[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 10, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-11258]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: May 10, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AC50

 

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Proposed 
Endangered Status for Three Insects From the Santa Cruz Mountains of 
California

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) proposes 
endangered status pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act), for the Mount Hermon June beetle (Polyphylla barbata) 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis infantilis), and Santa 
Cruz rain beetle (Pleocoma conjugens conjugens). These three insects 
are located in Santa Cruz County, California, and are threatened by 
urban development, recreational use, sand mining, agricultural 
activities, and alteration of natural fire frequency. This proposal, if 
made final, would implement the Federal protection and recovery 
provisions of the Act for these three species.

DATES: Comments from all interested parties must be received by July 
11, 1994. Public hearing requests must be received by June 24, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials concerning this proposal should be 
sent to the Field Supervisor, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ventura 
Field Office, 2140 Eastman Avenue, suite 100, Ventura, California 
93003. Comments and materials received will be available for public 
inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours at the above 
address.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Judy Hohman at the above address 
(telephone 805/644-1766).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    The Mount Hermon June beetle (Polyphylla barbata), Zayante band- 
winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis infantilis), and Santa Cruz rain 
beetle (Pleocoma conjugens conjugens) are endemic to restricted 
sandstone deposits in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Cruz County, 
California. The Santa Cruz Mountains are a relatively young range 
composed of igneous and metamorphic rocks overlain by thick layers of 
sedimentary material uplifted from the ocean floor and ancient 
shoreline zone (Caughman and Ginsberg 1987). These Miocene marine 
terraces, referred to as the Santa Margarita formation (Marangio and 
Morgan 1986), persist as pockets of sandstones and limestones that are 
geologically distinct from the volcanic origins of the mountain range. 
Soils that formed from these sandstone deposits occur in scattered 
pockets covering about 3,240 hectares (ha) (8,000 acres (ac)) (Marangio 
and Morgan 1986), and are referred to as the Zayante series (USDA Soil 
Conservation Service 1980). Pockets of Zayante soils are deep, coarse-
textured and poorly developed, and occur in three clusters in the Santa 
Cruz Mountains. The largest cluster is in the vicinity of the 
communities of Ben Lomond, Felton, Mount Hermon, and Olympia, and the 
city of Scotts Valley. A second cluster is in the Bonnie Doon area, and 
the third, which is the smallest, is in the vicinity of the community 
of Corralitos (Marangio 1985).
    Predominant vegetation of the Santa Cruz Mountains consists of 
redwood forest (Zinke 1988) and mixed evergreen forest (Sawyer et al. 
1988). Within the Santa Cruz Mountains, however, two unique communities 
are restricted to the Zayante soil series: maritime coast range 
ponderosa pine forest and northern maritime chaparral (Griffin 1964, 
Holland 1986). Maritime coast ponderosa pine forests are open park-like 
areas that usually contain ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), knobcone 
pine (P. attenuata), coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), and, at a few 
sites, the federally endangered Santa Cruz cypress (Cupressus 
abramsiana) (Griffin 1964, Holland 1986, Morgan 1983). Northern 
maritime chaparral, locally referred to as ``silver-leaf manzanita 
mixed chaparral'' (Marangio 1985, Marangio and Morgan 1986), is 
dominated by the endemic silver-leaved manzanita (Arctostaphylos 
silvicola), a candidate for Federal listing.
    Both the knobcone pine and Santa Cruz cypress are dependent on 
naturally occurring fires at appropriate frequencies for regeneration. 
The association of these fire dependent species with maritime coast 
ponderosa pine forests indicates that fire frequency plays a role in 
the survival of this vegetation community. The ponderosa pines and 
associated trees occur in scattered to dense stands with an understory 
of small herbaceous plants and grasses and frequently little shrub 
understory. Maritime coast ponderosa pine forest may include areas 
lacking ponderosa pine. Local botanists refer to maritime coast 
ponderosa pine forest in this area as ``ponderosa pine sand parkland'' 
(Marangio 1985, Morgan 1983) or ``ponderosa pine sandhill'' (California 
Native Plant Society 1986). Because of their disjunct distribution, 
ponderosa pine sand parklands have been called ``biological islands'' 
(Marangio 1985).
    The Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and 
Santa Cruz rain beetle have very restricted ranges within the Santa 
Cruz Mountains. With the exception of two sightings, all known 
localities for the three taxa are within a 52 square kilometer (20 
square mile) range on ponderosa pine sand parklands.
    The Mount Hermon June beetle was first described by Cazier (1938) 
from Mount Hermon, Santa Cruz County, California. It is 1 of 28 species 
of Polyphylla in America north of Mexico and 1 of 15 species of the 
diffracta complex within the genus Polyphylla (Young 1988). Young 
