[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 179 (Tuesday, September 15, 2020)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 57578-57613]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-17921]



[[Page 57577]]

Vol. 85

Tuesday,

No. 179

September 15, 2020

Part V





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 17





Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical 
Habitat for the Georgetown and Salado Salamanders; Proposed Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 85 , No. 179 / Tuesday, September 15, 2020 / 
Proposed Rules  

[[Page 57578]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2020-0048; FF09E21000 FXES11110900000 201]
RIN 1018-BE78


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of 
Critical Habitat for the Georgetown and Salado Salamanders

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; revisions and reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are revising 
our proposed designation of critical habitat for the Georgetown 
salamander (Eurycea naufragia) and Salado salamander (Eurycea 
chisholmensis) in Bell and Williamson Counties, Texas. Based on 
published genetic analyses, we are revising the distribution of the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders and are adjusting previously proposed 
critical habitat units accordingly. We also propose changes to our 
description of the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the species. We propose a total of approximately 1,519 
acres (ac) (622 hectares (ha)) of critical habitat for the species in 
Bell and Williamson Counties, Texas. The total amount of critical 
habitat we are proposing for both salamanders has increased by 
approximately 116 ac (47 ha). The reasons for this increase are the 
addition of a new occupied site for the Salado salamander and refined 
mapping of previously proposed critical habitat units based on more 
precise spring locations.
    We also announce the availability of a draft economic analysis 
(DEA) of the revised proposed designation of critical habitat for the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders.

DATES: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 
November 16, 2020. 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 a 
public hearing, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT by October 30, 2020. Comments previously submitted 
need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in 
preparation of the final rule.

ADDRESSES: Written comments: 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-R2-ES-
2020-0048, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click 
on the Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the 
left side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, check the 
Proposed Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by 
clicking on ``Comment Now!''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: FWS-R2-ES-2020-0048, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: PRB/3W, 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 Information Requested, 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/southwest/es/AustinTexas/ESA_Sp_Salamanders.html and at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FWS-R2-ES-2020-0048. Any additional tools or supporting information 
that we may develop for the critical habitat designation will also be 
available at the Service website set out above, and may also be 
included in the preamble of this document and/or at http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin Ecological Services Field Office, 
10711 Burnet Rd., Suite 200, Austin, TX 78758; telephone 512-490-0057. 
Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call 
the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Act, 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 are revising and reopening the comment 
period for our proposed designation of critical habitat for the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders. We have determined that designating 
critical habitat, both subsurface and surface, is both prudent and 
determinable for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders. In this 
document, we propose a total of approximately 1,519 acres (ac) (622 
hectares (ha)) of subsurface and surface critical habitat for the 
species in Bell and Williamson Counties, Texas.
    The basis for our action. Section 4(a)(3) of the Act requires the 
Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to designate critical habitat 
concurrent with listing to the maximum extent prudent and determinable. 
Section 3(5)(A) 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 protections; and (ii) 
specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at 
the time it is listed, upon a determination by the Secretary that such 
areas are essential for the conservation of the species. Section 
4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary must make the designation 
on the basis of the best scientific data available and after taking 
into consideration the economic impact, the impact on national 
security, and any other relevant impacts of specifying any particular 
area as critical habitat.
    We prepared an economic analysis of the proposed designation of 
critical habitat. In order to consider economic impacts, we have 
prepared an economic analysis for the revised proposed critical habitat 
designation. We hereby announce the availability of the economic 
analysis and seek public review and comment.
    We will seek 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 are seeking 
the expert opinions of independent specialists to ensure that our 
critical habitat proposal is based on scientifically sound data and 
analyses. We invite these peer reviewers to comment on our specific 
assumptions and conclusions in this revised proposal to designate 
critical habitat. Because we will consider all comments and

[[Page 57579]]

information we receive during the comment period, our final designation 
may differ from this proposal.

Information Requested

    We intend that any final action resulting from this revised 
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 during this reopened comment period on 
our proposed designation of critical habitat for the Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders that was published in the Federal Register on August 
22, 2012 (77 FR 50768), revisions to the proposed rule published in the 
Federal Register on January 25, 2013 (78 FR 5385), and this revised 
proposed rule. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, 
as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule.
    We request that you provide comments specifically on the critical 
habitat determination and related economic analysis under Docket No. 
FWS-R2-ES-2020-0048.
    We particularly seek comments concerning:
    (1) The species' biology, range, and population trends, including:
    (a) Biological or ecological requirements of the 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 the species, its 
habitat, 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 this 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 this species, 
including the locations of any additional populations of this species.
    (5) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as 
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), including information to inform the following factors that the 
regulations identify as reasons why designation of critical habitat may 
be not prudent:
    (a) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and 
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species;
    (b) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the 
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes 
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from 
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
    (c) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no 
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species 
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States; or
    (d) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat.
    (6) Specific information on:
    (a) The amount and distribution of Georgetown and Salado salamander 
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. We particularly seek comments:
    (i) Regarding whether occupied areas are inadequate for the 
conservation of the species; and
    (ii) Providing specific information regarding whether or not 
unoccupied areas would, with reasonable certainty, contribute to the 
conservation of the species and contain at least one physical or 
biological feature essential to the conservation of the species.
    (7) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the 
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat.
    (8) Any probable economic, national security, or other relevant 
impacts of designating any area that may be included in the final 
designation, and the related benefits of including or excluding 
specific areas.
    (9) 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.
    (10) 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.
    (11) 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.
    Because we will consider all comments and information we receive 
during the comment period, our final designation may differ from this 
proposal. Based on the new information we receive (and any comments on 
that new information), our final designation may not include all areas 
proposed, may include some additional areas, and may exclude some areas 
if we find the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of 
inclusion. Such final decisions would be a logical outgrowth of this 
proposal, as long as: (1) We base the decisions on the best scientific 
and commercial data available and take into consideration the relevant 
impacts; (2) we articulate a rational connection between the facts 
found and the conclusions made, including why we changed our 
conclusion; and (3) we base removal of any areas on a determination 
either that the area does not meet the definition of ``critical 
habitat'' or that the benefits of excluding the area will outweigh the 
benefits of including it in the designation. 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.
    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.''

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    If you submitted comments or information on the August 22, 2012, 
proposed rule (77 FR 50768) or during any other comment period, please 
do not resubmit them. We will incorporate them into the public record 
as part of this comment period, and we will fully consider them in the 
preparation of our final determination. Our final determination 
concerning critical habitat will take into consideration all written 
comments and any additional information we received during previous 
comment periods as well as the comment period that opened when this 
proposed rule published.
    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 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.

Public Hearing

    Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested. Requests must be received by the date specified 
in DATES. Such requests must be sent to the address shown in FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. We will schedule a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested, and announce the date, time, and place of the 
hearing, as well as how to obtain reasonable accommodations, in the 
Federal Register and local newspapers at least 15 days before the 
hearing. For the immediate future, we will provide these public 
hearings using webinars that will be announced on the Service's 
website, in addition to the Federal Register. The use of these virtual 
public hearings is consistent with our regulation at 50 CFR 
424.16(c)(3).

Previous Federal Actions

    It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly relevant to 
the designation of critical habitat for the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders in this document. For more information on the Georgetown 
and Salado salamanders, their habitat, or previous Federal actions, 
refer to the final listing rule published in the Federal Register on 
February 24, 2014 (79 FR 10236), which is available online at http://www.regulations.gov (at Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-2012-0035).
    On August 22, 2012, we proposed to list the Georgetown salamander 
(Eurycea naufragia), Salado salamander (Eurycea chisholmensis), 
Jollyville Plateau salamander (Eurycea tonkawae), and Austin blind 
salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis) as endangered species and to 
designate critical habitat for these species under the Act (77 FR 
50768). We proposed to designate approximately 1,031 acres (ac) (423 
hectares (ha)) in 14 units located in Williamson County, Texas, as 
critical habitat for the Georgetown salamander, and approximately 372 
ac (152 ha) in 4 units located in Bell County, Texas, as critical 
habitat for the Salado salamander. That proposal had a 60-day comment 
period, ending October 22, 2012. We held a public meeting and hearing 
in Round Rock, Texas, on September 5, 2012, and a second public meeting 
and hearing in Austin, Texas, on September 6, 2012.
    On January 25, 2013, we revised the locations of proposed critical 
habitat units 2, 3, 5, 8, and 12 for the Georgetown salamander based on 
new information (78 FR 5385). We reopened the public comment period for 
45 days to allow comments on the revisions to the proposed critical 
habitat and the draft economic analysis.
    On August 20, 2013, we extended the deadline for our final listing 
and critical habitat determination for the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders for 6 months due to scientific disagreements regarding 
conservation status of these species and reopened the comment periods 
on our August 22, 2012 and January 25, 2013 proposals for 30 days (78 
FR 51129). In addition, we announced the availability of new 
information and reopened those comment periods for an additional 30 
days on January 7, 2014 (79 FR 800).
    On February 24, 2014, we (1) finalized the listing of the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders as threatened species under the Act 
(79 FR 10236); and (2) proposed a rule under section 4(d) of the Act (a 
proposed ``4(d) rule'') containing regulations necessary and advisable 
to provide for the conservation of the Georgetown salamander, with a 
60-day public comment period, ending April 25, 2014 (79 FR 10077).
    On April 9, 2015, we revised the proposed 4(d) rule for the 
Georgetown salamander and reopened the public comment period for 30 
days, ending May 11, 2015 (80 FR 19050). We finalized the 4(d) rule for 
the Georgetown salamander on August 7, 2015 (80 FR 47418).

Peer Review

    In accordance with our peer review policy published on July 1, 1994 
(59 FR 34270), we solicited expert opinions regarding our proposed 
listing and critical habitat rule (77 FR 50768; August 22, 2012) from 
22 knowledgeable individuals with scientific expertise concerning the 
hydrology, taxonomy, and ecology that is important to these salamander 
species. We requested expert opinions from taxonomists specifically to 
review the proposed rule in light of an unpublished report by Forstner 
(2012, entire) that questioned the taxonomic validity of the four 
central Texas salamanders as separate species. We received responses 
from 13 of the peer reviewers.
    During the first comment period, we received some contradictory 
public comments, and we also found new information relative to the 
listing determination. For these reasons, we conducted a second peer 
review on: (1) Salamander demographics, and (2) urban development and 
stream habitat. During this second peer review, we solicited expert 
opinions from 20 knowledgeable individuals with expertise in the two 
areas identified above. We received responses from eight peer reviewers 
during this second review. The peer reviewers generally concurred with 
our methods and conclusions, and provided additional information, 
clarifications, and suggestions to improve the final listing and 
critical habitat rule. Peer reviewer comments were addressed and 
incorporated into the final listing rule as appropriate.
    Finally, we are seeking peer review for a third time from 
independent specialists on this revised proposed rule during the open 
comment period (see DATES, above).

Critical Habitat

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

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    (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. Designation also does not allow the government 
or public to access private lands, nor does designation 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 Federal agency would be required to consult 
with the Service under section 7(a)(2) of the Act. However, even if the 
Service were to conclude that the proposed activity would result in 
destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat, the 
Federal action agency and the landowner are not required to abandon the 
proposed activity, or to restore or recover the species; instead, they 
must 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 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 that occur in specific occupied areas, 
we focus on the specific features that are essential to 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. When designating critical habitat, the Secretary will first 
evaluate areas occupied by the species. The Secretary will only 
consider unoccupied areas to be essential where a critical habitat 
designation limited to geographical areas occupied by the species would 
be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species. In addition, 
for an unoccupied area to be considered essential, the Secretary must 
determine that there is a reasonable certainty both that the area will 
contribute to the conservation of the species and that the area 
contains one or more of those physical or biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species.
    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 developed during the listing process for the species and 
summarized in the listing rule. 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) the prohibitions found in section 9 of the Act. 
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.

