[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 242 (Tuesday, December 21, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 72394-72433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27157]



[[Page 72393]]

Vol. 86

Tuesday,

No. 242

December 21, 2021

Part IV





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; Threatened Species 
Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Hermes Copper Butterfly and 
Designation of Critical Habitat; Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 86 , No. 242 / Tuesday, December 21, 2021 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 72394]]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2017-0053; FF09E21000 FXES1111090FEDR 223]
RIN 1018-BC57


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species 
Status with Section 4(d) Rule for Hermes Copper Butterfly and 
Designation of Critical Habitat

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), determine 
threatened species status under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(Act), as amended, for the Hermes copper butterfly (Lycaena 
[Hermelycaena] hermes), a butterfly species from San Diego County, 
California, and Baja California, Mexico. We also designate critical 
habitat. In total, approximately 14,174 ha (35,027 ac) in San Diego 
County, California, fall within the boundaries of the critical habitat 
designation. This rule adds the species to the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife. We also finalize a rule under the authority of 
section 4(d) of the Act that provides measures that are necessary and 
advisable to provide for the conservation of this species.

DATES: This rule is effective January 20, 2022.

ADDRESSES: This final rule is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov. Comments and materials we received, as well as 
supporting documentation we used in preparing this rule, are available 
for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-
R8-ES-2017-0053.
    The coordinates or plot points or both from which the maps are 
generated are included in the decision file for this critical habitat 
designation and are available at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket 
No. FWS-R8-ES-2017-0053. Additional supporting information that we 
developed for this critical habitat designation will also be available 
at https://www.regulations.gov and at the field office responsible for 
this designation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Sobiech, Field Supervisor, 
Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office, 2177 Salk Avenue, Suite 250, 
Carlsbad, CA 92008; telephone 760-431-9440. 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 list a species as 
an endangered or threatened species, we are required to publish a 
proposal in the Federal Register and make a determination on our 
proposal within 1 year. If there is substantial disagreement regarding 
the sufficiency and accuracy of the available data relevant to the 
proposed listing, we may extend the final determination for not more 
than 6 months. 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. This rule adds the Hermes copper butterfly 
(Lycaena [Hermelycaena] hermes) to the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife in title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations as a 
threatened species (50 CFR 17.11(h)) and extends the Act's protections 
to this species through specific regulations issued under section 4(d) 
of the Act (50 CFR 17.47(d)).
    This document also designates critical habitat for the Hermes 
copper butterfly. We are designating a total of approximately 14,174 
hectares (ha) (35,027 acres (ac)) for the species in San Diego County, 
California.
    The basis for our action. Under the Act, we may determine that a 
species is an endangered or threatened species because of any of five 
factors: (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range; (B) overutilization for 
commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes; (C) 
disease or predation; (D) the inadequacy of existing regulatory 
mechanisms; or (E) other natural or manmade factors affecting its 
continued existence. We have determined that the Hermes copper 
butterfly and its habitat are at risk primarily due to wildfire and, to 
a lesser extent, habitat fragmentation, isolation, land use change, and 
climate change and drought, and by those threats acting in concert.
    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 protection; 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.

Previous Federal Actions

    Please refer to the proposed listing and critical habitat rule (85 
FR 1018) for the Hermes copper butterfly published on January 8, 2020, 
for a detailed description of previous Federal actions concerning this 
species.

Summary of Changes From the Proposed Rule

    Based upon our review of the public comments, Federal and State 
agency comments, peer review comments, and relevant information that 
became available since the proposed rule published (85 FR 1018; January 
8, 2020), we reevaluated our proposed listing rule and made changes as 
appropriate in this final rule. In addition to minor clarifying edits 
and incorporation of additional information on the species' biology, 
populations, threats, and economic impacts, this determination differs 
from the proposal in the following ways:
    (1) We added information on data reported subsequent to publication 
of the proposed rule that adds to our understanding of Hermes copper 
butterfly distribution and viability.
    (2) We added information about a 2020 wildfire that affected 
occupied Hermes copper butterfly occurrences.
    (3) We added more recent data on drought and climate change.
    (4) We added more information on local protection ordinances and 
how they affect the threat of development.
    (5) In Center for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 2020 WL 437289 
(D.D.C. Jan. 28, 2020), the court vacated the aspect of the Final 
Policy on Interpretation of the Phrase ``Significant Portion of Its 
Range'' in the Endangered Species Act's Definitions of ``Endangered 
Species'' and ``Threatened Species'' (79 FR 37578; July 1, 2014) that 
provided that the Services do not undertake an

[[Page 72395]]

analysis of significant portions of a species' range if the species 
warrants listing as threatened throughout all of its range. Therefore, 
we have revised the significant portion of the range analysis in this 
final rule to consider whether the species is endangered in a 
significant portion of its range. We evaluated the status of the 
species and found that no portions of the range meet the definition of 
endangered. This updated analysis did not result in any changes from 
the proposed rule but provides support for the determination.
    (6) We removed a future scenario because we concluded it was not 
likely and therefore not useful to understanding the future status of 
the species.
    (7) In response to a public comment, we edited the third take 
prohibition regarding defensible space requirements with regard to 
reducing wildfire risk. We removed language in the exception regarding 
the required 30-m (100-ft) distance from structures in order to clarify 
that any activities to reduce wildfire risks must be done in compliance 
with State and local fire codes. Currently, this distance is still 30 m 
(100 ft), but the rewording allows for flexibility to ensure that 
activities will still comply with local and State of California fire 
codes if they ever do change.
    (8) We discovered an error in the mapping of critical habitat units 
in the proposed rule where we inadvertently included a low-accuracy 
observation record-based occurrence in critical habitat, contrary to 
our stated methodology of only including those based on high-accuracy 
information. We removed this occurrence from critical habitat, 
resulting in a decrease of 74 ha (184 ac) from Unit 3 and our total 
critical habitat designation. The remaining 14,174 ha (35,027 ac) 
represent all areas that meet the definition of critical habitat for 
the Hermes copper butterfly.
    (9) During the open comment period, we received new relatively 
comprehensive survey data for the Hermes copper butterfly. The majority 
of these were negative surveys, that is, surveys where researchers 
looked for but did not find butterflies. To appropriately address new 
data since 2017 and address the concerns of public commenters (Strahm 
2019 entire; Marschalek 2019 entire; Marschalek and Deutschman 2019, p. 
7), we revised our occurrence status classifications methods and 
updated the Species Status Assessment (SSA) and this final rule to 
reflect these new data.
    The changes to occurrence number and status categories are a 
combined result of: Known subsequent losses (for example, due to 
fires); subsequently documented new occurrences; and new negative 
survey data that may reflect losses prior to, or after, 2017. 
Additionally, occurrences that are categorized as ``extant'' are those 
for which surveys have recorded butterflies within the past 10 years 
(as in the proposed rule), a timeframe that shifted by 2 years. As 
such, occurrences where butterflies were last recorded in 2008 and 2009 
that were categorized as ``extant'' in the 2020 proposed rule (analysis 
data through 2017) are now categorized as ``presumed extant'' in this 
2021 final rule (analysis data through 2019).
    In the 2020 proposed rule, we considered there to be 95 
occurrences, 45 of which were categorized as known/presumed extant, 40 
as presumed extirpated, and 10 as permanently extirpated (85 FR 1018; 
January 8, 2020). Based on new data and associated new methodology, we 
now consider there to be 98 occurrences, 26 of which are categorized as 
known/presumed extant, 56 as presumed extirpated, and 16 as permanently 
extirpated (Service 2021, entire). Changes to occurrence status 
category numbers in the proposed and final rule do not necessarily 
reflect occurrence status changes that occurred between 2017 (data used 
in the 2018 SSA report and 2020 proposed rule) and 2020 (data used in 
the 2021 SSA report and final rule), because some new data may more 
accurately reflect 2017 conditions. For example, occurrences 
categorized as presumed extant based on 2017 data, now presumed 
extirpated, may have already been extirpated in 2017. Also, new 
observation locations recorded since 2017 were likely in habitat 
occupied in 2017 but not yet discovered, so should not be assumed to 
reflect new colonizations.
    Despite these occurrence status category changes, all critical 
habitat units are still within the area considered occupied at the time 
of listing.
    Full details on changes to status classification methods and to the 
number and status categories of occurrences from the 2018 SSA report 
and 2020 proposed rule are summarized in appendix II of the updated 
2021 SSA report.
    (10) Based on the updated number of extant and extirpated 
occurrences, we updated our viability index. We also streamlined the 
description of our viability index to make it clearer and easier to 
understand. Because more occurrences are considered extirpated than in 
the proposed rule and previous 2018 SSA report, the species viability 
index is lower in this final rule than it was in the proposed rule. We 
also made changes throughout the Current Condition section to reflect 
updated occurrence numbers.
    (11) We updated our discussion of ``Habitats That Are Protected 
from Disturbance and Representative of the Historical Geographical and 
Ecological Distributions of a Species'' in our discussion of physical 
or biological features for the species to provide better context for 
rangewide features needed for the Hermes copper butterfly.
    (12) We updated the SSA report with all the above changes and with 
other suggested edits received during the open comment period. The new 
SSA report is version 2.0 (Service 2021).

