quino checkerspot butterfly outbreak event 
occurred with even higher abundance than was reported in 2001. An 
estimated 500 to 1000 adult Quino checkerspot butterflies were reported 
from the Silverado Core Occurrence Complex in a single day in 2004 
(Anderson 2007a, p. 1; CFWO 2004; Pratt 2004, pp. 16, 17). Moreover, 
over 30 new occurrence locations with high adult densities were 
reported in 2004 in the vicinity of Tule Peak Road (92 to over 100 
observations in a single day) south of the Cahuilla Band of Indians 
Tribal lands and the town of Anza (Osborne 2004, pp. 1-6, 8-10; 
Anderson 2007a, p. 5; CFWO 2004; Osborne 2007, pp. 13-16). These new 
observations prompted us to merge the Tule Peak (core), Silverado 
(core), and Southwest Cahuilla (non-core) occurrence complexes to form 
a single, expanded Tule Peak/Silverado Core Occurrence Complex.
    Available scientific information (including recent outbreaks in the 
closest core occurrence complexes) suggests the new Bautista Core 
Occurrence Complex and other non-core occurrence complexes north of the 
town of Anza are the result of recent colonization events and an 
ongoing range shift for this subspecies northward and upward in 
elevation. Parmesan (1996, pp. 765-766) concluded that the average 
position of known Edith's checkerspot butterfly populations (including 
the Quino checkerspot butterfly) has shifted northward and upward in 
elevation, apparently due to a warming, drying climate, and the 
recovery plan confirms this (Service 2003a, p. 64). Parmesan (1996, pp. 
765-766) compared the distribution of Edith's checkerspot butterfly in 
the early part of the 20th century to its distribution from 1994 to 
1996 using historical records and field surveys. This study identified 
range-wide patterns of local extirpations of Edith's checkerspot 
butterflies, and noted that populations in the southern part of the 
range (primarily the Quino checkerspot butterfly) experienced 80 
percent of all recorded local extirpations (Parmesan 1996, pp. 765-
766). Parmesan (1996, pp. 765-766) concluded that this pattern of 
extirpations indicated contraction of the southern boundary of the 
subspecies' overall distribution by almost 100 mi (160 km), and a shift 
in the average location of a Edith's checkerspot butterfly occurrence 
northward by 57 mi (92 km). This shift in range closely matched shifts 
in mean yearly temperature (Parmesan 1996, pp. 765-766). Studies have 
demonstrated a correlation of population distribution and phenology 
changes with climate changes for many other butterfly and insect 
species in California and around the world (Parmesan, et al. 1999, p. 
580; Forister and Shapiro 2003, p. 1130; Parmesan and Yohe 2003, pp. 
38, 39; Karban and Strauss 2004; Thomas, et al. 2006, pp. 146-147, 251; 
Osborne and Ballmer 2006, p. 1; Parmesan 2006, pp. 646-647; Thomas, et 
al. 2006, pp. 415-416). Metapopulation viability analyses of other 
endangered nymphalid butterfly species also indicate that current 
climate trends pose a major threat to butterfly metapopulations by 
reducing butterfly growth rates and increasing subpopulation 
extirpation rates (Schtickzelle and Baguette 2004, p. 277; 
Schtickzelle, et al. 2005, p. 89). Such similar climate response 
patterns in related and co-occurring insect species further support the 
validity of Parmesan's (1996, pp. 765-766) Quino

[[Page 3332]]

checkerspot butterfly observations and conclusions.
    Documentation of climate-related changes that have already occurred 
in California (Ehrlich and Murphy 1987, p. 124; Croke, et al. 1998, pp. 
2128, 2130; Davis, et al. 2002, p. 820; Brashears, et al. 2005, p. 
15144), and future drought predictions for California (e.g., Field, et 
al. 1999, pp. 8-10; Brunell and Anderson 2003, p. 21; Lenihen, et al. 
2003, p. 1667; Hayhoe, et al. 2004, p. 12422; Brashears, et al. 2005, 
p. 15144; Seager, et al. 2007, p. 1181) and North America (IPCC 2007, 
p. 9) indicate prolonged drought and other climate-related changes will 
continue into the foreseeable future, and we anticipate these changes 
will affect Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat and populations. 
Thomas, et al. (2004, p. 147) estimated 29 percent of species in 
scrublands (habitat for Quino checkerspot butterfly) face eventual 
extinction, and 7 (with dispersal) to 9 (without dispersal) percent of 
butterfly species in Mexico will become extinct (mid-range climate 
predictions; Thomas, et al. 2004, p. 146). The most-recent subspecies-
specific evidence corresponds with the hypothesis that drought 
conditions at the northern edge of the subspecies' range is resulting 
in ongoing range shift at the northern edge of the range to more 
northern and higher elevation areas that experience higher 
precipitation: Surveyors noted that during drought conditions in 2007, 
for the first time since the subspecies was listed, no Quino 
checkerspot butterflies were observed during Riverside County surveys 
or core occurrence complex monitoring (CFWO 2007).
    The Anza/Mount San Jacinto foothills area (Bautista care occurrence 
complex) is the northern extent of the range of the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly and supports the greatest elevational gradient within the 
extant range of the butterfly. Indications that maintenance of the Tule 
Peak/Silverado and Bautista Road core occurrence complexes, and 
maintenance of habitat connectivity to higher elevation non-core 
occurrence complexes, is needed to prevent a significant increase in 
the subspecies' extinction probability (Service 2003a, pp. 46, 47; 
Osborne 2007, pp. 9-10) include the following: Parmesan's subspecies-
specific study (Parmesan 1996); recent documented Quino checkerspot 
butterfly outbreak events (discussed above); the complete lack of Quino 
checkerspot butterfly observations in Riverside County during 2007 
monitoring; documented drought conditions and the likelihood that 
recurrent drought conditions will persist into the foreseeable future; 
and the likelihood that the new non-core occurrence complexes in the 
most northern, highest elevation habitat areas (Pine Grove, Lookout 
Mountain, Quinn Flat, Horse Creek, Cave Rocks, and the North Rouse 
Ridge) are a result of colonization from lower elevation populations 
over the past 10-15 years (such as the Bautista Road and Tule Peak/
Silverado core occurrence complexes). Parmesan's (1996, pp. 765-766) 
range-shift statistics predict the following Quino checkerspot 
butterfly population changes: (1) Declines in, and losses of, the 
southernmost and/or lowest elevation populations, especially in drier 
areas where rainfall is most variable (such as southwest Riverside 
County; Anderson 2000, pp. 3, 6); (2) increases in the density and 
resilience of the most northern and/or highest elevation populations, 
especially in wetter areas (such as the Anza area; Service 2003a, p. 
44); and (3) establishment of new populations, or expansion of existing 
populations, northward and upward in elevation where range shift is the 
least impeded by habitat loss due to land-use changes (such as the 
Mount San Jacinto foothills; Service GIS database and satellite 
imagery). Anza area core occurrence complexes (Tule Peak/Silverado and 
Bautista Road) also support the highest (co-occurring) diversity of 
host plant species (Plantago patagonica, Antirrhinum coulterianum, 
Cordylanthus rigidus, and Castilleja exserta) within the range of the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly, a factor known to mitigate the effects of 
climate extremes on Edith's checkerspot butterfly populations (Hellman 
2002, p. 925). In light of the recent warming and drying trends (see 
above discussion), prudent design of reserves and other managed 
habitats in the Anza area, where the subspecies range is expanding 
northward and upward in elevation should include landscape connectivity 
to other habitat patches and ecological connectivity (habitat patches 
linked by dispersal areas; Service 2003a, p. 162) in order to 
accommodate range shifts northward and upward in elevation (Service 
2003a, p. 64). Although habitat quality may be changing throughout the 
subspecies range, suitable habitat north and upward in elevation of the 
southernmost populations is already occupied, and colonization events 
associated with climate change are likely only occurring in the Anza 
area.

Status and Local Distribution of Populations in San Diego County

    The recovery plan identifies 4 core and 10 non-core occurrence 
complexes in southwest San Diego County surrounding Otay Mountain and 
Otay Lakes: West Otay Mesa (non-core), Otay Valley (core); West Otay 
Mountain (core); Otay Lakes/Rancho Jamul (core); Proctor Valley (non-
core); Jamul (non-core); Hidden Valley (non-core); Rancho San Diego 
(non-core); Los Monta[ntilde]as (non-core); Honey Springs (non-core); 
Dulzura (non-core); Marron Valley (core); Barrett Junction (non-core), 
and Tecate (non-core) occurrence complexes (Service 2003a, pp. 39, 41, 
44). New Quino checkerspot butterfly observations (Service GIS 
database) between occurrence complexes identified in the recovery plan 
have resulted in merging of the Otay Valley (core), West Otay Mountain 
(core), Otay Lakes (core), Proctor Valley (non-core), Dulzura (non-
core), and Honey Springs (non-core) occurrence complexes into a single, 
expanded Otay Mountain Core Occurrence Complex. This merging of 
occurrence complexes in the Otay area is further supported by the 
recovery plan, which noted that occupied habitat in the vicinity of 
Otay Lakes and Rancho Jamul is an area of key landscape connectivity 
for all subpopulations in southwest San Diego County (Service 2003a, 
pp. 53, 54).
    Following publication of the recovery plan in 2003, the Otay Fire 
severely burned habitats where the majority of Quino checkerspot 
butterflies had been observed within southwest San Diego County (IBAERT 
2003, pp. 89-90), including most of the Otay Mountain Core Occurrence 
Complex. In 2005, the smaller Border 50 Fire burned most habitat within 
the Marron Valley Core Occurrence Complex west of Otay Mountain that 
was not burned in the 2003 Otay Fire (Service GIS database). Although 
post-fire monitoring surveys indicated no populations were completely 
extirpated by the 2003 and 2005 fires (CFWO 2004, 2005, 2006; Anderson 
2007b, p. 2), Quino checkerspot butterfly densities and the extent of 
occupied habitat appeared to be reduced, and surveyors reported an 
apparent increased rate of exotic plant species invasion (Anderson 
2007b, pp. 2-3). An indirect threat exacerbated by fire damage is 
increased invasion of habitat by nonnative plant species, resulting in 
reduction of Quino checkerspot butterfly host plants through 
competition (Service 2003a, pp. 57-58, 60-61). Catastrophic fire has 
been implicated in the final extirpation of the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly from Orange County (Service 2003a, pp. 30, 60-61), therefore 
widespread catastrophic fire impacts to Quino checkerspot butterfly 
habitat within this core occurrence complex, are likely to

[[Page 3333]]

affect the survival probability of the subspecies in southwest San 
Diego County (Service 2003a, pp. 60-61).
    The effects of fire on Quino checkerspot butterfly populations in 
southwest San Diego County were evident in 2007. The northernmost 
occupied areas within the Otay Mountain Core Occurrence Complex (Honey 
Springs and Dulzura non-core occurrence complexes as identified in the 
recovery plan) had the highest densities of adult butterflies and 
supported the most reproduction (observed larvae) of any known occupied 
areas in 2007 (CFWO 2007). These areas were not affected by the 2003 
Otay and 2005 Border 50 fires. Therefore, observed relatively high 
Quino checkerspot butterfly abundance in 2007 in the Honey Springs and 
Dulzura areas (CFWO 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) was primarily 
due to the lack of recent fire impacts (Anderson 2007b, p. 3). In 2007, 
the Harris Fire perimeter encompassed approximately 72% of the new Otay 
Mountain Core Occurrence Complex, including the northern areas that 
were not affected by fire in 2003 or 2005 (Service GIS database). 
Habitat damage within the 2007 fire perimeter is still being assessed.
    Several widely distributed new observation locations have been 
reported in central San Diego County since 2002 (Dudek 2005, p. 1; 
Faulkner 2005, p. 1; Tierra Environmental Services 2005, p. 4), 
resulting in three new San Diego County non-core occurrence complexes 
(Fanita Ranch, Sycamore Canyon, and Mission Trails Park). Although 
these Quino checkerspot butterfly populations may contribute to the 
subspecies' recovery (Service 2003a, pp. 86-88), we cannot determine 
whether these new non-core occurrence complexes represent: (1) 
Residual, low-density populations decreasing in abundance; (2) 
resilient, low-density populations increasing in abundance; or (3) 
recent colonization events. Given the proximity of these occurrence 
complexes to historical collection locations (Service 2003a, p. 3), 
observed and predicted climate trends and associated population 
dynamic/range changes (see above discussion), and the relative 
isolation of these occurrence complexes from areas known to be occupied 
at the time of listing, it is likely they represent residual, low-
density populations decreasing in abundance.
    Multiple new Quino checkerspot butterfly observation locations have 
been reported in south-central San Diego County since 2002 east of the 
community of Campo (Dicus 2005, pp. 1-2; PSBS 2005a, p. 18; 2005b, p. 
26; O'Conner 2006, pp. 2-4). This cluster of occurrence complexes near 
Campo is over 7 mi (11 km) from the closest core occurrence complex, 
Jacumba (Service 2003a, p. 52; Service GIS satellite imagery and 
database), and over 12 mi (19 km) from the Tecate (non-core) Occurrence 
Complex (Service 2003a, p. 47; Service GIS satellite imagery and 
database). Although not quite proximal enough to be considered a single 
occurrence complex based on overlapping movement distances (Service 
2003a, p. 35), we consider this cluster of new observations near Campo 
to belong to a new, independent La Posta/Campo Core Occurrence Complex 
that we believe represents a population density center likely to 
contain source habitat (i.e., core occurrence complex) based on: (1) 
Recent documentation of these occupied habitats; (2) the small number 
of surveys conducted in this area in the past (Service survey report 
files) resulting in a low likelihood of detection; (3) contiguous 
habitat linked by short dispersal areas (e.g., a stream butterflies can 
fly over) between observation locations (Service GIS vegetation 
database and satellite imagery); and (4) the presence of Antirrhinum 
coulterianum (white snapdragon) host plants in occupied habitat 
(O'Connor 2006, pp. 2-4). White snapdragon had not been previously 
recorded in occupied Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat in San Diego 
County (Service survey report files). White snapdragon densities 
recorded in the vicinity of Campo (O'Connor 2006, pp. 2-4) were 
relatively high, and similar to those observed in the Tule Peak/
Silverado Core Occurrence Complex in Riverside County, the only core 
occurrence complex where recent Quino checkerspot butterfly ``outbreak 
events'' have been recorded (see above discussion).
    Quino checkerspot butterflies have recently been observed in two 
new locations in southeast San Diego County near Jacumba (identified as 
the Jacumba East and Jacumba West occurrence complexes) (Essex and 
Osborne 2005, p. 82; Klein 2007, p. 1). Additionally, data collected 
from the Jacumba Occurrence Complex since publication of the recovery 
plan has led us to reclassify the Jacumba complex as a Core Occurrence 
Complex. The Jacumba Occurrence Complex was not classified as a core 
occurrence complex in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 52), due to 
its relatively small geographic size and small number of observed 
individuals. However, adult Quino checkerspot butterflies are 
consistently observed in the area, even during drought years and under 
difficult survey conditions (high winds) (CFWO 2002-2007; Klein 2007, 
p. 1). As many as 50 individuals are estimated to have been observed in 
one day near Jacumba Peak (Pratt 2007c, p. 1). Furthermore, 
reproduction was documented in the Jacumba Occurrence Complex in 1998 
and again in 2004 (Pratt 2007a, p. 1). Therefore, we now consider 
Jacumba to be a core occurrence complex representing what appears to be 
a small, but resilient, population.
    The prediction that drought conditions are likely to continue into 
the foreseeable future (Service 2003a, pp. 63, 64; see above 
discussion) highlights the importance of conserving populations locally 
adapted to drier climates and diverse habitat types (Service 2003a, p. 
76). The La Posta/Campo and Jacumba core occurrence complexes are 
warmer and drier than the Otay Mountain Core Occurrence Complex, and 
differ substantially in other habitat characteristics (Service 2003a, 
pp. 36-54; O'Conner 2006, p. 4). Therefore, maintenance of these core 
occurrence complexes likely is important for recovery and survival of 
the Quino checkerspot butterfly in San Diego County. These new core 
occurrence complexes were also the only core occurrence complexes in 
San Diego County (the subspecies' southern range) not affected by the 
fires in 2003 and 2005 (see above discussion). Therefore, new 
information indicates the La Posta/Campo and Jacumba core occurrence 
complexes contribute significantly to reducing the subspecies' 
extinction probability.

Previous Federal Actions

    For more information on previous Federal actions concerning the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly, refer to the final critical habitat rule 
published in the Federal Register on April 15, 2002 (67 FR 18356) and 
the final listing rule published in the Federal Register on January 16, 
1997 (62 FR 2313). In March 2005, the Homebuilders Association of 
Northern California, et al., filed suit against the Service challenging 
the merits of the final critical habitat designations for several 
species, including the Quino checkerspot butterfly. In March 2006, a 
settlement was reached that required the Service to re-evaluate five 
final critical habitat designations, including critical habitat 
designated for the Quino checkerspot butterfly. The settlement 
stipulated that any proposed revisions to the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly designation would be submitted for publication to the

[[Page 3334]]

Federal Register on or before December 7, 2007. A court-approved 
amendment to the settlement agreement extended this deadline for 
submission to the Federal Register to January 8, 2008.

Critical Habitat

    Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as:
    (1) 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
    (a) Essential to the conservation of the species and
    (b) Which may require special management considerations or 
protection; and
    (2) 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.
    Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means the use 
of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring any 
endangered species or threatened species to the point at which the 
measures provided under the Act are no longer necessary.
    Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act 
through the prohibition against Federal agencies carrying out, funding, 
or authorizing the destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat. Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires consultation on Federal 
actions that may affect critical habitat. The designation of critical 
habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge, 
wilderness, reserve, preserve, or other conservation area. Such 
designation does not allow government or public access to private 
lands. Such designation does not require implementation of restoration, 
recovery, or enhancement measures by private landowners. Where a 
landowner requests federal agency funding or authorization for an 
action that may affect a listed species or critical habitat, the 
consultation requirements of section 7(a)(2) may apply, but even in the 
event of a destruction or adverse modification finding, the Federal 
action agency's and the applicant's obligation is not to restore or 
recover the species, but to implement reasonable and prudent 
alternatives to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat.
    To be included in a critical habitat designation, habitat within 
the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it was listed 
must contain physical and biological features that are essential to the 
conservation of the species. Consistent with this requirement, the 
Service identifies, to the extent known using the best scientific data 
available, habitat areas on which are found primary constituent 
elements (PCEs), as defined at 50 CFR 424.12(b), and identifies the 
quantity and spatial arrangement of such areas to ensure that the areas 
designated as critical habitat are essential for the conservation of 
the species. To be included in the designation, the features at issue 
must also be ones that may require special management considerations or 
protection.
    Under the Act, we can designate areas outside the geographical area 
occupied by the species at the time it is listed as critical habitat 
only when we determine that those areas are essential for the 
conservation of the species.
    Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on 
the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available. 
Further, our Policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered 
Species Act (published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 
34271)), the Information Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 
106-554; H.R. 5658)), and our associated Information Quality Guidelines 
provide criteria, establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure 
that our decisions are based on the best scientific data available. 
They require our biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and 
with the use of the best scientific data available, to use primary and 
original sources of information as the basis for recommendations to 
designate critical habitat.
    When we are determining which areas should be proposed as critical 
habitat, our primary source of information is generally the information 
developed during the listing process for the species. Additional 
information sources may include the recovery plan for the species, 
articles in peer-reviewed journals, conservation plans developed by 
States and Counties, scientific status surveys and studies, biological 
assessments, other unpublished materials, and expert opinion or 
personal knowledge.
    Habitat is often dynamic, and species may move from one area to 
another over time. Furthermore, we recognize that critical habitat 
designated at a particular point in time may not include all of the 
habitat areas that we may later determine, based on scientific data not 
now available to the Service, are essential for the conservation of the 
species. For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not 
signal that habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may 
not be required for recovery of the species.
    Areas that are important to the conservation of the species, but 
are outside the critical habitat designation, will continue to be 
subject to conservation actions implemented by the Service and other 
Federal agencies under section 7(a)(1) of the Act. Areas that support 
populations are also subject to the regulatory protections afforded by 
the section 7(a)(2) jeopardy standard, as determined on the basis of 
the best available scientific information at the time of the agency 
action. Federally funded or permitted projects affecting listed species 
outside their designated critical habitat areas may still result in 
jeopardy findings in some cases. Similarly, critical habitat 
designations made on the basis of the best available information at the 
time of designation will not control the direction and substance of 
future recovery plans, habitat conservation plans (HCPs), or other 
species conservation planning efforts if new information available at 
the time of these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.

Methods

    As required by section 4(b) of the Act, we used the best scientific 
data available to determine areas within the geographical area occupied 
at the time of listing that contain physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of the Quino checkerspot butterfly, and 
areas outside of the geographical area occupied at the time of listing 
that are essential for the conservation of the butterfly. We have also 
reviewed available information that pertains to the habitat 
requirements of this subspecies. These sources included, but were not 
limited to, the final rule to list this subspecies (62 FR 2313; January 
16, 1997); data and information published in peer-reviewed articles; 
data and information contained in the recovery plan (Service 2003); 
survey and research reports submitted to the Service, including reports 
required by 10(a)(1)(A) recovery permits; information provided by 
subspecies experts, including the subspecies' recovery team; data 
submitted during section 7 consultations; and regional GIS data.

Primary Constituent Elements

    In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at 
50 CFR 424.12, in determining which areas within the geographical area 
occupied at the time of listing to propose as critical habitat, we 
identify the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the Quino checkerspot

[[Page 3335]]

butterfly based on its biological needs. We consider the physical or 
biological features essential to the conservation of the species to be 
the primary constituent elements (PCEs) laid out in the appropriate 
quantity and spatial arrangement for conservation of the species. As 
described at 50 CFR 424.12, the physical and biological features that 
are essential to the conservation of a species, and that may require 
special management considerations or protection, include, but are not 
limited to:
    (1) Space for individual and population growth and for normal 
behavior;
    (2) Food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or 
physiological requirements;
    (3) Cover or shelter;
    (4) Sites for breeding, reproduction, rearing, or development of 
offspring; and
    (5) Habitats that are protected from disturbance or are 
representative of the historical, geographical, and ecological 
distributions of a species.

Space for Individual and Population Growth and for Normal Behavior

    Habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly is characterized by 
patchy shrub or small tree landscapes with openings of several meters 
between large plants, or a landscape of open swales alternating with 
dense patches of shrubs (Mattoni, et al. 1007, p. 112), habitats often 
collectively termed ``scrublands.'' Quino checkerspot butterflies will 
frequently perch on vegetation or other substrates to mate or bask, and 
require open areas to facilitate movement (Service 2003, pp. 10-11). 
White and Levin (1981, pp. 350, 351) found that adult Quino checkerspot 
butterfly's within-habitat patch movement distances from larval host 
plant patches to adult nectar sources often exceeded 656 ft (200 m).

Food, Water, Air, Light, Minerals, or Other Nutritional or 
Physiological Requirements

    Because of their exothermic (cold-blooded) metabolism (Service 
2003a, p. 18) and need to complete their life cycle in as short a time 
as possible (Service 2003a, p. 20), larval and adult Quino checkerspot 
butterflies require an open, woody canopy that allows sun to penetrate 
and speed their metabolic rate.
    Within open, woody-canopy communities, larvae seek microclimates 
with high solar exposure (Weiss, et al. 1987, p. 161; Weiss, et al. 
1988, p. 1487; Osborne and Redak 2000, p. 113). Like most butterflies, 
adult Quino checkerspot butterflies frequently bask and remain in open-
canopy areas, using air temperature and sunshine to increase their body 
temperature to the level required for normal active behavior (Service 
2003a, p. 18).
    Quino checkerspot butterfly oviposition (egg deposition) has most 
often been documented on dwarf plantain (Plantago erecta), woolly 
plantain (Plantago patagonica), and white snapdragon (Anterrhinum 
coulterianum) (Service 2003a, p. 14-18). Egg clusters and/or pre-
diapause larval clusters (proof of adult oviposition) have also been 
documented in the field on thread-leaved bird's beak (Cordylanthus 
rigidus) and purple owl's-clover (Castilleja exserta) (Service 2003a, 
pp. 14-18). Cordylanthus rigidus and Castilleja exserta alone are not 
believed to be sufficient to support Quino checkerspot butterfly 
breeding; therefore, other species of host plant must co-exist within 
approximately 328 ft (100 m) of these species of host plant for habitat 
to support breeding (Service 2003, pp. 16-17).
    During the first two instars, pre-diapause larvae cannot move more 
than a few centimeters and feed on the host plant on which the adult 
female butterfly deposited eggs (primary host plant species). Third 
instar larvae usually wander independently in search of food and may 
switch to feeding on a secondary host plant species (Service 2003, p. 
7). All known species of host plant (see species listed above) may 
serve as primary or secondary host plants, depending on location and 
environmental conditions (Service 2003, p. 17). Although Plantago 
erecta densities required for larval development have been estimated 
(Service 2003, pp. 22-23), it is not always possible any given year to 
determine typical host plant densities because germinating host plants 
may be entirely consumed by larvae, or when precipitation levels have 
been below-average, seeds may not germinate and larvae may remain in 
diapause (Service 2003, p. 23).
    Adult checkerspot butterflies of the genus Euphydryas have a short 
tongue, approximately 0.43 inches (in) (11 millimeters (mm)) in length 
(Pratt 2007b, p. 1), and typically cannot feed on flowers that have 
deep corolla tubes or flowers evolved to be opened by bees (Service 
2003a, p. 19). Edith's checkerspot butterflies prefer flowers with a 
platform-like surface on which they can remain upright while feeding 
(Service 2003a, p. 19). Examples of flowers Quino checkerspot 
butterflies frequently take nectar from include lomatium (Lomatium 
spp.), goldenstar (Muilla spp.), fiddleneck (Amsinckia spp.), 
goldfields (Lasthenia spp.), and popcorn flowers (Plagiobothrys and 
Cryptantha spp.) (Service 2003a, p. 19). Adults may nectar on flowers 
with a corolla length nearly a centimeter longer than their proboscis 
(0.59-1.10 in (15-28 mm)), like Linanthus androsaceus (Murphy 1984, p. 
114; Hickman 1993, p. 842), but they are not likely to prefer such 
species (Murphy 1984, p. 114).