[[Page 57582]]

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, to the maximum extent 
prudent and determinable, the Secretary shall designate critical 
habitat at the time the species is determined to be an endangered or 
threatened species. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that 
the Secretary may, but is not required to, determine that a designation 
would not be prudent in the following circumstances:
    (i) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and 
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species;
    (ii) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the 
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes 
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from 
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
    (iii) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no 
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species 
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States;
    (iv) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat; or
    (v) The Secretary otherwise determines that designation of critical 
habitat would not be prudent based on the best scientific data 
available.
    As discussed in the final listing rule for the Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders (79 FR 10236; February 24, 2014), there is currently 
no imminent threat of collection or vandalism identified under Factor B 
for these species, and identification and mapping of critical habitat 
is not expected to initiate any such threat. In our final listing rule, 
we determined that the present or threatened destruction, modification, 
or curtailment of habitat or range is a threat to the Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders and that those threats in some way can be addressed 
by section 7(a)(2) consultation measures. These species occur wholly in 
the jurisdiction of the United States, and we are able to identify 
areas that meet the definition of critical habitat. Therefore, because 
none of the circumstances enumerated in our regulations at 50 CFR 
424.12(a)(1) have been met and because there are no other circumstances 
the Secretary has identified for which this designation of critical 
habitat would be not prudent, we have determined that the designation 
of critical habitat is prudent for the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders.

Critical Habitat Determinability

    Having determined that designation is prudent, under section 
4(a)(3) of the Act we must find whether critical habitat for the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders 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 the species and habitat characteristics where these species 
are located. This and other information represent the best scientific 
data available and led us to conclude that the designation of critical 
habitat is determinable for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders.

Changes From Previously Proposed Critical Habitat

    In this revised proposal, we are notifying the public of changes to 
the proposed critical habitat designation for the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders. Based on additional information we received during the 
comment period on our January 25, 2013, revised proposed critical 
habitat rule (78 FR 5383) and on research published since 2013, we 
propose to reassign some critical habitat units previously proposed for 
the Georgetown salamander to the Salado salamander, expand critical 
habitat, and refine mapped locations of specific spring sites. In 
addition, based on public comment, we separated the summary of 
essential physical or biological features (formerly primary constituent 
elements) for both salamander species into surface and subsurface 
habitat categories and added additional details in order to clarify 
habitat needs of both species. We also propose changes to our 
description of the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the species.
    Research conducted since our initial proposed critical habitat 
designation (77 FR 50768; August 22, 2012) assessed population 
structure, phylogeny, and distribution of multiple Eurycea species 
across the Edwards-Trinity Aquifer of west-central Texas through 
analyses of genome-wide DNA (Devitt et al. 2019a, entire). The results 
of this work have significant implications for the distribution of the 
many central Texas Eurycea species, including the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders. Salado salamanders from the Salado Creek watershed 
retained their genetic distinctiveness as a species. Salamanders from 
the Berry Creek watershed, formerly considered as the Georgetown 
salamander, were more genetically similar to the Salado salamander and 
assigned to that species (Devitt et al. 2019a, p. 2,629). This 
reassignment of populations expands the range of the Salado salamander 
and reduces the range of the Georgetown salamander to those spring 
sites south and east of Lake Georgetown in the North and Middle Forks 
of the San Gabriel River watershed (Devitt et al. 2019a, p. 2,629). A 
single salamander collected from Georgetown Springs, long considered as 
the Georgetown salamander, was more genetically similar to the 
Jollyville Plateau salamander and assigned to that species (Devitt et 
al. 2019a, p. 2,629). This Jollyville Plateau salamander population may 
no longer be extant, as salamanders have not been observed at 
Georgetown Springs since 1991 (Devitt et al. 2019a, p. 2,629). In 
summation, this information changed our understanding of current ranges 
of both species, with the current range of the Georgetown salamander 
considered as south and east of Lake Georgetown in the North and Middle 
Forks of the San Gabriel River watershed, and the Salado salamander 
occurring north of Lake Georgetown to the Salado Creek watershed 
(Devitt et al. 2019a, p. 2,629).
    Based on analyses from Devitt et al. (2019a, p. 2,629), Units 1, 2, 
3, and 5 of previously proposed critical habitat for the Georgetown 
salamander are now assigned to the Salado salamander. Researchers, 
including Devitt et al. (2019b, pp. 4, 13), have not genetically 
assessed salamanders from previously proposed critical habitat Unit 4, 
Walnut Spring for the Georgetown salamander. Walnut Spring is located 
north of Lake Georgetown and west of Twin Springs, a site sampled by 
Devitt et al. (2019b, pp. 13-14) and assigned to the Salado salamander 
rather than the Georgetown

[[Page 57583]]

salamander. Given Walnut Spring's location north of Lake Georgetown, we 
consider that spring as a site inhabited by the Salado salamander. We 
propose to treat Walnut Spring as a critical habitat unit for the 
Salado salamander and not the Georgetown salamander, with no change in 
amount of critical habitat at Walnut Spring.
    Analyses by Devitt et al. (2019a, p. 2,629) further indicate that 
the Eurycea population at Georgetown Springs, previously assigned to 
the Georgetown salamander (Chippindale et al. 2000), should instead be 
assigned to the Jollyville Plateau salamander. This site would 
represent the northern-most record of the Jollyville Plateau salamander 
in Williamson County. We propose to remove Georgetown Springs, 
previously proposed as Unit 14 (San Gabriel Springs Unit) of critical 
habitat for the Georgetown salamander, from further consideration in 
this proposed rule given the site is now recognized as occupied by the 
Jollyville Plateau salamander (Devitt et al. 2019a, p. 2,629).
    Based on additional information we received during the comment 
period on our January 25, 2013, publication (78 FR 5383), we propose to 
expand the extent of surface critical habitat for both the Georgetown 
and Salado salamanders. In the August 22, 2012, proposed rule (77 FR 
50768), surface critical habitat was delineated by starting with the 
cave or spring point locations that are occupied by the salamanders and 
extending a line downstream 164 feet (ft) (50 meters (m)), as this was 
the farthest a salamander has been observed from a spring outlet. 
However, we are revising the proposed surface critical habitat to 
include 262 ft (80 m) of stream habitat upstream and downstream from 
known salamander sites. This revision is based on a study completed by 
Bendik et al. (2016, p. 9) that found Jollyville Plateau salamander 
movement occurring up to 262 ft (80 m) from a spring outlet in a single 
year and the presence of the physical or biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species in the unit. Due to their similar 
life histories, this knowledge was applied to the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders. Because the surface designation overlays, or is contained 
within, the subsurface critical habitat, this expansion did not 
increase the total acreage of critical habitat for either species.
    An additional observation from Bendik et al. (2016, p. 9) at Bull 
Creek in Travis County provided evidence that Jollyville Plateau 
salamanders can travel up to 1,640 ft (500 m) from a spring outlet over 
multiple years. However, the unique hydrology where that observation 
was made leads us to conclude that it should not be extrapolated to the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders. The area of Bull Creek where this 
particular observation was made is known for its alluvial deposits (COA 
2012, p. 6), which discharge spring water through non-obvious seeps, 
instead of open springheads (SWCA 2012, p. 77). This type of hydrology 
seems to create suitable habitat for salamanders along long stretches 
of streams, rather than a short stretch of springwater-influenced 
habitat following an open spring outlet (Bendik 2013, pers. comm.). We 
have no information indicating that any Georgetown or Salado salamander 
sites function in the same manner as these Bull Creek alluvial 
resurgence areas. As currently known, Georgetown and Salado salamanders 
do not have access to the same extent or nature of aquatic surface 
habitat as the Jollyville Plateau salamander (Pierce at al. 2010, pp. 
14-15). Therefore, we conclude that the 1,640 ft (500 m) distance 
traveled by a Jollyville Plateau salamander is an observation unique to 
the hydrological setting and does not apply to the Georgetown or Salado 
salamander sites.
    New information we received during the comment period on our 
January 25, 2013, publication (78 FR 5383) identified new Georgetown 
salamander populations and provided additional data that allowed 
critical habitat units to be mapped more precisely. As critical habitat 
units were shifted from the Georgetown salamander to the Salado 
salamander, based on Devitt et al. (2019, entire), critical habitat 
units for both species were re-numbered. New locations for Salado 
salamander were also discovered through sampling efforts after January 
25, 2013. Georgetown and Salado salamanders are restricted to 
subterranean spaces in aquifers and on the surface to springs and 
associated outflow where groundwater emerges from the underlying 
aquifer emerges. They are not capable of unaided, long-distance surface 
dispersal between isolated springs given their aquatic life history. 
Most springs in Bell and Williamson counties, and their underlying 
aquifer connections, are historical landscape features that predate 
European settlement of the North American continent (Brune 1981, pp. 
65-69, 473-476). Given their limited mobility, and the long-term 
presence of springs across this landscape, both species certainly 
occupied these additional locations at the time of listing in 2014 (79 
FR 10235). Springs within the Robertson Springs complex, occupied by 
the Salado salamander, were also mapped to a greater level of detail. 
We, therefore, propose the following additions and adjustments to 
specific critical habitat units for these salamander species.
    Revision of the Hogg Hollow Spring unit of critical habitat for the 
Georgetown salamander involves the addition of a new location 1,207 ft 
(368 m) southeast of Hogg Hollow Spring. As the subsurface habitat of 
these two locations overlapped, we merged them into one critical 
habitat unit. Formerly critical habitat Unit 6, the Hogg Hollow Spring 
unit is renumbered as critical habitat Unit 2 for the Georgetown 
salamander. We also added an additional Georgetown salamander location 
(Garey Ranch Spring) 3.4 miles (mi) (5.4 kilometers (km)) southwest of 
Shadow Canyon Spring.
    Revision of the IH-35 Unit (Unit 4) of critical habitat for the 
Salado salamander includes finer-scale mapping of spring openings 
within this unit and the addition of new locations for the species at 
Anderson Spring and Side Spring (Diaz and Montagne 2017, p. 6). A new 
location for the Salado salamander was also identified at King's Garden 
Main Spring (Unit 5) by Cambrian (2018, pp. 5-6). Individuals from this 
site were not sampled by Devitt et al. (2019a, entire), but the site's 
location north of Lake Georgetown places it within the current range of 
the Salado salamander defined by Devitt et al. (2019a, p. 2,629). We 
moved the boundaries of critical habitat at Bat Well Cave (formerly 
Georgetown salamander critical habitat Unit 3 and renumbered as Salado 
salamander critical habitat Unit 10) approximately 328 ft (100 m) to 
the northeast, based on information that stated this is where 
salamanders were found in the cave underground (Hunter and Russell 
1993, p. 7-8). We also re-evaluated Cobbs Well and concluded that this 
location is part of the same population of Salado salamanders (formerly 
Georgetown salamanders) as Cobbs Springs rather than its own separate 
subsurface population, due to its proximity to Cobbs Springs (within 
the 984-ft (300-m) subsurface habitat of Cobbs Springs). We, therefore, 
removed Cobbs Well as a separate occupied location from proposed Salado 
salamander critical habitat Unit 6 (formerly Georgetown salamander 
critical habitat Unit 1), reducing the subsurface critical habitat 
acreage for this unit from 83 ac (34 ha) to 68 ac (28 ha). Cobbs Well 
is still contained within Unit 6 for the Salado salamander.
    For the Georgetown salamander, these proposed revisions decrease 
the total

[[Page 57584]]

proposed critical habitat designation by five units and approximately 
300 ac (124 ha). The total number of proposed critical habitat units, 
landownership by type, and size of the proposed critical habitat units 
for the Georgetown salamander are presented in Table 1, below.
    For the Salado salamander, these proposed revisions increase the 
total proposed critical habitat designation by six units and 
approximately 415 ac (171 ha). The total number of proposed critical 
habitat units, landownership by type, and size of the proposed critical 
habitat units for the Salado salamander are presented in Table 2, 
below.
    The total amount of critical habitat we are proposing for both 
salamanders has increased by approximately 116 ac (47 ha). The reasons 
for this increase are the addition of a new occupied site for the 
Salado salamander and refined mapping of previously proposed critical 
habitat units based on more precise spring locations.

