Federal Register, Volume 84 Issue 99 (Wednesday, May 22, 2019)

[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 99 (Wednesday, May 22, 2019)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23644-23691]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-10379]

[[Page 23643]]

Vol. 84

Wednesday,

No. 99

May 22, 2019

Part II

Federal Reserve System

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

12 CFR Part 43

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Department of the Interior

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species
Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Neuse River Waterdog and Endangered
Species Status for Carolina Madtom and Proposed Designations of
Critical Habitat; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 84 , No. 99 / Wednesday, May 22, 2019 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 23644]]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092; 4500030113]
RIN 1018-BC28

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce a
12-month finding on a petition to list two North Carolina species, the
Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi) and the Carolina madtom (Noturus
furiosus), as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act
of 1973, as amended (Act). The Neuse River waterdog is an aquatic
salamander. The Carolina madtom is a freshwater fish. After review of
the best available scientific and commercial information, we find that
listing both species is warranted. Accordingly, we propose to list the
Neuse River waterdog as a threatened species with a rule issued under
section 4(d) of the Act (``4(d) rule'') and the Carolina madtom as an
endangered species under the Act. If we finalize this rule as proposed,
it would add these species to the List of Endangered and Threatened
Wildlife and extend the Act's protections to both species. We also
propose to designate critical habitat for both species under the Act.
In total, approximately 738 river miles (1,188 river kilometers) in 16
units in North Carolina fall within the boundaries of the proposed
critical habitat designation for the Neuse River waterdog.
Approximately 257 river miles (414 river kilometers) in 7 units in
North Carolina are being proposed as critical habitat for the Carolina
madtom. Finally, we announce the availability of a draft economic
analysis of the proposed critical habitat designations.

DATES: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before July
22, 2019. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal
eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59
p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for
public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT by July 8, 2019.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092,
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, in the Search
panel on the left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading,
check the Proposed Rules box to locate this document. You may submit a
comment by clicking on ``Comment Now!''
(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public
Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service, MS: BPHC, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
We request that you send comments only by the methods described
above. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide
us (see Public Comments, below, for more information).
Availability of supporting materials: For the critical habitat
designation, the coordinates or plot points or both from which the maps
are generated are included in the administrative record and are
available at https://www.fws.gov/southeast/, at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092, and at the
Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT). Any additional tools or supporting information that we may
develop for the critical habitat designation will also be available at
the Service website and Field Office set out above, and may also be
included in the preamble and/or at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pete Benjamin, Field Supervisor, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office,
551F Pylon Drive, Raleigh, NC 27606; telephone 919-856-4520; or
facsimile 919-856-4556. Persons who use a telecommunications device for
the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Supporting Documents

A species status assessment (SSA) team prepared SSA reports for the
Neuse River waterdog and the Carolina madtom. The SSA team was composed
of Service and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission biologists,
in consultation with other species experts. The SSA reports represent a
compilation of the best scientific and commercial data available
concerning the status of the species, including the impacts of past,
present, and future factors (both negative and beneficial) affecting
each species. Both SSA reports underwent independent peer review by
scientists with expertise in fish or amphibian biology, habitat
management, and stressors (factors negatively affecting the species) to
the species. The SSA reports and other materials relating to this
proposal can be found on the Southeast Region website at https://www.fws.gov/southeast/ and at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket
No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092.

Executive Summary

Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Act, if we determine that
a species may be an endangered or threatened species throughout all or
a significant portion of its range, we are required to promptly publish
a proposal in the Federal Register and make a determination on our
proposal within 1 year. To the maximum extent prudent and determinable,
we must designate critical habitat for any species that we determine to
be an endangered or threatened species under the Act. Listing a species
as an endangered or threatened species and designation of critical
habitat can only be completed by issuing a rule.
What this document does. We propose the listing of the Neuse River
waterdog as a threatened species with a rule under section 4(d) of the
Act and the Carolina madtom as an endangered species under the Act, and
we propose the designation of critical habitat for both species.
The basis for our action. Under the Act, we may determine that a
species is an endangered or threatened species based on any of five
factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) overutilization for
commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (C)
disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory
mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its
continued existence. We have determined that habitat degradation
(Factor A), resulting from the cumulative impacts of land use change
and associated watershed-level effects on water quality, water
quantity, habitat connectivity, and instream habitat suitability, poses
the largest risk to future viability of both species. This stressor is
primarily related to habitat changes: The buildup of fine sediments,
the loss of flowing water, instream habitat fragmentation, and
impairment of water quality, and it is exacerbated by

[[Page 23645]]

the effects of climate change (Factor E). There are no existing
regulatory mechanisms that are adequate to reduce these threats so that
the species does not warrant listing (Factor D).
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act requires the Secretary of the Interior
(Secretary) to designate critical habitat concurrent with listing to
the extent prudent and determinable. Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states
that the Secretary will make the designation on the basis of the best
available scientific data after taking into consideration the economic
impact, the impact on national security, and any other relevant impact
of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. Section 3(5) of
the Act defines critical habitat as (i) the specific areas within the
geographical area occupied by the species, at the time it is listed, on
which are found those physical or biological features (I) essential to
the conservation of the species and (II) which may require special
management considerations or protection; and (ii) specific areas
outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is
listed if such areas are essential to the conservation of the species.
Peer Review. In accordance with our joint policy on peer review
published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and
our August 22, 2016, memorandum updating and clarifying the role of
peer review of listing actions under the Act, we sought the expert
opinions of 13 appropriate specialists regarding the SSA reports, which
informed this proposed rule. The purpose of peer review is to ensure
that the science behind our listing determinations, the critical
habitat designations, and 4(d) rule are based on scientifically sound
data, assumptions, and analyses. The peer reviewers have expertise in
the biology, habitat, and stressors to the species.

Information Requested

Public Comments

We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule
will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and
be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request
comments or information from other concerned governmental agencies,
Native American tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any
other interested parties concerning this proposed rule. We particularly
seek comments concerning:
(1) The species' biology, range, and population trends, including:
(a) Biological or ecological requirements of these species,
including habitat requirements for feeding, breeding, and sheltering;
(b) Genetics and taxonomy;
(c) Historical and current range, including distribution patterns;
(d) Historical and current population levels, and current and
projected trends; and
(e) Past and ongoing conservation measures for these species, their
habitats, or both.
(2) Factors that may affect the continued existence of the species,
which may include habitat modification or destruction, overutilization,
disease, predation, the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms,
or other natural or manmade factors.
(3) Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning
any threats (or lack thereof) to these species and existing regulations
that may be addressing those threats.
(4) Additional information concerning the historical and current
status, range, distribution, and population size of these species,
including the locations of any additional populations of either
species.
(5) Information on activities that are necessary and advisable for
the conservation of the Neuse River waterdog to include in a 4(d) rule
for the species. The Service is proposing such measures that are
necessary and advisable for the conservation of the species, and will
evaluate ideas provided by the public in considering the prohibitions
we should include in the 4(d) rule.
(a) Additional provisions the Service may wish to consider for a
4(d) rule in order to conserve, recover, and manage the Neuse River
waterdog, such as the best management practices used in agriculture.
(6) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act including whether there
are threats to the species from human activity, the degree of which can
be expected to increase due to the designation, and whether that
increase in threat outweighs the benefit of designation such that the
designation of critical habitat may not be prudent.
(7) Specific information on:
(a) The amount and distribution of Neuse River waterdog or Carolina
madtom habitat;
(b) What areas, that were occupied at the time of listing and that
contain the physical or biological features essential to the
conservation of the species, should be included in the designation and
why;
(c) Special management considerations or protection that may be
needed in critical habitat areas we are proposing, including managing
for the potential effects of climate change; and
(d) What areas not occupied at the time of listing are essential
for the conservation of the species and why.
(8) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat.
(9) Any probable economic, national security, or other relevant
impacts of designating any area that may be included in the final
designation, and the benefits of including or excluding areas that may
be impacted.
(10) Information on the extent to which the description of probable
economic impacts in the draft economic analysis is a reasonable
estimate of the likely economic impacts.
(11) Whether any specific areas we are proposing for critical
habitat designation should be considered for exclusion under section
4(b)(2) of the Act, and whether the benefits of potentially excluding
any specific area outweigh the benefits of including that area under
section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
(12) Whether we could improve or modify our approach to designating
critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public participation
and understanding, or to better accommodate public concerns and
comments.
Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as
scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to
verify any scientific or commercial information you include.
Please note that submissions merely stating support for, or
opposition to, the action under consideration without providing
supporting information, although noted, will not be considered in
making a determination, as section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that
determinations as to whether any species is an endangered or a
threatened species must be made ``solely on the basis of the best
scientific and commercial data available.''
You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you
send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
If you submit information via http://www.regulations.gov, your
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will
be posted on the website. If your submission is made via a hardcopy
that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the
top of your document that we withhold this information from public
review. However, we cannot

[[Page 23646]]

guarantee that we will be able to do so. We will post all hardcopy
submissions on http://www.regulations.gov.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Public Hearing

Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for one or more public hearings
on this proposal, if requested. Requests must be received by the date
specified above in DATES. Such requests must be sent to the address
shown in FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. We will schedule public
hearings on this proposal, if any are requested, and announce the
dates, times, and places of those hearings, as well as how to obtain
reasonable accommodations, in the Federal Register and local newspapers
at least 15 days before the hearing.

Previous Federal Actions

On April 20, 2010, we received a petition from Center for
Biological Diversity and others to list 404 aquatic species in the
southeastern United States, including the Neuse River waterdog and the
Carolina madtom. In response to the petition, we completed a partial
90-day finding on September 27, 2011 (76 FR 59836), in which we stated
that the petition contained substantial information that listing may be
warranted for both species. We conducted a status review for each
species. This proposed listing rule also constitutes our 12-month
petition findings for the two species.

I. Proposed Listing Determination

Background

Neuse River Waterdog

A thorough review of the taxonomy, life history, and ecology of the
Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi) is presented in the SSA Report
Version 1.1.
The Neuse River waterdog is a permanently aquatic salamander
species endemic to the Tar-Pamlico and Neuse River drainages in North
Carolina. The species occurs in riffles, runs, and pools in medium to
large streams and rivers with moderate gradient in both the Piedmont
and Coastal Plain physiographic regions. Neuse River waterdogs are from
an ancient lineage of permanently aquatic salamanders in the genus
Necturus, one of three species of Necturus in North Carolina.
Neuse River waterdogs have a reddish brown skin with black spots,
reaching up to 9 inches (in) in length as adults. Their underside is
brownish grey, and they have external bushy dark red gills. They eat
large aquatic arthropods, any aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates,
and even some vertebrates like small fish. Like most waterdogs, they
are opportunistic feeders who lie in wait for a small organism to swim
or float by. All prey are ingested whole, and larger items are
sometimes regurgitated and then re-swallowed.
Neuse River waterdogs are found in streams ranging from larger
headwater streams in the Piedmont to coastal streams up to the point of
saltwater intrusion. None have been found in lakes or ponds. They are
usually found in streams wider than 15 meters (m), deeper than 100
centimeters (cm), and with a main channel flow rate greater than 10cm/
second. Further, they need clean, flowing water characterized by high
dissolved oxygen concentrations. The preferred habitats vary with the
season, temperature, dissolved oxygen content, flow rate and
precipitation; however, the waterdogs maintain home retreat areas under
rocks, in burrows, or under substantial cover in backwater or eddy
areas.
Longevity of Neuse River waterdogs is not known; however, their
close relative N. maculosus may live for 30+ years. Like many long-
lived animals, breeding is delayed until a minimum body size is reached
and they tend to grow slowly. Generation time for Neuse River waterdogs
is 10-15 years. They breed once per year, with mating in the fall or
winter and spawning in the spring. Females lay a clutch of about 25-90
eggs under large rocks with sand and gravel beneath them and then guard
the rudimentary nest.

Carolina Madtom

A thorough review of the taxonomy, life history, and ecology of the
Carolina madtom (Noturus furiosus) is presented in the SSA Report.
The Carolina madtom is a moderate-sized catfish with a short,
chunky body and a distinct color pattern of three dark saddles and a
wide black stripe along its side. Furiosus means ``mad'' or ``raging,''
as the Carolina madtom is the most strongly armed of the North American
catfishes with stinging spines containing a potent poison in their
pectoral fins. They are found in medium to large flowing streams of
moderate gradient in both the Piedmont and Coastal Plain physiographic
regions in the Neuse and Tar River basins. Suitable instream habitats
are described as riffles, runs, and pools with current, and during the
warm months the madtoms are found in or near swift current at depths of
1 to 3 feet (.3 to .9 meters). Stream bottom substrate composition is
important for benthic Carolina madtoms; leaf litter, sand, gravel, and
small cobble are all common substrates associated with the species,
although it is most often found over sand mixed with pea-sized gravel
and leaf litter. During the breeding season, Carolina madtoms shift to
areas of moderate to slow flow with abundant cover used for nesting.
The nesting season extends from about mid-May to late July. Nest
sites are often found under or in relic freshwater mussel shells, under
large pieces of water-logged tree bark, or in discarded beverage
bottles and cans partially buried on the stream bottom. The female
produces about 80 to 300 eggs, and the male guards the nest until the
eggs hatch. Clutch sizes average 152 larvae, and life expectancy for
these fish is at least 4 years.
The Carolina madtom is a bottom-dwelling insectivore that feeds
primarily during the night, with peaks at dawn and dusk. More than 95
percent of the food organisms in the Carolina madtom stomachs were
larval midges, mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, and beetle larvae
(Burr et al. 1989, p. 78).

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing
regulations in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part
424) set forth the procedures for determining whether a species is an
``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species.'' The Act defines an
endangered species as a species that is ``in danger of extinction
throughout all or a significant portion of its range,'' and a
threatened species as a species that is ``likely to become an
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a
significant portion of its range.'' The Act requires that we determine
whether any species is an ``endangered species'' or a ``threatened
species'' because of any of the following factors:
(A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of its habitat or range;
(B) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or
educational purposes;
(C) Disease or predation;
(D) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
(E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued
existence.

[[Page 23647]]

These factors represent broad categories of natural or human-caused
actions or conditions that could have an effect on a species' continued
existence. In evaluating these actions and conditions, we look for
those that may have a negative effect on individuals of the species, as
well as other actions or conditions that may ameliorate any negative
effects or may have positive effects.
We use the term ``threat'' to refer in general to actions or
conditions that are known to or are reasonably likely to negatively
affect individuals of a species. The term ``threat'' includes actions
or conditions that have a direct impact on individuals (direct
impacts), as well as those that affect individuals through alteration
of their habitat or required resources (stressors). The term ``threat''
may encompass--either together or separately--the source of the action
or condition or the action or condition itself.
However, the mere identification of any threat(s) does not
necessarily mean that the species meets the statutory definition of an
``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species.'' In determining
whether a species meets either definition, we must evaluate all
identified threats by considering the expected response by the species,
and the effects of the threats--in light of those actions and
conditions that will ameliorate the threats--on an individual,
population, and species level. We evaluate each threat and its expected
effects on the species, then analyze the cumulative effect of all of
the threats on the species as a whole. We also consider the cumulative
effect of the threats in light of those actions and conditions that
will have positive effects on the species--such as any existing
regulatory mechanisms or conservation efforts. The Secretary determines
whether the species meets the definition of an ``endangered species''
or a ``threatened species'' only after conducting this cumulative
analysis and describing the expected effect on the species now and in
the foreseeable future.
In our determination, we correlate the threats acting on the
species to the factors in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. The SSA reports
document the results of our comprehensive biological status review for
each species, including an assessment of the potential stressors to the
species. They do not represent a decision by the Service on whether the
species should be proposed for listing as an endangered or threatened
species under the Act. They do, however, provide the scientific basis
that informs our regulatory decisions, which involves the further
application of standards within the Act and its implementing
regulations and policies. The following is a summary of the key results
and conclusions from the SSA reports; the full SSA reports can be found
on the Southeast Region website at https://www.fws.gov/southeast/ and
at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092.

Summary of Analysis

To assess Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom viability, we
used the three conservation biology principles of resiliency,
representation, and redundancy (together, the 3 Rs) (Shaffer and Stein
2000, pp. 306-310). Briefly, resiliency supports the ability of the
species to withstand environmental and demographic stochasticity (for
example, wet or dry, warm or cold years); representation supports the
ability of the species to adapt over time to long-term changes in the
environment (for example, climate changes); and redundancy supports the
ability of the species to withstand catastrophic events (for example,
droughts, hurricanes). In general, the more redundant and resilient a
species is and the more representation it has, the more likely it is to
sustain populations over time, even under changing environmental
conditions. Using these principles, we identified the species'
ecological requirements for survival and reproduction at the
individual, population, and species levels, and described the
beneficial and risk factors influencing the species' viability.
The SSA process can be categorized into three sequential stages.
During the first stage, we used the 3Rs to evaluate individual species'
life-history needs. The next stage involved an assessment of the
historical and current condition of the species' demographics and
habitat characteristics, including an explanation of how the species
arrived at its current condition. The final stage of the SSA involved
making predictions about the species' responses to positive and
negative environmental and anthropogenic influences. This process used
the best available information to characterize viability as the ability
of a species to sustain populations in the wild over time. We utilize
this information to inform our regulatory decision.

Neuse River Waterdog

To evaluate the current and future viability of the Neuse River
waterdog, we assessed a range of conditions to allow us to consider the
species' resiliency, representation, and redundancy. For the purposes
of this assessment, populations were delineated using the three river
basins that Neuse River waterdogs have historically occupied (i.e.,
Tar-Pamlico, Neuse, and Trent River basins). Because the river basin
level is at a very coarse scale, populations were further delineated
using Management Units (MUs). MUs were defined as one or more HUC10
(hydrologic unit code) watersheds that species experts identified as
most appropriate for assessing population-level resiliency.
To assess resiliency, we analyzed MU occupancy over time and site
occupancy over time (``population factors'') as well as four habitat
elements that were determined in our analysis of the species' needs to
have the most influence on the species: Water quality, water quantity,
substrate, and habitat connectivity (``habitat elements''). We then
assessed the overall condition of each population. Overall population
condition rankings were determined by combining the two population
factors and four habitat elements. For a more detailed explanation of
the condition categories, see Table 1, below.
Representation for the Neuse River waterdog can be described in
terms of the size and range of the river systems it inhabits (medium
streams to large rivers in three river basins), and physiographic
variability (Piedmont and Coastal Plain). High redundancy for Neuse
River waterdog is defined as multiple resilient populations (inclusive
of multiple, resilient MUs) distributed throughout the species'
historical range. That is, highly resilient populations, coupled with a
relatively broad distribution, have a positive relationship to species-
level redundancy.