(1988) recently made several nomenclatural adjustments of the genus 
Polyphylla but retained P. barbata. Two other species of Polyphylla 
occur in the Ben Lomond-Mt. Hermon area, P. crinita and P. nigra. P. 
crinita occurs from British Columbia, Idaho, and Montana south to 
California and Nevada. P. nigra occurs from British Columbia south to 
Baja California, Mexico. The Mount Hermon June beetle is distinguished 
from other species of Polyphylla by the presence of relatively dense, 
long, erect hairs scattered randomly over the elytra (thick leathery 
front wings) and short erect hairs on the pygidium (abdominal segment) 
(Young 1988).
    The adult male Mount Hermon June beetle is a cryptic small scarab 
beetle with a black head, dark blackish-brown elytra clothed with 
scattered long brown hair, and a striped body (Borror et al. 1976, 
Young 1988). Elytral vittae are broken, often reduced to discontinuous 
clumps of scales but still form identifiable lines (Young 1988). 
Females are larger, with a black head, chestnut color clypeus (plate on 
lower part of face) and elytra, and golden hairs on head, thorax, and 
legs (Young 1988). The one adult female described was 22  x  11 
millimeters (mm) (0.87  x  0.43 inches (in)) while the holotype male 
was 20  x  9.7 mm (0.79  x  0.38 in) (Young 1988).
    The Mount Hermon June beetle requires about 2 to 3 years to mature 
from hatching through the adult form. Most of the life cycle is spent 
in the larval form. The larvae are subterranean and feed on the roots 
of certain grasses (Dr. Art Evans, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural 
History, pers. comm., 1993). Adults may feed on leaves (Dr. Fred 
Andrews, California Department of Food and Agriculture, pers. comm., 
1993). Adult males are strong fliers and females are fossorial; they 
may be reluctant to fly because of their large body size (A. Evans, 
pers. comm., 1993; Dr. Alan Hardy, California Department of Food and 
Agriculture, pers. comm., 1993). For 1 to 2 months in spring and early 
summer, the adults emerge at dusk for mating and the males fly in 
search of females. This limited time period for mating suggests that a 
specific mechanism to ensure reproductive success is employed such as 
emission of pheromones by females to attract males (Lilly and 
Shorthouse 1971 in Young 1988). Within a short time after mating and 
egg-laying, the adults die.
    The Mount Hermon June beetle is found on ponderosa pine sand 
parklands in the immediate vicinity of the communities of Mount Hermon, 
Glen Arbor, Olympia, and Ben Lomond in Santa Cruz County, California 
(Young 1988). A lone beetle specimen collected in 1968 is labeled as 
occurring in Santa Cruz. This specimen may have been a waif, since 
these beetles are strong fliers, or the location on the label was 
inaccurate (Stephen McCabe, California Native Plant Society, in litt., 
1991). Recent collections of Mount Hermon June beetles (1990) are from 
ponderosa pine sand parklands between the communities of Ben Lomond and 
Mount Hermon (S. McCabe, in litt., 1991).
    The limited range of the Mount Hermon June beetle is probably due 
to various factors including substrate preferences, food sources, and 
the apparent restricted home range of the females. Beetles of this 
genus prefer sand/grass or sand/grass and coniferous forest (substrate/
plant) associations such as those found in ponderosa pine sand parkland 
(Borror et al. 1976; Young 1988; A. Hardy, pers. comm., 1993). The 
Mount Hermon June beetle seems to prefer grasses and conifers (A. 
Evans, pers. comm., 1993) associated with ponderosa pine sand parkland 
(Marangio and Morgan 1986).
    The Zayante band-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis infantilis) was 
first described from a ponderosa pine sand parkland area of the Santa 
Cruz Mountains, Santa Cruz County, California (Rentz and Weissman 
1984). It is 1 of 54 species in the genus Trimerotropis (Rentz and 
Weissman 1984). This species is similar in appearance to T. occulans, 
which is restricted to San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties (Otte 
1984), and T. koebelei, which is larger in size and has a wider frontal 
costa (wing vein), lower pronotal crest (dorsal body wall plate of the 
prothorax), and more distinct pronotal carinae (keel).
    The Zayante band-winged grasshopper is one of the smallest species 
in the genus. The body and forewings are pale gray to light-brown with 
dark crossbands on the forewings. The basal area of the hindwings is 
pale yellow with a faint thin band (Otte 1984, Rentz and Weissman 
1984). The hind tibiae are blue-gray and the eye is banded. The 
pronotum possesses lateral carinae represented as tubercles. Individual 
flights are between 1 to 2 meters (m) (3 to 7 feet (ft)), and the 
grasshoppers stridulate while flying, producing a buzzing sound (Rentz 
and Weissman 1984). Band-winged grasshoppers often alight on bare 
ground and are conspicuous in flight because of the color of the hind 
wings and the crackling sound made by the wings (Borror et al. 1976).
    Locality records and recent collections indicate the distribution 
of the Zayante band-winged grasshopper is restricted to ponderosa pine 
sand parklands in the Santa Cruz Mountains, specifically in the 
vicinity of the community of Felton (Rentz and Weissman 1988; R. 
Morgan, private consultant, Soquel, California, in litt., 1992). 
Efforts to collect Zayante band-winged grasshoppers from numerous 
localities in central Santa Cruz County and various habitats including 
grassland and chaparral have been unsuccessful except at ponderosa pine 
sand parklands (R. Morgan, in litt., 1992). The Zayante band-winged 