Supporting Documents

    A species status assessment team prepared an SSA report for the 
Hermes copper butterfly. The SSA team was composed of Service 
biologists, in consultation with other species experts. The SSA report 
represents a compilation of the best scientific and commercial data 
available concerning the status of the species, including the impacts 
of past, present, and future factors (both negative and beneficial) 
affecting the species.
    In accordance with our joint policy on peer review published in the 
Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and our August 22, 
2016, memorandum updating and clarifying the role of peer review of 
listing actions under the Act, we sought peer review of the SSA report. 
We sent the SSA report to eight independent peer reviewers and received 
six responses. The purpose of peer review is to ensure that our listing 
determinations, critical habitat designations, and 4(d) rules are based 
on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. The peer 
reviewers have expertise in the biology, habitat, and threats to the 
species. We also sent the SSA report to 7 agencies and 11 Tribes for 
partner review, including scientists with expertise in this species and 
butterfly ecology. We received reviews from two partners (one Federal 
agency and one Tribe).

I. Final Listing Determination

Background

    A thorough review of the taxonomy, life history, and ecology of the 
Hermes copper butterfly is presented in the Species Status Assessment 
for the Hermes Copper Butterfly (Lycaena [Hermelycaena] hermes) Version 
2.0 (Service 2021), which is available at https://www.regulations.gov 
at Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2017-0053.

[[Page 72396]]

    The Hermes copper butterfly is a small-sized butterfly historically 
found in San Diego County, California, and northwestern Baja 
California, Mexico (Service 2021, Figure 4). There are 98 known 
historical or extant Hermes copper butterfly occurrences in the United 
States and northwestern Baja California, Mexico; 26 are extant or 
presumed extant (all in the United States), 56 are presumed extirpated, 
and 16 are permanently extirpated (Table 1). Table 1 shows all 
occurrences, their status, the last time butterflies were detected in 
an occurrence, and the Ecological Unit where the occurrence is found. 
Additionally, if an occurrence is extirpated, Table 1 displays the 
reason for the extirpation (Goudey and Smith 1994 [2007]). The category 
for core occurrence size is based on a total area within \1/2\ km of 
Hermes copper butterfly records greater than 176 ha (435 ac); smaller 
occurrences are considered non-core (NC).

                                      Table 1--Hermes Copper Butterfly Occurrences in the United States and Mexico
 [Current status category was determined by a decision tree developed in 2020 (Service 2021, Figure 5), which considered data through 2019. Map # refers
                                                         to Figures 6 and 7 in the SSA report.]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                         2020 status
                                                                                                           category      Wildfire year
 Map No.    Occurrence name    Ecological      Size       Last record      Accuracy   2018 SSA status     Dispersal       (% burned if        Reason
                                unit \1\                                     \2\        category \3\      corridor-       extant) \4\       extirpated
                                                                                                         connectivity
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1........  Bonsall.........  WGF             NC......  1963............            3  Presumed         Presumed         ...............  Development
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Isolation.
2........  East San Elijo    CH              NC......  1979............            2  Presumed         Presumed         ...............  Development
            Hills.                                                                     Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Isolation.
3........  San Elijo Hills.  CH              NC......  1957............            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development
                                                                                                                                          Isolation.
4........  Elfin Forest....  CH              NC......  2011............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         ...............  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
5........  Carlsbad........  CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
6........  Lake Hodges.....  CH              NC......  1982............            3  Presumed         Presumed         2007...........  Development
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Isolation,
                                                                                                                                          Fire.
7........  Rancho Santa Fe.  CH              NC......  2004............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2007...........  Development
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Isolation,
                                                                                                                                          Fire.
8........  Black Mountain..  CH              NC......  2004............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed         ...............  Development
                                                                                                        Extirpated.                       Isolation,
                                                                                                                                          Drought.
9........  South Black       CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
            Mountain.
10.......  Van Dam Peak....  CH              NC......  2011............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         ...............  Development
                                                                                                        Extirpated.                       Isolation,
                                                                                                                                          Drought.
11.......  Sabre Springs...  CH              NC......  2001............            1  Presumed         Presumed         ...............  Development
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Isolation.
12.......  Lopez Canyon....  CT              Core....  2011............            1  Extant.........  Presumed Extant
                                                                                                        Isolated.
13.......  Mira Mesa.......  CT              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
14.......  West Mira Mesa..  CT              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
15.......  Northeast         CH              Core....  2000............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
            Miramar.                                                                   Extirpated.      Extirpated.
16.......  Southeast         CH              NC......  1998............            2  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
            Miramar.                                                                   Extirpated.      Extirpated.
17.......  Miramar.........  CH              Core....  2000............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
18.......  West Miramar....  CT              NC......  1998............            2  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
19.......  Miramar Airfield  CT              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
20.......  South Miramar...  CH              NC......  2000............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
21.......  Sycamore Canyon.  WGF             Core....  2003............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
22.......  South Sycamore    WGF             NC......  2000............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
            Canyon.                                                                    Extirpated.      Extirpated.
23.......  North Santee....  CH              Core....  2005............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  2003 (60%).....
                                                                                                        Connected.
24.......  Santee..........  CH              NC......  1967............            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
25.......  Santee Lakes....  CH              NC......  2001............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Development,
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Fire.
26.......  Mission Trails..  CH              Core....  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed Extant  2003, -70%.....
                                                                                                        Connected.
27.......  North Mission     CH              NC......  2003............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
            Trails.                                                                    Extirpated.      Extirpated.
28.......  Cowles Mountain.  CH              NC......  1973............            2  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant
                                                                                                        Connected.
29.......  South Mission     CH              NC......  1978............            3  Presumed         Extirpated.....  ...............  Development
            Trails.                                                                    Extirpated.                                        Isolation.
30.......  Admiral Baker...  CH              NC......  2015............            1  Extant.........  Extant Isolated
31.......  Kearny Mesa.....  CT              NC......  1939............            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
32.......  Mission Valley..  CT              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
33.......  West Mission      CT              NC......  1908............            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
            Valley.
34.......  San Diego State   CT              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
            University.                                                                Extirpated.

[[Page 72397]]

 
35.......  La Mesa.........  CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
                                                                                       Extirpated.
36.......  Mt. Helix.......  CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
                                                                                       Extirpated.
37.......  East El Cajon...  CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Extirpated.....  ...............  Development.
                                                                                       Extirpated.
38.......  Dictionary Hill.  CT              NC......  1962............            2  Presumed Extant  Presumed         ...............  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
39.......  El Monte........  CH              NC......  1960............            2  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Development,
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.                       Fire.
40.......  BLM Truck Trail.  WGF             Core....  2006............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
41.......  North Crestridge  WGF             NC......  1981............            2  Presumed         Presumed         1970 (40%),      Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.      2003.
42.......  Northeast         WGF             NC......  1963............            2  Presumed Extant  Presumed         2003, 2017       Fire.
            Crestridge.                                                                                 Extirpated.      (60%).
43.......  East Crestridge.  WGF             NC......  2003............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  1970 (12%),
                                                                                                        Connected.       2003 (50%).
44.......  Crestridge......  WGF             Core....  2014............            1  Extant.........  Presumed Extant  1970 (98%),
                                                                                                        Connected.       2003 (80%).
45.......  Boulder Creek     PC              Core....  2019............            1  Extant.........  Extant Isolated  2003...........
            Road.
46.......  North Guatay      PC              NC......  2004............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  2003 (10%).....
            Mountain.                                                                                   Connected.
47.......  South Guatay      PC              NC......  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed Extant  1970 (99%).....
            Mountain.                                                                                   Connected.
48.......  Pine Valley.....  PC              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant
                                                                                                        Connected.
49.......  Descanso........  PC              Core....  2019............            1  Extant.........  Extant           1970 (56%),
                                                                                                        Connected.       2003 (50%).
50.......  Japutal.........  WGF             Core....  2012............            1  Extant.........  Extant           1970 (99%).....
                                                                                                        Connected.
51.......  East Japutal....  WGF             NC......  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
52.......  South Japutal...  WGF             Core....  2018............            1  Extant.........  Extant           1970...........
                                                                                                        Connected.
53.......  Corte Madera....  PC              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  1970...........
                                                                                                        Connected.
54.......  Alpine..........  WGF             Core....  2011............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970 (37%).....  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated
                                                                                                        Isolated.
55.......  East Alpine.....  WGF             NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed Extant  Presumed         1970 (30%),      Development,
                                                                                                        Extirpated.      2003, 2018       Fire.
                                                                                                                         (75%).
56.......  Willows (Viejas   WGF             NC......  2003............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
            Grade Road).                                                               Extirpated.      Extirpated.
57.......  Dehesa..........  CH              NC......  2012............            3  Presumed Extant  Extant           1970...........
                                                                                                        Connected.
58.......  Loveland          WGF             Core....  2012............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
            Reservoir.                                                                                  Extirpated.
59.......  East Loveland     WGF             NC......  2011............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
            Reservoir.                                                                                  Extirpated.
60.......  West Loveland     CH              NC......  2009............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
            Reservoir.                                                                                  Extirpated.
61.......  Hidden Glen.....  WGF             NC......  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
62.......  McGinty Mountain  CH              Core....  2014............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
63.......  East McGinty      WGF             NC......  2001............            2  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  1970...........
            Mountain.                                                                                   Connected.
64.......  North Rancho San  CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Extirpated.....  Extirpated.....  1970...........  Development,
            Diego.                                                                                                                        Isolation.
65.......  Rancho San Diego  CH              Core....  2011............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
66.......  South Rancho San  CH              NC......  2007............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Drought.
            Diego.                                                                                      Extirpated.
67.......  San Miguel        CH              Core....  2007............            1  Presumed         Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Fire.
            Mountain.                                                                  Extirpated.      Extirpated.
68.......  South San Miguel  CH              NC......  2004............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed         1970, 2007.....
            Mountain.                                                                                   Extirpated.
69.......  North Jamul.....  CH              Core....  2004............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  1970, 2003 (5%)
                                                                                                        Isolated.
70.......  North Rancho      CH              NC......  2007............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003, 2007.....  Fire.
            Jamul.                                                                     Extirpated.      Extirpated.
71.......  Rancho Jamul....  CH              Core....  2003............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2003, 2007.....  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.