[[Page 23648]]

Table 1--Population and Habitat Characteristics Used To Create Condition Categories for Resiliency Assessment for Neuse River Waterdog
[MU = Management Unit; HUC10 = hydrologic unit code; ARA = active river area]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Population factors Habitat elements
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Condition category Instream habitat
MU occupancy Site occupancy Water quality Water quantity Connectivity (substrate)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High....................... <10% decline or a <10% decline in Very few (if any) Optimal flowing water Very little (if Predominantly
positive increase site occupancy known impairment or conditions to remove any) known natural (>70%
in occupied over time. contaminant problems fine sediments, allow habitat forested) ARA;
HUC10s over time. (<5 miles impaired for food delivery, fragmentation <6% impervious
streams; no major and maximize issues (<10 dams surfaces in
discharges, <10 non- reproduction; no per MU; avg # of HUC10 watershed.
major discharges). known flow issues; Road Crossings
isolated low flow/ <300 per MU).
drought periods; not
flashy flow regime.
Moderate................... 11-30% decline in 11-30% decline in Impairment or Water flow not Some habitat 20-70% forested
occupied HUC10s site occupancy contaminants known to sufficient to fragmentation ARA; 6-15%
over time. over time. be an issue, but not consistently remove issues (10-30 impervious
at a level to put fine sediments, dams per MU; Avg surfaces in
population at risk of drying conditions # of Road HUC10 watershed.
being eliminated (5- which could impact Crossings 300-
50 miles impaired both food delivery 500 per MU).
streams; 1-3 major and successful
discharges; 10-25 non- reproduction;
major discharges. moderate flow issues,
including 3 to 4
years of consecutive
drought or moderately
flashy flows.
Low........................ 31-70% decline in 31-70% decline in Impairment or Water not flowing-- Habitat severely <20% forested
occupied HUC10s site occupancy contaminants at either inundated or fragmented (30+ ARA; >15%
over time. over time. levels high enough to dry; severe flow dams in MU; 500+ impervious
put the population at issues; more than 4 Avg Road surfaces in
risk of being consecutive years of Crossings per HUC10 watershed.
eliminated (>50 miles drought; flashy flow MU).
impaired streams; >4 regime.
major discharges; 25+
non-major discharges).
Very Low................... >70% decline in >70% decline in Impairment or Flow conditions do no Habitat extremely Instream habitat
occupied HUC10s site occupancy contaminant at levels support species fragmented and unable to
over time. over time. that cannot support survival. unable to support species
species survival. support species survival.
survival.
Total Loss........ Total Loss....... N/A................... N/A................... N/A.............. N/A.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current Condition of Neuse River Waterdog
The historical range of the Neuse River waterdog included 3rd and
4th order streams and rivers in the Tar, Neuse, and Trent drainages
(basins), with documented historical distribution in 40 HUC10s in 9 MUs
across the 3 populations. Currently, the Neuse River waterdog is extant
in all nine identified MUs; however, within those MUs, it is presumed
extirpated from 35 percent (14/40) of the historically occupied HUC10s,
and another 25 percent of the streams are in low or very low condition.
Of the nine occupied MUs, two (22%) are estimated to have high
resiliency, three (33%) moderate resiliency, and four (45%) low
resiliency. At the population level, one of three populations (Tar) is
estimated to have moderate resiliency, and two (Neuse and Trent) are
estimated to have low resiliency.
We estimated that the Neuse River waterdog currently has moderate
adaptive potential, primarily due to ecological representation in three
river basins and two physiographic regions. The species retains nearly
all of its known River Basin variability; however, the variability
within the basins is reduced compared to historical distribution. In
addition, compared to historical occupancy, the species currently
retains moderate Physiographic Variability in the Coastal Plain (87%)
and in the Piedmont (67%). However, the Piedmont has experienced
significant declines in occupancy, with nearly half of the MUs losing
species occurrence. Of the 16 historically occupied Piedmont HUC10s, 7
are no longer occupied, and 9 have experienced loss.
The range of the Neuse River waterdog has always been very narrow,
limited to the Tar, Trent, and Neuse River drainages. Within the
identified representation areas (i.e., river basins), the species
retains redundancy in terms of occupied HUC10s within the Tar River
population (82%) and the Neuse River population (70%), although 67
percent of redundancy has been lost in the Trent River population.
Overall, the species has lost 27 percent (11 out of 40 historically
occupied HUC10s) of its redundancy across its narrow, endemic range.

Carolina Madtom

To evaluate the current and future viability of the Carolina
madtom, we assessed a similar range of conditions as described above
for Neuse River waterdog to allow us to consider the species'
resiliency, representation, and redundancy. We assessed resiliency for
the Carolina madtom using population factors (MU occupancy over time,
approximate abundance, and recruitment) and habitat elements (water
quality, water quantity, habitat connectivity, and instream substrate).
Populations were delineated using the same three river basins that
Carolina madtoms have historically occupied, namely the Tar-Pamlico,
Neuse, and Trent River basins. As with the waterdog, populations were
further delineated using MUs, again defined as one or more HUC10
watersheds that species experts identified as the most appropriate unit
for assessing population-level resiliency. Resiliency is characterized,
and overall population condition rankings and habitat condition
rankings were determined, in the same way as for the waterdog.
Representation for the Carolina madtom can be described in terms of
River Basin Variability (Tar, Trent, and Neuse River basins) and
Physiographic Variability (eastern Piedmont and Coastal Plain). We
assessed Carolina madtom redundancy by first evaluating occupancy
within each of the hydrologic units (i.e., HUC10s) that constitute MUs,
and then we evaluated occupancy at the MU and ultimately the population
level.
Current Condition of Carolina Madtom
The historical range of the Carolina madtom included three
populations, one in each of the same three river basins in North
Carolina as the Neuse River waterdog. The results of surveys conducted
from 2011 to 2016 suggest that the currently occupied range of the
Carolina madtom includes four MUs from two populations, corresponding
to the Tar and Neuse River basins; however, only one population (Tar)
has multiple documented occurrences within the past 5 years. The
species has been extirpated from the southern portion of its range,
including a large portion of the Neuse River basin and the

[[Page 23649]]

entire Trent River basin. The Carolina madtom currently occupies 8 of
the 31 historically occupied HUC10s (with ``currently'' defined as the
observation of at least one specimen from 2011 to 2016), 7 of which are
in the Tar River Basin and 1 in the Neuse River Basin. At the
population level, the overall current condition (= resiliency) was
estimated to be moderate for the Tar population, very low for the Neuse
population, and likely extirpated for the Trent population.
We estimated that the Carolina madtom currently has low adaptive
potential due to limited representation in two river basins and two
physiographic regions. The species retains 33 percent of its known
River Basin variability, considering greatly reduced variability
observed in the Neuse River population. In addition, compared to
historical occupancy, the species currently retains very limited
physiographic variability in the Coastal Plain (14%) and moderate
variability in the Piedmont (56%).
The range of the Carolina madtom has always been very narrow,
limited to the Tar, Trent, and Neuse River drainages. Within the
identified representation areas, the species retains redundancy within
the Tar River population (3 MUs currently extant); however, it has no
redundancy (only 1 MU extant in the Neuse River population and no
redundancy (extirpated) in the Trent River population. Overall, the
species has lost 64 percent of its redundancy across its narrow,
endemic range.

Risk Factors for Neuse River Waterdog and Carolina Madtom

A multitude of natural and anthropogenic factors may impact the
status of species within aquatic systems. Generally, these factors can
be categorized as either environmental stressors (e.g., development,
agriculture practices, or forest management) or systematic changes
(e.g., climate change, invasive species, dams or other barriers). The
largest threats to the future viability of the Neuse River waterdog and
Carolina madtom involve habitat degradation from stressors influencing
the four habitat elements: Water quality, water quantity, instream
habitat, and habitat connectivity. All of these factors are exacerbated
by the effects of climate change. A brief summary of these primary
stressors is presented below; for a full description of these
stressors, refer to chapter 4 of the SSA report for each species.
Environmental Stressors

Development and Pollution

Development refers to urbanization of the landscape, including (but
not limited to) land conversion for urban and commercial use,
infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities), and urban water uses (water
supply reservoirs, wastewater treatment, etc.). The effects of
urbanization may include alterations to water quality, water quantity,
and habitat (both in-stream and stream-side) (Service 2018, p. 40).
Urbanization increases the amount of impervious surfaces.
``Impervious surface'' refers to all hard surfaces like paved roads,
parking lots, roofs, and even highly compacted soils like sports
fields. Impervious surfaces prevent the natural soaking of rainwater
into the ground and slow seepage into streams. Instead, the rainwater
accumulates and flows rapidly into storm drains, which drain as runoff
to local streams. This degrades stream habitat in three ways: Water
quantity (high flow during storms), water quality (pollutants washing
into streams), and increased water temperatures due to the surfaces
heating the water.
Concentrations of contaminants, including nitrogen, phosphorus,
chloride, insecticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and personal
care products, increase with urban development (Giddings et al. 2009,
p. 2; Bringolf et al. 2010, p. 1,311). Water infrastructure
development, including water supply, reclamation, and wastewater
treatment, results in several pollution point discharges to streams.
A major result of urbanization is road development. By its nature,
road development increases impervious surfaces as well as land clearing
and habitat fragmentation. Roads are generally associated with negative
effects on the biotic integrity of aquatic ecosystems, including
changes in surface water temperatures and patterns of runoff;
sedimentation; and adding heavy metals (especially lead), salts,
organics, ozone, and nutrients to stream systems (Trombulak and
Frissell 2000, p. 18). These changes affect stream-dwelling organisms
such as the Carolina madtom and Neuse River waterdog by displacing them
from once-preferred habitats, as well as increasing exposure and
assimilation of pollutants that can result in growth defects, decreased
immune response, and even death. In addition, a possible major impact
of road development is improperly constructed culverts at stream
crossings. These culverts act as barriers, either because flow through
the culvert varies significantly from the rest of the stream or because
the culvert ends up being perched, so that aquatic organisms such as
these species cannot pass through them.
Carolina madtoms prefer clean water with permanent flow and are not
tolerant of siltation and turbidity. Benthic fish, such as the madtom,
have disproportionate rates of imperilment and extirpation due to
pollution because stream bottoms are often the first habitats affected.
Furthermore, the Carolina madtom is classified as an ``intolerant''
species according to the NC Division of Water Resources, meaning the
species is most affected by environmental perturbations (NCDWR 2013, p.
19).
All three of the river basins within the range of the Carolina
madtom are affected by development, from an average of 7 percent in the
Tar River Basin to an average of 13 percent in the Neuse River Basin
(based on the 2011 National Land Cover Data). For example, the Neuse
River Basin contains one-sixth of the entire State's human population,
indicating heavy development pressure on the watershed. The Middle
Neuse MU contains 182 impaired stream miles, 9 major discharges, 272
minor discharges, and nearly 4,000 road crossings, all affecting the
quality of the habitat for both species. The Middle Neuse is also 31
percent developed, with nearly 8 percent impervious surface, which
changes natural streamflow, reduces appropriate stream habitat, and
decreases water quality throughout the MU. For complete data on all of
the populations, refer to appendices A and D of the SSA reports.
Agricultural Practices: The main impacts to the Neuse River
waterdog and Carolina madtom from agricultural practices, not following
best management practices (BMPs) for conservation, are caused by
nutrient and chemical pollution and by water pumping for irrigation.
Fertilizers and animal manure, which are both rich in nitrogen and
phosphorus, are the primary sources of nutrient pollution from
agricultural sources. Excess nutrients impact water quality when it
rains or when water and soil containing nitrogen and phosphorus wash
into nearby waters or leach into the water table or groundwater.
Confined animal feeding operations and feedlots can cause degradation
of aquatic ecosystems, primarily because of manure management issues.
Fertilized soils, manure, and livestock can be significant sources of
nitrogen-based compounds like ammonia and nitrogen oxides. Ammonia can
be harmful to aquatic life if large amounts are

[[Page 23650]]

deposited to surface waters. For fish like the Carolina madtom, excess
ammonia can cause a number of problems, including alteration of
metabolism, injury to gill tissue, and reduced growth rates. Extreme
levels of ammonia can cause death.
Excessive water withdrawal or water withdrawal done illegally
(without the necessary permit, during dry times of year), may cause
impacts to the amount of water available to downstream sensitive areas
during low flow months, resulting in dewatering of channels and
displacement of fish and aquatic salamanders, leading in turn to
desiccation and death. According to the 2011 National Land Cover Data,
all of the watersheds within the range of the Carolina madtom and Neuse
River waterdog are affected by agricultural land uses, most with 25
percent or more of the watershed having been converted for agricultural
use.
Forest Management: Silvicultural activities, when performed
according to strict forest practices guidelines (FPGs) or BMPs, can
retain adequate conditions for aquatic ecosystems; however, when FPGs/
BMPs are not followed, these practices can also contribute to the
myriad of stressors facing aquatic systems in the Southeast, including
North Carolina. Both small- and large-scale forestry activities have
been shown to have a significant impact upon the physical, chemical,
and biological characteristics of adjacent small streams (Service 2018,
p. 41). The clearing of large areas of forested wetlands and riparian
systems can eliminate shade provided by forest canopies, exposing
streams to more sunlight and increasing the in-stream water
temperature. The increase in stream temperature and light after
deforestation alters the macroinvertebrate and other aquatic species
richness and abundance composition in streams. As stated above, both
the Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom are sensitive to changes
in temperature, and sustained temperature increases will stress and
possibly lead to mortality for these species.
Forestry activities often include the construction of logging roads
through the riparian zone, and this can directly degrade nearby stream
environments. Roads can cause point-source pollution and sedimentation,
as well as sedimentation traveling downstream into more sensitive
habitats. These effects lead to stress and mortality for both species,
as discussed in ``Development,'' above. While BMPs are widely adhered
to, they were not always common practice. The most recent surveys of
Southeastern U.S. States show that the average implementation rate is
at 92 percent, so while improper implementation is rare, it can have
drastic negative effects on sensitive aquatic species. Further, many
forestry activities do not require a permit for wetland or stream fill.
Systematic Changes
Climate Change: Aquatic systems are encountering changes and shifts
in seasonal patterns of precipitation and runoff as a result of climate
change. While both of these species have evolved in habitats that
experience seasonal fluctuations in discharge, global weather patterns
(e.g., El Ni[ntilde]o or La Ni[ntilde]a) can have an impact on the
normal regimes. Even during naturally occurring low flow events,
amphibians and fish either become stressed because they exert
significant energy to move to deeper waters or they may succumb to
desiccation. Because low flows in late summer and early fall are
stress-inducing, droughts during this time of year result in an
increase in stress and, potentially, an increased rate of mortality.
Droughts have impacted all river basins within the range of both
species, from an ``abnormally dry'' ranking for North Carolina in 2001
on the Southeast Drought Monitor scale to the highest ranking of
``exceptionally dry'' for the entire range of both species in 2002 and
2007. The 2015 drought data indicated that the entire Southeast was
under conditions ranging from ``abnormally dry'' to ``moderate
drought'' or ``severe drought.'' These data are from the first week in
September, which as noted above is a very sensitive time for drought to
be affecting both species. The Middle Neuse tributaries of the Neuse
River basin had consecutive drought years in the period 2005-2012,
indicating sustained stress on the species over a long period of time.
Amphibians and fish have limited refugia from disturbances such as
droughts and floods, and they are completely dependent on specific
water temperatures to complete their physiological requirements.
Changes in water temperature lead to stress, increased mortality, and
also increase the likelihood of extinction for both species. Increases
in the frequency and strength of storm events, which are caused by
climate change, alter stream habitat, either directly via
channelization or clearing of riparian areas or indirectly via high
streamflows that reshape the channel and cause sediment erosion. The
large volumes and velocity of water, combined with the extra debris and
sediment entering streams following a storm, stress, displace, or kill
Neuse River waterdogs and Carolina madtoms, as well as the host species
on which the latter depend.
Invasive Species: There are many areas across North Carolina where
invasive species have invaded aquatic communities; are competing with
native species for food, light, or breeding and nesting areas; and are
impacting biodiversity. The flathead catfish is an invasive species
that may have an impact on Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom
distribution. The flathead catfish is an apex predator, known to
influence native fish populations, including predation on benthic
fishes, including madtoms, and it occurs in both the Neuse and Tar
River basins. It is not known whether or not this fish also preys on
waterdogs, but it is speculated that Neuse River waterdog inactivity
during warmer months is in part due to the avoidance of large,
predatory fishes (Braswell 2005, p. 870).
Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), an invasive aquatic plant, alters
stream habitat, decreases flows, and contributes to sediment buildup in
streams (NCANSMPC 2015, p. 57). High sedimentation can cause
suffocation and reduce stream flow necessary for madtom survival.
Hydrilla occurs in several watersheds where both species occur, and has
been recently documented from the Neuse system and the Tar River. While
there are no data to indicate that hydrilla currently has population-
level effects on these two species, its spread is expected to increase
in the future.
Dams and Barriers: Extinction of some North American freshwater
fish can be traced to impoundment and inundation of riffle habitats in
all major river basins of the central and eastern United States.
Upstream of dams, the change from flowing to impounded waters,
increased depths, increased buildup of sediments, decreased dissolved
oxygen, and the drastic alteration in resident fish populations can
threaten the survival of fish and aquatic salamanders and their overall
reproductive success. Downstream of dams, fluctuations in flow regimes,
minimal releases and scouring flows, seasonal dissolved oxygen
depletion, reduced or increased water temperatures, and changes in fish
assemblages can also threaten the survival and reproduction of many
aquatic species. Dams have also been identified as causing genetic
segregation or isolation in river systems--resident fish can no longer
move freely through different habitats and may become genetically
isolated from other fish populations throughout the river. Even