Physical or Biological Features Essential to the Conservation of the 
Species

    In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at 
50 CFR 424.12(b), in determining which areas we will designate as 
critical habitat from within the geographical area occupied by the 
species at the time of listing, we consider the physical or biological 
features that are essential to the conservation of the species and that 
may require special management considerations or protection. The 
regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define ``physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of the species'' as the features that 
occur in specific areas and that are essential to support the life-
history needs of the species, including, but not limited to, water 
characteristics, soil type, geological features, sites, 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. For example, 
physical features essential to the conservation of the species might 
include gravel of a particular size required for spawning, alkali soil 
for seed germination, protective cover for migration, or susceptibility 
to flooding or fire that maintains necessary early-successional habitat 
characteristics. Biological features might include prey species, forage 
grasses, specific kinds or ages of trees for roosting or nesting, 
symbiotic fungi, or a particular level of nonnative species consistent 
with conservation needs of the listed species. The features may also be 
combinations of habitat characteristics and may encompass the 
relationship between characteristics or the necessary amount of a 
characteristic essential 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. These characteristics include, but are not limited to, space 
for individual and population growth and for normal behavior; food, 
water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological 
requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, reproduction, or 
rearing (or development) of offspring; and habitats that are protected 
from disturbance.
    Based on public comment, we separated the summary of essential 
physical or biological features (formerly primary constituent elements) 
for these salamander species into surface and subsurface habitat 
categories and added additional details in order to clarify habitat 
needs of both species. We derive the specific physical or biological 
features essential to the conservation of the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders from studies of the species' habitat, ecology, and life 
history as described in the Critical Habitat section of the proposed 
rule to designate critical habitat published in the Federal Register on 
August 22, 2012 (77 FR 50768), and in the information presented below. 
Additional information can be found in the final listing rule for the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders (79 FR 10236; February 24, 2014).
    Observational and experimental studies on the habitat requirements 
of Georgetown and Salado salamanders are rare. In the field of aquatic 
ecotoxicology, it is common practice to apply the results of 
experiments on common species to other species that are of direct 
interest (Caro et al. 2005, p. 1,823). In addition, the field of 
conservation biology is increasingly relying on information about 
surrogate species to predict how related species will respond to 
stressors (for example, see Caro et al. 2005 pp. 1,821-1,826; Wenger 
2008, p. 1,565). In instances where information was not available for 
the Georgetown and Salado salamander specifically, we have provided 
references for studies conducted on similarly related species, such as 
the Jollyville Plateau salamander and Barton Springs salamander 
(Eurycea sosorum), which occur within the central Texas area, and other 
salamander species that occur in other parts of the United States. The 
similarities among these species may include: (1) A clear systematic 
(evolutionary) relationship (for example, members of the Family 
Plethodontidae); (2) shared life-history attributes (for example, the 
lack of metamorphosis into a terrestrial form); (3) similar morphology 
and physiology (for example, the lack of lungs for respiration and 
sensitivity to environmental conditions); (4) similar prey (for 
example, small invertebrate species); and (5) similar habitat and 
ecological requirements (for example, dependence on aquatic habitat in 
or near springs with a rocky or gravel substrate). Depending on the 
amount and variety of characteristics in which one salamander species 
can be analogous to another, we used these similarities as a basis to 
infer further parallels in what Georgetown and Salado salamanders 
require from their habitat. We have determined that the Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders require the physical or biological features 
described below.

Space for Individual and Population Growth and for Normal Behavior

Georgetown and Salado Salamanders
    The Georgetown salamander occurs in wetted caves and where water 
emerges from the ground as a spring-fed stream. The Salado salamander 
occurs where water emerges from the ground as a spring-fed stream. 
Within the spring ecosystem, salamanders' proximity to the springhead 
is presumed important because of the appropriate stable water chemistry 
and temperature, substrate, and flow regime. Eurycea salamanders, which 
includes Georgetown and Salado salamanders, are rarely found more than 
66 ft (20 m) from a spring source (TPWD 2011, p. 3). Georgetown 
salamanders have been found within 164 ft (50 m) of a spring opening 
(Pierce et al. 2011a, p. 4). However, they are most abundant within the 
first 16 ft (5 m) (Pierce et al. 2010, p. 294) of a spring opening. 
Pierce et al. (2013, p. 2) found little movement of Georgetown 
salamanders within two spring sites, but their study limited the search 
area to the first 92 ft (28 m) of the spring run. However, Jollyville 
Plateau salamanders, a closely related species, have been found up to 
262 ft (80 m) both upstream and downstream

[[Page 57585]]

from a spring outlet (Bendik et al. 2016, p. 9). Bendik et al. (2016, 
p. 9) demonstrates that Eurycea salamanders, such as the Jollyville 
Plateau salamander, in central Texas can travel greater distances from 
a discrete spring opening than previously thought, including upstream 
areas, if suitable habitat is present.
    Georgetown and Salado salamanders likely use the subterranean 
aquifer for habitat throughout the year, similar to other Eurycea 
species (Bendik and Gluesenkamp 2012, pp. 4-5; Bendik et al. 2013, pp. 
10-12, 15; Bendik 2017, p. 5,013; Diaz and Bronson-Warren 2018, p. 11; 
Devitt et al. 2019a, p. 2,625). Morphological forms of Georgetown 
salamander with cave adaptations have been found at two caves (TPWD 
2011, p. 8), indicating that they spend all of their lives underground 
at these two locations. We assume that the Salado salamander also uses 
subsurface areas given recruitment of individuals to the surface from 
the underlying aquifer, with surface recruitment at one occupied spring 
opening in Bell County estimated at 0.03 salamanders per day (Diaz and 
Bronson-Warren 2019, p. 7). Therefore, based on the information above, 
we identify springs, associated streams, and underground spaces within 
the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer to be physical or 
biological features essential for individual and population growth and 
for normal behavior of the Georgetown and Salado salamanders.

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

Georgetown and Salado Salamanders
    No species-specific dietary study has been completed, but the diet 
of the Georgetown salamander is presumed to be similar to other Eurycea 
species, consisting of small aquatic invertebrates such as amphipods, 
copepods, isopods, and insect larvae (reviewed in COA 2001, pp. 5-6). 
Crustaceans from the Class Ostracoda were the most commonly observed 
prey item for Salado salamanders (Diaz and Bronson-Warren 2018, pp. 8, 
14). Other invertebrates consumed by the Salado salamander included 
amphipods, aquatic snails, and larvae of mayflies and caddisflies (Diaz 
and Bronson-Warren 2018, p. 14). Flatworms were found to be the primary 
food source for the related Barton Springs salamander (Gillespie 2013, 
p. 5), suggesting that flatworms may also contribute to the diet of the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders if present in the invertebrate 
community.
    Georgetown and Salado salamanders are strictly aquatic and spend 
their entire lives submersed in water from the Northern Segment of the 
Edwards Aquifer (Pierce et al. 2010, p. 296; Diaz and Bronson-Warren 
2019, p. 7). These salamanders, and the prey that they feed on, require 
water sourced from the Edwards Aquifer at sufficient flows (quantity) 
to meet all of their physiological requirements (TPWD 2011, p. 8). This 
water should be flowing and unchanged in chemistry, temperature, and 
volume from natural conditions. Normal water temperature at two 
relatively undisturbed Georgetown salamander sites ranged from 64.1 to 
73.1 degrees Fahrenheit ([deg]F) (17.9 to 22.9 degrees Celsius 
([deg]C)) throughout the year (Pierce 2012, pp. 7-8). Concentrations of 
contaminants should be below levels that could exert direct lethal or 
sublethal effects (such as effects to reproduction, growth, 
development, or metabolic processes), or indirect effects (such as 
effects to the Georgetown and Salado salamanders' prey base).
    Edwards Aquifer Eurycea species are adapted to a lower ideal range 
of oxygen saturations compared to other salamanders (Turner 2009, p. 
11). However, Eurycea salamanders need dissolved oxygen concentrations 
to be above a certain threshold, as the related Barton Springs 
salamander demonstrates declining abundance with declining dissolved 
oxygen levels (Turner 2009, p. 14). In addition, low dissolved oxygen 
concentrations (below 4.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L)) resulted in a 
number of physiological effects in the related San Marcos salamander 
including decreased metabolic rates and decreased juvenile growth rates 
(Woods et al. 2010, p. 544). Georgetown salamander sites are 
characterized by high levels of dissolved oxygen, typically 6 to 8 mg/L 
(Pierce and Wall 2011, p. 33). Therefore, we presume that the dissolved 
oxygen level of water is important to the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders for respiratory function.
    The conductivity of water is also important to salamander 
physiology. Increased conductivity is associated with increased water 
contamination and decreased Eurycea abundance (Willson and Dorcas 2003, 
pp. 766-768; Bowles et al. 2006, pp. 117-118). The lower limit of 
observed conductivity in developed Jollyville Plateau salamander sites 
where salamander densities were lower than undeveloped sites was 800 
micro Siemens per cm ([micro]S/cm) (Bowles et al. 2006, p. 117). 
Salamanders were significantly more abundant at undeveloped sites where 
water conductivity averaged 600 [micro]S/cm (Bowles et al. 2006, p. 
117). Because of their similar physiology to the Jollyville Plateau 
salamander, we presume that the Georgetown and Salado salamanders will 
have a similar response to elevated water conductance. Normal water 
conductance at a relatively undisturbed Georgetown salamander site 
ranges from 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm throughout the year (Pierce et al. 
2010, p. 294). Although one laboratory study on the related San Marcos 
salamander demonstrated that conductivities up to 2,738 [micro]S/cm had 
no measurable effect on adult activity (Woods and Poteet 2006, p. 5), 
it remains unclear how elevated water conductance might affect 
juveniles or the long-term health of salamanders in the wild. In the 
absence of better information on the sensitivity of salamanders to 
changes in conductivity (or other contaminants) in the wild, it is 
reasonable to presume that salamander survival, growth, and 
reproduction will be most successful when water quality is unaltered 
from natural aquifer conditions.
    Therefore, based on the information above, we identify aquatic 
invertebrates and water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards 
Aquifer, including adequate dissolved oxygen concentration of 6 to 8 
mg/L, water conductance of 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm, and water 
temperature of 64.1 to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.9 [deg]C), to be 
physical or biological features essential for the nutritional and 
physiological requirements of the Georgetown and Salado salamanders.