grasshopper often occurs in association with the Ben Lomond wallflower 
(Erysimum teretifolium) (R. Morgan, in litt., 1992), a federally 
endangered species that is also restricted to ponderosa pine sand 
parklands.
    Horn (1888a, 1888b in Horvore 1977) described a new species of rain 
beetle from near the city of Santa Cruz as Pleocoma conjugens. 
Subsequently, Horvore's (1977) analysis of rain beetles identified two 
allopatric subspecies, one restricted to the Santa Cruz Mountains 
(Pleocoma conjugens conjugens) and the second restricted to the Santa 
Lucia Mountains (Pleocoma conjugens lucia) in Monterey County. These 
subspecies differ in morphological characteristics and food preferences 
of larvae. The Santa Cruz rain beetle is the only species of rain 
beetle known to occur in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The closest known 
population of any other species of rain beetles is located in the 
western Santa Clara Valley and is within a complex of populations 
assigned to Pleocoma behrensi (Frank Horvore, Placerita Canyon Nature 
Center, in litt., 1993).
    Adult male Santa Cruz rain beetles are generally stout-bodied, 
convex from above, relatively large when compared to other rain beetles 
(about 25 mm (1 in) in length), unicolorous, shining reddish-brown to 
blackish in color, and the ventral surface of the body is clothed with 
long hair (Horvore 1979). The head is specifically modified for 
digging. The elytra are not truncate at the apex and cover the entire 
abdomen. Front tibiae are dilated, flattened, and coarsely scalloped or 
toothed along the outer edge (Borror et al. 1976, Horvore 1977). 
Segment 3 of the antenna is elongate and strongly angulated anteriorly 
at apical 1/3. In the female, segment 6 of the antenna has lamellae 
distinctly shorter than segment 7; segment 9 is longest (Horvore 1977). 
Females are small (27 to 32 mm (1 to 1.3 in) in length) when compared 
to other species of rain beetles, with the pronotal surface (dorsal 
body plate of the thorax) shining and moderately densely punctate. 
Antennal segment 3 is short and subcylindrical; segment 9 is longest. 
They lack functional wings and are usually fatter than males (Horvore 
1979). Adults lack working mouthparts and cannot feed (Horvore 1979).
    Both male and female Santa Cruz rain beetles in the Mount Hermon 
area have been found in dry sandy soils in open areas (F. Horvore, 
pers. comm., 1993). Hazeltine (1950) located larvae in an area of grass 
and ponderosa pine, which is a description of ponderosa pine sand 
parkland. Larvae and adults are subterranean except when adult males 
emerge to fly in search of females. Eggs are laid in the female's 
burrow in spring or summer following mating in the fall or winter. 
Burrows may be up to 1 m (3 ft) deep. Egg development takes about 2 
months. The larvae live in the soil and feed on the roots of plants 
(Borror et al. 1976). Probable host plants are Pinus ponderosa, 
Gnaphalium sp., and Quercus agrifolia (Hazeltine 1950). Larval lifespan 
extends for several years, 13 years for some Pleocoma species. 
Following transformation through the pupal stage to the adult stage and 
the onset of winter rains, the adult rain beetles emerge from 
underground burrows at dawn or dusk to mate (Borror et al. 1976, 
Horvore 1979). Females excavate a tunnel to the surface, release a 
pheromone, return to the tunnel, and await the arrival of a male (Dr. 
James Chemsak, University of California, Berkeley, pers. comm., 1993). 
That is the only time a female is above ground. Males locate females by 
flying and tracking pheromones emitted by the females (James Robertson, 
Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, pers. comm., 1993). 
Populations are often restricted to a few acres of habitat (Horvore 
1979). The size and distribution of a population is limited to the area 
that flightless females can tunnel through to lay eggs and that larvae 
can excavate while feeding on roots.
    Locality records indicate the Santa Clara rain beetle is limited to 
the Santa Cruz Mountains in the area of the communities of Ben Lomond, 
Felton, Mount Hermon, Scotts Valley, Redwood Glen, and Waddell Creek 
(Hazeltine 1950, Horvore 1977, F. Horvore in litt. 1993). All 
locations, except Waddell Creek, are within ponderosa pine sand 
parkland. The male rain beetle's ability for strong and sustained 
flight and its attraction to reflections of light from water may 
explain the locality record from Waddell Creek.
    Historic and recent collection records indicate that the Mount 
Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Clara 
rain beetle are restricted to ponderosa pine sand parkland habitat. 
More than 50 percent of this habitat has been lost or altered from 
human development (e.g., housing development, agriculture, mining, 
recreation) and alteration of fire frequency. By 1986, approximately 
100 ha (250 ac) of ponderosa pine sand parklands scattered over about 
20 sites remained undeveloped (Marangio and Morgan 1986). By 1992, less 
than 40 ha (100 ac) was estimated to remain (R. Morgan, pers. comm., 
1992).
    Approximately 40 percent of the remaining known and potential 
ponderosa pine sand parkland habitat for the Mount Hermon June beetle, 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle is 
privately owned. Public land within existing and potential habitat 
includes Quail Hollow Ranch, owned by the County of Santa Cruz; a 
preserve adjacent to Quail Hollow Ranch and Bonny Doon Ecological 
Preserve, owned by the California Department of Fish and Game 
(Department); and Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Previous Federal Action