[[Page 72398]]

 
72.......  East Rancho       CH              NC......  2007............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed Extant  1970 (1%),
            Jamul.                                                                                      Isolated.        2003, 2007
                                                                                                                         (5%).
73.......  Sycuan Peak.....  WGF             Core....  2016............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         1970...........  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
74.......  Skyline Truck     WGF             Core....  2018............            1  Extant.........  Extant           1970...........
            Trail.                                                                                      Connected.
75.......  Lyons Peak......  WGF             NC......  2003............            1  Presumed Extant  Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Drought.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
76.......  Gaskill Peak....  WGF             NC......  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         2020...........  Fire.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
77.......  Lawson Valley...  WGF             Core....  2019............            1  Extant.........  Extant           1970, 2007
                                                                                                        Connected.       (40%).
78.......  Bratton Valley..  WGF             NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
79.......  Hollenbeck        WGF             Core....  20166...........            1  Presumed         Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Fire.
            Canyon.                                                                    Extirpated \5\.  Extirpated.
80.......  Southeast         WGF             NC......  2007............            1  Presumed         Presumed         1970, 2007.....  Fire.
            Hollenbeck                                                                 Extirpated.      Extirpated.
            Canyon.
81.......  South Hollenbeck  CH              NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Presumed         1970 (5%),       Fire.
            Canyon.                                                                    Extirpated.      Extirpated.      2003, 2007;
                                                                                                                         2017 (20%)..
82.......  West Hollenbeck   CH              NC......  2007............            1  Presumed         Presumed         1970 (40%),      Fire.
            Canyon.                                                                    Extirpated.      Extirpated.      2007.
83.......  Otay Mountain...  WGF             NC......  1979............            2  Presumed         Presumed         2003, 2007.....  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
84.......  South Otay        WGF             NC......  Pre-1963........            3  Presumed         Presumed         2003, 2007.....  Fire.
            Mountain.                                                                  Extirpated.      Extirpated.
85.......  Dulzura.........  WGF             NC......  2005............            1  Presumed         Presumed         2007, 2007 \5\.  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
86.......  Deerhorn Valley.  WGF             NC......  1970............            3  Presumed         Presumed         2007...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
87.......  North Hartley     WGF             NC......  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed         2007...........  Fire, Drought.
            Peak.                                                                                       Extirpated.
88.......  South Hartley     WGF             NC......  2010............            1  Extant.........  Presumed Extant  2007 (50%).....
            Peak.                                                                                       Connected.
89.......  North Portrero..  WGF             Core....  2018............            1  Extant.........  Extant           2007 (35%).....
                                                                                                        Connected.
90.......  South Portrero..  WGF             Core....  2012............            1  Extant.........  Extant
                                                                                                        Connected.
91.......  Tecate Peak.....  WGF             NC......  1980............            3  Presumed         Presumed         2007...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
92.......  Otay Mesa.......  CT              NC......  Pre-1920........            3  Presumed         Extirpated.....  ...............  Development,
                                                                                       Extirpated.                                        Isolation.
93.......  West Guatay       PC              NC......  2005............            1  n/a............  Presumed Extant
            Mountain.                                                                                   Connected.
94.......  Southeast         PC              Core....  2018............            1  n/a............  Extant
            Japutal.                                                                                    Connected.
95.......  Lyons Japutal...  PC              NC......  2018............            1  n/a............  Presumed         2020 (40%).....  Fire.
                                                                                                        Extirpated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Mexico \6\
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
96.......  Salsipuedes.....  n/a             NC......  1983............            3  Presumed         Presumed         2014...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
97.......  Santo Tomas.....  n/a             NC......  Pre-1920........            3  Presumed         Presumed         2003...........  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
98.......  North Ensenada..  n/a             NC......  1936............            3  Presumed         Presumed         2005, 2014.....  Fire.
                                                                                       Extirpated.      Extirpated.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Description of ecological units: CH = Coastal Hills; CT = Coastal Terraces; WGF = Western Granitic Foothills; PC = Palomar-Cuyamaca Peak (Goudey and
  Smith 1994 [2007]).
\2\ Geographic accuracy categories: 1 = GPS coordinates or accurate map; 2 = relatively accurate specimen collection site label or map; 3 = site name
  record or map only accurate enough for determining species' range (not used for mapping if within 1.5 km of a higher accuracy record and, if used,
  considered ``non-core'').
\3\ At least one adult observed after 2015 translocation, does not represent breeding.
\4\ Only fire included pre-2003 is 1970 Laguna megafire. If no percentage and status is extant or presumed extant, 100% within mapped fire footprint.
\5\ Both the Harris (entire occurrence) and the Border (small portion) fire footprints overlapped this occurrence in 2007.
\6\ Although records are low accuracy, extirpation of populations in Mexico is presumed due to numerous large fires in the area between 2003 and 2014
  (NASA imagery).

    While most recent scientific studies support recognition of Hermes 
copper butterfly as belonging to the monotypic genus Hermelycaena, 
Hermes copper butterfly was recognized as Lycaena hermes (subgenus 
Hermelycaena) in the most recent peer-reviewed taxonomic treatment 
(Pelham 2008, p. 191). Therefore, we recognize Hermes copper butterfly 
as Lycaena hermes throughout the SSA report (Service 2021), this final 
rule, and subsequent documents.
    Hermes copper butterfly individuals diapause (undergo a low 
metabolic rate resting stage) as eggs during the late

[[Page 72399]]

summer, fall, and winter (Deutschman et al. 2010, p. 4). Adults are 
active May through July, when females deposit single eggs exclusively 
on spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea) shrubs (Thorne 1963, p. 143; Emmel 
and Emmel 1973, p. 62) in coastal sage scrub and chaparral vegetation. 
Adult occupancy and feeding are also associated with presence of their 
primary nectar source, the shrub California buckwheat (Eriogonum 
fasciculatum), although other nectar sources may provide equivalent or 
supplemental adult nutrition. Hermes copper butterflies are considered 
poor dispersers, they appear to have limited directed movement ability, 
and they have been recaptured no more than 0.7 mi (1.1 km) from the 
point of release (Marschalek and Klein 2010, pp. 727-728). More 
information is needed to fully understand movement patterns of Hermes 
copper butterfly, especially across vegetation types; however, 
dispersal is likely aided by winds but inhibited by lack of dispersal 
corridor-connectivity areas in many areas (Deutschman et al. 2010, p. 
17).
    The Hermes copper butterfly has a much narrower distribution than 
spiny redberry, its host plant. The reasons for this lack of overlap in 
distribution are not well understood, but a recent chemical ecology 
study detected higher levels of some plant secondary compounds within 
the range of Hermes copper butterfly than outside it (Malter 2020, 
entire). Plant secondary compounds, such as tocopherols, found in 
significantly higher quantities within Hermes copper butterfly's 
historical range, were associated with warmer and drier conditions, 
while compounds found in significantly higher quantities outside (north 
of) of the range were associated with cooler and wetter conditions 
(Malter 2020, p. 28). Tocopherols play a basic role in insect 
physiology, especially for insects with specific diet requirements 
(e.g., Vanderzant et al. 1957, p. 606; Zwolinska-Sniatalowa 1976, 
entire). Increased tocopherol levels associated with drought conditions 
have been found in plants from Mediterranean climates and other regions 
(e.g., Munn[eacute]-Bosch et al. 1999, entire; Munn[eacute]-Bosch and 
Alegre 2000a, entire; 200b, p. 139) and other plants (Liu et al. 2008, 
p. 1275). The association of tocopherols with dry conditions, 
potentially contributing to historical limitation of the Hermes copper 
butterfly's range to a drier, more southern distribution than the host 
plant, combined with the butterfly's apparent drought sensitivity, 
suggest a narrow climatic envelope for the species within the range of 
its host plant (discussed further under Climate Change and Drought 
below). Because the climate differences noted in this study are 
correlated with a northern latitude difference, we expect the reverse 
relationship (hotter and drier outside the historical range) to the 
east (desert) and south of the species' historical range.
    There are two types of ``habitat connectivity'' important to the 
Hermes copper butterfly--within-habitat patch connectivity and 
dispersal corridor-connectivity areas. Within-habitat patch 
connectivity requires an unfragmented habitat patch where reproduction 
occurs. Habitat patches are a collection of host plants and host plant 
patches among which adult butterflies readily and randomly move during 
a flight season (any given butterfly is just as likely to be found 
anywhere within that area). Butterflies must be free and likely to move 
among individual host plants and patches of host plants within a 
habitat patch. Hermes copper butterflies also require dispersal 
corridor-connectivity areas, which are undeveloped wildlands with 
suitable vegetation structure between habitat patches close enough that 
recolonization of a formerly occupied habitat patch is likely. We refer 
to both types of connectivity in this rule.

Regulatory and Analytical Framework

Regulatory Framework

    Section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533) and its implementing 
regulations (50 CFR part 424) set forth the procedures for determining 
whether a species is an endangered species or a threatened species. The 
Act defines an ``endangered species'' as a species that is in danger of 
extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range, and a 
``threatened species'' as a species that is likely to become an 
endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range. The Act requires that we determine 
whether any species is an endangered species or a threatened species 
because of any of the following factors:

    (A) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of its habitat or range;
    (B) Overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or 
educational purposes;
    (C) Disease or predation;
    (D) The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
    (E) Other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued 
existence.