Cover or Shelter

Georgetown and Salado Salamanders
    Similar to other Eurycea salamanders in central Texas, Georgetown 
and Salado salamanders move an unknown depth into the interstitial 
spaces (empty voids between rocks) within the substrate, using these 
spaces for foraging habitat and cover from predators (Cole 1995, p. 24; 
Pierce and Wall 2011, pp. 16-17). These spaces should have minimal 
sediment, as sediment fills interstitial spaces, eliminating resting 
places and also reducing habitat of the prey base (small aquatic 
invertebrates) (O'Donnell et al. 2006, p. 34).
    Georgetown and Salado salamanders have been observed under rocks, 
leaf litter, woody debris, and other cover objects (Pierce et al. 2010, 
p. 295; Gluesenkamp 2011a, TPWD, pers. comm.). Georgetown salamanders 
appear to prefer large rocks over other cover objects (Pierce et al. 
2010, p. 295), which is consistent with other studies on Eurycea 
habitat (Bowles et al. 2006, pp. 114, 116). Although no study has

[[Page 57586]]

demonstrated the substrate preference of the Salado salamander, we 
presume that this species prefers large rocks over other cover objects, 
similar to other closely related Eurycea salamanders. Larger rocks 
provide more suitable interstitial spaces for foraging and cover.
    If springs stop flowing and the surface habitat dries up, 
Jollyville Plateau salamanders recede with the water table and persist 
in groundwater refugia until surface flow returns (Bendik 2011a, p. 
31). Access to refugia allows populations some resiliency against 
drought events. Due to the similar life history and habitats of the 
Georgetown, Salado, and Jollyville Plateau salamanders, we presume that 
access to subsurface refugia for shelter during drought is also 
important for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders.
    Therefore, based on the information above, we identify rocky 
substrate, consisting of boulder, cobble, and gravel, with interstitial 
spaces that have minimal sediment, and access to the subsurface 
groundwater table to be physical or biological features essential for 
the cover and shelter for these species.

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

Georgetown and Salado Salamanders
    Little is known about the reproductive habits of these species in 
the wild. However, the Georgetown and Salado salamanders are fully 
aquatic, spending all of their life cycles in aquifer and spring 
waters. Eggs of central Texas Eurycea species are rarely seen on the 
surface, so it is widely assumed that eggs are laid underground 
(Gluesenkamp 2011a, TPWD, pers. comm.; Bendik 2011b, COA, pers. comm.).
    Therefore, based on the information above, we identify access to 
subsurface or subterranean, water-filled voids of varying sizes (e.g., 
caves, conduits, fractures, and interstitial spaces) to be a physical 
or biological feature essential for breeding and reproduction for this 
species.

Summary of Essential Physical or Biological Features for the Georgetown 
and Salado Salamanders

    We derive the specific physical or biological features essential 
for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders from studies of these 
species' habitat, ecology, and life history, as described above. We 
have determined that the following physical or biological features are 
essential to the conservation of the Georgetown and Salado salamanders:
Georgetown Salamander
    (1) For surface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater issuing to the surface from the underlying aquifer is 
similar to natural aquifer conditions as it discharges from natural 
spring outlets. Concentrations of water quality constituents and 
contaminants should be below levels that could exert direct lethal or 
sublethal effects (such as effects to reproduction, growth, 
development, or metabolic processes), or indirect effects (such as 
effects to the Georgetown salamander's prey base). The Service is 
unaware of any studies that specifically define the water quality 
constituents or contaminants that would have deleterious effects on 
these salamanders. Hydrologic regimes similar to the historical pattern 
of the specific sites are present, with at least some surface flow 
during the year. The water chemistry of aquatic surface habitats is 
similar to natural aquifer conditions, with temperatures from 64.1 to 
73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved oxygen concentrations from 
6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance from 604 to 721 [micro]S/
cm.
    (B) Rocky substrate with interstitial spaces. Rocks in the 
substrate of the salamander's surface aquatic habitat are large enough 
to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging habitat. The 
substrate and interstitial spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The spring environment supports 
a diverse aquatic invertebrate community that includes crustaceans, 
insects, and flatworms.
    (D) Subterranean aquifer. Access to the subsurface water table 
exists to provide shelter, protection, and space for reproduction. This 
access can occur in the form of large conduits that carry water to the 
spring outlet or porous voids between rocks in the streambed that 
extend down into the water table.
    (2) For subsurface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater quality is similar to natural aquifer conditions. 
Concentrations of water quality constituents and contaminants should be 
below levels that could exert direct lethal or sublethal effects (such 
as effects to reproduction, growth, development, or metabolic 
processes), or indirect effects (such as effects to the Georgetown 
salamander's prey base). Hydrologic regimes similar to the historical 
pattern of the specific sites are present, with continuous flow. The 
water chemistry is similar to natural aquifer conditions, with 
temperatures from 64.1 to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved 
oxygen concentrations from 6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance 
from 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm.
    (B) Subsurface spaces. Voids between rocks underground are large 
enough to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging 
habitat. These spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The habitat supports an aquatic 
invertebrate community that includes crustaceans, insects, or 
flatworms.
Salado Salamander
    (1) For surface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater quality issuing to the surface from the underlying aquifer 
is similar to natural aquifer conditions as it discharges from natural 
spring outlets. Concentrations of water quality constituents and 
contaminants are below levels that could exert direct lethal or 
sublethal effects (such as effects to reproduction, growth, 
development, or metabolic processes), or indirect effects (such as 
effects to the Salado salamander's prey base). Hydrologic regimes 
similar to the historical pattern of the specific sites are present, 
with at least some surface flow during the year. The water chemistry of 
aquatic surface habitats is similar to natural aquifer conditions, with 
temperatures from 64.1 to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved 
oxygen concentrations from 6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance 
from 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm.
    (B) Rocky substrate with interstitial spaces. Rocks in the 
substrate of the salamander's surface aquatic habitat are large enough 
to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging habitat. The 
substrate and interstitial spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The spring environment is 
capable of supporting a diverse aquatic invertebrate community that 
includes crustaceans, insects, and flatworms.
    (D) Subterranean aquifer. Access to the subsurface water table 
exists to provide shelter, protection, and space for reproduction. This 
access can occur in the form of large conduits that carry water to the 
spring outlet or porous voids between rocks in the streambed that 
extend down into the water table.
    (2) For subsurface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater quality is similar to natural aquifer conditions. 
Concentrations of water quality constituents and contaminants are below 
levels that could exert direct lethal or sublethal effects (such as 
effects to reproduction, growth,

[[Page 57587]]

development, or metabolic processes), or indirect effects (such as 
effects to the Salado salamander's prey base). Hydrologic regimes 
similar to the historical pattern of the specific sites are present, 
with continuous flow. The water chemistry is similar to natural aquifer 
conditions, with temperatures from 64.1 to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 
[deg]C), dissolved oxygen concentrations from 6 to 8 mg/L, and specific 
water conductance from 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm.
    (B) Subsurface spaces. Voids between rocks underground are large 
enough to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging 
habitat. These spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The habitat is capable of 
supporting an aquatic invertebrate community that includes crustaceans, 
insects, or flatworms.

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 which are essential to the conservation of 
the species and which may require special management considerations or 
protection. The features essential to the conservation of this species 
may require special management considerations or protection to reduce 
the following threats: Water quality degradation from contaminants, 
alteration to natural flow regimes, and physical habitat modification.
    The areas proposed for critical habitat include both surface and 
subsurface critical habitat components. The surface critical habitat 
includes the spring outlets and outflow up to the high water line and 
150 ft (80 m) of downstream habitat, but does not include manmade 
structures (such as buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other 
paved areas); nor does it include upland habitat adjacent to streams. 
However, the subterranean aquifer may extend below such structures 
beneath the surface habitat. The subsurface critical habitat includes 
underground features in a circle with a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around 
the springs. Most of our proposed critical habitat is a subsurface 
designation and only includes the physical area beneath any buildings 
on the surface.
    We detailed threats to surface and subsurface habitats in Factor A: 
The Present or Threatened Destruction, Modification, or Curtailment of 
Its Habitat or Range of the final listing rule for the Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders (79 FR 10235). The Georgetown and Salado salamanders 
are sensitive to modification of surface (i.e., spring openings and 
outflow) and subsurface habitats. Due to the connectivity between the 
surface and subsurface habitats, an impact to one will affect the 
other. Examples of surface habitat modifications may include (but are 
not limited to) damage to spring openings, sedimentation due to 
construction activities, and installation of impoundments. Examples of 
impacts to subsurface habitat may include (but are not limited to) 
pipeline construction, replacement, and maintenance, excavation for 
construction or quarrying, and groundwater depletion that can reduce 
spring flow. The depth of the subsurface habitat will vary from site to 
site.
    For these salamanders, special management considerations or 
protections may be needed to address identified threats. Management 
activities that could ameliorate threats to surface habitat include 
(but are not limited to): (1) Protecting the quality of cave and spring 
water by implementing comprehensive programs to control and reduce 
point sources and non-point sources of pollution throughout the 
Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer; (2) minimizing the likelihood 
of pollution events or surface runoff from existing and future 
development that would affect groundwater quality; (3) protecting 
groundwater and spring flow quantity (for example, by implementing 
water conservation and drought contingency plans throughout the 
Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer); (4) protecting water quality 
and quantity from present and future quarrying; (5) excluding cattle 
and feral hogs from spring openings and outflow through fencing to 
protect spring habitats from damage; and (6) fencing and signage to 
protect spring habitats from human vandalism. Some of the management 
activities listed above, such as those that protect spring flow and 
groundwater quality, protect both surface and subsurface habitats, as 
these are interconnected.
    Additional management activities that could ameliorate threats that 
are specific to subsurface habitat include (but are not limited to): 
(1) The development and implementation of void mitigation plans for 
construction projects to prevent impacts to salamanders in the event of 
severed aquifer conduits or interrupted groundwater flow paths; (2) 
site-specific plans developed by geotechnical engineers to prevent 
changes to subsurface water flow from construction activities; (3) the 
presence of environmental monitors during construction, excavation, and 
drilling activities to monitor spring flow; and (4) post-construction 
monitoring of spring flow. Because subsurface habitat differs with 
regard to groundwater flow paths, depth, and amount of water-bearing 
rocks with voids that can support salamanders, management and 
mitigation plans to ameliorate threats will need to be developed on a 
site-specific basis.