    The Service included the Mount Hermon June beetle as a category 2 
candidate species in the January 6, 1989 (54 FR 554), and November 21, 
1991 (56 FR 58804), Animal Notices of Review. Category 2 species are 
those for which information in the Service's possession indicates that 
listing is possibly appropriate, but for which substantive data on 
biological vulnerability and threats are not currently available to 
support proposed rules. On February 11, 1991, the Service was 
petitioned by Mr. Stephen McCabe, California Native Plant Society, to 
emergency list the Mount Hermon June beetle as an endangered species.
    The Service made a 90-day finding on June 10, 1991, that 
substantial information had been presented indicating that the 
petitioned action may be warranted, and announced this decision in the 
August 19, 1992, Federal Register (57 FR 37513). The Service initiated 
a status review of the Mount Hermon June beetle at that time.
    The Service was petitioned on July 16, 1992, by Dr. David Weissman, 
California Academy of Sciences, to list the Zayante band-winged 
grasshopper as an endangered species. This proposed rule constitutes 
the final finding for the petitioned actions for the Mount Hermon June 
beetle and Zayante band-winged grasshopper, in accordance with section 
4(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Act.
    The Service learned of the status of and threats to the Santa Cruz 
rain beetle during its status reviews of the Mount Hermon June beetle 
and Zayante band-winged grasshopper. During the status reviews of the 
three taxa, the Service examined the available data on life history, 
ecology, locality records, and species' range. Sources of status and 
threat information for the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-
winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle include reports and 
plans supplied by proponents and reviewing agencies for development 
projects within the range of these three species, and published and 
unpublished data from scientists with expertise on these taxa and their 
habitat needs. Following completion of the status reviews, the Service 
determined that enough information exists to propose the species for 
listing.