Cover or Shelter

    Quino checkerspot butterfly larvae require sheltered sites for 
diapause (Service 2003a, p. 8), and adults typically roost in or below 
shrubs overnight and during adverse weather conditions (Service 2003a, 
p. 10). A pilot laboratory study (Pratt 2006, p. 9) and larval 
distribution observations (Osborne and Redak 2000, p. 113) indicate 
Quino checkerspot butterfly larvae prefer to diapause in or near the 
base of native shrubs, such as California buckwheat (Eriogonum 
fasciculatum).

Sites for Breeding, Reproduction, or Rearing (or Development) of 
Offspring

    Male Quino checkerspot butterflies, and to a lesser extent females, 
are frequently observed on hilltops and ridgelines (CFWO GIS Quino 
checkerspot butterfly database, Osborne 2001, pp. 1-2; Pratt 2001, p. 
59). In Edith's checkerspot butterflies, this tendency of females to 
move upwards in elevation and of males to defend hilltops 
(``hilltopping behavior'') increases the likelihood of male and female 
butterflies finding each other to mate during years of low adult 
density (Baughman and Murphy 1988, p. 119; Ehrlich and Wheye 1988, pp. 
460-461). On hilltops where males are likely to encounter virgin 
females, the males will defend their territory from other males; 
therefore, higher ground can serve as a ``visual beacon'' to enhance 
mating success (Baughman and Murphy 1988, p. 119; Ehrlich and Wheye 
1988, pp. 460-461; Mattoni, et al. 1997, p. 109). Hilltopping has been 
observed in Quino checkerspot butterflies (Mattoni et al. 1997, p. 110, 
Osborne 2001, pp. 1-2). Like other subspecies of Edith's checkerspot, 
adult Quino checkerspot butterflies are reliably observed on hilltops 
in occupied habitat (Service GIS database), even in the absence of 
larval host plants (Osborne 2001, pp. 1-2; Pratt 2001, p. 59); 
therefore, hilltops and ridgelines provide features essential for 
breeding in local populations.

Primary Constituent Elements for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly

    For areas within the geographical area occupied by the Quino 
checkerspot

[[Page 3336]]

butterfly at the time of listing, we must identify the primary 
constituent elements (PCEs) that may require special management 
considerations or protection. Based on the above needs and our current 
knowledge of the life history, biology, and ecology of the subspecies, 
we have determined the Quino checkerspot butterfly's PCEs are:
    (1) Open areas within scrublands at least 21.5 square feet (ft) (2 
square meters (m)) in size that:
    (A) Contain no woody canopy cover; and
    (B) Contain one or more of the host plants Plantago erecta, 
Plantago patagonica, or Antirrhinum coulterianum; or
    (C) Contain one or more of the host plants Cordylanthus rigidus or 
Castilleja exserta that are within 328 ft (100 m) of the host plants 
Plantago erecta, Plantago patagonica, or Antirrhinum coulterianum; or
    (D) Contain flowering plants with a corolla tube less than or equal 
to 0.43 inches (11 millimeters) used for Quino checkerspot butterfly 
growth, reproduction, and feeding;
    (2) Open scrubland areas and vegetation within 656 ft (200 m) of 
the open canopy areas (PCE 1) used for movement and basking; and
    (3) Hilltops or ridges within scrublands, linked by open areas and 
natural vegetation (PCE 2) to open canopy areas (PCE 1) containing an 
open, woody-canopy area at least 21.5 square ft (2 square m) in size 
used for Quino checkerspot butterfly mating (hilltopping behavior).

Special Management Considerations or Protection

    When designating critical habitat, we assess whether the areas 
within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of 
listing contain features that are essential to the conservation of the 
species and may require special management considerations or 
protection.
    When the Quino checkerspot butterfly was listed on January 16, 1997 
(62 FR 2313), the primary threats to the subspecies thought to be 
responsible for its decline were reduction and fragmentation of habitat 
by urban and agricultural development and recreational activities, 
over-collection, vandalism, fire, and drought. Threats described in the 
listing rule, as well as trash dumping, nitrogen deposition, elevated 
atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, and climate change, were 
listed as active or probable threats in the final designation of 
critical habitat (67 FR 18356) published April 15, 2002. Current 
threats to the subspecies and management needs were described in detail 
in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, pp. 55-65). They are: (1) Loss and 
fragmentation of habitat and landscape connectivity; (2) invasion by 
nonnative plants; (3) off-road vehicle activity; (4) grazing; (5) fire; 
(6) enhanced soil nitrogen; (7) increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide 
concentration; and (8) climate change. Scientific research indicates 
all threats individually, and interactively, cause loss or reduced 
availability of Quino checkerspot butterfly host plants, nectar 
sources, and suitable areas for necessary behaviors (e.g., mating, 
basking, hilltopping, etc.) (Service 2003a, pp. 55-65). This results in 
a loss of PCEs. For example, increased atmospheric carbon dioxide 
concentration resulted in an approximate 30 percent loss in seed 
production of Plantago lanceolata (Jablonski, et al. 2002, p. 14), and 
increased temperatures caused an approximate 5 percent reduction in 
reproductive duration (Sherry, et al. 2007, p. 200), indicating reduced 
host plant density and phenological availability under current and 
predicted climate conditions (Service 2003a, pp. 62-65; see Background 
section above). In addition, development activities can result in the 
loss of open, woody-canopy native scrublands and hilltops (space for 
normal behavior and larval diapausing sites) and fragmentation of 
habitat and landscape connectivity.
    Management needs and actions recommended by the recovery plan that 
may be required to protect and maintain the PCEs for the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly include: (1) Reestablishment and maintenance of 
habitat and landscape connectivity within and between populations 
(Service 2003a, pp. 57, 96-101); (2) habitat restoration and control of 
invasive nonnative species (Service 2003a, pp. 58, 96-101, 146-159); 
(3) monitoring of ongoing habitat loss and nonnative plant invasion 
(Service 2003a, p. 106); (4) phased replacement of grazing with 
nonnative invasive plant control (Service 2003a, pp. 60, 101-102); (5) 
carefully controlled burn experiments to assess effectiveness for 
control of nonnative plant invasion and protection of PCEs from 
wildfire destruction (Service 2003a, p. 61); (6) reduction of local 
nitrogen emissions from sources such as high-traffic roads (Service 
2003a, p. 62); (7) management of off-road vehicle activity (Service 
2003a, pp. 59, 146-159), including outreach and partnerships with local 
off-road vehicle clubs and organizations (Service 2003a, p. 105); (8) 
reduction of firearm use and trash dumping in habitat (Service 2003a, 
p. 109); and (9) prudent design of managed habitats to include 
landscape connectivity (habitat) and ecological connectivity (wildlands 
that may not currently include habitat) (Service 2003a, pp. 65, 96).

Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat

    There is a lack of specific knowledge regarding distribution of 
occupancy within the greater historical range of the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly, and Edith's checkerspot butterfly subspecies' occupancy 
within population distributions is generally shifting and ephemeral 
(see Background Section above). Therefore, the appropriate scale for 
determining Quino checkerspot butterfly occupancy at the time of 
listing is the population distribution level, and criteria for 
determining habitat required to support a population should incorporate 
long-term occupancy data as well as movement distances in order to 
include all habitat necessary to support continued occupancy by the 
population. The process we used is described below.
    To delineate proposed revised critical habitat, we first determined 
occupancy within the extant range of the Quino checkerspot butterfly. 
Occupancy status was determined using occurrence data from the Carlsbad 
Fish and Wildlife Office GIS database and associated survey reports. 
Areas containing occurrence records from 1999 or later were considered 
currently occupied. We then determined which areas were occupied at the 
time of listing by comparing survey and collection information to 
descriptions of occupied areas in the final listing rule published in 
the Federal Register on January 16, 1997 (62 FR 2313). Core occurrence 
complexes recorded within 4 years of listing that contained repeated 
observations of a large number of individuals (relative to all known 
occupied locations), and were more than 4 mi (6.4 km; the maximum 
recorded Edith's checkerspot dispersal distance) from other occurrence 
complexes known to be occupied at the time of listing were also 
considered to be occupied at the time of listing on the basis that 
these parameters indicate such areas were not colonized post-listing.
    Once we determined the extant range of the subspecies and 
identified all occupied habitat, we used the following rule set to 
identify areas for inclusion in this proposed revision to designated 
critical habitat. As described further in the Background section above, 
core occurrence complexes appear to be population density centers 
likely to contain source habitat based on

[[Page 3337]]

geographic size, number of reported individuals, repeated observations, 
and/or documented reproduction. Therefore, we believe that core 
occurrence complexes are the most likely to persist into the future and 
provide emigrants to other populations, and, as such, are essential to 
the recovery of this subspecies. We first identified seven core 
occurrence complexes that were known to be occupied at the time of 
listing (Warm Springs Creek, Skinner/ Johnson, Vail Lake, Sage, Wilson 
Valley, Tule Peak/Silverado, Otay Mountain). Furthermore, we identified 
two new core occurrence complexes (Bautista Road and La Posta/Campo) 
that were not known to have been occupied at the time of listing (see 
Background section above).
    Within the geographical area occupied by the subspecies at the time 
of listing, to delineate all the core occurrence complexes we grouped 
occurrence records together that were within 0.6 mi (1 km) of each 
other as one core occurrence (as described further in the Background 
Section above). We then identified the extent of habitat needed to 
support each represented population by including additional contiguous 
habitat that contained the PCEs within 0.6 mi (1 km movement distance, 
see Background section above) of the mapped core occurrence complex 
areas. This criterion used biological and geographic information 
(primarily GIS host plant occurrence data, vegetation layers, and 
satellite imagery) to capture a habitat-based population footprint 
associated with each core occurrence complex necessary to support 
continued occupancy of each complex.
    When delineating the habitat-based population footprint for each 
core occurrence complex, we examined all identified habitat to ensure 
that all areas contained one or more PCEs in the quantity and spatial 
arrangement to provide the features essential to this subspecies. Any 
areas that did not appear to contain the PCEs were removed. We did this 
by using biological and geographic information (primarily GIS 
vegetation layers and satellite imagery). Habitat delineation after 
addition of contiguous habitat outside of occurrence complex movement 
radii, and removal of non-habitat within movement radii, is our best 
scientific estimate of population footprints (occupied areas) 
associated with core occurrence complexes.
    As previously stated, we identified two new core occurrence 
complexes that were not known to be occupied at the time of listing 
(Bautista Road and La Posta/Campo). At La Posta/Campo, we consider all 
recently identified clusters of occurrence records to be a single core 
occurrence complex (as described further in the Background section 
above). Similar to the core occurrence complexes known to be occupied 
at the time of listing, we grouped occurrence records together that 
were within 0.6 mi (1 km) of each other. We then identified the extent 
of habitat needed to support each represented population by including 
additional contiguous habitat that contained the PCEs within 0.6 mi (1 
km) of the mapped core occurrence complex areas. This process grouped 
all recent records into one complex and identified the habitat-based 
population footprint associated with this core occurrence complex 
necessary to support continued occupancy. Finally, we examined all 
identified habitat to ensure that all areas contained one or more PCEs 
in the quantity and spatial arrangement to provide the features 
essential to this subspecies. Any areas that did not appear to contain 
the PCEs were removed.
    We closely examined the new Bautista Road Core Occurrence Complex 
and determined that the status of this core occurrence complex reflects 
a shift in the Quino checkerspot butterfly's range, correlated with 
increased temperatures and drought conditions in the region (see 
Background section above). Recognizing the predictions by Parmesan 
(1996, p. 765; 2006, pp. 647-648) and Seager, et al. (2007, pp. 1181, 
1183, 1184), we expect range shift northward and upward in elevation in 
this region to continue as climate models predict above-average 
temperatures and drought conditions into the foreseeable future (see 
Background section above; National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration 2007). Therefore, consistent with recommendations in the 
recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 65), we delineated additional habitat 
containing the PCEs that was contiguous with the Bautista Road Core 
Occurrence Complex, to also capture landscape connectivity to three 
non-core occurrence complexes (Pine Grove, Lookout Mountain, and Horse 
Creek) that are higher in elevation and/or further north.
    Inclusion of lands supporting core occurrence complexes is 
necessary to ensure the conservation of the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly, and therefore consistent with 50 CFR Sec.  424.12(e), we 
have delineated areas outside the geographical area presently occupied 
by the subspecies contiguous with the Bautista Road Core Occurrence 
Complex for inclusion in the proposed revision to critical habitat. The 
unoccupied habitat connects this core occurrence complex with other 
occupied (non-core) areas at Pine Grove, Lookout Mountain, and Horse 
Creek.
    When determining the proposed revisions to critical habitat 
boundaries, we made every effort to avoid including (within the 
boundaries of the map contained within this proposed revision to 
critical habitat) developed areas such as lands covered by buildings, 
pavement, and other structures because such lands lack PCEs for the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly. The scale of the maps prepared under the 
parameters for publication within the Code of Federal Regulations may 
not reflect the exclusion of such developed lands. Any such lands 
inadvertently left inside critical habitat boundaries shown on the maps 
of this proposed revision to critical habitat have been excluded by 
text in the proposed rule and are not proposed for designation as 
critical habitat. Therefore, Federal actions involving these areas 
would not trigger section 7 consultation with respect to critical 
habitat and the requirement of no adverse modification unless the 
specific action would affect the PCEs of critical habitat.
    Our delineation of proposed revisions to critical habitat includes 
lands owned by the Cahuilla Band of Indians and the Campo Band of 
Kumeyaay Indians. The Tule Peak/Silverado Core Occurrence Complex, 
which was occupied at the time of listing, overlaps with Cahuilla Band 
of Indians Tribal lands in Riverside County. These lands contain 
scrublands with openings of at least 21.5 square feet (ft) (2 square m) 
in size containing host and nectar plants for feeding, hilltops areas 
for mating within 656 ft (200 m) of an open area containing host and 
nectar plants for feeding, and natural vegetation or open areas for 
movement and basking. These lands support the quantity and spatial 
arrangement of the PCEs necessary to conserve the Tule Peak/Silverado 
Core Occurrence Complex, and therefore, we are including Cahuilla Band 
of Indians Tribal lands in this proposed revision to designated 
critical habitat. Similarly, we determined that the La Posta/Campo Core 
Occurrence Complex, which is not known to have been occupied at the 
time of listing, overlaps with Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians Tribal 
lands in San Diego County. These lands contain scrublands with openings 
of at least 21.5 square feet (ft) (2 square m) in size containing host 
and nectar plants for feeding, hilltops areas for mating within 656 ft 
(200 m) of an open area containing host and nectar plants for feeding, 
and natural vegetation or open areas for movement and basking. These

[[Page 3338]]

lands support the quantity and spatial arrangement of the PCEs 
necessary to conserve the La Posta/Campo Core Occurrence Complex, and 
therefore, we are including Campo Band of Kumeyaay Indians Tribal lands 
in this proposed revision to designated critical habitat.
    No management for conservation of the Quino checkerspot butterfly 
is currently occurring on Tribal lands, nor do any draft management 
plans exist. However, we have met with both affected Tribes, and we 
have agreed to work with them to develop management plans for the 
subspecies prior to designation of critical habitat. Should management 
plans be completed prior to finalization of this critical habitat rule, 
we will evaluate any submitted plans in consideration of Secretarial 
Order 3206, ``American Indian Tribal Rights, Federal Tribal Trust 
Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act'' (June 5, 1997); the 
President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, ``Government-to-Government 
Relations with Native American Tribal Governments'' (59 FR 22951); 
Executive Order 13175; and the relevant provision of the Departmental 
Manual of the Department of the Interior (512 DM 2) in relation to the 
conservation benefits to the subspecies, the features essential to the 
conservation of the subspecies, and the appropriateness of excluding 
Tribal lands under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
    We are proposing to revise the existing critical habitat 
designation and propose to designate critical habitat in areas that we 
have determined are within the geographical area occupied at the time 
of listing and contain the physical or biological features essential to 
the conservation of the subspecies, and in areas outside the 
geographical area occupied at the time of listing that also are 
essential for the conservation of the subspecies. Information provided 
in comments on this proposed revision to critical habitat designation 
and draft economic analysis will be evaluated and considered in the 
development of the final revised designation of critical habitat for 
Quino checkerspot butterfly.

Summary of Changes From Previously Designated Critical Habitat

    The areas identified in this proposed rule constitute a proposed 
revision of the areas we designated as critical habitat for the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly on April 15, 2002 (67 FR 18356). The main 
differences include the following:
    (1) Currently, four units totaling 171,605 ac (69,440 ha) are 
designated as critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (67 
FR 18356, April 15, 2002). This proposed revision to designated 
critical habitat, which is based on new occupancy and habitat 
information (updated GIS information on vegetation, butterfly, and host 
plant distribution), includes 10 units totaling 98,487 ac (39,857 ha). 
This proposed revision to critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly, if adopted, would result in a decrease of 73,118 ac (29,583 
ha) from currently designated critical habitat for this subspecies. 
However, we are considering excluding 1,684 ac (681 ha) of land within 
the San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Plan's City of Chula 
Vista Subarea Plan and 37,245 ac (15,073) of non-Federal land within 
the Western Riverside County MSHCP area from the final designation.
    (2) We revised the PCE descriptions to make them more quantifiable 
and easy to apply in the field; however, the habitat components have 
not changed. Hilltops, nectar sources, host plant species, and open-
canopy scrublands are the same habitat components described as PCEs in 
the 2002 final critical habitat rule (67 FR 18356, April 15, 2002).
    (3) In the 2002 critical habitat designation (67 FR 18356, April 
15, 2002) we based our criteria on the reasoning that habitat areas 
supporting core occurrence complexes, habitat areas that had the 
potential support for a core population complex, and habitat areas that 
facilitate landscape connectivity or otherwise played a significant 
role in maintaining metapopulation viability were essential to the 
long-term conservation of the subspecies. Populations on the periphery 
of the subspecies' range or in atypical environments were considered 
important for maintaining the genetic diversity of the subspecies, and 
possibly essential for adaptation to changing climatic and 
environmental conditions. In this proposed revision to the critical 
habitat designation our underlying reasoning has not changed, however, 
our revised Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat are based on new 
scientific information not available when critical habitat was 
designated on April 15, 2002 (67 FR 18356). Application of new data and 
updated occurrence information described in the Background section 
above resulted in the identification of different essential habitat 
areas than were identified in the 2002 final critical habitat rule, and 
a reduced total amount of acreage that is essential to the long-term 
conservation of this subspecies. The large amount of new habitat and 
distribution information resulted in our expanding the boundaries of 
known core occurrence complexes to include areas that were considered 
to support adjacent non-core occurrence complexes in the 2002 final 
designation, and our identification of the new Bautista Road and La 
Posta/Campo core occurrence complexes (see Background Section above). 
These revisions capture all habitat areas necessary to sustain and 
recover the subspecies and are adequate to ensure the long-term 
conservation of this subspecies based on our current knowledge of this 
subspecies' life history and ecological needs as described in the 
Background, Primary Constituent Elements, and Special Management 
Considerations or Protection sections above. The new criteria capture 
different areas on the periphery of the subspecies' range and in 
atypical environments considered important to this subspecies for 
adaptation to changing climatic and environmental conditions than were 
identified in the 2002 critical habitat designation. For example, the 
new proposed revised Bautista Unit (including 3 non-core occurrence 
complexes and habitat not known to be occupied) adequately incorporates 
habitat in the San Jacinto foothills at the northern edge of the 
subspecies' range. Furthermore, data collected since 2002 indicates 
that this area is providing the function that the more isolated, non-
core, Brown Canyon subunit of currently designated Unit 2 (67 FR 18356, 
April 15, 2002; 50 CFR 17.95(i)) was speculated to provide this 
subspecies in the 2002 critical habitat designation. Therefore, the 
Brown Canyon subunit is no longer considered essential (see further 
discussion below). We believe the proposed revised critical habitat 
units, which are based primarily on core occurrence complex and habitat 
distributions, are the areas essential for conservation of the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly.
    (4) The 2002 critical habitat designation (FR 18356, April 15, 
2002) in Riverside County consisted of two units that included almost 
all known non-core occurrence complexes, areas connecting those 
occurrence complexes, and habitat within the Lake Mathews/Estelle 
Mountain Reserve associated with the ``Lake Mathews Population Site'' 
described in the recovery plan (Sevice 2003a, p. 77). We considered, 
but did not include any of the 5,765 ha (14,250 ac) of habitat in 
northwest Riverside County corresponding with current Unit 1 (67 FR 
18356, April 15, 2002; 50 CFR 17.95(i)) associated with the Harford 
Springs (non-core) Occurrence Complex and the Lake Mathews/Estelle 
Mountain Reserve. Data collected since we designated

[[Page 3339]]

critical habitat on April 15, 2002 (67 FR 18356) indicates this area is 
no longer likely to support the features essential to the conservation 
of the subspecies, and that it is not essential for conservation of the 
subspecies. Most of the habitat associated with the Harford Springs 
(non-core) Occurrence Complex (currently designated Unit 1) is 
functionally isolated from occupied areas or has subsequently been 
developed, and this non-core occurrence complex has apparently been 
extirpated (see Background section above). We considered but did not 
include portions of habitat within currently designated Unit 2 (67 FR 
18356, April 15, 2002; 50 CFR 17.95(i)) associated with the Domenigoni 
Valley (Service 2003a, p. 39), Brown Canyon, Rocky Ridge, Billygoat 
Mountain, Dameron Valley, Oak Grove (Service 2003a, p. 41), and Spring 
Canyon non-core occurrence complexes in Riverside County identified in 
the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 44; current Unit 2). We believe 
habitat captured by the expanded core occurrence complexes and the 
criteria that included additional habitat within 0.6 mi (1 km) of the 
mapped core occurrence complex areas (see Criteria Used to Identify 
Critical Habitat Section above) provides adequate landscape 
connectivity for conservation of the subspecies, and adequately 
captures areas that otherwise play a significant role in maintaining 
metapopulation viability.
    (5) We considered but did not include in this proposed revision to 
critical habitat currently designated areas dominated by Tecate cypress 
(Callitropsis (Cupressus) forbesii) woodland on Otay Mountain, or 
currently designated areas associated with the National Wildlife Refuge 
(NWR) Rancho San Diego, NWR Los Montanas, Jamul, West Otay Mesa, 
Barrett Junction, and Tecate non-core occurrence complexes identified 
in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 47; current Unit 3, 67 FR 
18356, April 15, 2002; 50 CFR 17.95(i)). We believe habitat captured by 
the expanded core occurrence complexes on Otay Mountain and the 
criteria that included additional habitat within 0.6 mi (1 km) of the 
mapped core occurrence complex areas (see Criteria Used to Identify 
Critical Habitat Section above) provides adequate landscape 
connectivity for conservation of the subspecies at Otay Mountain, and 
adequately captures areas that otherwise play a significant role in 
maintaining metapopulation viability.
    (6) This proposed revision to designated critical habitat includes 
8,393 ac (3,397 ha) in one unit in San Diego County (La Posta/Campo) 
that is not currently designated as critical habitat. We acquired 
occupancy data from the La Posta/Campo Unit after publication of the 
April 15, 2002, critical habitat rule (67 FR 18356). The proposed La 
Posta/Campo unit supports the newly identified La Posta/Campo Core 
Occurrence Complex (see Background section above). This newly described 
core occurrence complex represents a population locally adapted to a 
unique habitat type and a warmer, drier climate (relative to the Otay 
Mountain Core Occurrence Complex). Conservation of this unique habitat 
provides geographic, genetic, and habitat diversity that is likely to 
reduce the subspecies' extinction probability due to fire and climate 
change (Service 2003a, pp. 60-61, 76; see Background section above).
    (7) This proposed revision to designated critical habitat includes 
14,014 ac (5,671 ha) in one unit in Riverside County (Bautista Road) 
that is not currently designated as critical habitat. We did not 
include the Bautista Road Core Occurrence Complex in the April 15, 
2002, designation (67 FR 18356), because it was first documented 
following publication of the proposed rule (66 FR 9476, February 7, 
2001), and we did not have sufficient information concerning habitat 
within the complex and landscape connectivity to other complexes to 
determine whether it was essential to the conservation of the 
subspecies (67 FR 18356, April 15, 2002). We have acquired substantial 
new occupancy and other scientific information relevant to this area 
since 2002 (see Background section above), and we have determined that 
conservation of the Bautista Unit is essential to the conservation of 
the subspecies. Conservation of this unique habitat provides 
geographic, genetic, and habitat diversity that is likely to reduce the 
subspecies' extinction probability due to fire and climate change 
(Service 2003a, pp. 63-65, 60-61; see Background section above). Recent 
data indicate the Bautista Road Core Occurrence Complex (identified as 
non-core in the recovery plan; Service 2003a, p. 44), is most 
accurately described as a core occurrence complex (see Background and 
Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat sections above), and is 
therefore included in this proposed revision to designated critical 
habitat. The Bautista Unit also includes habitat associated with the 
Lookout Mountain and Pine Meadows non-core occurrence complexes 
identified in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 44) and the recently 
discovered Horse Creek (non-core) Occurrence Complex, where a range 
shift for the subspecies is expected to continue into the foreseeable 
future (see Background and Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat 
sections above).
    (8) In preparing this proposed revision to designated critical 
habitat, we re-examined the boundaries of core occurrence complexes 
described in the April 15, 2002, critical habitat designation (67 FR 
18356). As a result, this proposal includes some areas adjacent to, but 
not within, currently designated units. This re-examination resulted in 
merging or expanding identified core occurrence complexes (see 
Background and Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat sections 
above). In particular, new occurrence data indicates the Butterfield/
Radec (non-core) Occurrence Complex south of SR 79 (Service 2003a, p. 
41) is part of the Vail Lake Core Occurrence Complex, and we therefore 
reflect that in this proposed revision to designated critical habitat 
(see Background and Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat sections 
above). New occurrence data also indicates the Proctor Valley, Dulzura, 
and Honey Springs non-core occurrence complexes (Service 2003a, p. 47) 
are part of the new Otay Mountain Core Occurrence Complex, and we 
therefore reflect that in this proposed revision to designated critical 
habitat (see Background and Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat 
sections above).

