[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 248 (Wednesday, December 27, 2006)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 77972-78012]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-9794]



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Part III





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; Designation of Critical 
Habitat for Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) and 
Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch); Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 248 / Wednesday, December 27, 2006 / 
Rules and Regulations  

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

RIN 1018-AU45


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of 
Critical Habitat for Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) 
and Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are 
designating critical habitat for two endangered plants, Astragalus 
ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) and Astragalus holmgreniorum 
(Holmgren milk-vetch) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act). In total, approximately 6,289 acres (ac) (2,545 hectares 
(ha)) fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat designation 
for A. holmgreniorum in Mohave County, Arizona, and Washington County, 
Utah, and approximately 2,181 ac (883 ha) fall within the boundaries of 
the critical habitat designation for A. ampullarioides in Washington 
County, Utah.

DATES: This rule becomes effective on January 26, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Comments and materials received, as well as supporting 
documentation used in the preparation of this final rule, are available 
for public inspection, by appointment, during normal business hours, at 
the Utah Fish and Wildlife Office, 2369 West Orton Circle, Suite 50, 
West Valley City, Utah 84119 (801-975-3330). The final rule, economic 
analysis, and map are also available via the Internet at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/species/plants/milkvetche/index.htm.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Crist, Field Supervisor, Utah 
Fish and Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES), telephone 801-975-3330.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Role of Critical Habitat in Actual Practice of Administering and 
Implementing the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.)

    Attention to and protection of habitat is paramount to successful 
conservation actions. However, the role that designation of critical 
habitat plays in protecting habitat of listed species is often 
misunderstood. As discussed in more detail below in the discussion of 
exclusions under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, there are significant 
limitations on the regulatory effect of critical habitat designation 
under section 7(a)(2) of the Act. In brief, (1) Designation provides 
additional protection to habitat only where there is a Federal nexus; 
(2) the protection is relevant only when, in the absence of 
designation, destruction or adverse modification of the critical 
habitat would in fact take place (in other words, other statutory or 
regulatory protections, policies, or other factors relevant to agency 
decision-making would not prevent destruction or adverse modification); 
and (3) designation of critical habitat triggers the prohibition of 
destruction or adverse modification of that habitat, but it does not 
require specific actions to restore or improve habitat.
    Currently, only 475 species, or 36 percent of the 1,310 listed 
species in the United States under the jurisdiction of the Service, 
have designated critical habitat. We address the habitat needs of all 
1,310 listed species through conservation mechanisms such as listing, 
section 7 consultations, the section 4 recovery planning process, the 
section 9 protective prohibitions of unauthorized take, section 6 
funding to the States, the section 10 incidental take permit process, 
and cooperative, nonregulatory efforts with private landowners. The 
Service believes that it is these measures that may make the difference 
between extinction and survival for many species.
    In considering exclusions of areas originally proposed for 
designation, we evaluated the benefits of designation in light of 
Gifford Pinchot Task Force v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In that 
case, the Ninth Circuit invalidated the Service's regulation defining 
``destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.'' In 
response, on December 9, 2004, the Director issued guidance to be 
considered in making section 7 adverse modification determinations. 
This critical habitat designation does not use the invalidated 
regulation in our consideration of the benefits of including areas in 
this final designation. The Service will carefully manage future 
consultations that analyze impacts to designated critical habitat, 
particularly those that appear to be resulting in an adverse 
modification determination. Such consultations will be reviewed by the 
Regional Office prior to finalizing to ensure that an adequate analysis 
has been conducted that is informed by the Director's guidance.
    On the other hand, to the extent that designation of critical 
habitat provides protection, that protection can come at significant 
social and economic cost. In addition, the mere administrative process 
of designating of critical habitat is expensive, time-consuming, and 
controversial. The current statutory framework of critical habitat, 
combined with past judicial interpretations of the statute, make 
critical habitat the subject of excessive litigation. As a result, 
critical habitat designations are driven by litigation and courts 
rather than biology, and made at a time and under a timeframe that 
limits our ability to obtain and evaluate the scientific and other 
information required to make the designation most meaningful.
    In light of these circumstances, the Service believes that 
additional agency discretion would allow our focus to return to those 
actions that provide the greatest benefit to the species most in need 
of protection.

Procedural and Resource Difficulties in Designating Critical Habitat

    We have been inundated with lawsuits for our failure to designate 
critical habitat, and we face a growing number of lawsuits challenging 
critical habitat determinations once they are made. These lawsuits have 
subjected the Service to an ever-increasing series of court orders and 
court-approved settlement agreements, compliance with which now 
consumes nearly the entire listing program budget. This leaves the 
Service with little ability to prioritize its activities to direct 
scarce listing resources to the listing program actions with the most 
biologically urgent species conservation needs.
    The consequence of the critical habitat litigation activity is that 
limited listing funds are used to defend active lawsuits, to respond to 
Notices of Intent to sue relative to critical habitat, and to comply 
with the growing number of adverse court orders. As a result, listing 
petition responses, the Service's own proposals to list critically 
imperiled species, and final listing determinations on existing 
proposals are all significantly delayed.
    The accelerated schedules of court-ordered designations have left 
the Service with limited ability to provide for public participation or 
to ensure a defect-free rulemaking process before making decisions on 
listing and critical habitat proposals, due to the risks associated 
with noncompliance with judicially imposed deadlines. This in turn 
fosters a second round of litigation in which those who fear adverse 
impacts from critical habitat designations challenge those 
designations. The cycle of litigation appears endless, and is very 
expensive, thus diverting resources from conservation actions that may 
provide

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relatively more benefit to imperiled species.
    The costs resulting from the designation include legal costs, the 
cost of preparation and publication of the designation, the analysis of 
the economic effects and the cost of requesting and responding to 
public comment, and in some cases the costs of compliance with the 
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). 
These costs, which are not required for many other conservation 
actions, directly reduce the funds available for direct and tangible 
conservation actions.

Background

    Our intent is to discuss only topics directly relevant to the 
designation of critical habitat in this final rule. For more 
information on Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, refer to 
the final listing rule published in the Federal Register (66 FR 49560, 
September 28, 2001) and the proposed critical habitat rule published in 
the Federal Register (71 FR 15966, March 29, 2006).

Previous Federal Actions

    On March 29, 2006, we published a proposed rule to designate 
critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (71 
FR 15966). The public comment period was open for 60 days until May 30, 
2006. On September 26, 2006, we published a revised proposed rule in 
the Federal Register, and issued a press release that announced the 
reopening of the public comment period on the proposed rule, and the 
availability of the draft economic analysis, draft environmental 
assessment, and revisions to proposed critical habitat boundaries for 
A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (71 FR 56085). The comment 
period was open for an additional 30 days until October 26, 2006.
    Concurrently, we have been working on the recovery plan for these 
two plant species. We published a notice of availability, and request 
for comments, for the draft recovery plan for Astragalus holmgreniorum 
and A. ampullarioides on August 1, 2006 (71 FR 57557). On September 29, 
2006, we announced the availability of the final recovery plan (71 FR 
57557).

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    We requested written comments from the public on the proposed 
designation of critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides in the proposed rule published on March 29, 2006 (71 FR 
15966). We also contacted appropriate Federal, State, and local 
agencies; tribes; scientific organizations; and other interested 
parties and invited them to comment on the proposed rule.
    We received 17 written comments on the proposal published on March 
29, 2006 (71 FR 15966). These included responses from five peer 
reviewers, three Federal agencies, and nine organizations or 
individuals. During the comment period on the revised proposed rule (71 
FR 56085) that opened on September 26, 2006, and closed on October 26, 
2006, we received two comments pertaining to the revised proposed rule, 
draft economic analysis, draft environmental assessment, and revisions 
to proposed critical habitat boundaries. Including all comments 
received during both comment periods, 10 commenters supported the 
designation of critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides, and 1 opposed the designation. However, some of the 
supporting commenters disagreed with specific portions of the proposed 
designation, such as the acreage or delineation of individual critical 
habitat units. Eight letters included comments or information, but did 
not express support or opposition to the proposed critical habitat 
designation. Comments received were grouped into several general issues 
specifically relating to the proposed critical habitat designation for 
A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides and are addressed in the 
following summary and incorporated into the final rule as appropriate. 
We did not receive any requests for a public hearing.

Peer Review

    In accordance with our policy published on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 
34270), we solicited independent opinions on the proposed critical 
habitat designation for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides 
from eight knowledgeable individuals who have expertise with the 
species, the geographic region where the species occurs, and 
conservation biology principles. We received comments from five of the 
peer reviewers. The peer reviewers generally concurred with our methods 
and conclusions and provided additional information, clarifications, 
and suggestions to improve this final critical habitat designation.
    We reviewed all comments received from the peer reviewers and the 
public for substantive issues and new information regarding critical 
habitat, and associated draft economic analysis, for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. Substantive comments received have 
been addressed below, or incorporated into this final rule as 
appropriate.

Peer Review Comments

    Comment 1: One peer reviewer noted that the level of detail 
included in the rule for the two species was inconsistent, and that 
exotic species were not addressed for Astragalus holmgreniorum.
    Response: We examined the Background section of the proposed rule 
to designate critical habitat (71 FR 15966) and found that information 
was presented in equivalent amounts for both species, which included 
population size, structure, and habitat characteristics. However, 
information on exotic species associated with Astragalus holmgreniorum 
was inadvertently left out. Exotic species associated with Holmgren 
milk-vetch are Bromus rubens (red brome), Erodium cicutarium 
(storksbill), Malcomia africana (African mustard), and Bromus tectorum 
(cheatgrass) (Van Buren and Harper 2003a, p. 240). The threat of 
invasive weeds is addressed in the Special Management Considerations or 
Protections section of this rule.
    Comment 2: One peer reviewer (and several public commenters) 
questioned why we did not include the known occurrence of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum found north of Atkinville Wash and west of I-15, near the 
I-15 interchange with the proposed southern corridor, and presented 
information on the size and characteristics of the population that the 
peer reviewer thought supported its inclusion in critical habitat.
    Response: We did not include this area (which is north of the State 
Line Subunit 1a) because a natural wash separates it from other 
populations and much of the surrounding area, it lacks the Primary 
Constituent Elements (PCEs) due to differing soil type, and because of 
high human impacts due to concentrated off-road vehicle (ORV) use. 
Adjacent housing development to the west and south, and I-15 to the 
east, further compromise its ability to be self-sustaining. Critical 
habitat contributes to the overall conservation of listed species, but 
it is not the intent of the Act to designate critical habitat for every 
population or occurrence of a listed species. Critical habitat 
designations do not signal that habitat outside the designation is 
unimportant or may not contribute to recovery.
    Comment 3: One peer reviewer expressed concern that the proposed 
critical habitat did not adequately address ground-nesting pollinators 
and expressed an opinion that preserving

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pollinator nesting sites, or areas where bees are known to nest, was 
important in the designation of critical habitat.
    Response: Our designation of critical habitat for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides is based solely on their 
conservation needs. This rule does not designate critical habitat for 
pollinator species. However, pollinators are one of the PCEs necessary 
for the conservation of the two plant species, and the critical habitat 
unit boundaries were drawn to include sufficient acreage to accommodate 
habitat for pollinators. Thus, we expect the designation to afford 
protection to ground-nesting pollinators in proximity to the A. 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides populations included in this final 
designation. We include additional information on pollinators in the 
Special Management Considerations and Protections (Special Management) 
section of this rule.
    Comment 4: One peer reviewer inquired about the impact of cattle on 
ground-nesting bees.
    Response: We have no information in our files quantifying or 
qualifying the impact of cattle to ground-nesting bees. However, some 
aspects of livestock grazing, such as soil compaction and reduction of 
flowering vegetation, could be a concern for ground-nesting bees. These 
activities similarly may limit the full and natural development of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides and were considered 
under the Special Management section of the proposed rule (71 FR 15974-
15976, March 29, 2006).
    Comment 5: One peer reviewer stated that the use of the National 
Vegetation Classification System (NVCS) does not sufficiently identify 
habitat types for Astragalus holmgreniorum.
    Response: The NVCS is a systematic approach to classifying a 
continuum of natural vegetation nationwide. We included this 
information in the proposed designation because it allows land managers 
to assess the appropriate vegetation layer for Astragalus holmgreniorum 
on a Geological Information System and eliminate areas where the 
species is unlikely to reside. However, we did not rely on this 
information to define PCEs.
    Comment 6: One peer reviewer stated that Subunit 1a includes lands 
that are not occupied or are of marginal quality for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum.
    Response: All lands proposed for critical habitat are occupied, 
including Subunit 1a. Lands within Subunit 1a contain the PCEs for 
Astragalus holmgreniorum, and the plants occur in a patchy distribution 
throughout the unit. Therefore, we are including the entire subunit in 
this final critical habitat designation, as directed under 50 CFR 
424.12(d).
    Comment 7: One peer reviewer disagreed with the statement 
pertaining to Unit 1a that the I-15 right-of-way may allow pollinator 
flow between sites situated west and east of the highway, and pointed 
out that, although pollinators may travel between sites west and east 
of I-15, it seems likely that collisions with vehicles may be a serious 
drain on pollinator resources. The peer reviewer asked us to contact 
Dr. Tepedino, a bee biologist, about the ability of pollinators to 
successfully navigate I-15.
    Response: Although pollinators are likely to be killed by vehicles, 
neither we nor bee biologist Dr. Tepedino are aware of any information 
or ability to quantify pollinator mortality from vehicle collisions, 
except that mortality is likely to increase with the velocity of the 
vehicles.
    Comment 8: One peer reviewer recommended that we reduce the size of 
the Zion National Park Unit (Unit 5 for Astragalus ampullarioides) to 
only include the immediate area bordering the Chinle Trail at the south 
end of the occurrence where horses and hikers may trample plants and 
create erosion, because other areas within the unit were not subject to 
threats.
    Response: When determining which areas to include as critical 
habitat, we consider habitats that include the physical and biological 
features essential to the conservation of the species and that require 
special management considerations or protection. We have determined 
that the north end of the Zion Unit requires protection from many of 
the types of impacts that are affecting the south end of the unit, such 
as invasive nonnative weeds (71 FR 15980-15981, March 29, 2006).
    Comment 9: One peer reviewer responded to our request for comments 
concerning the inclusion of occupied habitat for the milk-vetches found 
in intervening areas of I-15 (i.e., between the northbound and 
southbound lanes, and within the highway right-of-way but outside the 
highway prism). The peer reviewer stated that the inclusion of occupied 
sites for Astragalus ampullarioides within the I-15 median is valuable 
because they are a significant part of the population, they are 
healthy, and management would not interfere with established protocols 
for highway management.
    Response: We included the I-15 site identified by the peer reviewer 
in this final designation. Also, in the Criteria to Identify Critical 
Habitat section, we provide additional information on the areas 
included in the designation to guide highway management.
    Comment 10: One peer reviewer stated that protecting and preserving 
habitat on private and State lands enhances property values.
    Response: We are unable to confirm that critical habitat 
designation enhances property values on private and State land, but we 
do know that property values have been enhanced adjacent to other open 
space in the county, e.g., Red Cliffs Desert Reserve. Our critical 
habitat designation is based solely on the provisions of section 4 of 
the Act; neither enhancing property values nor protecting open space is 
a basis for designating critical habitat.
    Comment 11: One peer reviewer suggested that we increase the size 
of our critical habitat units to create a buffer from the effects of 
development on adjacent lands and recreational use of these areas.
    Response: We share the concern about the effects of development and 
unregulated recreational use on critical habitat and addressed both 
impacts in the Special Management section of the proposed rule (71 FR 
15974-15976, March 24, 2006). We are designating the critical habitat 
units at a scale to maintain the populations and primary constituent 
elements essential to the conservation of the species per section 
3(5)(A) of the Act and regulations at 50 CFR 424.12.
    Comment 12: One peer reviewer stated that future management of the 
habitat currently administered by Arizona and Utah State Lands 
Departments will be critical for the survival of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum.
    Response: All lands included in the critical habitat designation 
are important to the conservation of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides.
    Comment 13: One peer reviewer questioned how Subunit 2b for 
Astragalus holmgreniorum will be conserved under section 7 of the Act 
given the statement in the proposed rule that the Bureau of Land 
Management (BLM) is currently working with Santa Clara City to sell 
this land for development purposes.
    Response: Under section 7(a)(2) of the Act, all Federal agencies 
are required to ensure that any action they fund, authorize, or carry 
out is not likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. 
Thus, BLM must ensure that its actions do not adversely modify or 
destroy critical habitat contained in Subunit 2b. The key factor 
related to the adverse modification determination is whether, with 
implementation of the

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proposed Federal action, the affected critical habitat would remain 
functional (or retain the current ability for the PCEs to function) to 
serve the intended conservation role for the species (Jones 2004). We 
understand that BLM is working on alternatives for retaining ownership 
of the South Hills population of Astragalus holmgreniorum (Douglas 
2006).
    Comment 14: In response to our statement, on pages 15968 and 15970 
of the proposed rule, that ``species may move from one area to another 
over time,'' one peer reviewer noted that known populations of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum occur in the same locations observed decades 
ago. Movements are more accurately described as a shift in population 
density in areas where suitable habitat occurs. In regard to A. 
holmgreniorum, if there are no major changes in hydrological patterns, 
one would not expect much movement of the population.
    Response: Populations of Astragalus holmgreniorum are being 
monitored in the same areas where they were observed decades ago, and 
this information is considered in this final rule. Although the 
establishment of new occupied areas may be rare, and the migration of 
seeds is likely to be localized, a new and independent establishment 
could result from arrival of a single seed (Epling and Lewis 1952, p. 
264).

Public Comments

    We received 12 public comments in response to our request for 
additional information in the proposed designation of critical habitat 
for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (71 FR 15966, March 
29, 2006). Responses that contained new, updated, or additional 
information were considered in this final rule. We consolidated the 
comments into several categories. Some public comments were addressed 
in the previous section's peer reviewer comments.

Comments Related to Adequacy of Units Proposed

    Comment 15: One commenter stated that the critical habitat 
designation is inadequate because it is only established where the 
plants currently exist. Suitable habitat encompasses the larger 
landscape. The critical habitat designation fails in its purpose of 
facilitating recovery because it does not protect this larger area or 
provide connectivity between populations.
    Response: Critical habitat contributes to the overall conservation 
of listed species, but it is not the intent of the Act to designate 
critical habitat for every population or occurrence of a listed 
species. In the Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat section of 
the proposed and final critical habitat rules, we describe the 
parameters used for delineating areas that contain the physical and 
biological features essential to the conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, as required by the definition of 
critical habitat when considering areas occupied at the time of 
listing. We recognize that surveys to confirm the presence of A. 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides populations have not occurred 
everywhere throughout the species' range. However, we determined that 
occupied areas containing the features essential to the conservation of 
these species support the majority of known locations (see the Criteria 
Used to Identify Critical Habitat section below). As a result of our 
methods, we found that the additional areas suggested by commenters 
were not essential to the conservation of A. holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides.
    We also considered landscape issues when designing units to provide 
continuous habitat for reproduction, germination, seed dispersal, and 
pollination. Many units or subunits were designated by combining known 
occurrences and providing connectivity.
    Comment 16: One commenter noted that designating critical habitat 
that is separate, isolated, and fragmented will foment the eventual 
extinction of these populations.
    Response: The best available scientific information (71 FR 15966, 
March 29, 2006) does not support this concern. We have designated 
critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides in 
accordance with the Act. We have determined that the areas included in 
the designation are essential to the conservation of the two species. 
Many natural features separating the units, such as watersheds, land 
formations, and soil types, are unable to support the species.