Summary of Factors Affecting the Species

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and regulations (50 CFR part 
424) promulgated to implement the listing provisions of the Act set 
forth the procedures for adding species to the Federal lists. A species 
may be determined to be an endangered or threatened species due to one 
or more of the five factors described in section 4(a)(1). These factors 
and their application to the Mount Hermon June beetle (Polyphylla 
barbata), Zayante band-winged grasshopper (Trimerotropis infantilis), 
and Santa Cruz rain beetle (Pleocoma conjugens conjugens) are as 
follows:
    A. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range. The Mount Hermon June beetle, 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle inhabit 
restricted pockets of ponderosa pine sand parklands in the Santa Cruz 
Mountains. The imminent threat facing these species and their 
associated habitat is the ongoing and threatened destruction and 
adverse modification of habitat by one or more of the following 
activities: urban development, agriculture, sand mining, recreational 
use, and alteration of fire frequency (see Factor E below).
    Historically there were approximately 200 ha (500 ac) of ponderosa 
pine sand parklands. By 1986, only about 100 ha (250 ac) of ponderosa 
pine sand parklands scattered over about 20 sites remained (Marangio 
and Morgan 1986). By 1992, estimates of remaining ponderosa pine sand 
parklands totalled less than 40 ha (100 ac) (R. Morgan, pers. comm., 
1992).
    Urban development has resulted in alteration and loss of habitat 
for the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and 
Santa Cruz rain beetle. Construction of private homes, roads, and 
businesses has removed vegetation and modified soils through compaction 
and disruption of the soil's horizon. More than 480 ha (1,200 ac) of 
sandhills vegetation has been lost to residential development. One site 
where the Zayante band-winged grasshopper previously had been collected 
has since been converted to a parking lot (D. Weissman, pers. comm., 
1992). Existing Santa Cruz County and Scotts Valley plans, zoning 
designations, and approved permits indicate that development will 
continue in this area and further fragment and reduce the habitat for 
these taxa (Marangio 1985).
    Historically, portions of sandhills vegetation were cleared for 
agriculture, but they were unproductive, prone to erosion, and of 
little agricultural value (Griffin 1964, Storie et al. 1944 as cited in 
Griffin 1964). Although ponderosa pine sand parklands are not heavily 
used for agricultural purposes, past clearing for cattle grazing has 
contributed to their fragmentation and decline.
    Sand deposits have been actively mined for construction purposes 
within the ponderosa pine sand parklands for at least five decades 
(Storie et al. 1944 in Griffin 1964). Much of the remaining habitat of 
the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and 
Santa Cruz rain beetle is threatened by sand mining. The type locality 
for the Zayante band-winged grasshopper has been mined and is currently 
an unvegetated deep pit (R. Morgan, in litt., 1992). Four large 
quarries with mining permits exist in the vicinity of known occurrences 
of the three insect species. Three of these mines are currently active: 
Quail Hollow Quarry, with current plans for expansion (John Gilchrist 
and Associates 1990); Olympia Quarry, also with plans for expansion; 
and Kaiser-Felton Quarry (Suzanne Smith, County of Santa Cruz Planning 
Department, pers. comm., 1993). Geyer Quarry, although currently 
inactive, was mined as recently as 1991 and could begin production 
again with adequate financing (S. Smith, pers. comm., 1993). Long-term 
plans of quarry operators are to mine the entire properties (S. Smith, 
pers. comm., 1993). Santa Cruz County is requesting and has received 
mining revegetation plans from some quarries. However, revegetation 
efforts likely will not provide for all of the essential requirements 
of the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and 
Santa Cruz rain beetle for successful feeding, cover, reproduction, and 
growth.
    Recreational off-road motorcycle use has become popular in the 
Santa Cruz Mountains. Large group events (200+ people) occur on 
ponderosa pine sand parklands (Al Haynes, Watershed Analyst, San 
Lorenzo Water District, pers. comm., 1993). This recreational activity 
crushes and removes vegetation, causes compaction of soils, promotes 
soil erosion and runoff, and occasionally results in oil and gasoline 
spills.
    Recreational use on public lands also threatens habitat occupied by 
these species. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park includes about 8 ha (20 
ac) of ponderosa pine sand parklands. An existing campground 
encompasses about half of this ponderosa pine habitat (Deborah 
Hilliard, California Department of Fish and Game, pers. comm., 1993, 
Sue Steinmetz, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, pers. comm., 1993). 
Quail Hollow Ranch, recently purchased by the county of Santa Cruz for 
development as a multipurpose regional park, contains approximately 17 
ha (42 ac) of ponderosa pine sand parklands suitable for the Mount 
Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz 
rain beetle (County of Santa Cruz 1990). The master plan for the park 
includes establishment of sports fields for soccer and softball, 
equestrian use with stables, picnic facilities, and an amphitheater. 
Without careful planning and consideration, facility construction and 
use will result in adverse impacts to these species.
    B. Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes. Amateur collecting for the Mount Hermon June 
beetle and Santa Cruz rain beetle has and does occur on a limited 
basis. Collection is restricted to the time period the species spend 
above ground as an adult (A. Hardy, pers. comm., 1993; Marilyn Perry, 
Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioners' Office, pers. comm., 
1993). As these species become more uncommon, the interest of 