Proposed Revisions to the Critical Habitat Designation

    We are proposing 10 units as critical habitat for the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly; all of the units are currently occupied (Table 
1). The designation of these units, if finalized, would replace the 
existing critical habitat designation for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly in 50 CFR 17.95(i). The critical habitat areas described 
below constitute our current best assessment of areas that meet the 
definition of critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly.

[[Page 3340]]



           Table 1.--Occupancy Status of Proposed Critical Habitat for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Occupied at time of                                    Size of unit in
                Unit                           listing?               Currently  occupied?     acres  (hectares)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Warm Springs....................  yes........................  yes........................     2,684 (1,086)
2. Skinner/Johnson.................  yes........................  yes........................    12,030 (4,869)
3. Sage............................  yes........................  yes........................     2,693 (1,090)
4. Wilson Valley...................  yes........................  yes........................     4,813 (1,948)
5. Vail Lake/Oak Mountain..........  yes........................  yes........................     8,187 (3,313)
6. Tule Peak.......................  yes........................  yes........................     6,433 (2,603)
7. Bautista........................  no.........................  yes........................    14,014 (5,671)
8. Otay............................  yes........................  yes........................    36,726 (14,863)
9. La Posta/Campo..................  no.........................  yes........................     8,393 (3,397)
10. Jacumba........................  yes........................  yes........................     2,514 (1,017)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The approximate area of various land ownerships encompassed within 
each proposed critical habitat unit is shown in Table 2.

                  Table 2.--Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Quino Checkerspot Butterfly
                    [Area estimates reflect all land within critical habitat unit boundaries]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Size of unit in
             Critical habitat unit                        Land ownership by type \1\            acres (hectares)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Warm Springs................................  Private.....................................     2,684 (1,086)
                                                 BLM.........................................       107 (43)
                                                 Local.......................................     3,312 (1,340)
                                                 CDFG........................................       608 (246)
                                                 Private.....................................     8,003 (3,239)
3. Sage........................................  BLM.........................................       126 (51)
                                                 Private.....................................     2,567 (1,039)
4. Wilson Valley...............................  BLM.........................................       468 (189)
                                                 Private.....................................     4,345 (1,759)
5. Vail Lake/Oak Mountain......................  BLM.........................................       822 (333)
                                                 CNF.........................................       912 (369)
                                                 Private.....................................     6,453 (2,612)
6. Tule Peak...................................  BLM.........................................       328 (133)
                                                 CDFG........................................       321 (123)
                                                 Cahuilla Tribe..............................     1,203 (487)
                                                 Private.....................................     4,581 (1,861)
7. Bautista....................................  SBNF........................................     8,420 (3,407)
                                                 BLM.........................................     1,223 (495)
                                                 CSLC........................................        74 (30)
                                                 Private.....................................     4,297 (1,739)
8. Otay........................................  BLM.........................................     7,663 (3,101)
                                                 CDFG........................................     6,361 (2,574)
                                                 USFWS.......................................       405 (164)
                                                 Local.......................................     4,427 (1,792)
                                                 State.......................................        43 (17)
                                                 DOD.........................................       109 (44)
                                                 Private.....................................    17,718 (7,170)
9. La Posta/Campo..............................  DOD.........................................     1,083 (438)
                                                 BLM.........................................     1,828 (740)
                                                 Campo Tribe.................................     3,156 (1,277)
                                                 Private.....................................     2,326 (942)
10. Jacumba....................................  CDPR........................................       349 (141)
                                                 Private.....................................     2,165 (876)
                                                ===============================================
    Total......................................  ............................................    98,487 (39,857) 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Private = private ownership, including conserved lands managed for species' recovery; BLM = Bureau of Land
  Management; Local = City or County owned land; CDFG = California Department of Fish and Game; CDPR =
  California Department of Parks and Recreation; CNF = Cleveland National Forest; CSLC = California State Lands
  Commission; Cahuilla Tribe = Cahuilla Band of Indians; SBNF = San Bernardino National Forest; USFWS = U.S.
  Fish and Wildlife Service Refuge; DOD = U.S. Department of Defense; Campo Tribe = Campo Band of Kumeyaay
  Indians.

    We present brief descriptions of all units, and reasons why they 
meet the definition of critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly, below.

Unit 1: Warm Springs

    Unit 1 consists of approximately 2,684 ac (1,086 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): Dwarf plantain, thread-leaved birds-beak, and purple owl's-
clover host

[[Page 3341]]

plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy scrublands; and hilltops 
(Service 2003a, pp. 39, 41; Service GIS database). Unit 1 is located in 
Riverside County, north of Interstate 15, between Interstate 215 and SR 
79, north of Murrieta Hot Springs Road to Scott Road, in the vicinity 
of Warm Springs Creek. This unit includes land associated with the Warm 
Springs Creek (core) and Warm Springs Creek North (non-core) occurrence 
complexes as described in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79); new 
information indicates the Warm Springs Creek North (non-core) 
Occurrence Complex should be considered part of the Warm Springs Creek 
Core Occurrence Complex (see Background section above).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, development, off-road vehicle use, foot traffic, and other 
recreational impacts (Service 2003 pp. 41, 79; Service GIS satellite 
imagery). Therefore, the PCEs in this unit may require special 
management considerations or protection to minimize impacts resulting 
from these threats (see Special Management Considerations or Protection 
section above for a detailed discussion). The majority of Unit 1 is 
privately owned (Table 1), but this portion of the unit is part of a 
plan for conservation and management under the Western Riverside County 
Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP). The remaining 
portion of the unit is in conservation, is privately owned, and is 
managed by the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM) under the 
Assessment District 161 Habitat Conservation Plan. We are considering 
excluding all of this unit, which is within the MSHCP plan area, from 
the final revision to designated critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) 
of the Act (see Areas Considered For Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of 
the Act section below).

Unit 2: Skinner/Johnson

    Unit 2 consists of approximately 12,030 ac (4,869 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): Dwarf plantain, white snapdragon, thread-leaved birds-beak, and 
purple owl's-clover host plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy 
scrublands; and hilltops (Service 2003a, pp. 39, 41; Service GIS 
database). Unit 2 is located in Riverside County, north of the City of 
Temecula, in the vicinity of Lake Skinner. This unit includes land 
associated with the Skinner/Johnson Core Occurrence Complex as 
described in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, housing and utilities infrastructure development, off-road 
vehicle use, foot traffic, and other recreational impacts (Service 2003 
pp. 41, 79; Service GIS satellite imagery), and elevated soil nitrogen 
levels (Service 2003 pp. 61, 62). Therefore, the PCEs in this unit may 
require special management considerations or protection to minimize 
impacts resulting from these threats (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection section above for a detailed discussion). 
The majority of land in Unit 2 is held in conservation and managed 
within the Southwest Riverside County Multiple Species preserve, or 
conserved and managed by CNLM. We are considering excluding 11,923 ac 
(4,825 ha), the non-Federal lands within the MSHCP plan area in this 
unit, from the final revision to designated critical habitat under 
section 4(b)(2) of the Act (see Areas Considered For Exclusion Under 
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act section below).

Unit 3: Sage

    Unit 3 consists of approximately 2,692 ac (1,090 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): Dwarf plantain, thread-leaved birds-beak, and purple owl's-
clover host plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy scrublands; and 
hilltops (Service 2003a, pp. 41, 43; Service GIS database). Unit 3 is 
located in Riverside County, northeast of Temecula, in the vicinity of 
the community of Sage. This unit includes land associated with the Sage 
(core) and San Ignacio (non-core) occurrence complexes as described in 
the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79). New occurrence information 
indicates the San Ignaciao (non-core) Occurrence Complex should be 
considered part of the Sage Core Occurrence Complex (see Background and 
Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat sections above).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, rural development, off-road vehicle use, foot traffic, and 
other recreational impacts (Service 2003 p. 79; Service GIS satellite 
imagery). Therefore, the PCEs in this unit may require special 
management considerations or protection to minimize impacts resulting 
from these threats (see Special Management Considerations or Protection 
section above for a detailed discussion). Land in Unit 3 is primarily 
privately owned (Table 2), but this area is included in the plan for 
conservation and management under the MSHCP. We are considering 
excluding 2,567 ac (1,039 ha), the non-Federal lands within the MSHCP 
plan area in this unit, from the final revision to designated critical 
habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act (see Areas Considered For 
Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act section below).

Unit 4: Wilson Valley

    Unit 4 consists of approximately 4,813 ac (1,948 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): Dwarf plantain, white snapdragon, thread-leaved birds-beak, and 
purple owl's-clover host plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy 
scrublands; and hilltops (Service 2003a, pp. 41, 43: Service GIS 
database). Unit 4 is located in Riverside County, north of SR 79, east 
of Oak Mountain and Temecula, in the vicinity of Wilson Valley. This 
unit includes land associated with the Wilson Valley Core Occurrence 
Complex described in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, development, trash dumping, off-road vehicle use, foot 
traffic, and other recreational impacts (Service 2003 pp. 59, 79; 
Service GIS satellite imagery). Therefore, the PCEs in this unit may 
require special management considerations or protection to minimize 
impacts resulting from these threats (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection section above for a detailed discussion). 
A small part of the land in Unit 4 is managed by the Bureau of Land 
Management (BLM), and the majority is privately owned (Table 2). The 
private land in this unit is planned for conservation and management 
under the MSHCP. We are considering excluding 4,345 ac (1,758 ha), the 
non-Federal lands within the MSHCP plan area in this unit, from the 
final designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act (see Areas 
Considered For Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act section 
below).

Unit 5: Vail Lake/Oak Mountain

    Unit 5 consists of approximately 8,187 ac (3,313 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the

[[Page 3342]]

conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, and 3): Dwarf plantain, 
thread-leaved birds-beak, and purple owl's-clover host plants; nectar 
sources; open, woody-canopy scrublands; and hilltops (Service 2003a, 
pp. 41, 43; Service GIS database). Unit 5 is located in Riverside 
County, north and south of SR 79, east of Temecula, in the vicinity of 
Oak Mountain and Vail Lake. This unit includes land associated with the 
Vail Lake (core) and Butterfield/Radec (non-core) occurrence complexes 
described in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79). New occurrence 
information indicates that the Butterfield/Radec (non-core) Occurrence 
Complex should be considered part of the Vail Lake Core Occurrence 
Complex (see Background and Summary of Changes from Previously 
Designated Critical Habitat sections above).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, development, dumping, off-road vehicle use, foot traffic, and 
other recreational impacts (Service 2003 pp. 59, 79; Service GIS 
satellite imagery). Therefore, the PCEs in this unit may require 
special management considerations or protection to minimize impacts 
resulting from these threats (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection section above for a detailed discussion). Part of the land 
in Unit 5 is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and part by 
the Cleveland National Forest (CNF), but the majority is under private 
ownership (Table 2) and planned for conservation and management under 
the MSHCP. We are considering excluding 6,453 ac (2,611 ha), the non-
Federal lands within the MSHCP plan area in this unit, from the final 
revision to designated critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the 
Act (see Areas Considered For Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the 
Act section below).

Unit 6: Tule Peak

    Unit 6 consists of approximately 6,433 ac (2,603 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): dwarf plantain, woolly plantain, white snapdragon, thread-
leaved birds-beak, and purple owl's-clover host plants; nectar sources; 
open, woody-canopy scrublands; and hilltops (Service 2003a, pp. 44-47; 
Service GIS satellite imagery). Unit 6 is located in Riverside County, 
south of SR 371 and the community of Anza, in the vicinity of Tule Peak 
Road and the southern boundary of the Cahuilla Band of Indians Tribal 
lands. This unit includes land associated with the Tule Peak (core), 
Southwest Cahuilla (non-core), and Silverado (core) occurrence 
complexes described in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79). New 
occurrence information indicates all these occurrence complexes are 
better described as a single Tule Peak/Silverado Core Occurrence 
Complex (see Background section above).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, rural development, and recreational activity (Service 2003 pp. 
81; Service GIS satellite imagery). In particular, recreational 
activity and rural development continue to result in the loss of 
habitat on private land (Reed 2001, pp. 1-2; TeraCor 2002, p. 7; 
Osborne 2007, p. 9; Service GIS satellite imagery). Therefore, the PCEs 
in this unit may require special management considerations or 
protection to minimize impacts resulting from these threats (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection section above for a 
detailed discussion). In light of the recent climatic warming and 
drying trends (see Background and Special Management Considerations or 
Protection sections above), prudent design of reserves and other 
managed habitats in this unit should include landscape connectivity to 
other habitat areas and ecological connectivity (linkage between 
habitat patches joined by natural dispersal areas; Service 2003a, p. 
162) with undeveloped lands to accommodate range shifts northward and 
upward in elevation (Service 2003a, p. 64).
    Land ownership in Unit 6 includes BLM, California Department of 
Fish and Game, Cahuilla Band of Indians Tribal reservation, and private 
lands (Table 2). The majority of the unit consists of privately owned 
lands not included in the MSHCP Conservation Area, but within the MSHCP 
area boundary. We are considering excluding 6,105 ac (2,471 ha) of 
private lands within this unit from the final revision to designated 
critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act (see Areas Considered 
For Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act section below). The 
inclusion of Tribal lands in this unit serves to ensure the persistence 
of the Tule Peak/Silverado Core Occurrence Complex and will contribute 
to the conservation and recovery of the subspecies overall. However, we 
recognize the importance of government-to-government relationships with 
Tribes, and we are seeking public comment on the appropriateness of the 
inclusion or the exclusion of these lands in the final designation of 
critical habitat (see Public Comments section above).

Unit 7: Bautista

    Unit 7 consists of approximately 14,014 ac (5,671 ha) of habitat 
that was not within the geographical area occupied at the time of 
listing. This unit contains the Bautista Road (now core), Pine Meadow 
(non-core), and Lookout Mountain (non-core) occurrence complexes as 
described in the recovery plan (Service 2003a, p. 79) and the recently 
described Horse Creek (non-core) Occurrence Complex (see Background and 
Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat sections above). As further 
discussed in the Background section, we have determined that the 
Bautista Road Occurrence Complex should be considered a core occurrence 
complex, and that habitat connectivity to higher elevation occurrence 
complexes is essential for the conservation of the subspecies. This 
unit contains all of the features essential to the conservation of the 
subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, and 3): dwarf plantain, woolly plantain, white 
snapdragon, thread-leaved birds-beak, and purple owl's-clover host 
plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy scrublands; and hilltops 
(Service 2003a, pp. 44-47; Service GIS database). It is located in 
Riverside County, north of SR 371 and the community of Anza.
    Approximately half of the land in Unit 7 is within the San 
Bernardino National Forest. Part of the other half of the unit, which 
is outside the San Bernardino National Forest, is owned by the BLM. The 
remainder of the unit is privately owned (Table 2), and is not planned 
for conservation and management under the MSHCP, but is within the 
MSHCP area boundary. We are considering excluding 4,371 ac (1,769 ha), 
all of the non-Federal lands in this unit, from the final revision to 
designated critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act (see Areas 
Considered For Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act section 
below).

Unit 8: Otay

    Unit 8 consists of approximately 36,726 ac (14,863 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): dwarf plantain, thread-leaved birds-beak, and purple owl's-
clover host plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy scrublands; and 
hilltops (Service 2003a, pp. 50, 51; Service GIS database). Unit 8 is 
located in San Diego County, from the Mexican border north

[[Page 3343]]

to north of SR 94 in the vicinity of Otay Mountain and Otay Lakes. This 
unit includes land associated with the Otay Valley (core), West Otay 
Mountain (core), Otay Lakes/Rancho Jamul (core), Proctor Valley (non-
core), Marron Valley (core), Dulzura (non-core), and Honey Springs 
(non-core) occurrence complexes as described in the recovery plan 
(Service 2003a, p. 47). New occurrence information indicates all these 
occurrence complexes are better described as a single Otay Mountain 
Core Occurrence Complex (see Background and Summary of Changes from 
Previously Designated Critical Habitat sections above).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals, Border Patrol activity, development, trash dumping, off-road 
vehicle use, foot traffic, other recreational activities (Service 2003 
p. 84), fire (Service 2003a, p. 61), and elevated soil nitrogen levels 
(Service 2003a, pp. 61, 62). Therefore, the PCEs in this unit may 
require special management considerations or protection to minimize 
impacts resulting from these threats (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection section above for a detailed discussion).
    Part of the land in Unit 8 is owned and managed by multiple public 
entities, including the BLM, the Service, and the California Department 
of Fish and Game (CDFG). However, a large portion of this unit remains 
privately owned (Table 2) and is within the San Diego County Multiple 
Species Conservation Program (MSCP) area. We are considering excluding 
1,684 ac (681 ha) of non-Federal lands within the MSCP City of Chula 
Vista subarea plan area in this unit from the final revision to 
designated critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act (see Areas 
Considered For Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act section 
below).

Unit 9: La Posta/Campo

    Unit 9 consists of approximately 8,393 ac (3,397 ha) of habitat 
that was not within the geographical area occupied at the time of 
listing. However, this unit is now known to be occupied, and it 
contains the recently described La Posta/Campo Core Occurrence Complex 
(see Background and Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat sections 
above). We determined the La Posta/Campo Core Occurrence Complex to be 
essential to the conservation of the subspecies because it is likely to 
contain a resilient source population (see Background and Criteria Used 
to Identify Critical Habitat sections above). This unit contains all of 
the features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 
2, and 3): White snapdragon, thread-leaved birds-beak, and purple 
owl's-clover host plants; nectar sources; open, woody-canopy 
scrublands; and hilltops (PSBS 2005a, p. 18; 2005b, p. 26; O'Conner 
2006, pp. 1-4, Alfaro and Alfaro 2007, pp. 6-8; Service GIS database).
    Unit 9 is located in San Diego County, north and south of SR 94, 
and east of the community of Campo. Part of the land in Unit 9 is 
managed by the BLM and owned by the U.S. Department of Defense; other 
portions of the unit are privately owned and include Campo Band of 
Kumeyaay Indians Tribal lands (Table 2). The inclusion of Tribal lands 
in this unit serves to ensure the persistence of the La Posta/Campo 
Core Occurrence Complex and will contribute to the conservation and 
recovery of the subspecies overall. However, we recognize the 
importance of government-to-government relationships with Tribes, and 
we are seeking public comment on the appropriateness of the inclusion 
or exclusion of these lands in the final designation of critical 
habitat (see Public Comments section above).

Unit 10: Jacumba

    Unit 10 consists of approximately 2,514 ac (1,017 ha) of habitat 
that was occupied by the subspecies at the time of listing and that 
remains occupied at the present time. This unit contains all of the 
features essential to the conservation of the subspecies (PCEs 1, 2, 
and 3): Dwarf plantain and woolly plantain host plants; nectar sources; 
open, woody-canopy scrublands; and hilltops (Service 2003a, pp. 52, 54; 
Service GIS database). Unit 10 is located in San Diego County, south of 
Interstate 8, and north of the community of Jacumba. This unit includes 
land associated with the Jacumba Core Occurrence Complex. Although it 
was described in the recovery plan as non-core (Service 2003a, p. 52), 
based on new occurrence information we now consider this to be a core 
occurrence complex (see Background and Criteria Used to Identify 
Critical Habitat sections above). Part of the land in Unit 10 is within 
Anza Borrego Desert State Park, but the majority of the unit is 
privately owned (Table 2).
    Habitat in this unit is threatened by invasion of nonnative 
annuals; Border Patrol activity; habitat destruction, degradation, and 
fragmentation associated with development (O'Rourke and Mulligan 2007, 
p. 2); and off-road vehicle use, foot traffic, and other recreational 
uses (Service 2003a, p. 84; Service GIS satellite imagery). Therefore, 
the PCEs in this unit may require special management considerations or 
protection to minimize impacts resulting from these threats (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection section above for a 
detailed discussion).

Effects of Critical Habitat Designation

Section 7 Consultation

    Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the 
Service, to ensure that actions they fund, authorize, or carry out are 
not likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Decisions 
by the 5th and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals have invalidated our 
definition of ``destruction or adverse modification'' (50 CFR 402.02) 
(see Gifford Pinchot Task Force v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 378 
F. 3d 1059 (9th Cir 2004) and Sierra Club v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service, et al., 245 F.3d 434, 442F (5th Cir 2001)), and we do not rely 
on this regulatory definition when analyzing whether an action is 
likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Under the 
statutory provisions of the Act, we determine destruction or adverse 
modification on the basis of whether, with implementation of the 
proposed Federal action, the affected critical habitat would remain 
functional to serve its intended conservation role for the species.
    Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to confer with 
the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of a species proposed for listing or result in destruction or 
adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. This is a procedural 
requirement only, as conservation recommendations in a conference 
report or opinion are strictly advisory.
    The primary utility of the conference procedures is to allow a 
Federal agency to maximize its opportunity to adequately consider 
species proposed for listing and proposed critical habitat and, if we 
list the proposed species or designate proposed critical habitat, to 
avoid potential delays in implementing their proposed action because of 
the section 7(a)(2) compliance process. We may conduct conferences 
either informally or formally. We typically use informal conferences as 
a means of providing advisory conservation recommendations to assist 
the agency in eliminating conflicts that the proposed action may cause. 
We typically use formal conferences when we or the Federal agency 
believes the proposed action is likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of the species

[[Page 3344]]

proposed for listing or adversely modify proposed critical habitat.
    We generally provide the results of an informal conference in a 
conference report, while we provide the results of a formal conference 
in a conference opinion. We typically prepare conference opinions on 
proposed species or critical habitat in accordance with procedures 
contained at 50 CFR 402.14, as if the proposed species were already 
listed or the proposed critical habitat was already designated. We may 
adopt the conference opinion as the biological opinion when the species 
is listed or the critical habitat is designated, if no substantial new 
information or changes in the action alter the content of the opinion 
(see 50 CFR 402.10(d)).
    If we list a species or designate critical habitat, section 7(a)(2) 
of the Act requires Federal agencies to ensure that activities they 
authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of the species or to destroy or adversely modify 
its critical habitat. Activities on State, Tribal, local, or private 
lands requiring a Federal permit (such as a permit from the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers (Corps) under section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 
U.S.C. 1251, et seq.) or a permit from us under section 10 of the Act) 
or involving some other Federal action (such as funding from the 
Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, or the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency) are subject to the section 7(a)(2) 
consultation process. Federal actions not affecting listed species or 
critical habitat, and actions on State, Tribal, local, or private lands 
that are not federally funded, authorized, or permitted, do not require 
section 7(a)(2) consultations.
    If a Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical 
habitat, the responsible Federal agency (action agency) must enter into 
consultation with us. As a result of this consultation, we document 
compliance with the requirements of section 7(a)(2) through our 
issuance of:
    (1) A concurrence letter for Federal actions that may affect, but 
are not likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat; 
or
    (2) A biological opinion for Federal actions that may affect, and 
are likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat.
    When we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species or 
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat, we also provide 
reasonable and prudent alternatives to the project, if any are 
identifiable. We define ``Reasonable and prudent alternatives'' at 50 
CFR 402.02 as alternative actions identified during consultation that:
    <bullet> Can be implemented in a manner consistent with the 
intended purpose of the action,
    <bullet> Can be implemented consistent with the scope of the 
Federal agency's legal authority and jurisdiction,
    <bullet> Are economically and technologically feasible, and
    <bullet> Would, in the Director's opinion, avoid jeopardizing the 
continued existence of the listed species or destroying or adversely 
modifying critical habitat.

Reasonable and prudent alternatives can vary from slight project 
modifications to extensive redesign or relocation of the project. Costs 
associated with implementing a reasonable and prudent alternative are 
similarly variable.
    Regulations at 50 CFR 402.16 require Federal agencies to reinitiate 
consultation on previously reviewed actions in instances where we have 
listed a new species or subsequently designated critical habitat that 
may be affected and the Federal agency has retained discretionary 
involvement or control over the action (or the agency's discretionary 
involvement or control is authorized by law). Consequently, Federal 
agencies may sometimes need to request reinitiation of consultation 
with us on actions for which formal consultation has been completed, if 
those actions with discretionary involvement or control may affect 
subsequently listed species or designated critical habitat.