[[Page 23651]]

improperly constructed culverts at stream crossings can act as
significant barriers, and have some similar effects as dams on stream
systems. Fluctuating flows through the culvert can vary significantly
from the rest of the stream, preventing fish passage and scouring
downstream habitats. If a culvert ends up being perched above the
stream bed, aquatic organisms cannot pass through it. All of the MUs
containing Neuse River waterdogs and Carolina madtom populations have
been impacted by dams, with as few as 11 dams in the Contentnea Creek
MU to 287 dams in the Middle Neuse MU.
Energy Production and Mining: The Neuse River waterdog and its
habitat face impacts from oil and gas production, coal power,
hydropower, and the use of biofuels. Coal mined from other States is
used for energy production in North Carolina. Damage to fish and
wildlife from exposure to coal ash slurry ranges from physiological,
developmental, and behavioral toxicity to major population- and
community-level changes. Coal-combustion residue contamination of
aquatic habitats can result in the accumulation of metals and trace
elements in larval amphibians, including arsenic, cadmium, chromium,
copper, mercury, lead, selenium, and vanadium, potentially leading to
developmental, behavioral, and physiological effects (Rowe et al. 2002,
entire). As recently as October 2016, Neuse River waterdogs in the
Neuse River were exposed to coal ash slurry when Hurricane Matthew
caused inundation of coal ash storage ponds. Coal-fired power plants
pump large volumes of water to produce electricity and aquatic
organisms such as larval waterdogs can be pulled in and killed unless
measures are sufficient to keep organisms from being impacted. After
water is used for electricity production, it is returned to surface
waters, but the temperature can be considerably higher than the
temperature of the stream, reducing the ability of the species to
spawn.
Hydropower as a domestic energy source is becoming more prevalent
in North Carolina, including areas where the Neuse River waterdog
occurs. Like other impoundments, streams and rivers impounded by
hydropower dams are changed from lotic systems to lentic systems,
fragmenting habitats and disrupting movements and migrations of fish
and other aquatic organisms like the Neuse River waterdog. Downstream
water quality can also suffer from low dissolved oxygen levels and
altered temperatures. In addition, hydropower generation can
significantly change flow regimes downstream of hydropower dams, and
can affect other riverine processes, such as sediment transport,
nutrient cycling, and woody debris transport.
Potential impacts to both species from oil and gas extraction are
numerous; they include water quality and water quantity impacts,
riparian habitat fragmentation and conversion, increased sand mining
(used in oil and gas extraction), and increased road and utility
corridors. While oil and gas extraction currently does not, and likely
will not, occur in the Tar River Basin due to lack of subsurface shale
deposits, impacts from shale gas extraction could occur in the Neuse
River Basin (Service 2018, p. 46). Future impacts from oil and gas
exploration and production are certain, as North Carolina has recently
begun to allow fracking operations to drill for natural gas State-wide.
Synergistic Effects
In addition to individually impacting the species, it is likely
that several of the above summarized risk factors are acting
synergistically or additively on both species. The combined impact of
multiple stressors is likely more harmful than a single stressor acting
alone. For example, in the Middle Neuse MU, there are 182 miles of
impaired streams. They have low benthic-macroinvertebrate scores, low
dissolved oxygen, low pH, and contain Escherichia coli (also known as
E. coli). There are 9 major and 272 minor discharges within this MU,
along with 287 dams, almost 4,000 road crossings, and droughts recorded
for 3 consecutive years in 2008-2010. For example, if a small but
improperly installed culvert at a road crossing prevents fish from
moving up or downstream, the fish would not be able to escape to deeper
areas of the stream during droughts. Similarly, a discharge into a
stream has more impact on aquatic species if there are no precipitation
events immediately following to help flush the system. These
combinations of stressors on the sensitive aquatic species in this
habitat likely impact both species more severely in combination than
any one factor alone.
In our analysis of the factors affecting both of these species, we
found that there are no existing regulatory mechanisms that adequately
address threats to both species such that they do not warrant listing
under the Act (Factor D). We found no evidence of population- or
species-level impacts from overutilization for commercial,
recreational, scientific, or educational purposes (Factor B). Nor was
there any evidence to support that there are impacts due to disease or
predation (Factor C).

Conservation Actions

The Service and State wildlife agencies are working with numerous
partners to provide technical guidance and offering conservation tools
to meet both species and habitat needs in aquatic systems in North
Carolina. Land trusts are targeting key parcels for acquisition;
Federal, State, and university biologists are surveying and monitoring
species occurrences; and recently there has been increased interest in
efforts to consider captive propagation and species population
restoration via augmentation, expansion, and reintroduction efforts.
However, some of these programs are in their infancy, and none covers
enough area to provide species-level protection at a scale such that
the species would not warrant listing under the Act.

Future Scenarios

For the purpose of this assessment, we define viability as the
ability of the species to sustain populations in the wild over time. To
address uncertainty associated with the degree and extent of potential
future stressors and their impacts on species' requisites, the 3Rs were
assessed using four plausible future scenarios. These scenarios were
based, in part, on the results of urbanization and climate models that
predict changes in habitat used by the Neuse River waterdog and the
Carolina madtom. We devised scenarios by eliciting expert information
on the primary stressors, urbanization and climate change. The models
that were used to forecast both of these factors projected 50 years
into the future. Using the best available data to forecast plausible
future scenarios allows the Service to determine if a species may
become an endangered species in the foreseeable future. Relatively long
life spans, well-developed downscaled climate models specific to the
region, and good growth data available for the Southeast region provide
some confidence in the range of outcomes predicted over 50 years.
Beyond that timeframe, there is too much uncertainty in threats that
will be occurring on the landscape and how the species may respond to
those threats. For more detailed information on these models and their
projections, please see the SSA reports (Service, 2017).
In scenario one, the ``Status Quo'' scenario, factors that
influence current populations of the Neuse River waterdog and the
Carolina madtom were assumed to follow current trends over the 50-year
time horizon. Climate

[[Page 23652]]

models predict that, if emissions continue at current rates, the
Southeast will experience an increase in low flow (drought) events
(IPCC 2013, p. 7). Likewise, this scenario assumed the `business as
usual' pattern of urban growth, which predicts that urbanization will
continue to increase rapidly (Terando et al. 2014, p. 1). This
continued growth in development means increases in impervious surfaces,
increased variability in streamflow, channelization of streams or
clearing of riparian areas, and other negative effects explained above
under ``Development.'' The ``Status Quo'' scenario also assumed that
current conservation efforts would remain in place but that no new
actions would be taken.
In scenario two, the ``Pessimistic'' scenario, factors that
negatively influence Neuse River waterdog and the Carolina madtom
populations get worse; reflecting Climate Model RCP8.5 (Wayne 2013, p.
11), effects of climate change are expected to be magnified beyond what
is experienced in the ``Status Quo'' scenario. These predicted effects
include extreme heat, more storms and flooding, and exacerbated drought
conditions (IPCC 2013, p. 7). Based on the results of the SLEUTH BAU
model (Terando et al. 2014, entire), urbanization in the relevant
watersheds could expand to triple the amount of developed area,
resulting in large increases of impervious surface cover and,
potentially, consumptive water use. Increased urbanization and climate
change effects are likely to result in increased impacts to water
quality, water flow, and habitat connectivity, and we predict that
there is limited capacity for species restoration under this scenario.
Scenario three is labeled the ``Optimistic'' scenario, and factors
that influence population and habitat conditions of the Neuse River
waterdog and the Carolina madtom are expected to be somewhat improved.
Reflecting Climate Model RCP2.6 (Wayne 2013, p. 11), climate change
effects are predicted to be minimal under this scenario and would not
include increased temperatures, and storms or droughts are as set forth
in the ``Status Quo'' and ``Pessimistic'' scenario predictions.
Urbanization is also predicted to have less impact in this scenario, as
reflected by effects that are slightly lower than BAU model predictions
(Terando et al. 2014; Table 5-1). Because water quality, water flow,
and habitat impacts are predicted to be less severe in this scenario as
compared to others, it is expected that the species will maintain or
have a slightly positive response. Targeted permanent protection of
riparian areas is a potential conservation activity that could benefit
these species, and current efforts are considered successful as part of
the Optimistic Scenario.
In scenario four, the ``Opportunistic'' scenario, those landscape-
level factors (e.g., development and climate change) that are
influencing populations of the Neuse River waterdog and the Carolina
madtom get moderately worse, reflecting Climate Change Model RCP4.5
(Wayne 2013, p. 11) and SLEUTH BAU (Terando et al. 2014; Table 5-1).
Effects of climate change are expected to be moderate, resulting in
some increased impacts from heat, storms, and droughts (IPCC 2013, p.
7). Urbanization in this scenario reflects the moderate BAU SLEUTH
levels, indicating approximately double the amount of developed area
compared to current levels. Overall, it is expected that the
synergistic impacts of changes in water quality, flow, and habitat
connectivity will negatively affect both species, although current land
conservation efforts will benefit the species in some watersheds.

Determination

Neuse River Waterdog

The historical range of the Neuse River Waterdog likely included
all 3rd and 4th order streams and rivers throughout the Tar, Neuse, and
Trent drainages, with documented historical distribution in nine MUs
within three populations. Of those nine occupied MUs, two (22%) are
estimated to have high resiliency, two (22%) moderate resiliency, and
five (56%) low resiliency. Scaling up from the MU to the population
level, one of three populations (the Tar population) was estimated to
have moderate resiliency, and two (the Neuse and Trent populations)
were characterized by low resiliency. In short, 60 percent of streams
that were once part of the species' range are estimated to be in low
condition or likely extirpated. The species is known to occupy streams
in two physiographic regions, but it has lost physiographic
representation with an estimated 43 percent loss in Piedmont watersheds
and an estimated 13 percent loss in Coastal Plain watersheds.
The Neuse River waterdog faces threats from declines in water
quality, loss of stream flow, riparian and instream fragmentation, and
deterioration of instream habitats (Factor A). These threats are
expected to be exacerbated by continued urbanization (Factor A) and
effects of climate change (Factor E). Given current and future
decreases in resiliency, populations become more vulnerable to
extirpation from stochastic events, in turn, resulting in concurrent
losses in representation and redundancy. The range of plausible future
scenarios of Neuse River waterdog habitat conditions and population
factors suggest reduced viability into the future. Under Scenario 1,
the ``Status Quo'' option, a loss of resiliency, representation, and
redundancy is expected. Under this scenario, we predicted that no MUs
would remain in high condition, two in moderate condition, four in low
condition, and three MUs would be likely extirpated. Redundancy would
be reduced to four MUs in the Tar Population and two in the Neuse
Population. Representation would also be reduced, primarily with
reduced variability in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.
Under scenario two, the ``Pessimistic'' option, we predicted
substantial losses of resiliency, representation, and redundancy.
Redundancy would be reduced to four MUs in one population, and the
resiliency of that population is expected to be low. Several (5) MUs
were predicted to be extirpated, and, of the remaining four MUs, all
would be in low condition. All measures of representation are predicted
to decline under this scenario, leaving remaining Neuse River waterdog
populations underrepresented in river basin and physiographic
variability.
Under scenario three, the ``Optimistic'' option, we predicted
slightly higher levels of resiliency, representation, and redundancy
than was estimated under the Status Quo or Pessimistic options. Three
MUs would be in high condition, one in moderate condition, and the
remaining five would be in low condition. Despite predictions of
population persistence in the Neuse and Trent River Basins, these
populations are expected to retain only low levels of resiliency, thus
levels of representation are also predicted to decline under this
scenario.
Finally, under scenario four, the ``Opportunistic'' option, we
predicted reduced levels of resiliency, representation, and redundancy.
One MU would be in high condition, three would be in moderate
condition, three in low condition, and two would be likely extirpated.
Redundancy would be reduced with the loss of the Trent population.
Under the Opportunistic scenario, representation is predicted to be
reduced with 67 percent of formerly occupied river basins remaining
occupied and with reduced variability in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain
Physiographic Regions. Both the

[[Page 23653]]

optimistic and opportunistic scenarios were determined to be
``unlikely'' in the analysis, while the most likely scenarios were
status quo and pessimistic. Under either of these more likely
scenarios, resiliency is low in most of the remaining populations, many
populations are likely extirpated so that redundancy and representation
are significantly reduced. This expected reduction in both the number
and distribution of resilient populations is likely to make the species
vulnerable to catastrophic disturbance.

Table 2--Predicted Neuse River Waterdog Population Conditions Under Each of Four Plausible Scenarios
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future scenarios of population conditions
Populations: Management units ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current #1 Status quo #2 Pessimistic #3 Optimistic #4 Opportunistic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tar: Upper Tar................... Low................. Likely Extirpated... Likely Extirpated.. Low................ Likely Extirpated.
Tar: Middle Tar.................. Moderate............ Low................. Low................ High............... Moderate.
Tar: Lower Tar................... High................ Moderate............ Low................ High............... Moderate.
Tar: Sandy-Swift................. High................ Moderate............ Low................ High............... High.
Tar: Fishing Ck.................. Low................. Low................. Low................ Moderate........... Moderate.
Neuse: Upper Neuse............... Low................. Likely Extirpated... Likely Extirpated.. Low................ Low.
Neuse: Middle Neuse.............. Low................. Low................. Likely Extirpated.. Low................ Low.
Trent............................ Low................. Likely Extirpated... Likely Extirpated.. Low................ Likely Extirpated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Carolina Madtom

The historical range of the Carolina madtom included 3rd and 4th
order streams and rivers in the Tar, Neuse, and Trent drainages, with
documented historical distribution in 11 MUs within 3 former
populations, the Tar, Neuse, and Trent. The Carolina madtom is presumed
extirpated from 64 percent (7) of the historically occupied MUs. Of the
four MUs that remain occupied, one is estimated to have high
resiliency, one with moderate resiliency, one with low resiliency, and
one with very low resiliency. Scaling up from the MU to the population
level, the Tar population is estimated to have moderate resiliency, the
Neuse population is characterized by very low resiliency, and the Trent
population is presumed to be extirpated. Of streams that were once part
of the species' range, 82 percent are estimated to be in low condition
or likely extirpated. Once known to occupy streams in two physiographic
regions, the species has also lost substantial physiographic
representation with an estimated 44 percent loss in Piedmont watersheds
and an estimated 86 percent loss in Coastal Plain watersheds.
Estimates of current resiliency for Carolina madtom are low, as are
estimates for representation and redundancy. The Carolina madtom faces
a variety of ongoing threats from declines in water quality, loss of
stream flow, riparian and instream fragmentation, and deterioration of
instream habitats (Factor A). This species also faces the threat of
predation from the invasive flathead catfish (Factor C). These threats
are expected to be exacerbated by continued urbanization (Factor A) and
climate change (Factor E). Given current rates of resiliency,
populations are vulnerable to extirpation from stochastic events, in
turn, resulting in concurrent losses in representation and redundancy.
The Act defines an endangered species as any species that is ``in
danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its
range'' and a threatened species as any species ``that is likely to
become endangered throughout all or a significant portion of its range
within the foreseeable future.'' We considered whether the Neuse River
waterdog and the Carolina madtom meet either of these definitions, and
find that Neuse River waterdog meets the definition of a threatened
species, and Carolina madtom meets the definition of an endangered
species.
Neuse River waterdog. Our analysis of the species' current and
future conditions, as well as the conservation efforts discussed above,
show that the population and habitat factors used to determine the
resiliency, representation, and redundancy for Neuse River waterdog
will continue to decline so it is likely to become in danger of
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of the range within
the foreseeable future.
First, we considered whether the Neuse River waterdog is presently
in danger of extinction and determined that proposing endangered status
is not appropriate. The current conditions as assessed in the Neuse
River waterdog SSA report show that the species exists in nine MUs over
three different populations (river systems) over a majority (65
percent) of the species' historical range. The Neuse River waterdog
still exhibits representation across both physiographic regions, and
extant populations remain across the range. In short, while the primary
threats are currently acting on the species and many of those threats
are expected to continue into the future, we did not find that the
species is currently in danger of extinction throughout all of its
range. However, according to our assessment of plausible future
scenarios, the species is likely to become an endangered species in the
foreseeable future throughout all of its range. Fifty years was
considered ``foreseeable'' in this case because it included projections
from both available models, and Neuse River waterdogs are a long-lived
and slow-growing species. We can reasonably rely on the future of 50
years as presented in the models of predicted urbanization and climate
change, and predict how those threats will affect the status of the
species over that timeframe.
As discussed above, the range of plausible future scenarios of
Neuse River waterdog habitat conditions and population factors suggest
reduced viability into the future. Both the optimistic and
opportunistic scenarios were determined to be ``unlikely'' in the
analysis, while the most likely scenarios were status quo and
pessimistic. Under either of these more likely scenarios, resiliency is
low in most of the remaining populations, and many populations are
likely extirpated so that redundancy and representation are
significantly reduced. This expected reduction in both the number and

[[Page 23654]]

distribution of resilient populations is likely to make the species
vulnerable to catastrophic disturbance.
Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may
warrant listing if it is endangered or threatened throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. Because we have determined that the
Neuse River waterdog is likely to become an endangered species within
the foreseeable future throughout its range, we find it unnecessary to
proceed to an evaluation of potentially significant portions of the
range. Where the best available information allows the Services to
determine a status for the species rangewide, that determination should
be given conclusive weight because a rangewide determination of status
more accurately reflects the species' degree of imperilment and better
promotes the purposes of the statute. Under this reading, we should
first consider whether listing is appropriate based on a rangewide
analysis and proceed to conduct a ``significant portion of its range''
analysis if, and only if, a species does not qualify for listing as
either endangered or threatened according to the ``all'' language. We
note that the court in Desert Survivors v. Department of the Interior,
No. 16-cv-01165-JCS, 2018 WL 4053447 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 24, 2018), did not
address this issue, and our conclusion is therefore consistent with the
opinion in that case.
Therefore, on the basis of the best available scientific and
commercial information, we are proposing to list the Neuse River
waterdog as a threatened species across its entire range in accordance
with sections 3 and 4(a)(1) of the Act.
Carolina madtom. The current conditions as assessed in the Carolina
madtom SSA report show that 64 percent of the management units over
three populations (river systems) are presumed extirpated. The Carolina
madtom currently has two of three remaining populations, but one of
those populations (Neuse) is characterized by ``very low'' resiliency.
Once known to occupy streams in two physiographic regions, the species
has also lost substantial physiographic representation with an
estimated 44 percent loss in Piedmont watersheds and an estimated 86
percent loss in Coastal Plain watersheds. Resiliency, redundancy, and
representation are all at levels that put the species at risk of
extinction throughout its range now. We conclude that the species is
currently in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. We find
that a threatened species status is not appropriate for the Carolina
madtom because the threats are ongoing currently and are expected to
continue or worsen into the future. Because the species is already in
danger of extinction throughout its range, a threatened status is not
appropriate.
Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may
warrant listing if it is endangered or threatened throughout all or a
significant portion of its range. Because we have determined that the
Carolina madtom is in danger of extinction throughout its range, we
find it unnecessary to proceed to an evaluation of potentially
significant portions of the range. Where the best available information
allows the Services to determine a status for the species rangewide,
that determination should be given conclusive weight because a
rangewide determination of status more accurately reflects the species'
degree of imperilment and better promotes the purposes of the statute.
Under this reading, we should first consider whether listing is
appropriate based on a rangewide analysis and proceed to conduct a
``significant portion of its range'' analysis if, and only if, a
species does not qualify for listing as either endangered or threatened
according to the ``all'' language. We note that the court in Desert
Survivors v. Department of the Interior, No. 16-cv-01165-JCS, 2018 WL
4053447 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 24, 2018), did not address this issue, and our
conclusion is therefore consistent with the opinion in that case.
Therefore, on the basis of the best available scientific and
commercial information, we propose to list the Carolina madtom as an
endangered species across its entire range in accordance with sections
3 and 4(a)(1) of the Act.