Comments on Size and Areas To Be Included or Excluded

    Comment 17: Several commenters recommended that units that were 
close to each other be combined to provide connectivity for gene flow. 
Others provided reasons for designating larger areas, such as edge 
effects, current fragmentation, anticipated future fragmentation, 
chemical herbicide use, range of pollinator flights, invasive species, 
ORV trails, and recreational use. One commenter suggested that 
additional critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum should be 
provided in Arizona to help offset all of the impacts that are 
occurring in Utah.
    Response: In delineating critical habitat, we considered hydrology 
for seed dispersal, soils for suitable habitat, elevation changes, and 
relief to determine range and amount of suitable habitat. We also 
considered existing natural and human-caused barriers to dispersal. As 
indicated in the process described in the proposal (also see Criteria 
Used to Identify Critical Habitat below), we have defined milk-vetch 
recovery populations in a manner that is consistent with the Act and 
our regulations at 50 CFR 424.12. The milk-vetch populations may appear 
close together on the maps, but in most cases known sites are separated 
by 1 mile (mi) (1.6 kilometers (km)) or more, which greatly decreases 
the expectation of frequent inter-site pollination. Critical habitat is 
designated in both Arizona and Utah due to occupied habitat containing 
the appropriate PCEs.
    Comment 18: Several commenters supported intervening lands of I-15 
being designated for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides.
    Response: Intervening lands of I-15 are designated in this final 
rule. Additional information was incorporated into the Criteria to 
Identify Critical Habitat section below.
    Comment 19: One commenter recommended that we adjust the western 
boundary of Unit 1 for Astragalus ampullarioides to eliminate the 
inclusion of an existing mining operation.
    Response: The mining operation is outside both the proposed and 
final critical habitat boundaries.
    Comment 20: One commenter recommended that we adjust the southeast 
corner of Unit 4a for Astragalus ampullarioides to include only the 
west side of Harrisburg Ridge, because the east side is not part of the 
watershed.
    Response: We did not exclude the east side of Harrisburg Ridge. The 
critical habitat designation includes areas outside the watershed that 
are necessary (e.g., they provide adequate supply of pollinators) to 
support the reproductive success of Astragalus ampullarioides.
    Comment 21: BLM recommended an adjustment of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum Units 2a (Stucki Springs), and 2b (South Hills) to better 
reflect occurrence and habitat based on 2006 surveys.
    Response: We announced these proposed changes in our revised 
proposed rule and requested public comment on them (71 FR 56085,

[[Page 77976]]

September 26, 2006). The changes are incorporated into this final rule.
    Comment 22: One commenter recommended that we remove private lands 
or isolated Federal lands from Astragalus holmgreniorum Subunit 2b and 
Unit 3, and A. ampullarioides Unit 3, in order to designate only areas 
of private and State lands that have some potential to transfer to BLM 
ownership, or some other means of preservation. Another commenter 
expressed that land ownership should not be a consideration of 
determining critical habitat, and included a rationale based on lack of 
economic impacts on private lands.
    Response: All the lands proposed for critical habitat contain the 
features essential for the conservation of Astragalus holmgreniorum and 
A. ampullarioides regardless of ownership. In our final designation, we 
considered economic factors for both public and private lands. We 
determined that economic costs did not outweigh the benefits of 
designation for any of the proposed lands. However, we did exclude 
lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiute Indians (Tribe) based on a 
conservation agreement with the Tribe (see the Relationship of Critical 
Habitat to Tribal Lands section below).

Comments Providing Recommendations on Pollinators

    Comment 23: One commenter recommended larger unit sizes to conserve 
the most effective pollinators, which the commenter stated are the 
medium- to large-sized pollinators.
    Response: Our goal for the critical habitat designation is to 
include sufficient pollinator habitat and sufficient pollinator 
populations for the reproduction of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides. We based our minimum unit size on the typical homing 
distance of the smallest pollinators 1,312 feet (ft) (400 meters (m)). 
A radius of 1,312 ft (400 m) encompasses 124 ac (50 ha), and ensures 
that pollinators have sufficient land to establish nesting sites, 
access floral resources, and provide pollinating services. We expect 
that the designated critical habitat units will provide a species-rich 
bee community for small, medium, and large pollinators. We find no 
supporting information indicating that a larger area is likely to 
improve pollinator services, because smaller pollinators are unlikely 
to travel much farther, and many medium and large pollinators can 
easily cover this distance.
    Comment 24: In the judgment of one commenter, adequate pollinator 
habitat exists adjacent to Unit 3 for Astragalus ampullarioides because 
areas of native vegetation remain within the Coral Canyon Development.
    Response: A golf course containing approximately 80 ac (32 ha) of 
grass turf interspersed with natural rock outcroppings exists to the 
west of Unit 3. This area is not sufficient to provide pollinator 
resources for the unit because the habitat does not contain a diverse 
natural flora capable of supporting an abundant pollinator population.

Comments Related to Tribal Issues

    Comment 25: One commenter stated that Astragalus ampullarioides 
occurrences found on land under the sovereignty of the Tribe should be 
protected and managed by the Tribe without Federal designation of 
critical habitat.
    Response: We agree that the Tribe is most able to manage and 
protect Astragalus ampullarioides on their lands that are held in trust 
by the United States. Fish, wildlife, and other natural resources on 
Tribal lands are better managed under Tribal authorities, policies, and 
programs than through Federal regulation wherever possible and 
practicable. We worked with Tribal leadership to create a sound 
management plan. On September 18, 2006, Tribal Chairman Glenn Rogers 
signed the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Management Plan for Astragalus 
ampullarioides. This management plan provides greater protection than 
critical habitat designation could provide. Therefore, this unit was 
excluded from final critical habitat (see the Government-to-Government 
Relationship with Tribes and 4(b)(2) Exclusions sections below).
    Comment 26: One commenter indicated that we should provide an 
environmental assessment and economic impact analysis on the proposed 
designation of critical habitat on Tribal lands.
    Response: We announced the availability of the draft economic 
analysis and draft environmental assessment for the proposed 
designation of critical habitat in the Federal Register (71 FR 56085, 
September 26, 2006) that included a description of the environmental 
and economic impacts of the designation on Tribal lands.
    Comment 27: One commenter indicated that Units 1 and 2, containing 
lands managed by BLM and the Tribe, should be combined into one larger 
unit because they are reasonably close.
    Response: Unit 2 is on Tribal land managed by the Tribe, who now 
have a management plan to ensure that the conservation of Astragalus 
ampullarioides can be achieved without the designation of critical 
habitat on Tribal lands. We are excluding Unit 2 from the final 
critical habitat designation (see the 4(b)(2) Exclusions section 
below).

Comments Providing Additional Scientific Information

    Comment 28: The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) indicated that their 
recent research on Astragalus ampullarioides occupancy determined that 
the species also is affiliated with the Dinosaur Canyon Member of the 
Moenave, but could not confirm an affiliation with the Shinarump Member 
of the Chinle. All locations contain clay-rich soil.
    Response: We have included this information into this final rule.
    Comment 29: One commenter stated that new information concerning 
the preferred soils of Astragalus ampullarioides (described in comment 
29 above) expands the concept of potential habitat. The commenter 
suggested that new surveys beyond the geographic scope of currently 
known habitat are necessary and may have implications for the specific 
PCEs for A. ampullarioides.
    Response: We agree that the additional information on soils 
conducive to Astragalus ampullarioides survival will be useful for 
recognizing potential habitat and conducting surveys. However, we must 
base our critical habitat designation on the best available scientific 
data at the time of designation. Our final critical habitat designation 
is based on the protection of the features essential to the 
conservation of the known, existing populations of A. holmgreniorum and 
A. ampullarioides. We have incorporated this new information into the 
description of the PCEs (see Primary Constituent Elements section 
below).
    Comment 30: One commenter noted that herbivory is not mentioned in 
the discussion of PCEs for Astragalus ampullarioides despite its 
potential effects on reproductive output and long-term viability of the 
species, and the commenter provided information on reduction in fruit 
production by small mammals at one site.
    Response: Herbivory can impact Astragalus ampullarioides 
reproduction. The specific information provided by the commenter is 
considered in the Special Management section of this rule. However, we 
did not include a discussion on herbivory in our determination of the 
PCEs because herbivory is not relevant to our determination of the 
physical and biological features essential to the conservation of this 
species.

[[Page 77977]]

    Comment 31: One commenter noted that the proposed rule refers to 
``USGS soil descriptions,'' but that these descriptions were more 
likely produced by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil 
Conservation Service or USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service 
(NRCS).
    Response: In Washington County, Utah, the soil descriptions used 
originated in the Soil Survey of Washington County Utah (USDA Soil 
Conservation Service et al. 1977, pp. 7-10, 12-13, 20-22, 30-31, 34, 
44, 48, 124-129). In Mohave County, Arizona, information originated 
from Soil Survey of Shivwits Area, Arizona, Part of Mohave County (USDA 
NRCS et al. 2000, pp. 1-15, 65-68, 73-74, 113-114). This information is 
corrected in this final rule.
    Comment 32: One commenter indicated that the proposed rule 
discussed livestock grazing within Subunit 4b for Astragalus 
ampullarioides. However, livestock have been removed from this area.
    Response: We have updated our information.
    Comment 33: One commenter indicated that a population of Astragalus 
ampullarioides may exist to the south of Subunit 4b and should be 
surveyed to determine if it should be included in the critical habitat 
designation.
    Response: We have no further information regarding an area outside 
of Subunit 4b with existing Astragalus ampullarioides, and have made no 
boundary changes.
    Comment 34: One commenter noted that the proposed rule did not 
discuss that Unit 3 for Astragalus holmgreniorum is within a regional 
shooting range.
    Response: We have added this information to the final rule (see 
Critical Habitat Designation section).

Comments on Development, Recovery, and Other Issues

    Comment 35: One commenter thought that it may be too late to 
adequately protect the species because extensive development has 
occurred since listing.
    Response: We agree that the species is threatened by development. 
In addition to this critical habitat designation, the Act provides 
conservation mechanisms including the section 4 recovery planning 
process, section 6 funding to the States, section 7 consultations, and 
the section 9 protective prohibitions of unauthorized take and 
cooperative programs with private and public landholders and Tribes. A 
recovery plan was completed for these species on September 29, 2006 (71 
FR 57557).
    Comment 36: One commenter stated that various Federal, State, and 
local agencies and government representatives with roles in Washington 
County have been complicit in the demise of these plants. Priority is 
given to the desert tortoise and the protection of these lands at the 
expense of the plants.
    Response: We have no evidence supporting this comment. In many 
cases, such as within the recovery planning process for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, various Federal, State, and local 
agencies and government representatives with roles in Washington County 
are working together to protect lands containing rare plants, as well 
as other listed species, such as desert tortoise.
    Comment 37: One commenter stated that no viable plan exists to 
protect these species outside of the designated habitat.
    Response: We announced a final recovery plan for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (71 FR 57557, September 29, 2006). 
The recovery plan should result in protecting and enhancing current 
habitat; ensuring the habitat base for each recovery population is 
large enough to allow for natural population dynamics, population 
expansion where needed, the continued presence of pollinators, and 
sufficient connectivity to allow for gene flow within and among 
populations; achieving permanent land protection for at least four 
recovery populations of both A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides; 
developing site-specific conservation agreements for all recovery 
populations and their habitat to protect the milk-vetches within 
existing State laws; prohibiting the use of pesticides or herbicides 
detrimental to either of the milk-vetches or their pollinators within 
the vicinity of all recovery populations; and collecting and storing 
seeds for all extant populations.
    Comment 38: One commenter stated that, although considerable study 
of the populations has taken place, no significant recovery actions 
have followed, and the recovery plans have not been implemented.
    Response: Both of these species were listed on September 28, 2001 
(71 FR 15966), and are in the early phases of the recovery process. On 
September 29, 2006, we announced a final recovery plan for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (71 FR 57557). Significant 
conservation efforts that are underway for A. holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides are discussed on pages 37-40 of the recovery plan 
(Service 2006).
    Comment 39: One commenter stated that responsible Federal agencies 
and elected officials have failed to protect these species as required 
by the Act.
    Response: We are unaware of any failure under the Act to protect 
these species. No detailed information was provided by the commenter to 
support this claim.
    Comment 40: One commenter suggested that the critical habitat 
designation process could be improved by soliciting suggestions prior 
to publishing a proposal.
    Response: We have responsibility under the Act for designating 
critical habitat. An important facet of this responsibility is to 
provide opportunity for exchange of knowledge and participation. Two 
public comment periods were provided to facilitate communication, 
collect best available information, and address concerns of other 
agencies and stakeholders.
    Comment 41: One commenter suggested that the critical habitat 
designation process should be fully integrated with recovery plan 
preparation.
    Response: Our recovery plan for the milk-vetches (Service 2006) 
targets the same areas for recovery that we proposed for critical 
habitat. Special Management Considerations or Protections that are 
discussed within the proposed critical habitat rule (71 FR 15966, March 
29, 2006) address the same threats discussed in the recovery plan 
(Service 2006). We are working with other partners to address threats 
and population needs to reach recovery.
    Comment 42: The Washington County Growth and Conservation Act, as 
currently proposed by Senator Robert Bennett, may have serious 
implications for the future of the Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides.
    Response: Congressional activities are not evaluated in the 
designation of critical habitat, and, therefore, this comment is 
outside the scope of this designation.
    Comment 43: Many commented that our discussion of the value of 
designating critical habitat, and the procedural and resource 
difficulties involved, was inappropriate and should be addressed in a 
different forum, not in the news release for a critical habitat rule.
    Response: As discussed in the Designation of Critical Habitat 
Provides Little Additional Protection to Species, Role of Critical 
Habitat in Actual Practice of Administering and Implementing the Act, 
and Procedural and Resource Difficulties in Designating

[[Page 77978]]

Critical Habitat sections of this and other critical habitat 
designations, we believe that, in most cases, other conservation 
mechanisms provide greater incentives and conservation benefits than 
the designation of critical habitat. Other mechanisms include the 
section 4 recovery planning process, section 6 funding to the States, 
section 7 consultations, the section 9 protective prohibitions of 
unauthorized take, the section 10 incidental take permit process, and 
cooperative programs with private and public landholders and Tribal 
nations.
    Comment 44: No action has ever been taken to list the native bee, 
Peridita meconis, or determine its status.
    Response: This action is to designate critical habitat for 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. The status of Peridita 
meconis is outside the scope of this action.

Comments Related to the Draft Economic Analysis

    Comment 45: Two commenters stated that the St. George area is one 
of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States, and 
that its growth rate may increase. The commenters felt that, 
considering the rapid population growth, the critical habitat 
determination would provide open space relief and an economic amenity 
value. The commenters believe that the critical habitat determination 
may provide a future eco-tourism industry, and a ``population safety 
buffer'' benefit for the airport.
    Response: Section 4.1 of the Draft Economic Analysis acknowledged 
that Washington County is one of the fastest growing counties in the 
United States. However, section 4.1 also highlights that the County 
believes the population increase will not cause overcrowding because 
more than 75 percent of the land in the County is managed by the 
Federal government (i.e., BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park 
Service) and is not expected to be developed. The Draft Economic 
Analysis does not forecast precluding development within the boundaries 
of the proposed critical habitat determination. Residential, 
commercial, and industrial development is expected to occur; thus the 
proposed critical habitat determination that occurs on non-Federal land 
is not expected to provide a ``population safety buffer'' benefit for 
the new regional airport located approximately 3 mi (4.8 km) east of 
Subunit 1c. No data are available to describe or forecast how many 
people currently visit the area to allow for the measurement of the 
impact of critical habitat determination on the future eco-tourism 
industry.
    Comment 46: One commenter thought that the draft economic analysis 
did not consider the effect of the new regional airport.
    Response: The proposed location of the new regional airport is 
approximately 3 mi (4.8 km) east of Subunit 1c for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum. While airport-related species conservation activities 
are not expected during construction and operation of the airport, the 
Draft Economic Analysis included consideration of the County growth 
forecast and general plan, which reflect the effects of a new regional 
airport; therefore, the economic analysis captures any economic impacts 
related to population growth resulting from the new regional airport.

Comments From States

    Comments were received from the Arizona State Land Department 
(ASLD), Arizona Department of Transportation, and Arizona Game and Fish 
regarding the proposal to designate critical habitat for the Astragalus 
holmgreniorum, and are addressed below.

Comments on Areas in the Median of Interstate-15

    Comment 47: One commenter pointed out that the proposed rule 
indicated that critical habitat would not include existing manmade 
structures (such as roads) that lack PCEs, or the land on which such 
structures are located. The commenter thought that manmade structures, 
such as cut slopes and fill slopes, as well as regularly graded areas 
along the I-15 right-of-way, should be excluded, or that areas of 
inclusion along I-15 should be better defined.
    Response: Where we have specific information on areas within the 
designation that do not contain the PCEs, we have not included them in 
the final rule (see Summary of Changes). The existence of manmade 
structures are excluded by text in the rule clarifying that these areas 
do not contain the PCEs and are not included as critical habitat (see 
Criteria to Identify Critical Habitat).
    Comment 48: The proposed rule states that the long-term 
conservation of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides is, in 
part, dependent on the ability to keep critical habitat free from major 
ground-disturbing activities. While best management practices can and 
likely will be developed in coordination with the Service, it is 
unlikely that the I-15 right-of-way can be kept free from ground-
disturbing activities, such as road maintenance, vehicle collisions, or 
motorists pulling off the roadway.
    Response: The areas we are designating as critical habitat provide 
some or all of the habitat components essential for the conservation of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. Best management 
practices are likely to reduce ground-disturbing activities, and are 
evaluated during section 7 consultations on projects with a Federal 
nexus, e.g., actions related to the Federal Highway Administration.
    Comment 49: One commenter stated that designation of critical 
habitat within the I-15 right-of-way would not provide any additional 
benefits because projects typically receive funding from the Federal 
Highway Administration and are already subject to section 7 
consultation.
    Response: Jeopardy and adverse modification analyses differ under 
section 7 of the Act and may result in differing determinations 
depending on the specific action at issue. The jeopardy analysis 
usually addresses the survival and recovery needs of a species in a 
qualitative fashion. Generally, if a proposed Federal action is 
incompatible with the viability of a population(s) essential to 
recovery, a jeopardy finding is considered to be warranted because of 
the relationship of essential populations to the survival and recovery 
of the species as a whole. Adverse modification analyses are conducted 
using an analytical framework described in the Director's December 9, 
2004, memorandum. The key factor related to the adverse modification 
determination is whether, with implementation of the proposed Federal 
action, the affected critical habitat would remain functional (or 
retain the current ability for the PCEs to be functionally established) 
in serving the intended conservation role for the species. Activities 
that may destroy or adversely modify critical habitat also may 
jeopardize the continued existence of the species. Additionally, not 
all actions that occur in critical habitat will be subject to section 7 
of the Act, because they may not be Federal actions.
    Comment 50: The ASLD commented that Subunits 1a and 1b for 
Astragalus holmgreniorum, which are under its management, are slated 
for commercial and mixed residential uses. While they are not opposed 
to the designation, they have concerns regarding the development 
potential of the lands due to the designation.
    Our Response: All the lands proposed for critical habitat contain 
the features essential for the conservation of Astragalus holmgreniorum 
and A.

[[Page 77979]]

ampullarioides regardless of ownership. In our final designation, we 
considered economic factors for both public and private lands. We 
determined that economic costs did not outweigh the benefits of 
designation for any of the proposed lands. However, we did exclude 
Tribal lands based on a conservation agreement with the Tribe. Further, 
critical habitat designation for plants does not necessarily affect 
state or private lands, unless there is a Federal nexus, such as when 
Federal funds are involved.

Summary of Changes From Proposed Rule

    In developing the final critical habitat designation for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, we reviewed the comments received 
on our proposed rule, draft economic analysis, and draft environmental 
assessment, and conducted further evaluation of lands included in the 
proposal. Based on our review, we changed our proposed designation as 
follows:
    (1) We adjusted the critical habitat boundaries of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum Subunits 2a and 2b to better capture existing occupied 
habitat that contains the PCEs, based on biological information 
received during the public comment period. This resulted in the 
addition of 26 ac (9 ha) in Subunit 2a, and the loss of 18 ac (6 ha) in 
Subunit 2b (see the revised proposed rule published on September 26, 
2006, at 71 FR 56085).
    (2) We adjusted the boundaries of Subunits 1a and 1c for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum so that they do not contain areas without the PCEs or 
areas that do not meet the designation criteria (are essential to the 
continued conservation of the species and require special management 
consideration or protection). This resulted in the removal of 191 ac 
(78 ha) and 2 ac (1 ha) respectively.
    (3) Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we excluded Unit 2 for 
Astragalus ampullarioides. On September 18, 2006, Glenn Rogers, Band 
Chairman, signed the Shivwits Band of Paiutes Management Plan for A. 
ampullarioides. This management plan provides greater protection than 
critical habitat designation could provide. Because the management plan 
ensures that the conservation of A. ampullarioides can be achieved 
without the designation of critical habitat on Tribal lands, we are 
excluding Unit 2 from the final critical habitat designation (see 
4(b)(2) Exclusions section below). This exclusion amounts to a 
reduction of 240 ac (97 ha) in the total critical habitat designation 
for A. ampullarioides.
    (4) We modified the descriptions of the PCEs for clarity; however, 
the substance of the PCEs has not changed.