Application of the ``Adverse Modification'' Standard

    The key factor related to the adverse modification determination is 
whether, with implementation of the proposed Federal action, the 
affected critical habitat would continue to serve its intended 
conservation role for the species. Activities that may destroy or 
adversely modify critical habitat are those that alter the PCEs, or 
other conservation role and function of the affected designated area, 
to an extent that appreciably reduces the conservation value of 
critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly. Generally, the 
conservation role of Quino checkerspot butterfly critical habitat units 
is to support viable core area populations.
    Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us to briefly evaluate and 
describe, in any proposed or final regulation that designates critical 
habitat, activities involving a Federal action that may destroy or 
adversely modify such habitat, or that may be affected by such 
designation.
    Activities that, when carried out, funded, or authorized by a 
Federal agency, may affect critical habitat and therefore should result 
in consultation for the Quino checkerspot butterfly include, but are 
not limited to, actions that would remove host plants and nectar 
sources, introduce or increase invasion rates of invasive nonnative 
exotic plants species, or fragment habitat. Such activities could 
include, but are not limited to:
    <bullet> Off-road vehicle use;
    <bullet> Mechanical soil disturbance;
    <bullet> Clearing or grading;
    <bullet> Development; and
    <bullet> Pesticide use.
    These activities could result in reduction or degradation of 
habitat necessary for the growth and reproduction of these butterflies 
and their host plants (including reduction or preclusion of necessary 
movement of adults between breeding areas), directly or cumulatively 
causing adverse affects to Quino checkerspot butterflies and their life 
cycles.
    Federal agencies already consult with us on activities in areas 
currently occupied by the species and areas currently designated as 
critical habitat to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the 
continued existence of the species or destroy or adversely modify 
designated critical habitat. These actions include, but are not limited 
to:
    (1) Regulation of activities affecting waters of the United States, 
including vernal pool and other Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat 
areas in watersheds, by the Corps under section 404 of the Clean Water 
Act;
    (2) Regulation of grazing, mining, and recreation by the BLM, 
Forest Service, or the Service;
    (3) Road construction and maintenance, right-of-way designation, 
and regulation of agricultural activities on Federal land by BLM, 
Forest Service, DOD, and the Service;
    (4) Regulation of airport improvement activities by the Federal 
Aviation Administration jurisdiction;
    (5) Construction of roads and fences along the International Border 
with Mexico and immigration enforcement activities by the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service/Border Patrol that take place in Quino 
checkerspot butterfly habitat;
    (6) Hazard mitigation and post disaster repairs funded by the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency;

[[Page 3345]]

    (7) Construction of communication sites licensed by the Federal 
Communications Commission;
    (8) Activities funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 
Department of Energy, or any other Federal agency; and
    (9) Construction of fire breaks by the BLM, Forest Service, 
Service, or other Federal agencies for the maintenance or control of 
fire management and suppression activities.

Exclusions

Application of Section 4(b)(2) of the Act

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary must designate 
or revise critical habitat on the basis of the best available 
scientific data after taking into consideration the economic impact, 
national security impact, and any other relevant impact of specifying 
any particular area as critical habitat. The Secretary may exclude an 
area from critical habitat if he determines that the benefits of the 
exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying the area as part of the 
critical habitat, unless he determines, based on the best scientific 
data available, that the failure to designate the area as critical 
habitat will result in the extinction of the species. In making that 
determination, the legislative history is clear that the Secretary has 
broad discretion regarding which factors to use and how much weight to 
give to any factor.
    In the following sections, we address a number of general issues 
that are relevant to the exclusions we are considering. In addition, we 
are conducting an economic analysis of the impacts of the proposed 
critical habitat designation and related factors, which will be 
available for public review and comment when it is complete. Based on 
public comment on that document and the proposed designation itself, as 
well as the information in the final economic analysis, the Secretary 
may exclude from critical habitat areas different from those identified 
for possible exclusion in this proposed rule under the provisions of 
section 4(b)(2) of the Act, up to and including all areas proposed for 
designation. This is also addressed in our implementing regulations at 
50 CFR 424.19.

Benefits of Designating Critical Habitat

    The process of designating critical habitat as described in the Act 
requires that the Service identify those lands within the geographical 
area occupied by the species at the time of listing on which are found 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species that may require special management considerations or 
protection, and those areas outside the geographical area occupied by 
the species at the time of listing that are essential for the 
conservation of the species. In identifying those lands, the Service 
must consider the recovery needs of the species, such that, on the 
basis of the best scientific and commercial data available at the time 
of designation, the habitat that is identified, if protected or managed 
properly, could provide for the survival and recovery of the species.
    The identification of those areas that are essential for the 
conservation of the species is beneficial. The process of proposing and 
finalizing a critical habitat rule provides the Service with the 
opportunity to determine the physical and biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species within the geographical area 
occupied by the species at the time of listing, as well as to determine 
other areas essential for the conservation of the species. The 
designation process includes peer review and public comment on the 
areas proposed for designation and our rationale for including them. 
This process is valuable to land owners and managers in developing 
conservation management plans for designated areas, as well as any 
other occupied habitat or suitable habitat that may not have been 
included in the Service's determination of essential habitat.
    The consultation provisions under section 7(a) of the Act 
constitute the regulatory benefits of critical habitat. As discussed 
above, Federal agencies must consult with us on discretionary actions 
that may affect critical habitat and must avoid destroying or adversely 
modifying critical habitat. Federal agencies must also consult with us 
on discretionary actions that may affect a listed species and refrain 
from undertaking actions that are likely to jeopardize the continued 
existence of such species. The analysis of effects to critical habitat 
is a separate and different analysis from that of the effects to the 
species. Therefore, the difference in outcomes of these two analyses 
represents the regulatory benefit of critical habitat. For some 
species, and in some locations, the outcome of these analyses will be 
similar, because effects on habitat will often result in effects on the 
species. However, the regulatory standard is different: The jeopardy 
analysis looks at the action's impact on survival and recovery of the 
species, while the adverse modification analysis looks at the action's 
effects on the designated habitat's contribution to the species' 
conservation. This will, in many instances, lead to different results 
and different regulatory requirements. Thus, critical habitat 
designations may provide greater regulatory benefits to the recovery of 
a species than would listing alone.
    There are two limitations to the regulatory effect of critical 
habitat. First, a section 7(a)(2) consultation is required only where 
there is a Federal nexus (an action authorized, funded, or carried out 
by any Federal agency)--if there is no Federal nexus, the critical 
habitat designation of private lands itself does not restrict any 
actions that destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Second, the 
designation only limits destruction or adverse modification. By its 
nature, the prohibition on adverse modification is designed to ensure 
that the conservation role and function of those areas that contain the 
physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the 
species or of unoccupied areas that are essential for the conservation 
of the species is not appreciably reduced. Critical habitat designation 
alone, however, does not require property owners to undertake 
affirmative actions to promote the recovery of the species.
    Once an agency determines that consultation under section 7(a)(2) 
of the Act is necessary, the process may conclude informally when we 
concur in writing that the proposed Federal action is not likely to 
adversely affect critical habitat. However, if we determine through 
informal consultation that adverse impacts are likely to occur, then we 
would initiate formal consultation, which would conclude when we issue 
a biological opinion on whether the proposed Federal action is likely 
to result in destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.
    If in a biological opinion we conclude that an action will result 
in destruction of adverse modification of critical habitat, we suggest 
reasonable and prudent alternatives to the proposed Federal action, if 
any are identifiable. If we conclude that an action will not result in 
destruction or adverse modification, the biological opinion may contain 
discretionary conservation recommendations to minimize adverse effects 
to, or provide a benefit to, critical habitat, but it would not contain 
any mandatory reasonable and prudent measures or terms and conditions 
directly related to critical habitat.
    As stated above, the designation of critical habitat does not 
require that any management or recovery actions take place on the lands 
included in the designation. Even in cases where consultation has been 
initiated under section 7(a)(2) of the Act, the end result

[[Page 3346]]

of consultation is to avoid adverse modification of critical habitat, 
but not specifically to manage critical habitat or institute recovery 
actions on critical habitat. Conversely, voluntary conservation efforts 
implemented through management plans may institute proactive actions 
over the lands they encompass and are often put in place to remove or 
reduce known threats to a species or its habitat (i.e., implementing 
recovery actions). We believe that in many instances the benefit to a 
species and/or its habitat realized through the designation of critical 
habitat is low when compared to the conservation benefit that can be 
achieved through voluntary conservation efforts.
    For example, the conservation achieved through implementing habitat 
conservation plans (HCPs) or other habitat management plans can be 
greater than what we achieve through multiple site-by-site, project-by-
project, section 7(a)(2) consultations involving consideration of 
critical habitat. Management plans may commit resources to implement 
long-term management and protection to particular habitat for at least 
one and possibly additional listed or sensitive species. Section 
7(a)(2) consultations commit Federal agencies to preventing adverse 
modification of critical habitat caused by the particular project only, 
and not to providing conservation or long-term benefits to areas not 
affected by the proposed project. Thus, implementation of any HCP or 
management plan that considers enhancement or recovery as the 
management standard will often provide as much or more benefit than a 
consultation for critical habitat designation.
    Another benefit of including lands in critical habitat is that 
designation of critical habitat serves to educate landowners, State and 
local governments, and the public regarding the potential conservation 
value of an area. This helps focus and promote conservation efforts by 
other parties by clearly delineating areas of high conservation value 
for the Quino checkerspot butterfly. In general, critical habitat 
designation always has educational benefits; however, in some cases, 
they may be redundant with other educational effects. For example, HCPs 
have significant public input and may largely duplicate the educational 
benefits of a critical habitat designation. Including lands in critical 
habitat also would inform State agencies and local governments about 
areas that could be conserved under State laws or local ordinances.
    The information provided in this section applies to all the 
following discussions that discuss the benefits of inclusion and 
exclusion of critical habitat.

Conservation Partnerships on Non-Federal Lands

    Most federally listed species in the United States will not recover 
without cooperation of non-Federal landowners. More than 60 percent of 
the United States is privately owned (National Wilderness Institute 
1995), and at least 80 percent of endangered or threatened species 
occur either partially or solely on private lands (Crouse, et al. 
2002). Stein, et al. (1995) found that only about 12 percent of listed 
species were found almost exclusively on Federal lands (90 to 100 
percent of their known occurrences restricted to Federal lands) and 
that 50 percent of federally listed species are not known to occur on 
Federal lands at all.
    Given the distribution of listed species with respect to land 
ownership, conservation of listed species in many parts of the United 
States is dependent upon working partnerships with a wide variety of 
entities and the voluntary cooperation of many non-Federal landowners 
(Wilcove and Chen 1998; Crouse, et al. 2002; James 2002). Building 
partnerships and promoting voluntary cooperation of landowners are 
essential to our understanding the status of species on non-Federal 
lands, and necessary for us to implement recovery actions such as 
reintroducing listed species and restoring and protecting habitat.
    Many non-Federal landowners derive satisfaction from contributing 
to endangered species recovery. We promote these private-sector efforts 
through the Department of the Interior's Cooperative Conservation 
philosophy. Conservation agreements with non-Federal landowners (HCPs, 
safe harbor agreements, other conservation agreements, easements, and 
State and local regulations) enhance species conservation by extending 
species' protections beyond those available through section 7 
consultations. In the past decade, we have encouraged non-Federal 
landowners to enter into conservation agreements, based on the view 
that we can achieve greater species conservation on non-Federal land 
through such partnerships than we can through regulatory methods (61 FR 
63854; December 2, 1996).
    Many private landowners, however, are wary of the possible 
consequences of attracting endangered species to their property. 
Mounting evidence suggests that some regulatory actions by the Federal 
Government, while well-intentioned and required by law, can (under 
certain circumstances) have unintended negative consequences for the 
conservation of species on private lands (Wilcove, et al. 1996; Bean 
2002; Conner and Mathews 2002; James 2002; Koch 2002; Brook, et al. 
2003). Many landowners fear a decline in their property value due to 
real or perceived restrictions on land-use options where threatened or 
endangered species are found. Consequently, harboring endangered 
species is viewed by many landowners as a liability. This perception 
results in anti-conservation incentives, because maintaining habitats 
that harbor endangered species represents a risk to future economic 
opportunities (Main, et al. 1999; Brook, et al. 2003).
    According to some researchers, the designation of critical habitat 
on private lands significantly reduces the likelihood that landowners 
will support and carry out conservation actions (Main, et al. 1999; 
Bean 2002; Brook, et al. 2003). The magnitude of this outcome is 
greatly amplified in situations where active management measures (such 
as reintroduction, fire management, control of invasive species) are 
necessary for species conservation (Bean 2002). We believe that the 
judicious exclusion of specific areas of non-federally owned lands from 
critical habitat designations can contribute to species recovery and 
provide a superior level of conservation.
    The purpose of designating critical habitat is to contribute to the 
conservation of threatened and endangered species and the ecosystems 
upon which they depend. The outcome of the designation, triggering 
regulatory requirements for actions funded, authorized, or carried out 
by Federal agencies under section 7(a)(2) of the Act, can sometimes be 
counterproductive to its intended purpose on non-Federal lands. Thus 
the benefits of excluding areas that are covered by effective 
partnerships or voluntary conservation commitments can often be high.

Benefits of Excluding Lands With Approved Management Plans

    Potential benefits of excluding lands within approved long-term 
management plans from critical habitat designation include relieving 
landowners, communities, and counties of any additional regulatory 
burden that might be imposed by critical habitat. Imposing an 
additional regulatory review as a result of the designation of critical 
habitat may undermine conservation efforts and partnerships in many 
areas.

[[Page 3347]]

Designation of critical habitat within the boundaries of management 
plans that provide conservation measures for a species could be viewed 
as a disincentive to entities currently developing these plans or 
contemplating them in the future, because one of the incentives for 
undertaking conservation is greater ease of permitting where listed 
species will be affected. Addition of new regulatory requirements 
within approved long-term management plans would remove a significant 
incentive for others to undertake the time and expense of management 
planning.
    A related benefit of excluding lands within management plans from 
critical habitat designation is the unhindered, continued ability it 
gives us to seek new partnerships with future plan participants, 
including States, counties, local jurisdictions, conservation 
organizations, and private landowners, which together can implement 
conservation actions that we would be unable to accomplish otherwise. 
Designating lands within approved management plan areas as critical 
habitat would likely have a negative effect on our ability to establish 
new partnerships to develop these plans, particularly plans that 
address landscape-level conservation of species and habitats. By 
excluding lands with approved long-term management plans, we preserve 
our current partnerships and encourage additional management plans and 
other conservation actions in the future.
    The information provided in the previous section applies to all the 
following discussions of benefits of inclusion or exclusion of critical 
habitat.

Areas Considered for Exclusion Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act

    After considering the following areas under section 4(b)(2) of the 
Act, we are considering excluding, under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, 
all 1,684 ac (681 ha) of non-Federal lands within the San Diego County 
Multiple Species Program (MSCP, a habitat conservation plan) City of 
Chula Vista Subarea Plan area from the revised critical habitat 
designation for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (see Figure 1 below), 
and 37,245 ac (15,073 ha) of non-Federal lands within the Multiple 
Species Habitat Conservation Plan area in western Riverside County. In 
the paragraphs below, we provide further discussion of our potential 
exclusion of these lands under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. We are 
providing the following information for public review, and specifically 
soliciting comments on the appropriateness of including or excluding 
these lands from the final critical habitat designation (see Public 
Comment section above).

Habitat Conservation Plan Lands--Exclusions Under Section 4(b)(2) of 
the Act

    Under section 4(b)(2), when considering an area covered by a 
current plan (HCPs, as well as other types of conservation plans), we 
take into consideration a number of factors including:
    (1) Whether the plan is complete and provides protection from 
adverse modification or destruction;
    (2) Whether there is a reasonable expectation that the conservation 
management strategies and actions will be implemented for the 
foreseeable future, based on past practices, written guidance, or 
regulations; and
    (3) Whether the plan provides conservation strategies and measures 
consistent with currently accepted principles of conservation biology.
    We also consider preserving partnerships and encouraging additional 
HCPs and other conservation actions in the future.

San Diego County Multiple Species Conservation Program Habitat 
Conservation Plan (MSCP)

    In southwestern San Diego County, the MSCP effort encompasses more 
than 582,000 ac (236,000 ha) and anticipates the participation of 12 
jurisdictions. Under the broad umbrella of the MSCP, each of the 12 
participating jurisdictions prepares a subarea plan that implements the 
goals of the MSCP within that particular jurisdiction. We consult on 
each subarea plan under section 7 of the Act to ensure they are 
consistent with the aims of the MSCP. The MSCP provides for the 
establishment, over a 50 year period, of approximately 171,000 ac 
(69,200 ha) of preserve areas to provide conservation benefits to 85 
federally listed and sensitive species. Although not a covered species 
under the umbrella of the MSCP, the Quino checkerspot butterfly is a 
covered species under the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan, which 
provides for the long-term conservation of this subspecies.

MSCP City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan

    We approved the City of Chula Vista's Subarea Plan, covering 
approximately 58,000 ac (23,472 ha) under the City's jurisdiction, 
through an incidental take permit issued on January 12, 2005. This 
subarea plan was prepared with the intent to meet the following goals: 
(1) To conserve covered species (including the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly) and their habitats through the conservation of 
interconnected significant habitat cores and linkages; (2) to delineate 
and assemble a preserve using a variety of techniques including public 
acquisition, on- and off-site mitigation, and land use regulations; (3) 
to provide a preserve management program that, together with Federal 
and State management activities, will be carried out over the long 
term, further ensuring the conservation of covered species; (4) to 
provide necessary funding for a preserve management program and 
biological monitoring of the preserve; and (5) to reduce or eliminate 
redundant Federal, State and local natural resource regulatory and 
environmental review of individual projects by obtaining Federal and 
State take authorizations for 86 species (Chula Vista Plan 2003, 
Section 1, p. 2).
    The City of Chula Vista developed a conservation program for the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly as part of the subarea plan. The city has 
begun implementing conservation measures for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly that minimize and mitigate the impacts of take of the 
subspecies in its jurisdiction and contribute to the long-term 
conservation and recovery of the subspecies through the following 
actions detailed in the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan, including: 
(1) Preserving the area located within the 2002 final critical habitat 
designation for the Quino checkerspot butterfly (67 FR 18356); (2) 
maintaining connectivity along key habitat linkages within the City's 
boundaries; (3) managing the preserve for the benefit of the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly (and other covered species); (4) restoring/
enhancing Quino checkerspot butterfly habitat; and (5) minimizing 
project impacts to the Quino checkerspot butterfly (Chula Vista Subarea 
Plan 2003, Section 4, p. 41).
    The City of Chula Vista will conserve and manage all properties 
dedicated to their preserve system, including 1,548 ac (626 ha) or 
approximately 92 percent of the 1,684 ac (681 ha) of proposed revised 
critical habitat in Unit 8 (Otay Unit) within the plan area. This 
subspecies will benefit from the system of large, interconnected blocks 
of habitat that the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan will establish and 
preserve in perpetuity (Service 2003b, p. 70). Land within the habitat 
preserve will be managed and maintained in accordance with specific 
management objectives as follows: (1) To ensure the long-term viability 
and sustainability of native ecosystem function and natural processes 
throughout the preserve; (2) to protect existing and restored 
biological resources from intense or disturbing

[[Page 3348]]

activities within the preserve while accommodating compatible uses; (3) 
to enhance and restore, where feasible, appropriate native plant 
associations and wildlife connections to adjoining habitat to provide 
viable wildlife and sensitive species habitat; (4) to facilitate 
monitoring of selected target species, habitats, and linkages to ensure 
long-term persistence of viable populations of priority plant and 
animal species (including the Quino checkerspot butterfly); and (5) to 
ensure functional habitats and linkages for those species (Service 
2003b, p. 18). The preserve will be adaptively managed, according to 
the measures included in the City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan and the 
MSCP, which will further reduce indirect effects and benefit the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly (Service 2003b, p. 70).
    The Quino checkerspot butterfly is threatened primarily by urban 
and agricultural development, invasion of nonnative plant species, off-
road vehicle use, grazing, and fire management practices (67 FR 18356, 
April 15, 2002). As described above, the MSCP and the approved City of 
Chula Vista Subarea Plan will enhance Quino checkerspot butterfly 
habitat by removing or reducing threats to this subspecies and its 
PCEs. The City of Chula Vista Subarea Plan has already preserved 
approximately 922 ac (373 ha) of habitat within the 1,684 ac (681 ha) 
of plan area that includes proposed revised critical habitat. The City 
of Chula Vista will not permit development within the ``Habitat 
Preserve 100 Percent Conservation Area'' (planned preserve) unless a 
Boundary Adjustment or HCP Amendment is approved by the Service. 
Therefore, although not all lands identified for preservation and 
management have been officially dedicated to the preserve system, 922 
ac (373 ha) have, and we believe the 626 additional acres (253 ha) of 
proposed revised critical habitat identified for preservation and 
management are assured conservation under the City of Chula Vista 
Subarea Plan. Furthermore, of the remaining 164 ac (66 ha) of proposed 
revised critical habitat not identified for preservation and 
management, 28 ac (11 ha) have already been acquired for conservation 
under the HCP and are managed by the City of Chula Vista. The final 136 
ac (55 ha) of critical habitat (8 percent of all proposed revised 
critical habitat under this HCP) are not currently planned for 
conservation; however, additional conservation would be required under 
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Chula 
Vista Subarea Plan if these areas were proposed for development in the 
future.
    We are therefore considering excluding approximately 1,684 ac (681 
ha) of non-Federal lands from final critical habitat designation for 
this subspecies within proposed Unit 8 (Otay) (see Table 3 and Figure 1 
below).
    Table 3 below provides approximate areas (ac, ha) of lands in Unit 
8 that meet the definition of critical habitat but that we are 
considering excluding from the final critical habitat rule. Figure 1 is 
a map of the lands in Unit 8 that we are considering excluding from the 
final critical habitat rule.

 Table 3.--Areas Being Considered for Exclusion Within Proposed Critical
                             Habitat Unit 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Areas meeting the
                                     definition of     Areas considered
  Geographic area: Unit 8 (Otay     critical habitat   for exclusion in
              unit)                     in acres       acres (hectares)
                                       (hectares)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLM..............................     7,663 (3,101)                   0
CDFG.............................     6,361 (2,574)                   0
USFWS............................       405 (164)                     0
Local............................     4,427 (1792)            721 (292)
State............................        43 (17)                  3 (1)
DOD..............................       109 (44)                      0
Private..........................    17,718 (7170)            960 (388)
                                  --------------------------------------
    Total........................    36,726 (14,863)        1,684 (681)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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[[Page 3350]]

Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan 
(MSHCP)