collectors is likely to increase; however, overutilization by 
collection is not known to occur at this time.
    C. Disease or predation. Not known to be applicable.
    D. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. Regulatory 
mechanisms currently in effect do not provide adequate protection of 
the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, Santa 
Cruz rain beetle, or their habitat. There is no legal requirement for 
Federal agencies to consider and manage for these species during 
project design and implementation, although some Federal agencies have 
policies that encourage consideration of candidate species in the 
design and implementation of Federal projects.
    At the State and local levels, regulatory mechanisms are also 
limited. These three taxa are not listed by the State of California 
under the California Endangered Species Act. State and local agencies 
may consider these taxa when evaluating certain activities for 
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and local 
zoning regulations. If an activity is identified as having a potential 
impact on these species, mitigation measures may be required by State 
and local regulating agencies to offset these impacts. Santa Cruz 
County requires that proposed projects comply with both general zoning 
requirements and environmental designations. However, the County has 
designated ponderosa pine sand parklands for quarry activity and zoned 
the area for special use that includes mining (S. Smith, pers. comm., 
1993).
    Public land ownership of existing and potential ponderosa pine sand 
parkland habitat for these three species is limited to two ecological 
preserves and two parks in the area. Only the Bonnie Doon Ecological 
Preserve and the small preserve within Quail Hollow Ranch provide 
protection for ponderosa pine sand parkland habitats. The two parks do 
not operate under mandates to manage for the Mount Hermon June beetle, 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper, Santa Cruz rain beetle, or ponderosa 
pine sand parklands.
    E. Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence. Pesticide use could pose a threat to these three taxa. If 
Mediterranean fruit flies or similar pest species are found within the 
Santa Cruz Mountains, aerial spraying of malathion or similar 
insecticide may occur within the range of the Mount Hermon June beetle, 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper, or Santa Cruz rain beetle. Local 
landowners may use pesticides to control targeted species of 
invertebrates around their homes and businesses. These pesticides may 
drift and kill non-targeted species such as the Mount Hermon June 
beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, or Santa Cruz rain beetle. 
Pesticide application is expected at existing and planned golf courses 
and may occur on a limited basis at vineyards in the Santa Cruz 
Mountains.
    Habitat loss has fragmented the already limited range of the Mount 
Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz 
rain beetle into a patchwork of small, isolated remnants. Because of 
reduced population size and limited habitat availability, most of the 
remaining populations are vulnerable to extirpation from unpredictable 
environmental, genetic, and demographic events (Gilpin 1987). 
Extinction rates increase as habitat size decreases and distance from 
neighboring populations increases. These factors apply to the Mount 
Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz 
rain beetle. As the remaining habitat units decrease in size, edge 
effect becomes increasingly important (i.e., smaller habitats have less 
space available to buffer adverse impacts from outside influences such 
as human disturbance or chemical contamination). In addition, 
populations in smaller habitat fragments are subject to the effects of 
genetic drift (the random loss of genetic variability). This phenomenon 
also reduces the ability of individuals and populations to successfully 
respond to environmental stresses, such as increased predation, 
diseases, or changes in climate.
    Because the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged 
grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle are adapted and restricted to 
ponderosa pine sand parkland, changes in primary vegetation are likely 
to result in decreased population viability and eventually local 
extirpation of these species. Ponderosa pine sand parkland is 
exhibiting a gradual change to mixed evergreen forest in some 
locations. Coast live oak, madrone, and other species typical of mixed 
evergreen forest are encroaching into ponderosa pine sand parkland 
(Marangio and Morgan 1986). This encroachment has been attributed to 
the reduced frequency of fire (Morgan 1983). Historically, fire may 
have prevented the invasion of these mixed evergreen forest species 
that are not as well adapted to survive fire. Recent settlement of the 
area and associated suppression of fires to prevent property damage has 
aided in the establishment of mixed evergreen forest species in 
ponderosa pine sand parklands. The need for fire in maintaining 
ponderosa pine sand parkland is also supported by the occurrence of 
knobcone pine and, in some locations, Santa Cruz cypress (Holland 
1986), both of which are fire tolerant.
    The Service has carefully assessed the best scientific and 
commercial information available regarding the past, present, and 
future threats faced by these species in determining to propose this 
rule. Because the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged 
grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle are threatened by one or more 
of the following factors--urban development, agriculture, recreational 
use, sand mining, fire frequency, pesticide use, and genetic 
restriction--the preferred action is to list the Mount Hermon June 
beetle (Polyphylla barbata), Zayante band-winged grasshopper 
(Trimerotropis infantilis), and Santa Cruz rain beetle (Pleocoma 
conjugens conjugens) as endangered. Critical habitat is not being 
proposed for these species for reasons discussed below.