Critical Habitat

    Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as (i) 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 (I) Essential to the conservation 
of the species and (II) that may require special management 
considerations or protection; and (ii) 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 
to use and the use of all methods and procedures which are necessary to 
bring any endangered species or threatened species to the point at 
which the measures provided pursuant to the Act are no longer 
necessary. Such methods and procedures include, but are not limited to, 
all activities associated with scientific resources management such as 
research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, 
propagation, live trapping, and transplantation, and, in the 
extraordinary case where population pressures within a given ecosystem 
cannot be otherwise relieved, may include regulated taking.
    Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act 
through the prohibition against destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat with regard to actions carried out, funded, or 
authorized by a Federal agency. Section 7 requires consultation on 
Federal actions that are likely to result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of 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. Section 7 is a 
purely protective measure and does not require implementation of 
restoration, recovery, or enhancement measures.
    To be included in a critical habitat designation, the habitat 
within the area occupied by the species must first have features that 
are essential to the conservation of the species. Critical habitat 
designations identify, to the extent known using the best scientific 
data available, habitat areas that provide essential life cycle needs 
of the species (i.e., areas on which are found the PCEs, as defined at 
50 CFR 424.12(b)).
    Habitat occupied at the time of listing may be included in critical 
habitat only if the essential features thereon may require special 
management or protection. Thus, we do not include areas where existing 
management is sufficient to conserve the species. (As discussed below, 
such areas also may be excluded from critical habitat pursuant to 
section 4(b)(2).) Accordingly, when the best available scientific data 
do not demonstrate that the conservation needs of the species require 
additional areas, we will not designate critical habitat in areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of 
listing. However, an area currently occupied by the species but was not 
known to be occupied at the time of listing will likely, but not 
always, be essential to the conservation of the species and, therefore, 
typically included in the critical habitat designation.
    The Service's Policy on Information Standards Under the Endangered 
Species Act, published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 
34271), and section 515 of the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658) 
and the associated Information Quality Guidelines issued by the 
Service, provide criteria, establish procedures, and provide guidance 
to ensure that decisions made by the Service represent the best 
scientific data available. They require Service 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 
determining which areas are critical habitat, a primary source of 
information is generally the listing package for the species. 
Additional information sources 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, or other unpublished materials and 
expert opinion or personal knowledge. All information is used in 
accordance with the provisions of section 515 of the Treasury and 
General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 
106-554; H.R. 5658) and the associated Information Quality Guidelines 
issued by the Service.
    Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on 
the basis of the best scientific data available. Habitat is often 
dynamic, and species may move

[[Page 77980]]

from one area to another over time. Furthermore, we recognize that 
designation of critical habitat may not include all of the habitat 
areas that may eventually be determined to be necessary for the 
recovery of the species. For these reasons, critical habitat 
designations do not signal that habitat outside the designation is 
unimportant or may not be required for recovery.
    Areas that support populations, but are outside the critical 
habitat designation, will continue to be subject to conservation 
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act and to the 
regulatory protections afforded by the section 7(a)(2) jeopardy 
standard, as determined on the basis of the best available information 
at the time of the 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, or 
other species conservation planning efforts if new information 
available to these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.

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 to designate as critical 
habitat, we consider physical and biological features (PCEs) that are 
essential to the conservation of the species, that are within areas 
occupied by the species at the time of listing, and that may require 
special management considerations and protection. These include, but 
are not limited to space for individual and population growth and for 
normal behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other 
nutritional or physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for 
breeding, reproduction, and rearing (or development) of offspring; and 
habitats that are protected from disturbance or are representative of 
the historic geographical and ecological distributions of a species.
    The specific PCEs required for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides are derived from the biological needs of these milk-
vetches as described in the proposed critical habitat designation (71 
FR 15966; March 29, 2006).

Primary Constituent Elements for Astragalus holmgreniorum

    Based on our current knowledge of the life history, biology, and 
ecology of the species and the requirements of the habitat to sustain 
the essential life history functions of the species, the primary 
constituent elements for Astragalus holmgreniorum are:
    (1) Appropriate geological layers or soils that support individual 
Astragalus holmgreniorum plants. A. holmgreniorum is found on the 
Virgin Limestone member, middle red member, and upper red member of the 
Moenkopi Formation and the Petrified Forest member of the Chinle 
Formation (Harper and VanBuren 1997; Hughes 2005). Associated soils are 
defined by USDA et al. (1977 and 2000) as Badland; Badland, very steep; 
Eroded land-Shalet complex, warm; Hobog-rock land association; Isom 
cobbly sandy loam; Ruesh very gravelly fine sandy loam; Gypill Hobog 
complex, 6 to 35 percent slopes; Gypill very cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 
40 percent slopes; and Hobog-Grapevine complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes. 
These soils are generally found at elevations from 2,430 to 3,000 ft 
(756 to 914 m), support associated native plant species, and have a low 
presence or lack of Larrea tridentata (creosote bush).
    (2) Topographic features/relief (mesas, ridge remnants, alluvial 
fans, and fan terraces, their summits and backslopes, and gently 
rolling to steep swales) and the drainage areas along formation edges 
with little to moderate slope (0 to 20 percent).
    These topographic features/relief contribute to the soil substrate 
and vegetative community, natural weathering and erosion, and the 
natural surface and subsurface structure that provides minimally-
altered or unaltered hydrological conditions (e.g., seasonally 
available moisture from surface or subsurface runoff) on which 
Astragalus holmgreniorum depends.
    (3) The presence of insect visitors or pollinators, such as 
Anthophora captognatha, A. damnersi, A. porterae, Anthophora spp., 
Eucera quadricincta, Omia titus, and two types of Dialictus sp.

Primary Constituent Elements for Astragalus ampullarioides

    Based on our current knowledge of the life history, biology, and 
ecology of the species, the primary constituent elements for Astragalus 
ampullarioides are:
    (1) Outcroppings of soft clay soil, often purple-hued, within the 
Chinle Formation and the Dinosaur Canyon Member of the Moenave 
Formation, at elevations from 3,018 to 4,367 ft (920 to 1,330 m).
    Plant species that are characteristically found on these clay soils 
within the Chinle Formation and can indicate the presence of this PCE 
were included in the Background section of the proposed critical 
habitat designation (71 FR 15966; March 29, 2006).
    (2) Topographic features/relief, including alluvial fans and fan 
terraces, and gently rolling to steep swales, with little to moderate 
slope (3 to 24 percent), that are often markedly dissected by water 
flow pathways from seasonal precipitation.
    Associated topographic features/relief contribute to the soil 
substrate and vegetative community described above, natural weathering 
and erosion, and the natural surface and subsurface structure that 
provides minimally altered or unaltered hydrological conditions (e.g., 
seasonally available moisture from surface or subsurface runoff) on 
which Astragalus ampullarioides depends.
    (3) The presence of insect visitors or pollinators, such as 
Anthophora captognatha, A. damnersi, A. porterae, Anthophora spp., 
Eucera quadricincta, Bombus morrissonis, Hoplitis grinnelli, Osmia 
clarescens, O. marginata, O. titus, O. clavescens, and two types of 
Dialictus sp.
    This designation is designed for the conservation of PCEs necessary 
to support the life history functions that were the basis for the 
proposal. Because not all life history functions require all the PCEs, 
not all critical habitat will contain all the PCEs. For more 
information regarding the PCEs essential to the conservation of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, see the proposal to 
designate critical habitat (71 FR 15966; March 29, 2006).

Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat

    As required by section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act, we use the best 
scientific data in determining areas that contain the features 
essential to the conservation of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides. We reviewed available information that pertains to 
habitat requirements of these species. We reviewed the overall approach 
to conservation of both milk-vetches undertaken by local, State, and 
Federal agencies since their listing, and the recovery plan for the A. 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (2006).
    We reviewed the available information pertaining to the historic 
and current distributions, life histories, habitats, and threats to 
these milk-

[[Page 77981]]

vetches. We obtained records of distribution for the milk-vetches from 
BLM Arizona Strip Field Office (BLM AZ); BLM St. George Field Office 
(BLM UT); Shivwits Band of Paiutes, Utah School and Institutional Trust 
Lands Administration (SITLA); Zion National Park; and Utah Valley State 
College (VanBuren, unpublished GIS data). We also reviewed data 
included in reports submitted during the section 7 consultation 
process; and published and unpublished documentation from our files. 
This information included BLM hand-mapped polygons that outlined 
occupied or potentially occupied habitats in Arizona and Utah, 
primarily developed prior to the species' listing (66 FR 49560, 
September 28, 2001).
    For some sites, recent (2003 to 2005) survey information was 
available and evaluated to identify known plant locations (provided by 
Zion National Park, BLM UT, BLM AZ, SITLA, and Van Buren). Although 
occupied sites may gradually change, recent survey results confirm that 
plant distribution is similar to known distributions at the time of 
listing (66 FR 49560, September 28, 2001). We designated no areas 
outside the geographical area presently occupied by the species.
    Our approach to delineating critical habitat units was applied in 
the following manner:
    (1) We overlaid plant locations into a GIS database. This provided 
us with the ability to examine slope, aspect, elevation, vegetation 
community, and topographic features, such as drainages. Datapoints were 
used to determine the elevation ranges for both species. We found no 
correlation between aspect and occurrence location for either species. 
Some affiliation with slope for both species was evident; however, 
statistical correlation was not conclusive.
    To better understand the landscape, we also examined soil series 
layers, aerial photography, and hardcopy geologic maps. We specifically 
focused our analysis on soil types and topographic features necessary 
to maintain slope and natural drainage for Astragalus holmgreniorum and 
A. ampullariodes populations. We were unable to find GIS layers 
pertaining to geologic survey. For this we visually compared known 
sites to hard-copy geologic maps. Since the maps were of insufficient 
resolution to further evaluate the purplish red clay soil found in 
small outcroppings within the Chinle and Moenave Formation, aerial 
photography was employed at times to further our understanding of these 
areas. We verified that A. ampullarioides is associated with the 
Petrified Forest member of the Chinle, and Dinosaur Canyon member of 
the Moenave Formation. We verified that A. holmgreniorum is associated 
with the Virgin Limestone member, upper red member of the Moenkopi 
Formation, Chinle Shale, and Shinarump conglomerate member of the 
Chinle Formation (Harper and Van Buren 1997), and also may be 
affiliated with the middle red member of the Moenkopi Formation (Hughes 
2006).
    For both Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, we 
reviewed soil survey layers. No two sites of A. ampullarioides 
contained the same type of soil description (USDA et al. 1979). From 
this, we determined that the clay outcroppings, associated with the 
Petrified Forest member of the Chinle and Dinosaur Canyon member of the 
Moenave Formation on which A. ampullarioides is found, may not be large 
enough to be labeled under the USDA soil series. In Utah, A. 
holmgreniorum individuals are associated with Badland; Badland, very 
steep (84 percent); Hobog-Rock land association (9 percent); and Isom 
cobbly sand loam, 3-30 percent slope (5 percent) (USDA et al. 1977, pp. 
7-10, 12-13, 20-22, 30-31, 34, 44, 48, 124-129). Although we lacked the 
same degree of information in Arizona, we found that documented sites 
appeared to be related to Ruesh very gravelly fine sandy loam, 3-20 
percent slopes; Gypill-Hobog complex, 6-35 percent slopes; Gypill very 
cobbly sandy loam, 15-40 percent slopes; and Hobog-Grapevine complex, 
2-35 percent slopes (as defined in USDA et al. 2000, pp. 1-15, 65-68, 
73-74, 113-114).
    (2) When appropriate, we used geographic features (e.g., ridge 
lines, valleys, streams, elevation) or manmade features (e.g., roads) 
that created an obvious boundary to delineate a unit area boundary. In 
some cases, we were unable to provide obvious boundaries, so unit 
boundaries were drawn to encompass PCEs on the basis of the best 
available information.
    (3) We drew critical habitat boundaries that captured the 
locations, soils, and slopes elucidated under (1) above while 
considering the boundaries identified in (2) above. We described and 
mapped critical habitat designations using Universal Transverse 
Mercator (UTM) North American Datum 83 (NAD 83) coordinates.
    (4) When the resulting units were smaller than 124 ac (50 ha), we 
increased the unit size to 124 ac (50 ha) by using the average travel 
distance for pollinators of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides. We believe that this increase in unit size is essential 
to ensure sufficient pollinator populations for the reproduction of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. Specifically, where 
necessary, units or subunits were enlarged to 124 ac (50 ha) by 
including habitat within a 1,312 ft (400 m) radius of the known plant 
locations within the unit. This step applied to Subunits 2b and 3 for 
A. holmgreniorum, and Units 1, 2, 3, and Subunit 4a for A. 
ampullarioides. Unit 3 for A. ampullarioides is bordered by development 
on its western edge; therefore, we did not incorporate 1,312 ft (400 m) 
on its western edge.
    This critical habitat designation includes representatives of all 
known populations of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, 
and habitats that possess the physical and biological features 
essential to the conservation of the species and require special 
management considerations or protection. Application of these criteria 
(1) Protects habitat that contains the PCEs in areas where A. 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides are known to occur; (2) maintains 
the current ecological distribution to preserve genetic variation 
within the range of A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides to minimize 
the effects of local extinction; (3) minimizes fragmentation by 
establishing contiguous occurrences and maintaining existing 
connectivity; (4) includes sufficient pollinator habitat; and (5) 
protects the seed bank to ensure long-term persistence of the species.
    Much of the survey and field data on which this designation is 
based represent observed individuals during one point in time. Due to 
annual population fluctuations associated with varying local 
environmental factors (e.g., precipitation, seed germination), it is 
likely that individual plants and occurrences exist but were not 
identified in recent surveys (Van Buren and Harper 2003b; 66 FR 49560, 
September 28, 2001). Identification of these areas as critical habitat 
ensures maintenance of connectivity between currently known occupied 
habitats over the long term. Gene flow is also maintained by securing 
sufficient area for pollinator habitats and travel corridors.
    These habitats also ensure protection of seed banks, seed 
dispersal, and pollinator services that are essential for long-term 
persistence of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides (Van 
Buren 2005; Tepedino 2005). These seeds represent genetic information 
of past parents and their retention affects fitness and demography and 
reduces the expected inbreeding coefficient (McCue and Holtsford 1998).

[[Page 77982]]

Seed banks also ensure population persistence in periods of drought or 
other stressful environmental conditions (Van Buren 2005). The 
surrounding plant community provides the floral resources and habitat 
necessary to maintain pollinators and potential seed dispersers (e.g., 
birds, small mammals). Land within this designation supports the PCEs 
for the species that are necessary for the growth, reproduction, and 
establishment of A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides.
    When determining critical habitat boundaries, we made an effort to 
avoid developed areas such as buildings, paved areas, boat ramps and 
other structures that lack PCEs for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides. Manmade features within the boundaries of the mapped 
unit, such as buildings, roads, parking lots, and other paved areas, do 
not contain any of the PCEs for A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. 
The road prism for I-15, which includes the asphalt road, designated 
emergency pull-outs or safety turn-a-rounds, and surfaces that do not 
contain natural soils (such as gravel edges) or native vegetation are 
not included within critical habitat. However, the scale of maps 
prepared for publication within the Code of Federal Regulations may not 
reflect the exclusion of such developed areas. Any such structures and 
the land under them inadvertently left inside critical habitat 
boundaries shown on the maps of this rule have been excluded by text 
and are not designated as critical habitat. Therefore, Federal actions 
limited to these areas would not trigger section 7 consultations, 
unless they affect the species or PCEs in adjacent critical habitat.
    We are designating critical habitat on lands that we have 
determined are occupied at the time of listing and contain sufficient 
PCEs to support life history functions essential for the conservation 
of the species.
    Three units for Astragalus holmgreniorum, including five subunits, 
are designated based on PCEs being present that support A. 
holmgreniorum life processes. For A. ampullarioides, four units, 
including two subunits, are designated based on PCEs being present that 
support A. ampullarioides life processes. Most units contain all PCEs; 
however, some segments contain only a portion of the PCEs necessary to 
support A. holmgreniorum's and A. ampullarioides's particular use of 
that habitat. A brief discussion of each area designated as critical 
habitat is provided in the Critical Habitat Designation section below.

Special Management Considerations or Protections

    When designating the three critical habitat units, including 
Subunits 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, and 2b, for Astragalus holmgreniorum, and the 
four critical habitat units, including Subunits 4a and 4b, for A. 
ampullarioides, we assessed whether the areas determined to be occupied 
at the time of listing and containing the primary constituent elements 
may require special management considerations or protections. As 
discussed in more detail in the proposed critical habitat designation 
(71 FR 15966, September 26, 2006) and in the unit and subunit 
descriptions below, we found that the features essential to the 
conservation of A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, in all areas we 
are designating, may require special management considerations and 
protections, including measures necessary to alleviate the effects of 
urban development, retaining plants and their habitat on Federal lands, 
fencing small populations, removing or limiting access routes, ensuring 
vehicles and pedestrians stay on designated routes, reducing land use 
practices that disturb the hydrologic regime, minimizing the effects of 
grazing and recreation use, managing invasive nonnative plant species, 
evaluating revegetation and restoration with native plant species, 
developing adequate fire management buffers for these plant species and 
their habitat, and educating fire management staff on the location of 
the plants. Additionally these areas may require special management 
considerations and protections for ground-nesting and local pollinator 
communities.

Critical Habitat Designation

Astragalus holmgreniorum

    We are designating three units, including five subunits, as 
critical habitat for the Astragalus holmgreniorum. The critical habitat 
areas described below constitute our best assessment at this time of 
areas determined to be occupied at the time of listing, that contain 
the primary constituent elements essential for the conservation of the 
species, and that may require special management or protection. We 
determined that no additional areas were essential to the conservation 
of A. holmgreniorum. The units and subunits designated as critical 
habitat are listed in Table 1 and occupied areas are displayed in Table 
2.