Available Conservation Measures

Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or
threatened species under the Act include recognition, recovery actions,
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain
practices. Recognition through listing results in public awareness and
conservation by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies; private
organizations; and individuals. The Act encourages cooperation with the
States and other countries, and calls for recovery actions to be
carried out for listed species. The protection required by Federal
agencies and the prohibitions against certain activities are discussed,
in part, below.
The primary purpose of the Act is the conservation of endangered
and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The
ultimate goal of such conservation efforts is the recovery of these
listed species, so that they no longer need the protective measures of
the Act. Subsection 4(f) of the Act calls for the Service to develop
and implement recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and
threatened species. The recovery planning process involves the
identification of actions that are necessary to halt or reverse the
species' decline by addressing the threats to its survival and
recovery. The goal of this process is to restore listed species to a
point where they are secure, self-sustaining, and functioning
components of their ecosystems.
Recovery planning includes the development of a recovery outline
shortly after a species is listed and preparation of a draft and final
recovery plan. The recovery outline guides the immediate implementation
of urgent recovery actions and describes the process to be used to
develop a recovery plan. Revisions of the plan may be done to address
continuing or new threats to the species, as new substantive
information becomes available. The recovery plan also identifies
recovery criteria for review of when a species may be ready for
reclassification from endangered to threatened (``downlisting'') or
removal from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife or Plants
(``delisting''), and methods for monitoring recovery progress. Recovery
plans also establish a framework for agencies to coordinate their
recovery efforts and provide estimates of the cost of implementing
recovery tasks. Recovery teams (composed of species experts, Federal
and State agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and stakeholders)
are often established to develop recovery plans. When completed, the
recovery outlines, draft recovery plans, and the final recovery plans
will be available on our website (http://www.fws.gov/endangered), or
from our Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT).
Implementation of recovery actions generally requires the
participation of a broad range of partners, including other Federal
agencies, States, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, businesses,
and private landowners. Examples of recovery actions include habitat
restoration (e.g., restoration of native vegetation), research, captive
propagation and reintroduction, and outreach and education. The
recovery of many listed species cannot be accomplished solely on
Federal lands because their range may occur primarily or solely on non-
Federal lands. To achieve recovery of these species requires
cooperative conservation efforts

[[Page 23655]]

on private, State, and Tribal lands. If these species are listed,
funding for recovery actions will be available from a variety of
sources, including Federal budgets, State programs, and cost share
grants for non-Federal landowners, the academic community, and
nongovernmental organizations. In addition, pursuant to section 6 of
the Act, the State of North Carolina would be eligible for Federal
funds to implement management actions that promote the protection or
recovery of the Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom. Information
on our grant programs that are available to aid species recovery can be
found at: http://www.fws.gov/grants.
Although the Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom are only
proposed for listing under the Act at this time, please let us know if
you are interested in participating in recovery efforts for these
species. Additionally, we invite you to submit any new information on
these species whenever it becomes available and any information you may
have for recovery planning purposes (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT).
Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their
actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as an
endangered or threatened species and with respect to its critical
habitat, if any is 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 the Service on any action that is likely to jeopardize the
continued existence of a species proposed for listing or result in
destruction or adverse modification of proposed critical habitat. If a
species is listed subsequently, section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires
Federal agencies to ensure that activities they authorize, fund, or
carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of the
species or destroy or adversely modify its critical habitat. If a
Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical habitat, the
responsible Federal agency must enter into consultation with the
Service.
Federal agency actions within the species' habitat that may require
conference or consultation or both as described in the preceding
paragraph may include, but are not limited to, management and any other
landscape-altering activities on Federal lands administered by the
Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service; issuance of
section 404 Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) permits by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and construction and maintenance of roads
or highways by the Federal Highway Administration.

II. Proposed Rule Issued Under Section 4(d) of the Act for the Neuse
River Waterdog

Background

The Act and its implementing regulations set forth a series of
general prohibitions and exceptions that apply to threatened wildlife.
Under section 4(d) of the Act, the Secretary has the discretion to
issue such regulations as he deems necessary and advisable to provide
for the conservation of threatened species. The Secretary also has the
discretion to prohibit, by regulation with respect to any threatened
species of fish or wildlife, any act prohibited under section 9(a)(1)
of the Act. The same prohibitions of section 9(a)(1) of the Act,
codified at 50 CFR 17.31, make it illegal for any person subject to the
jurisdiction of the United States to take (which includes harass, harm,
pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect; or to
attempt any of these) threatened wildlife within the United States or
on the high seas. In addition, it is unlawful to import; export;
deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign
commerce in the course of commercial activity; or sell or offer for
sale in interstate or foreign commerce any listed species. It is also
illegal to possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship any such
wildlife that has been taken illegally.
In accordance with section 4(d) of the Act, the regulations
implementing the Act include a provision that generally applies to
threatened wildlife the same prohibitions and exceptions that apply to
endangered wildlife (50 CFR 17.31(a), 17.32). However, for any
threatened species, the Service may instead develop a protective
regulation that is specific to the conservation needs of that species.
Such a regulation would contain all of the protections applicable to
that species (50 CFR 17.31(c)); this may include some of the general
prohibitions and exceptions under 50 CFR 17.31 and 17.32, but would
also include species-specific protections that may be more or less
restrictive than the general provisions at 50 CFR 17.31. For the
reasons discussed below, the Service has determined to develop a
specific rule under section 4(d) for the Neuse River waterdog.

Proposed 4(d) Rule

Under this proposed 4(d) rule, all prohibitions and provisions of
section 9(a)(1) of the Act would apply to the Neuse River waterdog,
except that the following actions would not be prohibited:
(1) Species restoration efforts by State wildlife agencies,
including collection of broodstock, tissue collection for genetic
analysis, captive propagation, and subsequent stocking into currently
occupied and unoccupied areas within the historical range of the
species.
(2) Channel restoration projects that create natural, physically
stable, ecologically functioning streams (or stream and wetland
systems) that are reconnected with their groundwater aquifers. These
projects can be accomplished using a variety of methods, but the
desired outcome is a natural channel with low shear stress (force of
water moving against the channel); bank heights that enable
reconnection to the floodplain; a reconnection of surface and
groundwater systems, resulting in perennial flows in the channel;
riffles and pools composed of existing soil, rock, and wood instead of
large imported materials; low compaction of soils within adjacent
riparian areas; and inclusion of riparian wetlands. Second- to third-
order, headwater streams reconstructed in this way would offer suitable
habitats for the Neuse River waterdog and contain stable channel
features, such as pools, glides, runs, and riffles, which could be used
by the species for spawning, rearing, growth, feeding, migration, and
other normal behaviors.
(3) Bank stabilization projects that use bioengineering methods to
replace pre-existing, bare, eroding stream banks with vegetated, stable
stream banks, thereby reducing bank erosion and instream sedimentation
and improving habitat conditions for the species. Following these
bioengineering methods, stream banks may be stabilized using live
stakes (live, vegetative cuttings inserted or tamped into the ground in
a manner that allows the stake to take root and grow), live fascines
(live branch cuttings, usually willows, bound together into long,
cigar-shaped bundles), or brush layering (cuttings or branches of
easily rooted tree species layered between successive lifts of soil
fill). These methods would not include the sole use of quarried rock
(rip-rap) or the use of rock baskets or gabion structures.
(4) Silviculture practices and forest management activities that:
(a) Implement highest standard best management practices (BMPs),
particularly for Streamside Management Zones, stream crossings, and
forest roads; and
(b) Comply with forest practice guidelines related to water quality

[[Page 23656]]

standards, or comply with Sustainable Forestry Initiative/Forest
Stewardship Council/American Tree Farm System certification standards
for both forest management and responsible fiber sourcing.
These BMPs are publicly available on websites for these
organizations, and can currently be found below:

http://www.ncasi.org/Downloads/Download.ashx?id=10204
http://reports.oah.state.nc.us/
https://us.fsc.org/download.fsc-us-forest-management-standard-v1-0.95.htm
https://www.treefarmsystem.org/certification-american-tree-farm-standards

These actions and activities may have some minimal level of
mortality, harm, or disturbance to the Neuse River waterdog, but are
not expected to adversely affect the species' conservation and recovery
efforts. In fact, we expect they would have a net beneficial effect on
the species. Across the species' range, instream habitats have been
degraded physically by sedimentation and by direct channel disturbance.
The activities exempted from prohibition in this rule will correct some
of these problems, creating more favorable habitat conditions for the
species. These provisions are necessary because, absent protections,
the species is likely to become in danger of extinction in the
foreseeable future. Additionally, these provisions are advisable
because the species needs active conservation to improve the quality of
its habitat. By exempting some of the general prohibitions of section
9(a)(1), these provisions can encourage cooperation by landowners and
other affected parties in implementing conservation measures. This will
allow for use of the land while at the same time ensuring the
preservation of suitable habitat and minimizing impact on the species.
We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities
involving threatened wildlife under certain circumstances. Regulations
governing permits are codified at 50 CFR 17.32. With regard to
threatened wildlife, a permit may be issued for the following purposes:
For scientific purposes, to enhance propagation or survival, for
economic hardship, for zoological exhibition, for educational purposes,
for incidental taking, or for special purposes consistent with the
purposes of the Act. There are also certain statutory exemptions from
the prohibitions, which are found in sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
It is our policy, as published in the Federal Register on July 1,
1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent practicable at
the time a species is listed, those activities that would or would not
constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this
policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of a proposed
listing on proposed and ongoing activities within the range of the
species proposed for listing.
Based on the best available information, the following activities
may potentially result in a violation of section 9 of the Act for
Carolina madtoms and the proposed 4(d) rule above for Neuse River
waterdog; this list is not comprehensive:
(1) Unauthorized handling or collecting of the species;
(2) Destruction or alteration of the species' habitat by discharge
of fill material, dredging, snagging, impounding, channelization, or
modification of stream channels or banks;
(3) Destruction of riparian habitat directly adjacent to stream
channels that causes significant increases in sedimentation and
destruction of natural stream banks or channels;
(4) Discharge of pollutants into a stream or into areas
hydrologically connected to a stream occupied by the species;
(5) Diversion or alteration of surface or ground water flow; and
(6) Pesticide/herbicide applications in violation of label
restrictions.
Questions regarding whether specific activities would constitute a
violation of section 9 of the Act should be directed to the Raleigh
Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

III. Proposed Critical Habitat Designation

Background

Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as:
(1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the
species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which
are found those physical or biological features
(a) Essential to the conservation of the species, and
(b) Which may require special management considerations or
protection; and
(2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the
species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas
are essential for the conservation of the species.
Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define the geographical area
occupied by the species as: An area that may generally be delineated
around species' occurrences, as determined by the Secretary (i.e.,
range). Such areas may include those areas used throughout all or part
of the species' life cycle, even if not used on a regular basis (e.g.,
migratory corridors, seasonal habitats, and habitats used periodically,
but not solely by vagrant individuals).
Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use
and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring
an endangered 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 requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation
with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is
not 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 the government
or public to access private lands. Such designation does not require
implementation of restoration, recovery, or enhancement measures by
non-Federal landowners. Where a landowner requests Federal agency
funding or authorization for an action that may affect a listed species
or critical habitat, the consultation requirements of section 7(a)(2)
of the Act would apply, but even in the event of a destruction or
adverse modification finding, the obligation of the Federal action
agency and the landowner is not to restore or recover the species, but
to implement reasonable and prudent alternatives to avoid destruction
or adverse modification of critical habitat.
Under the first prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat,
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time
it was listed are included in a critical habitat designation if they
contain physical or biological features (1) which are

[[Page 23657]]

essential to the conservation of the species and (2) which may require
special management considerations or protection. For these areas,
critical habitat designations identify, to the extent known using the
best scientific and commercial data available, those physical or
biological features that are essential to the conservation of the
species (such as space, food, cover, and protected habitat). In
identifying those physical or biological features within an area, we
focus on the specific features that support the life-history needs of
the species, including but not limited to, water characteristics, soil
type, geological features, prey, vegetation, symbiotic species, or
other features. A feature may be a single habitat characteristic, or a
more complex combination of habitat characteristics. Features may
include habitat characteristics that support ephemeral or dynamic
habitat conditions. Features may also be expressed in terms relating to
principles of conservation biology, such as patch size, distribution
distances, and connectivity.
Under the second prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat,
we can designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical
area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a
determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the
species. We will determine whether unoccupied areas are essential for
the conservation of the species by considering the life-history,
status, and conservation needs of the species. This will be further
informed by any generalized conservation strategy, criteria, or outline
that may have been developed for the species to provide a substantive
foundation for identifying which features and specific areas are
essential to the conservation of the species and, as a result, the
development of the critical habitat designation. For example, an area
currently occupied by the species but that was not occupied at the time
of listing may be essential to the conservation of the species and may
be included in the critical habitat designation.
Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on
the basis of the best scientific data available. Further, our Policy on
Information Standards under the Endangered Species Act (published in
the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271)), the Information
Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658)),
and our associated Information Quality Guidelines, provide criteria,
establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure that our decisions
are based on the best scientific data available. They require our
biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of
the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources
of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical
habitat.
When we are determining which areas should be designated as
critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the
information from the SSA report and information developed during the
listing process for the species. Additional information sources may
include any generalized conservation strategy, criteria, or outline
that may have been developed for the species; the recovery plan for the
species; articles in peer-reviewed journals; conservation plans
developed by States and counties; scientific status surveys and
studies; biological assessments; other unpublished materials; or
experts' opinions or personal knowledge.
Habitat is dynamic, and species may move from one area to another
over time. We recognize that critical habitat designated at a
particular point in time may not include all of the habitat areas that
we may later determine are necessary for the recovery of the species.
For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that
habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not be needed
for recovery of the species. Areas that are important to the
conservation of the species, both inside and outside the critical
habitat designation, will continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act; (2) regulatory
protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act
for Federal agencies to ensure their actions are not likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened
species; and (3) section 9 of the Act's prohibitions on taking any
individual of the species, including taking caused by actions that
affect habitat. Federally funded or permitted projects affecting listed
species outside their designated critical habitat areas may still
result in jeopardy findings in some cases. These protections and
conservation tools will continue to contribute to recovery of this
species. Similarly, critical habitat designations made on the basis of
the best available information at the time of designation will not
control the direction and substance of future recovery plans, habitat
conservation plans (HCPs), or other species conservation planning
efforts if new information available at the time of these planning
efforts calls for a different outcome.

Prudency Determination

Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12), require that the Secretary shall designate
critical habitat at the time the species is determined to be an
endangered or threatened species to the maximum extent prudent and
determinable. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that the
designation of critical habitat is not prudent when one or both of the
following situations exist:
(1) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity,
and identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the
degree of threat to the species, or
(2) Such designation of critical habitat would not be beneficial to
the species. In determining whether a designation would not be
beneficial, the factors the Service may consider include but are not
limited to: Whether the present or threatened destruction,
modification, or curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a
threat to the species, or whether any areas meet the definition of
``critical habitat.''
As discussed above, we did not identify any imminent threat of take
attributed to collection or vandalism for either the Neuse River
waterdog or the Carolina madtom, and there is no indication that
identification and mapping of critical habitat is likely to initiate
any such threats. Therefore, in the absence of finding that the
designation of critical habitat would increase threats to the species,
if there are benefits to the species from a critical habitat
designation, a finding that designation is prudent is appropriate.
The potential benefits of designation may include: (1) Triggering
consultation under section 7 of the Act, in new areas for actions in
which there may be a Federal nexus where it would not otherwise occur
because, for example, it is unoccupied; (2) focusing conservation
activities on the most essential features and areas; (3) providing
educational benefits to State or county governments or private
entities; and (4) preventing people from causing inadvertent harm to
the protected species. Because designation of critical habitat would
not likely increase the degree of threat to these species and may
provide some measure of benefit, designation of critical habitat is
prudent for both the Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom.

[[Page 23658]]

Critical Habitat Determinability

Having determined that designation is prudent, under section
4(a)(3) of the Act we must find whether critical habitat for both
species is determinable. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(2) state
that critical habitat is not determinable when one or both of the
following situations exist:
(i) Data sufficient to perform required analyses are lacking, or
(ii) The biological needs of the species are not sufficiently well
known to identify any area that meets the definition of ``critical
habitat.''
When critical habitat is not determinable, the Act allows the
Service an additional year to publish a critical habitat designation
(16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(6)(C)(ii)).
We reviewed the available information pertaining to the biological
needs of both species and habitat characteristics where the species are
located. We find that this information is sufficient for us to conduct
both the biological and economic analyses required for the critical
habitat determination. Therefore, we conclude that the designation of
critical habitat is determinable for the Neuse River waterdog and
Carolina madtom.

Physical or Biological Features

In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at
50 CFR 424.12(b), in determining which areas within the geographical
area occupied by the species at the time of listing to designate as
critical habitat, we consider the physical or biological features that
are essential to the conservation of the species and which may require
special management considerations or protection. These include, but are
not limited to:
(1) Space for individual and population growth and for normal
behavior;
(2) Food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or
physiological requirements;
(3) Cover or shelter;
(4) Sites for breeding, reproduction, or rearing (or development)
of offspring; and
(5) Habitats that are protected from disturbance or are
representative of the historical, geographical, and ecological
distributions of a species.
The features may also be combinations of habitat characteristics
and may encompass the relationship between characteristics or the
necessary amount of a characteristic needed to support the life history
of the species. In considering whether features are essential to the
conservation of the species, the Service may consider an appropriate
quality, quantity, and spatial and temporal arrangement of habitat
characteristics in the context of the life-history needs, condition,
and status of the species.
We derive the specific physical or biological features essential
for Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom from studies of both
species' habitat, ecology, and life history. The primary habitat
elements that influence resiliency of both species include water
quality, water quantity, substrate, and habitat connectivity. A full
description of the needs of individuals, populations, and the species
is available from the SSA reports; the individuals' needs are
summarized below in Tables 3 and 4.