Critical Habitat

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, requires that, to the 
maximum extent prudent and determinable, the Service designate critical 
habitat at the time the species is determined to be endangered or 
threatened. The Service finds that the designation of critical habitat 
is not prudent for the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged 
grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle at this time. The Service's 
regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that designation of critical 
habitat is not prudent when one or both of the following situations 
exist: (1) the species is imperiled by taking or other human activity, 
and identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species; or (2) such designation of 
critical habitat would not be beneficial to the species.
    In the case of the Mount Hermon June beetle, Zayante band-winged 
grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle, the second criterion is met. 
All populations of the three species are found on State or private 
lands where Federal involvement in land-use activities does not 
generally occur. Additional protection resulting from critical habitat 
designation is achieved through the section 7 consultation process. 
Since section 7 would not apply to land-use activities occurring within 
critical habitat, its designation would not appreciably benefit the 
species.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to the species listed as endangered 
or threatened under the Act include recognition, recovery actions, 
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain 
activities. Recognition through listing encourages and results in 
conservation actions by Federal, State, and private agencies, groups, 
and individuals. The Act provides for possible land acquisition and 
cooperation with the States and requires that recovery actions be 
carried out for all listed species. The protection required of Federal 
agencies and the prohibitions against taking and harm are discussed, in 
part, below.
    Section 7(a) of the Act, as amended, requires Federal agencies to 
evaluate their actions with respect to any species that is proposed or 
listed as endangered or threatened and with respect to its critical 
habitat, if any is being designated. Regulations implementing this 
interagency cooperation provision of the Act are codified at 50 CFR 
part 402. Section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to 
confer informally with the Service on any action that is likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of a proposed species or result in 
destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a 
species is listed subsequently, 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 such 
a species or to destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a 
Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the 
responsible Federal agency must enter into formal consultation with the 
Service. No Federal involvement is expected for activities occurring 
within habitats currently occupied by the Mount Hermon June beetle, 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle.
    Under section 4 of the Act, listing the Mount Hermon June beetle, 
Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain beetle would 
provide for the development of a recovery plan, which would bring 
together Federal, State, local government, and private agencies and 
individuals to develop conservation strategies for these species. The 
recovery plan would develop a framework of recovery activities, 
priorities, and funding requirements to accomplish conservation 
objectives and ensure the survival and recovery of the Mount Hermon 
June beetle, Zayante band-winged grasshopper, and Santa Cruz rain 
beetle.
    The Act and implementing regulations found at 50 CFR 17.21 for 
endangered species set forth a series of general prohibitions and 
exceptions that apply to all endangered wildlife. These prohibitions, 
in part, make it illegal for any person subject to the jurisdiction of 
the United States to take (including harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, 
wound, kill, trap, capture, collect, or attempt any such conduct), 
import or export, transport in interstate or foreign commerce in the 
course of commercial activity, or sell or offer for sale in interstate 
or foreign commerce any listed species. It also is illegal to possess, 
sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship any such wildlife that has 
been taken illegally. Certain exceptions apply to agents of the Service 
and State conservation agencies.
    Permits may be issued to carry out otherwise prohibited activities 
involving endangered wildlife species under certain circumstances. 
Regulations governing permits are at 50 CFR 17.22 and 17.23. Such 
permits are available for scientific purposes, to enhance the 
propagation or survival of the species, and/or for incidental take in 
connection with otherwise lawful activities.
    Requests for copies of the regulations on listed wildlife and 
inquiries regarding them should be addressed to the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, Endangered Species Permits, 911 N.E. 11th Avenue, 
Portland, Oregon 97232-4181 (telephone 503/231-6241, facsimile 503/231- 
6243).