                                        Table 1.--Critical Habitat Units Designated for Astragalus holmgreniorum
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  BLM AZ       BLM UT      Arizona     Utah state    County    Private
                     Unit or subunit name                        Federal      Federal    state lands     lands        land      lands         Totals
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                Occupied Acres (Hectares)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1--Utah-Arizona Border:
    1a State Line............................................    362 (146)  1,767 (715)    934 (378)    752 (304)  .........     21 (9)    3,836 (1,552)
    1b Gardner Well..........................................  ...........  ...........    564 (228)  ...........  .........  .........        564 (228)
    1c Central Valley........................................  ...........  ...........  ...........  1,144 (463)  .........      2 (1)      1,146 (464)
Unit 2--Santa Clara:
    2a Stucki Spring.........................................  ...........    438 (177)  ...........  ...........  .........  .........        438 (177)
    2b South Hills...........................................  ...........     124 (50)  ...........  ...........  .........      5 (2)         129 (52)
Unit 3--Purgatory Flat.......................................  ...........     118 (48)  ...........  ...........     22 (9)    36 (15)         176 (72)
        Totals...............................................    362 (146)  2,447 (990)  1,498 (606)  1,896 (767)     22 (9)    64 (27)    6,289 (2,545)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


            Table 2.--Occupancy of Critical Habitat Units Designated for the Astragalus holmgreniorum
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Occupied at time of                                        Acres
         Unit or subunit name                    listing?               Occupied currently?         (Hectares)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1--Utah Arizona Border:
    1a State Line....................  yes........................  yes........................    3,836 (1,552)

[[Page 77983]]

 
    1b Gardner Well..................  yes........................  yes........................        564 (228)
    1c Central Valley................  yes........................  yes........................      1,146 (464)
Unit 2--Santa Clara:
    2a Stucki Spring.................  yes........................  yes........................        438 (177)
    2b South Hills...................  yes........................  yes........................         129 (52)
Unit 3--Purgatory Flat...............  yes........................  yes........................         176 (72)
        Total........................  ...........................  ...........................    6,289 (2,545)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We present brief descriptions of all units, and reasons why they 
meet the definition of critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum, 
below.
Unit 1--Utah-Arizona Border
    This unit consists of approximately 5,546 ac (2,244 ha) divided 
into three subunits: State Line, Gardner Well, and Central Valley. This 
unit contains PCEs and is important to the conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum because it is one of only three populations of the plant 
and is the largest population of the species.
Subunit 1a--State Line
    This subunit, known to be occupied at the time of listing, consists 
of 3,836 ac (1,552 ha), with 9 percent managed by BLM AZ, 44 percent 
managed by BLM UT, 23 percent managed by ASLD, 19 percent managed by 
SITLA, and 5 percent private land or land ownership unknown. Subunit 1a 
is located east and west of I-15 as this highway crosses the State line 
of Arizona and Utah, and is bounded by the Atkinville Wash and Virgin 
River to the north. Documents pertaining to occupancy, soil type, and 
land formations were evaluated to determine unit boundaries. 
Administrative lines were used for boundaries on the west and east 
sides of the unit, and soil type, land features, and straight 
connecting lines were used for northern and southern boundaries of the 
unit.
    Recent surveys on lands managed by SITLA (Van Buren 2004, p. 3) and 
BLM UT (Van Buren 2005) west and east of I-15 confirmed occupancy of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum individuals, and BLM AZ (Hughes 2005) verified 
A. holmgreniorum in several locations on BLM and ASLD lands. Suitable 
habitat conditions supporting the identified PCEs occur throughout the 
area. Land between sections 31, 32, and 8 contains known PCEs for A. 
holmgreniorum; however, information is incomplete on intervening 
occupancy.
    Subunit 1a has features that are essential to the conservation of 
the species, and it supports the highest number of individuals 
documented to date (Service 2006) within a continuous geographic area, 
fragmented only by I-15. Astragalus holmgreniorum also occupies land 
found between the northbound and southbound lanes of I-15. This 
intervening area within the highway right-of-way may allow pollinator 
flow between sites situated west and east of the highway (Douglas 
2005). As a large population, subunit 1a retains importance as 
representative of the species' potential range of genetic diversity. 
Species surveys documented a high number of seedlings (Van Buren 2004, 
p. 2; 2005, p. 16), which indicates that this subunit supports a large 
seed bank. This information indicates a viable seed bank, the 
protection of which enhances the genetic diversity and boosts the 
likely persistence of the species (Van Buren 2003, p. 6). Seed bank 
protection is necessary for long-term species persistence (McCue and 
Holtsford 1998, p. 35).
    Special management considerations may be required to control 
invasive plant species, to control habitat degradation due to 
activities that lead to erosion, to maintain the identified vegetation 
types, and to maintain pollinator habitat essential to the conservation 
of the species. The BLM AZ and BLM UT do not currently have a 
management plan specific to Astragalus holmgreniorum; however, the 
agency worked in partnership with the Service on a recovery plan for 
the species (71 FR 57557, September 29, 2006). The BLM UT states that 
the timing of cattle grazing has been adjusted to avoid the flowering 
period for the species (Douglas 2004). Additionally SITLA is signatory 
to a Letter of Intent intended to place roughly 175 ac (71 ha) of land 
occupied by A. homgreniorum into long-term conservation (SITLA et al. 
2005, pp. 3-4).
Subunit 1b--Gardner Well
    Subunit 1b consists of 564 ac (228 ha), entirely managed by ASLD. 
This subunit is found in Arizona, south of the Arizona-Utah State 
border, 2 mi (3.2 km) east of I-15. Reconnaissance maps dating to the 
early 1990s and herbarium information for Astragalus holmgreniorum 
indicate plant occupancy on ASLD lands. The acreage proposed within 
this subunit was further refined based on known plant locations, 
geologic maps, and occurrence of PCEs, including soil types.
    This subunit is determined to be critical habitat because it 
contains features essential to the conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum, is occupied by the species, and represents the 
southeastern-most site in Arizona within the primary population, as 
discussed in the final listing rule (66 FR 49560, September 28, 2001). 
Yearly monitoring indicates a relatively high density of A. 
holmgreniorum (Van Buren and Harper 2004a, p. 6). In 2005, the Gardner 
Well monitoring site contained an estimated 150 plants, all seedlings 
(Van Buren 2005). The abundance of seedlings indicates a persistent 
seed bank that is considered important for genetic diversity and local 
survivorship (McCue and Holtsford 1998, pp. 34-35; Van Buren 2003, p. 
6; Van Buren 2005). This subunit also is historically significant 
because it includes the type locality (the location of the specimen 
from which the original species' description was made) for the species.
    Special management may be required to minimize disturbance to the 
surface structure within this subunit, to control invasive species, to 
maintain the identified vegetation types, and to maintain pollinator 
habitat essential to the conservation of the species. Currently, no 
management plan has been developed for these lands.
Subunit 1c--Central Valley
    Subunit 1c consists of 1,146 ac (464 ha), entirely managed by 
SITLA. This subunit is found north of the Arizona-Utah State border, 
west of a geological feature called White Dome, and east of I-15. This 
subunit is determined to be critical habitat because it contains 
features essential to conservation of Astragalus holmgreniorum, it is

[[Page 77984]]

occupied by the species, and contains a large, densely occupied portion 
of the primary population described in the final listing rule (66 FR 
49560; September 28, 2001). This subunit contains the second largest 
continuous land base for A. holmgreniorum and the second largest number 
of individuals counted to date (Van Buren 2003, p. 5).
    Approximately 99.8 percent of plants identified in the 2003 surveys 
were seedlings (Van Buren 2003, p. 6). The high number of seedlings and 
near lack of reproductive adults indicates a historic seed bank (Van 
Buren and Harper 2004a, pp. 3-4). Protection of known seed banks is 
essential for long-term survival of the species. The retention of these 
seeds can have a dramatic effect on demography and reduce the expected 
inbreeding coefficient (McCue and Holtsford 1998, p. 34). Seed banks 
also ensure population persistence during periods of changing 
environmental conditions (Facelli, Chesson, and Barnes 2005, pp. 3001-
3003).
    Plants within this subunit are threatened by urban development. 
Special management may be required to minimize disturbance to the 
surface and subsurface structure within this subunit, and to maintain 
the identified soil and vegetation types. No management plan currently 
exists. A Letter of Intent signed by SITLA indicates a willingness to 
develop a management plan for this species on a limited portion of 
their property; however, SITLA plans to develop a master planned 
community in the area (SITLA et al. 2005, pp. 5-6).
Unit 2--Santa Clara Unit
    Unit 2 comprises 567 ac (229 ha) divided into two subunits: Stucki 
Spring and South Hills. Unit 2 contains the PCEs, and is also important 
to conserving genetic diversity of the taxon because plants in this 
area contain a unique genetic marker not present in the other two 
populations (Stubben 1997, p. 46). Therefore, the two subunits in the 
Santa Clara Unit are needed to conserve genetic variation held within 
the gene pool for this taxon (Van Buren 2005). Additionally, this unit 
represents one of only three known populations of the species.
Subunit 2a--Stucki Spring
    Subunit 2a consists of 438 ac (177 ha) managed by BLM UT. This unit 
is found west of Box Canyon, in an area before Box Canyon Wash narrows, 
and near Stucki Spring. Astragalus holmgreniorum was known to occupy 
this subunit at the time of listing (66 FR 49560; September 28, 2001). 
In 2005, individuals were confirmed in a roadside visit (Van Buren 
2005).
    This subunit is determined to be critical habitat because it 
contains features essential to conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum, is occupied by the species, supports genetic diversity, 
and provides connectivity between Subunits 1a (State Line) and 1c 
(Central Valley) to the south, and Subunit 2b (South Hills) to the 
north. The land within this unit supports the PCEs for the species that 
are necessary for the growth, reproduction, and establishment of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum.
    Special management may be required in this subunit to minimize 
habitat fragmentation, to minimize disturbance to the surface and 
subsurface structure due to recreation or other activities, and to 
maintain the identified soil and vegetation types. Plants within this 
subunit are currently threatened by unmanaged ORV use. Additionally, 
BLM is considering selling adjacent areas for urban development; we 
anticipate that the proximity of the development would result in an 
indirect effect to Astragalus holmgreniorum. BLM UT does not currently 
have a management plan specific to A. holmgreniorum, but the agency 
worked with us to develop a recovery plan for this species (71 FR 
57557, September 29, 2006). The objective of the Santa Clara River 
Reserve Recreation and Open Space Management Plan is development of 
user-specific trails and areas of activities to reduce the effects of 
unregulated and potentially damaging activities on habitat components, 
including plants (USDI 2005, p. 10). However, specific details 
regarding facility locations, impacts, and conservation measures have 
not been identified.
Subunit 2b--South Hills
    Subunit 2b consists of approximately 129 ac (52 ha), with 97 
percent managed by BLM UT and 3 percent private lands (or land 
ownership unknown). This subunit was known to be occupied at the time 
of listing (66 FR 49560; September 28, 2001). A 2005 survey of the area 
documented a healthy number of plants in this subunit (Van Buren 2005).
    This subunit is determined to be critical habitat because it 
contains features essential to conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum, is occupied by the species, supports genetic diversity, 
and represents the northcentral-most occupied site of the species. The 
land within this subunit supports the PCEs necessary for the growth, 
reproduction, and establishment of A. holmgreniorum.
    Special management may be required to minimize urban encroachment, 
maintain land in Federal ownership, reduce disturbance to the surface 
and subsurface structure, control invasive species, maintain the 
identified vegetation types, and maintain pollinator habitat essential 
to the conservation of the species. Plants within this subunit are 
threatened by urban development, land trades, and recreation. Public 
land sales are authorized for eligible parcels under the Federal Land 
Transaction Facilitation Act of 2000 (Crisp 2004). BLM is working with 
the city of Santa Clara and the local community to sell approximately 
1,400 ac (567 ha) in the Santa Clara area. This proposed sale is 
believed to contain all Astragalus holmgreniorum individuals in this 
subunit. The intent of the local community would be to develop the land 
for residential housing.
Unit 3--Purgatory Flat
    Unit 3 consists of approximately 176 ac (72 ha) of land; 68 percent 
is managed by BLM UT, and 32 percent is under private ownership or 
county ownership. Part of the critical habitat contains lands within a 
regional shooting range. The final listing rule (66 FR 49561, September 
28, 2001) indicated that there were 30 to 300 plants at this location. 
More recent site visits confirm the presence of individual plants 
(Barnes 2005; Van Buren 2005); however, a census was not conducted.
    Purgatory Flat is determined to be critical habitat because it 
contains features essential to conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum, is occupied by the species, and represents the 
northeastern-most occupied site and third known population. This unit 
is the farthest from all other critical habitat units. Distant 
populations are often the most active regions of speciation and may be 
important for protecting genetic diversity (Lesica and Allendorf 1995, 
p. 756). The land within this unit supports the PCEs that are necessary 
for the growth, reproduction, and establishment of A. holmgreniorum.
    Special management may be required to minimize disturbance to the 
surface structure within this subunit, control invasive species, 
maintain the identified vegetation types, and maintain pollinator 
habitat essential to the conservation of the species.

Astragalus ampullarioides

    We are designating four units, including two subunits, as critical 
habitat for Astragalus ampullarioides.

[[Page 77985]]

The critical habitat areas described below constitute our best 
assessment at this time of areas determined to be occupied at the time 
of listing, that contain the primary constituent elements essential for 
conservation of the species, and that may require special management, 
and additional areas found to be essential to the conservation of A. 
ampullarioides.
    Table 3 summarizes areas that meet the definition of critical 
habitat for Astragalus ampullarioides but are excluded from critical 
habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act (discussed below). Table 4 
provides the approximate area designated as critical habitat for A. 
ampullarioides by land ownership. Table 5 indicates current occupancy.

  Table 3.--Areas Determined To Meet Definition of Critical Habitat for
   Astragalus Ampullarioides (Definitional Area) But That Are Excluded
                          Under Section 4(b)(2)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Definitional    Excluded
              Unit                 area acres    area acres  Total Acres
                                   (Hectares)    (Hectares)   (Hectares)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 2--Shivwits................      240 (97)     240 (97)     240 (97)
------------------------------------------------------------------------


                    Table 4.--Critical Habitat Units Designated for Astragalus Ampullarioides
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              Tribal
                                                              lands
      Unit or Subunit name          BLM-UT    NPS Federal    Shivwits    Utah State    Private        Totals
                                   Federal                   Band of       lands        lands
                                                              Pauite
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Occupied Acres (Hectares)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1--Pahcoon Spring Wash....     134 (54)  ...........  ...........  ...........  ...........        134 (54)
Unit 3--Coral Canyon...........       10 (4)  ...........  ...........      76 (31)       1 (.4)         87 (35)
Unit 4--Harrisburg Junction....
4a--Harrisburg Bench &             260 (105)  ...........  ...........  ...........      37 (15)       297 (120)
 Cottonwood....................
4b--Silver Reef................    415 (168)  ...........  ...........  ...........      47 (19)       462 (187)
Unit 5--Zion...................  ...........  1,201 (486)  ...........  ...........  ...........     1,201 (486)
        Totals.................    819 (331)  1,201 (486)  ...........      76 (31)      85 (34)     2,181 (883)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


 Table 5.--Occupancy of Critical Habitat Units Designated for Astragalus
                             Ampullarioides
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Occupied at
     Unit or Subunit name         time of        Occupied       Acres
                                  listing?      currently?    (hectares)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1--Pahcoon Spring Wash..  yes..........  yes..........     134 (54)
Unit 3--Coral Canyon.........  yes..........  yes..........      87 (35)
Unit 4--Harrisburg Junction..  yes..........  yes..........
4a--Harrisburg Bench &         yes..........  yes..........    297 (120)
 Cottonwood.
4b--Silver Reef..............  yes..........  yes..........    462 (187)
Unit 5--Zion.................  yes..........  yes..........  1,201 (486)
        Totals...............  .............  .............  2,181 (883)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We present brief descriptions of all units, and reasons why they 
meet the definition of critical habitat for the Astragalus 
ampullarioides below.
Unit 1--Pahcoon Spring Wash
    This unit includes 134 ac (54 ha), all on BLM UT lands adjacent to 
the Shivwits Indian Reservation. Astragalus ampullarioides was known to 
occupy this area at the time of listing. This population occurs in a 
small area where the density of A. ampullarioides is high (Van Buren 
and Harper 2004b, p. 3). In 2005, this population was estimated to 
contain approximately 300 to 350 individuals (Van Buren 2005). Unit 1 
is determined to be critical habitat because it contains features 
essential to conservation of A. ampullarioides, is occupied by the 
species, and represents the northwestern-most occurrence of the 
species. Resources within this unit support the identified PCEs 
associated with outcroppings of the Chinle Formation.
    Special management may be required to minimize disturbance to the 
surface and subsurface structure within this unit, to control invasive 
species, to maintain the identified vegetation types, and to maintain 
pollinator habitat essential to the conservation of the species. Cattle 
grazing activities are present within this unit. The Chinle soils are 
soft and easily susceptible to erosion. A cost-share agreement between 
BLM UT and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) provides funding for signs and 
protective fencing; contracting for the fence is in process. As a part 
of the agreement, BLM UT and TNC will compare past plant survey data 
with population surveys to be completed in 2007 and 2009 to evaluate 
the effectiveness of the fence in eliminating habitat degradation.
Unit 3--Coral Canyon
    This unit, known to be occupied at the time of listing, is located 
adjacent to a golf course near Harrisburg Junction, and was estimated 
to contain 100 individuals in 2005 (Van Buren 2005). Land ownership for 
the 87 ac (35 ha) is 87 percent SITLA, 12 percent BLM UT, and 1 percent 
private. We included occupied habitats and adjacent areas of suitable 
soils and vegetation to allow for maintenance of the seed bank, seed 
dispersal, and pollinator services.
    This unit is determined to be critical habitat because it contains 
features essential to conservation of the taxon, is occupied by the 
taxon, is centrally located and may provide connectivity

[[Page 77986]]

between populations, and contains a persistent occupied site of 
Astragalus ampullarioides.
    Plants within this subunit face threats from urban development. 
Special management may be required to minimize disturbance to the 
surface and subsurface structure within this subunit, maintain the 
identified soil and vegetation types, and control invasive weeds.
Unit 4--Harrisburg Junction
    In 2001, the final listing rule (66 FR 49560; September 28, 2001) 
referred to a population near Harrisburg Junction that contained four 
separate sites. Unit 4 is comprised of two subunits encompassing 759 ac 
(307 ha) that are spatially separated based on geography (Harrisburg 
Bench/Cottonwood and Silver Reef). Each of these subunits contains two 
of the plant occurrence sites that were known to be occupied at the 
time of the final listing rule (66 FR 49560; September 28, 2001). In 
1999, the 4 sites contained approximately 300 plants (England 1999; 
Utah Natural Heritage Program 1999; Van Buren 2000).
    In the area of Harrisburg Junction, Astragalus ampullarioides 
populations or subpopulations are restricted to outcroppings of the 
Chinle soil. Each area may be relatively self-sustaining; however, 
their long-term persistence and stability relies on a balance of site 
extinctions and colonization of suitable, unoccupied outcroppings 
through dispersal events (Hanski 1985, p. 341; Olivieri et al. 1990, 
pp. 207-209; Hastings and Harrison 1994, pp. 175-176, 180).
Subunit 4a--Harrisburg Bench and Cottonwood
    This 297-ac (120-ha) subunit is 88 percent BLM land and 12 percent 
private land. Approximately 100 individual plants were located in this 
subunit during 2005 surveys (Van Buren 2005). This subunit contains 
PCEs necessary to support Astragalus ampullarioides growth, 
reproduction, and establishment. Land found between the northbound and 
southbound lanes of I-15 contains an occupied site. This intervening 
area within the highway right-of-way may allow pollinator flow between 
occupied sites (Douglas 2005). Habitat areas between known occupied 
sites are included in the critical habitat designation to support 
pollinators and seed dispersal between sites. Pollinator habitat and 
seed dispersal are considered important for the species' long-term 
survival (Steffan-Dewenter and Tscharntke 1999, pp. 437-438; Steffan-
Dewenter 2003, pp. 1039-1040; Greenleaf 2005, pp. 72-74; Van Buren and 
Harper 2003a, p. 242).
    This subunit is determined to be critical habitat because it 
contains features essential to conservation of Astragalus 
ampullarioides, is occupied by the species, and contains a persistent 
occupied site for A. ampullarioides that is centrally located and may 
provide connectivity between other units.
    At the Harrisburg site, Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass) is a closely 
associated species (Van Buren 2005, p. 14). Part of this unit, east of 
I-15, burned during a wildfire in 2005; however, no suppression 
occurred in areas of occupied habitat. The status of seeds within the 
seed bank is unknown. Also unknown, but likely, is that most of the 
above-ground stems and foliage died back at the time of the fire (Van 
Buren 2005, p. 14). Revisits in 2006 indicated that Astragalus 
ampullarioides occupies the site and was not adversely affected by the 
fire (Van Buren 2006).
    Plants within this subunit may be threatened by urban development, 
recreation, and invasive plant species. Special management may be 
required to control invasive plant species, minimize disturbance to the 
surface and subsurface structure, and maintain the identified soil and 
vegetation types. BLM UT and TNC have entered into a cost-share 
agreement to provide signs and protective fencing to minimize human use 
at one occupied area within this subunit.
Subunit 4b--Silver Reef
    The 462 ac (187 ha) in this subunit are composed of 90 percent BLM 
lands and 10 percent private lands. Astragalus ampullarioides 
individuals are found along intermittent outcroppings of the Chinle 
Formation. Approximately 150 individuals were identified in a partial 
survey in 2005 (Van Buren 2005). This subunit is determined to be 
critical habitat because it contains features essential to conservation 
of A. ampullarioides, is occupied by the species, contains a thriving 
population, and maintains a prevalence of soil substrate necessary for 
future expansion to maintain metapopulation dynamics.
    Special management may be required to minimize recreational use and 
disturbance to the soil surface and subsurface structure, control 
invasive plant species and domestic animals, maintain the identified 
vegetation types, and maintain pollinator habitat essential to the 
conservation of the species. Quantitative information on impacts from 
cattle grazing or recreational use is unknown. One occupied area within 
this subunit is under a cost-share agreement for protective fencing, 
which is to begin in the near future. Monitoring will be used to 
evaluate the effectiveness of the fences in eliminating habitat 
degradation from cattle and recreational use. Additional areas in this 
subunit remain unfenced, and special management may still be necessary 
to reduce impacts to habitat.
Unit 5--Zion
    The 1,201 ac (486 ha) in Unit 5 occur entirely on lands managed by 
Zion National Park. The population consisted of approximately 300 to 
500 individuals in 2000 (66 FR 49560; September 28, 2001). More recent 
surveys document almost 4,200 individuals in the unit (Miller 2006).
    This unit is determined to be critical habitat because it contains 
features essential to conservation of Astragalus ampullarioides, is 
occupied by the species, is one of five known populations, represents 
the northeastern-most range of the species, and contains the largest 
known population of the species. The land within this unit supports the 
PCEs necessary for growth, reproduction, and establishment.
    Special management is necessary in this unit to minimize recreation 
disturbance to the soil surface and subsurface structure, control 
invasive weedy species, maintain the identified vegetation types, and 
maintain pollinator habitat essential to the conservation of the 
species. Recreational use of Zion National Park and disturbance from 
park visitors and horses may affect Astragalus ampullarioides. An 
established hiking and horse trail that is used infrequently from 
November through April occurs near populations of Astragalus 
ampullarioides.
    Plants and habitat within this unit also are threatened by invasive 
nonnative plants, including Moluccella laevis (bells of Ireland), an 
introduced species not found at other sites. Although this unit is in a 
sparsely vegetated habitat that in the past did not carry fire, the 
invasions of exotic grasses are creating more continuous fuels. No 
management plan exists specific to Astragalus ampullarioides in Zion 
National Park; however, the current Zion National Park Fire Management 
Plan includes restrictions on fire management within a 0.75-mi (1.2-km) 
buffer zone of the area where A. ampullarioides is found. Zion National 
Park worked with us to complete a recovery plan for the species (71 FR 
57557, September 29, 2006), and is partnering with the USGS to 
investigate

[[Page 77987]]

biotic soil conditions and invasive weed interactions with A. 
ampullarioides.