Table 3--Life History and Resource Needs of the Neuse River Waterdog
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources and/or
circumstances needed for Resource function
Life stage INDIVIDUALS to complete each (BFSD *) Information source
life stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Egg/Embryo--May-June................ Clean, flowing B --Pudney et al. 1985,
water with moderate current p. 54.
(~10-50 cm/sec). --Cooper and Ashton
Sexually mature 1985, p. 5.
males and females (~6 years --Braswell and Ashton
old). 1985, p. 21.
Appropriate -- Ashton 1985, p. 95.
spawning temperatures (8-22
[deg]C).
Nest sites (large
flat rocks with gravel
bottoms).
Adequate flow for
oxygenation (7-9 ppm DO).
Hatchling--late summer.............. Clean, non-turbid, B, S --Cooper and Ashton
flowing water (~10-50 cm/ 1985, p. 5.
sec).
Adequate food
availability.
Post-hatchling Larvae--1-2 inches Clean, flowing F, S --Ashton 1985, p. 95.
long. water (~10-50 cm/sec).
Adequate food
availability (opportunistic
feeding; primarily
invertebrates).
Juveniles--Up to 5.5-6.5 years; 2-4 Clean, flowing F, S --Ashton 1985, p. 95.
inches long. water (~10-50 cm/sec). --Braswell 2005, p.
Adequate food 867.
availability (primarily
invertebrates).
Cover (large rocks/
boulders, outcrops,
burrows) for retreat areas.
Adults--6-30+ years--5-9 inches long Clean, flowing F, S, D --Braswell and Ashton
water deeper than 100 cm 1985, pp. 13, 22, 28.
with flows 10-50 cm/sec. --Ashton 1985, p. 95
Streams >15m wide.. --Braswell 2005, p.
High dissolved 868.
oxygen (7-9 ppm).
Appropriate
substrate (hard clay bottom
with leaf litter, gravel,
cobble).
Little to no
siltation.
Adequate food
availability (aquatic and
terrestrial invertebrates).
Cover (large rocks/
boulders, outcrops,
burrows) for retreat areas.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*B = Breeding, F = Feeding, S = Sheltering, D = Dispersal.

[[Page 23659]]

Table 4--Life history and resource needs of the Carolina madtom
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Resources and/or
circumstances needed for Resource function
Life stage INDIVIDUALS to complete each (BFSD *) Information source
life stage
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Egg/Embryo--May-July................ Clear, flowing B --Burr et al. 1989, p.
water. 75.
Sexually mature
males and females.
Appropriate
spawning temperatures.
Nest sites (rocks,
bottles, shells, cobble).
Adequate flow for
oxygenation.
Hatchling--late summer.............. Clear, flowing B, S --Burr et al. 1989, p.
water 78.
Cohesive schooling
behavior to avoid predation.
Juveniles--2-3 years; >2.5 inches Clear, flowing F, S --Burr et al. 1989, p.
long. water 78.
Adequate food
availability (midges,
caddisflies, mayflies,
etc.).
Cover (shells,
bottles, cans, tires, woody
debris, etc.).
Adults--3+ years-->4 inches long.... Clear, flowing F, S, D --Burr et al. 1989, p.
water 1 to 3 feet deep 63
Appropriate --Midway et al. 2010,
substrate (leaf litter, p. 326.
sand, gravel, cobble).
Adequate food
availability (midges,
caddisflies, mayflies,
etc.).
Cover (shells,
bottles, cans, tires, woody
debris, etc.).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* B = breeding; F = feeding; S = sheltering; D = dispersal.

Summary of Essential Physical or Biological Features

In summary, we derive the specific physical or biological features
essential to the conservation of Neuse River waterdog from studies of
this species' habitat, ecology, and life history as described above.
Additional information can be found in the SSA Report (Service 2018)
available on http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-
2018-0092. We have determined that the following physical or biological
features are essential to the conservation of Neuse River waterdog:
(1) Suitable substrates and connected instream habitats,
characterized by geomorphically stable stream channels and banks (i.e.,
channels that maintain lateral dimensions, longitudinal profiles, and
sinuosity patterns over time without an aggrading or degrading bed
elevation) with habitats that support a diversity of native aquatic
fauna (such as, stable riffle-run-pool habitats that provide flow
refuges consisting of silt-free gravel, small cobble, coarse sand, and
leaf litter substrates) as well as abundant cover and burrows used for
nesting.
(2) Adequate flows, or a hydrologic flow regime (which includes the
severity, frequency, duration, and seasonality of discharge over time),
necessary to maintain instream habitats where the species is found and
to maintain connectivity of streams with the floodplain, allowing the
exchange of nutrients and sediment for maintenance of the waterdog's
habitat, food availability, and ample oxygenated flow for spawning and
nesting habitat.
(3) Water quality (including, but not limited to, conductivity,
hardness, turbidity, temperature, pH, ammonia, heavy metals, and
chemical constituents) necessary to sustain natural physiological
processes for normal behavior, growth, and viability of all life
stages.
(4) Invertebrate and fish prey items, which are typically
hellgrammites, crayfish, mayflies, earthworms, snails, beetles,
centipedes, slugs, and small fish.
We derive the specific physical or biological features essential to
the conservation of Carolina madtom from studies of this species'
habitat, ecology, and life history as described above. Additional
information can be found in the SSA Report (Service 2018) available on
http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092. We
have determined that the following physical or biological features are
essential to the conservation of Carolina madtom:
(1) Suitable substrates and connected instream habitats,
characterized by geomorphically stable stream channels and banks (i.e.,
channels that maintain lateral dimensions, longitudinal profiles, and
sinuosity patterns over time without an aggrading or degrading bed
elevation) with habitats that support a diversity of native fish (such
as stable riffle-run-pool habitats that provide flow refuges consisting
of silt-free gravel, small cobble, coarse sand, and leaf litter
substrates) as well as abundant cover used for nesting.
(2) Adequate flows, or a hydrologic flow regime (which includes the
severity, frequency, duration, and seasonality of discharge over time),
necessary to maintain instream habitats where the species is found and
to maintain connectivity of streams with the floodplain, allowing the
exchange of nutrients and sediment for maintenance of the fish's
habitat, food availability, and ample oxygenated flow for spawning and
nesting habitat.
(3) Water quality (including, but not limited to, conductivity,
hardness, turbidity, temperature, pH, ammonia, heavy metals, and
chemical constituents) necessary to sustain natural physiological
processes for normal behavior, growth, and viability of all life
stages.
(4) Aquatic macroinvertebrate prey items, which are typically
dominated by larval midges, mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, and
beetle larvae.

Special Management Considerations or Protection

When designating critical habitat, we assess whether the specific
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time
of listing contain features that are essential to the conservation of
the species and which may require special management considerations or
protection. The features essential to the conservation of the Neuse
River waterdog and Carolina madtom may require special management
considerations or protections to reduce the following threats: (1)
Urbanization of the landscape, including (but not limited to) land
conversion for urban and commercial use, infrastructure (roads,
bridges, utilities), and urban water uses (water supply reservoirs,
wastewater treatment, etc.); (2) nutrient pollution from agricultural
activities that impact water quantity and quality; (3) significant
alteration of water quality; (4) improper forest management or
silviculture activities that remove large areas of forested wetlands
and riparian

[[Page 23660]]

systems; (5) dams, culverts, and utility pipe installation that creates
barriers to movement; (6) impacts from invasive species; (7) changes
and shifts in seasonal precipitation patterns as a result of climate
change; and (8) other watershed and floodplain disturbances that
release sediments or nutrients into the water.
Management activities that could ameliorate these threats include,
but are not limited to: Use of BMPs designed to reduce sedimentation,
erosion, and bank side destruction; protection of riparian corridors
and leaving sufficient canopy cover along banks; moderation of surface
and ground water withdrawals to maintain natural flow regimes;
increased use of stormwater management and reduction of stormwater
flows into the systems; and reduction of other watershed and floodplain
disturbances that release sediments, pollutants, or nutrients into the
water.

Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat

As required by section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we use the best
scientific data available to designate critical habitat. In accordance
with the Act and our implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(b), we
review available information pertaining to the habitat requirements of
the species and identify specific areas within the geographical area
occupied by the species at the time of listing and any specific areas
outside the geographical area occupied by the species to be considered
for designation as critical habitat.
The current distribution of both species is much reduced from their
historical distributions. We anticipate that recovery will require
continued protection of existing populations and habitat, as well as
ensuring there are adequate numbers of Neuse River waterdogs and
Carolina madtoms in stable populations and that these populations occur
over a wide geographic area. This strategy will help to ensure that
catastrophic events, such as the effects of hurricanes (e.g., flooding
that causes excessive sedimentation, nutrients, and debris to disrupt
stream ecology), cannot simultaneously affect all known populations.
Rangewide recovery considerations, such as maintaining existing genetic
diversity and striving for representation of all major portions of the
species' current range, were considered in formulating this proposed
critical habitat.
Sources of data for this proposed critical habitat include multiple
databases maintained by NC State University, the NC Wildlife Resources
Commission, and the NC Natural Heritage Program and numerous survey
reports on streams throughout the species' range (see SSA report). We
have also reviewed available information that pertains to the habitat
requirements of this species. Sources of information on habitat
requirements include studies conducted at occupied sites and published
in peer-reviewed articles, agency reports, and data collected during
monitoring efforts (Service 2018).

Areas Occupied at the Time of Listing

Neuse River Waterdog

We identified stream channels that currently support populations of
Neuse River waterdog. We defined ``currently'' as stream channels with
observations of the species from 2010 to the present. Due to the
breadth and intensity of survey effort done for amphibians throughout
the known range of the species, it is reasonable to assume that streams
with no positive surveys since 2010 should not be considered occupied
for the purpose of our analysis.
Specific occupied habitat areas were delineated based on Natural
Heritage Element Occurrences (EOs) following NatureServe's occurrence
delineation protocol for freshwater fish (NatureServe 2018). These EOs
provide habitat for Neuse River waterdog subpopulations and are large
enough to be self-sustaining over time, despite fluctuations in local
conditions. The EOs contain stream reaches with interconnected waters
so that waterdogs can move between areas, at least during certain flows
or seasons.
Based on this information, we consider the following subbasins to
be currently occupied by the species at the time of proposed listing:
Upper, Middle, and Lower Tar River subbasins, Sandy-Swift Creek,
Fishing Creek subbasin, Upper, Middle, and Lower Neuse River subbasins,
and the Trent River (see Unit Descriptions, below). The proposed
critical habitat designation does not include all streams known to have
been occupied by the species historically; instead, it includes only
the occupied streams within the historical range that have also
retained the physical or biological features that will allow for the
maintenance and expansion of existing populations.

Carolina Madtom

We identified stream channels that currently support populations of
Carolina madtom. As with the Neuse River waterdog, we defined
``current'' as stream channels with observations of the species from
2010 to the present. Due to the breadth and intensity of survey effort
done for freshwater fish throughout the known range of the species, it
is reasonable to assume that streams with no positive surveys since
2010 should not be considered occupied for the purpose of our analysis.
Specific habitat areas were delineated based on Natural Heritage
Element Occurrences (EOs) following NatureServe's occurrence
delineation protocol for freshwater fish (NatureServe 2018). These EOs
provide habitat for Carolina madtom subpopulations and are large enough
to be self-sustaining over time, despite fluctuations in local
conditions. The EOs contain stream reaches with interconnected waters
so that fish can move between areas, at least during certain flows or
seasons.
We consider the following streams to be occupied by the species at
the time of proposed listing: Upper Tar, Fishing Creek, Sandy-Swift
Creek, and the Little River (see Unit Descriptions, below). The
proposed critical habitat designation does not include all streams
known to have been occupied by the species historically; instead, it
includes only the occupied streams within the historical range that
have also retained the physical or biological features that will allow
for the maintenance and expansion of existing populations.

Areas Outside the Geographic Area Occupied at the Time of Listing

We are not proposing to designate any areas outside the
geographical area currently occupied by the Neuse River waterdog
because we did not find any unoccupied areas that were essential for
the conservation of the species. The protection of the nine currently
occupied management units across the physiographic representation of
the range would sufficiently reduce the risk of extinction, by
improving the resiliency of populations in these currently occupied
streams to increase viability to the point that the protections of the
Act are no longer necessary.
We are proposing three currently unoccupied units for the Carolina
madtom that we determined to be essential for the conservation of the
species. Carolina madtoms have been completely extirpated from the
Trent River basin, four of the five Neuse River units, and two of the
five Tar River basin management units. There is currently only one
occupied management unit currently remaining in the Neuse River basin,
and that population was found to be in ``very low'' condition in our
resiliency analysis. Having at least three resilient

[[Page 23661]]

populations in both the Tar and Neuse River basins and at least one
population in the Trent River basin is essential for the conservation
of the Carolina madtom. Accordingly, we propose to designate one
unoccupied unit in the Trent River basin and two in the Neuse River
basin. Because there are already three populations in the Tar River
basin, we do not consider an unoccupied unit in this basin to be
essential for the species' conservation.

General Information on the Maps of the Proposed Critical Habitat
Designation

The proposed critical habitat designation is defined by the map or
maps, as modified by any accompanying regulatory text, presented at the
end of this document under Proposed Regulation Promulgation. We include
more detailed information on the boundaries of the proposed critical
habitat designation in the discussion of individual units below. We
will make the coordinates or plot points or both on which each map is
based available to the public on http://www.regulations.gov under
Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092, and at the field office responsible for
the designation (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT, above).
When determining proposed critical habitat boundaries, we made
every effort to avoid including developed areas such as lands covered
by buildings, pavement, and other structures because such lands lack
physical or biological features necessary for Neuse River waterdog or
Carolina madtom. The scale of the maps we prepared under the parameters
for publication within the Code of Federal Regulations may not reflect
the exclusion of such developed lands. Any such lands inadvertently
left inside critical habitat boundaries shown on the maps of this
proposed rule have been excluded by text in the proposed rule and are
not proposed for designation as critical habitat. Therefore, if the
critical habitat is finalized as proposed, a Federal action involving
these lands would not trigger section 7 consultation under the Act with
respect to critical habitat and the requirement of no adverse
modification unless the specific action would affect the physical or
biological features in the adjacent critical habitat.

Proposed Critical Habitat Designation

Neuse River Waterdog

We are proposing to designate approximately 738 river mi (1,188
river km) in 16 units in North Carolina as critical habitat for the
Neuse River waterdog. All of the units are currently occupied by the
species and contain some or all of the physical and biological features
essential to the conservation of the species. All units may require
special management considerations or protection to address habitat
degradation resulting from the cumulative impacts of land use change
and associated watershed-level effects on water quality, water
quantity, habitat connectivity, and instream habitat suitability. These
stressors are primarily related to habitat changes: The buildup of fine
sediments, the loss of flowing water, instream habitat fragmentation,
and impairment of water quality; these are all exacerbated by climate
change. Table 5 shows the name, land ownership of the riparian areas
surrounding the units, and approximate river miles of the proposed
designated units for the Neuse River waterdog. Because all streambeds
are navigable waters, the actual critical habitat units are all owned
by the State of North Carolina.

Table 5--Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Neuse River Waterdog
------------------------------------------------------------------------
River miles
Critical habitat unit Riparian ownership (kilometers)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1. TAR1-Upper Tar River... Private; Easements..... 8.6 (13.8)
Unit 2. TAR2-Upper Fishing Private; Easements..... 10.5 (16.9)
Creek.
Unit 3. TAR3a-Fishing Creek Private; Easements; 62.8 (101)
Subbasin. State.
Unit 4. TAR3b-Sandy/Swift Creek Private; Easements; 68.3 (110)
State.
Unit 5. TAR3c-Middle Tar River Private; Easements; 100 (161)
Subbasin. State.
Unit 6. TAR3d-Lower Tar River Private; Easements; 60.6 (97.5)
Subbasin. State.
Unit 7. NR1-Eno River.......... Private; Easements; 41.5 (66.8)
State.
Unit 8. NR2-Flat River......... Private; Easements..... 17.4 (28)
Unit 9. NR3-Middle Creek....... Private; Easements; 7.6 (12.2)
Local.
Unit 10. NR4-Swift Creek....... Private................ 23.4 (37.7)
Unit 11. NR5a-Little River..... Private; Easements..... 89.6 (144)
Unit 12. NR5b-Mill Creek....... Private; Easements..... 19 (30.6)
Unit 13. NR5c-Middle Neuse Private; State; 40 (64.4)
River. Easements.
Unit 14. NR6-Contentnea Creek/ Private; Easements..... 117 (188.3)
Lower Neuse River Subbasin.
Unit 15. NR7-Swift Creek (Lower Private; Easements..... 10 (16)
Neuse).
Unit 16. TR1-Trent River....... Private................ 62 (100)
---------------
Total...................... ....................... 738 (1,188)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Area sizes may not sum due to rounding.