    The MSHCP is a large-scale, multi-jurisdictional habitat 
conservation plan (HCP) encompassing 1.26 million ac (510,000 ha) in 
western Riverside County. The MSHCP addresses 146 listed and unlisted 
``covered species,'' including the Quino checkerspot butterfly. 
Participants in the MSHCP include 14 cities in western Riverside 
County; the County of Riverside, including the Riverside County Flood 
Control and Water Conservation Agency (County Flood Control), Riverside 
County Transportation Commission, Riverside County Parks and Open Space 
District (County Parks), and Riverside County Waste Department; 
California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks); and the 
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The MSHCP was 
designed to establish a multi-species conservation program that 
minimizes and mitigates the expected loss of habitat and associated 
incidental take of covered species. On June 22, 2004, the Service 
issued an incidental take permit (TE-088609-0) under section 
10(a)(1)(B) of the Act to 22 permittees under the MSHCP for a period of 
75 years.
    The MSHCP requires establishment of approximately 153,000 ac 
(61,916 ha) of new conservation lands (Additional Reserve Lands) to 
complement the approximate 347,000 ac (140,426 ha) of pre-existing 
natural and open space areas defined by the MSHCP as Public/Quasi-
Public (PQP) lands. These PQP lands include those under Federal 
ownership, primarily managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and BLM, 
and also permittee-owned open-space areas, primarily managed by State 
and County Parks. Collectively, the Additional Reserve Lands and PQP 
lands form the overall MSHCP Conservation Area. The configuration of 
the 153,000 ac (61,916 ha) of Additional Reserve Lands is not mapped or 
precisely identified in the MSHCP, but rather is based on textual 
descriptions within the bounds of a 310,000-ac (125,453-ha) Criteria 
Area interpreted as implementation of the MSHCP takes place. Units 1-7 
of proposed revised critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly are located within the MSHCP Plan Area.
    Quino checkerspot butterfly conservation measures under the MSHCP 
include protection of at least 67,493 ac (27,314 ha) of suitable 
conserved habitat mosaic within 7 ``Core Areas'' (not to be confused 
with ``core occurrence complexes'') and 12 satellite locations within 
the overall MSHCP Conservation Area. This acreage goal will be provided 
through private lands within the Criteria Area that are targeted for 
inclusion within the MSHCP Conservation Area as Additional Reserve 
Lands and through coordinated management of PQP lands.
    To date, 28 percent (10,349 ac (4,188 ha)) of non-federal land 
within the proposed revision to critical habitat are within pre-
existing PQP, or have been acquired for conservation and management. 
While 48 percent (17,686 ac (7,157 ha)) of the privately-owned acreage 
within proposed Units 1-7 are within the bounds of the original textual 
descriptions of anticipated Additional Reserve Lands (i.e., the 
``Conceptual Reserve Design'' targeted for conservation), 14 percent 
(5,301 ac (2,145 ha)) are outside PQP lands and the Conceptual Reserve 
Design (not conserved or targeted for conservation), but still within 
the Criteria Area (possible conservation under MSHCP). Within the 
Criteria Area, the MSHCP allows for adjustments to be made in the final 
configuration of the Additional Reserve Lands. Thus, areas of proposed 
revised critical habitat within the Criteria Area but outside the 
Conceptual Reserve Design may still be included as Additional Reserve 
Lands under the MSHCP.
    In particular, 2,819 ac (951 ha) of private land north of Tule Peak 
road within proposed Unit 6 (Tule Peak) are not included in PQP or the 
Conceptual Reserve Design. However, all non-Tribal portions of proposed 
Unit 6 (3,614 ac (1,463 ha)) fall within the MSHCP Criteria Area, and 
Condition 12 of the Special Terms and Conditions for Incidental Take 
Permit TE-088609-0, requires the Regional Conservation Authority to 
``work to conserve the Quino checkerspot butterfly within the [Tule 
Peak/Silverado Core Occurrence Complex] and, if necessary, to use the 
Criteria Refinement Process to achieve this conservation'' (Service 
2004a, p. 2). Thus, the issued incidental take permit requires, and the 
MSHCP provides a mechanism for, permittees to achieve additional 
conservation outside of the MSHCP Conservation Area in proposed Unit 6.
    In addition, we have identified approximately 3,506 ac (1,418 ha) 
of privately-owned land in proposed Unit 7 (Bautista) (approximately 25 
percent of Unit 7) and 385 ac (156 ha) in proposed Unit 2 (Skinner/
Johnson) (approximately 3 percent of the Unit 2) that fall completely 
outside of the Criteria Area where future projects consistent with the 
policies and guidelines of the MSHCP may be approved for development. 
These areas comprise approximately 10 percent (3,891 ac (1,575 ha)) of 
proposed revised critical habitat considered for exclusion under the 
MSHCP. However, the acreage outside the Criteria Area in proposed Unit 
2 is located at the outer edge of the core complexes and is 
approximately one percent of proposed revised critical habitat 
considered for exclusion. Further, threats to the subspecies within 
private lands in proposed Unit 7 appear lower relative to other areas 
where development is permitted under the MSHCP, and all private land in 
this area is designated as Rural Mountainous under the MSHCP (a minimum 
lot size of 10 ac (4 ha) and limited animal keeping and agricultural 
uses allowed; Dudek 2003, Vol. 1, p. xii). The Service will work to 
fund and facilitate conservation of additional Quino checkerspot 
butterfly habitat that would not otherwise be conserved under the MSHCP 
in proposed Unit 2 (Skinner/Johnson) and proposed Unit 7 (Bautista). If 
our interpretation of MSHCP-derived habitat conservation in these units 
is not correct or future habitat conservation is determined to be 
insufficient to protect the Quino checkerspot butterfly, we intend to 
include in the final revised critical habitat designation all or part 
of the 3,506 ac (1,418 ha) of privately-owned land in proposed Unit 7 
(Bautista) and 385 ac (156 ha) in proposed Unit 2 (Skinner/Johnson) 
considered for exclusion.
    In addition to habitat conservation for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly, the distribution of the subspecies within the MSHCP 
Conservation Area will be documented through annual surveys verifying 
continued occupancy at a minimum of 75 percent of the known locations, 
and an adaptive management program will be implemented to maintain and/
or enhance habitat to increase its value for, and the viability of, the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly (Dudek 2003, Volume I, Section 9, Table 9-
2, pp. 9-28, 9-29). These ``known locations'' include all core 
occurrence complexes within the MSHCP Conservation Area proposed as 
revised critical habitat, as well as other occupied areas we have not 
included in our proposed revised designation. Further management 
actions include, but are not limited to, minimization of threats such 
as nonnative species invasion, farming, grazing, off-road vehicles, 
human collection, and other specific threats to the subspecies (Service 
2004b, p. 281). We anticipate that monitoring and management will

[[Page 3351]]

ensure continued occupancy of all core occurrence complexes.
    The Quino checkerspot butterfly is threatened primarily by urban 
and agricultural development, nonnative plant species invasion, off-
road vehicle use, grazing, and fire management practices (67 FR 18356, 
April 15, 2002). As described above, the MSHCP provides enhancement of 
habitat by removing or reducing threats to this subspecies and the 
PCEs. This MSHCP preserves habitat that supports identified core 
populations of this subspecies and therefore may provide for recovery 
of this subspecies in the MSHCP area.
    The habitat conservation goals, avoidance and minimization 
measures, and adaptive management program for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly (and its PCEs) provided by the Western Riverside County MSHCP 
may exceed any conservation value provided as a result of regulatory 
protections that have been or may be afforded through critical habitat 
designation. We are considering exclusion of approximately 37,245 
(15,073) of permittee-owned PQP and private lands from revised critical 
habitat designation within proposed Units 1-7 (Warm Springs Creek, 
Skinner/Johnson, Sage, Wilson Valley, Vail Lake/Oak Mountain, Tule 
Peak, and Bautista) under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Lands within 
these areas considered for exclusion are owned by or fall within the 
jurisdiction of MSHCP permittees. Projects in these areas conducted or 
approved by MSHCP permittees are subject to the conservation 
requirements of the MSHCP. Table 4 below provides approximate areas 
(ac, ha) of lands in Units 1-7 that meet the definition of critical 
habitat but that we are considering excluding from the final critical 
habitat rule, and Figure 2 is a map of the lands in Units 1-7 covered 
by the MSHCP that we are considering excluding from the final critical 
habitat rule.

 Table 4.--Areas Being Considered for Exclusion Within Proposed Critical
                            Habitat Units 1-7
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Areas meeting the
                                      definition of     Areas considered
    Geographic area: Units 1-7       critical habitat   for exclusion in
                                         in acres       acres (hectares)
                                        (hectares)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BLM...............................     3,074 (1,244)           0
CDFG..............................       929 (376)          929 (376)
USFS..............................     9,314 (3,769)           0
Local.............................     3,312 (1,340)      3,312 (1,340)
State.............................        74 (30)            74 (30)
Tribal............................     1,203 (487)             0
Private...........................    32,930 (13,326)    32,930 (13,326)
                                   -------------------------------------
    Total.........................    50,836 (20,573)    37,245 (15,073)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Economic Analysis

    We are preparing an analysis of the economic impacts of this 
proposed revision to critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly. We will announce the availability of the draft economic 
analysis as soon as it is completed, at which time we will seek public 
review and comment. At that time, copies of the draft economic analysis 
will be available for downloading from the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, or by contacting the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife 
Office directly (see ADDRESSES section). We may exclude areas from the 
final rule based on the information in the economic analysis.

Peer Review

    In accordance with our joint policy published in the Federal 
Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we are obtaining the expert 
opinions of at least three appropriate independent specialists 
regarding this proposed rule. The purpose of peer review is to ensure 
that our critical habitat designation is based on scientifically sound 
data, assumptions, and analyses. We have invited these peer reviewers 
to comment during this public comment period on our specific 
assumptions and conclusions in this proposed revised designation of 
critical habitat.
    We will consider all comments and information we receive during the 
comment period on this proposed rule during our preparation of a final 
determination. Accordingly, our final decision may differ from this 
proposal.

Public Hearings

    The Act provides for one or more public hearings on this proposal, 
if we receive any requests for hearings. We must receive your request 
for a public hearing within 45 days after the date of this Federal 
Register publication. Send your request to the person named in the FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. We will schedule public hearings 
on this proposal, if any are requested, and announce the dates, times, 
and places of those hearings, as well as how to obtain reasonable 
accommodations, in the Federal Register and local newspapers at least 
15 days before the first hearing.

Regulatory Planning and Review

    In accordance with Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, this document is a 
significant rule in that it may raise novel legal and policy issues, 
but we do not anticipate that it will have an annual effect on the 
economy of $100 million or more or to affect the economy in a material 
way. To determine the economic consequences of designating the specific 
area as critical habitat, we are preparing a draft economic analysis of 
this proposed action, which will be available for public comment. This 
economic analysis also will be used to determine compliance with E.O. 
12866, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act, E.O. 12630, and E.O. 13211. Due to the tight 
timeline for publication in the Federal Register, the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has not formally reviewed this rule.
    Further, E.O. 12866 directs Federal agencies promulgating 
regulations to evaluate regulatory alternatives (OMB Circular A-4, 
September 17, 2003). Under Circular A-4, once an agency determines that 
the Federal regulatory action is appropriate, the agency must consider 
alternative regulatory approaches. Because the determination of 
critical habitat is a statutory requirement under the Act, we must 
evaluate alternative regulatory approaches, where feasible, when 
promulgating a designation of critical habitat.
    In developing our designations of critical habitat, we consider 
economic impacts, impacts to national security, and other relevant 
impacts under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Based on the discretion 
allowable under this provision, we may exclude any particular area from 
the designation of critical habitat providing that the benefits of such 
exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying the area as critical 
habitat and that such exclusion would not result in the extinction of 
the species. As such, we believe that the evaluation of the inclusion 
or exclusion of particular areas, or a combination of both, constitutes 
our regulatory alternative analysis for designations.
    We will announce the availability of the draft economic analysis in 
the Federal Register and in local newspapers so that it is available 
for public review and comments. The draft economic analysis will also 
be available on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov or at the 
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES).

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act 
(SBREFA) of 1996), whenever an agency must 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 effects of the rule on small entities (small businesses, 
small organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of the agency 
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. SBREFA amended RFA to require 
Federal agencies to provide a statement of the factual basis for 
certifying that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities.
    At this time, we lack the available economic information necessary 
to provide an adequate factual basis for the required RFA finding. 
Therefore, we defer the RFA finding until completion of the draft 
economic analysis prepared under section 4(b)(2) of the Act and E.O. 
12866. This draft economic analysis will provide the required factual 
basis for the RFA finding. Upon completion of the draft economic 
analysis, we will announce availability of the draft economic analysis 
of the proposed designation in the Federal Register and reopen the 
public comment period for the proposed designation. We will include 
with this announcement, as appropriate, an initial regulatory 
flexibility analysis or a certification that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities 
accompanied by the factual basis for that determination. We have 
concluded that deferring the RFA finding until completion of the draft 
economic analysis is necessary to meet the purposes and requirements of 
the RFA. Deferring the RFA finding in this manner will ensure that we 
make a sufficiently informed determination based on adequate economic 
information and provide the necessary opportunity for public comment.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501, 
et seq.), we make the following findings:
    (a) This rule will not produce a Federal mandate. In general, a 
Federal mandate is a provision in legislation, statute, or regulation 
that would impose an enforceable duty upon State, local, or Tribal 
governments, or the private sector, and includes both ``Federal 
intergovernmental mandates'' and ``Federal private sector mandates.'' 
These terms are defined in 2 U.S.C. 658(5)-(7). ``Federal 
intergovernmental mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose 
an enforceable duty upon State, local, or [T]ribal governments'' with 
two exceptions. It excludes ``a condition of Federal assistance.'' It 
also excludes ``a duty

[[Page 3354]]

arising from participation in a voluntary Federal program,'' unless the 
regulation ``relates to a then-existing Federal program under which 
$500,000,000 or more is provided annually to State, local, and [T]ribal 
governments under entitlement authority,'' if the provision would 
``increase the stringency of conditions of assistance'' or ``place caps 
upon, or otherwise decrease, the Federal Government's responsibility to 
provide funding,'' and the State, local, or Tribal governments ``lack 
authority'' to adjust accordingly. At the time of enactment, these 
entitlement programs were: Medicaid; AFDC work programs; Child 
Nutrition; Food Stamps; Social Services Block Grants; Vocational 
Rehabilitation State Grants; Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and 
Independent Living; Family Support Welfare Services; and Child Support 
Enforcement. ``Federal private sector mandate'' includes a regulation 
that ``would impose an enforceable duty upon the private sector, except 
(i) a condition of Federal assistance or (ii) a duty arising from 
participation in a voluntary Federal program.''
    The designation of critical habitat does not impose a legally 
binding duty on non-Federal Government entities or private parties. 
Under the Act, the only regulatory effect is that Federal agencies must 
ensure that their actions do not destroy or adversely modify critical 
habitat under section 7. While non-Federal entities that receive 
Federal funding, assistance, or permits, or that otherwise require 
approval or authorization from a Federal agency for an action, may be 
indirectly impacted by the designation of critical habitat, the legally 
binding duty to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat rests squarely on the Federal agency. Furthermore, to the 
extent that non-Federal entities are indirectly impacted because they 
receive Federal assistance or participate in a voluntary Federal aid 
program, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act would not apply, nor would 
critical habitat shift the costs of the large entitlement programs 
listed above onto State governments.
    (b) We do not believe that this rule will significantly or uniquely 
affect small governments because small governments will be affected 
only to the extent that any programs having Federal funds, permits, or 
other authorized activities must ensure that their actions will not 
adversely affect the critical habitat. Therefore, a Small Government 
Agency Plan is not required. However, as we conduct our economic 
analysis, we will further evaluate this issue and revise this 
assessment if appropriate. Furthermore, in accordance with the 
President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, Government-to-Government 
Relations with Native American Tribal Governments (59 FR 22951), E.O. 
13175, and the Department of the Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we 
acknowledge our responsibility to communicate meaningfully with 
recognized Federal Tribes on a government-to-government basis and are 
currently coordinating with affected tribes regarding this proposed 
critical habitat designation. See the Government-to-Government 
Relationship with Tribes Section below.

Takings

    In accordance with E.O. 12630 (``Government Actions and 
Interference with Constitutionally Protected Private Property 
Rights''), we have analyzed the potential takings implications of 
designating revised critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly in a takings implications assessment. The takings 
implications assessment concludes that this designation of revised 
critical habitat for the Quino checkerspot butterfly does not pose 
significant takings implications for lands within or affected by the 
revised designation.

Federalism

    In accordance with E.O. 13132 (Federalism), this proposed rule does 
not have significant Federalism effects. A Federalism assessment is not 
required. In keeping with Department of the Interior and Department of 
Commerce policy, we requested information from, and coordinated 
development of, this proposed revised critical habitat designation with 
appropriate State resource agencies in California. The designation may 
have some benefit to these governments because the areas that contain 
the features essential to the conservation of the subspecies are more 
clearly defined, and the primary constituent elements of the habitat 
necessary to the conservation of the subspecies are specifically 
identified. This information does not alter where and what federally 
sponsored activities may occur. However, it may assist local 
governments in long-range planning (rather than having them wait for 
case-by-case section 7 consultations to occur).
    Where State and local governments require approval or authorization 
from a Federal agency for actions that may affect critical habitat, 
consultation under section 7(a)(2) would be required. While non-Federal 
entities that receive Federal funding, assistance, or permits, or that 
otherwise require approval or authorization from a Federal agency for 
an action, may be indirectly impacted by the designation of critical 
habitat, the legally binding duty to avoid destruction or adverse 
modification of critical habitat rests squarely on the Federal agency.

Civil Justice Reform

    In accordance with E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform), the Office of 
the Solicitor has determined that the rule does not unduly burden the 
judicial system and meets the requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) 
of the Order. We have proposed designating critical habitat in 
accordance with the provisions of the Act. This proposed revision to 
critical habitat uses standard property descriptions and identifies the 
primary constituent elements within the designated areas to assist the 
public in understanding the habitat needs of the Quino checkerspot 
butterfly.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This rule does not contain any new collections of information that 
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3501, et seq.). This rule will not impose recordkeeping or 
reporting requirements on State or local governments, individuals, 
businesses, or organizations. An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and 
a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

    It is our position that, outside the jurisdiction of the Circuit 
Court of the United States for the Tenth Circuit, we do not need to 
prepare environmental analyses as defined by NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321, et 
seq.) in connection with designating critical habitat under the Act. We 
published a notice outlining our reasons for this determination in the 
Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244). This assertion was 
upheld by the Circuit Court of the United States for the Ninth Circuit 
(Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 F.3d 1495 (9th Cir. 1995), cert. denied 
516 U.S. 1042 (1996)).

Clarity of the Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (a) Be logically organized;
    (b) Use the active voice to address readers directly;

[[Page 3355]]

    (c) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (d) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (e) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. To 
better help us revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as 
possible. For example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections 
or paragraphs that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences 
are too long, the sections where you feel lists or tables would be 
useful, etc.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to Tribes.
    We are currently coordinating with affected Tribes regarding this 
proposed revised critical habitat designation. We have identified 
Tribal lands of the Cahuilla Band of Indians and the Campo Band of 
Kumeyaay Indians that meet the definition of critical habitat for the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly, and we have included these lands in this 
proposal. We are soliciting public comment on the appropriateness of 
including or excluding these lands in the final revised rule. We will 
continue to coordinate with the Tribal governments during the 
designation process.

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued an Executive Order (E.O. 
13211; Actions Concerning Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use) on regulations that significantly affect 
energy supply, distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 requires agencies to 
prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. 
While this proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly is a significant regulatory action under E.O. 
12866 in that it may raise novel legal and policy issues, we do not 
expect it to significantly affect energy supplies, distribution, or 
use. Therefore, this action is not a significant energy action, and no 
Statement of Energy Effects is required. However, we will further 
evaluate this issue as we conduct our economic analysis, and review and 
revise this assessment as warranted.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this rulemaking is 
available on http://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the Field 
Supervisor, Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section).

Author

    The primary author of this package is the staff of the Carlsbad 
Fish and Wildlife Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter 
I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 
4201-4245; Pub. L. 99-625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted.

    2. In Sec.  17.95(i), revise the entry for ``Quino Checkerspot 
Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino).'' to read as follows:


Sec.  17.95  Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
    (i) Insects.
* * * * *
Quino Checkerspot Butterfly (Euphydryas editha quino)
    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Riverside and San Diego 
Counties, California, on the maps below.
    (2) The primary constituent elements of critical habitat for the 
Quino checkerspot butterfly are:
    (i) Open areas within scrublands at least 21.5 square feet (ft) (2 
square meters (m)) in size that:
    (A) Contain no woody canopy cover; and
    (B) Contain one or more of the host plants Plantago erecta, 
Plantago patagonica, or Antirrhinum coulterianum; or
    (C) Contain one or more of the host plants Cordylanthus rigidus or 
Castilleja exserta that are within 328 ft (100 m) of the host plants 
Plantago erecta, Plantago patagonica, or Antirrhinum coulterianum; or
    (D) Contain flowering plants with a corolla tube less than or equal 
to 0.43 inches (11 millimeters) used for Quino checkerspot butterfly 
growth, reproduction, and feeding;
    (ii) Open scrubland areas and vegetation within 656 ft (200 m) of 
the open canopy areas (described in paragraph (2)(i) of this entry) 
used for movement and basking; and
    (iii) Hilltops or ridges within scrublands, linked by open areas 
and natural vegetation (described in paragraph (2)(ii) of this entry) 
to open canopy areas (described in paragraph (2)(i) of this entry) 
containing an open, woody-canopy area at least 21.5 square ft (2 square 
m) in size used for Quino checkerspot butterfly mating (hilltopping 
behavior).
    (3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures (such as 
buildings, aqueducts, airports, roads, and other paved areas) and the 
land on which they are located existing within the legal boundaries on 
the effective date of this rule.
    (4) Critical habitat map units. Data layers defining map units were 
created on a base of USGS 1:24,000 maps, and critical habitat units 
were then mapped using Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates.
    (5) Note: Index map of critical habitat units for the Quino 
checkerspot butterfly follows:
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[[Page 3357]]

    (6) Unit 1: Warm Springs Unit, Riverside County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Romoland and Murrieta. Land 
bounded by the following Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) North 
American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) coordinates (E, N): 486500, 3721400; 
486594, 3721400; 486593, 3721303; 486603, 3721303; 486684, 3721219; 
486714, 3721251; 486695, 3721307; 486796, 3721308; 486796, 3721400; 
486800, 3721400; 486800, 3721466; 486838, 3721466; 486856, 3721483; 
486906, 3721478; 486947, 3721437; 486991, 3721417; 487048, 3721404; 
487109, 3721412; 487385, 3721414; 487376, 3721012; 487377, 3721007; 
487386, 3720700; 487340, 3720700; 487215, 3720703; 487200, 3720663; 
487163, 3720619; 487132, 3720604; 487104, 3720579; 487104, 3720517; 
487070, 3720430; 487042, 3720336; 487017, 3720299; 486976, 3720246; 
486973, 3720187; 487007, 3720119; 487063, 3720057; 487000, 3719916; 
487000, 3719786; 487000, 3719786; 487387, 3719786; 487406, 3718785; 
487522, 3718606; 487419, 3718593; 487428, 3718414; 487475, 3718323; 
487742, 3718254; 487745, 3718176; 487692, 3718160; 487560, 3718057; 
487560, 3717849; 487394, 3717843; 487388, 3717500; 487400, 3717500; 
487400, 3717403; 487343, 3717391; 487259, 3717400; 487203, 3717421; 
487093, 3717412; 487025, 3717429; 487021, 3717366; 487013, 3717289; 
487013, 3717162; 487000, 3717103; 487008, 3716967; 487034, 3716908; 
487008, 3716848; 486940, 3716776; 486949, 3716742; 486945, 3716687; 
486945, 3716645; 487017, 3716594; 487085, 3716585; 487157, 3716564; 
487216, 3716564; 487246, 3716564; 487288, 3716564; 487335, 3716568; 
487400, 3716568; 487400, 3716600; 487500, 3716600; 487500, 3716700; 
487600, 3716700; 487600, 3716974; 488100, 3716974; 488100, 3716800; 
487900, 3716800; 487900, 3716500; 488100, 3716500; 488100, 3716300; 
488000, 3716300; 488000, 3716104; 487868, 3715896; 487845, 3715920; 
487822, 3715958; 487798, 3716000; 487782, 3716040; 487758, 3716075; 
487723, 3716112; 487714, 3716139; 487668, 3716169; 487622, 3716187; 
487400, 3716181; 487400, 3716300; 487200, 3716300; 487200, 3716200; 
487068, 3716200; 487017, 3716121; 487000, 3716063; 486991, 3715928; 
486997, 3715850; 487023, 3715778; 487075, 3715741; 487118, 3715741; 
487167, 3715701; 487245, 3715649; 487262, 3715611; 487201, 3715522; 
487141, 3715470; 487115, 3715447; 487052, 3715419; 486991, 3715436; 
486902, 3715395; 486824, 3715370; 486787, 3715324; 486732, 3715329; 
486600, 3715280; 486462, 3715205; 486416, 3715116; 486300, 3715113; 
486300, 3715100; 486200, 3715100; 486200, 3714976; 485959, 3714976; 
485921, 3714900; 485900, 3714900; 485900, 3714800; 485800, 3714800; 
485800, 3714700; 485784, 3714700; 485784, 3714670; 485784, 3714640; 
485784, 3714602; 485780, 3714568; 485760, 3714543; 485726, 3714552; 
485685, 3714559; 485635, 3714570; 485558, 3714597; 485492, 3714631; 
485427, 3714695; 485394, 3714760; 485368, 3714777; 485341, 3714823; 
485341, 3714857; 485341, 3714892; 485306, 3714930; 485249, 3714961; 
485218, 3714976; 485168, 3715007; 485141, 3715022; 485122, 3715057; 
485099, 3715080; 485086, 3715100; 484995, 3715100; 484984, 3715080; 
484984, 3715053; 484988, 3715030; 484980, 3714980; 484957, 3714949; 
484926, 3714949; 484884, 3714949; 484853, 3714942; 484830, 3714942; 
484780, 3714942; 484723, 3714968; 484688, 3715015; 484669, 3715080; 
484650, 3715126; 484638, 3715164; 484627, 3715191; 484619, 3715233; 
484619, 3715268; 484642, 3715318; 484684, 3715333; 484715, 3715364; 
484746, 3715395; 484788, 3715414; 484853, 3715441; 484895, 3715448; 
484949, 3715452; 484976, 3715433; 484976, 3715398; 484949, 3715371; 
484926, 3715356; 484926, 3715319; 484965, 3715322; 484999, 3715276; 
485072, 3715264; 485118, 3715291; 485168, 3715302; 485210, 3715333; 
485249, 3715352; 485291, 3715375; 485310, 3715425; 485360, 3715475; 
485433, 3715494; 485479, 3715502; 485479, 3715563; 485487, 3715625; 
485502, 3715659; 485517, 3715698; 485560, 3715728; 485579, 3715736; 
485606, 3715759; 485629, 3715817; 485629, 3715859; 485629, 3715920; 
485629, 3716009; 485629, 3716036; 485613, 3716074; 485567, 3716089; 
485552, 3716116; 485552, 3716166; 485567, 3716216; 485632, 3716262; 
485713, 3716304; 485748, 3716350; 485764, 3716380; 485765, 3716398; 
485787, 3716458; 485825, 3716500; 485804, 3716581; 485788, 3717000; 
485392, 3717000; 485388, 3716717; 485354, 3716594; 485222, 3716606; 
485078, 3716547; 485019, 3716479; 484981, 3716403; 484896, 3716326; 
484892, 3715957; 484654, 3715754; 484620, 3715779; 484578, 3715889; 
484580, 3716138; 484583, 3716344; 484586, 3716678; 484539, 3716700; 
484438, 3716734; 484497, 3716865; 484620, 3716967; 484764, 3717018; 
484870, 3717052; 484972, 3717204; 484998, 3717387; 485345, 3717387; 
485524, 3717387; 485647, 3717387; 485778, 3717391; 485910, 3717391; 
485917, 3717391; 485913, 3717245; 486095, 3717283; 486097, 3717383; 
486118, 3717383; 486313, 3717391; 486317, 3717500; 486300, 3717500; 
486300, 3717600; 486200, 3717600; 486200, 3717800; 485800, 3717800; 
485800, 3718175; 486163, 3718175; 486238, 3718082; 486274, 3718090; 
486292, 3718033; 486413, 3718101; 486408, 3717984; 486594, 3717987; 
486594, 3718160; 486565, 3718191; 486163, 3718186; 486139, 3718305; 
486147, 3718377; 486139, 3718441; 486191, 3718496; 486176, 3718570; 
486183, 3718769; 486008, 3718772; 485986, 3718773; 485984, 3718800; 
485982, 3718873; 486034, 3718909; 486039, 3718963; 485800, 3718973; 
485800, 3719000; 485327, 3719000; 485332, 3720171; 485823, 3720165; 
485823, 3720600; 485840, 3720600; 486211, 3720600; 486211, 3721200; 
486500, 3721200; thence returning to 486500, 3721400.