Effects of Critical Habitat Designation

Section 7 Consultation

    Section 7 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. In our 
regulations at 50 CFR 402.02, we define destruction or adverse 
modification as ``a direct or indirect alteration that appreciably 
diminishes the value of critical habitat for both the survival and 
recovery of a listed species. Such alterations include, but are not 
limited to, alterations adversely modifying any of those physical or 
biological features that were the basis for determining the habitat to 
be critical.'' However, recent decisions by the 5th and 9th Circuit 
Court of Appeals have invalidated this definition. Pursuant to current 
national policy and the statutory provisions of the Act, destruction or 
adverse modification is determined on the basis of whether, with 
implementation of the proposed Federal action, the affected critical 
habitat would remain functional (or retain the current ability for the 
primary constituent elements to be functionally established) to serve 
the intended conservation role for the species.
    Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the 
Service, 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 proposed or 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 with 
us 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. This is a procedural requirement only. 
However, once proposed species becomes listed, or proposed critical 
habitat is designated as final, the full prohibitions of section 
7(a)(2) apply to any Federal action. The primary utility of the 
conference procedures is to maximize the opportunity for a Federal 
agency to adequately consider proposed species and critical habitat and 
avoid potential delays in implementing their proposed action as a 
result of the section 7(a)(2) compliance process, should those species 
be listed or the critical habitat designated.
    Under conference procedures, the Service may provide advisory 
conservation recommendations to assist the agency in eliminating 
conflicts that may be caused by the proposed action. The Service may 
conduct either informal or formal conferences. Informal conferences are 
typically used if the proposed action is not likely to have any adverse 
effects to the proposed species or proposed critical habitat. Formal 
conferences are typically used when the Federal agency or the Service 
believes the proposed action is likely to cause adverse effects to 
proposed species or critical habitat, inclusive of those that may cause 
jeopardy or adverse modification.
    The results of an informal conference are typically transmitted in 
a conference report; the results of a formal conference are typically 
transmitted in a conference opinion. Conference opinions on proposed 
critical habitat are typically prepared according to 50 CFR 402.14, as 
if the proposed critical habitat were designated. We may adopt the 
conference opinion as the biological opinion when 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)). As 
noted above, any conservation recommendations in a conference report or 
opinion are strictly advisory.
    When a species is listed or critical habitat is designated, 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 (action agency) 
must enter into consultation with us. As a result of this consultation, 
compliance with the requirements of section 7(a)(2) will be documented 
through the Service's 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, but are likely to adversely affect, listed 
species or critical habitat.
    When we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is 
likely to result in jeopardy to a listed species or the destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat, we also provide reasonable 
and prudent alternatives to the project, if any are identifiable. 
``Reasonable and prudent alternatives'' are defined at 50 CFR 402.02 as 
alternative actions identified during consultation that can be 
implemented in a manner consistent with the intended purpose of the 
action, that are consistent with the scope of the Federal agency's 
legal authority and jurisdiction, that are economically and 
technologically feasible, and that the Director believes would avoid 
jeopardy to the listed species or destruction or adverse modification 
of 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 a new 
species is listed or critical habitat is subsequently designated that 
may be affected and the Federal agency has retained discretionary 
involvement or control over the action or such discretionary 
involvement or control is authorized by law. Consequently, some Federal 
agencies may request reinitiation of consultation with us on actions 
for which formal consultation has been completed, if those actions may 
affect subsequently listed species or designated critical habitat or 
adversely modify or destroy proposed critical habitat.
    Federal activities that may affect the Astragalus holmgreniorum and 
A. ampullarioides or their designated critical habitat will require 
section 7 consultation under the Act. Activities on State, Tribal, 
local, or private lands requiring a Federal permit (such as a permit 
from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean 
Water Act or a permit under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act from the 
Service) or involving some other Federal action (such as funding from 
Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, or 
Federal Emergency Management Agency) also will be subject to the 
section 7 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 consultations.
    Application of the Jeopardy and Adverse Modification Standards for 
Actions Involving Effects to Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides and Their Critical Habitat

Jeopardy Standard

    Following designation of critical habitat, the Service will apply 
an analytical framework for Astragalus

[[Page 77988]]

holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides jeopardy analyses that relies 
heavily on the importance of core area populations to the survival and 
recovery of the species. The section 7(a)(2) analysis is focused not 
only on these populations but also on the habitat conditions necessary 
to support them.
    The jeopardy analysis usually expresses the survival and recovery 
needs of Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides in a 
qualitative fashion without making distinctions between what is 
necessary for survival and what is necessary for recovery. Generally, 
if a proposed Federal action is incompatible with the viability of the 
affected core area population(s), inclusive of associated habitat 
conditions, a jeopardy finding is considered to be warranted, because 
of the relationship of each core area population to the survival and 
recovery of the species as a whole.

Adverse Modification Standard

    The analytical framework described in the Director's December 9, 
2004, memorandum will be used to complete section 7(a)(2) analyses for 
Federal actions affecting Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides critical habitat. The key factor related to the adverse 
modification determination is whether, with implementation of the 
proposed Federal action, the affected critical habitat would remain 
functional (or retain the current ability for the primary constituent 
elements to be functionally established) to serve the intended 
conservation role for the species. Generally, the conservation role of 
A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides 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 those activities involving a Federal action that may destroy or 
adversely modify such habitat, or that may be affected by such 
designation. Activities that may destroy or adversely modify critical 
habitat may also jeopardize the continued existence of the species.
    Activities that may destroy or adversely modify critical habitat 
are those that alter the PCEs to an extent that the conservation value 
of critical habitat for the Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides is appreciably reduced. Activities that, when carried 
out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency, may affect critical 
habitat and therefore result in consultation for the A. holmgreniorum 
and A. ampullarioides include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Activities that have the potential to degrade or destroy 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides and their PCEs, 
including ORV use, heavy recreational use, residential or commercial 
development, road development, intensive livestock grazing, and 
herbicide use;
    (2) Alteration of existing hydrology by redirection of sheet flow 
from areas adjacent to formation skirts or hillsides, e.g., clearing 
upslope from Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides;
    (3) Compaction of the soil through the establishment of trails and 
roads;
    (4) Activities that foster the introduction of nonnative 
vegetation, particularly noxious weeds, or create conditions that 
encourage the growth of nonnatives, e.g., supplemental feeding of 
livestock, ORV use that causes ground disturbance, road construction, 
creation and maintenance of utility corridors, seeding with nonnatives, 
and other activities that cause soil disturbance;
    (5) Activities that directly or indirectly result in increased 
erosion, decreased soil stability, and changes in vegetation 
communities, e.g., placing off-road trailheads along critical habitat, 
which may lead to congregation of recreational users in a sensitive 
location; and
    (6) Sale or exchange of lands by a Federal agency to an entity that 
intends to develop them or implement activities that would degrade or 
destroy the PCEs.
    We consider all of the units designated as critical habitat to 
contain features essential to the conservation of Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. All units are within the 
geographic range of the species, all were occupied by the species at 
the time of listing (based on observations made within the last 5 
years), and all are likely to be used by A. holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides. Federal agencies already consult with us on activities 
in areas currently occupied by A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides 
to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize the continued existence 
of A. holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides.

Exclusions Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states that critical habitat shall be 
designated, and revised, 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 [s]he determines that the benefits of such 
exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying such area as part of the 
critical habitat, unless [s]he determines, based on the best scientific 
data available, that the failure to designate such area as critical 
habitat will result in the extinction of the species. In making that 
determination, the Secretary is afforded broad discretion and the 
Congressional record is clear that in making a determination under 
section 4(b)(2) the Secretary has discretion as to which factors and 
how much weight will be given to any factor.
    Under section 4(b)(2), in considering whether to exclude a 
particular area from the designation, we must identify the benefits of 
including the area in the designation, identify the benefits of 
excluding the area from the designation, and determine whether the 
benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of inclusion. If an 
exclusion is contemplated, then we must determine whether excluding the 
area would result in the extinction of the species. In the following 
sections, we address a number of general issues that are relevant to 
the exclusions we considered. The information provided in the next 
several sections applies to all the discussions below concerning the 
benefits of inclusion and exclusion of critical habitat.
    After consideration under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, the following 
lands have been excluded from the designation of critical habitat for 
the Astragalus ampullarioides. A detailed analysis of our exclusion of 
these lands under section 4(b)(2) of the Act by critical habitat unit 
is provided in the paragraphs that follow.

General Principles of Section 7 Consultations Used in the 4(b)(2) 
Balancing Process

    The most direct, and potentially largest, regulatory benefit of 
critical habitat is that federally authorized, funded, or carried out 
activities require consultation under section 7 of the Act to ensure 
that these actions are not likely to destroy or adversely modify 
critical habitat. There are two limitations to this regulatory effect. 
First, it only applies where there is a Federal action; if there is no 
Federal action, designation itself does not restrict actions that 
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Second, it only limits 
destruction or adverse modification. By its nature, the prohibition on 
adverse modification is designed to ensure those areas that contain the 
physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the 
species or unoccupied areas that are essential to the conservation of 
the species are not eroded. Critical habitat

[[Page 77989]]

designation alone, however, does not require specific steps toward 
recovery.
    Once consultation under section 7 of the Act is triggered, the 
process may conclude informally when the Service concurs in writing 
that the proposed Federal action is not likely to adversely affect the 
listed species or its critical habitat. However, if the Service 
determines through informal consultation that adverse impacts are 
likely to occur, then formal consultation would be initiated. Formal 
consultation concludes with a biological opinion issued by the Service 
on whether the proposed Federal action is likely to jeopardize the 
continued existence of a listed species or result in destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat, with separate analyses being 
made under both the jeopardy and the adverse modification standards. 
For critical habitat, a biological opinion that concludes in a 
determination of no destruction or adverse modification may contain 
discretionary conservation recommendations to minimize adverse effects 
to primary constituent elements, but it would not contain any mandatory 
reasonable and prudent measures or terms and conditions. Reasonable and 
prudent alternatives to the proposed Federal action would only be 
issued when the biological opinion results in a jeopardy or adverse 
modification conclusion.
    We also note that for 30 years prior to the Ninth Circuit Court's 
decision in Gifford Pinchot, the Service equated the jeopardy standard 
with the standard for destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat. The Court ruled that the Service could no longer equate the 
two standards and that adverse modification evaluations require 
consideration of impacts on the recovery of species. Thus, under the 
Gifford Pinchot decision, critical habitat designations may provide 
greater benefits to the recovery of a species. However, we believe the 
conservation achieved through implementing habitat conservation plans 
(HCPs) or other habitat management plans is typically greater than 
would be achieved through multiple site-by-site, project-by-project, 
section 7 consultations involving consideration of critical habitat. 
Management plans commit resources to implement long-term management and 
protection to particular habitat for at least one and possibly other 
listed or sensitive species. Section 7 consultations only commit 
Federal agencies to prevent adverse modification to critical habitat 
caused by the particular project, and they are not committed to provide 
conservation or long-term benefits to areas not affected by the 
proposed project. Thus, any HCP or management plan which considers 
enhancement or recovery as the management standard will always provide 
as much or more benefit than a consultation for critical habitat 
designation conducted under the standards required by the Ninth Circuit 
in the Gifford Pinchot decision.

Educational Benefits of Critical Habitat

    A benefit of including lands in critical habitat is that the 
designation of critical habitat serves to educate landowners, State and 
local governments, Tribes, 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 Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides. In general, the educational benefit of a critical 
habitat designation always exists, although in some cases it may be 
redundant with other educational effects. For example, HCPs have 
significant public input and may largely duplicate the educational 
benefit of a critical habitat designation. This benefit is closely 
related to a second, more indirect benefit: that designation of 
critical habitat would inform State agencies and local governments 
about areas that could be conserved under State laws or local 
ordinances.

Tribal Lands

    Tribal lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiute Indians (Band) were 
proposed for designation, and included 240 ac (97 ha) of Unit 2 for 
Astragalus ampullarioides. We received comments from the Band 
requesting assistance in understanding the designation of their lands 
as critical habitat and in creating a management plan. The Shivwits 
Band of Paiutes Management Plan for Astragalus ampullarioides was 
signed by Chairman Glenn Rogers on September 18, 2006.

Benefits of Inclusion

    Designation of Unit 2 would benefit Astragalus ampullarioides 
because it contains the PCEs and is the type locality for the species. 
The site provides the common name for this taxon, Shivwits milk-vetch. 
It has a low amount of human use, contains features essential to 
conservation of A. ampullarioides, is occupied by the species, and is 
one of five known populations.
    As described above, designation of critical habitat can generally 
result in educational benefits. However, we believe that there would be 
little additional informational benefit gained from designating 
Shivwits Tribal lands because the Band is already aware of the species 
presence and takes pride in this species as a namesake plant. We 
believe that the informational benefits are already provided because 
the Band is knowledgeable about the species location and has provided 
protection through fencing of occupied habitat (G. Rogers 2006). In 
addition, since lands excluded are Tribal lands, they are unlikely to 
be managed under State laws or local ordinances.
    Since the listing of Astragalus ampullariodes, only one Section 7 
consultation has occurred on tribal lands in an area containing the 
species, and no projects are expected to occur within the foreseeable 
future. Therefore, we would not expect any additional benefits from the 
inclusion of this habitat. In addition, the Band has developed a 
management plan for this species that will be implemented for all 
future projects regardless of whether or not a federal nexus exists.

Benefits of Exclusion

    In accordance with 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, May 4, 1994); Executive Order 13175 
``Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments;'' and 
the relevant provision of the Departmental Manual of the Department of 
the Interior (512 DM 2), we believe that fish, wildlife, and other 
natural resources on Tribal lands are better managed under Tribal 
authorities, policies, and programs than through Federal regulation 
wherever possible and practicable. Additionally, critical habitat 
designation may be viewed by Tribes and members of Bands as an unwanted 
intrusion into Tribal self governance, thus compromising the 
government-to-government relationship essential to achieving our mutual 
goals of managing for healthy ecosystems upon which the viability of 
threatened and endangered species populations depend.
    At the time of the proposal, the Shivwits Band of Paiute Indians 
was already providing protective management for the majority of 
individual plants on their lands. Additionally, they were interested in 
creating a management plan that would address threats specific to 
Astragalus ampullarioides on their lands. The Band, with the assistance 
of the Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs, developed a set of 
conservation and educational

[[Page 77990]]

actions that are the basis for exclusion from critical habitat of lands 
governed by the Band. These actions include, but are not limited to: 
identification, protection, and retention of occupied habitat; 
management of livestock activities, invasive weeds, and fire; 
protection of vegetation communities and ecosystems, which includes 
native plants and pollinators; restriction of motorized vehicles in 
occupied areas; participation in recovery efforts and research; and 
development of educational materials. We believe the management plan 
provides greater protection than critical habitat designation would 
provide, and have a reasonable expectation that it will be implemented 
because it was developed by the Band, with the assistance of the 
Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs.
    The Band has developed a management plan for this species in 
response to the proposed designation for the purpose of maintaining 
management and conservation authority and thus having the critical 
habitat designation removed. Therefore, the inclusion of this land is 
likely to damage inter-governmental relationships and result in poorer 
conservation if we designated critical habitat without the 
implementation of this management plan.
    Since the listing of Astragalus ampullariodes, only one Section 7 
consultation has occurred on tribal lands in an area containing A. 
ampullarioides and no projects are expected to occur within the 
foreseeable future. Even though the expectation of future Section 7 
consultation is low, this management plan provides recommended measures 
for best management practices to avoid and minimize impacts to A. 
ampullarioides and surrounding habitat within a half mile 
(approximately 2,624 ft or 800m) of known sites. This area is twice the 
distance of the 1,312 ft (400 m) radius of the known plant locations 
used in proposing designated critical habitat for the protection of 
PCEs and as such is expected to provide greater continuous land 
protection. Additionally any new sites found on tribal lands will be 
afforded the same management practices.

Benefits of Exclusion Outweigh Benefits of Inclusion

    The benefits of inclusion occur in Section 7 consultations, which 
may commit Federal agencies to prevent adverse modification to critical 
habitat caused by the particular project. However, very few Section 7 
consultations have occurred in the past and are anticipated for this 
area. The outweighing benefits of the Shivwits management plan are that 
it provides conservation and management with and without a federal 
nexus. Under a Section 7 consultation, no commitment exists to provide 
conservation or long-term benefits to areas not affected by the 
proposed project, whereas the Shivwits management plan of this species 
is expected to provide conservation and long-term management of a 
larger area, prior to Section 7 consultation, than the proposed 
critical habitat designation and, if sites are found, these sites will 
carry the same measure of conservation and protection. Inclusion of 
current occupied sites into the designated habitat on tribal lands will 
provide no future benefits to new sites, if any should exist.
    Critical habitat can also have valuable educational benefits in 
some cases (see above). The educational benefit of inclusion or 
exclusion of the critical habitat designation on tribal lands is 
duplicated with the Shivwits management plan, due to the participation 
of the Band, BIA, and the Service. Other benefits such as those gained 
by informed State agencies and local governments are unlikely to 
increase or provide conservation on tribal lands. As the Band is 
already educated, currently conserving the species on their lands, and 
has included educational component to their management plan, we see no 
educational benefits to the inclusion of Tribal land in the final 
critical habitat rule.
    We believe that conservation of Astragalus ampullarioides will be 
achieved by the Shivwits management due to their display of proactive 
conservation. Given the importance of the Band's management plan to the 
current and future conservation of A. ampullarioides and our 
government-to-government relationship with them, the benefit of 
excluding these lands outweighs the benefit of including them in 
critical habitat. Therefore, Tribal lands have not been designated as 
critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.