Tar Population

Unit 1: TAR1-Upper Tar River
Unit 1 consists of 8.6 river mi (13.8 river km) of the Upper Tar
River in Granville County from approximately SR1004 (Old NC 75)
downstream to NC 96. The riparian land adjacent to this unit is
primarily privately owned (86%), with several conservation parcels or
easements (14%).
Unit 2: TAR2-Upper Fishing Creek
Unit 2 consists of 10.5 river mi (16.9 river km) of Upper Fishing
Creek in Warren County. This unit extends from SR1118 (No Bottom Drive)
downstream to NC58. The riparian land adjacent to the unit is primarily
privately owned (94%) with several conservation parcels or easements
(6%).
Unit 3: TAR3a-Fishing Creek Subbasin
Unit 3 consists of approximately 63 river mi (101 river km) of
lower Little Fishing Creek approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) upstream of
SR1214 (Silvertown Rd) downstream to the confluence with Fishing Creek,
and

[[Page 23662]]

including the mainstem of Fishing Creek to the confluence with the Tar
River in Halifax, Nash, and Edgecombe Counties. The riparian land
adjacent to the unit includes private land (91%), several conservation
parcels (6%), and State Game Lands (3%).
Unit 4: TAR3b-Sandy/Swift Creek
Unit 4 consists of an approximately 68-river-mi (110-river-km)
segment of Sandy Creek downstream of SR 1451 (Leonard Road) to the
confluence with the Tar River, including Red Bud Creek downstream of
the Franklin/Nash county line to the confluence with Swift Creek. This
unit is located in Franklin, Nash, and Edgecombe Counties. The riparian
land adjacent to this unit includes private lands (97%), conservation
parcels (1%), and State Game Lands (2%).
Unit 5: TAR3c-Middle Tar River Subbasin
Unit 5 consists of an approximately 100-river-mi (161-river-km)
segment of the Middle Tar River from the confluence with Cedar Creek
downstream to the confluence with Fishing Creek, including Stony Creek
below SR1300 (Boddies' Millpond Rd), downstream to the confluence with
the Tar River. This unit is located in Franklin, Nash, and Edgecombe
Counties. The riparian land adjacent to this unit is nearly all private
lands (99%), with less than 1% conservation parcels, local parks, and a
research station.
Unit 6: TAR3d-Lower Tar River Subbasin
Unit 6 consists of approximately 60 river mi (96.6 river km) in the
Lower Tar River Subbasin from the confluence with Fishing Creek
downstream to the confluence with Barber Creek near SR1533 (Port
Terminal Road). This includes portions of Town Creek below NC111 to the
confluence with the Tar River, Otter Creek below SR1251 to the
confluence with the Tar River, and Tyson Creek below SR1258 to the
confluence with the Tar River. This unit is located in Edgecombe and
Pitt Counties. The riparian land adjacent to this unit consists of
private land (97%), conservation parcels (2.5%), and State Game Lands
(0.5%).

Neuse Population

Unit 7: NR1-Eno River
Unit 7 consists of approximately 41.5 river mi (66.8 river km) of
the Eno River from NC86 downstream to the inundated portion of Falls
Lake in Orange and Durham Counties. The riparian land adjacent to this
unit includes private lands (61%), State Park Lands (25%), local
government conservation parcels (12%), and State Game Lands (2%).
Unit 8: NR2-Flat River
Unit 8 is a 17.4-river-mi (28-river-km) segment of the Flat River
from SR1739 (Harris Mill Road) downstream to the inundated portion of
Falls Lake, located in Person and Durham Counties. The riparian land
adjacent to this unit consists of some private land (49%) and extensive
conservation parcels (51%), including demonstration forest, recreation
areas, and State Game Lands.
Unit 9: NR3-Middle Creek
Unit 9 is a 7.6-river-mi (12.2-river-km) stretch of Middle Creek
from Southeast Regional Park downstream to the Interstate 40 crossing,
located in Wake and Johnston Counties. The riparian land adjacent to
this unit is predominantly privately owned (92%) with a few
conservation parcels (8%).
Unit 10: NR4-Swift Creek (Middle Neuse)
Unit 10 is a 23.35-river-mi (37.6-river-km) stretch of Swift Creek
from NC42 downstream to the confluence with the Neuse River, located in
Johnston County. The riparian land adjacent to this unit is entirely
privately owned.
Unit 11: NR5a-Little River
Unit 11 is an 89.6-river-mi (144.2-river-km) segment of the Little
River from near NC96 downstream to the confluence with the Neuse River,
including Buffalo Creek from NC39 to the confluence with Little River,
located in Franklin, Wake, Johnston, and Wayne Counties. The riparian
land adjacent to this unit is predominantly privately owned (90%) with
some (10%) local municipal conservation parcels (Little River
Reservoir).
Unit 12: NR5b-Mill Creek
Unit 12 is an 18.7-river-mi (30-river-km) segment of Mill Creek
from upstream of US701 downstream to the confluence with the Neuse
River located in Johnston and Wayne Counties. The riparian land
adjacent to this unit is predominantly privately owned (95%) with some
conservation parcels (5%).
Unit 13: NR5c-Middle Neuse River
Unit 13 is a 39.8-river-mi (64-river-km) segment of the Middle
Neuse River from the confluence with Mill Creek downstream to the
Wayne/Lenoir County line, located in Wayne County. The riparian land
adjacent to this unit includes privately owned land (92%), conservation
parcels (0.95%), State Park land (7%), and the Seymour Johnson Air
Force Base (0.05%). The 2 miles of river segment located on the land
owned by the Air Force Base is exempt from critical habitat under
section 4(a)(3) of the Act (see Exemptions, below).
Unit 14: NR6-Contentnea Creek/Lower Neuse River Subbasin
Unit 14 is an approximately 117-river-mi (188.3-river-km) reach,
including Contentnea Creek from NC581 downstream to its confluence with
the Neuse River, Nahunta Swamp from the Wayne/Greene County line to the
confluence with Contentnea Creek, and the Neuse River from the
confluence with Contentnea Creek to the confluence with Pinetree Creek,
located in Greene, Wilson, Wayne, Lenoir, Pitt, and Craven Counties.
The riparian land adjacent to this unit is nearly all privately owned
land (99%), with <1% conservation parcels.
Unit 15: NR7-Swift Creek
Unit 15 is a 10.13-river-mi (16.3-river-km) reach of Swift Creek
from SR1931 (Beaver Camp Rd) downstream to SR1440 (Streets Ferry Rd)
located in Craven County. The riparian land adjacent to this unit is
nearly all privately owned (99%) with some conservation parcels (1%).

Trent Population

Unit 16: TR1-Trent River
Unit 16 is a 62-river-mi (100-river-km) reach that includes Beaver
Creek from SR1316 (McDaniel Fork Rd) to the confluence with the Trent
River, and Trent River from the confluence with Poplar Branch
downstream to SR1121 (Oak Grove Rd) crossing at the Marine Corps Cherry
Point property, in Jones County. The riparian land adjacent to this
unit is entirely privately owned.

Carolina Madtom

We are proposing to designate approximately 257 river miles (414
river kilometers) in 7 units in North Carolina as critical habitat for
the Carolina madtom. Four of the units are currently occupied by the
species and contain some or all of the physical and biological features
essential to the conservation of the species. Three of the units are
unoccupied but are essential to the conservation of the species. All
units proposed may require special management considerations or
protection to address habitat degradation resulting from the cumulative
impacts of land use change and associated watershed-level effects on
water quality, water quantity, habitat connectivity, and instream
habitat

[[Page 23663]]

suitability. These stressors are primarily related to habitat changes:
the buildup of fine sediments, the loss of flowing water, instream
habitat fragmentation, and impairment of water quality; these are all
exacerbated by climate change. Table 6 shows the name, land ownership
of the riparian areas surrounding the units, and approximate river
miles of the proposed designated units for the Carolina madtom. Because
all streambeds are navigable waters, the actual critical habitat units
are all owned by the State of North Carolina.

Table 6--Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Carolina Madtom
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length of
Occupied at the time of unit in river
Critical habitat unit listing Riparian ownership miles
(kilometers)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unit 1. TAR1-Upper Tar River........... Yes......................... Private.................. 26 (42)
Unit 2. TAR2-Sandy/Swift Creek......... Yes......................... Private; Easements....... 66 (106)
Unit 3. TAR3-Fishing Creek Subbasin.... Yes......................... Private; Easements; State 86 (138)
Unit 4. NR1-Upper Neuse River Subbasin No.......................... Easements; State; Private 20 (32)
(Eno River).
Unit 5. NR2-Little River............... Yes......................... Private; Easements....... 28 (45)
Unit 6. NR3-Contentnea Creek........... No.......................... Private.................. 15 (24)
Unit 7. TR1-Trent River................ No.......................... Private.................. 15 (24)
---------------
Total.............................. ............................ ......................... 257 (414)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Area sizes may not sum due to rounding.

Tar Population

Unit 1: TAR1-Upper Tar River
Unit 1 consists of 26 river mi (42 river km) of the Upper Tar
River, from the confluence with Sand Creek to the confluence with
Sycamore Creek, in Granville, Vance, and Franklin Counties. Unit 1 is
occupied by the species and contains all of the physical and biological
features essential to the conservation of the species. The riparian
land adjacent to the river is entirely privately owned.
Unit 2: TAR2-Sandy/Swift Creek
Unit 2 consists of 66 river mi (106 river km) of Sandy and Swift
Creeks, located downstream from NC561 to the confluence with the Tar
River, in Edgecombe, Vance, Warren, Halifax, Franklin, and Nash
Counties. This unit is occupied and contains all of the physical and
biological features necessary for the conservation of the species. The
riparian land adjacent to this unit is predominantly privately owned
(96%), with conservation parcels (2%) and State Game Lands (2%).
Unit 3: TAR3-Fishing Creek Subbasin
Unit 3 consists of approximately 86 river mi (138 river km),
including Fishing Creek from the confluence with Hogpen Branch to the
confluence with the Tar River, and Little Fishing Creek from Medoc
Mountain Road (SR1002) to the confluence with Fishing Creek, located in
Edgecombe, Warren, Halifax, Franklin, and Nash Counties. This unit is
occupied by the species and contains all of the physical and biological
features necessary for the conservation of the species. The riparian
land adjacent to the unit is divided between privately owned parcels
(89%), State Game Lands and State Park land (5%), and conservation
parcels (6%).

Neuse River Population

Unit 4: NR1-Upper Neuse River Subbasin (Eno River)
Unit 4 consists of approximately 20 river mi (32 river km) of the
Upper Neuse River extending from Eno River State Park downstream of
NC70 to the confluence with Cabin Creek near Falls Lake impoundment,
located in Orange and Durham Counties. This unit is not occupied by the
species. There is one historical record of Carolina madtoms in this
unit from 1961, but followup surveys in 2011 were not able to find any
individuals. Although it is unoccupied, it does contain all of the
physical and biological features necessary for the conservation of the
species. This unit is itself essential for the conservation of the
species because it will provide for population expansion and resiliency
in portions of known historical habitat that is necessary to increase
the resiliency, redundancy, and representation to increase viability of
the species. Riparian land adjacent to the unit is almost entirely
(95%) within State Park Lands, local government conservation parcels,
and State Game Lands.
Unit 5: NR2-Little River
Unit 5 consists of 28 river mi (45 river km) of the Upper and Lower
Little River from NC42 to Johnston/Wayne County line, located in
Johnston County. This unit is occupied and contains all of the physical
and biological features necessary for the conservation of the species.
The riparian land adjacent to the unit is predominantly privately owned
(99%) with some (1%) State Conservation ownership.
Unit 6: NR3-Contentnea Creek
Unit 6 consists of approximately 15 river mi (24 river km) of
Contentnea Creek from Buckhorn Reservoir to Wiggins Mill Reservoir,
located in Wilson County. This unit is not occupied by the species. The
last known documentation of the species was in 2007. Although it is
unoccupied, it does contain all of the physical and biological features
necessary for the conservation of the species. This unit itself is
essential for the conservation of the species because it will provide
for population expansion and resiliency in portions of known historical
habitat that is necessary to increase the resiliency, redundancy, and
representation to increase viability of the species. The riparian land
adjacent to this unit is entirely privately owned.

Trent Population

Unit 7: TR1-Trent River
Unit 7 consists of approximately 15 river mi (24 river km) of the
Trent River between the confluence with Cypress Creek and Beaver Creek,
in Jones County. This unit is unoccupied by the species. The last known
documentation of the species here was in 1986. Although it is
unoccupied, it does contain all of the physical and biological features
necessary for the conservation of the species. This unit itself is
essential for the conservation of the species because it will provide
for population expansion and resiliency in portions of known historical
habitat that is necessary to increase the resiliency, redundancy, and
representation to increase viability of the species. All of

[[Page 23664]]

the riparian land adjacent to this unit is privately owned.

Exemptions

Application of Section 4(a)(3) of the Act

The Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1997 (Sikes Act) (16 U.S.C. 670a)
required each military installation that includes land and water
suitable for the conservation and management of natural resources to
complete an integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP) by
November 17, 2001. An INRMP integrates implementation of the military
mission of the installation with stewardship of the natural resources
found on the base. Each INRMP includes:
(1) An assessment of the ecological needs on the installation,
including the need to provide for the conservation of listed species;
(2) A statement of goals and priorities;
(3) A detailed description of management actions to be implemented
to provide for these ecological needs; and
(4) A monitoring and adaptive management plan.
Among other things, each INRMP must, to the extent appropriate and
applicable, provide for fish and wildlife management; fish and wildlife
habitat enhancement or modification; wetland protection, enhancement,
and restoration where necessary to support fish and wildlife; and
enforcement of applicable natural resource laws.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Pub.
L. 108-136) amended the Act to limit areas eligible for designation as
critical habitat. Specifically, section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16
U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) provides that: ``The Secretary shall not
designate as critical habitat any lands or other geographical areas
owned or controlled by the Department of Defense, or designated for its
use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources management
plan prepared under section 670a of this title [the Sikes Act; 16
U.S.C. 670a], if the Secretary determines in writing that such plan
provides a benefit to the species for which critical habitat is
proposed for designation.''
We consult with the military on the development and implementation
of INRMPs for installations with listed species. We analyze INRMPs
developed by military installations located within the range of
proposed critical habitat designations to determine if they meet the
criteria for exemption from critical habitat under section 4(a)(3) of
the Act.
We have identified one area within the proposed critical habitat
designation that consists of Department of Defense lands with a
completed, Service-approved INRMP. The Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
(SJAFB) is located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, on 3,220 acres. SJAFB
is federally owned land that is managed by the Air Force and is subject
to all Federal laws and regulations. The SJAFB INRMP covers fiscal
years 2015-2020, and serves as the principal management plan governing
all natural resource activities on the installation. Among the goals
and objectives listed in the INRMP is prohibiting the introduction of
exotic species, the preparation of a fish and wildlife management plan,
the enforcement of game laws, the conservation of wildlife and
migratory waterfowl, licenses and permits, regulating the use of
chemical toxicants for controlling nuisance species, the protection of
endangered and threatened species, and allowing public access to
military property. Management actions that benefit the Neuse River
waterdog include: Analyze the adequacy of existing stormwater
facilities and BMPs; collect effluent data from each drainage basin
within the context of an ecosystem goal for surface and ground water
discharges from SJAFB to make it easier to evaluate the scientific,
ecological, and economic value of current and proposed BMPs; collect
seasonal and annual data concerning stormwater runoff and nonpoint
source pollution to evaluate the contribution and water quality of
stormwater runoff from SJAFB to the surrounding watersheds; address
watershed protection and enhancement of water quality, and regulate the
amounts of water used in future landscaping and grounds maintenance
activities, including the use of herbicides, pesticides, and
fertilizers; and the application of appropriate stormwater management
practices.
Two miles (3.2 km) of Unit 13 (NR5c-Middle Neuse River) are located
within the area covered by this INRMP. Based on the above
considerations, and in accordance with section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the
Act, we have determined that the identified streams are subject to the
SJAFB INRMP and that conservation efforts identified in the INRMP will
provide a benefit to the Neuse River waterdog. Therefore, streams
within this installation are exempt from critical habitat designation
under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. We are not including approximately 2
river mi (3.2 km) of habitat in this proposed critical habitat
designation because of this exemption.

Consideration of Impacts Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act

Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary shall
designate and make revisions to critical habitat on the basis of the
best available scientific data after taking into consideration the
economic impact, national security impact, and any other relevant
impact of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. The
Secretary may exclude an area from critical habitat if he determines
that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying
such area as part of the critical habitat, unless 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 statute on its face, as well
as the legislative history, are clear that the Secretary has broad
discretion regarding which factor(s) to use and how much weight to give
to any factor.
As discussed below, we are not proposing to exclude any areas from
critical habitat. However, the final decision on whether to exclude any
areas will be based on the best scientific data available at the time
of the final designation, including information obtained during the
comment period and information about the economic impact of
designation.