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. During our preparation for 
designating critical habitat for the two salamander species, we 
reviewed: (1) Data for historical and current occurrence; (2) 
information pertaining to habitat features essential for the 
conservation of these species; and (3) scientific information on the 
biology and ecology of the two species. We have also reviewed a number 
of studies and surveys of the two salamander species that confirm 
historical and current occurrence of the two species including, but not 
limited to, Sweet (1978; 1982), Russell (1993), Warton (1997), COA 
(2001), Chippindale et al. (2000), Hillis et al. (2001), and Devitt et 
al. (2019). Finally, salamander site locations and observations were 
verified with the aid of salamander biologists, museum collection 
records, and site visits.
    We are not currently proposing to designate any additional areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by these species because we have 
determined that occupied areas are sufficient to conserve the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders, although we acknowledge that other 
areas, such as the recharge zone of the aquifers supporting salamander 
locations, are very important to the conservation of the species. This 
critical habitat designation delineates the habitat that is physically 
occupied and used by the species rather than delineating all land or 
aquatic areas that influence the species. We also recognize that there 
may be additional occupied areas outside of the areas designated as 
critical habitat that we are not aware of at the time of this 
designation that may be necessary for

[[Page 57588]]

the conservation of the species. For the purpose of designating 
critical habitat for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders, we define 
an area as occupied based upon the reliable observation of a salamander 
species by a knowledgeable scientist. It is very difficult to determine 
whether a salamander population has been extirpated from a spring site 
due to these species' ability to occupy the inaccessible subsurface 
habitat. We, therefore, consider any site that had a salamander 
observation occupied at the time of listing to be currently occupied, 
unless that spring or cave site had been destroyed.
    Based on our review, the critical habitat areas (described below) 
are within the geographical range occupied by at least one of the two 
salamander species and meet the definition of critical habitat. The 
true extent to which the subterranean populations of these species 
exist below ground away from outlets of the spring system is unknown 
because the hydrology of central Texas is very complex and information 
on the hydrology of specific spring sites is largely unknown. We will 
continue to seek information to increase our understanding of spring 
hydrology and salamander underground distribution to inform 
conservation efforts for these species. At the time of this proposed 
critical habitat rule, the best scientific evidence available suggests 
that a population of groundwater-dependent Eurycea salamanders can 
extend at least 984 ft (300 m) from the spring opening through 
underground conduits or voids between rocks. For example, the Austin 
blind salamander is believed to occur underground throughout the entire 
Barton Springs complex (Dries 2011, pers. comm.). The spring habitats 
used by salamanders of the Barton Springs complex are not connected on 
the surface, so the Austin blind salamander population extends at least 
984 feet (ft) (300 meters (m)) underground, as this is the approximate 
distance between the farthest two outlets within the Barton Springs 
complex known to be occupied by the species.
    We are proposing to designate critical habitat in areas that we 
have determined are occupied by one of the two salamanders and contain 
physical or biological features essential for the conservation of the 
species. We delineated both surface and subsurface critical habitat 
components. As previously stated, a Jollyville Plateau salamander was 
observed to have traveled up to 1,640 ft (500 m) after multiple years 
in Bull Creek (Bendik et al. 2016, p. 9). However, the surface critical 
habitat component was delineated by starting with the spring point 
locations that are occupied by the salamanders and extending a line 
upstream and downstream 262 ft (80 m). This was the furthest distance a 
Eurycea salamander has been observed from a spring outlet in a single 
year (Bendik et al. 2016, p. 9) and is likely a more reasonable 
distance for salamander's in common hydrological settings. We applied 
this maximum distance to account for the potential movement and surface 
habitat use of Georgetown and Salado salamanders upstream and 
downstream of spring openings. It is reasonable to consider the 
downstream and upstream habitat occupied based on the dispersal 
capabilities observed in individuals of very similar species. When 
determining surface critical habitat boundaries, we were not able to 
delineate specific stream segments on the map due to the small size of 
the streams. Therefore, we drew a circle with a 262-ft (80-m) radius 
representing the extent the surface population of the site is estimated 
to exist upstream and downstream. This circle does not include upland 
habitat adjacent to streams. The surface critical habitat includes the 
spring outlets and outflow up to the ordinary high water mark (the 
average amount of water present in nonflood conditions, as defined in 
33 CFR 328.3(e)) and 262 ft (80 m) of upstream and downstream habitat 
(to the extent that this habitat is ever present), including the dry 
stream channel during periods of no surface flow. We acknowledge that 
some spring sites occupied by one of the two salamanders are the start 
of the watercourse, and upstream habitat does not exist for these 
sites. The surface habitat we are designating as critical habitat does 
not include human made structures (such as buildings, aqueducts, 
runways, roads, and other paved areas) within this circle, nor does it 
include upland habitat adjacent to streams.
    We delineated the subsurface critical habitat unit boundaries by 
starting with the cave or spring point locations that are occupied by 
the salamanders. Depth to subsurface habitat will vary from site to 
site based on local geology. From these cave or spring points, we 
delineated an area with a 984-ft (300-m) radius to create the polygons 
that capture the extent to which we believe the salamander populations 
exist through underground habitat. This radial distance comes from 
observations of the Austin blind salamander, which is believed to occur 
underground throughout the entire Barton Springs complex (Dries 2011, 
COA, pers. comm.). The Austin blind salamander is a reasonable 
surrogate for Salado and Georgetown salamanders as it also inhabits 
subsurface, water-filled voids in the underlying Edwards Aquifer 
(Hillis et al. 2001, p. 23). The spring outlets used by salamanders of 
the Barton Springs complex are not connected on the surface, so the 
Austin blind salamander population extends a horizontal distance of at 
least 984 ft (300 m) underground, as this is the approximate distance 
between the farthest two outlets within the Barton Springs complex 
known to be occupied by the species. This distance was applied to the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders given their reliance on subsurface 
aquifer habitats (Bendik and Gluesenkamp 2012, pp. 4-5; Bendik et al. 
2013, pp. 10-12, 15; Bendik 2017, p. 5,013; Diaz and Bronson-Warren 
2018, p. 11; Devitt et al. 2019, p. 2,625). Polygons that were within 
98 ft (30 m) of each other were merged together as these areas have the 
potential to be connected underground (Devitt et al. 2019a, pp. 2,629-
2,630). Each merged polygon was then revised by removing extraneous 
divots or protrusions that resulted from the merge process.
    Developed areas of surface habitat, such as lands covered by 
buildings, pavement, and other structures, lack physical or biological 
features for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders. 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 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.
    We propose to designate as critical habitat lands that we have 
determined are occupied at the time of listing (i.e., currently 
occupied) and that contain all of the physical or biological features 
that are essential to support life-history processes of the species.
    The 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 critical habitat

[[Page 57589]]

designation in the preamble of this document. 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 at Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-
2020-0048, and on our internet site https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/ESA_Sp_Salamanders.html.

Proposed Critical Habitat Designation

    In Tables 1 and 2 below, we present the revised proposed critical 
habitat units for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders. All units are 
considered occupied by the relevant species at the time of listing. We 
also provide revised unit descriptions for all Georgetown and Salado 
salamander critical habitat units. The critical habitat areas we 
describe below constitute our current best assessment of subsurface and 
surface areas that meet the definition of critical habitat for the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders. During periods of drought or 
dewatering on the surface in and around spring sites, access to the 
subsurface water table must be provided for shelter and protection. 
Surface critical habitat includes the spring outlets and outflow up to 
the high water line and 262 ft (80 m) of downstream habitat, but does 
not include terrestrial habitats or humanmade 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 
the effective date of this rule or land adjacent to streams; however, 
the subterranean aquifer may extend below such structures. The 
subterranean critical habitat includes underground features in a circle 
with a radius 984 ft (300 m) around the springs.

 Table 1--Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Georgetown Salamander
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Size of unit
       Critical habitat unit          Land ownership by      in acres
                                            type            (hectares)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Water Tank Cave Unit...........  Private.............         68 (28)
2. Hogg Hollow Spring Unit........  Private, Federal....        122 (49)
3. Cedar Hollow Spring Unit.......  Private.............         68 (28)
4. Lake Georgetown Unit...........  Federal, Private....        134 (54)
5. Buford Hollow Spring Unit......  Federal, Private....         68 (28)
6. Swinbank Spring Unit...........  City, Private.......         68 (28)
7. Avant Spring Unit..............  Private.............         68 (28)
8. Shadow Canyon Spring Unit......  City, Private.......         68 (28)
9. Garey Ranch Spring Unit........  Private.............         68 (28)
                                                         ---------------
    Total.........................  ....................       732 (299)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Area sizes may not sum due to rounding. Area estimates reflect all
  land within critical habitat unit boundaries.


   Table 2--Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Salado Salamander
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Size of unit
       Critical habitat unit          Land ownership by      in acres
                                            type            (hectares)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Hog Hollow Spring Unit.........  Private.............         68 (28)
2. Solana Spring Unit.............  Private.............         68 (28)
3. Cistern Spring Unit............  Private.............         68 (28)
4. IH-35 Unit.....................  Private, State, City        175 (71)
5. King's Garden Main Spring Unit.  Private.............         68 (28)
6. Cobbs Spring Unit..............  Private.............         68 (28)
7. Cowan Creek Spring Unit........  Private.............         68 (28)
8. Walnut Spring Unit.............  Private, County.....         68 (28)
9. Twin Springs Unit..............  Private, County.....         68 (28)
10. Bat Well Cave Unit............  Private.............         68 (28)
                                                         ---------------
    Total.........................  ....................       787 (323)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Area sizes may not sum due to rounding. Area estimates reflect all
  land within critical habitat unit boundaries.

Georgetown Salamander

    Critical habitat units proposed for the Georgetown salamander may 
require special management because of the potential for groundwater 
pollution from current and future development in the watershed, present 
operations and future expansion of quarrying activities, depletion of 
groundwater, and other threats (see Special Management Considerations 
or Protection). All proposed units are occupied by the Georgetown 
salamander. The proposed designation includes the spring outlets and 
outflow up to the high water mark and 262 ft (80 m) of upstream and 
downstream habitat. Units are further delineated by drawing a circle 
with a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around the spring, representing the 
extent of the subterranean critical habitat. For cave populations of 
the Georgetown salamander, the unit is delineated by drawing a circle 
with a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around the underground location of the 
salamanders, representing the extent of the proposed subsurface 
critical habitat.
Unit 1: Water Tank Cave Unit
    Unit 1 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land in 
west-central Williamson County, Texas. A golf course crosses the unit 
from northwest to southeast, and there are several roads in the eastern 
part of the unit. A secondary road crosses the extreme southern portion 
of the unit, and there are residences in the northwestern, 
southwestern, and west-central portions of the unit. This unit contains 
Water Tank Cave, which is occupied by the Georgetown salamander. The 
unit

[[Page 57590]]