Exclusion Will Not Result in Extinction of the Species

    Exclusion of this 140ac (97 ha) of Tribal lands will not result in 
extinction of Astragalus ampullarioides because these lands will be 
conserved and managed for the benefit of this species pursuant to the 
approved Shivwits Band of Paiutes Management Plan for Astragalus 
ampullarioides. The jeopardy standard of section 7 and routine 
implementation of habitat protection through the section 7 process also 
provide assurances that the species will not go extinct.
    We anticipate no impact to national security, partnerships, or 
habitat conservation plans from this critical habitat designation. 
Based on the best available information including the prepared economic 
analysis, we believe that all final designated units contain the 
features that are essential for the conservation of this species. Our 
economic analysis indicates an overall low cost resulting from the 
designation. Therefore, we have found no other areas for which the 
benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of inclusion, and so have 
not excluded any areas from this designation of critical habitat for 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides based on economic 
impacts. As such, we have considered but not excluded any lands from 
this designation based on the potential impacts from economic factors.
    Other areas no longer contained in the final designation of 
critical habitat no longer meet the definition of critical habitat. We 
made an effort to avoid developed areas such as buildings, paved areas, 
boat ramps and other structures that lack PCEs for Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. This resulted in the reduction of 
designated land for A. holmgreniorum in Subunit 1a from the proposed 
4,027ac (1,630ha) to 3,836ac (1,552ha) and in Subunit 1c from 1,148ac 
(466ha) to 1,146ac (464ha).

Economic Analysis

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires us to designate critical 
habitat on the basis of the best scientific information available and 
to consider the economic and other relevant impacts of designating a 
particular area as critical habitat. We may exclude areas from critical 
habitat upon a determination that the benefits of such exclusions 
outweigh the benefits of specifying such areas as critical habitat. We 
cannot exclude such areas from critical habitat when such exclusion 
will result in the extinction of the species concerned.
    Following the publication of the proposed critical habitat 
designation, we conducted an economic analysis to estimate the 
potential economic effect of the designation. We published a notice of 
availability and request for public comments for the draft analysis on 
September 26, 2006 (71 FR 56085). We accepted comments on the draft 
analysis until October 26, 2006.
    The primary purpose of the economic analysis was to estimate the 
potential economic impacts associated with the designation of critical 
habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A.

[[Page 77991]]

ampullarioides. This information is intended to assist the Secretary in 
making decisions about whether the benefits of excluding particular 
areas from the designation outweigh the benefits of including those 
areas in the designation.
    This economic analysis considers the economic efficiency effects 
that may result from the designation, including habitat protections 
that may be co-extensive with the listing of the species. It also 
addresses distribution of impacts, including an assessment of the 
potential effects on small entities and the energy industry. This 
information can be used by the Secretary to assess whether the effects 
of the designation might unduly burden a particular group or economic 
sector.
    This analysis focuses on the direct and indirect costs of the rule. 
However, economic impacts to land use activities can exist in the 
absence of critical habitat. These impacts may result from, for 
example, local zoning laws, State and natural resource laws, and 
enforceable management plans and best management practices applied by 
other State and Federal agencies. Economic impacts that result from 
these types of protections are not included in the analysis as they are 
considered to be part of the regulatory and policy baseline.
    The economic analysis estimates potential costs attributed to 
listing and critical habitat designation ranging between $9.3 and $14.7 
million, in undiscounted 2006 dollars, over a 20-year period from 2006 
to 2025. In discounted terms, potential post-designation economic costs 
are estimated between $9.0 and $13.6 million (using a 3 percent 
discount rate) or between $8.7 and $12.7 million (using a 7 percent 
discount rate).
    Our economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation 
evaluated the potential economic effects on small business entities and 
small governments resulting from conservation actions related to the 
listing of these species and proposed designation of their critical 
habitat. The activities affected by Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides conservation efforts may include land development, 
transportation and utility operations, and conservation on public and 
Tribal lands. More than 98 percent of the prospective economic costs 
(based on upper-bound future undiscounted cost figures) associated with 
conservation activities for these species are expected to be borne by 
Federal agencies (primarily BLM) and State departments of 
transportation. Impacts to land development (e.g., BLM land disposal) 
and transportation and utilities operations (e.g., Western and Southern 
Corridor projects) are not expected to affect small entities.
    A copy of the final economic analysis with supporting documents is 
included in our administrative record and may be obtained by contacting 
the Service (see ADDRESSES section) or for downloading from the 
Internet at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/species/plants/milkvetche/index.htm.

Required Determinations

Regulatory Planning and Review

    In accordance with Executive Order 12866, this document is a 
significant rule in that it may raise novel legal and policy issues, 
but will not have an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or 
more or affect the economy in a material way. Due to the tight timeline 
for publication in the Federal Register, the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) has not formally reviewed this rule. As explained above, 
we prepared an economic analysis for this action. We used this analysis 
to meet the requirement of section 4(b)(2) of the Act to determine the 
economic consequences of designating specific areas as critical 
habitat. We also used it to help determine whether to exclude any area 
from critical habitat, as provided for under section 4(b)(2), if we 
determine that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of 
specifying an area as critical habitat, unless we determine, based on 
the best scientific data available, that the failure to designate such 
area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the species.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (as amended by the Small 
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996), 
whenever an agency is required to 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 
effect of the rule on small entities (i.e., small businesses, small 
organizations, and small government jurisdictions). However, no 
regulatory flexibility analysis is required if the head of an agency 
certifies the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. The SBREFA amended the RFA to 
require Federal agencies to provide a statement of factual basis for 
certifying that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on 
a substantial number of small entities. The SBREFA also amended the RFA 
to require a certification statement.
    Small entities include small organizations, such as independent 
nonprofit organizations; small governmental jurisdictions, including 
school boards and city and town governments that serve fewer than 
50,000 residents; as well as small businesses. Small businesses include 
manufacturing and mining concerns with fewer than 500 employees, 
wholesale trade entities with fewer than 100 employees, retail and 
service businesses with less than $5 million in annual sales, general 
and heavy construction businesses with less than $27.5 million in 
annual business, special trade contractors doing less than $11.5 
million in annual business, and agricultural businesses with annual 
sales less than $750,000. To determine if potential economic impacts to 
these small entities are significant, we consider the types of 
activities that might trigger regulatory impacts under this rule, as 
well as the types of project modifications that may result. In general, 
the term ``significant economic impact'' is meant to apply to a typical 
small business firm's business operations.
    To determine if the rule could significantly affect a substantial 
number of small entities, we consider the number of small entities 
affected within particular types of economic activities (e.g., housing 
development, grazing, oil and gas production, timber harvesting). We 
apply the ``substantial number'' test individually to each industry to 
determine if certification is appropriate. However, the SBREFA does not 
explicitly define ``substantial number'' or ``significant economic 
impact.'' Consequently, to assess whether a ``substantial number'' of 
small entities is affected by this designation, this analysis considers 
the relative number of small entities likely to be impacted in an area. 
In some circumstances, especially with critical habitat designations of 
limited extent, we may aggregate across all industries and consider 
whether the total number of small entities affected is substantial. In 
estimating the number of small entities potentially affected, we also 
consider whether their activities have any Federal involvement.
    Designation of critical habitat only affects activities conducted, 
funded, or permitted by Federal agencies. Some kinds of activities are 
unlikely to have any Federal involvement and so will not be affected by 
critical habitat designation. In areas where the species is present, 
Federal agencies already are

[[Page 77992]]

required to consult with us under section 7 of the Act on activities 
they fund, permit, or implement that may affect Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides. Federal agencies also must consult 
with us if their activities may affect critical habitat. Therefore, 
designation of critical habitat could result in an additional economic 
impact on small entities due to the requirement to reinitiate 
consultation for ongoing Federal activities.
    In our economic analysis of the critical habitat designation, we 
evaluated the potential economic effects on small business entities and 
small governments resulting from conservation actions related to the 
listing of these species and proposed designation of their critical 
habitat. The activities affected by Astragalus holmgreniorum or A. 
ampullarioides may include land development, transportation and utility 
operations, and conservation on public and Tribal lands. The economic 
analysis identifies potential costs estimated to range between $9.3 and 
$14.7 million, in undiscounted 2006 dollars, over a 20-year period from 
2006 to 2025. In discounted terms, potential post-designation economic 
costs are estimated to range between $9.0 and $13.6 million (using a 3 
percent discount rate) or between $8.7 and $12.7 million (using a 7 
percent discount rate).
    More than 98 percent of the prospective economic costs (based on 
upper-bound future undiscounted cost figures) associated with 
conservation activities for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides are expected to be borne by Federal agencies (primarily 
BLM) and State departments of transportation. Thus, impacts to land 
development (i.e., BLM land disposal) and transportation and utilities 
operations (i.e., Western and Southern Corridor projects) are not 
expected to affect small entities. Therefore, we do not believe that 
the designation of critical habitat for the A. holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides will result in disproportionate effect to small business 
entities. Please refer to our draft economic analysis for the proposed 
critical habitat designation for a more detailed discussion of 
potential economic impacts.
    In general, two different mechanisms in section 7 consultations 
could lead to additional regulatory requirements for the approximately 
four small businesses, on average, that may be required to consult with 
us each year regarding their project's impact on Astragalus 
holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides and their habitat. First, if we 
conclude, in a biological opinion, that a proposed action is likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of a species or adversely modify its 
critical habitat, we can offer ``reasonable and prudent alternatives.'' 
Reasonable and prudent alternatives are alternative actions that can be 
implemented in a manner consistent with the scope of the Federal 
agency's legal authority and jurisdiction, that are economically and 
technologically feasible, and that would avoid jeopardizing the 
continued existence of listed species or result in adverse modification 
of critical habitat. A Federal agency and an applicant may elect to 
implement a reasonable and prudent alternative associated with a 
biological opinion that has found jeopardy or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. An agency or applicant could alternatively choose to 
seek an exemption from the requirements of the Act or proceed without 
implementing the reasonable and prudent alternative. However, unless an 
exemption were obtained, the Federal agency or applicant would be at 
risk of violating section 7(a)(2) of the Act if it chose to proceed 
without implementing the reasonable and prudent alternatives.
    Second, if we find that a proposed action is not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of a listed animal or plant species, 
we may identify reasonable and prudent measures designed to minimize 
the amount or extent of take and require the Federal agency or 
applicant to implement such measures through non-discretionary terms 
and conditions. We also may identify discretionary conservation 
recommendations designed to minimize or avoid the adverse effects of a 
proposed action on listed species or critical habitat, help implement 
recovery plans, or to develop information that could contribute to the 
recovery of the species.
    Based on our experience with consultations under section 7 of the 
Act for all listed species, virtually all projects, including those 
that, in their initial proposed form, would result in jeopardy or 
adverse modification determinations in section 7 consultations, can be 
implemented successfully with, at most, the adoption of reasonable and 
prudent alternatives. These measures, by definition, must be 
economically feasible and within the scope of authority of the Federal 
agency involved in the consultation. We can only describe the general 
kinds of actions that may be identified in future reasonable and 
prudent alternatives. These are based on our understanding of the needs 
of the species and the threats it faces, as described in the final 
listing rule and this critical habitat designation. Within the final 
critical habitat units, the types of Federal actions or authorized 
activities that we have identified as potential concerns are:
    (1) Regulation of activities affecting waters of the United States 
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean 
Water Act;
    (2) Regulation of water flows, damming, diversion, and 
channelization implemented or licensed by Federal agencies;
    (3) Regulation of timber harvest, grazing, mining, and recreation 
by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM;
    (4) Road construction and maintenance, right-of-way designation, 
and regulation of agricultural activities;
    (5) Hazard mitigation and post-disaster repairs funded by the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
    (6) Activities funded by the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. 
Department of Energy, or any other Federal agency.
    It is likely that a developer or other project proponent could 
modify a project or take measures to protect Astragalus holmgreniorum 
and A. ampullarioides. The kinds of actions that may be included if 
future reasonable and prudent alternatives become necessary include 
conservation set-asides, management of competing nonnative species, 
restoration of degraded habitat, and regular monitoring. These are 
based on our understanding of the needs of the species and the threats 
it faces, as described in the final listing rule (66 FR 49560, 
September 28, 2001)and proposed critical habitat designation (71 FR 
15966, March 29, 2006). These measures are not likely to result in a 
significant economic impact to project proponents.
    In summary, we have considered whether this would result in a 
significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities. 
We have determined, for the above reasons and based on currently 
available information, that it is not likely to affect a substantial 
number of small entities. Federal involvement, and thus section 7 
consultations, would be limited to a subset of the area designated. The 
most likely Federal involvement could include permits we may issue 
under section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Act, FHWA funding for road 
improvements, and regulation of grazing, mining, and recreation by the 
USFS and BLM. A regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.

[[Page 77993]]

Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (5 U.S.C 801 et 
seq.)

    Under SBREFA, this rule is not a major rule. Our detailed 
assessment of the economic effects of this designation is described in 
the economic analysis. Based on the effects identified in the economic 
analysis, we believe that this rule will not have an annual effect on 
the economy of $100 million or more; will not cause a major increase in 
costs or prices for consumers; and will not have significant adverse 
effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, 
innovation, or the ability of U. S.-based enterprises to compete with 
foreign-based enterprises. Refer to the final economic analysis for a 
discussion of the effects of this determination.

Executive Order 13211

    On May 18, 2001, the President issued Executive Order 13211 on 
regulations that significantly affect energy supply, distribution, and 
use. Executive Order 13211 requires agencies to prepare Statements of 
Energy Effects when undertaking certain actions. This final rule to 
designate critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. 
ampullarioides is not expected 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.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)

    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, 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 Tribal governments'' with two 
exceptions. It excludes ``a condition of federal assistance.'' It also 
excludes ``a duty 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 Tribal 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 who receive Federal 
funding, assistance, permits or 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 
on to State governments.
    (b) We do not believe that this rule will significantly or uniquely 
affect small governments because it will not produce a Federal mandate 
of $100 million or greater in any year. It is not a ``significant 
regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The 
designation of critical habitat imposes no obligations on State or 
local governments. As such, Small Government Agency Plan is not 
required.

Federalism

    In accordance with Executive Order 13132, the rule does not have 
significant Federalism effects. A Federalism assessment is not 
required. In keeping with the Department of the Interior and Department 
of Commerce policy, we requested information from, and coordinated 
development of, this final critical habitat designation with 
appropriate State resource agencies in Arizona and Utah. The 
designation of critical habitat in areas currently occupied by the 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides may impose nominal 
additional regulatory restrictions to those currently in place and, 
therefore, may have little incremental impact on State and local 
governments and their activities. The designation may have some benefit 
to these governments in that the areas that contain the features 
essential to the conservation of the species are more clearly defined, 
and the primary constituent elements of the habitat necessary to the 
conservation of the species are specifically identified. While making 
this definition and identification does not alter where and what 
federally sponsored activities may occur, it may assist these local 
governments in long-range planning (rather than waiting for case-by-
case section 7 consultations to occur).

Civil Justice Reform

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988, 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 are designating critical habitat in accordance with 
the provisions of the Act. This final rule 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 Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

    This rule does not contain any new collections of information that 
require approval by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act. 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

    It is our position that, outside the Tenth Circuit, we do not need 
to prepare environmental analyses as defined by NEPA 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

[[Page 77994]]

(48 FR 49244). This assertion was upheld in the courts of the Ninth 
Circuit (Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 F. 3d 1495 (9th Cir. Ore. 1995), 
cert. denied 116 S. Ct. 698 (1996).]. However, when the range of the 
species includes States within the Tenth Circuit, such as that of 
Astragalus holmgreniorum and A. ampullarioides, pursuant to the Tenth 
Circuit ruling in Catron County Board of Commissioners v. U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, 75 F. 3d 1429 (10th Cir. 1996), we conducted a NEPA 
analysis for this critical habitat designation, and we notified the 
public of the availability of the draft environmental assessment for 
the proposed rule on September 26, 2006 (71 FR 56085). The final 
environmental assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact is 
available upon request from the Field Supervisor, Utah Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section) or on our Web site at http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/species/plants/milkvetche/index.htm.

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), Executive Order 13175, and the Department 
of 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.
    Tribal lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiute Indians (Tribe) 
included in the proposed designation included 240 ac (97 ha) of Unit 2 
for Astragalus ampullarioides. The Shivwits Band of Paiutes Management 
Plan for Astragalus ampullarioides was signed by Chairman Glenn Rogers 
on September 18, 2006. We determined that the management plan, and the 
conservation actions it includes, provide greater protection than 
critical habitat designation would provide; therefore, this unit is 
excluded from critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.

References Cited

    A complete list of all references cited in this rulemaking is 
available upon request from the Field Supervisor, Utah Fish and 
Wildlife Office (see ADDRESSES section).

Author(s)

    The primary author of this package is Heather Barnes, Utah Fish and 
Wildlife Office, Salt Lake City, Utah.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Regulation Promulgation

0
Accordingly, we amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title 50 of 
the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 17--[AMENDED]

0
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.


0
2. In Sec.  17.12(h), revise the entries for ``Astragalus 
ampullarioides'' and ``Astragalus holmgreniorum'' under ``FLOWERING 
PLANTS'' in the List of Threatened and Endangered Plants to read as 
follows:


Sec.  17.12  Endangered and threatened plants.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Species
--------------------------------------------------------    Historic range           Family            Status      When listed    Critical     Special
         Scientific name                Common name                                                                               habitat       rules
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Flowering Plants
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Astragalus ampullarioides........  Shivwits milk-vetch.  U.S.A. (UT)........  Fabaceae...........  E                       711     17.96(a)           NA
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
Astragalus holmgreniorum.........  Holmgren milk-vetch.  U.S.A. (UT, AZ)....  Fabaceae...........  E                       711     17.96(a)           NA
 
                                                                      * * * * * * *
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.96(a), by adding entries for Astragalus 
ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch) and Astragalus holmgreniorum 
(Holmgren milk-vetch) in alphabetical order under family Fabaceae to 
read as follows:


Sec.  17.96  Critical habitat--plants.