Consideration of Economic Impacts

Section 4(b)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations require
that we consider the economic impact that may result from a designation
of critical habitat. To assess the probable economic impacts of a
designation, we must first evaluate specific land uses or activities
and projects that may occur in the area of the critical habitat. We
then must evaluate whether a specific critical habitat designation may
restrict or modify specific land uses or activities for the benefit of
the species and its habitat within the areas proposed. We then identify
which conservation efforts may be the result of the species being
listed under the Act versus those attributed solely to the designation
of critical habitat. The probable economic impact of a proposed
critical habitat designation is analyzed by comparing scenarios both
``with critical habitat'' and ``without critical habitat.'' The
``without critical habitat'' scenario represents the baseline for the
analysis, which includes the existing regulatory and socioeconomic
burden imposed on landowners, managers, or other resource users
potentially affected by the designation of critical habitat (e.g.,
under the Federal listing as well as

[[Page 23665]]

other Federal, State, and local regulations). The baseline, therefore,
represents the costs of all efforts attributable to the listing of the
species under the Act (i.e., conservation of the species and its
habitat incurred regardless of whether critical habitat is designated).
The ``with critical habitat'' scenario describes the incremental
impacts associated specifically with the designation of critical
habitat for the species. The incremental conservation efforts and
associated impacts would not be expected without the designation of
critical habitat for the species. In other words, the incremental costs
are those attributable solely to the designation of critical habitat,
above and beyond the baseline costs. These are the costs we use when
evaluating the benefits of inclusion and exclusion of particular areas
from the final designation of critical habitat should we choose to
conduct a discretionary 4(b)(2) exclusion analysis.
For this proposed designation, we developed an incremental effects
memorandum (IEM) for each species considering the probable incremental
economic impacts that may result from this proposed designation of
critical habitat. The information contained in our IEMs was then used
to develop a screening analysis of the probable effects of the
designation of critical habitat for both species (IEc, 2018, entire).
The purpose of the screening analysis is to filter out the geographic
areas in which the critical habitat designation is unlikely to result
in probable incremental economic impacts. In particular, the screening
analysis considers baseline costs (i.e., absent critical habitat
designation) and includes probable economic impacts where land and
water use may be subject to conservation plans, land management plans,
best management practices, or regulations that protect the habitat area
as a result of the Federal listing status of the species. The screening
analysis filters out particular areas of critical habitat that are
already subject to such protections and are, therefore, unlikely to
incur incremental economic impacts. Ultimately, the screening analysis
allows us to focus our analysis on evaluating the specific areas or
sectors that may incur probable incremental economic impacts as a
result of the designation. This screening analysis, combined with the
information contained in our IEM, constitutes our draft economic
analysis (DEA) of the proposed critical habitat designations for the
Carolina madtom and Neuse River waterdog, and is summarized in the
narrative below.
Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct Federal agencies to
assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives in
quantitative (to the extent feasible) and qualitative terms. Consistent
with the E.O. regulatory analysis requirements, our effects analysis
under the Act may take into consideration impacts to both directly and
indirectly affected entities, where practicable and reasonable. If
sufficient data are available, we assess to the extent practicable the
probable impacts to both directly and indirectly affected entities. As
part of our screening analysis, we considered the types of economic
activities that are likely to occur within the areas likely affected by
the proposed critical habitat designation. In our August 10, 2018, IEM,
we first identified probable incremental economic impacts associated
with each of the following categories of activities: (1) Federal lands
management (National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Department of
Defense); (2) agriculture; (3) forest management/silviculture/timber;
(4) development; (5) recreation; (6) restoration activities; and (7)
transportation. Additionally, we considered whether the activities have
any Federal involvement. Critical habitat designation generally will
not affect activities that do not have any Federal involvement; under
the Act, designation of critical habitat only affects activities
conducted, funded, permitted, or authorized by Federal agencies. If we
list the species as proposed in the listing portion of this document,
under section 7 of the Act, Federal agencies would be required to
consult with the Service on activities they fund, permit, or implement
that may affect the species.
In our IEM, we attempted to clarify the distinction between the
effects that would result from the species being listed and those
attributable to the critical habitat designation (i.e., difference
between the jeopardy and adverse modification standards) for the
Carolina madtom and Neuse River waterdog. Because the designation of
critical habitat is being proposed concurrently with the listing, it
has been our experience that it is more difficult to discern which
conservation efforts are attributable to the species being listed and
those which would result solely from the designation of critical
habitat. However, the following specific circumstances in this case
help to inform our evaluation: (1) The essential physical or biological
features identified for critical habitat are the same features
essential for the life requisites of the species, and (2) any actions
that would result in sufficient harm or harassment to constitute
jeopardy to either species would also likely adversely affect the
essential physical or biological features of critical habitat. The IEM
outlines our rationale concerning this limited distinction between
baseline conservation efforts and incremental impacts of the
designation of critical habitat for the species. This evaluation of the
incremental effects has been used as the basis to evaluate the probable
incremental economic impacts of this proposed designation of critical
habitat.
The proposed critical habitat designation for the Neuse River
waterdog totals approximately 738 river miles (1,188 river km), all of
which are currently occupied by the species. In these areas, any
actions that may affect the species or its habitat would likely also
affect proposed critical habitat, and it is unlikely that any
additional conservation efforts would be required to address the
adverse modification standard over and above those recommended as
necessary to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence of the species.
Therefore, the only additional costs that are expected in all of the
proposed critical habitat designation are administrative costs, due to
the fact that this additional analysis will require time and resources
by both the Federal action agency and the Service.
The proposed critical habitat designation for the Carolina madtom
totals approximately 257 river miles (414 river km), most of which is
currently occupied by the species, but with three unoccupied units. In
the occupied areas, any actions that may affect the species or its
habitat would likely also affect proposed critical habitat, and it is
unlikely that any additional conservation efforts would be required to
address the adverse modification standard over and above those
recommended as necessary to avoid jeopardizing the continued existence
of the species. Therefore, the only additional costs that are expected
in the occupied proposed critical habitat designation are
administrative costs, due to the fact that this additional analysis
will require time and resources by both the Federal action agency and
the Service. Three of the proposed Carolina madtom critical habitat
units (NR1, NR3, and TR1) are unoccupied. Two of these units (NR1 and
NR3) overlap entirely with river miles proposed as critical habitat for
Neuse River waterdog. The third unoccupied unit (TR1) overlaps
partially with proposed Neuse River waterdog critical habitat, but
includes approximately 7

[[Page 23666]]

river miles that do not overlap (representing approximately three
percent of the Carolina madtom critical habitat). However, these river
miles are located in a remote area where future section 7 consultations
are not anticipated.
It is believed that, in most circumstances, these costs would not
reach the threshold of ``significant'' under E.O. 12866. For the
critical habitat designations for both species, we anticipate a maximum
of 115 section 7 consultations annually at a total incremental cost of
approximately $270,000 per year.
As we stated earlier, we are soliciting data and comments from the
public on the DEA, as well as all aspects of the proposed rule and our
required determinations. See ADDRESSES, above, for information on where
to send comments.

Exclusions

Exclusions Based on Economic Impacts

Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider the economic impacts
of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. As discussed
above, we prepared an analysis of the probable economic impacts of the
proposed critical habitat designation and related factors. Based on the
draft analysis, the Secretary does not propose to exercise his
discretion to exclude any areas from the final designation based on
economic impacts. However, during the development of a final
designation, we will consider any additional economic impact
information we receive during the public comment period, which may
result in areas being excluded from the final critical habitat
designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act and our implementing
regulations at 50 CFR 424.19.

Exclusions Based on National Security Impacts or Homeland Security
Impacts

Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider whether there are
lands owned or managed by the Department of Defense or Department of
Homeland Security where a national security impact might exist. In
preparing this proposal, we have determined that the lands within the
proposed designation of critical habitat for both species are not owned
or managed by the Department of Defense or Department of Homeland
Security, and, therefore, we anticipate no impact on national security
(but see Exemptions, above). Consequently, the Secretary does not
propose to exercise his discretion to exclude any areas from the final
designation based on impacts on national security.

Exclusions Based on Other Relevant Impacts

Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider any other relevant
impacts, in addition to economic impacts and impacts on national
security. We consider a number of factors, including whether there are
permitted conservation plans covering the species in the area such as
Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), safe harbor agreements, or candidate
conservation agreements with assurances, or whether there are non-
permitted conservation agreements and partnerships that would be
encouraged by designation of, or exclusion from, critical habitat. In
addition, we look at the existence of Tribal conservation plans and
partnerships and consider the government-to-government relationship of
the United States with Tribal entities. We also consider any social
impacts that might occur because of the designation.
In preparing this proposal, we have determined that there are
currently no HCPs or other management plans for the Carolina madtom or
Neuse River waterdog, and the proposed designation does not include any
Tribal lands or trust resources. Accordingly, the Secretary does not
propose to exercise his discretion to exclude any areas from the final
designation based on other relevant impacts.

Effects of Critical Habitat Designation

Section 7 Consultation

Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their
actions with respect to any species that is proposed or listed as an
endangered or threatened species and with respect to its critical
habitat, if any is designated. Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires
Federal agencies, including the Service, to ensure that any action they
fund, authorize, or carry out is not likely to jeopardize the continued
existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in
the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat
of such species. In addition, section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires
Federal agencies to confer with the Service on any agency action that
is likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any species proposed
to be listed under the Act or result in the destruction or adverse
modification of proposed critical habitat.
We published a final regulation with a new definition of
destruction or adverse modification on February 11, 2016 (81 FR 7214).
Destruction or adverse modification means a direct or indirect
alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat
for the conservation of a listed species. Such alterations may include,
but are not limited to, those that alter the physical or biological
features essential to the conservation of a species or that preclude or
significantly delay development of such features.
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. Examples of actions that are subject to the
section 7 consultation process are actions on State, Tribal, local, or
private lands that require a Federal permit or that involve some other
Federal action. Federal agency actions within the species' habitat that
may require conference or consultation or both include management and
any other landscape-altering activities on Federal lands administered
by the Army National Guard; issuance of section 404 Clean Water Act (33
U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) permits by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and
construction and maintenance of roads or highways by the Federal
Highway Administration. Federal actions not affecting listed species or
critical habitat, and actions on State, Tribal, local, or private lands
that are not federally funded or authorized, do not require section 7
consultation.
As a result of section 7 consultation, we document compliance with
the requirements of section 7(a)(2) through our issuance of:
(1) A concurrence letter for Federal actions that may affect, but
are not likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat;
or
(2) A biological opinion for Federal actions that may affect, and
are likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat.
When we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species and/or
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat, we provide reasonable and
prudent alternatives to the project, if any are identifiable, that
would avoid the likelihood of jeopardy and/or destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat. We define ``reasonable and prudent
alternatives'' (at 50 CFR 402.02) as alternative actions identified
during consultation that:
(1) Can be implemented in a manner consistent with the intended
purpose of the action,
(2) Can be implemented consistent with the scope of the Federal
agency's legal authority and jurisdiction,

[[Page 23667]]

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

Application of the ``Adverse Modification'' Standard

The key factor related to the adverse modification determination is
whether, with implementation of the proposed Federal action, the
affected critical habitat would continue to serve its intended
conservation role for the species. Activities that may destroy or
adversely modify critical habitat are those that result in a direct or
indirect alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical
habitat for the conservation of the Carolina madtom or Neuse River
waterdog. Such alterations may include, but are not limited to, those
that alter the physical or biological features essential to the
conservation of the species or that preclude or significantly delay
development of such features. As discussed above, the role of critical
habitat is to support physical or biological features essential to the
conservation of a listed species and provide for the conservation of
the species.
Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us to briefly evaluate and
describe, in any proposed or final regulation that designates critical
habitat, activities involving a Federal action that may destroy or
adversely modify such habitat, or that may be affected by such
designation. Activities that may affect critical habitat, when carried
out, funded, or authorized by a Federal agency, should result in
consultation for the Carolina madtom or Neuse River waterdog. These
activities include, but are not limited to:
(1) Actions that would alter the minimum flow or the existing flow
regime. Such activities could include, but are not limited to,
impoundment, channelization, water diversion, water withdrawal, and
hydropower generation. These activities could eliminate or reduce the
habitat necessary for the growth and reproduction of the species by
decreasing or altering flows to levels that would adversely affect
their ability to complete their life cycles.
(2) Actions that would significantly alter water chemistry or
temperature. Such activities could include, but are not limited to,
release of chemicals (including pharmaceuticals, metals, and salts),
biological pollutants, or heated effluents into the surface water or
connected groundwater at a point source or by dispersed release (non-
point source). These activities could alter water conditions to levels
that are beyond the tolerances of the species and result in direct or
cumulative adverse effects to these individuals and their life cycles.
(3) Actions that would significantly increase sediment deposition
within the stream channel. Such activities could include, but are not
limited to, excessive sedimentation from livestock grazing, road
construction, channel alteration, timber harvest, off-road vehicle use,
and other watershed and floodplain disturbances. These activities could
eliminate or reduce the habitat necessary for the growth and
reproduction of both species by increasing the sediment deposition to
levels that would adversely affect their ability to complete their life
cycles.
(4) Actions that would significantly increase the filamentous algal
community within the stream channel. Such activities could include, but
are not limited to, release of nutrients into the surface water or
connected groundwater at a point source or by dispersed release (non-
point source). These activities can result in excessive filamentous
algae filling streams and reducing habitat for both species, degrading
water quality during their decay, and decreasing oxygen levels at night
from their respiration to levels below the tolerances of the species.
(5) Actions that would significantly alter channel morphology or
geometry. Such activities could include, but are not limited to,
channelization, impoundment, road and bridge construction, mining,
dredging, and destruction of riparian vegetation. These activities may
lead to changes in water flows and levels that would degrade or
eliminate the two species and/or their habitats. These actions can also
lead to increased sedimentation and degradation in water quality to
levels that are beyond the tolerances of the species.
(6) Actions that result in the introduction, spread, or
augmentation of nonnative aquatic species in occupied stream segments,
or in stream segments that are hydrologically connected to occupied
stream segments, even if those segments are occasionally intermittent,
or introduction of other species that compete with or prey on either
species. Possible actions could include, but are not limited to,
stocking of nonnative fishes, stocking of sport fish, or other related
actions. These activities can introduce parasites or disease, and can
result in direct predation, or affect the growth, reproduction, and
survival, of both species.

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
(1) Be logically organized;
(2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
(4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(5) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us
comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To better help us
revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For
example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs
that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long,
the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

Executive Order 13771

This proposed rule is not an Executive Order (E.O.) 13771
(``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs'') (82 FR 9339,
February 3, 2017) regulatory action because this rule is not
significant under E.O. 12866.

[[Page 23668]]

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will
review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not
significant.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this rule in a manner consistent
with these requirements.

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

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.),
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996 (SBREFA; 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), 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 effects 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 the 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
certification statement of the factual basis for certifying that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
According to the Small Business Administration, 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; and small businesses (13 CFR 121.201). 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 considered the
types of activities that might trigger regulatory impacts under this
designation as well as 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.
The Service's current understanding of the requirements under the
RFA, as amended, and following recent court decisions, is that Federal
agencies are only required to evaluate the potential incremental
impacts of rulemaking on those entities directly regulated by the
rulemaking itself, and, therefore, are not required to evaluate the
potential impacts to indirectly regulated entities. The regulatory
mechanism through which critical habitat protections are realized is
section 7 of the Act, which requires Federal agencies, in consultation
with the Service, to ensure that any action authorized, funded, or
carried out by the agency is not likely to destroy or adversely modify
critical habitat. Therefore, under section 7, only Federal action
agencies are directly subject to the specific regulatory requirement
(avoiding destruction and adverse modification) imposed by critical
habitat designation. Consequently, it is our position that only Federal
action agencies would be directly regulated if we adopt the proposed
critical habitat designation. There is no requirement under the RFA to
evaluate the potential impacts to entities not directly regulated.
Moreover, Federal agencies are not small entities. Therefore, because
no small entities would be directly regulated by this rulemaking, the
Service certifies that, if promulgated, the proposed critical habitat
designation will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
In summary, we have considered whether the proposed designation
would result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number
of small entities. For the above reasons and based on currently
available information, we certify that, if promulgated, the proposed
critical habitat designation will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small business entities. Therefore,
an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use--Executive Order 13211

Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use) requires
agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking
certain actions. In our economic analysis, we did not find that the
designation of this proposed critical habitat will 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:
(1) This proposed rule would not produce a Federal mandate. In
general, a Federal mandate is a provision in legislation, statute, or
regulation that would impose an enforceable duty upon State, local, or
tribal governments, or the private sector, and includes both ``Federal
intergovernmental mandates'' and ``Federal private sector mandates.''
These terms are defined in 2 U.S.C. 658(5)-(7). ``Federal
intergovernmental mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose
an enforceable duty upon State, local, or 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; Aid to Families
with Dependent Children 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

[[Page 23669]]

upon the private sector, except (i) a condition of Federal assistance
or (ii) a duty arising from participation in a voluntary Federal
program.''
The designation of critical habitat does not impose a legally
binding duty on non-Federal Government entities or private parties.
Under the Act, the only regulatory effect is that Federal agencies must
ensure that their actions do not destroy or adversely modify critical
habitat under section 7. While non-Federal entities that receive
Federal funding, assistance, or permits, or that otherwise require
approval or authorization from a Federal agency for an action, may be
indirectly impacted by the designation of critical habitat, the legally
binding duty to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical
habitat rests squarely on the Federal agency. Furthermore, to the
extent that non-Federal entities are indirectly impacted because they
receive Federal assistance or participate in a voluntary Federal aid
program, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act would not apply, nor would
critical habitat shift the costs of the large entitlement programs
listed above onto State governments.
(2) We do not believe that this proposed rule would significantly
or uniquely affect small governments because the lands being proposed
for critical habitat designation are owned by the State of North
Carolina. These government entities do not fit the definition of
``small governmental jurisdiction.'' Therefore, a Small Government
Agency Plan is not required.

Takings--Executive Order 12630

In accordance with E.O. 12630 (Government Actions and Interference
with Constitutionally Protected Private Property Rights), we have
analyzed the potential takings implications of designating critical
habitat for Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom in takings
implications assessments. The Act does not authorize the Service to
regulate private actions on private lands or confiscate private
property as a result of critical habitat designation. Designation of
critical habitat does not affect land ownership, or establish any
closures or restrictions on use of or access to the designated areas.
Furthermore, the designation of critical habitat does not affect
landowner actions that do not require Federal funding or permits, nor
does it preclude development of habitat conservation programs or
issuance of incidental take permits to permit actions that do require
Federal funding or permits to go forward. However, Federal agencies are
prohibited from carrying out, funding, or authorizing actions that
would destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. A takings
implications assessment has been completed for both species and
concludes that, if adopted, this designation of critical habitat for
Neuse River waterdog and Carolina madtom does not pose significant
takings implications for lands within or affected by the designation.

Federalism--Executive Order 13132

In accordance with E.O. 13132 (Federalism), this proposed rule does
not have significant Federalism effects. A federalism summary impact
statement is not required. In keeping with Department of the Interior
and Department of Commerce policy, we requested information from, and
coordinated development of this proposed critical habitat designation
with, appropriate State resource agencies. From a federalism
perspective, the designation of critical habitat directly affects only
the responsibilities of Federal agencies. The Act imposes no other
duties with respect to critical habitat, either for States and local
governments, or for anyone else. As a result, the proposed rule does
not have substantial direct effects either on the States, or on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of powers and responsibilities among the various levels of
government. The proposed designation may have some benefit to these
governments because the areas that contain the features essential to
the conservation of the species are more clearly defined, and the
physical or biological features of the habitat necessary to the
conservation of the species are specifically identified. This
information does not alter where and what federally sponsored
activities may occur. However, it may assist State and local
governments in long-range planning because they no longer have to wait
for case-by-case section 7 consultations to occur.
Where State and local governments require approval or authorization
from a Federal agency for actions that may affect critical habitat,
consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Act would be required. While
non-Federal entities that receive Federal funding, assistance, or
permits, or that otherwise require approval or authorization from a
Federal agency for an action, may be indirectly impacted by the
designation of critical habitat, the legally binding duty to avoid
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat rests squarely
on the Federal agency.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

In accordance with Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform),
the Office of the Solicitor has determined that the rule does not
unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. We have proposed designating
critical habitat in accordance with the provisions of the Act. To
assist the public in understanding the habitat needs of the species,
this proposed rule identifies the elements of physical or biological
features essential to the conservation of the species. The proposed
areas of designated critical habitat are presented on maps, and the
proposed rule provides several options for the interested public to
obtain more detailed location information, if desired.