Excluding land bounded by 486582, 3717252; 486550, 3717202; 486608, 
3717086; 486628, 3717059; 486574, 3717031; 486614, 3716925; 486693, 
3716965; 486682, 3716995; 486650, 3717058; 486697, 3717101; 486864, 
3717241; 486832, 3717270; 486786, 3717234; 486726, 3717252; 486629, 
3717201; 486583, 3717252; 486582, 3717252; land bounded by 486299, 
3716790; 486300, 3716789; 486317, 3716777; 486345, 3716782; 486393, 
3716790; 486417, 3716836; 486422, 3716876; 486408, 3716916; 486381, 
3716940; 486331, 3716940; 486297, 3716923; 486270, 3716893; 486270, 
3716841; 486299, 3716790; land bounded by 486263, 3717190; 486285, 
3717155; 486250, 3717111; 486206, 3717018; 486278, 3717002; 486378, 
3717118; 486454, 3717173; 486393, 3717233.
    (ii) Note: Map of Units 1 and 2 (Warm Springs Unit and Skinner/
Johnson Unit) follows:
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[[Page 3359]]

    (7) Unit 2: Skinner/Johnson Unit, Riverside County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Murrieta, Bachelor Mountain, 
Winchester, Sage, and Hemet. Land bounded by the following Universal 
Transverse Mercator (UTM) North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) 
coordinates (E, N): 493342, 3718446; 493505, 3718997; 493857, 3719125; 
493926, 3719048; 494331, 3719034; 494331, 3719244; 494576, 3719307; 
494366, 3719586; 494373, 3720068; 494548, 3720054; 494576, 3720354; 
494876, 3720368; 495315, 3720326; 495790, 3720144; 496195, 3719879; 
496691, 3719921; 497228, 3719823; 497584, 3719698; 497807, 3720095; 
498268, 3720563; 498673, 3720800; 499162, 3720926; 499608, 3720947; 
499818, 3720905; 499909, 3720759; 500090, 3720605; 500299, 3720612; 
500586, 3720598; 500669, 3720410; 500621, 3720047; 500628, 3719893; 
500767, 3719516; 500313, 3719586; 500362, 3719006; 500460, 3718706; 
500676, 3718678; 500851, 3718734; 500977, 3718127; 500998, 3717897; 
500279, 3717848; 500500, 3717082; 500500, 3716956; 500559, 3716838; 
500652, 3716586; 500694, 3716342; 500711, 3716174; 500708, 3716117; 
500564, 3716194; 500488, 3716156; 500440, 3715976; 500289, 3715938; 
500090, 3715919; 499900, 3715824; 499748, 3715730; 499559, 3715644; 
499331, 3715616; 499246, 3715474; 499227, 3715312; 499113, 3715161; 
499018, 3714876; 498924, 3714838; 498848, 3714829; 498701, 3714763; 
498644, 3714484; 498629, 3714216; 498645, 3714094; 498629, 3714022; 
498629, 3713724; 498286, 3713546; 497959, 3713769; 497691, 3713843; 
497408, 3714156; 497194, 3714181; 497198, 3714603; 494946, 3714595; 
494959, 3714662; 494938, 3714662; 494895, 3714590; 493983, 3714586; 
493924, 3714539; 493920, 3714302; 494149, 3714179; 496634, 3714183; 
496648, 3714170; 496588, 3713933; 496320, 3713724; 496022, 3713620; 
495546, 3713486; 495516, 3713263; 495486, 3712667; 495174, 3712577; 
494920, 3712265; 494612, 3712103; 494403, 3712080; 494276, 3711995; 
494200, 3712131; 494102, 3712181; 493932, 3712058; 493801, 3712148; 
493682, 3712190; 493496, 3712237; 493398, 3712152; 493241, 3712008; 
493186, 3711929; 492969, 3711967; 492731, 3711967; 492478, 3712116; 
492418, 3712414; 492120, 3712577; 491808, 3712607; 491480, 3712577; 
490973, 3712578; 490921, 3712582; 490823, 3712484; 490760, 3712477; 
490673, 3712527; 490605, 3712527; 490293, 3712533; 490225, 3712589; 
490188, 3712695; 490157, 3712745; 490119, 3712782; 490069, 3712770; 
490032, 3712801; 489957, 3712869; 489908, 3712901; 489864, 3712950; 
489870, 3713069; 489889, 3713150; 489796, 3713187; 489702, 3713181; 
489628, 3713118; 489528, 3712963; 489441, 3712795; 489347, 3712801; 
489329, 3712764; 489298, 3712733; 489204, 3712733; 489198, 3712851; 
489123, 3712907; 489049, 3712963; 488968, 3713013; 488874, 3713006; 
488850, 3713044; 488856, 3713224; 488856, 3713274; 488713, 3713286; 
488526, 3713286; 488333, 3713311; 488271, 3713343; 488202, 3713318; 
488159, 3713367; 488115, 3713467; 488078, 3713598; 488072, 3713672; 
488109, 3713697; 488152, 3713716; 488221, 3713822; 488277, 3713952; 
488277, 3714015; 488308, 3714096; 488308, 3714164; 488258, 3714189; 
488171, 3714189; 488115, 3714257; 488215, 3714587; 488321, 3714942; 
488377, 3715035; 488426, 3715154; 488532, 3715235; 488675, 3715272; 
488812, 3715291; 488930, 3715284; 488968, 3715216; 488968, 3715079; 
488980, 3714979; 489049, 3714955; 489105, 3714955; 489273, 3714961; 
489634, 3714955; 489764, 3714886; 489808, 3714699; 489845, 3714481; 
489845, 3714345; 489796, 3714170; 489802, 3714077; 489820, 3713909; 
489827, 3713803; 489820, 3713753; 489764, 3713741; 489702, 3713679; 
489659, 3713629; 489584, 3713691; 489578, 3713784; 489553, 3713884; 
489478, 3713915; 489435, 3713896; 489422, 3713809; 489347, 3713766; 
489198, 3713747; 489098, 3713741; 489049, 3713685; 489049, 3713585; 
489055, 3713511; 489111, 3713492; 489204, 3713523; 489310, 3713535; 
489435, 3713504; 489497, 3713455; 489565, 3713436; 489634, 3713386; 
489740, 3713305; 489839, 3713274; 489945, 3713293; 489995, 3713367; 
490057, 3713392; 490144, 3713367; 490225, 3713299; 490287, 3713224; 
490343, 3713224; 490381, 3713286; 490536, 3713280; 490667, 3713268; 
490704, 3713311; 490710, 3713778; 490698, 3713996; 490698, 3714114; 
490850, 3714114; 490869, 3714648; 492225, 3714618; 492984, 3715139; 
493508, 3715510; 493555, 3715460; 493712, 3715456; 493826, 3715617; 
494051, 3715646; 494276, 3715634; 494479, 3715579; 494653, 3715574; 
494785, 3715540; 494929, 3715439; 495005, 3715350; 495137, 3715413; 
495340, 3715413; 495404, 3715366; 495476, 3715439; 495552, 3715528; 
495697, 3715553; 495820, 3715566; 495981, 3715562; 496078, 3715553; 
496163, 3715532; 496324, 3715523; 496375, 3715557; 496469, 3715515; 
496553, 3715512; 496596, 3715511; 496710, 3715562; 496802, 3715669; 
496931, 3715750; 497154, 3715973; 497259, 3716361; 497244, 3716539; 
497020, 3716658; 496782, 3716897; 496920, 3717018; 497045, 3717030; 
497185, 3717102; 497185, 3717183; 497276, 3717222; 497338, 3717246; 
497391, 3717318; 497391, 3717414; 497324, 3717510; 497257, 3717524; 
497204, 3717515; 497154, 3717486; 497139, 3717507; 496559, 3717478; 
496201, 3717493; 496022, 3717239; 495965, 3717214; 495888, 3717265; 
495802, 3717246; 495773, 3717169; 495706, 3717135; 495571, 3717135; 
495432, 3717073; 495197, 3717020; 495038, 3717025; 494885, 3717025; 
494774, 3716991; 494601, 3716958; 494438, 3716943; 494323, 3716948; 
494203, 3716987; 494150, 3716982; 494073, 3716953; 493958, 3717001; 
493814, 3717083; 493713, 3717150; 493732, 3717183; 493684, 3717212; 
493651, 3717179; 493526, 3717251; 493444, 3717361; 493152, 3717492; 
492789, 3717548; 492663, 3717680; 492649, 3717813; 492817, 3718043; 
492761, 3718281; 492705, 3718371; 492677, 3718490; thence returning to 
493342, 3718446.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 2 is provided at paragraph (6)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (8) Unit 3: Sage Unit, Riverside County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangle Sage. Land bounded by the 
following Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) North American Datum of 
1927 (NAD27) coordinates (E, N): 505329, 3717152; 505525, 3716882; 
505689, 3716748; 505724, 3716732; 505731, 3716682; 505851, 3716399; 
505928, 3716298; 505994, 3716256; 506110, 3716116; 506255, 3715999; 
506255, 3715899; 506423, 3715660; 506393, 3715621; 506342, 3715605; 
506300, 3715547; 506277, 3715493; 506284, 3715423; 506335, 3715272; 
506323, 3715195; 506474, 3715090; 506633, 3715020; 506714, 3714951; 
506745, 3714885; 506791, 3714813; 506791, 3714722; 506865, 3714514; 
507059, 3714186; 507059, 3714186; 507326, 3714052; 507396, 3713971; 
507400, 3713909; 507462, 3713878; 507527, 3713828; 507655, 3713654; 
507747, 3713540; 507789, 3713516; 508057, 3713292; 508221, 3713367; 
508444, 3713546; 508638, 3713441; 508891, 3713173; 509099, 3712801; 
509144, 3712458; 509129, 3712160; 509120, 3711647; 508821, 3711411; 
508589, 3711304; 508545, 3711284; 508420, 3711226; 507963, 3711122; 
507714, 3711122; 507604, 3711132; 507774, 3711505; 507506, 3712160; 
507804, 3712324; 507550, 3712563; 507133, 3712578; 506791, 3712533; 
506582,

[[Page 3360]]

3712875; 506657, 3713233; 506722, 3713230; 506726, 3713379; 506923, 
3713379; 506912, 3713534; 506722, 3713530; 506722, 3713615; 506633, 
3713662; 506374, 3713724; 506359, 3714037; 506031, 3714395; 505763, 
3714305; 505584, 3714454; 505298, 3714609; 504886, 3714595; 504655, 
3714679; 504397, 3714986; 504634, 3715042; 504601, 3715422; 504517, 
3715742; 504390, 3715761; 504383, 3715900; 504292, 3715984; 504157, 
3716090; 504176, 3716194; 504062, 3716327; 503929, 3716545; 503759, 
3716630; 503559, 3716752; 503513, 3716931; 503555, 3717141; 503614, 
3717360; 503673, 3717529; 503765, 3717697; 503917, 3717941; 504013, 
3718049; 504138, 3718005; 504308, 3718005; 504498, 3717882; 504612, 
3717711; 504744, 3717502; 504925, 3717322; 505124, 3717209; thence 
returning to 505329, 3717152.
    (ii) Note: Map of Units 3, 4, and 5 (Sage Unit, Wilson Valley Unit, 
and Vail Lake/Oak Mountain Unit) follows:
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

[[Page 3361]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17JA08.004

BILLING CODE 4310-55-C
    (9) Unit 4: Wilson Valley Unit, Riverside County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Cahuilla Mountain, Sage, and 
Vail Lake. Land bounded by the following Universal Transverse Mercator 
(UTM) North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) coordinates (E, N): 512349, 
3710299; 512734, 3710299; 513121, 3709941; 513587, 3709678; 513636, 
3709588; 513636, 3709519; 513636, 3709477; 513652, 3709445; 513671, 
3709410; 513691, 3709379; 513699, 3709347; 513699, 3709297; 513699, 
3709281; 513695, 3709272; 513704, 3709236; 513704, 3709200; 513690, 
3709176; 513682, 3709142; 513673, 3709101; 513626, 3709068; 513563, 
3709021; 513508, 3709024; 513452, 3709040; 513405, 3709021; 513383, 
3708974; 513383, 3708911; 513383, 3708855; 513397, 3708792; 513389, 
3708739; 513347, 3708706; 513317,

[[Page 3362]]

3708670; 513281, 3708610; 513281, 3708554; 513276, 3708458; 513258, 
3708368; 513096, 3708522; 513054, 3708467; 513009, 3708447; 512944, 
3708447; 512852, 3708467; 512750, 3708472; 512688, 3708455; 512613, 
3708460; 512499, 3708465; 512429, 3708457; 512372, 3708452; 512307, 
3708385; 512287, 3708035; 512232, 3708005; 511931, 3708001; 511951, 
3707873; 511815, 3707873; 511822, 3707739; 511805, 3707739; 511801, 
3707433; 511947, 3707432; 511953, 3707304; 511885, 3707156; 511855, 
3706843; 511721, 3706784; 511512, 3706396; 511170, 3706128; 510887, 
3706009; 510693, 3705786; 510261, 3705860; 509308, 3706054; 509308, 
3706307; 509366, 3706452; 509488, 3706574; 509545, 3706646; 509550, 
3706708; 509633, 3706809; 509725, 3706843; 509705, 3706944; 509793, 
3706966; 509793, 3707132; 509671, 3707115; 509654, 3707201; 510004, 
3707343; 510118, 3707426; 510314, 3707395; 510314, 3707612; 509436, 
3707617; 509426, 3707524; 509204, 3707503; 509204, 3707374; 509154, 
3707302; 508784, 3707433; 508755, 3708045; 507789, 3708054; 507806, 
3708252; 507876, 3708505; 507963, 3708723; 508076, 3708932; 508224, 
3709141; 508416, 3709359; 508622, 3709515; 508643, 3709514; 508653, 
3709524; 508995, 3709688; 509442, 3709688; 509770, 3709584; 509978, 
3709599; 509978, 3709986; 510529, 3709986; 510872, 3709986; 510914, 
3709980; 511075, 3709669; 511274, 3709502; 511647, 3709432; 511944, 
3709578; 512214, 3709750; 512321, 3709853; 512321, 3710025; 512338, 
3710155; thence returning to 512349, 3710299. Excluding land bounded by 
511571, 3707318; 511590, 3707182; 511689, 3707184; 511715, 3707251; 
511714, 3707318; land bounded by 509258, 3708799; 509245, 3708748; 
509292, 3708557; 509519, 3708562; 509442, 3708799. Returning to lands 
bounded by 513805, 3709554; 514178, 3709688; 514582, 3709657; 514612, 
3709641; 514673, 3709630; 514679, 3709556; 514848, 3709545; 514843, 
3709619; 515281, 3709494; 515515, 3709325; 515505, 3709275; 515473, 
3709258; 515422, 3709247; 515402, 3709246; 515380, 3709258; 515361, 
3709262; 515338, 3709288; 515319, 3709288; 515305, 3709275; 515282, 
3709258; 515251, 3709236; 515243, 3709218; 515234, 3709192; 515212, 
3709177; 515201, 3709173; 515183, 3709151; 515159, 3709110; 515142, 
3709084; 515152, 3709066; 515171, 3709058; 515237, 3709039; 515268, 
3709020; 515294, 3709003; 515316, 3709000; 515336, 3709007; 515373, 
3709026; 515405, 3709039; 515425, 3709043; 515446, 3709026; 515473, 
3709058; 515500, 3709066; 515548, 3709061; 515573, 3709056; 515595, 
3709048; 515614, 3709040; 515635, 3709013; 515672, 3709005; 515684, 
3708990; 515693, 3708955; 515711, 3708930; 515765, 3708871; 515829, 
3708857; 515877, 3708872; 515925, 3708905; 515928, 3708910; 515939, 
3708908; 515963, 3708892; 515990, 3708863; 516005, 3708842; 516021, 
3708853; 516008, 3708885; 516001, 3708928; 516009, 3708948; 516005, 
3708978; 516005, 3709001; 516001, 3709027; 516005, 3709050; 516005, 
3709085; 516000, 3709121; 516003, 3709134; 516293, 3709018; 516576, 
3708601; 516497, 3708071; 516304, 3707868; 516085, 3707715; 515954, 
3707614; 515637, 3707519; 515366, 3707461; 515216, 3707364; 515117, 
3707274; 514885, 3707298; 514839, 3707306; 514786, 3707319; 514728, 
3707268; 514659, 3707246; 514614, 3707242; 514583, 3707225; 514555, 
3707166; 514540, 3707130; 514459, 3707136; 514381, 3707132; 514272, 
3707031; 514205, 3706990; 514147, 3707005; 514102, 3707048; 514067, 
3707091; 514016, 3707128; 513951, 3707156; 513859, 3707175; 513798, 
3707207; 513755, 3707270; 513723, 3707326; 513519, 3707590; 513482, 
3707700; 513435, 3707772; 513426, 3707786; 513372, 3707934; 513345, 
3708008; 513374, 3708258; 513346, 3708285; 513367, 3708325; 513372, 
3708380; 513389, 3708480; 513422, 3708565; 513463, 3708607; 513469, 
3708654; 513469, 3708692; 513452, 3708712; 513450, 3708745; 513450, 
3708833; 513458, 3708877; 513472, 3708927; 513499, 3708946; 513543, 
3708966; 513571, 3708971; 513590, 3708971; 513635, 3708974; 513665, 
3708982; 513709, 3708993; 513742, 3709057; 513817, 3709165; 513820, 
3709231; 513817, 3709262; 513825, 3709265; 513801, 3709544; thence 
returning to 513805, 3709554.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 4 is provided at paragraph (8)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (10) Unit 5: Vail Lake/Oak Mountain Unit, Riverside County, 
California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Bachelor Mountain, Sage, 
Pechanga, and Vail Lake. Land bounded by the following Universal 
Transverse Mercator (UTM) North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) 
coordinates (E, N): 500789, 3709170; 501057, 3709256; 501518, 3709360; 
501801, 3709375; 502218, 3709450; 502695, 3709435; 502903, 3709316; 
503261, 3709003; 503276, 3708988; 503348, 3708996; 503445, 3709072; 
503607, 3709072; 503802, 3709072; 503899, 3708985; 504029, 3708888; 
504180, 3708759; 504306, 3708515; 504355, 3708382; 504362, 3708284; 
504432, 3708166; 504537, 3708152; 504614, 3708068; 504648, 3707921; 
504774, 3707942; 504865, 3707942; 505002, 3707895; 505124, 3707773; 
505254, 3707625; 505350, 3707486; 505372, 3707437; 505335, 3707376; 
505346, 3707247; 505357, 3707096; 505238, 3706988; 505152, 3706912; 
505109, 3706772; 504957, 3706685; 504893, 3706523; 504684, 3706338; 
504688, 3706333; 504666, 3706311; 504595, 3706277; 504558, 3706203; 
504483, 3706128; 504409, 3706046; 504278, 3705960; 504077, 3705945; 
503976, 3705968; 503722, 3706068; 503610, 3706053; 503371, 3706177; 
503222, 3706128; 503069, 3706177; 503020, 3706404; 502957, 3706449; 
502815, 3706322; 502718, 3706460; 502614, 3706397; 502506, 3706408; 
502416, 3706460; 502259, 3706397; 502132, 3706423; 502147, 3706142; 
502130, 3706106; 502108, 3706101; 502077, 3706085; 502075, 3706077; 
502076, 3706057; 502075, 3706039; 502065, 3705991; 502070, 3705994; 
502069, 3705992; 502071, 3705956; 502074, 3705903; 502075, 3705885; 
502099, 3705848; 502141, 3705785; 502096, 3705671; 502093, 3705508; 
502027, 3705404; 502006, 3705209; 501930, 3705150; 501815, 3705137; 
501787, 3705102; 501753, 3704963; 501749, 3704922; 501839, 3704849; 
501836, 3704734; 501784, 3704682; 501659, 3704637; 501659, 3704568; 
501631, 3704488; 501555, 3704419; 501468, 3704308; 501458, 3704252; 
501395, 3704224; 501361, 3704186; 501361, 3704145; 501319, 3704082; 
501271, 3704030; 501177, 3703947; 501101, 3703871; 500848, 3703894; 
500372, 3704073; 500133, 3704550; 499606, 3704843; 499592, 3704856; 
499957, 3706503; 499761, 3706664; 499806, 3706947; 499627, 3707141; 
499514, 3707178; 499509, 3707191; 499362, 3707290; 499338, 3707398; 
499310, 3707486; 499322, 3707557; 499390, 3707649; 499493, 3707736; 
499625, 3707800; 499716, 3707852; 499808, 3707908; 499852, 3707939; 
499752, 3708027; 499748, 3708099; 499848, 3708135; 499732, 3708272; 
499848, 3708314; 499967, 3708361; 499995, 3708461; 500067, 3708529; 
500150, 3708576; 500214, 3708624; 500306, 3708676; 500389, 3708732; 
500441, 3708783; 500528, 3708947; 500624, 3709034; 500692, 3709062; 
500759, 3709090; 500779, 3709126; thence returning to 500789, 3709170. 
Continuing to 501902, 3703471; 501902, 3703531; 501860, 3703579; 
501777, 3703649; 501697, 3703704; 501659, 3703767; 501621, 3703822; 
501600, 3703874; 501572,

[[Page 3363]]

3703952; 501659, 3704087; 501871, 3704191; 501890, 3704266; 501849, 
3704482; 501961, 3704512; 502147, 3704371; 502170, 3704389; 502349, 
3704774; 502457, 3704994; 502532, 3705195; 502535, 3705289; 502517, 
3705468; 502662, 3705415; 502621, 3705322; 502617, 3705102; 502670, 
3704915; 502759, 3704747; 502845, 3704706; 503188, 3704635; 503263, 
3704490; 503323, 3704378; 503491, 3704307; 503625, 3704195; 503703, 
3703997; 503744, 3703736; 503871, 3703579; 504021, 3703464; 504511, 
3703677; 504575, 3703662; 504635, 3703673; 504691, 3703659; 504753, 
3703604; 504874, 3703515; 504990, 3703411; 505060, 3703351; 505141, 
3703328; 505208, 3703302; 505284, 3703300; 505384, 3703258; 505442, 
3703244; 505498, 3703253; 505611, 3703260; 505765, 3703223; 505869, 
3703226; 505936, 3703172; 505992, 3703133; 506068, 3703137; 506126, 
3703103; 506187, 3703045; 506240, 3702984; 506300, 3702915; 506296, 
3702868; 506293, 3702810; 506261, 3702769; 506252, 3702757; 506316, 
3702690; 506347, 3702632; 506414, 3702599; 506483, 3702613; 506548, 
3702609; 506641, 3702551; 506750, 3702439; 506855, 3702312; 506950, 
3702184; 507049, 3702105; 507084, 3702034; 507200, 3701927; 507281, 
3701931; 507367, 3701971; 507423, 3702031; 507478, 3702089; 507520, 
3702129; 507566, 3702156; 507568, 3702156; 507670, 3702092; 507681, 
3701932; 507655, 3701862; 507662, 3701799; 507662, 3701769; 507634, 
3701746; 507615, 3701716; 507615, 3701662; 507615, 3701595; 507618, 
3701551; 507569, 3701386; 507550, 3701348; 507431, 3701273; 507430, 
3701273; 507430, 3701271; 507351, 3701238; 507297, 3701252; 507235, 
3701220; 507209, 3701175; 507193, 3701108; 507151, 3701066; 507073, 
3701043; 506996, 3701039; 506945, 3701039; 506885, 3701048; 506783, 
3701004; 506648, 3700939; 506574, 3700867; 506479, 3700851; 506344, 
3700858; 506326, 3700865; 505913, 3700872; 505803, 3700862; 505793, 
3700856; 505495, 3700856; 505093, 3700856; 504736, 3701094; 504393, 
3701452; 504065, 3702003; 503916, 3702584; 503574, 3702777; 503350, 
3702881; 503157, 3703149; 502844, 3703194; 502546, 3703239; 502233, 
3703284; thence returning to 501902, 3703471. Continuing to 505858, 
3705060; 505867, 3704981; 506121, 3704713; 506121, 3704713; 506245, 
3704470; 506410, 3704328; 506585, 3704229; 506717, 3704229; 506949, 
3704177; 507029, 3704102; 507218, 3704050; 507455, 3704040; 507625, 
3703924; 507938, 3703611; 507938, 3703343; 507804, 3703135; 507536, 
3703105; 507371, 3702882; 507322, 3702907; 507081, 3702902; 506958, 
3702869; 506892, 3702840; 506774, 3702925; 506642, 3702940; 506524, 
3703015; 506439, 3703053; 506401, 3703062; 506352, 3703160; 506362, 
3703223; 506301, 3703317; 506314, 3703364; 506333, 3703405; 506308, 
3703499; 506274, 3703588; 506211, 3703750; 506145, 3703809; 506108, 
3703871; 506119, 3703903; 506065, 3703873; 506046, 3703831; 506039, 
3703798; 506072, 3703755; 506035, 3703701; 506030, 3703678; 505983, 
3703684; 505926, 3703715; 505877, 3703720; 505816, 3703727; 505762, 
3703762; 505729, 3703762; 505574, 3703739; 505522, 3703577; 505507, 
3703557; 505409, 3703591; 505313, 3703604; 505173, 3703602; 504976, 
3703638; 504955, 3703706; 504929, 3703762; 504865, 3703765; 504802, 
3703762; 504762, 3703795; 504715, 3703817; 504673, 3703817; 504635, 
3703804; 504550, 3703793; 504484, 3703771; 504442, 3703762; 504388, 
3703776; 504327, 3703776; 504275, 3703846; 504230, 3704039; 504254, 
3704180; 504190, 3704229; 504278, 3704403; 504351, 3704475; 504520, 
3704632; 504774, 3704802; 504938, 3704887; 505107, 3704941; 505362, 
3705014; 505670, 3705056; 505834, 3705062; thence returning to 505858, 
3705060.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 5 is provided at paragraph (8)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (11) Unit 6: Tule Peak Unit, Riverside County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Aguanga, Beauty Mountain, and 
Anza. Land bounded by the following Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) 
North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) coordinates (E, N): 527475, 
3707014; 527579, 3706810; 527586, 3706637; 527579, 3706302; 528047, 
3706281; 528201, 3706248; 528280, 3705950; 528350, 3705712; 528358, 
3705554; 528494, 3705157; 528522, 3703481; 528424, 3703391; 528288, 
3703275; 528131, 3703168; 527953, 3703067; 527817, 3703001; 527655, 
3702945; 527497, 3702905; 527320, 3702875; 527092, 3702864; 527082, 
3702804; 527062, 3702692; 527055, 3702673; 526075, 3702431; 525632, 
3702382; 524598, 3702387; 524388, 3702482; 524303, 3702597; 523674, 
3702616; 523369, 3702644; 523159, 3702687; 522964, 3702716; 522910, 
3702657; 522905, 3702673; 522726, 3702741; 522621, 3702788; 522553, 
3702837; 522481, 3702917; 522361, 3702917; 522243, 3702917; 522163, 
3702951; 522092, 3703026; 522045, 3703078; 521949, 3703153; 521853, 
3703202; 521782, 3703224; 521720, 3703279; 521194, 3703298; 520529, 
3703293; 520529, 3703789; 520920, 3703803; 520892, 3704117; 520529, 
3704145; 520529, 3704501; 521346, 3704501; 521353, 3704892; 520962, 
3704892; 520543, 3705248; 520515, 3705646; 521325, 3705647; 522829, 
3705768; 522872, 3705362; 523284, 3705362; 523894, 3705312; 523894, 
3704790; 524209, 3704783; 524197, 3705579; 524242, 3705714; 524298, 
3705827; 524381, 3705883; 524406, 3706038; 524466, 3706309; 524566, 
3706507; 524669, 3706567; 524787, 3706707; 524864, 3706784; 524913, 
3706881; 524969, 3706944; 525080, 3707007; 525192, 3707084; 525367, 
3707189; 525527, 3707265; 525695, 3707307; 525862, 3707349; 526065, 
3707398; 526260, 3707461; 526490, 3707496; 526965, 3707482; 527405, 
3707342; thence returning to 527475, 3707014. Excluding land bounded by 
526752, 3703318; 526769, 3703312; 526825, 3703312; 526886, 3703374; 
527076, 3703418; 527076, 3703452; 526931, 3703457; 526870, 3703530; 
526747, 3703530; land bounded by 525025, 3704734; 525028, 3704729; 
525114, 3704617; 525019, 3704511; 525147, 3704394; 525013, 3704260; 
525197, 3704087; 525365, 3704450; 525638, 3704383; 525632, 3704182; 
525476, 3704193; 525476, 3704126; 525365, 3704043; 525365, 3703664; 
525760, 3703586; 526056, 3703842; 526056, 3704249; 526050, 3704929; 
525838, 3704923; 525838, 3704873; 525710, 3704840; 525699, 3704973; 
525771, 3705096; 525833, 3705263; 525677, 3705258; 525666, 3705090; 
525526, 3705035; 525242, 3704834; 525181, 3704868; 525025, 3704745.
    (ii) Note: Map of Units 6 and 7 (Tule Peak Unit and Bautista Unit) 
follows:

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

[[Page 3364]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17JA08.005

BILLING CODE 4310-55-C

[[Page 3365]]

    (12) Unit 7: Bautista Unit, Riverside County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Anza, Butterfly Peak, Blackburn 
Canyon, and Idyllwild. Land bounded by the following Universal 
Transverse Mercator (UTM) North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) 
coordinates (E, N): 524560, 3714498; 524562, 3714972; 524557, 3715902; 
524557, 3715902; 524540, 3716322; 524106, 3716328; 523941, 3716325; 
523934, 3716544; 523712, 3716630; 523510, 3716706; 523421, 3716838; 
523620, 3716961; 523745, 3717030; 523855, 3717037; 523954, 3717044; 
524017, 3717110; 524050, 3717173; 524040, 3717534; 524146, 3717524; 
524148, 3717529; 524286, 3717629; 524357, 3717728; 524338, 3717785; 
524338, 3717903; 524404, 3717946; 524428, 3718012; 524328, 3718111; 
524276, 3718215; 524305, 3718234; 524711, 3718447; 524811, 3718499; 
524924, 3718518; 524981, 3718447; 524986, 3718372; 524943, 3718329; 
524877, 3718286; 524820, 3718272; 524887, 3718178; 524953, 3718116; 
525005, 3718107; 525062, 3718154; 525137, 3718201; 525161, 3718209; 
525211, 3718357; 525300, 3718476; 525548, 3718655; 525825, 3718902; 
525191, 3719388; 524646, 3719180; 524319, 3719229; 523992, 3719517; 
523694, 3719626; 523447, 3719626; 523269, 3720531; 523262, 3720550; 
523268, 3720585; 523232, 3720633; 523222, 3720769; 522979, 3720895; 
522824, 3720934; 522658, 3720934; 522474, 3720905; 522280, 3720895; 
522047, 3720953; 521813, 3720943; 521590, 3720963; 521444, 3720953; 
521269, 3721002; 521007, 3721041; 520929, 3720905; 520706, 3720924; 
520454, 3721079; 520269, 3721109; 520075, 3721147; 519871, 3721264; 
519653, 3721339; 519559, 3721358; 519178, 3721499; 518641, 3721626; 
518585, 3721682; 518373, 3721852; 518556, 3722064; 518415, 3722247; 
518048, 3722163; 517836, 3722756; 517681, 3722968; 517412, 3723307; 
517998, 3723314; 518309, 3723314; 518606, 3723314; 518888, 3723342; 
519199, 3723384; 519425, 3723384; 519792, 3723483; 520230, 3723483; 
520442, 3723427; 520498, 3723158; 520414, 3722961; 520752, 3722890; 
521353, 3722996; 521649, 3722996; 521904, 3722939; 522073, 3722699; 
522398, 3722685; 522525, 3722685; 522779, 3722600; 523005, 3722403; 
523118, 3722177; 523259, 3721951; 523471, 3721923; 523754, 3722007; 
523937, 3721937; 524149, 3721640; 524290, 3721315; 524389, 3720962; 
524567, 3720749; 524595, 3720732; 525025, 3720482; 525689, 3720214; 
526409, 3719705; 526571, 3719628; 526570, 3719609; 526560, 3719217; 
526588, 3719217; 526962, 3719210; 526964, 3719152; 526970, 3719000; 
526992, 3718398; 527089, 3718396; 527377, 3718391; 527395, 3717988; 
527395, 3717988; 527395, 3717988; 528190, 3718008; 528196, 3717606; 
528995, 3717610; 528995, 3717569; 528992, 3717253; 529007, 3717252; 
529799, 3717232; 529796, 3717575; 529793, 3717876; 529919, 3717876; 
530215, 3718003; 530342, 3718215; 530582, 3718498; 530653, 3718695; 
530724, 3718992; 531048, 3718992; 531373, 3718738; 531402, 3718484; 
531402, 3718243; 531331, 3717947; 531571, 3717693; 531797, 3717580; 
532079, 3717594; 532235, 3717523; 532221, 3717325; 532037, 3717170; 
531896, 3716888; 532079, 3716859; 532291, 3716873; 532673, 3716873; 
532743, 3717198; 532941, 3717453; 533223, 3717255; 533421, 3717043; 
533746, 3716803; 534000, 3716563; 534353, 3716407; 534763, 3716436; 
534961, 3716619; 535229, 3716732; 535596, 3716662; 535780, 3716422; 
536062, 3716068; 536345, 3715871; 536684, 3715673; 536811, 3715419; 
537107, 3715080; 537418, 3715080; 537715, 3714995; 538096, 3714995; 
538562, 3714967; 538972, 3714628; 539325, 3714741; 539974, 3714586; 
539974, 3714581; 540024, 3714555; 540028, 3712948; 540029, 3712117; 
539604, 3712033; 539447, 3712043; 539113, 3712043; 538689, 3712057; 
538322, 3712213; 538407, 3712439; 538449, 3712778; 538223, 3712990; 
537701, 3713046; 537164, 3713046; 537079, 3713013; 536792, 3713011; 
536165, 3713018; 536073, 3712926; 535924, 3712913; 535833, 3712893; 
535657, 3712971; 535423, 3713166; 535170, 3713342; 534884, 3713511; 
534773, 3713576; 534630, 3713738; 534455, 3713888; 534253, 3713992; 
534136, 3714018; 533986, 3714148; 533804, 3714291; 533603, 3714486; 
533427, 3714642; 533271, 3714713; 533193, 3714791; 533154, 3715149; 
532940, 3715253; 532751, 3715389; 532465, 3715519; 532309, 3715545; 
532229, 3715601; 532185, 3715850; 531988, 3716047; 531668, 3716056; 
531605, 3715879; 531957, 3715541; 531401, 3715534; 531027, 3715590; 
530759, 3715562 530534, 3715464; 530336, 3715569; 529899, 3715534; 
529688, 3715518; 529384, 3715532; 529306, 3715688; 529144, 3715695; 
529150, 3715812; 528949, 3715916; 528526, 3715916; 528513, 3716156; 
528383, 3716156; 528377, 3715942; 528279, 3715935; 528273, 3715766; 
527850, 3715799; 527850, 3716329; 527638, 3716339; 527641, 3715916; 
527640, 3715929; 527232, 3715929; 526619, 3715928; 526629, 3715715; 
527011, 3715705; 527026, 3715280; 526630, 3715288; 526622, 3715493; 
526423, 3715493; 526420, 3715278; 526217, 3715266; 526218, 3714731; 
526218, 3714716; 526219, 3714221; 526203, 3714221; 526205, 3713916; 
526132, 3713919; 526116, 3713921; 526097, 3713922; 526069, 3713926; 
526052, 3713928; 526041, 3713929; 526013, 3713933; 525985, 3713938; 
525958, 3713942; 525936, 3713943; 525908, 3713944; 525880, 3713946; 
525871, 3713946; 525852, 3713948; 525824, 3713950; 525795, 3713953; 
525767, 3713956; 525750, 3713958; 525739, 3713960; 525711, 3713964; 
525683, 3713968; 525655, 3713973; 525629, 3713978; 525627, 3713978; 
525600, 3713984; 525572, 3713990; 525544, 3713996; 525517, 3714003; 
525490, 3714010; 525483, 3714012; 525462, 3714017; 525435, 3714025; 
525408, 3714033; 525381, 3714042; 525366, 3714047; 525354, 3714051; 
525328, 3714061; 525301, 3714070; 525275, 3714081; 525252, 3714090; 
525248, 3714091; 525222, 3714102; 525196, 3714113; 525171, 3714125; 
525145, 3714137; 525119, 3714149; 525115, 3714152; 525094, 3714162; 
525069, 3714175; 525044, 3714189; 525020, 3714203; 525007, 3714209; 
524995, 3714217; 524971, 3714231; 524947, 3714246; 524923, 3714261; 
524903, 3714274; 524899, 3714277; 524876, 3714293; 524852, 3714309; 
524829, 3714325; 524807, 3714342; 524784, 3714359; 524781, 3714361; 
524767, 3714373; 524758, 3714377; 524734, 3714390; 524709, 3714404; 
524697, 3714411; 524684, 3714418; 524660, 3714433; 524636, 3714448; 
524612, 3714463; 524593, 3714475; 524588, 3714478; 524565, 3714494; 
thence returning to 524560, 3714498. Excluding land bounded by 526263, 
3716885; 526204, 3716836; 526184, 3716257; 525369, 3716278; 525195, 
3716278; 525195, 3716182; 525156, 3716182; 525163, 3716083; 524954, 
3716090; 524954, 3715886; 525794, 3715852; 525783, 3716005; 526006, 
3716058; 526215, 3716037; 526215, 3716352; 526446, 3716363; 526466, 
3716796; 526358, 3716790.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 7 is provided at paragraph (11)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (13) Unit 8: Otay Unit, San Diego County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Jamul Mountains, Dulzura, Otay 
Mesa, Otay Mountain, and Tecate. Land bounded by the following 
Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) North American Datum of 1927 
(NAD27) coordinates (E, N): 509542, 3613586; 509659, 3613642; 509894, 
3613531;

[[Page 3366]]

510177, 3613445; 510695, 3613556; 511053, 3613346; 511546, 3613001; 
511990, 3612878; 512224, 3613211; 512360, 3613704; 512656, 3614037; 
512668, 3614493; 512582, 3614949; 512458, 3614962; 512668, 3615245; 
513026, 3615603; 513285, 3615702; 513482, 3615480; 513846, 3615424; 
513971, 3615424; 514238, 3615643; 514271, 3615798; 514295, 3615993; 
514380, 3616160; 514269, 3616222; 514127, 3616321; 513607, 3616927; 
513310, 3617292; 513539, 3617490; 513867, 3617533; 514009, 3617608; 
514980, 3617589; 515710, 3617663; 515692, 3617911; 515519, 3617911; 
515692, 3618641; 515673, 3619018; 515531, 3619340; 515760, 3619457; 
516174, 3619476; 516434, 3619167; 516744, 3619148; 517127, 3619154; 
517418, 3619216; 517399, 3618764; 517651, 3618738; 518062, 3618744; 
518080, 3618728; 518080, 3618679; 518125, 3618641; 518170, 3618620; 
518202, 3618555; 518249, 3618523; 518314, 3618542; 518332, 3618575; 
518387, 3618555; 518531, 3618464; 518544, 3618273; 518311, 3617955; 
518267, 3617933; 518184, 3617746; 518310, 3617651; 518310, 3617570; 
518384, 3617249; 518532, 3617163; 518766, 3616904; 518741, 3616596; 
518741, 3616386; 518914, 3616164; 519210, 3616028; 519506, 3615880; 
519691, 3615893; 520122, 3616115; 520297, 3616102; 520317, 3616093; 
520394, 3615991; 520445, 3615946; 520503, 3615831; 520618, 3615716; 
520637, 3615626; 520637, 3615472; 520643, 3615293; 520727, 3615210; 
520746, 3615127; 520707, 3615076; 520624, 3615025; 520541, 3614916; 
520439, 3614884; 520349, 3614788; 520247, 3614692; 520164, 3614538; 
520061, 3614423; 519972, 3614347; 519901, 3614321; 519754, 3614327; 
519690, 3614289; 519703, 3614206; 519792, 3614123; 519722, 3614020; 
519466, 3614020; 519485, 3614187; 519114, 3614193; 519102, 3613963; 
519229, 3613956; 519223, 3613355; 519473, 3613374; 519581, 3613297; 
519620, 3613144; 519613, 3613073; 519549, 3612997; 519479, 3612920; 
519370, 3612830; 519396, 3612798; 519466, 3612798; 519517, 3612773; 
519613, 3612638; 519703, 3612626; 519760, 3612658; 519824, 3612683; 
519882, 3612581; 519908, 3612466; 520002, 3612398; 520165, 3612126; 
520313, 3611768; 520511, 3611484; 520535, 3611275; 520720, 3610991; 
520979, 3611016; 521300, 3611090; 521357, 3611162; 521413, 3611186; 
521460, 3611180; 521507, 3611164; 521582, 3611158; 521699, 3611105; 
521749, 3611094; 521841, 3611061; 521908, 3611027; 521913, 3610977; 
521949, 3610966; 522013, 3610913; 522033, 3610863; 522030, 3610830; 
522063, 3610830; 522088, 3610766; 522083, 3610713; 522002, 3610719; 
522019, 3610660; 522075, 3610669; 522063, 3610571; 522086, 3610482; 
522147, 3610427; 522169, 3610346; 522166, 3610293; 522086, 3610307; 
522063, 3610285; 522019, 3610293; 522013, 3610229; 521980, 3610240; 
521791, 3610232; 521780, 3610023; 521794, 3609987; 521894, 3609984; 
521847, 3609937; 521785, 3609929; 521713, 3609834; 521605, 3609581; 
521568, 3609548; 521535, 3609473; 521532, 3609417; 521543, 3609325; 
521543, 3609200; 521538, 3609144; 521532, 3609097; 521554, 3609050; 
521560, 3608658; 521474, 3608646; 521474, 3608596; 521499, 3608499; 
521535, 3608480; 521571, 3608393; 521580, 3608327; 521646, 3608232; 
521699, 3608199; 521771, 3608151; 521838, 3608110; 521849, 3608051; 
521858, 3607993; 521855, 3607896; 521838, 3607823; 521794, 3607787; 
521741, 3607770; 521646, 3607779; 521638, 3607829; 521694, 3607896; 
521554, 3607926; 521571, 3607870; 521499, 3607718; 521332, 3607781; 
521310, 3607726; 521226, 3607740; 521218, 3607706; 521168, 3607712; 
521167, 3607708; 521154, 3607656; 521204, 3607637; 521227, 3607627; 
521274, 3607606; 521338, 3607576; 521407, 3607556; 521449, 3607556; 
521465, 3607526; 521488, 3607506; 521563, 3607495; 521563, 3607389; 
521632, 3607384; 521638, 3607503; 521657, 3607592; 521732, 3607679; 
521810, 3607740; 521877, 3607731; 521947, 3607748; 521991, 3607770; 
522025, 3607765; 522086, 3607751; 522164, 3607729; 522205, 3607720; 
522241, 3607706; 522289, 3607704; 522350, 3607698; 522403, 3607698; 
522486, 3607692; 522581, 3607712; 522642, 3607687; 522681, 3607654; 
522739, 3607648; 522809, 3607648; 522837, 3607651; 522870, 3607687; 
522923, 3607698; 522967, 3607684; 523081, 3607676; 523162, 3607676; 
523226, 3607720; 523264, 3607738; 523563, 3607754; 523957, 3607680; 
523957, 3607483; 523846, 3607187; 523846, 3606940; 523933, 3606570; 
523883, 3606324; 524315, 3606225; 524561, 3606151; 524845, 3605978; 
524845, 3605732; 524623, 3605460; 524611, 3605165; 524857, 3604708; 
525363, 3604610; 525659, 3604610; 526115, 3604499; 526596, 3604437; 
526991, 3604215; 527311, 3603833; 527336, 3603450; 524029, 3603113; 
523907, 3603162; 523796, 3603214; 523686, 3603221; 523516, 3603162; 
523347, 3603126; 523177, 3603126; 523022, 3603118; 522897, 3603037; 
522750, 3603045; 522684, 3603067; 522536, 3603103; 522293, 3603140; 
522124, 3603162; 521932, 3603133; 521667, 3603177; 521490, 3603251; 
521409, 3603347; 521203, 3603369; 521055, 3603450; 520819, 3603523; 
520790, 3603612; 520709, 3603612; 520621, 3603516; 520481, 3603347; 
520414, 3603236; 520414, 3603103; 520466, 3602919; 520466, 3602918; 
520466, 3602917; 520544, 3602915; 520545, 3602917; 520554, 3603037; 
520665, 3603096; 520842, 3603185; 521033, 3603236; 521180, 3603199; 
521276, 3603140; 521402, 3602993; 521519, 3602941; 521687, 3602875; 
520536, 3602757; 520445, 3602748; 520110, 3602714; 520046, 3602750; 
519840, 3602831; 519589, 3602824; 519479, 3602853; 519397, 3602986; 
519302, 3603096; 519235, 3603192; 519221, 3603295; 519213, 3603391; 
519160, 3603511; 519265, 3603555; 519647, 3603642; 519820, 3603913; 
520165, 3603975; 520375, 3604098; 520375, 3604357; 520091, 3604529; 
519697, 3604862; 520165, 3604986; 520221, 3605645; 520235, 3605659; 
520355, 3605962; 520363, 3606191; 520311, 3606382; 520186, 3606493; 
520038, 3606618; 519869, 3606802; 519744, 3607016; 519692, 3607252; 
519692, 3607487; 519714, 3607613; 519825, 3607834; 519928, 3608033; 
519950, 3608150; 519943, 3608408; 519876, 3608501; 519863, 3608506; 
519333, 3608728; 519170, 3608738; 519131, 3608842; 518984, 3608997; 
518984, 3609135; 519000, 3609282; 519017, 3609413; 518911, 3609470; 
518829, 3609494; 518805, 3609494; 518731, 3609404; 518642, 3609388; 
518584, 3609494; 518519, 3609567; 518421, 3609641; 518258, 3609665; 
518128, 3609567; 518014, 3609502; 517867, 3609527; 517785, 3609608; 
517647, 3609665; 517590, 3609722; 517516, 3609796; 517451, 3609853; 
517386, 3609975; 517231, 3610081; 517027, 3610146; 516790, 3610130; 
516635, 3610130; 516554, 3610155; 516562, 3610277; 516554, 3610383; 
516595, 3610538; 516676, 3610595; 516652, 3610668; 516570, 3610831; 
516513, 3611043; 516513, 3611117; 516448, 3611231; 516350, 3611264; 
516269, 3611264; 516154, 3611329; 515959, 3611337; 515851, 3611337; 
515665, 3611386; 515344, 3611386; 515248, 3611359; 515168, 3611419; 
515013, 3611451; 514890, 3611500; 514768, 3611557; 514670, 3611574; 
514589, 3611443; 514499, 3611394; 514344, 3611370; 514222, 3611223; 
514050, 3611158; 513855, 3610978; 513847, 3610856; 513847, 3610758; 
513841, 3610702; 513741, 3610634; 513655, 3610251; 513297, 3610251;

[[Page 3367]]