    These factors represent broad categories of natural or human-caused 
actions or conditions that could have an effect on a species' continued 
existence. In evaluating these actions and conditions, we look for 
those that may have a negative effect on individuals of the species, as 
well as other actions or conditions that may ameliorate any negative 
effects or may have positive effects.
    We use the term ``threat'' to refer in general to actions or 
conditions that are known to or are reasonably likely to negatively 
affect individuals of a species. The term ``threat'' includes actions 
or conditions that have a direct impact on individuals (direct 
impacts), as well as those that affect individuals through alteration 
of their habitat or required resources (stressors). The term ``threat'' 
may encompass--either together or separately--the source of the action 
or condition or the action or condition itself.
    However, the mere identification of any threat(s) does not 
necessarily mean that the species meets the statutory definition of an 
``endangered species'' or a ``threatened species.'' In determining 
whether a species meets either definition, we must evaluate all 
identified threats by considering the expected response by the species, 
and the effects of the threats--in light of those actions and 
conditions that will ameliorate the threats--on an individual, 
population, and species level. We evaluate each threat and its expected 
effects on the species, then analyze the cumulative effect of all of 
the threats on the species as a whole. We also consider the cumulative 
effect of the threats in light of those actions and conditions that 
will have positive effects on the species, such as any existing 
regulatory mechanisms or conservation efforts. The Secretary determines 
whether the species meets the definition of an ``endangered species'' 
or a ``threatened species'' only after conducting this cumulative 
analysis and describing the expected effect on the species now and in 
the foreseeable future.
    The Act does not define the term ``foreseeable future,'' which 
appears in the statutory definition of ``threatened species.'' Our 
implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.11(d) set forth a framework for 
evaluating the foreseeable future on a case-by-case basis. The term 
``foreseeable future'' extends only so far into the future as the 
Services can reasonably determine that both the future threats and the 
species' responses to those threats are likely. In other words, the 
foreseeable future is the period of time in which we can make reliable 
predictions. ``Reliable'' does not mean ``certain''; it means 
sufficient to

[[Page 72400]]

provide a reasonable degree of confidence in the prediction. Thus, a 
prediction is reliable if it is reasonable to depend on it when making 
decisions.
    It is not always possible or necessary to define foreseeable future 
as a particular number of years. Analysis of the foreseeable future 
uses the best scientific and commercial data available and should 
consider the timeframes applicable to the relevant threats and to the 
species' likely responses to those threats in view of its life-history 
characteristics. Data that are typically relevant to assessing the 
species' biological response include species-specific factors such as 
lifespan, reproductive rates or productivity, certain behaviors, and 
other demographic factors.

Analytical Framework

    The SSA report documents the results of our comprehensive 
biological review of the best scientific and commercial data regarding 
the status of the species, including an assessment of the potential 
threats to the species. The SSA report does not represent a decision by 
the Service on whether the species should be listed as an endangered or 
threatened species under the Act. However, it does provide the 
scientific basis that informs our regulatory decisions, which involve 
the further application of standards within the Act and its 
implementing regulations and policies. The following is a summary of 
the key results and conclusions from the SSA report; the full SSA 
report can be found at Docket FWS-R8-ES-2017-0053 on https://www.regulations.gov.
    To assess Hermes copper butterfly viability, we used the three 
conservation biology principles of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation (Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 306-310). Briefly, 
population resiliency collectively supports the ability of the species 
to withstand environmental and demographic stochasticity (for example, 
wet or dry, warm or cold years), species redundancy supports the 
ability of the species to withstand catastrophic events (for example, 
droughts, large pollution events), and species representation supports 
the ability of the species to adapt over time to long-term changes in 
the environment (for example, climate changes). In general, the more 
resilient populations a species has and the more representation it has, 
the more likely it is to sustain populations over time, even under 
changing environmental conditions. Using these principles, we 
identified the species' ecological requirements for survival and 
reproduction at the individual, population, and species levels, and 
described the beneficial and risk factors influencing the species' 
viability.
    The SSA process can be categorized into three sequential stages. 
During the first stage, we evaluated the individual species' life-
history needs. The next stage involved an assessment of the historical 
and current condition of the species' demographics and habitat 
characteristics, including an explanation of how the species arrived at 
its current condition. The final stage of the SSA involved making 
predictions about the species' responses to positive and negative 
environmental and anthropogenic influences. Throughout all of these 
stages, we used the best available information to characterize 
viability as the ability of a species to sustain populations in the 
wild over time. We use this information to inform our regulatory 
decision.

Summary of Biological Status and Threats

    In this discussion, we review the biological condition of the 
species and its resources, and the threats that influence the species' 
current and future condition, in order to assess the species' overall 
viability and the risks to that viability.

Resource Needs

    In the SSA report (Service 2021), we describe the ecological needs 
of the Hermes copper butterfly at the hierarchical levels of 
individual, population, and species. There are also spatial and 
temporal components to hierarchical resource needs, reflected in the 
average area occupied by and ``life expectancy'' of each ecological 
entity. Individual needs are met and resource availability should be 
assessed at the adult male territory scale on an annual basis, 
reflecting the life span of an individual (from egg to adult). 
Population-level resilience needs are met and resource availability 
should be assessed on the habitat patch or metapopulation 
(interconnected habitat patches) scale over a period of decades. 
Populations or subpopulations persist in intact habitat until they are 
extirpated by stochastic events such as wildfire, to eventually be 
replaced as habitat is recolonized (18 years is the estimated time it 
took for the Mission Trails occurrence recolonization). Species-level 
viability needs are assessed and must be met at a range-wide scale if 
the species is to avoid extinction. The following list describes the 
Hermes copper butterfly's ecological needs:
    (1) Individual Resource Needs:
    (a) Egg: Suitable spiny redberry stems for substrate.
    (b) Larvae: Suitable spiny redberry leaf tissue for development.
    (c) Pupae: Suitable leaves for pupation.
    (d) Adults: Suitable spiny redberry stem tissue for oviposition; 
nectar sources (primarily California buckwheat); mates.
    (2) Population Needs:
    (a) Resource needs and/or circumstances: Habitat elements required 
by populations include spiny redberry bushes (quantity uncertain, but 
not isolated individuals) and associated stands of California buckwheat 
or similar nectar sources.
    (b) Population-level redundancy: Populations must have enough 
individuals (for population growth) in ``good years'' that, after 
reproduction is limited by poor environmental conditions such as 
drought in intervening ``bad years,'' individuals can still find mates. 
Alternatively, there need to be enough diapausing eggs to wait out a 
bad year and restore the average population size or greater in the 
subsequent year. That is, populations need to be large enough to 
persist through expected periods of population decline.
    (c) Population-level representation: It is unclear how susceptible 
the Hermes copper butterfly is to inbreeding depression. A mix of open, 
sunny areas should be present within habitat patches and stands of 
California buckwheat for nectar in the vicinity of spiny redberry host 
plants. Additionally, individuals must be distributed over a large 
enough area (population footprint/distribution) that not all are likely 
to be killed by stochastic events such as wildfire.
    (3) Species Needs:
    (a) Resource needs and/or circumstances: Dispersal corridor-
connectivity areas among subpopulations to maintain metapopulation 
dynamics. For Hermes copper butterfly, this means suitable dispersal 
corridor habitat with suitable intervening vegetation structure and 
topography between habitat patches that are close enough so that 
recolonization of habitat patches where a subpopulation was extirpated 
is likely. Apparent impediments to dispersal include forested, 
riparian, and developed areas.
    (b) Species-level redundancy: 98 known historical or extant Hermes 
copper butterfly occurrences have been documented in southern 
California, United States, and northwestern Baja California, Mexico: 26 
are extant or presumed extant (all in the United States), 56 are 
presumed extirpated, and 16 are permanently extirpated (Table 1).

[[Page 72401]]

In order to retain the species-level redundancy required for species 
viability, populations and temporarily unoccupied habitats must be 
distributed throughout the species' range in sufficient numbers and in 
a geographic configuration that supports dispersal corridor-
connectivity areas described in (a) above.
    (c) Species-level representation: Populations must be distributed 
in a variety of habitats (including all four California Ecological 
Units; Service 2021, p. 58) so that there are always some populations 
experiencing conditions that support reproductive success. In 
especially warm, dry years, populations in wetter habitats should 
experience the highest population growth rates within the species' 
range, and in colder, wetter years populations in drier habitats should 
experience the highest growth rates. Populations should be represented 
across a continuum of elevation levels from the coast to the mountain 
foothills. There is currently 1 presumed extant occurrence remaining 
with marine climate influence, 7 extant or presumed extant with 
primarily montane climate influence, and the remainder (18) at 
intermediate elevations with a more arid climate (Service 2021, p. 55). 
Those populations in higher elevation, cooler habitats, and coastal 
habitats with more marine influence are less susceptible to a warming 
climate and are, therefore, most important to maintain.