Public Comments Solicited

    The Service intends that any final action resulting from this 
proposal will be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, 
comments or suggestions from the public, other concerned governmental 
agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other interested 
party concerning this proposed rule are hereby solicited. Comments 
particularly are sought concerning:
    (1) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning 
any threat (or lack thereof) to these species;
    (2) The location of any additional populations of these species and 
the reasons why any habitat should or should not be determined to be 
critical habitat as provided by section 4 of the Act;
    (3) Additional information concerning the range, distribution, and 
population size of these species; and
    (4) Current or planned activities in the subject area and their 
possible impacts on these species.
    The final decision on this proposal will take into consideration 
the comments and any additional information received by the Service, 
and such communications may lead to a final regulation that differs 
from this proposal.
    The Endangered Species Act provides for a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested. Requests must be received within 45 days of the 
date of publication of the proposal. Such requests must be made in 
writing and addressed to Field Supervisor, Ventura Field Office (see 
ADDRESSES section).

National Environmental Policy Act

    The Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that an Environmental 
Assessment, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969, need not be prepared in connection 
with regulations adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended. A notice outlining the Service's 
reasons for this determination was published in the Federal Register on 
October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this rule is available upon 
request from the Ventura Field Office (see ADDRESSES section).

Author

    The primary author of this proposed rule is Judy Hohman, Ventura 
Field Office (see ADDRESSES section) (telephone 805/644-1766).

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Proposed Regulations Promulgation

    Accordingly, the Service hereby proposes 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. Section 17.11(h) is amended for animals by adding the following, 
in alphabetical order under INSECTS, to the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife:


Sec. 17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Species                                                          Vertebrate                                                   
-----------------------------------------------------------                                population                                                   
                                                                                             where                                Critical     Special  
                                                                   Historic range          endangered    Status    When listed    habitat       rules   
         Common name                 Scientific name                                           or                                                       
                                                                                           threatened                                                   
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
           Insects                                                                                                                                      
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Beetle, Mount Hermon June...  Polyphylla barbata..........  U.S.A. (CA).................           NA  E                                 NA           NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Beetle, Santa Cruz rain.....  Pleocoma conjugens conjugens  U.S.A. (CA).................           NA  E                                 NA           NA
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
Grasshopper, Zayante band-    Trimerotropis infantilis....  U.S.A. (CA).................           NA  E                                 NA           NA
 winged.                                                                                                                                                
                                                                                                                                                        
                                                                      * * * * * * *                                                                     
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Dated: April 25, 1994.
Mollie H. Beattie,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 94-11258 Filed 5-9-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P