contains the physical or biological features essential for the 
conservation of the species.
Unit 2: Hogg Hollow Spring Unit
    Unit 2 consists of approximately 122 ac (49 ha) of U.S. Army Corps 
of Engineers land and private land in Williamson County, Texas. The 
unit is located south of Lake Georgetown and is mostly undeveloped. The 
northwestern part of the unit includes Sawyer Park, part of the Lake 
Georgetown recreation area. This unit contains two springs: Hogg Hollow 
Spring and Hogg Hollow 2 Spring, which are occupied by the Georgetown 
salamander. Hogg Hollow Spring is located on Hogg Hollow, and Hogg 
Hollow 2 Spring is located on an unnamed stream, both tributaries to 
Lake Georgetown. The unit contains the physical or biological features 
essential for the conservation of the species.
Unit 3: Cedar Hollow Spring Unit
    Unit 3 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land in 
west-central Williamson County, Texas. A secondary road crosses the 
extreme southern portion of the unit, and there are residences in the 
northwestern, southwestern, and west-central portions of the unit. This 
unit contains Cedar Hollow Spring, which is occupied by the Georgetown 
salamander. The spring is located on Cedar Hollow, a tributary to Lake 
Georgetown. The unit contains the physical or biological features 
essential for the conservation of the species.
Unit 4: Lake Georgetown Unit
    Unit 4 consists of approximately 134 ac (54 ha) of Federal and 
private land in west-central Williamson County, Texas. Part of the unit 
is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Lake Georgetown property. There 
are currently no plans to develop the property. There is some control 
of public access. Unpaved roads are found in the western portion of the 
unit, and a trail begins in the central part of the unit and leaves the 
northeast corner. A secondary road crosses the extreme southern portion 
of the unit, and there are residences in the northwestern, 
southwestern, and west-central portions of the unit. A large quarry is 
located a short distance southeast of the unit. This unit includes two 
springs, Knight (Crockett Gardens) Spring and Cedar Breaks Hiking Trail 
Spring, which are occupied by the Georgetown salamander. The springs 
are located on an unnamed tributary to Lake Georgetown. A portion of 
the northern part of the unit extends under Lake Georgetown. The unit 
contains the physical or biological features essential for the 
conservation of the species.
Unit 5: Buford Hollow Spring Unit
    Unit 5 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of Federal and 
private land in west-central Williamson County, Texas. The unit is 
located just below the spillway for Lake Georgetown. The U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers owns most of this unit as part of Lake Georgetown. 
The D.B. Wood Road, a major thoroughfare, crosses the eastern part of 
the unit. The rest of the unit is undeveloped. This unit contains 
Buford Hollow Springs, which is occupied by the Georgetown salamander. 
The spring is located on Buford Hollow, a tributary to the North Fork 
San Gabriel River. The unit contains the physical or biological 
features essential for the conservation of the species.
Unit 6: Swinbank Spring Unit
    Unit 6 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of City and private 
land in west-central Williamson County, Texas. The unit is located near 
River Road south of Melanie Lane. The northern part of the unit is 
primarily in residential development, while the southern part of this 
unit is primarily undeveloped. This unit contains Swinbank Spring, 
which is occupied by the Georgetown salamander. The spring is located 
just off the main channel of North Fork San Gabriel River. The unit 
contains the physical or biological features essential for the 
conservation of the species. The population of Georgetown salamanders 
in the spring is being monitored monthly as part of the Williamson 
County Regional HCP's efforts to conserve the species.
Unit 7: Avant Spring Unit
    Unit 7 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land in 
west-central Williamson County, Texas. The northern part of a large 
quarry is along the southwestern edge of the unit. The rest of the unit 
is undeveloped. This unit contains Avant's (Capitol Aggregates) Spring, 
which is occupied by the Georgetown salamander. The spring is close to 
the streambed of the Middle Fork of the San Gabriel River. The unit 
contains the physical or biological features essential for the 
conservation of the species.
Unit 8: Shadow Canyon Spring Unit
    Unit 8 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of City and private 
land in west-central Williamson County, Texas. The unit is located just 
south of State Highway 29. This unit contains Shadow Canyon Spring, 
which is occupied by the Georgetown salamander. The spring is located 
on an unnamed tributary of South Fork San Gabriel River. The unit 
contains the essential physical or biological features for the 
conservation of the species. The unit is authorized for development 
under the Shadow Canyon HCP. Impacts to the endangered golden-cheeked 
warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia) and Bone Cave harvestman (Texella 
reyesi) are permitted under the Shadow Canyon HCP; however, impacts to 
Georgetown salamander are not covered under the HCP.
Unit 9: Garey Ranch Spring Unit
    Unit 9 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land in 
Williamson County, Texas. The unit is located north of RM 2243. The 
unit is mostly undeveloped. A small amount of residential development 
enters the southern and eastern parts of the unit. This unit contains 
Garey Ranch Spring, which is occupied by the Georgetown salamander. It 
is located on an unnamed tributary to the South Fork San Gabriel River. 
The unit contains the physical or biological features essential for the 
conservation of the species.

Salado Salamander

    Critical habitat units proposed for the Salado salamander may 
require special management because of the potential for groundwater 
pollution from current and future development in the watershed, present 
operations and future expansion of quarrying activities, depletion of 
groundwater, and other threats (see Special Management Considerations 
or Protection). All proposed units are considered to be occupied by the 
Salado salamander. The proposed designation includes the spring outlets 
and outflow up to the high water mark and 262 ft (80 m) of upstream and 
downstream habitat. Units are further delineated by drawing a circle 
with a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around the spring, representing the 
extent of the subterranean critical habitat. For cave populations of 
the Salado salamander, the unit is delineated by drawing a circle with 
a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around the underground location of the 
salamanders, representing the extent of the proposed subsurface 
critical habitat.
Unit 1: Hog Hollow Spring Unit
    Unit 1 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land 
located in southwestern Bell County, Texas. The unit is primarily 
undeveloped ranch land. This unit contains Hog Hollow Spring, which is 
occupied by the Salado salamander. The unit is located on a tributary 
to Rumsey Creek in the Salado Creek drainage and contains the physical 
or biological features essential

[[Page 57591]]

for the conservation of the species. In 2016, the owners of the spring 
entered into an agreement with The Nature Conservancy for a perpetual 
conservation easement that provides long-term protection for this site.
Unit 2: Solana Spring Unit
    Unit 2 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land 
located in southwestern Bell County, Texas. The unit is primarily 
undeveloped ranch land. This unit contains Solana Spring, which is 
occupied by the Salado salamander. The unit is located on a tributary 
to Rumsey Creek in the Salado Creek drainage and contains the physical 
or biological features essential for the conservation of the species. 
In 2016, the owners of the spring entered into an agreement with The 
Nature Conservancy for a perpetual conservation easement that provides 
long-term protection for this site.
Unit 3: Cistern Spring Unit
    Unit 3 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land 
located in southwestern Bell County, Texas, on the same private ranch 
as Units 1 and 2 for the Salado salamander. The unit is primarily 
undeveloped ranch land. This unit contains Cistern Spring, which is 
occupied by the Salado salamander. The unit is located on a tributary 
to Rumsey Creek in the Salado Creek drainage and contains the physical 
or biological features essential for the conservation of the species. 
In 2016, the owners of the spring entered into an agreement with The 
Nature Conservancy for a perpetual conservation easement that provides 
long-term protection for this site.
Unit 4: IH-35 Unit
    Unit 4 consists of approximately 175 ac (71 ha) of private, State, 
and City of Salado land located in southwestern Bell County, Texas, in 
the southern part of the Village of Salado. The unit extends along 
Salado Creek on both sides of Interstate Highway 35 (IH 35). The IH 35 
right-of-way crosses Salado Creek and is owned by the Texas Department 
of Transportation. The unit is a mixture of residential and commercial 
properties on its eastern portion, with some undeveloped ranch land in 
the western part west of IH-35. This unit contains Robertson Springs 
complex, located on private property. West of IH-35 consists of two 
springs, Creek Spring and Sam Bass Spring, and five spring openings, 
Bathtub, Beaver Upper, Beaver Middle, Headwaters, and Maria, occupied 
by the Salado salamander. East of IH-35, the Downtown Spring complex of 
Unit 4 contains five springs, Anderson Spring, Big Boiling Spring, Lazy 
Days Fish Farm, Lil' Bubbly Spring, and Side Spring, which are all 
located on private property and occupied by the Salado salamander.
    The spring habitat within this unit has been modified. In the fall 
of 2011, the outflow channels and edges of Big Boiling and Lil' Bubbly 
Spring were reconstructed by a local organization, with large limestone 
blocks and mortar, to increase human access and visitation. In 
addition, in response to other activity in the area, the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers issued a cease-and-desist order to the Salado 
Chamber of Commerce in October 2011, for unauthorized discharge of 
dredged or fill material that occurred in this area (Brooks 2011, U.S. 
Corps of Engineers, in litt.). This order was issued in relation to the 
need for a section 404 permit under the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 
et seq.). A citation from a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) 
game warden was also issued in October 2011, due to the need for a sand 
and gravel permit from the TPWD for work being conducted within TPWD 
jurisdiction (Heger 2012a, pers. comm.). The citation was issued 
because the Salado Chamber of Commerce had been directed by the game 
warden to stop work within TPWD jurisdiction, which they did 
temporarily, but work started again contrary to the game warden's 
directive (Heger 2012a, pers. comm.). A sand and gravel permit was 
obtained on March 21, 2012. The spring run modifications were already 
completed by this date, but further modifications in the springs were 
prohibited by the permit. Additional work on the bank upstream of the 
springs was permitted and completed (Heger 2012b, pers. comm.).
Unit 5: King's Garden Main Spring Unit
    Unit 5 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land in 
northern Williamson County, Texas. The unit is undeveloped land. The 
unit contains King's Garden Main Spring, which is occupied by the 
Salado salamander. The surface population of King's Garden Main Spring 
has been observed at the spring's outlet. The unit contains the 
physical or biological features essential for the conservation of the 
species.
Unit 6: Cobbs Spring Unit
    Unit 6 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land 
located in northwestern Williamson County, Texas. The unit is 
undeveloped land. This unit contains Cobbs Spring, which is occupied by 
the Salado salamander. Cobbs Springs is located on Cobbs Springs 
Branch. The subsurface population of Cobbs Spring has been observed in 
Cobbs Well (Gluesenkamp 2011a, TPWD, pers. comm.), which is located 
approximately 328 ft (100 m) to the southwest of the spring. The unit 
contains the physical or biological features essential for the 
conservation of the species.
Unit 7: Cowan Creek Spring Unit
    Unit 7 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land 
located in west-central Williamson County, Texas. The northern portion 
of the unit is residential development; the remainder is undeveloped. 
This unit contains Cowan Creek Spring, which is occupied by the Salado 
salamander. The spring is located on Cowan Creek. The unit contains the 
physical or biological features essential for the conservation of the 
species.
Unit 8: Walnut Spring Unit
    Unit 8 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private and 
Williamson County land located in west-central Williamson County, 
Texas. The western, eastern, and northeastern portions of the unit 
contain low-density residential development; the southern and north-
central portions are undeveloped. The extreme southeastern corner of 
the unit is part of Williamson County Conservation Foundation's Twin 
Springs Preserve. This unit contains Walnut Spring, which is occupied 
by the Salado salamander. The spring is located on Walnut Spring 
Hollow. The unit contains the physical or biological features essential 
for the conservation of the species.
Unit 9: Twin Springs Unit
    Unit 9 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private and 
Williamson County land located in west-central Williamson County, 
Texas. The northern portion of the unit contains low-density 
residential development; the remainder of the unit is undeveloped. The 
majority of the unit is part of Williamson County Conservation 
Foundation's Twin Springs Preserve. The preserve is managed by 
Williamson Conservation Foundation as a mitigation property for the 
take of golden-cheeked warbler and Bone Cave harvestman under the 
Williamson County Regional HCP. The preserve habitat will be 
undeveloped in perpetuity. Salamander populations are monitored, and 
there is some control of public access. This unit contains Twin 
Springs, which is occupied by the Salado salamander. The spring is 
located on Taylor Ray Hollow, a tributary of Lake Georgetown. The unit 
contains the physical or biological

[[Page 57592]]

features essential for the conservation of the species.
Unit 10: Bat Well Cave Unit
    Unit 10 consists of approximately 68 ac (28 ha) of private land 
located in west-central Williamson County, Texas. The western, 
northern, and southern portion of the unit contains residential 
development. This unit contains Bat Well Cave, a cave occupied by the 
Salado salamander. The cave is located in the Cowan Creek watershed. 
The unit contains the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the species.

Effects of Critical Habitat Designation

Section 7 Consultation

    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 which 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 rule revising the definition of destruction or 
adverse modification on August 27, 2019 (84 FR 44976). Destruction or 
adverse modification means a direct or indirect alteration that 
appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat as a whole for the 
conservation of a listed species.
    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 (such as a permit from the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean Water Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or a permit from the Service under section 10 
of the Act) or that involve some other Federal action (such as funding 
from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation 
Administration, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Federal 
actions not affecting listed species or critical habitat--and actions 
on State, tribal, local, or private lands that are not federally 
funded, authorized, or carried out by a Federal agency--do not require 
section 7 consultation.
    Compliance with the requirements of section 7(a)(2), is documented 
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,
    (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 set forth requirements for Federal 
agencies to reinitiate formal consultation on previously reviewed 
actions. These requirements apply when the Federal agency has retained 
discretionary involvement or control over the action (or the agency's 
discretionary involvement or control is authorized by law) and, 
subsequent to the previous consultation, we have listed a new species 
or designated critical habitat that may be affected by the Federal 
action, or the action has been modified in a manner that affects the 
species or critical habitat in a way not considered in the previous 
consultation. In such situations, Federal agencies sometimes may need 
to request reinitiation of consultation with us, but the regulations 
also specify some exceptions to the requirement to reinitiate 
consultation on specific land management plans after we subsequently 
list a new species or designate new critical habitat. See the 
regulations for a description of those exceptions.