Summary of Threats

    The following sections include summary evaluations of five threats 
impacting the Hermes copper butterfly or its habitat, including 
wildfire (Factor A), land use change (Factor A), habitat fragmentation 
and isolation (Factor A), climate change (Factor E), and drought 
(Factor E); as well as evaluating the cumulative effect of these on the 
species, including synergistic interactions between the threats and the 
vulnerability of the species resulting from small population size. We 
also consider the impacts of existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D) 
on all existing threats (Service 2021, pp. 33-54). We also note that 
potential impacts associated with overutilization (Factor B), disease 
(Factor C), and predation (Factor C) were evaluated but found to have 
minimal to no impact on the species (Service 2021, pp. 33-54).
    For the purpose of this analysis, we generally define viability as 
the ability of the species to sustain populations in the natural 
ecosystem for the foreseeable future--in this case, 30 years. For the 
purposes of this assessment, we consider the foreseeable future to be 
the amount of time for which we can reasonably determine a threat's 
anticipated trajectory and the anticipated response of the species to 
those threats. We chose 30 years because it is within the range of the 
available hydrological and climate change model forecasts, fire hazard 
period calculations, and the fire-return interval estimates for 
habitat-vegetation associations that support the Hermes copper 
butterfly.
    We note that, by using the SSA framework to guide our analysis of 
the scientific information documented in the SSA report, we have not 
only analyzed individual effects on the species, but we have also 
analyzed their potential cumulative effects. We incorporate the 
cumulative effects into our SSA analysis when we characterize the 
current and future condition of the species. To assess the current and 
future condition of the species, we undertake an iterative analysis 
that encompasses and incorporates the threats individually and then 
accumulates and evaluates the effects of all the factors that may be 
influencing the species, including threats and conservation efforts. 
Because the SSA framework considers not just the presence of the 
factors, but to what degree they collectively influence risk to the 
entire species, our assessment integrates the cumulative effects of the 
factors and replaces a standalone cumulative effects analysis.

Current Condition

Wildfire
    Wildfire impacts both Hermes copper butterfly and its habitat. The 
vegetation types that support Hermes copper butterfly--chaparral and 
coastal sage scrub--are prone to relatively frequent wildfire 
ignitions, and many plant species that characterize those habitat types 
are fire-adapted. The Hermes copper butterfly's host plant, spiny 
redberry, resprouts after fires and is relatively resilient to frequent 
burns (Keeley 1998, p. 258). The effect of wildfire on Hermes copper 
butterfly's primary nectar source, California buckwheat, is more 
complicated. California buckwheat is a facultative seeder that has 
minimal resprouting capability (approximately 10 percent) for young 
individuals (Keeley 2006, p. 375). Wildfires cause high mortality in 
California buckwheat, and densities are reduced the following year 
within burned areas (Zedler et al. 1983, p. 814); however, California 
buckwheat recolonizes relatively quickly (compared to other coastal 
sage scrub species) if post-fire conditions are suitable.
    The historical fire regime in southern California likely was 
characterized by many small, lightning-ignited fires in the summer and 
a few infrequent large fires in the fall (Keeley and Fotheringham 2003, 
pp. 242-243). These infrequent, large, high-intensity wildfires, so-
called ``megafires'' (defined in the SSA report as those fires greater 
than 16,187 ha (40,000 ac) in size) (Service 2021, p. 33), burned the 
landscape long before Europeans settled the Pacific coast (Keeley and 
Zedler 2009, p. 90). As such, the current pattern of small, low-
intensity fires with large infrequent fires is consistent with that of 
historical regimes (Keeley and Zedler 2009, p. 69). Therefore, habitat 
that supports Hermes copper butterfly is naturally adapted to fire and 
has some natural resilience to impacts from wildfire.
    However, in recent decades, wildfire has been increasing in both 
frequency and magnitude (Safford and Van de Water 2014, pp. i, 31-35). 
Annual mean area under extreme fire risk has increased steadily in 
California since 1979, and 2014 ranked highest in the history of the 
State (Yoon et al. 2015, p. S5). The historical fire-return intervals 
for Hermes copper butterfly habitat vegetation associations are 15-30-
plus years for coastal sage scrub habitats and 30-60 years for 
chaparral habitats (Sawyer et al. 2009, pp. 325, 529, 1294).
    In order to understand the changing frequency of fire in Hermes 
copper butterfly's range, we analyzed fire-rotation intervals, or the 
amount of time it takes for fire to burn a certain set acreage. For our 
analysis, we looked at how long it historically took fire footprints to 
add up to the total estimated range for Hermes copper butterfly 
(Service 2017, entire). For the historical range of the Hermes copper 
butterfly, the fire-rotation interval decreased from 68 years between 
1910-2000 to 49 years between 1925-2015 (Service 2017, entire). A 
change in only 17 percent of the time period analyzed resulted in a 28 
percent decrease in fire-rotation interval (Service 2017, entire).
    Increasing fire frequency and size is of particular concern for the 
Hermes copper butterfly because of how long it can take for habitat to 
be recolonized after wildfire. For example, in Mission Trails Park, the 
2,596-ha (7,303-ac) ``Assist #59'' Fire in 1981 and the smaller 51-ha 
(126-ac) ``Assist #14'' Fire in 1983 (no significant overlap between 
acreages burned by the fires), resulted in an approximate 18-year 
extirpation of the Mission Trails Park Hermes copper

[[Page 72402]]

butterfly occurrence (Klein and Faulkner 2003, pp. 96, 97).
    To assess the impacts of fire on the Hermes copper butterfly, we 
examined maps of recent high-fire-hazard areas in San Diego County 
(Service 2021, Figure 8). Almost all remaining habitat within mapped 
Hermes copper butterfly occurrences falls within the ``very high'' fire 
hazard severity zone for San Diego County (Service 2021, Figure 8). 
Areas identified in our analysis as most vulnerable to extirpation by 
wildfire include most occupied and potentially occupied Hermes copper 
butterfly habitats in San Diego County within the southern portion of 
the range. Twenty-eight potential source occurrences for recolonization 
of recently burned habitat fall within a contiguous area that has not 
recently burned (Service 2021, Figure 7), and where the fire hazard is 
considered high (Service 2021, Figure 8).
    Although habitat that supports Hermes copper butterfly is adapted 
to fire, increased fire frequency can still have detrimental effects. 
Frequent fires open up the landscape, making the habitat more 
vulnerable to invasive, nonnative plants and vegetation type-conversion 
(Keeley et al. 2005, p. 2117). The extent of invasion of nonnative 
plants and type conversion in areas specifically inhabited by Hermes 
copper butterfly is unknown. However, wildfire clearly results in at 
least temporary reductions in suitable habitat for Hermes copper 
butterfly and may result in lower densities of California buckwheat 
(Zedler et al. 1983, p. 814; Keeley 2006, p. 375; Marschalek and Klein 
2010, p. 728). Although Keeley and Fotheringham (2003, p. 244) 
indicated that continued habitat disturbance, such as fire, will result 
in conversion of native shrublands to nonnative grasslands, Keeley 
(2004, p. 7) also noted that invasive, nonnative plants will not 
typically displace obligate resprouting plant species in mesic 
shrublands that burn once every 10 years. Therefore, while spiny 
redberry resprouts, the quantity of California buckwheat as a nectar 
source necessary to support a Hermes copper butterfly occurrence may be 
temporarily unavailable due to recent fire impacts, and nonnative 
grasses commonly compete with native flowering plants that would 
otherwise provide abundant nectar after fire.
    Extensive and intense wildfire events are the primary recent cause 
of direct mortality and extirpation of Hermes copper butterfly 
occurrences. The magnitude of this threat appears to have increased due 
to an increased number of recent megafires created by extreme ``Santa 
Ana'' driven weather conditions of high temperatures, low humidity, 
strong erratic winds, and human-caused ignitions (Keeley and Zedler 
2009, p. 90; Service 2021, pp. 33-41). The 2003 Otay and Cedar fires 
and the 2007 Harris and Witch Creek fires in particular have negatively 
impacted the species, resulting in or contributing to the extirpation 
of 33 occurrences (Table 1). Only 3 of the 34 U.S. occurrences thought 
to have been extirpated in whole or in part by fire since 2003 appear 
to have been naturally reestablished, or were not entirely extirpated 
(Table 1; Service 2021, Figure 7; Winter 2017, pers. comm.). Most 
recently, the Valley Fire burned 6,632 ha (16,390 ac), including over 
\1/3\ of the Lawson Valley core occurrence (presumed extant), all of 
the Gaskill Creek non-core occurrence (formerly considered extant), all 
records within the Lyons Japutal non-core occurrence documented in 
2018, and approximately \1/4\ of the Hidden Glen non-core occurrence 
(Service 2021, Appendix II). This fire came within 4 km (2.5 mi) of 
both the Descanso core occurrence to the north, the highest abundance 
monitored site on record (Service 2021, Appendix II), and the Portrero 
core occurrence to the south, one of only three where adults were 
recorded in 2020 (Service 2021, Table 1; Figure 8).
    Wildfires that occur in occupied Hermes copper butterfly habitat 
result in direct mortality of Hermes copper butterflies (Klein and 
Faulkner 2003, pp. 96-97; Marschalek and Klein 2010, pp. 4-5). 
Butterfly populations in burned areas rarely survive wildfire because 
immature life stages of the butterfly inhabit host plant foliage, and 
spiny redberry typically burns to the ground and resprouts from stumps 
(Deutschman et al. 2010, p. 8; Marschalek and Klein 2010, p. 8). This 
scenario results in at least the temporary loss of both the habitat 
(until the spiny redberry and nectar source regrowth occurs) and the 
presence of butterflies (occupancy) in the area.
    Wildfires can also leave patches of unburned occupied habitat that 
are functionally isolated (further than the typical dispersal distance 
of the butterfly) from other occupied habitat. Furthermore, large fires 
can eliminate source populations before previously burned habitat can 
be recolonized, and may result in long-term or permanent loss of 
butterfly populations. Historically, Hermes copper butterfly persisted 
through wildfire by recolonizing extirpated occurrences once the 
habitat recovered. However, as discussed below, ongoing loss and 
isolation of habitat has resulted in smaller, more isolated populations 
than existed historically. This isolation has likely reduced or removed 
the ability of the species to recolonize occurrences extirpated by 
wildfire.
    Our analysis of current fire danger and fire history illustrates 
the potential for catastrophic loss of the majority of remaining 
butterfly occurrences should another large fire occur prior to 
recolonization of burned habitats. One or more wildfires could 
extirpate the majority of extant Hermes copper butterfly occurrences 
(Marschalek and Klein 2010, p. 9; Deutschman et al. 2010, p. 42). 
Furthermore, no practical measures are known that could significantly 
reduce the impact of megafires on the Hermes copper butterfly and its 
habitat. In a 2015 effort to mitigate the impact of wildfires on Hermes 
copper butterfly, a translocation study, funded by the San Diego 
Association of Governments (SANDAG), was initiated to assist 
recolonization of habitat formerly occupied by the large Hollenbeck 
Canyon occurrence (Marschalek and Deutschman 2016c, entire). While it 
is not clear that this attempt was successful, in 2016 there were signs 
of larval emergence from eggs and at least one adult was observed, 
indicating some level of success (Marschalek and Deutschman 2016c, p. 
10). Regulatory protections, such as ignition-reduction measures, do 
exist to reduce fire danger; however, large megafires are considered 
resistant to control (Durland, pers. comm., in Scauzillo 2015).
    The current fire regime in Mexico is not as well understood. Some 
researchers claim chaparral habitat in Mexico within the Hermes copper 
butterfly's range is not as affected by megafires because there has 
been less fire suppression activity than in the United States (Minnich 
and Chou 1997, pp. 244-245; Minnich 2001, pp. 1,549-1,552). In 
contrast, Keeley and Zedler (2009, p. 86) contend the fire regime in 
Baja California, Mexico, mirrors that of southern California, similarly 
consisting of ``small fires punctuated at periodic intervals by large 
fire events.'' Local experts agree the lack of fire suppression 
activities in Mexico has reduced the fuel load on the landscape, 
subsequently reducing the risk of megafire (Oberbauer 2017, pers. 
comm.; Faulkner 2017, pers. comm.). However, examination of satellite 
imagery from the 2000s indicates impacts from medium-sized wildfire in 
Mexico are similar to those in San Diego County, as evidenced by two 
large fires in 2014 that likely impacted habitats associated with 
occurrence records of the Hermes