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

This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and
a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not
required. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), need not be prepared in connection
with listing a species as an endangered or threatened species under the
Act. We published a notice outlining our reasons for this determination
in the Federal Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR 49244).
It is our position that, outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, we do not need to prepare
environmental analyses pursuant to NEPA in connection with designating
critical habitat under the Act. This determination is discussed in the
October 1983 Federal Register document just mentioned. This position
was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Douglas
County v. Babbitt, 48 F.3d 1495 (9th Cir. 1995), cert. denied 516 U.S.
1042 (1996)).

[[Page 23670]]

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 (Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights,
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act),
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with
tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge
that tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make
information available to tribes. As we have already discussed, there
are no tribal lands in the proposed critical habitat designation, or
that will be otherwise affected by the proposed listing.

References Cited

A complete list of references cited in the SSA Report is available
on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon request from the
Raleigh Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT).

Authors

The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of
the Fish and Wildlife Service's Species Assessment Team and the Raleigh
Ecological Services Field Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

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

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, unless
otherwise noted.

0
2. Amend Sec. 17.11(h) by adding entries for ``Waterdog, Neuse River''
in alphabetical order under AMPHIBIANS and ``Madtom, Carolina'' in
alphabetical order under FISHES to read as follows:

Sec. 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
(h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listing citations and
Common name Scientific name Where listed Status applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amphibians
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
Waterdog, Neuse River........... Necturus lewisi... Wherever found.... T [Federal Register
citation when
published as a final
rule] 50 CFR 17.43(f)
\4d\ 50 CFR
17.95(d).\CH\

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fishes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* * * * * * *
Madtom, Carolina................ Noturus furiosus.. Wherever found.... E [Federal Register
citation when
published as a final
rule] 50 CFR
17.95(e).\CH\

* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
3. Amend Sec. 17.43 by adding paragraph (f) to read as follows:

Sec. 17.43 Special rules--amphibians.

* * * * *
(f) Neuse River waterdog (Necturus lewisi).
(1) Prohibitions. Except as noted in paragraph (a)(2) of this
section, all prohibitions and provisions of Sec. Sec. 17.31 and 17.32
apply to the Neuse River waterdog.
(2) Exceptions from prohibitions. Incidental take of the Neuse
River waterdog will not be considered a violation of the Act if the
take results from any of the following activities:
(i) Species restoration efforts by State wildlife agencies,
including collection of broodstock, tissue collection for genetic
analysis, captive propagation, and subsequent stocking into currently
occupied and unoccupied areas within the historical range of the
species.
(ii) Channel restoration projects that create natural, physically
stable, ecologically functioning streams (or stream and wetland
systems) that are reconnected with their groundwater aquifers. These
projects can be accomplished using a variety of methods, but the
desired outcome is a natural channel with low shear stress (force of
water moving against the channel); bank heights that enable
reconnection to the floodplain; a reconnection of surface and
groundwater systems, resulting in perennial flows in the channel;
riffles and pools composed of existing soil, rock, and wood instead of
large imported materials; low compaction of soils within adjacent
riparian areas; and inclusion of riparian wetlands. Second- to third-
order, headwater streams reconstructed in this way would offer suitable
habitats for the Neuse River waterdog and contain stable channel
features, such as pools, glides, runs, and riffles, which could be used
by the species for spawning, rearing, growth,

[[Page 23671]]

feeding, migration, and other normal behaviors.
(iii) Bank stabilization projects that use bioengineering methods
to replace pre-existing, bare, eroding stream banks with vegetated,
stable stream banks, thereby reducing bank erosion and instream
sedimentation and improving habitat conditions for the species.
Following these bioengineering methods, stream banks may be stabilized
using live stakes (live, vegetative cuttings inserted or tamped into
the ground in a manner that allows the stake to take root and grow),
live fascines (live branch cuttings, usually willows, bound together
into long, cigar-shaped bundles), or brush layering (cuttings or
branches of easily rooted tree species layered between successive lifts
of soil fill). These methods would not include the sole use of quarried
rock (rip-rap) or the use of rock baskets or gabion structures.
(iv) Silviculture practices and forest management activities that:
(A) Implement highest standard best management practices,
particularly for Streamside Management Zones, stream crossings, and
forest roads; and
(B) Comply with forest practice guidelines related to water quality
standards, or comply with Sustainable Forestry Initiative/Forest
Stewardship Council/American Tree Farm System certification standards
for both forest management and responsible fiber sourcing.
0
4. Amend Sec. 17.95 by:
0
a. Adding to paragraph (d) an entry for ``Neuse River waterdog
(Necturus lewisi)'' in the same alphabetical order as the species
appears in the table in Sec. 17.11(h), to read as set forth below; and
0
b. Adding to paragraph (e) an entry for ``Carolina madtom (Noturus
furiosus)'' in the same alphabetical order as the species appears in
the table in Sec. 17.11(h), to read as set forth below:

Sec. 17.95 Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
(d) Amphibians.
* * * * *

Neuse River Waterdog (Necturus lewisi)

(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Craven, Durham,
Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Johnston, Jones,
Lenoir, Nash, Orange, Person, Pitt, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson
Counties, North Carolina, on the maps below.
(2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features
essential to the conservation of Neuse River waterdog consist of the
following components:
(i) Suitable substrates and connected instream habitats,
characterized by geomorphically stable stream channels and banks (i.e.,
channels that maintain lateral dimensions, longitudinal profiles, and
sinuosity patterns over time without an aggrading or degrading bed
elevation) with habitats that support a diversity of native aquatic
fauna (such as, stable riffle-run-pool habitats that provide flow
refuges consisting of silt-free gravel, small cobble, coarse sand, and
leaf litter substrates) as well as abundant cover and burrows used for
nesting.
(ii) Adequate flows, or a hydrologic flow regime (which includes
the severity, frequency, duration, and seasonality of discharge over
time), necessary to maintain instream habitats where the species is
found and to maintain connectivity of streams with the floodplain,
allowing the exchange of nutrients and sediment for maintenance of the
waterdog's habitat, food availability, and ample oxygenated flow for
spawning and nesting habitat.
(iii) Water quality (including, but not limited to, conductivity,
hardness, turbidity, temperature, pH, ammonia, heavy metals, and
chemical constituents) necessary to sustain natural physiological
processes for normal behavior, growth, and viability of all life
stages.
(iv) Invertebrate and fish prey items, which are typically
hellgrammites, crayfish, mayflies, earthworms, snails, beetles,
centipedes, slugs, and small fish.
(3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures (such as
buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other paved areas) and the
land on which they are located existing within the legal boundaries on
[EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FINAL RULE].
(4) Critical habitat map units. Data layers defining map units were
created by overlaying Natural Heritage Element Occurrence data and U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic data for stream reaches. The
hydrologic data used in the critical habitat maps were extracted from
the USGS 1:1M scale nationwide hydrologic layer (https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/mld/1nethyd.html) with a projection of
EPSG:4269--NAD83 Geographic. The North Carolina Natural Heritage
program's species presence data were used to select specific stream
segments for inclusion in the critical habitat layer. The maps in this
entry, as modified by any accompanying regulatory text, establish the
boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The coordinates or plot
points or both on which each map is based are available to the public
at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092 and
at the field office responsible for this designation. You may obtain
field office location information by contacting one of the Service
regional offices, the addresses of which are listed at 50 CFR 2.2.
(5) Note: Index map follows:

[[Page 23672]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.000

(6) Unit 1: TAR1-Upper Tar River, Granville County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 8.6 river miles (13.8 river kilometers)
of occupied habitat in the Upper Tar River from approximately SR1004
(Old NC 75) downstream to NC 96. Unit 1 includes stream habitat up to
bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 1 follows:

[[Page 23673]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.001

(7) Unit 2: TAR2-Upper Fishing Creek, Warren County, North
Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 10.5 river miles (16.9 river kilometers)
of habitat in Upper Fishing Creek from SR1118 (No Bottom Drive)
downstream to NC58. Unit 2 includes stream habitat up to bank full
height.
(ii) Map of Unit 2 follows:

[[Page 23674]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.002

(8) Unit 3: TAR3a-Fishing Creek Subbasin, Edgecombe, Halifax, and
Nash Counties, North Carolina; Unit 4: TAR3b-Sandy/Swift Creek,
Edgecombe, Franklin, and Nash Counties, North Carolina; Unit 5: TAR3c-
Middle Tar River Subbasin, Edgecombe, Franklin, and Nash Counties,
North Carolina; and Unit 6: TAR3d-Lower Tar River Subbasin, Edgecombe
and Pitt Counties, North Carolina. Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 include stream
habitat up to bank full height.
(i) Unit 3 consists of 63 river miles (101 river kilometers) of
habitat in lower Little Fishing Creek approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km)
upstream of SR1214 (Silvertown Rd) downstream to the confluence with
Fishing Creek, and including the mainstem of Fishing Creek to the
confluence with the Tar River.
(ii) Unit 4 consists of 68 river miles (110 river kilometers) of
habitat in Sandy Creek downstream of SR 1451 (Leonard Road) to the
confluence with the Tar River, including Red Bud Creek downstream of
the Franklin/Nash county line to the confluence with Swift Creek.
(iii) Unit 5 consists of approximately 100 river miles (161 river
kilometers) of the Middle Tar River from the confluence with Cedar
Creek downstream to the confluence with Fishing Creek, including Stony
Creek below SR1300 (Boddies' Millpond Rd), downstream to the confluence
with the Tar River.
(iv) Unit 6 consists of approximately 60 river miles (96.6 river
kilometers) in the Lower Tar River Subbasin from the confluence with
Fishing Creek downstream to the confluence with Barber Creek near
SR1533 (Port Terminal Road). This unit includes portions of Town Creek
below NC111 to the confluence with the Tar River, Otter Creek below
SR1251 to the confluence with the Tar River, and Tyson Creek below
SR1258 to the confluence with the Tar River.
(v) Map of Units 3, 4, 5, and 6 follows:

[[Page 23675]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.003

(9) Unit 7: NR1-Eno River, Durham and Orange Counties, North
Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of approximately 41.5 river miles (66.8
river kilometers) of habitat in the Eno River from NC86 downstream to
the inundated portion of Falls Lake. Unit 7 includes stream habitat up
to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 7 follows:

[[Page 23676]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.004

(10) Unit 8: NR2-Flat River, Durham and Person Counties, North
Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 17.4 river miles (28 river kilometers) of
habitat in the Flat River from SR1739 (Harris Mill Road) downstream to
the inundated portion of Falls Lake. Unit 8 includes stream habitat up
to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 8 follows:

[[Page 23677]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.005

(11) Unit 9: NR3-Middle Creek, Johnston and Wake Counties, North
Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 7.6 river miles (12.2 river kilometers)
of habitat in the Middle Creek from Southeast Regional Park downstream
to the Interstate 40 crossing. Unit 9 includes stream habitat up to
bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 9 follows:

[[Page 23678]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.006

(12) Unit 10: NR4-Swift Creek, Johnston County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 23.4 river miles (37.6 river kilometers)
of occupied habitat in Swift Creek from NC42 downstream to the
confluence with the Neuse River. Unit 10 includes stream habitat up to
bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 10 follows:

[[Page 23679]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.007

(13) Unit 11: NR5a-Little River, Franklin, Johnston, Wake, and
Wayne Counties, North Carolina; Unit 12: NR5b-Mill Creek, Johnston and
Wayne Counties, North Carolina; and Unit 13: NR5c-Middle Neuse River,
Wayne County, North Carolina. Units 11, 12, and 13 include stream
habitat up to bank full height.
(i) Unit 11 consists of 89.6 river miles (144.2 river kilometers)
of habitat in the Little River from near NC96 downstream to the
confluence with the Neuse River, including Buffalo Creek from NC39 to
the confluence with the Little River.
(ii) Unit 12 consists of 18.7 river miles (30 river kilometers) of
Mill Creek from upstream of US701 downstream to the confluence with the
Neuse River.
(iii) Unit 13 consists of 39.8 river miles (64 river kilometers) of
the Middle Neuse River from the confluence with Mill Creek downstream
to the Wayne/Lenoir County line.
(iv) Map of Units 11, 12, and 13 follows:

[[Page 23680]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.008

(14) Unit 14: NR6-Contentnea Creek/Lower Neuse River Subbasin,
Craven, Lenoir, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson Counties, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 117 river miles (188.3 river kilometers)
of habitat in the Contentnea Creek from NC581 downstream to its
confluence with the Neuse River, Nahunta Swamp from the Wayne/Greene
County line to the confluence with Contentnea Creek, and the Neuse
River from the confluence with Contentnea Creek to the confluence with
Pinetree Creek. Unit 14 includes stream habitat up to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 14 follows:

[[Page 23681]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.009

(15) Unit 15: NR7-Swift Creek, Craven County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 10 river miles (16.3 river kilometers) of
habitat in Swift Creek from SR1931 (Beaver Camp Rd) downstream to
SR1440 (Streets Ferry Rd). Unit 15 includes stream habitat up to bank
full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 15 follows:

[[Page 23682]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.010

(16) Unit 16: TR1-Trent River, Jones County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 62 river miles (100 river kilometers) of
habitat in Beaver Creek from SR1316 (McDaniel Fork Rd) to the
confluence with the Trent River, and Trent River from the confluence
with Poplar Branch downstream to SR1121 (Oak Grove Rd) crossing at the
Marine Corps Cherry Point property. Unit 16 includes stream habitat up
to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 16 follows:

[[Page 23683]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.011

(e) Fishes.
* * * * *

Carolina madtom (Noturus furiosus)

(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Durham, Edgecombe,
Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Jones, Johnston, Nash, Orange, Vance,
Warren, and Wilson Counties, North Carolina, on the maps below.
(2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features
essential to the conservation of Carolina madtom consist of the
following components:
(i) Suitable substrates and connected instream habitats,
characterized by geomorphically stable stream channels and banks (i.e.,
channels that maintain lateral dimensions, longitudinal profiles, and
sinuosity patterns over time without an aggrading or degrading bed
elevation) with habitats that support a diversity of freshwater native
fish (such as stable riffle-run-pool habitats that provide flow refuges
consisting of silt-free gravel, small cobble, coarse sand, and leaf
litter substrates) as well as abundant cover used for nesting.
(ii) Adequate flows, or a hydrologic flow regime (which includes
the severity, frequency, duration, and seasonality of discharge over
time), necessary to maintain instream habitats where the species is
found and to maintain connectivity of streams with the floodplain,
allowing the exchange of nutrients and sediment for maintenance of the
fish's habitat, food availability, and ample oxygenated flow for
spawning and nesting habitat.
(iii) Water quality (including, but not limited to, conductivity,
hardness, turbidity, temperature, pH, ammonia, heavy metals, and
chemical constituents) necessary to sustain natural physiological
processes for normal behavior, growth, and viability of all life
stages.
(iv) Aquatic macroinvertebrate prey items, which are typically
dominated by larval midges, mayflies, caddisflies, dragonflies, and
beetle larvae.
(3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures (such as
buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other paved areas) and the
land on which they are located existing within the legal boundaries on
[EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE FINAL RULE].
(4) Critical habitat map units. Data layers defining map units were
created by overlaying Natural Heritage Element Occurrence data and U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) hydrologic data for stream reaches. The
hydrologic data used in the critical habitat maps were extracted from
the USGS 1:1M scale nationwide hydrologic layer (https://nationalmap.gov/small_scale/mld/1nethyd.html) with a projection of
EPSG:4269--NAD83 Geographic. The North Carolina Natural Heritage
program's species presence data were used to select specific stream
segments for inclusion in the critical habitat layer. The maps in this
entry, as modified by any accompanying regulatory text, establish the
boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The coordinates or plot
points or both on which each map is based are available to the public
at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2018-0092 and
at the field office responsible for this designation. You may obtain
field office location information by contacting one of the Service
regional offices, the addresses of which are listed at 50 CFR 2.2.
(5) Note: Index map follows:

[[Page 23684]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.012

(6) Unit 1: TAR1-Upper Tar River, Franklin, Granville, and Vance
Counties, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 26 river miles (42 river kilometers) of
habitat in the Upper Tar River from the confluence with Sand Creek to
the confluence with Sycamore Creek. Unit 1 includes stream habitat up
to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 1 follows:

[[Page 23685]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.013

(7) Unit 2: TAR2-Sandy/Swift Creek, Edgecombe, Franklin, Halifax,
Nash, Vance, and Warren Counties, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 66 river miles (106 river kilometers) of
occupied habitat in Sandy and Swift Creeks, located downstream from
NC561 to the confluence with the Tar River. Unit 2 includes stream
habitat up to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 2 follows:

[[Page 23686]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.014

(8) Unit 3: TAR3-Fishing Creek Subbasin, Edgecombe, Franklin,
Halifax, Nash, and Warren Counties, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 86 river miles (138 river kilometers) of
habitat in Fishing Creek from the confluence with Hogpen Branch to the
confluence with the Tar River, and Little Fishing Creek from Medoc
Mountain Road (SR1002) to the confluence with Fishing Creek. Unit 3
includes stream habitat up to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 3 follows:

[[Page 23687]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.015

(9) Unit 4: NR1-Upper Neuse River Subbasin (Eno River), Durham and
Orange Counties, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 20 river miles (32 river kilometers) of
habitat in the Upper Neuse River extending from Eno River State Park
downstream of NC70 to the confluence with Cabin Creek near Falls Lake
impoundment. Unit 4 includes stream habitat up to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 4 follows:

[[Page 23688]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.016

(10) Unit 5: NR2-Little River, Johnston County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 28 river miles (45 river kilometers) of
habitat in the Upper and Lower Little River from NC42 to the Johnston/
Wayne County line. Unit 5 includes stream habitat up to bank full
height.
(ii) Map of Unit 5 follows:

[[Page 23689]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.017

(11) Unit 6: NR3-Contentnea Creek, Wilson County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 15 river miles (24 river kilometers) of
habitat in Contentnea Creek from Buckhorn Reservoir to Wiggins Mill
Reservoir. Unit 6 includes stream habitat up to bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 6 follows:

[[Page 23690]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.018

(12) Unit 7: TR1-Trent River, Jones County, North Carolina.
(i) This unit consists of 15 river miles (24 river kilometers) of
unoccupied habitat in the Trent River between the confluence with
Cypress Creek and Beaver Creek. Unit 7 includes stream habitat up to
bank full height.
(ii) Map of Unit 7 follows:

[[Page 23691]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP22MY19.019

* * * * *

Dated: April 2, 2019.
Margaret E. Everson,
Principal Deputy Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Exercising
the Authority of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2019-10379 Filed 5-21-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P