512939, 3610042; 512656, 3609770; 512804, 3609289; 512335, 3609289; 
512138, 3609228; 511768, 3609092; 511595, 3608821; 511595, 3608562; 
511706, 3608217; 511916, 3607908; 511669, 3607563; 511188, 3607575; 
510535, 3607649; 510103, 3607847; 509641, 3607631; 509789, 3607347; 
510060, 3607113; 510196, 3606842; 510393, 3606570; 510368, 3606287; 
510603, 3606003; 510812, 3605831; 510664, 3605559; 510751, 3605288; 
510849, 3605017; 510972, 3604881; 510979, 3604881; 511013, 3604832; 
511170, 3604738; 511272, 3604675; 511272, 3604581; 511288, 3604550; 
511405, 3604534; 511507, 3604495; 511672, 3604346; 511703, 3604220; 
511736, 3604164; 511675, 3603981; 511910, 3603697; 512070, 3603364; 
512267, 3603278; 512514, 3603216; 512563, 3602982; 512563, 3602612; 
512625, 3602353; 512963, 3601967; 511784, 3601853; 511735, 3601849; 
509265, 3601587; 509265, 3601766; 509233, 3601853; 509226, 3601962; 
509226, 3602041; 509091, 3602259; 509092, 3602284; 508998, 3602480; 
508975, 3602503; 508865, 3602637; 508716, 3602793; 508528, 3602825; 
508442, 3602911; 508387, 3603005; 508410, 3603138; 508457, 3603319; 
508457, 3603546; 508575, 3603836; 508551, 3603985; 508395, 3604048; 
508191, 3604228; 508105, 3604401; 508167, 3604518; 508253, 3604753; 
508199, 3604855; 508238, 3605067; 508152, 3605224; 508253, 3605334; 
508246, 3605498; 508246, 3605804; 508206, 3606000; 507956, 3606031; 
507658, 3606024; 507495, 3605895; 507218, 3606092; 506917, 3606404; 
506662, 3606555; 505784, 3606231; 505783, 3606231; 505783, 3606230; 
505748, 3604773; 505228, 3604611; 505204, 3604368; 504730, 3604391; 
504545, 3604611; 503504, 3604588; 503064, 3604322; 502890, 3604009; 
502266, 3604021; 502222, 3605020; 502219, 3605074; 501942, 3605236; 
501479, 3605317; 501652, 3605780; 501918, 3606034; 501927, 3606035; 
501941, 3606043; 501971, 3606044; 501993, 3606042; 502024, 3606040; 
502056, 3606042; 502088, 3606052; 502124, 3606072; 502162, 3606100; 
502210, 3606139; 502247, 3606168; 502287, 3606207; 502324, 3606238; 
502325, 3606242; 502341, 3606249; 502368, 3606250; 502393, 3606242; 
502405, 3606221; 502416, 3606201; 502436, 3606158; 502446, 3606133; 
502457, 3606110; 502476, 3606059; 502525, 3606069; 502558, 3606086; 
502614, 3606105; 502671, 3606124; 502766, 3606142; 502825, 3606156; 
502887, 3606173; 502969, 3606194; 503047, 3606210; 503140, 3606234; 
503205, 3606258; 503269, 3606283; 503314, 3606304; 503358, 3606323; 
503399, 3606342; 503442, 3606355; 503446, 3606357; 503631, 3606473; 
503641, 3606479; 503676, 3606501; 503699, 3606517; 503702, 3606508; 
503719, 3606458; 503730, 3606446; 503731, 3606444; 503746, 3606439; 
503766, 3606440; 503784, 3606446; 503798, 3606456; 503807, 3606465; 
503811, 3606473; 503815, 3606490; 503821, 3606500; 503831, 3606510; 
503845, 3606512; 503863, 3606505; 503879, 3606495; 503900, 3606492; 
503915, 3606489; 503929, 3606481; 503952, 3606483; 503981, 3606491; 
504011, 3606514; 504041, 3606533; 504066, 3606549; 504144, 3606589; 
504170, 3606612; 504194, 3606636; 504213, 3606654; 504226, 3606669; 
504254, 3606716; 504265, 3606729; 504299, 3606747; 504331, 3606754; 
504341, 3606756; 504359, 3606760; 504368, 3606770; 504374, 3606788; 
504378, 3606798; 504401, 3606829; 504413, 3606849; 504421, 3606857; 
504441, 3606858; 504460, 3606856; 504465, 3606848; 504472, 3606819; 
504476, 3606807; 504480, 3606795; 504480, 3606793; 504489, 3606779; 
504544, 3606785; 504567, 3606798; 504585, 3606816; 504606, 3606833; 
504629, 3606842; 504645, 3606850; 504657, 3606863; 504654, 3606885; 
504647, 3606925; 504650, 3606935; 504656, 3606944; 504669, 3606957; 
504689, 3606966; 504711, 3606968; 504732, 3606968; 504748, 3606958; 
504761, 3606950; 504776, 3606942; 504804, 3606938; 504830, 3606940; 
504866, 3606959; 504885, 3606968; 504909, 3606974; 504939, 3606981; 
504963, 3606991; 504994, 3607017; 505033, 3607046; 505057, 3607087; 
505059, 3607107; 505062, 3607128; 505057, 3607160; 505044, 3607200; 
505028, 3607226; 505012, 3607248; 505007, 3607253; 504992, 3607268; 
504979, 3607283; 504971, 3607293; 504971, 3607303; 504957, 3607332; 
504946, 3607357; 504928, 3607380; 504902, 3607413; 504861, 3607463; 
504836, 3607488; 504820, 3607504; 504797, 3607530; 504792, 3607536; 
504766, 3607552; 504746, 3607547; 504743, 3607545; 504740, 3607563; 
504741, 3607585; 504757, 3607661; 504788, 3607755; 504822, 3607841; 
504884, 3607956; 504888, 3607962; 504907, 3607953; 504919, 3607938; 
504924, 3607929; 504923, 3607882; 504920, 3607863; 504922, 3607838; 
504922, 3607810; 504926, 3607763; 504935, 3607737; 504943, 3607723; 
504946, 3607707; 504961, 3607682; 504971, 3607678; 504985, 3607677; 
505007, 3607681; 505016, 3607713; 505017, 3607732; 505017, 3607752; 
505016, 3607755; 505013, 3607780; 505022, 3607823; 505021, 3607849; 
505017, 3607883; 505013, 3607907; 505007, 3607923; 505003, 3607930; 
504999, 3607934; 504978, 3607971; 504969, 3608013; 504971, 3608052; 
504977, 3608075; 504988, 3608100; 505010, 3608130; 505027, 3608146; 
505049, 3608160; 505085, 3608194; 505098, 3608237; 505106, 3608280; 
505096, 3608317; 505090, 3608390; 505080, 3608415; 505081, 3608435; 
505090, 3608456; 505103, 3608469; 505113, 3608475; 505137, 3608480; 
505149, 3608478; 505165, 3608472; 505182, 3608457; 505218, 3608444; 
505234, 3608452; 505232, 3608477; 505217, 3608504; 505208, 3608532; 
505206, 3608562; 505212, 3608590; 505196, 3608607; 505188, 3608657; 
505187, 3608659; 505173, 3608694; 505160, 3608762; 505150, 3608801; 
505138, 3608820; 505101, 3608853; 505061, 3608883; 505024, 3608921; 
504994, 3608972; 504947, 3609020; 504920, 3609035; 504895, 3609046; 
504892, 3609068; 504894, 3609083; 504898, 3609085; 504906, 3609088; 
504913, 3609091; 504915, 3609092; 504916, 3609094; 504916, 3609095; 
504917, 3609097; 504917, 3609098; 504917, 3609100; 504916, 3609113; 
504936, 3609136; 504951, 3609156; 504977, 3609195; 504982, 3609199; 
504982, 3609200; 504983, 3609200; 504984, 3609201; 504984, 3609201; 
504984, 3609201; 504985, 3609201; 504985, 3609202; 504985, 3609202; 
504986, 3609203; 504986, 3609203; 504987, 3609203; 504987, 3609204; 
504988, 3609204; 504989, 3609205; 504989, 3609205; 504990, 3609206; 
505006, 3609219; 505006, 3609219; 505007, 3609220; 505008, 3609220; 
505008, 3609220; 505009, 3609221; 505009, 3609221; 505009, 3609222; 
505010, 3609222; 505010, 3609222; 505011, 3609223; 505011, 3609223; 
505012, 3609223; 505012, 3609224; 505013, 3609224; 505014, 3609225; 
505014, 3609225; 505014, 3609225; 505015, 3609225; 505015, 3609226; 
505016, 3609226; 505017, 3609227; 505018, 3609228; 505018, 3609228; 
505019, 3609228; 505019, 3609229; 505020, 3609229; 505020, 3609230; 
505021, 3609230; 505021, 3609230; 505021, 3609230; 505022, 3609231; 
505023, 3609232; 505023, 3609232; 505024, 3609232; 505024, 3609232; 
505024, 3609233; 505025, 3609233; 505025, 3609234; 505026, 3609234; 
505026, 3609234; 505026, 3609235; 505027, 3609235; 505028, 3609236; 
505028, 3609236; 505031, 3609239; 505035, 3609244; 505036, 3609244; 
505037, 3609245; 505037, 3609245; 505037, 3609246; 505038, 3609246;

[[Page 3368]]

505038, 3609247; 505039, 3609248; 505039, 3609248; 505040, 3609249; 
505040, 3609249; 505041, 3609250; 505041, 3609250; 505042, 3609251; 
505042, 3609251; 505043, 3609252; 505043, 3609252; 505061, 3609272; 
505062, 3609273; 505062, 3609274; 505063, 3609274; 505063, 3609274; 
505063, 3609275; 505064, 3609276; 505064, 3609276; 505064, 3609277; 
505065, 3609277; 505065, 3609278; 505065, 3609278; 505065, 3609279; 
505066, 3609279; 505066, 3609279; 505066, 3609280; 505067, 3609280; 
505067, 3609281; 505067, 3609281; 505068, 3609282; 505068, 3609283; 
505069, 3609283; 505069, 3609284; 505076, 3609295; 505077, 3609296; 
505077, 3609297; 505078, 3609297; 505079, 3609298; 505079, 3609299; 
505079, 3609299; 505080, 3609299; 505080, 3609300; 505080, 3609300; 
505081, 3609300; 505081, 3609301; 505081, 3609301; 505082, 3609302; 
505082, 3609302; 505082, 3609302; 505082, 3609303; 505083, 3609305; 
505084, 3609306; 505084, 3609306; 505084, 3609307; 505085, 3609307; 
505085, 3609308; 505085, 3609308; 505085, 3609309; 505086, 3609309; 
505086, 3609310; 505087, 3609310; 505087, 3609311; 505087, 3609311; 
505088, 3609312; 505100, 3609322; 505102, 3609324; 505103, 3609324; 
505103, 3609324; 505104, 3609325; 505105, 3609326; 505105, 3609326; 
505106, 3609327; 505107, 3609327; 505107, 3609328; 505108, 3609328; 
505113, 3609332; 505118, 3609336; 505121, 3609339; 505121, 3609340; 
505122, 3609340; 505122, 3609341; 505123, 3609341; 505123, 3609341; 
505123, 3609342; 505124, 3609342; 505125, 3609343; 505125, 3609344; 
505126, 3609344; 505126, 3609344; 505126, 3609344; 505127, 3609344; 
505127, 3609345; 505128, 3609346; 505128, 3609346; 505129, 3609347; 
505129, 3609347; 505130, 3609347; 505131, 3609348; 505132, 3609348; 
505132, 3609349; 505133, 3609350; 505133, 3609350; 505134, 3609350; 
505134, 3609351; 505134, 3609351; 505135, 3609351; 505135, 3609352; 
505135, 3609352; 505135, 3609352; 505136, 3609352; 505136, 3609353; 
505137, 3609354; 505137, 3609354; 505137, 3609354; 505138, 3609355; 
505138, 3609355; 505138, 3609356; 505139, 3609356; 505139, 3609356; 
505139, 3609357; 505140, 3609357; 505140, 3609358; 505141, 3609359; 
505141, 3609359; 505142, 3609360; 505142, 3609360; 505142, 3609361; 
505142, 3609361; 505143, 3609362; 505143, 3609362; 505144, 3609363; 
505144, 3609363; 505144, 3609364; 505144, 3609364; 505145, 3609365; 
505145, 3609366; 505146, 3609366; 505146, 3609367; 505147, 3609368; 
505147, 3609368; 505147, 3609370; 505148, 3609370; 505148, 3609371; 
505148, 3609372; 505148, 3609372; 505148, 3609373; 505149, 3609373; 
505149, 3609374; 505149, 3609374; 505149, 3609375; 505149, 3609376; 
505150, 3609376; 505150, 3609376; 505150, 3609377; 505150, 3609378; 
505150, 3609379; 505150, 3609379; 505150, 3609380; 505150, 3609380; 
505150, 3609381; 505150, 3609382; 505150, 3609382; 505150, 3609383; 
505150, 3609384; 505150, 3609385; 505150, 3609385; 505150, 3609386; 
505150, 3609387; 505150, 3609387; 505150, 3609388; 505150, 3609388; 
505150, 3609389; 505150, 3609390; 505150, 3609390; 505150, 3609391; 
505150, 3609391; 505150, 3609392; 505149, 3609393; 505149, 3609393; 
505149, 3609394; 505149, 3609394; 505149, 3609395; 505148, 3609397; 
505148, 3609398; 505148, 3609399; 505147, 3609399; 505147, 3609400; 
505147, 3609400; 505146, 3609402; 505146, 3609402; 505146, 3609403; 
505146, 3609403; 505146, 3609404; 505145, 3609406; 505145, 3609406; 
505144, 3609407; 505144, 3609407; 505144, 3609408; 505143, 3609408; 
505134, 3609428; 505134, 3609429; 505134, 3609430; 505132, 3609433; 
505132, 3609434; 505132, 3609435; 505132, 3609435; 505134, 3609443; 
505134, 3609444; 505134, 3609444; 505134, 3609445; 505134, 3609446; 
505134, 3609446; 505134, 3609446; 505135, 3609447; 505135, 3609448; 
505136, 3609449; 505136, 3609449; 505137, 3609450; 505137, 3609450; 
505138, 3609451; 505138, 3609451; 505139, 3609451; 505140, 3609452; 
505140, 3609452; 505141, 3609453; 505141, 3609453; 505142, 3609453; 
505142, 3609454; 505142, 3609454; 505143, 3609455; 505143, 3609455; 
505143, 3609456; 505144, 3609456; 505144, 3609457; 505145, 3609458; 
505145, 3609458; 505145, 3609459; 505145, 3609460; 505145, 3609460; 
505146, 3609463; 505146, 3609464; 505146, 3609465; 505147, 3609466; 
505147, 3609466; 505147, 3609467; 505148, 3609467; 505148, 3609468; 
505148, 3609469; 505149, 3609469; 505149, 3609470; 505150, 3609470; 
505153, 3609473; 505154, 3609473; 505154, 3609474; 505155, 3609475; 
505155, 3609475; 505156, 3609475; 505156, 3609476; 505157, 3609476; 
505157, 3609476; 505158, 3609477; 505158, 3609477; 505159, 3609478; 
505159, 3609478; 505160, 3609478; 505160, 3609479; 505160, 3609479; 
505161, 3609480; 505161, 3609480; 505162, 3609480; 505163, 3609481; 
505164, 3609482; 505164, 3609482; 505165, 3609482; 505165, 3609483; 
505166, 3609483; 505166, 3609483; 505166, 3609483; 505166, 3609484; 
505167, 3609484; 505167, 3609484; 505167, 3609485; 505168, 3609485; 
505168, 3609485; 505169, 3609486; 505169, 3609486; 505170, 3609487; 
505170, 3609487; 505171, 3609488; 505171, 3609488; 505172, 3609489; 
505172, 3609489; 505173, 3609490; 505174, 3609491; 505174, 3609491; 
505174, 3609491; 505175, 3609492; 505177, 3609494; 505177, 3609495; 
505177, 3609495; 505177, 3609496; 505178, 3609496; 505178, 3609496; 
505178, 3609497; 505179, 3609497; 505179, 3609498; 505179, 3609498; 
505180, 3609499; 505180, 3609499; 505180, 3609499; 505181, 3609500; 
505181, 3609500; 505181, 3609501; 505181, 3609501; 505182, 3609502; 
505182, 3609502; 505182, 3609502; 505183, 3609503; 505183, 3609503; 
505184, 3609505; 505184, 3609505; 505184, 3609505; 505185, 3609506; 
505185, 3609506; 505185, 3609507; 505186, 3609507; 505186, 3609508; 
505186, 3609508; 505188, 3609510; 505188, 3609512; 505190, 3609514; 
505190, 3609515; 505191, 3609516; 505192, 3609518; 505192, 3609519; 
505192, 3609519; 505193, 3609520; 505193, 3609522; 505193, 3609522; 
505194, 3609523; 505194, 3609523; 505194, 3609524; 505194, 3609524; 
505194, 3609525; 505194, 3609525; 505195, 3609526; 505195, 3609526; 
505195, 3609527; 505195, 3609528; 505195, 3609528; 505196, 3609529; 
505196, 3609530; 505196, 3609530; 505196, 3609531; 505197, 3609532; 
505197, 3609532; 505197, 3609533; 505197, 3609533; 505197, 3609534; 
505198, 3609534; 505198, 3609535; 505198, 3609535; 505198, 3609536; 
505198, 3609536; 505198, 3609537; 505199, 3609537; 505199, 3609538; 
505199, 3609539; 505200, 3609540; 505200, 3609540; 505200, 3609541; 
505200, 3609542; 505200, 3609542; 505201, 3609543; 505201, 3609543; 
505201, 3609544; 505201, 3609545; 505201, 3609545; 505201, 3609546; 
505201, 3609546; 505201, 3609546; 505201, 3609547; 505202, 3609547; 
505202, 3609548; 505202, 3609549; 505202, 3609549; 505202, 3609551; 
505737, 3609540; 505864, 3608383; 505933, 3607584; 506327, 3607295; 
506335, 3607296; 506593, 3607307; 506590, 3607353; 506570, 3607689; 
506644, 3607721; 506940, 3607851; 507106, 3608098; 507248, 3608321; 
507532, 3608543; 507533, 3608562; 507650, 3608634; 507932, 3608736; 
508058, 3608775; 508120, 3608901; 508120, 3609167; 508598, 3609426;

[[Page 3369]]

508794, 3609559; 508826, 3609732; 508904, 3609810; 509077, 3609810; 
509194, 3609865; 509273, 3609959; 509414, 3609983; 509500, 3610006; 
509571, 3609967; 509618, 3609912; 509618, 3610006; 509633, 3610155; 
509806, 3610194; 510065, 3610312; 510119, 3610359; 510229, 3610367; 
510386, 3610304; 510598, 3610273; 510747, 3610312; 510794, 3610445; 
510872, 3610626; 510990, 3610829; 511146, 3611088; 511382, 3611206; 
511578, 3611221; 511578, 3611025; 511868, 3611088; 512299, 3611457; 
512252, 3611558; 512346, 3611864; 512354, 3612115; 512432, 3612225; 
512589, 3612311; 512691, 3612335; 512840, 3612288; 512997, 3612311; 
513099, 3612397; 513130, 3612468; 513224, 3612523; 513342, 3612546; 
513349, 3612648; 513538, 3612656; 513647, 3612562; 513647, 3612468; 
513647, 3612327; 513734, 3612099; 513961, 3611888; 514228, 3611668; 
514329, 3611770; 514243, 3611801; 514220, 3611872; 514071, 3612013; 
513969, 3612021; 513867, 3612154; 513843, 3612303; 513890, 3612421; 
514016, 3612476; 514086, 3612578; 514228, 3612680; 514361, 3612829; 
514416, 3612962; 514486, 3613040; 514620, 3613134; 514690, 3613330; 
514878, 3613440; 515019, 3613534; 515208, 3613597; 515372, 3613597; 
515435, 3613652; 515302, 3613777; 515372, 3613863; 515411, 3613997; 
515600, 3614059; 515788, 3614146; 516015, 3614224; 516188, 3614232; 
516344, 3614224; 516485, 3614224; 516642, 3614224; 516768, 3614169; 
516877, 3613981; 516940, 3613879; 517058, 3613840; 517183, 3613840; 
517426, 3613832; 517567, 3613746; 517646, 3613918; 517646, 3614075; 
517599, 3614255; 517458, 3614240; 517277, 3614255; 517105, 3614208; 
516979, 3614271; 516791, 3614334; 516556, 3614475; 516337, 3614608; 
516062, 3614616; 515984, 3614632; 515874, 3614671; 515686, 3614773; 
515560, 3614922; 515451, 3614969; 515435, 3614828; 515396, 3614710; 
515302, 3614647; 515317, 3614538; 515388, 3614396; 515404, 3614255; 
515333, 3614083; 515239, 3614028; 515121, 3613973; 515074, 3613895; 
515004, 3613808; 514839, 3613707; 514808, 3613573; 514643, 3613495; 
514494, 3613393; 514392, 3613299; 514298, 3613173; 514243, 3612977; 
514181, 3612860; 514102, 3612821; 514008, 3612742; 513898, 3612625; 
513828, 3612687; 513718, 3612829; 513569, 3612923; 513451, 3612962; 
513428, 3612860; 513365, 3612797; 513201, 3612876; 513114, 3612734; 
512981, 3612711; 512887, 3612656; 512785, 3612499; 512620, 3612460; 
512471, 3612374; 512307, 3612335; 512221, 3612217; 512205, 3612099; 
512228, 3611927; 512197, 3611762; 512119, 3611660; 511923, 3611605; 
511844, 3611472; 511758, 3611347; 511593, 3611355; 511342, 3611315; 
511201, 3611229; 510950, 3611057; 510896, 3610814; 510723, 3610673; 
510590, 3610649; 510457, 3610704; 510261, 3610751; 509986, 3610720; 
509688, 3610571; 509375, 3610516; 509077, 3610516; 508881, 3610578; 
508661, 3610594; 508465, 3610735; 508442, 3610963; 508206, 3611010; 
508159, 3611104; 508175, 3611315; 508042, 3611480; 507760, 3611590; 
507430, 3611582; 507132, 3611527; 507007, 3611747; 506850, 3612037; 
506764, 3612123; 506607, 3612178; 506450, 3612413; 506427, 3612523; 
506435, 3612601; 506464, 3612677; 506427, 3612671; 506350, 3612799; 
506298, 3612825; 506246, 3612812; 506131, 3613044; 506143, 3613521; 
506362, 3613998; 506517, 3614616; 506530, 3615608; 506530, 3615802; 
506697, 3615840; 507148, 3615931; 507380, 3616188; 507522, 3616446; 
507819, 3616691; 507767, 3616897; 507819, 3617193; 507999, 3617399; 
508166, 3617644; 508501, 3617734; 509004, 3617580; 509558, 3617116; 
509829, 3616536; 509893, 3615660; 509352, 3615183; 509236, 3614333; 
thence returning to 509542, 3613586.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 8 (Otay Unit) follows:

BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

[[Page 3370]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17JA08.006

BILLING CODE 4310-55-C

[[Page 3371]]

    (14) Unit 9: La Posta/Campo Unit, San Diego County.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Cameron Corners, Live Oak 
Springs, Campo, Tierra Del Sol. Land bounded by the following Universal 
Transverse Mercator (UTM) North American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) 
coordinates (E, N): 553429, 3615941; 553609, 3615663; 553609, 3615510; 
554522, 3615534; 554724, 3615307; 554786, 3615045; 554774, 3614749; 
554744, 3614441; 554750, 3614200; 554876, 3613915; 555139, 3613378; 
555248, 3613049; 555254, 3612912; 555237, 3612693; 555270, 3612600; 
555347, 3612446; 555363, 3612342; 555380, 3612151; 555380, 3612008; 
555336, 3611920; 555248, 3611844; 555073, 3611855; 554854, 3611882; 
554725, 3611939; 554601, 3612101; 554488, 3612253; 554514, 3613022; 
554256, 3613000; 554256, 3613575; 553862, 3613597; 553856, 3613340; 
553697, 3613340; 553697, 3613148; 553630, 3613180; 553275, 3613026; 
551888, 3613504; 551601, 3614187; 551609, 3615340; 550765, 3615372; 
550362, 3615816; 550362, 3616494; 550624, 3616972; 550932, 3617249; 
551148, 3617249; 551687, 3617249; 552258, 3617249; 552751, 3617188; 
552982, 3617080; 553090, 3616849; 553090, 3616509; 553090, 3616201; 
553275, 3615970; thence returning to 553429, 3615941. Continuing to 
555361, 3613606; 555341, 3613858; 555356, 3614305; 555387, 3614752; 
555418, 3615091; 555587, 3615477; 555834, 3616001; 556265, 3616124; 
556651, 3615955; 556928, 3615569; 557098, 3615168; 557021, 3614660; 
556897, 3614321; 557314, 3613935; 557452, 3613504; 557406, 3613211; 
557190, 3612872; 557190, 3612717; 557161, 3612704; 557084, 3612704; 
557013, 3612709; 556925, 3612731; 556821, 3612715; 556717, 3612671; 
556700, 3612507; 556596, 3612430; 556497, 3612381; 556602, 3612118; 
556481, 3612079; 556267, 3612052; 556202, 3612046; 556103, 3611997; 
556048, 3611915; 555829, 3611871; 555791, 3611893; 555785, 3612074; 
555741, 3612227; 555665, 3612348; 555626, 3612507; 555588, 3612704; 
555539, 3613098; 555456, 3613411; thence returning to 555361, 3613606. 
Continuing to 558984, 3611182; 559112, 3611283; 559388, 3611457; 
559681, 3611604; 559857, 3611454; 560104, 3611114; 560535, 3610852; 
560952, 3610739; 560957, 3609611; 560959, 3609185; 560966, 3607429; 
559559, 3607279; 559518, 3607770; 559210, 3608170; 558593, 3608509; 
557869, 3608556; 557406, 3608463; 556743, 3608833; 556235, 3609465; 
555957, 3610220; 556188, 3610575; 556096, 3611114; 556050, 3611573; 
556118, 3611624; 556118, 3611688; 556182, 3611705; 556295, 3611709; 
556320, 3611741; 556394, 3611797; 556521, 3611847; 556592, 3611857; 
556659, 3611772; 556694, 3611716; 556765, 3611645; 556839, 3611610; 
556896, 3611610; 556913, 3611610; 556934, 3611638; 557002, 3611663; 
557076, 3611652; 557150, 3611638; 557210, 3611613; 557270, 3611582; 
557334, 3611574; 557408, 3611574; 557447, 3611564; 557503, 3611553; 
557567, 3611525; 557595, 3611497; 557627, 3611454; 557627, 3611387; 
557620, 3611327; 557655, 3611281; 557726, 3611281; 557836, 3611281; 
557920, 3611281; 558005, 3611267; 558058, 3611218; 558069, 3611168; 
558087, 3611059; 558090, 3610995; 558125, 3610945; 558125, 3610878; 
558178, 3610801; 558238, 3610762; 558295, 3610755; 558352, 3610670; 
558380, 3610599; 558451, 3610511; 558521, 3610497; 558454, 3610677; 
558405, 3610942; 558380, 3611094; 558373, 3611189; 558408, 3611288; 
558383, 3611370; 558488, 3611448; 558672, 3611319; 558810, 3611191; 
thence returning to 558984, 3611182. Excluding land bounded by 559557, 
3610151; 559548, 3609664; 559887, 3609661; 559880, 3610135; 559559, 
3610152; 559557, 3610153.
    (ii) Note: Map of Units 9 and 10 (La Posta/Campo Unit and Jacumba 
Unit) follows:
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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP17JA08.007

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    (15) Unit 10: Jacumba Unit, San Diego County, California.
    (i) From USGS 1:24,000 quadrangles Jacumba, and Jacumba OE S. Land 
bounded by the following Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) North 
American Datum of 1927 (NAD27) coordinates (E, N): 573190, 3609782; 
573230, 3610057; 573340, 3610623; 573120, 3610926; 572913, 3611491; 
572844, 3612155; 572941, 3612625; 573130, 3613009; 573319, 3613244; 
573514, 3613370; 573749, 3613284; 573812, 3613244; 573818, 3613141; 
573944, 3613101; 574105, 3613078; 574242, 3613089; 574477, 3613107; 
574592, 3613107; 574720, 3613049; 575037, 3612980; 575354, 3612621; 
575737, 3612289; 575668, 3611884; 575326, 3611707; 575212, 3611619; 
575099, 3611442; 575099, 3611208; 575016, 3610986; 575288, 3610607; 
575510, 3610265; 575535, 3610114; 575718, 3610057; 575883, 3609829; 
575778, 3609508; 575286, 3608729; 575285, 3608362; 574872, 3608390; 
574472, 3608514; 574100, 3608693; 573852, 3608927; 573493, 3609424; 
thence returning to 573190, 3609782.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 10 is provided at paragraph (14)(ii) of this 
entry.
* * * * *

    Dated: January 8, 2008.
Lyle Laverty,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 08-105 Filed 1-16-08; 8:45 am]
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