[[Page 72403]]

copper butterfly near Ensenada (NASA 2017a; 2017b; Service 2021, p. 
37).
    Although the level of impact may vary over time, wildfires cause 
ongoing degradation, destruction, fragmentation, and isolation of 
Hermes copper butterfly habitat as well as direct losses of Hermes 
copper butterfly that have contributed to the extirpation of numerous 
populations. As discussed above, only 3 of the 31 U.S. occurrences 
thought to have been extirpated in whole or in part by fire since 2003 
appear to have been naturally reestablished. This threat affects all 
Hermes copper butterfly populations and habitat across the species' 
range.
Land Use Change
    Urban development within San Diego County has resulted in the loss, 
fragmentation, and isolation of Hermes copper butterfly habitat 
(CalFlora 2010; Consortium of California Herbaria 2010; San Diego 
County Plant Atlas 2010) (see the Habitat Isolation section below). Of 
the 69 known Hermes copper butterfly occurrences permanently or 
presumed extirpated, loss, fragmentation, and isolation of habitat as a 
result of development contributed to 26 of those (38 percent; Table 1). 
In particular, habitat isolation is occurring between the northern and 
southern portions of the species' range and in rural areas of the 
southeastern county; this loss of dispersal corridor-connectivity areas 
is of greatest concern where it would impact core occurrences in these 
areas (Service 2021, p. 41).
    To quantify the remaining land at risk of development, we analyzed 
all existing habitat historically occupied by the Hermes copper 
butterfly based on specimens and observation records. We then removed 
lands that have been developed and examined the ownership of remaining, 
undeveloped land. Currently, approximately 67 percent of the remaining 
undeveloped habitat is protected from destruction by development 
because it is on protected lands including military installations and 
lands within the Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP) (Service 
2021, p. 41). Approximately 53 percent of conserved lands within mapped 
Hermes copper butterfly occurrences were conserved under the MSCP. The 
MSCP also includes biological management and monitoring within the 
Preserve. Within the MSCP, all of the known extant occurrences are 
located within the two largest subarea plans: The City of San Diego 
(83,415 ha (206,124 ac)) and the County of San Diego (102,035 ha 
(252,132 ac)). Both plans are implemented in part by local adopted 
ordinances (Environmentally Sensitive Lands regulations in the City of 
San Diego Municipal Code and the Biological Mitigation Ordinance in the 
County). Both ordinances outline specific project design criteria and 
species and habitat protection and mitigation requirements for projects 
within subarea boundaries (see MSCP Subarea Plans, City of San Diego 
1997, County of San Diego 1997, City's Environmentally Sensitive Lands 
Municipal Code (Ch. 14, Art. 3, Div. 1, Sec.  143.0101) and County's 
Biological Mitigation Ordinance (Ord. Nos. 8845, 9246), County of San 
Diego 1998).
    The County of San Diego has two ordinances in place that restrict 
new development or other proposed projects within sensitive habitats. 
The Biological Mitigation Ordinance of the County of San Diego Subarea 
Plan and the County of San Diego Resource Protection Ordinance regulate 
development within coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral habitats that 
currently support extant Hermes copper butterfly populations on non-
Federal land within the County's jurisdiction (for example, does not 
apply to lands under the jurisdiction of the City of Santee or the City 
of San Diego). Additionally, County regulations mandate surveys for 
Hermes copper butterfly occupancy and habitat, and to the extent it is 
a significant impact under the California Environmental Quality Act 
(Cal. Pub. Res. Code 21000 et seq.), mitigation may be required. These 
local resource protection ordinances may provide some regulatory 
measures of protection for the remaining 33 percent of extant Hermes 
copper butterfly habitat vulnerable to development, when occurring 
within the County's jurisdiction. Additionally, presence of Hermes 
copper butterflies has on occasion been a factor within San Diego 
County for prioritizing land acquisitions for conservation from 
Federal, State, and local funding sources due to the focus of a local 
conservation organization. SANDAG has provided funding for Hermes 
copper butterfly surveys and research since 2010, as well as grants for 
acquisition of two properties that have been (or are) occupied by 
Hermes copper butterfly.
    There is uncertainty regarding the Hermes copper butterfly's 
condition within its southernmost known historical range in Mexico; 
however, one expert estimated that development pressure in known 
occupied areas near the city of Ensenada was similar to that in the 
United States (Faulkner 2017, pers. comm.).
    We conclude that development is a current, ongoing threat 
contributing to reduction and especially fragmentation of remaining 
Hermes copper butterfly habitat in limited areas on non-Federal lands 
at this time. However, some regulatory protections are in place, and 67 
percent of historically occupied habitat is on protected lands owned by 
Federal, State, and local jurisdictions and conservancies. Therefore, 
although the rate of habitat loss has been reduced relative to 
historical conditions, regulations have not served to protect some key 
populations or dispersal corridor-connectivity areas, and development 
continues to increase isolation of the northern portion from the 
southern portion of the species' range (Service 2021, pp. 40-44).
Habitat Isolation
    Habitat isolation directly affects the likelihood of Hermes copper 
butterfly population persistence in portions of its range, and 
exacerbates other effects from fire and development. Hermes copper 
butterfly populations have become isolated both permanently (past and 
ongoing urban development) and more temporarily (wildfires). Habitat 
isolation separates extant occurrences and inhibits movement by 
creating a gap that Hermes copper butterflies are not likely to 
traverse. Any loss of resources on the ground that does not affect 
butterfly movement, such as burned vegetation, may degrade but not 
fragment habitat. Therefore, in order for habitat to be isolated, 
movement must either be inhibited by a barrier, or the distance between 
remaining suitable habitat must be greater than adult butterflies will 
typically move to mate or to deposit eggs. Thus, a small fire that 
temporarily degrades habitat containing host plants is not likely to 
support movement between suitable occupied habitat patches and could 
cause temporary isolation. Although movement may be possible, to ensure 
successful recolonization, habitat must be suitable at the time Hermes 
copper butterflies arrive.
    Effects from habitat isolation in the northern portion of the 
species' range have resulted in extirpation of at least four Hermes 
copper butterfly occurrences (see Table 1 above). A historical Hermes 
copper butterfly occurrence (Rancho Santa Fe) in the northern portion 
of the range has been lost since 2004. This area is not expected to be 
recolonized because it is mostly surrounded by development and the 
nearest potential ``source'' occurrence is Elfin Forest, 2.7 mi (4.3 
km) away, where at least one adult was last detected in 2011 
(Marschalek and Deutschman 2016a, p. 8). Farther to the south, Black 
Mountain, Lopez Canyon, Van Dam Peak, and the complex of occurrences 
comprising Mission Trails

[[Page 72404]]