Application of the ``Destruction or Adverse Modification'' Standard

    The key factor related to the destruction or adverse modification 
determination is whether implementation of the proposed Federal action 
directly or indirectly alters the designated critical habitat in a way 
that appreciably diminishes the value of the critical habitat as a 
whole for the conservation of the listed species. 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 violate 7(a)(2) 
of the Act by destroying or adversely modifying such habitat, or that 
may be affected by such designation.
    Activities that the Service may, during a consultation under 
section 7(a)(2) of the Act, find are likely to destroy or adversely 
modify critical habitat include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Actions that would physically disturb the surface or subsurface 
habitat upon which these two salamander species depend. Such activities 
could include, but are not limited to, channelization, removal of 
substrate, clearing of vegetation, construction of commercial and 
residential development, quarrying, and other activities that result in 
the physical destruction of habitat or the modification of habitat so 
that it is not suitable for the species.
    (2) Actions that would increase the concentration of sediment or 
contaminants in the surface or subsurface habitat. Such activities 
could include, but are not limited to, increases in impervious cover in 
the surface watershed, inadequate erosion controls on the surface and 
subsurface watersheds, and release of pollutants 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 harmful to the Georgetown and Salado salamanders or 
their prey and result in direct, indirect, or cumulative adverse 
effects to these salamander individuals and

[[Page 57593]]

their life cycles. Sedimentation can also adversely affect salamander 
habitat by reducing access to interstitial spaces.
    (3) Actions that would deplete the aquifer to an extent that 
decreases or stops the flow of occupied springs or that reduces the 
quantity of subterranean habitat used by the species. Such activities 
could include, but are not limited to, water withdrawals from aquifers, 
increases in impervious cover over recharge areas, and channelization 
or other modification of recharge features that would decrease 
recharge. These activities could dewater habitat or cause reduced water 
quality to levels that are harmful to one of the two salamanders or 
their prey and result in adverse effects to their habitat.

Exemptions

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

    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 [INRMP] prepared under 
section 101 of 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.'' There are no 
Department of Defense lands with a completed INRMP within the proposed 
critical habitat designation.

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 the determination to exclude a particular area, 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.
    The first sentence in section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we 
take into consideration the economic, national security, or other 
relevant impacts of designating any particular area as critical 
habitat. We describe below the process that we undertook for taking 
into consideration each category of impacts and our analyses of the 
relevant impacts.

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 the impacts that a specific critical habitat 
designation may have on restricting or modifying 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 for this 
particular species. 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 socio-
economic 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 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 particular designation, we developed an incremental 
effects memorandum (IEM) considering the probable incremental economic 
impacts that may result from this proposed designation of critical 
habitat. The information contained in our IEM was then used to develop 
a screening analysis of the probable effects of the designation of 
critical habitat for the Georgetown and Salado salamanders (Industrial 
Economics, Incorporated (IEc) 2020, entire). We began by conducting a 
screening analysis of the proposed designation of critical habitat in 
order to focus our analysis on the key factors that are likely to 
result in incremental economic impacts. The purpose of the screening 
analysis is to filter out particular geographic areas of critical 
habitat that are already subject to such protections and are, 
therefore, unlikely to incur 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. 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. 
The screening analysis also assesses whether there are units that may 
incur probable incremental economic impacts as a result of the 
designation. The screening analysis also assesses whether units are 
unoccupied by the species and thus may require additional management or 
conservation efforts as a result of the critical habitat designation 
for the species; these additional efforts may incur incremental 
economic impacts. This screening analysis combined with the information 
contained in our IEM are what we consider our draft economic analysis 
(DEA) of the proposed critical habitat designation for the Georgetown 
and Salado salamanders 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

[[Page 57594]]

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 critical habitat designation. In our evaluation of the probable 
incremental economic impacts that may result from the proposed 
designation of critical habitat for the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders, first we identified, in the IEM dated April 14, 2020, 
probable incremental economic impacts associated with the following 
categories of activities: (1) Future stream/river crossings and bridge 
replacements and maintenance; (2) pipeline construction, replacement, 
maintenance, or removal; (3) electrical transmission line construction; 
(4) stream restoration activities for habitat improvement; (5) 
herbicide and pesticide use along stream banks; (6) irrigation and 
water supply system installations; (7) livestock management and 
livestock facilities construction; (8) bank stabilization projects; (9) 
disaster debris removal; (10) repairs to existing and damaged roads, 
bridges, utilities, and parks; (11) construction of tornado safe rooms, 
and demolition of flood-prone structures; (12) return of land to open 
space in perpetuity; and (13) removal of hazardous fuels in wildland 
urban interface to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire. We 
considered each industry or category individually. Additionally, we 
considered whether their activities may 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. In areas where the Georgetown or 
Salado salamander are present, Federal agencies already are required to 
consult with the Service under section 7 of the Act on activities they 
fund, permit, or implement that may affect the species. If we finalize 
this proposed critical habitat designation, consultations to avoid the 
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat would be 
incorporated into the existing consultation process.
    In our IEM, we attempted to clarify the distinction between the 
effects that 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 
Georgetown and Salado salamander's critical habitat. Because all of the 
units we are proposing to designate as critical habitat for the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders are occupied, we do not expect that 
the critical habitat designation will result in any additional 
consultations above and beyond those caused by the species' listing. 
The conservation recommendations provided to address impacts to the 
occupied critical habitat will be the same as those recommended to 
address impacts to the species because the habitat tolerances of the 
Georgetown and Salado salamanders are inextricably linked to the 
health, growth, and reproduction of the salamanders, which are present 
and confined year-round in their occupied critical habitat. 
Furthermore, because the proposed critical habitat and the Georgetown 
and Salado salamanders' known range are identical, the results of 
consultation under adverse modification are not likely to differ from 
the results of consultation under jeopardy. In the event of an adverse 
modification determination, we expect that reasonable and prudent 
alternatives to avoid jeopardy to the species would also avoid adverse 
modification of the critical habitat. The only incremental impact of 
critical habitat designation that we anticipate is the small (not 
expected to exceed $38,500 per year) administrative effort required 
during section 7 consultation to document effects on the physical and 
biological features of the critical habitat and whether the action 
appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat as a whole for the 
conservation of the listed species (IEc 2020).
    The proposed critical habitat designations for the Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders amount to a total of approximately 1,519 ac (622 ha) 
in Bell and Williamson Counties, Texas. In these areas, any actions 
that may affect the species or its habitat would also affect designated 
critical habitat, and it is unlikely that any additional conservation 
efforts would be recommended to address the adverse modification 
standard over and above those recommended as necessary to avoid 
jeopardizing the continued existence of the Georgetown and Salado 
salamanders. While this additional analysis will require time and 
resources by both the Federal action agency and the Service, it is 
believed that, in most circumstances, these costs would predominantly 
be administrative in nature and would not be significant.
    Incremental costs are likely to be minor and primarily limited to 
administrative efforts that consider adverse modification in 
consultation. This finding is based on these factors: (1) All 
activities with a Federal nexus occurring within the proposed critical 
habitat designations will be subject to section 7 consultation 
requirements regardless of critical habitat designation due to the 
presence of listed species; and (2) since the Service predicts that the 
majority of project modifications avoiding jeopardy and adverse 
modification overlap, there will only be a limited number of project 
modification requests that are solely caused by a critical habitat 
designation (IEc 2020). The estimated $38,500 per year of incremental 
costs associated with the designation of critical habitat is well below 
$100 million and, therefore, is unlikely to trigger additional 
requirements under State or local regulations. Further, while some 
perceptional effects may arise, they are not expected to result in 
substantial costs.
    As we stated earlier, we are soliciting data and comments from the 
public on the DEA, as well as all aspects of this proposed rule. We may 
revise the proposed rule or supporting documents to incorporate or 
address information we receive during the public comment period. In 
particular, we may exclude an area from critical habitat if we 
determine that the benefits of excluding the area outweigh the benefits 
of including the area, provided the exclusion will not result in the 
extinction of this species.
    During the development of a final designation, we will consider any 
additional economic impact information we receive through the public 
comment period, and, as such, areas may be excluded from the final 
critical habitat designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act and our 
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.19.

Consideration of National Security Impacts

    In preparing this proposal, we have determined that the lands 
within the proposed designation of critical habitat for Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders are not owned, managed, or used by the Department of 
Defense or the Department of Homeland Security, and, therefore, we 
anticipate no impact on national security or homeland security. 
However, during the development of a final designation we will consider 
any additional information received through the public comment period 
on the impacts of the proposed designation on national security or 
homeland security to determine whether any specific areas should be 
excluded from the final critical habitat designation under authority of 
section 4(b)(2) and our

[[Page 57595]]

implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.19.

Consideration of 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 discussed above. We consider a number of factors including 
whether there are permitted conservation plans covering the species in 
the area such as 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 Georgetown or 
Salado salamanders, and the proposed designation does not include any 
tribal lands or trust resources. We anticipate no impact on tribal 
lands, partnerships, or HCPs from this proposed critical habitat 
designation.
    During the development of a final designation, we will consider any 
information currently available or received during the public comment 
period regarding the economic, national security, or other relevant 
impacts of the proposed designation and will determine whether any 
specific areas should be excluded from the final critical habitat 
designation under authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 424.19.

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.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 provides that the Office of 
Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management 
and Budget will review all significant rules. The Office of Information 
and Regulatory Affairs has waived their review regarding their 
significance determination of this proposed rule.
    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 whether 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.
    Under the RFA, as amended, and as understood in the light of recent 
court decisions, Federal agencies are required to evaluate the 
potential incremental impacts of rulemaking on those entities directly 
regulated by the rulemaking itself; in other words, the RFA does not 
require agencies 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 made final 
as proposed, the proposed critical

[[Page 57596]]

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 made final, 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.

Executive Order 13771

    We do not believe this proposed rule is an E.O. 13771 (``Reducing 
Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs'') (82 FR 9339, February 3, 
2017) regulatory action because we believe this rule is not significant 
under E.O. 12866; however, the Office of Information and Regulatory 
Affairs has waived their review regarding their E.O. 12866 significance 
determination of this proposed rule.

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 this 
proposed critical habitat designation would 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 finding:
    (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 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 rule would significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments because it would not produce a 
Federal mandate of $100 million or greater in any year; that is, it is 
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act. The draft economic analysis states that incremental impacts 
may occur due to administrative costs of section 7 consultations for 
development, water management activities, transportation projects, 
utility projects, mining, and livestock grazing; however, these are not 
expected to significantly affect small governments. Incremental impacts 
stemming from various species conservation and development control 
activities are expected to be borne by the Federal Government, Texas 
Department of Transportation, City of Austin, Lower Colorado River 
Authority, Travis and Williamson Counties, Concordia University, and 
other entities, which are not considered small governments. 
Consequently, we do not believe that the critical habitat designation 
would significantly or uniquely affect small government entities. As 
such, 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 Georgetown and Salado salamanders in a takings implications 
assessment. 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 the proposed designation of critical habitat for Georgetown and 
Salado salamanders, and it concludes that, if adopted, this designation 
of critical habitat 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

[[Page 57597]]

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 for 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.)