    (a) Flowering plants.
* * * * *
Family Fabaceae: Astragalus ampullarioides (Shivwits milk-vetch)
    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Washington County, 
Utah, on the maps and as described below.
    (2) Within these areas, the primary constituent elements of 
critical habitat for Astragalus ampullarioides are:
    (i) Outcroppings of soft clay soil, which is often purplish red, 
within the Chinle Formation and the Dinosaur Canyon Member of the 
Moenave Formation, at elevations from 920 to 1,330 m (3,018 to 4,367 
ft);
    (ii) Topographic features/relief, including alluvial fans and fan 
terraces, and gently rolling to steep swales with little to moderate 
slope (3 to 24 percent), that are often markedly dissected by water 
flow pathways from seasonal precipitation; and
    (iii) The presence of insect visitors or pollinators, such as 
Anthophora captognatha, A. damnersi, A. porterae, other Anthophora 
species, Eucera quadricincta, Bombus morrissonis, Hoplitis grinnelli, 
Osmia clarescens, O. marginata, O. titus, O. clavescens, and two types 
of Dialictus species.
    (3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures existing 
on the effective date of this rule and not containing one or more of 
the primary constituent elements, such as buildings, aqueducts, 
airports, and roads, and the land on which such structures are located.
    (4) Data layers defining map units were an electronic base map of 
USGS 7.5' quadrangles projected to the UTM coordinate system, Zone 12 
NAD 83. Ancillary data used to help refine the unit boundaries included 
Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQs); National Agricultural Imagery 
Program (NAIP); cadastral land survey

[[Page 77995]]

(Township, Range, and Section); soils data; and the 1:24,000 Utah water 
courses data set. Critical habitat units were delineated through heads-
up digitizing in a Geographic Information System.
    (5) Note: Index map (Map 1--A. ampullarioides) follows:


[[Page 77996]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27DE06.106

BILLING CODE 4310-55-C

[[Page 77997]]

    (6) Unit 1--Pahcoon Spring Wash, Washington County, Utah.
    (i) Land bounded by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates 
(meters E, meters N): 250963, 4122043; 250963, 4122040; 250559, 
4122052; 250165, 4122063; 250165, 4122075; 250165, 4122352; 250165, 
4122466; 250165, 4122731; 250176, 4122731; 250580, 4122731; 250965, 
4122731; 250965, 4122442; 250965, 4122331; 250965, 4122107; 250963, 
4122047; 250963, 4122043.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 1 (Map 2--A. ampullarioides) follows:
BILLING CODE 4310-55-P

[[Page 77998]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR27DE06.107

BILLING CODE 4310-55-C

[[Page 77999]]

    (7) Unit 3--Coral Canyon, Washington County, Utah.
    (i) Land bounded by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates 
(meters E, meters N): 283348, 4114931; 283341, 4114729; 283341, 
4114729; 283335, 4114525; 283335, 4114523; 283334, 4114481; 283329, 
4114332; 283328, 4114322; 283139, 4114327; 283138, 4114327; 283129, 
4114327; 282929, 4114333; 282929, 4114331; 282529, 4114339; 282533, 
4114481; 282539, 4114493; 282547, 4114508; 282551, 4114511; 282560, 
4114522; 282589, 4114545; 282595, 4114551; 282611, 4114559; 282622, 
4114567; 282630, 4114573; 282640, 4114580; 282649, 4114587; 282658, 
4114593; 282665, 4114594; 282674, 4114599; 282679, 4114605; 282680, 
4114612; 282680, 4114617; 282680, 4114622; 282683, 4114624; 282700, 
4114627; 282712, 4114631; 282724, 4114639; 282732, 4114646; 282743, 
4114651; 282754, 4114659; 282764, 4114668; 282768, 4114679; 282776, 
4114689; 282786, 4114697; 282797, 4114705; 282801, 4114711; 282805, 
4114717; 282805, 4114717; 282808, 4114726; 282812, 4114736; 282814, 
4114750; 282822, 4114760; 282828, 4114767; 282837, 4114767; 282846, 
4114767; 282856, 4114763; 282862, 4114753; 282867, 4114741; 282877, 
4114737; 282895, 4114740; 282905, 4114747; 282914, 4114759; 282921, 
4114771; 282931, 4114782; 282932, 4114789; 282936, 4114796; 282943, 
4114800; 282943, 4114800; 282951, 4114800; 282959, 4114796; 282961, 
4114796; 282967, 4114797; 282972, 4114803; 282975, 4114812; 282984, 
4114820; 282992, 4114825; 282996, 4114827; 283013, 4114831; 283027, 
4114839; 283030, 4114841; 283043, 4114849; 283060, 4114856; 283075, 
4114862; 283082, 4114868; 283086, 4114880; 283090, 4114890; 283092, 
4114901; 283097, 4114907; 283106, 4114918; 283115, 4114923; 283135, 
4114927; 283154, 4114928; 283161, 4114922; 283179, 4114931; 283185, 
4114936; 283186, 4114936; 283186, 4114936; 283348, 4114933; 283348, 
4114931.
    (8) Unit 4--Harrisburg Junction, Washington County, Utah.
    (i) Unit 4 is divided into two subunits: 4a, Harrisburg Bench and 
Cottonwood, and 4b, Silver Reef.
    (ii) Unit 4a Harrisburg Bench and Cottonwood. Land bounded by the 
following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, meters N): 285767, 
4118407; 285767, 4118468; 285767, 4118584; 285767, 4118777; 285767, 
4118911; 285767, 4119177; 285833, 4119177; 286237, 4119177; 286419, 
4119177; 286641, 4119177; 287098, 4119177; 287267, 4119177; 287267, 
4118771; 287267, 4118377; 287074, 4118377; 286948, 4118377; 286948, 
4118377; 286556, 4118377; 286150, 4118377; 285767, 4118377; 285767, 
4118407.
    (iii) Unit 4b--Silver Reef. Land bounded by the following UTM Zone 
12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, meters N): 287073, 4121370; 287074, 
4121376; 287074, 4121402; 287085, 4121418; 287093, 4121441; 287126, 
4121474; 287152, 4121505; 287171, 4121542; 287187, 4121566; 287209, 
4121591; 287226, 4121621; 287251, 4121651; 287273, 4121682; 287299, 
4121713; 287324, 4121742; 287349, 4121773; 287375, 4121800; 287406, 
4121836; 287448, 4121887; 287480, 4121919; 287514, 4121962; 287526, 
4121985; 287552, 4122029; 287550, 4122030; 287560, 4122040; 287572, 
4122052; 287587, 4122079; 287600, 4122106; 287618, 4122133; 287637, 
4122165; 287643, 4122195; 287660, 4122216; 287676, 4122260; 287696, 
4122297; 287711, 4122329; 287729, 4122354; 287752, 4122375; 287771, 
4122405; 287782, 4122433; 287799, 4122474; 287840, 4122544; 287862, 
4122588; 287886, 4122629; 287902, 4122644; 287918, 4122663; 287930, 
4122682; 287942, 4122698; 287952, 4122710; 287962, 4122727; 287983, 
4122757; 288026, 4122808; 288046, 4122837; 288063, 4122855; 288091, 
4122887; 288115, 4122916; 288144, 4122939; 288169, 4122966; 288196, 
4122989; 288225, 4123018; 288245, 4123040; 288270, 4123059; 288294, 
4123079; 288311, 4123104; 288320, 4123126; 288337, 4123142; 288352, 
4123154; 288369, 4123171; 288382, 4123179; 288395, 4123199; 288409, 
4123223; 288428, 4123238; 288452, 4123249; 288461, 4123256; 288462, 
4123255; 288480, 4123271; 288489, 4123286; 288500, 4123293; 288506, 
4123303; 288521, 4123312; 288538, 4123330; 288562, 4123347; 288579, 
4123361; 288589, 4123375; 288601, 4123392; 288815, 4123379; 288802, 
4122943; 288787, 4122380; 288763, 4122359; 288718, 4122320; 288681, 
4122286; 288661, 4122267; 288596, 4122213; 288536, 4122161; 288525, 
4122149; 288449, 4122071; 288403, 4122026; 288368, 4121997; 288368, 
4121992; 288367, 4121992; 288333, 4121955; 288302, 4121916; 288278, 
4121891; 288268, 4121875; 288227, 4121827; 288198, 4121792; 288167, 
4121757; 288139, 4121723; 288120, 4121697; 288089, 4121658; 288065, 
4121628; 288012, 4121559; 287980, 4121512; 287955, 4121466; 287927, 
4121426; 287875, 4121352; 287875, 4121352; 287747, 4121144; 287668, 
4121023; 287557, 4120848; 287483, 4120730; 287443, 4120762; 287421, 
4120790; 287397, 4120822; 287376, 4120836; 287353, 4120857; 287329, 
4120875; 287309, 4120895; 287292, 4120917; 287290, 4120944; 287289, 
4120970; 287281, 4120992; 287269, 4121010; 287246, 4121028; 287220, 
4121039; 287195, 4121055; 287175, 4121069; 287157, 4121078; 287142, 
4121100; 287135, 4121122; 287121, 4121134; 287086, 4121149; 287069, 
4121153; 287050, 4121175; 287018, 4121205; 286995, 4121229; 287002, 
4121239; 287012, 4121264; 287023, 4121292; 287038, 4121310; 287050, 
4121326; 287058, 4121342; 287068, 4121359; 287073, 4121370.
    (iv) Note: Map of Units 3 and 4 (Map 3--A. ampullarioides) follows:

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    (9) Unit 5--Zion, Washington County, Utah.
    (i) Land bounded by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates 
(meters E, meters N): 317424, 4119663; 317442, 4119650; 317463, 
4119652; 317502, 4119660; 317526, 4119660; 317568, 4119660; 317617, 
4119660; 317626, 4119660; 317657, 4119660; 317685, 4119660; 317722, 
4119650; 317756, 4119634; 317780, 4119629; 317798, 4119616; 317821, 
4119592; 317829, 4119566; 317811, 4119556; 317793, 4119548; 317787, 
4119530; 317800, 4119519; 317832, 4119519; 317863, 4119511; 317884, 
4119503; 317916, 4119503; 317939, 4119503; 317963, 4119509; 317984, 
4119506; 317986, 4119485; 317963, 4119477; 317942, 4119464; 317926, 
4119451; 317900, 4119443; 317874, 4119430; 317855, 4119412; 317848, 
4119404; 317816, 4119383; 317790, 4119362; 317790, 4119341; 317866, 
4119330; 317932, 4119325; 317978, 4119300; 318003, 4119280; 318018, 
4119262; 318039, 4119239; 318064, 4119219; 318115, 4119208; 318141, 
4119225; 318163, 4119236; 318191, 4119236; 318215, 4119236; 318250, 
4119218; 318274, 4119194; 318296, 4119173; 318331, 4119144; 318362, 
4119105; 318388, 4119083; 318416, 4119051; 318416, 4119050; 318437, 
4119003; 318431, 4118998; 318414, 4118984; 318413, 4118983; 318402, 
4118958; 318404, 4118939; 318401, 4118929; 318359, 4118934; 318323, 
4118938; 318305, 4118929; 318295, 4118913; 318300, 4118893; 318302, 
4118873; 318297, 4118860; 318288, 4118839; 318285, 4118813; 318292, 
4118782; 318302, 4118763; 318326, 4118737; 318342, 4118709; 318363, 
4118699; 318382, 4118681; 318408, 4118659; 318413, 4118655; 318439, 
4118628; 318454, 4118612; 318457, 4118595; 318458, 4118591; 318466, 
4118577; 318482, 4118572; 318511, 4118557; 318541, 4118553; 318574, 
4118567; 318592, 4118592; 318595, 4118595; 318600, 4118600; 318615, 
4118596; 318624, 4118591; 318633, 4118586; 318648, 4118584; 318652, 
4118555; 318659, 4118531; 318671, 4118513; 318700, 4118493; 318724, 
4118482; 318745, 4118494; 318759, 4118489; 318781, 4118486; 318785, 
4118472; 318787, 4118444; 318788, 4118415; 318799, 4118396; 318805, 
4118391; 318816, 4118384; 318830, 4118385; 318840, 4118359; 318852, 
4118337; 318873, 4118323; 318884, 4118333; 318891, 4118344; 318899, 
4118347; 318911, 4118337; 318929, 4118337; 318942, 4118333; 318960, 
4118311; 318989, 4118302; 319024, 4118281; 319086, 4118247; 319114, 
4118236; 319136, 4118223; 319168, 4118205; 319185, 4118207; 319203, 
4118186; 319211, 4118178; 319233, 4118150; 319254, 4118143; 319275, 
4118143; 319301, 4118129; 319320, 4118117; 319346, 4118108; 319365, 
4118107; 319367, 4118093; 319380, 4118086; 319398, 4118089; 319406, 
4118094; 319422, 4118093; 319441, 4118089; 319448, 4118084; 319441, 
4118072; 319427, 4118055; 319424, 4118022; 319406, 4117985; 319399, 
4117972; 319406, 4117963; 319412, 4117953; 319403, 4117944; 319398, 
4117932; 319386, 4117914; 319377, 4117904; 319363, 4117889; 319354, 
4117875; 319330, 4117859; 319322, 4117849; 319325, 4117831; 319313, 
4117821; 319306, 4117804; 319297, 4117797; 319296, 4117786; 319287, 
4117767; 319271, 4117740; 319266, 4117717; 319261, 4117708; 319242, 
4117696; 319228, 4117677; 319230, 4117638; 319226, 4117613; 319191, 
4117588; 319183, 4117582; 319136, 4117546; 319097, 4117525; 319077, 
4117508; 319064, 4117496; 319046, 4117478; 319034, 4117459; 319032, 
4117444; 319048, 4117432; 319064, 4117426; 319074, 4117414; 319083, 
4117393; 319098, 4117380; 319111, 4117373; 319124, 4117366; 319140, 
4117355; 319154, 4117338; 319169, 4117324; 319186, 4117322; 319192, 
4117321; 319214, 4117321; 319235, 4117303; 319266, 4117283; 319311, 
4117267; 319325, 4117267; 319349, 4117286; 319373, 4117310; 319403, 
4117310; 319420, 4117305; 319444, 4117305; 319467, 4117312; 319488, 
4117302; 319503, 4117290; 319528, 4117277; 319548, 4117272; 319559, 
4117253; 319579, 4117241; 319588, 4117236; 319602, 4117219; 319616, 
4117201; 319640, 4117194; 319676, 4117186; 319711, 4117175; 319744, 
4117170; 319768, 4117167; 319779, 4117186; 319784, 4117212; 319792, 
4117231; 319799, 4117239; 319803, 4117250; 319801, 4117269; 319811, 
4117291; 319825, 4117295; 319853, 4117284; 319884, 4117276; 319924, 
4117271; 319932, 4117194; 319932, 4115820; 319477, 4115828; 319472, 
4115839; 319456, 4115857; 319430, 4115867; 319420, 4115875; 319400, 
4115900; 319389, 4115914; 319375, 4115927; 319364, 4115937; 319335, 
4115955; 319304, 4115970; 319283, 4116007; 319277, 4116039; 319270, 
4116053; 319244, 4116059; 319204, 4116078; 319199, 4116088; 319196, 
4116102; 319206, 4116133; 319200, 4116153; 319192, 4116158; 319161, 
4116165; 319160, 4116165; 319145, 4116168; 319102, 4116170; 319070, 
4116193; 319043, 4116229; 319038, 4116241; 319012, 4116257; 318992, 
4116260; 318972, 4116264; 318946, 4116267; 318926, 4116269; 318899, 
4116278; 318885, 4116285; 318864, 4116300; 318853, 4116320; 318825, 
4116334; 318803, 4116335; 318781, 4116339; 318771, 4116349; 318763, 
4116357; 318741, 4116381; 318714, 4116402; 318691, 4116415; 318681, 
4116421; 318648, 4116428; 318630, 4116430; 318605, 4116436; 318580, 
4116447; 318557, 4116468; 318533, 4116502; 318515, 4116537; 318502, 
4116567; 318493, 4116581; 318484, 4116598; 318472, 4116625; 318459, 
4116654; 318425, 4116681; 318411, 4116690; 318389, 4116707; 318369, 
4116721; 318367, 4116722; 318349, 4116737; 318336, 4116749; 318324, 
4116751; 318305, 4116753; 318276, 4116753; 318243, 4116758; 318203, 
4116764; 318171, 4116769; 318131, 4116774; 318101, 4116776; 318068, 
4116786; 318050, 4116797; 318038, 4116811; 318026, 4116827; 318013, 
4116842; 317975, 4116888; 317971, 4116896; 317947, 4116937; 317935, 
4116966; 317931, 4116989; 317934, 4116995; 317940, 4117008; 317955, 
4117020; 317968, 4117037; 317974, 4117053; 317975, 4117056; 317991, 
4117076; 318001, 4117089; 318014, 4117099; 318023, 4117135; 318033, 
4117158; 318044, 4117194; 318051, 4117215; 318076, 4117245; 318093, 
4117271; 318109, 4117301; 318118, 4117319; 318119, 4117336; 318119, 
4117365; 318111, 4117389; 318110, 4117394; 318109, 4117408; 318105, 
4117429; 318094, 4117451; 318081, 4117476; 318070, 4117488; 318070, 
4117505; 318063, 4117524; 318062, 4117542; 318072, 4117558; 318078, 
4117577; 318081, 4117600; 318101, 4117620; 318112, 4117636; 318098, 
4117660; 318090, 4117680; 318085, 4117688; 318080, 4117694; 318074, 
4117703; 318058, 4117713; 318048, 4117719; 318036, 4117737; 318033, 
4117751; 318033, 4117762; 318035, 4117771; 318037, 4117779; 318034, 
4117796; 318033, 4117798; 318026, 4117816; 318017, 4117838; 318010, 
4117851; 317999, 4117870; 317990, 4117882; 317988, 4117886; 317980, 
4117897; 317958, 4117918; 317946, 4117929; 317935, 4117935; 317924, 
4117939; 317907, 4117945; 317889, 4117949; 317875, 4117952; 317862, 
4117956; 317853, 4117959; 317836, 4117964; 317819, 4117970; 317803, 
4117976; 317785, 4117984; 317773, 4117988; 317759, 4117991; 317749, 
4117993; 317738, 4117995; 317729, 4117997; 317713, 4118000; 317698, 
4118003; 317689, 4118005; 317671, 4118014; 317652, 4118025; 317639, 
4118033; 317630, 4118040; 317613, 4118053; 317598, 4118064; 317592, 
4118070;

[[Page 78002]]

317588, 4118073; 317584, 4118077; 317580, 4118081; 317573, 4118089; 
317568, 4118095; 317559, 4118107; 317551, 4118119; 317545, 4118127; 
317538, 4118138; 317534, 4118144; 317527, 4118154; 317522, 4118160; 
317513, 4118170; 317505, 4118184; 317507, 4118198; 317509, 4118201; 
317513, 4118207; 317517, 4118211; 317520, 4118214; 317523, 4118221; 
317527, 4118230; 317528, 4118240; 317527, 4118248; 317527, 4118254; 
317526, 4118262; 317524, 4118272; 317524, 4118278; 317523, 4118286; 
317521, 4118297; 317520, 4118307; 317518, 4118315; 317516, 4118328; 
317513, 4118336; 317508, 4118347; 317505, 4118353; 317497, 4118365; 
317489, 4118374; 317481, 4118385; 317473, 4118393; 317468, 4118398; 
317456, 4118414; 317448, 4118423; 317439, 4118433; 317428, 4118444; 
317417, 4118453; 317404, 4118461; 317395, 4118467; 317389, 4118471; 
317378, 4118475; 317372, 4118478; 317355, 4118483; 317346, 4118486; 
317326, 4118486; 317309, 4118485; 317293, 4118485; 317268, 4118485; 
317240, 4118485; 317217, 4118482; 317198, 4118479; 317192, 4118478; 
317175, 4118478; 317153, 4118482; 317117, 4118499; 317097, 4118505; 
317070, 4118511; 317046, 4118515; 317021, 4118518; 317006, 4118521; 
316995, 4118526; 317002, 4118540; 317023, 4118576; 317032, 4118611; 
317031, 4118626; 317029, 4118655; 317019, 4118696; 317011, 4118739; 
317011, 4118764; 317025, 4118791; 317039, 4118815; 317040, 4118842; 
317056, 4118883; 317077, 4118919; 317100, 4118965; 317110, 4119005; 
317120, 4119027; 317121, 4119029; 317140, 4119063; 317144, 4119072; 
317144, 4119080; 317144, 4119116; 317144, 4119137; 317141, 4119189; 
317133, 4119226; 317136, 4119291; 317144, 4119346; 317162, 4119383; 
317181, 4119420; 317186, 4119427; 317196, 4119441; 317201, 4119464; 
317199, 4119477; 317183, 4119477; 317162, 4119475; 317147, 4119475; 
317128, 4119490; 317128, 4119501; 317126, 4119519; 317126, 4119553; 
317133, 4119600; 317144, 4119616; 317154, 4119645; 317181, 4119668; 
317212, 4119671; 317224, 4119672; 317259, 4119676; 317290, 4119676; 
317366, 4119689; 317395, 4119692; 317403, 4119684; 317424, 4119663.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 5 (Map 4--A. ampullioides) follows:

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* * * * *
Family Fabaceae: Astragalus holmgreniorum (Holmgren milk-vetch)
    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Mohave County, Arizona, 
and Washington County, Utah, on the maps and as described below.
    (2) Within these areas, the primary constituent elements of 
critical habitat for Astragalus holmgreniorum are:
    (i) Appropriate geological layers or soils that support individual 
Astragalus holmgreniorum plants. These include the Virgin Limestone 
member, middle red member, and upper red member of the Moenkopi 
Formation, and the Petrified Forest member of the Chinle Formation. 
Associated soils are Badland; Badland, very steep; Eroded land-Shalet 
complex, warm; Hobog-rock land association; Isom cobbly sandy loam; 
Ruesh very gravelly fine sandy loam; Gypill Hobog complex, 6 to 35 
percent slopes; Gypill very cobbly sandy loam, 15 to 40 percent slopes; 
and Hobog-Grapevine complex, 2 to 35 percent slopes;
    (ii) Topographic features/relief (mesas, ridge remnants, alluvial 
fans and fan terraces, their summits and backslopes, and gently rolling 
to steep swales) and the drainage areas along formation edges with 
little to moderate slope (0 to 20 percent); and
    (iii) The presence of insect visitors or pollinators, such as 
Anthophora captognatha, A. damnersi, A. porterae, other Anthophora 
species, Eucera quadricincta, Omia titus, and two types of Dialictus 
species.
    (3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures existing 
on the effective date of this rule and not containing one or more of 
the primary constituent elements, such as buildings, aqueducts, 
airports, and roads, and the land on which such structures are located.
    (4) Data layers defining map units were an electronic base map of 
USGS 7.5' quadrangles projected to the UTM coordinate system, Zone 12 
NAD 83. Ancillary data used to help refine the unit boundaries included 
Digital Orthophoto Quadrangles (DOQs); National Agricultural Imagery 
Program (NAIP); cadastral land survey (Township, Range, and Section); 
soils data; and the 1:24,000 Utah water courses data set. Critical 
habitat units were delineated through heads-up digitizing in a 
Geographic Information System.
    (5) Note: Index map (Map 1--A. holmgreniorum) follows:
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    (6) Unit 1--Utah-Arizona Border, Mohave County, Arizona, and 
Washington County, Utah. This unit consists of three subunits: State 
Line, Gardner Well, and Central Valley.
    (i) Unit 1a--State Line, Washington County, Utah. Land bounded by 
the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, meters N): 
263931,4098206; 263933,4100207; 264297,4100206; 264324,4100152; 
264361,4100090; 264389,4100059; 264420,4100041; 264445,4100041; 
264486,4100066; 264528,4100107; 264560,4100151; 264578,4100184; 
264588,4100206; 264599,4100221; 264614,4100232; 264631,4100246; 
264647,4100256; 264657,4100269; 264663,4100289; 264669,4100308; 
264663,4100349; 264653,4100399; 264639,4100426; 264620,4100454; 
264601,4100482; 264579,4100527; 264568,4100555; 264563,4100578; 
264555,4100596; 264540,4100617; 264530,4100643; 264509,4100682; 
264486,4100742; 264483,4100793; 264481,4100853; 264483,4100885; 
264494,4100904; 264505,4100920; 264518,4100937; 264524,4100963; 
264537,4101013; 264553,4101091; 264563,4101143; 264565,4101160; 
264574,4101176; 264581,4101197; 264594,4101236; 264603,4101265; 
264616,4101294; 264636,4101316; 264655,4101327; 264685,4101328; 
264713,4101321; 264745,4101296; 264792,4101262; 264831,4101225; 
264867,4101180; 264895,4101133; 264906,4101094; 264909,4101006; 
264910,4100916; 264917,4100838; 264918,4100770; 264926,4100713; 
264935,4100694; 264947,4100670; 264959,4100658; 264977,4100648; 
264998,4100642; 265010,4100638; 265032,4100630; 265061,4100626; 
265092,4100626; 265118,4100629; 265151,4100647; 265170,4100667; 
265187,4100692; 265205,4100736; 265221,4100782; 265228,4100802; 
265243,4100832; 265261,4100861; 265292,4100894; 265337,4100917; 
265385,4100947; 265434,4100981; 265464,4100994; 265509,4101009; 
265550,4101020; 265562,4101023; 265609,4101039; 265657,4101057; 
265679,4101062; 265703,4101072; 265716,4101084; 265731,4101105; 
265747,4101116; 265762,4101126; 265769,4101131; 265778,4101141; 
265797,4101160; 265818,4101168; 265834,4101180; 265837,4101186; 
265835,4101202; 265841,4101223; 265846,4101236; 265845,4101253; 
265850,4101262; 265861,4101261; 265871,4101258; 265889,4101257; 
265919,4101271; 265921,4101273; 265916,4101084; 266032,4101081; 
266085,4100924; 266312,4100788; 266347,4100773; 266380,4100795; 
266392,4100805; 266402,4100815; 266442,4100812; 266466,4100750; 
266484,4100740; 266506,4100739; 266547,4100754; 266557,4100762; 
266572,4100761; 266656,4100635; 266665,4100590; 266650,4100540; 
266658,4100460; 266749,4100469; 266793,4100460; 266812,4100450; 
266877,4100411; 266973,4100352; 267038,4100312; 267070,4100300; 
267083,4100299; 267136,4100300; 267163,4100310; 267156,4100330; 
267145,4100361; 267143,4100385; 267145,4100423; 267153,4100456; 
267168,4100452; 267195,4100451; 267221,4100452; 267262,4100461; 
267379,4100492; 267432,4100512; 267626,4100667; 267673,4100704; 
267697,4100726; 267705,4100713; 267722,4100666; 267724,4100661; 
267744,4100607; 267775,4100561; 267814,4100526; 267826,4100519; 
267842,4100508; 267855,4100499; 267906,4100469; 267917,4100463; 
267932,4100459; 267933,4097163; 267933,4096673; 267934,4095506; 
267934,4095144; 267912,4095140; 267892,4095136; 267870,4095127; 
267837,4095084; 267820,4095058; 267798,4095019; 267776,4094979; 
267756,4094951; 267736,4094923; 267722,4094903; 267681,4094881; 
267640,4094875; 267614,4094871; 267519,4094815; 267492,4094810; 
267486,4094849; 267482,4094879; 267480,4094892; 267477,4094916; 
267474,4094940; 267470,4094952; 267463,4094969; 267455,4094989; 
267448,4094998; 267435,4095013; 267425,4095026; 267404,4095040; 
267389,4095051; 267374,4095063; 267363,4095073; 267351,4095083; 
267337,4095095; 267324,4095120; 267310,4095149; 267308,4095176; 
267305,4095199; 267301,4095220; 267298,4095240; 267280,4095257; 
267266,4095272; 267253,4095284; 267230,4095307; 267219,4095318; 
267202,4095340; 267185,4095360; 267169,4095383; 267160,4095397; 
267151,4095419; 267143,4095436; 267140,4095468; 267138,4095492; 
267131,4095517; 267125,4095541; 267114,4095575; 267100,4095615; 
267094,4095640; 267094,4095679; 267095,4095714; 267097,4095762; 
267099,4095790; 267091,4095805; 267079,4095831; 267073,4095855; 
267070,4095877; 267072,4095903; 267087,4095935; 267099,4095962; 
267101,4095985; 267104,4096007; 267106,4096030; 267113,4096063; 
267119,4096088; 267123,4096109; 267148,4096146; 267160,4096155; 
267177,4096168; 267199,4096177; 267217,4096185; 267263,4096207; 
267300,4096219; 267327,4096243; 267349,4096264; 267379,4096289; 
267407,4096313; 267425,4096330; 267454,4096362; 267473,4096383; 
267496,4096415; 267509,4096435; 267502,4096450; 267490,4096461; 
267479,4096471; 267470,4096480; 267454,4096493; 267434,4096509; 
267411,4096525; 267390,4096536; 267371,4096546; 267340,4096566; 
267315,4096583; 267300,4096584; 267280,4096587; 267256,4096590; 
267246,4096591; 267234,4096593; 267214,4096592; 267171,4096591; 
267142,4096590; 267097,4096592; 267052,4096595; 267037,4096610; 
267007,4096638; 266973,4096692; 266897,4096752; 266896,4096752; 
266895,4096753; 266855,4096750; 266800,4096744; 266744,4096736; 
266729,4096740; 266703,4096758; 266682,4096769; 266359,4096909; 
266306,4096995; 266037,4097000; 265906,4097003; 265906,4097003; 
265325,4097015; 265139,4097174; 263931,4098206.
    (ii) Unit 1b--Gardner Well, Washington County, Utah. Land bounded 
by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, meters N): 
271132, 4097585; 271154, 4097406; 271173, 4097277; 271180, 4097203; 
271233, 4097154; 271275, 4097136; 271324, 4097129; 271370, 4097147; 
271416, 4097165; 271451, 4097161; 271493, 4097165; 271518, 4097154; 
271539, 4097133; 271574, 4097094; 271606, 4097055; 271628, 4097040; 
271645, 4097017; 271658, 4096995; 271664, 4096976; 271680, 4096960; 
271693, 4096929; 271698, 4096899; 271700, 4096880; 271702, 4096849; 
271710, 4096825; 271728, 4096800; 271730, 4096782; 271718, 4096747; 
271711, 4096697; 271721, 4096652; 271748, 4096601; 271795, 4096549; 
271831, 4096521; 271866, 4096521; 271885, 4096521; 271913, 4096509; 
271946, 4096509; 271990, 4096511; 272026, 4096514; 272051, 4096521; 
272101, 4096517; 272149, 4096496; 272194, 4096466; 272263, 4096388; 
272301, 4096328; 272317, 4096291; 272341, 4096229; 272356, 4096176; 
272356, 4096098; 272329, 4096025; 272288, 4095973; 272218, 4095916; 
272194, 4095890; 272156, 4095871; 272123, 4095845; 272103, 4095805; 
272089, 4095777; 272089, 4095743; 272099, 4095684; 271975, 4095633; 
271847, 4095582; 271742, 4095579; 271672, 4095582; 271424, 4095648; 
270979, 4095805; 270884, 4095787; 270808, 4095801; 270768, 4095867; 
270702, 4095929; 270640, 4095987; 270574, 4096049; 270560, 4096104; 
270545, 4096159; 270574, 4096184; 270603, 4096202; 270649, 4097638; 
270652, 4097721; 270768, 4097702;

[[Page 78007]]

270830, 4097691; 270873, 4097691; 270906, 4097680; 270950, 4097680; 
270975, 4097676; 271005, 4097654; 271019, 4097640; 271048, 4097651; 
271089, 4097673; 271118, 4097676; 271132, 4097585.
    (iii) Unit 1c--Central Valley, Washington County, Utah. Land 
bounded by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, 
meters N): 268995,4099879; 268995,4099902; 269009,4099933; 
269035,4099958; 269054,4099974; 269076,4099978; 269100,4099987; 
269120,4100000; 269143,4100027; 269162,4100052; 269179,4100082; 
269197,4100110; 269214,4100143; 269244,4100175; 269285,4100198; 
269309,4100212; 269325,4100226; 269361,4100238; 269376,4100258; 
269387,4100289; 269415,4100322; 269432,4100348; 269451,4100367; 
269483,4100384; 269520,4100400; 269553,4100408; 269587,4100423; 
269608,4100437; 269610,4100440; 269616,4100443; 269621,4100439; 
269618,4100426; 269618,4100414; 269612,4100404; 269600,4100387; 
269599,4100386; 269595,4100374; 269584,4100349; 269578,4100326; 
269584,4100309; 269601,4100290; 269620,4100293; 269631,4100312; 
269652,4100322; 269686,4100335; 269715,4100348; 269725,4100348; 
269725,4100348; 269726,4100346; 269740,4100352; 269761,4100358; 
269781,4100365; 269802,4100375; 269827,4100375; 269850,4100375; 
269867,4100375; 269878,4100381; 269886,4100375; 269892,4100361; 
269901,4100351; 269918,4100345; 269930,4100368; 269941,4100404; 
269947,4100436; 269953,4100465; 269950,4100483; 269938,4100504; 
269921,4100530; 269904,4100544; 269901,4100546; 269898,4100546; 
269883,4100553; 269876,4100563; 269883,4100573; 269896,4100577; 
269908,4100586; 269911,4100600; 269905,4100618; 269899,4100631; 
269899,4100645; 269905,4100651; 269918,4100648; 269930,4100642; 
269942,4100634; 269963,4100624; 269971,4100619; 269989,4100621; 
270003,4100625; 270016,4100632; 270033,4100637; 270044,4100637; 
270048,4100633; 270054,4100628; 270054,4100609; 270054,4100603; 
270058,4100593; 270068,4100574; 270083,4100564; 270104,4100564; 
270126,4100573; 270143,4100590; 270152,4100613; 270153,4100628; 
270165,4100639; 270178,4100652; 270178,4100670; 270181,4100693; 
270181,4100699; 270182,4100700; 270182,4100709; 270188,4100712; 
270194,4100707; 270195,4100706; 270196,4100706; 270200,4100693; 
270205,4100677; 270209,4100657; 270215,4100645; 270220,4100639; 
270236,4100635; 270251,4100638; 270269,4100648; 270282,4100652; 
270293,4100652; 270304,4100650; 270311,4100645; 270320,4100639; 
270334,4100639; 270347,4100639; 270358,4100650; 270368,4100655; 
270381,4100655; 270395,4100654; 270415,4100654; 270438,4100654; 
270453,4100660; 270473,4100671; 270500,4100683; 270522,4100697; 
270548,4100712; 270573,4100725; 270594,4100738; 270620,4100755; 
270638,4100762; 270651,4100778; 270667,4100795; 270680,4100808; 
270698,4100829; 270710,4100844; 270723,4100859; 270731,4100875; 
270733,4100886; 270731,4100899; 270723,4100908; 270707,4100915; 
270694,4100921; 270684,4100930; 270672,4100937; 270670,4100941; 
270671,4100941; 270668,4100945; 270663,4100955; 270654,4100962; 
270648,4100970; 270657,4100979; 270682,4101000; 270698,4101012; 
270728,4101030; 270760,4101064; 270786,4101093; 270822,4101114; 
270874,4101145; 270902,4101164; 270969,4101208; 270992,4101223; 
271004,4101223; 271021,4101223; 271044,4101213; 271073,4101206; 
271107,4101198; 271142,4101197; 271154,4101197; 271163,4101206; 
271171,4101222; 271164,4101242; 271160,4101258; 271156,4101275; 
271163,4101287; 271180,4101285; 271192,4101285; 271199,4101299; 
271198,4101309; 271189,4101318; 271182,4101327; 271174,4101342; 
271172,4101370; 271172,4101390; 271182,4101412; 271183,4101421; 
271179,4101435; 271172,4101447; 271166,4101459; 271165,4101472; 
271171,4101481; 271182,4101481; 271204,4101476; 271214,4101485; 
271224,4101496; 271230,4101502; 271243,4101498; 271254,4101491; 
271267,4101491; 271284,4101502; 271293,4101510; 271306,4101510; 
271314,4101522; 271324,4101534; 271331,4101544; 271343,4101555; 
271347,4101569; 271347,4101583; 271355,4101592; 271355,4101601; 
271355,4101611; 271365,4101615; 271378,4101620; 271386,4101628; 
271389,4101641; 271394,4101649; 271410,4101651; 271418,4101660; 
271422,4101672; 271432,4101669; 271445,4101671; 271457,4101679; 
271468,4101689; 271477,4101702; 271484,4101713; 271492,4101726; 
271507,4101717; 271558,4101711; 271681,4101696; 271855,4101690; 
272074,4101690; 272177,4101687; 272181,4101689; 272129,4101534; 
272092,4101397; 271963,4101441; 271943,4101364; 272070,4101319; 
272020,4101140; 271940,4100852; 271861,4100577; 271752,4100334; 
271625,4100053; 271488,4099746; 271377,4099511; 271328,4099394; 
271287,4099296; 271287,4099296; 271227,4099294; 271179,4099296; 
271145,4099296; 271102,4099297; 271061,4099295; 271038,4099287; 
271010,4099268; 270994,4099257; 270977,4099247; 270954,4099236; 
270933,4099226; 270919,4099215; 270904,4099188; 270878,4099136; 
270861,4099099; 270839,4099061; 270817,4099026; 270788,4098984; 
270763,4098959; 270719,4098929; 270691,4098913; 270681,4098912; 
270658,4098879; 270641,4098853; 270628,4098832; 270610,4098812; 
270578,4098812; 270551,4098818; 270521,4098818; 270494,4098824; 
270467,4098835; 270423,4098828; 270401,4098827; 270344,4098826; 
270294,4098830; 270278,4098835; 270237,4098831; 270211,4098825; 
270170,4098825; 270142,4098828; 270099,4098835; 270065,4098845; 
270047,4098849; 270017,4098846; 269993,4098842; 269956,4098843; 
269926,4098850; 269895,4098865; 269858,4098891; 269848,4098904; 
269830,4098908; 269803,4098916; 269782,4098925; 269778,4098934; 
269773,4098948; 269768,4098961; 269754,4098960; 269735,4098947; 
269716,4098933; 269701,4098919; 269690,4098904; 269668,4098898; 
269660,4098901; 269660,4098904; 269645,4098949; 269621,4098990; 
269597,4099027; 269585,4099050; 269554,4099115; 269526,4099169; 
269511,4099201; 269492,4099221; 269478,4099237; 269461,4099295; 
269438,4099355; 269426,4099389; 269412,4099420; 269385,4099469; 
269348,4099524; 269312,4099580; 269301,4099592; 269280,4099605; 
269254,4099620; 269238,4099629; 269220,4099647; 269200,4099687; 
269179,4099734; 269181,4099735; 269178,4099736; 269165,4099747; 
269143,4099759; 269123,4099767; 269097,4099776; 269080,4099783; 
269064,4099801; 269050,4099821; 269032,4099840; 269012,4099858; 
269002,4099866; 268995,4099879.
    (iv) Note: Map of Unit 1 (Map 2--A. holmgreniorum) follows:
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    (7) Unit 2--Santa Clara, Washington County, Utah. This unit 
consists of two subunits: Stucki Spring and South Hills.
    (i) Unit 2a--Stucki Spring, Washington County, Utah. Land bounded 
by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, meters N): 
261650,4109466; 261683,4110718; 262761,4110687; 263214,4109938; 
263203,4109419; 261650,4109466.
    (ii) Unit 2b--South Hills, Washington County, Utah. Land bounded by 
the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates (meters E, meters N): 
263385,4112054; 263932,4112044; 263975,4111990; 264261,4111983; 
263824,4111209; 263504,4111208; 263503,4111213; 263502,4111218; 
263501,4111220; 263498,4111226; 263494,4111234; 263489,4111239; 
263485,4111243; 263481,4111246; 263476,4111248; 263475,4111249; 
263463,4111252; 263462,4111253; 263456,4111254; 263454,4111259; 
263453,4111262; 263447,4111274; 263443,4111280; 263427,4111298; 
263418,4111308; 263413,4111323; 263409,4111337; 263406,4111354; 
263406,4111366; 263406,4111383; 263406,4111386; 263405,4111403; 
263405,4111407; 263402,4111422; 263400,4111427; 263396,4111440; 
263394,4111449; 263395,4111455; 263397,4111460; 263400,4111464; 
263405,4111473; 263406,4111478; 263407,4111479; 263408,4111493; 
263408,4111503; 263406,4111515; 263405,4111516; 263403,4111529; 
263402,4111534; 263407,4111547; 263409,4111553; 263411,4111568; 
263412,4111572; 263413,4111592; 263412,4111597; 263411,4111609; 
263409,4111615; 263407,4111620; 263405,4111624; 263399,4111631; 
263398,4111634; 263397,4111644; 263401,4111660; 263408,4111679; 
263421,4111711; 263422,4111714; 263429,4111738; 263430,4111746; 
263431,4111767; 263431,4111772; 263428,4111792; 263428,4111822; 
263430,4111853; 263429,4111860; 263428,4111865; 263428,4111866; 
263420,4111884; 263419,4111888; 263421,4111904; 263421,4111913; 
263417,4111935; 263416,4111937; 263405,4111976; 263399,4112013; 
263398,4112017; 263390,4112041; 263390,4112042; 263385,4112054.
    (iii) Note: Map of Unit 2 (Map 3--A. holmgreniorum) follows:
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    (8) Unit 3--Purgatory Flat, Washington County, Utah.
    (i) Land bounded by the following UTM Zone 12 NAD 83 coordinates 
(meters E, meters N): 284276, 4114426; 284295, 4114449; 284375, 
4114491; 284510, 4114595; 284590, 4114654; 284617, 4114709; 284659, 
4114733; 284693, 4114759; 284933, 4114429; 284888, 4114391; 283702, 
4113373; 283429, 4113736; 283481, 4113781; 283526, 4113829; 283547, 
4113854; 283592, 4113874; 283640, 4113909; 283672, 4113940; 283737, 
4113995; 283810, 4114065; 283841, 4114096; 283862, 4114110; 283886, 
4114138; 283949, 4114190; 283987, 4114228; 284032, 4114262; 284060, 
4114287; 284098, 4114325; 284139, 4114359; 284276, 4114426.
    (ii) Note: Map of Unit 3 (Map 4--A. holmgreniorum) follows:
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* * * * *

    Dated: December 12, 2006.
Julie MacDonald,
Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks.
[FR Doc. 06-9794 Filed 12-26-06; 8:45 am]
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