Park, North Santee, and Lakeside Downs are isolated from other 
occurrences by development. Because a number of populations have been 
lost, and only a few isolated and mostly fragmented ones remain, the 
remaining populations in the northern portion of the range are 
particularly vulnerable to the effects of further habitat isolation. 
These populations may already lack the dispersal corridor-connectivity 
areas needed to recolonize should individual occurrences be extirpated. 
Reintroduction or augmentation may be required to sustain the northern 
portion of the species' range. No information is available on the 
potential impacts of habitat isolation in the species' range in Mexico.
    Overall, habitat isolation is a current, ongoing threat that 
continues to degrade and isolate Hermes copper butterfly habitat across 
the species' range.
Climate Change and Drought
    Scientific measurements spanning several decades demonstrate that 
changes in climate are occurring, and that the rate of change has 
increased since the 1950s. Global climate projections are informative, 
and, in some cases, the only or the best scientific information 
available. However, projected changes in climate and related impacts 
can vary across and within different regions of the world (IPCC 2013, 
pp. 15-16). To evaluate climate change for the region occupied by the 
Hermes copper butterfly, we used climate projections ``downscaled'' 
from global projection models, as these provided higher resolution 
information that is more relevant to spatial scales used for analyses 
of a given species (Glick et al. 2011, pp. 58-61).
    Southern California has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are 
typically dry and hot while winters are cool, with minimal rainfall 
averaging about 25 centimeters (10 inches) per year. The interaction of 
the maritime influence of the Pacific Ocean combined with inland 
mountain ranges creates an inversion layer typical of Mediterranean-
like climates. These conditions also create microclimates, where the 
weather can be highly variable within small geographic areas at the 
same time.
    We evaluated the available historical weather data and the species' 
biology to determine the likelihood of effects assuming the climate has 
been and will continue to change. The general effect of a warmer 
climate, as observed with Hermes copper butterfly in lower, warmer 
elevation habitats compared to higher, cooler elevations, is an earlier 
flight season by several days (Thorne 1963, p. 146; Marschalek and 
Deutschman 2008, p. 98). Past records suggest a slightly earlier flight 
season in recent years compared to the 1960s (Marschalek and Klein 
2010, p. 2). The historical temperature trend in Hermes copper 
butterfly habitats for the month of April (when larvae are typically 
developing and pupating) from 1951 to 2006 can be calculated with 
relatively high confidence (p values from 0.001 to 0.05). The mean 
temperature change in occupied areas ranged from 0.07 to 0.13 [deg]F 
(0.04 to 0.07 [deg]C) per year (Climate Wizard 2016), which could 
explain the earlier than average flight seasons. Nevertheless, given 
the temporal and geographical availability of their widespread 
perennial host plant, and exposure to extremes of climate throughout 
their known historical range (Thorne 1963, p. 144), Hermes copper 
butterfly and its host and nectar plants are not likely to be 
negatively affected throughout the majority of the species' range by 
phenological shifts in development of a few days.
    Drought has been a major factor affecting southern California 
ecosystems. The 2011-2016 California drought was one of the most 
intense in the State's history, with the period of late 2011-2014 being 
the driest ever recorded (Public Policy Institute of California 2020; 
Syphard et. al. 2018, p. 16). Specifically, the 12-month period in 
2013-14 was the driest on record in California (Swain et al. 2014, p. 
S3), followed by another unusually dry year in 2018. Furthermore, 
evidence is emerging that climate change has pushed what would have 
likely been a moderate drought in southwestern North America into the 
beginning of a megadrought similar to ecologically devastating 
historical events (Agha Kouchak et al. 2014, entire; Griffen et al. 
2014, entire; Robeson 2015, entire; Williams et al. 2020, p. entire).
    The exact mechanism by which drought impacts Hermes copper 
butterflies is not known. However, other butterfly species in southern 
California have shown declines caused by drought stress on their 
perennial host plants (Ehrlich et al. 1980, p. 105). Spiny redberry 
shows decreased health and vegetative growth during drought years 
(Marschalek 2017, pers. comm.).
    Though limited, existing data suggest that drought is contributing 
to the decline of Hermes copper butterflies. Systematic monitoring of 
adult abundance at sites within occurrences since 2010 indicates the 
past 10 years of mostly drought conditions negatively affected habitat 
suitability and suppressed adult population sizes. The highest 
elevation, wettest occurrence (Boulder Creek Road) maintained the 
highest abundance among long-term monitored sites from 2014 to 2020. 
This higher elevation site got more rain than lower sites, indicating 
representation in higher elevation inland habitats is important to 
species' viability. The number of Hermes copper butterflies reported at 
Boulder Creek sharply decreased in 2019. In 2020, the maximum daily 
number observed at that location was limited to only three butterflies 
and none were reported at any of the other seven long-term monitored 
sites (Marschalek and Deutschman 2019, p. 8; Marschalek pers. comm. 
2020, entire; Figure 11). In 2018, a new site was discovered (``Roberts 
Ranch South,'' part of the Descanso occurrence) and, although variable 
from year to year, has had consistently high survey numbers. Fifty-four 
individuals were recorded in 2018, 95 in 2019, and 45 in 2020 
(Marschalek and Deutschman 2019, p. 8; Marschalek pers. comm. 2020, 
entire). For all 3 years since discovery, Roberts Ranch South has far 
exceeded numbers found at sentinel and other survey sites.
    Temperatures have significantly increased from 1951 to 2016, and 
these changes may be influencing the timing of the Hermes copper 
butterfly's flight season as well as their phenology (Service 2021, pp. 
47-48). Through increased evapotranspiration and soil drying, high 
temperatures increase the indirect negative effects of drought on 
average quality of the host plant and nectar resources. Still, we are 
unaware of any direct negative impacts on Hermes copper butterfly life 
history due to these temperature changes. Drought appears to be having 
a more pronounced indirect negative effect, as the mean maximum daily 
adult counts have decreased in recent years with a decrease in 
precipitation that may be more of a concern at low-elevation sites.
Combined Effects
    Threats interacting may have a much greater effect than threats 
working individually; for example, habitat loss and isolation due to 
land use change combined with wildfire together have a greater impact 
on the species than wildfire alone. Multiple threats at a given 
hierarchical level have combined effects that emerge at the next higher 
level. For example, at the population level, habitat loss significantly 
reducing the resilience of one population combined with wildfire 
affecting resilience of another has a greater effect on Hermes copper 
butterfly species-level redundancy and, therefore, species viability 
than either threat would individually.

[[Page 72405]]

    Threats that alone may not significantly reduce species viability 
have at least additive, if not synergistic, effects on species 
viability. For example, wildfire and habitat modification (type 
conversion) typically have a synergistic effect on habitat suitability 
in Mediterranean-type climate zones (Keeley and Brennon 2012, entire; 
California Chaparral Institute 2017, entire). Wildfire increases the 
rate of nonnative grass invasion, a component of the habitat 
modification threat, which in turn increases fire frequency. Overall, 
these factors increase the likelihood of megafires on a landscape/
species range-wide scale.
    The relationship between habitat fragmentation and type conversion 
is in part synergistic, particularly for Hermes copper butterflies, 
which are typically sedentary with limited direct movement ability. 
Fragmentation increases the rate of nonnative plant species invasion 
and type conversion through increased disturbance, nitrogen deposition, 
and seed dispersal, and type conversion itself reduces habitat 
suitability and, therefore, habitat contiguity and dispersal corridor-
connectivity areas (increasing both habitat fragmentation and 
isolation). Another example of combined impacts is climate change. 
Although not a known significant threat on its own, the increased 
temperature resulting from climate change significantly exacerbates 
other threats, especially wildfire and drought.
    Small population size, low population numbers, and population 
isolation are not necessarily independent factors that pose a threat to 
species. It is the combination of small size and number and isolation 
of populations in conjunction with other threats (such as the present 
or threatened destruction and modification of the species' habitat or 
range) that may significantly increase the probability of a species' 
extinction. Considering reduced numbers in recent surveys and 
historically low population numbers relative to typical butterfly 
population sizes, the magnitude of effects due to habitat fragmentation 
and isolation, drought, and wildfire are likely exacerbated by small 
population size.
    Therefore, multiple threats are acting in concert to fragment, 
limit, and degrade Hermes copper butterfly habitat and decrease species 
resiliency, redundancy, and representation. The effects of these 
threats are evidenced by the loss and isolation of many populations 
throughout the range; those remaining extant populations fall within 
very high fire-hazard areas.

Species Viability Index

    In the absence of population dynamics data required for a 
population viability analysis, we constructed a relatively simple 
viability index in our SSA report to better understand how species 
viability may change with changing conditions (Service 2021, pp. 66-
68). In our index calculations, the contribution of a population to 
species-level redundancy depends on population-level resiliency, and 
contribution to species-level representation depends on how rare 
populations are in the habitat type (California Ecological Unit) it 
occupies (Service 2021, Figure 13). Species redundancy and 
representation are assumed to equally influence species viability. We 
assign a 100 percent species viability index value to the baseline 
state of all known historical population occurrences in the United 
States. For this index calculation, we do not consider occurrences in 
Mexico, because there are only 3 (possibly 2) out of a total of 98, and 
all are presumed extirpated. For a detailed description of our 
methodology and of viability index results, see the Species Viability 
Index section of the SSA report (Service 2021, pp. 58-62).
    Our index of species viability is indicative of changes in species 
viability (the ability of a species to sustain populations in the 
natural ecosystem beyond 30 years); in other words, it is correlated 
with the likelihood of persistence, but is not itself a probability 
value). This viability index is useful for comparison of current and 
future conditions to historical baseline conditions, with an assumed 
baseline indefinite likelihood of persistence. We can assume the index 
value and species viability move in the same direction over time (both 
decrease or increase together); however, once the probability of 
persistence for 30 years drops significantly below 100 percent (as 
populations become fewer, less resilient, and more isolated), viability 
likely decreases faster than the index value.
    To calculate the viability index, we first estimated species 
redundancy and species representation. To estimate a current species 
redundancy value, we ranked each occurrence's resiliency based on the 
status and their relative connectedness (Service 2021, p. 53; Appendix 
III). We estimate there are currently 15 presumed extant, 1 extant non-
core isolated, 1 core isolated, and 8 extant core connected occurrences 
and based on our calculations, the species currently retains 14 percent 
of its historical population redundancy (Service 2021, p. 57).
    In order to model species representation, we used California 
Ecological Units (Goudey and Smith 1994 [2007]; see Table 1 above) as a 
measure of habitat diversity (Service 2021, Figure 10). Using those 
units, occupancy in the Coastal Terraces (CT) ecological unit has been 
reduced to 9 percent, in the Coastal Hills (CH) unit to 18 percent, in 
the Western Granitic Foothills (WGF) unit to 29 percent, and 89 percent 
in the Palomar-Cuyamaca Peak Coastal Terraces (PC) unit. Based on these 
proportional values, the species retains approximately 36 percent of 
its historical species representation (Service 2021, p. 57).
    Species viability was calculated by summing the results of the 
redundancy and representation calculations (Service 2021, p. 57); we 
estimate the species viability index value is approximately 25 percent 
of its historical value.