    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 the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) in connection with designating 
critical habitat under the Act. We published a notice outlining our 
reasons for this determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 
1983 (48 FR 49244). This 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)).

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. We have determined that no tribal 
lands fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat for 
the Georgetown or Salado salamanders, so no tribal lands would be 
affected by the proposed designation.

References Cited

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

Authors

    The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of 
the Service's Austin 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. In Sec.  17.11(h), revise the entries for ``Salamander, Georgetown'' 
and ``Salamander, Salado'' in the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife under ``AMPHIBIANS'' to read as set forth below:


Sec.  17.11   Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

[[Page 57598]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
            Common name                Scientific name        Where listed        Status    and applicable rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
            Amphibians
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Salamander, Georgetown............  Eurycea naufragia...  Wherever found......          T   79 FR 10236, 2/24/
                                                                                             2014; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.43(e);\4d\ 50
                                                                                             CFR 17.95(d).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Salamander, Salado................  Eurycea               Wherever found......          T   79 FR 10236, 2/24/
                                     chisholmensis.                                          2014; 50 CFR
                                                                                             17.95(d).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
3. Amend Sec.  17.95(d) by adding entries for ``Georgetown Salamander 
(Eurycea naufragia)'' and ``Salado Salamander (Eurycea chisholmensis)'' 
in the same order that these species appear in the table at Sec.  
17.11(h) to read as follows:


Sec.  17.95   Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
    (d) Amphibians.
* * * * *
Georgetown Salamander (Eurycea naufragia)
    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Williamson County, 
Texas, on the maps in this entry.
    (2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of Georgetown salamander consist of the 
following components:
    (i) For surface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater issuing to the surface from the underlying aquifer is 
similar to natural aquifer conditions as it discharges from natural 
spring outlets. Concentrations of water quality constituents and 
contaminants should be below levels that could exert direct lethal or 
sublethal effects (such as effects to reproduction, growth, 
development, or metabolic processes), or indirect effects (such as 
effects to the Georgetown salamander's prey base). The Service is 
unaware of any studies that specifically define the water quality 
constituents or contaminants that would have deleterious effects on 
these salamanders. Hydrologic regimes similar to the historical pattern 
of the specific sites are present, with at least some surface flow 
during the year. The water chemistry of aquatic surface habitats is 
similar to natural aquifer conditions, with temperatures from 64.1 to 
73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved oxygen concentrations from 
6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance from 604 to 721 [micro]S/
cm.
    (B) Rocky substrate with interstitial spaces. Rocks in the 
substrate of the salamander's surface aquatic habitat are large enough 
to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging habitat. The 
substrate and interstitial spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The spring environment supports 
a diverse aquatic invertebrate community that includes crustaceans, 
insects, and flatworms.
    (D) Subterranean aquifer. Access to the subsurface water table 
exists to provide shelter, protection, and space for reproduction. This 
access can occur in the form of large conduits that carry water to the 
spring outlet or porous voids between rocks in the streambed that 
extend down into the water table.
    (ii) For subsurface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater quality is similar to natural aquifer conditions. 
Concentrations of water quality constituents and contaminants should be 
below levels that could exert direct lethal or sublethal effects (such 
as effects to reproduction, growth, development, or metabolic 
processes), or indirect effects (such as effects to the Georgetown 
salamander's prey base). Hydrologic regimes similar to the historical 
pattern of the specific sites are present, with continuous flow. The 
water chemistry is similar to natural aquifer conditions, with 
temperatures from 64.1 to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved 
oxygen concentrations from 6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance 
from 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm.
    (B) Subsurface spaces. Voids between rocks underground are large 
enough to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging 
habitat. These spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The habitat supports an aquatic 
invertebrate community that includes crustaceans, insects, or 
flatworms.
    (3) Surface critical habitat includes the spring outlets and 
outflow up to the high water line and 262 ft (80 m) of upstream and 
downstream habitat, including the dry stream channel during periods of 
no surface flow. The surface critical habitat does not include manmade 
structures (such as buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other 
paved areas) existing within the legal boundaries on the effective date 
of this rule; however, the subsurface critical habitat may extend below 
such structures. The subsurface critical habitat includes underground 
features in a circle with a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around the 
springs.
    (4) Critical habitat map units. Data layers defining map units were 
created using a geographic information system (GIS), which included 
species locations, roads, property boundaries, 2011 aerial photography, 
and U.S. Geological Survey 7.5' quadrangles. Points were placed on the 
GIS. We delineated critical habitat unit boundaries by starting with 
the cave or spring point locations that are occupied by the 
salamanders. From these cave or springs points, we delineated a 984-ft 
(300-m) buffer to create the polygons that capture the extent to which 
we believe the salamander populations exist through underground 
conduits. The polygons were then simplified to reduce the number of 
vertices, but still retain the overall shape and extent. Subsequently, 
polygons that were within 98 ft (30 m) of each other were merged 
together. Each new merged polygon was then revised to remove extraneous 
divots or protrusions that resulted from the merge process. 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 the Service's internet site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/, at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-
2020-0048, and at the field office responsible for this designation. 
You may obtain field office location information by contacting one

[[Page 57599]]

of the Service regional offices, the addresses of which are listed at 
50 CFR 2.2.
    (5) Note: Index map follows:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.000

    (6) Unit 1: Water Tank Cave Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map 
follows:

[[Page 57600]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.001

    (7) Unit 2: Hogg Hollow Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map 
of Units 2 and 3 follows.

[[Page 57601]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.002

    (8) Unit 3: Cedar Hollow Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map 
of Unit 3 is provided at paragraph (7) of this entry.
    (9) Unit 4: Lake Georgetown Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map of 
Units 4, 5, 6, and 7 follows:

[[Page 57602]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.003

    (10) Unit 5: Buford Hollow Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. 
Map of Unit 5 is provided at paragraph (9) of this entry.
    (11) Unit 6: Swinbank Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map of 
Unit 6 is provided at paragraph (9) of this entry.
    (12) Unit 7: Avant Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map of 
Unit 7 is provided at paragraph (9) of this entry.
    (13) Unit 8: Shadow Canyon Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. 
Map follows:
    (14) Unit 9: Garey Ranch Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map 
follows:

[[Page 57603]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.004


[[Page 57604]]


[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.005

BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
* * * * *
Salado Salamander (Eurycea chisholmensis)
    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Bell and Williamson 
Counties, Texas, on the maps in this entry.
    (2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of Salado salamander consist of the 
following components:
    (i) For surface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater quality issuing to the surface from the underlying aquifer 
is similar to natural aquifer conditions as it discharges from natural 
spring outlets. Concentrations of water quality constituents and 
contaminants are below levels that could exert direct lethal or 
sublethal effects (such as effects to reproduction, growth, 
development, or metabolic processes), or indirect effects (such as 
effects to the Salado salamander's prey base). Hydrologic regimes 
similar to the historical pattern of the specific sites are present, 
with at least some surface flow during the year. The water chemistry of 
aquatic surface habitats is similar to natural aquifer conditions, with 
temperatures from 64.1 to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved 
oxygen concentrations from 6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance 
from 604 to 721 [micro]S/cm.
    (B) Rocky substrate with interstitial spaces. Rocks in the 
substrate of the salamander's surface aquatic habitat are large enough 
to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging habitat. The 
substrate and interstitial spaces have minimal sedimentation.

[[Page 57605]]

    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The spring environment is 
capable of supporting a diverse aquatic invertebrate community that 
includes crustaceans, insects, and flatworms.
    (D) Subterranean aquifer. Access to the subsurface water table 
exists to provide shelter, protection, and space for reproduction. This 
access can occur in the form of large conduits that carry water to the 
spring outlet or porous voids between rocks in the streambed that 
extend down into the water table.
    (ii) For subsurface habitat:
    (A) Water from the Northern Segment of the Edwards Aquifer. 
Groundwater quality is similar to natural aquifer conditions. 
Concentrations of water quality constituents and contaminants are below 
levels that could exert direct lethal or sublethal effects (such as 
effects to reproduction, growth, development, or metabolic processes), 
or indirect effects (such as effects to the Salado salamander's prey 
base). Hydrologic regimes similar to the historical pattern of the 
specific sites are present, with continuous flow. The water chemistry 
is similar to natural aquifer conditions, with temperatures from 64.1 
to 73.1 [deg]F (17.9 to 22.8 [deg]C), dissolved oxygen concentrations 
from 6 to 8 mg/L, and specific water conductance from 604 to 721 
[micro]S/cm.
    (B) Subsurface spaces. Voids between rocks underground are large 
enough to provide salamanders with cover, shelter, and foraging 
habitat. These spaces have minimal sedimentation.
    (C) Aquatic invertebrates for food. The habitat is capable of 
supporting an aquatic invertebrate community that includes crustaceans, 
insects, or flatworms.
    (3) Surface critical habitat includes the spring outlets and 
outflow up to the high water line and 262 ft (80 m) of upstream and 
downstream habitat, including the dry stream channel during periods of 
no surface flow. The surface critical habitat does not include manmade 
structures (such as buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other 
paved areas) existing within the legal boundaries on the effective date 
of this rule; however, the subsurface critical habitat may extend below 
such structures. The subsurface critical habitat includes underground 
features in a circle with a radius of 984 ft (300 m) around the 
springs.
    (4) Critical habitat map units. Data layers defining map units were 
created using a geographic information system (GIS), which included 
species locations, roads, property boundaries, 2011 aerial photography, 
and U.S. Geological Survey 7.5' quadrangles. Points were placed on the 
GIS. We delineated critical habitat unit boundaries by starting with 
the cave or spring point locations that are occupied by the 
salamanders. From these cave or springs points, we delineated a 984-ft 
(300-m) buffer to create the polygons that capture the extent to which 
we believe the salamander populations exist through underground 
conduits. The polygons were then simplified to reduce the number of 
vertices, but still retain the overall shape and extent. Subsequently, 
polygons that were within 98 ft (30 m) of each other were merged 
together. Each new merged polygon was then revised to remove extraneous 
divots or protrusions that resulted from the merge process. 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 the Service's internet site at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/AustinTexas/, at http://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R2-ES-
2020-0048, 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:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

[[Page 57606]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.006

    (6) Unit 1: Hog Hollow Spring Unit, Williamson County, Texas. Map 
of Units 1, 2, and 3 follows:

[[Page 57607]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.007

    (7) Unit 2: Solana Spring Unit. Map of Unit 2 is provided at 
paragraph (6) of this entry.
    (8) Unit 3: Cistern Spring Unit. Map of Unit 3 is provided at 
paragraph (6) of this entry.
    (9) Unit 4: IH-35 Unit. Map follows:

[[Page 57608]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.008

    (10) Unit 5: King's Garden Main Spring Unit. Map follows:

[[Page 57609]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.009

    (11) Unit 6: Cobbs Spring Unit. Map follows:

[[Page 57610]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.010

    (12) Unit 7: Cowan Creek Spring Unit. Map follows:

[[Page 57611]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.011

    (13) Unit 8: Walnut Spring Unit. Map of Units 8 and 9 follows:

[[Page 57612]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.012

    (14) Unit 9: Twin Springs Unit. Map of Unit 9 is provided at 
paragraph (12) of this entry.
    (15) Unit 10: Bat Well Cave Unit. Map follows:

[[Page 57613]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15SE20.013

* * * * *

Aurelia Skipwith,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2020-17921 Filed 9-14-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-C