Summary of Current Condition

    Of the 98 known historical occurrences in southern California, 
there are currently 26 occurrences that are believed to be extant or 
presumed extant; therefore, there is limited population resiliency to 
withstand stochastic events. Based on our viability index, Hermes 
copper butterfly has lost significant viability over the past 50 years. 
However, extant and presumed extant occurrences are represented across 
a continuum of elevations and varying habitat diversity. This helps 
ensure the species has sufficient representation to provide the 
adaptive capacity necessary to maintain species viability. The number 
of occurrences presumed and considered to be extant also provides 
redundancy to protect the species against catastrophic events. While we 
know fire, drought, and climate change are ongoing stressors that 
continue to adversely affect the species' viability, under current 
conditions, there appear to be a sufficient number of extant and 
presumed extant occurrences to currently sustain the species in the 
wild. Additionally, the majority of extant occurrences are on conserved 
lands, providing some protection from ongoing threats.

Future Condition

    To analyze species viability, we consider the current and future 
availability or condition of resources. The consequences of missing 
resources are assessed to describe the species' current condition and 
to project possible future conditions.

[[Page 72406]]

    As discussed above, we generally define viability as the ability of 
the species to sustain populations in the natural ecosystem for the 
foreseeable future, in this case, 30 years. We chose 30 years because 
it is within the range of the available hydrological and climate change 
model forecasts, fire hazard period calculations, habitat-vegetation 
association, and fire-return intervals.
Threats
    To consider the possible future viability of Hermes copper 
butterfly, we first analyzed the potential future conditions of ongoing 
threats. Possible development still in the preliminary planning stage 
(Service and CDFW 2016) could destroy occupied or suitable habitat on 
private land within the North Santee occurrence. Similar concerns apply 
to habitat in the Lyons Valley, Skyline Truck Trail area. Habitat 
isolation is a continuing concern for Hermes copper butterfly as lack 
of dispersal corridor-connectivity areas among occupied areas limits 
the ability of the species to recolonize extirpated habitat. 
Development outside of occupied habitat can also negatively affect the 
species by creating dispersal corridor-connectivity barriers throughout 
the range.
    Anticipated severity of effects from future habitat development and 
isolation varies across the range of the species. Within U.S. Forest 
Service (USFS) lands (2,763 ha (6,829 ac)), we anticipate future 
development, if any, will be limited. As it implements specific 
activities within its jurisdiction, the USFS has incorporated measures 
into the Cleveland National Forest Plan to address threats to Hermes 
copper butterfly and its habitat (USFS 2005, Appendix B, p. 36). The 
limited number of Hermes copper butterfly occurrences within Bureau of 
Land Management's (BLM) National Landscape Conservation System Otay 
Mountain Wilderness is also unlikely to face future development 
pressure. Based on our analysis, we conclude land use change, while 
significant when combined with the stressor of wildfire, will not be 
the most significant future source of Hermes copper butterfly 
population decline and loss. Some habitat areas vulnerable to 
development are more important than others to the species' viability 
because of their history of occupancy, size, or geographic location. 
Development poses a potential threat to certain known occurrences 
including North Santee, Loveland Reservoir, Skyline Truck Trail, North 
Jamul, and South Japutal core occurrences (26 percent of the core 
occurrences considered or presumed extant; Service 2021, pp. 23-28, 
41). Absent additional conservation of occupied habitat and dispersal 
corridor-connectivity areas, effects of habitat loss, fragmentation, 
and isolation will continue to extirpate occurrences, degrade existing 
Hermes copper butterfly habitat, and reduce movement of butterflies 
among occurrences, which reduces the likelihood of natural 
recolonizations following extirpation events (Service 2021, p. 53 and 
Figure 9).
    As discussed above, wildfire can permanently affect habitat 
suitability. If areas are reburned at a high enough frequency, 
California buckwheat may not have the time necessary to become 
reestablished, rendering the habitat unsuitable for Hermes copper 
butterfly (Marschalek and Klein 2010, p. 728). Loss of nectar plants is 
not the only habitat effect caused by wildfire; habitat type conversion 
increases flammable fuel load and fire frequency, further stressing 
Hermes copper butterfly populations. Therefore, habitat modification 
due to wildfire is cause for both short- and long-term habitat impact 
concerns.
    We expect that wildfire will continue to cause direct mortality of 
Hermes copper butterflies. In light of the recent drought-influenced 
wildfires in southern California, a future megafire affecting most or 
all of the area burned by the Laguna Fire in 1970 (40-year-old 
chaparral) could encompass the majority of extant occurrences and 
result in significantly reduced species viability (Service 2021, 
Figures 8 and 9).
    In the case of Hermes copper butterfly, the primary limiting 
species-level resource is dispersal corridor-connectivity areas of 
formerly occupied to currently occupied habitats, on which the 
likelihood of post-fire recolonization depends. We further analyzed 
fire frequency data to determine the effect on occurrence status and 
the likelihood of extirpation over the next 30 years. Our analysis 
concluded that the probability of a megafire occurring in Hermes copper 
butterfly's range has significantly increased. During the past 15 years 
(2004-2019), there were six megafires within Hermes copper butterfly's 
possible historical range (Poomacha, Paradise, Witch, Cedar, Otay Mine, 
and Harris; all prior to 2008), a significant increase compared to none 
during the two previous 15-year periods (1973-2003), and only one prior 
to 1973 (Laguna). This represents a more than six-fold increase in the 
rate of megafire occurrence over the past 30 years. While fires meeting 
our megafire definition of greater than 16,187 ha (40,000 ac) have not 
occurred in the past 10 years, several relatively large fires occurred 
in the Hermes copper butterfly's range in 2014, 2017, and 2020. The 
Cocos and Bernardo fires burned approximately 809 ha (2,000 ac) and 607 
ha (1,500 ac) of potentially occupied Hermes copper butterfly habitat 
near the Elfin Forest and the Black Mountain occurrences in 2014 
(Service 2021, Figure 5). A smaller unnamed fire burned approximately 
38 ha (95 ac) of potential habitat near the extant core Mission Trails 
occurrence in 2014 (Burns et al., 2014; City News Source 2014). In 
2017, the Lilac Fire burned 1,659 ha (4,100 ac) of potentially occupied 
habitat between the Bonsall and Elfin Forest occurrences. Most notably, 
as discussed in ``Wildfire,'' the Valley Fire burned 6,632 ha (16,390 
ac) in 2020, impacting or posing a threat to several extant core 
occurrences. At the current large-fire return rate, multiple megafires 
could impact Hermes copper butterfly over the next 30 years, and that 
assumes no further increase in rate. If the trend does not at least 
stabilize, the frequency of megafires could continue to increase with 
even more devastating impacts to the species.
    As discussed above, climate change and associated drought are 
stressors estimated to have had a significant impact on the species 
over the last 15 years. Furthermore, new information on availability of 
key nutrients from host plants (Malter 2020, p. 28; see Background), 
combined with apparent drought sensitivity, suggest a narrow climatic 
envelope for the species within the range of its host plant that is 
shifting with climate change. Because climate differences noted in the 
new study are correlated with latitude, we expect the reverse 
relationship (hotter and drier outside the historical range) to the 
east (desert) and south of the species' historical range. Evidence of 
limited movement and immigration capacity of the species, as well as 
significantly reduced dispersal corridor-connectivity areas within the 
species' historical range due to land use change, indicates a climate-
change-driven shift in habitat suitability not likely to be mirrored by 
a corresponding shift in the species' range at the pace required to 
maintain species viability. Support for this hypothesis presented in 
the SSA report (Service 2021, pp. 64-65) indicates assisted 
recolonization, and even assisted colonization (range-shift) may be 
required in the future for species survival.
    Combined effects increase the likelihood of significant and 
irreversible loss of populations, compared to individual effects. If 
fewer source populations are available over time to

[[Page 72407]]

recolonize burned habitat when host and nectar plants have sufficiently 
regenerated, the combined effects of these threats will continue to 
reduce resiliency, redundancy, and representation, resulting in an 
increase in species extinction risk.
Future Scenarios
    Given climate change predictions of more extreme weather, less 
precipitation, and warmer temperatures, and the recent trend of 
relatively frequent and large fires, we can assume the primary threats 
of drought and wildfire will continue to increase in magnitude. If land 
managers work to conserve and manage all occupied and temporarily 
unoccupied habitat, and maintain habitat contiguity and dispersal 
corridor-connectivity, this should prevent further habitat loss. 
Although fire and drought are difficult to control and manage for, 
natural recolonization and assisted recolonization through 
translocation in higher abundance years (e.g., Marschalek and 
Deutschman 2016b) should allow recolonization of extirpated 
occurrences.
    All scenarios described below incorporate some change in 
environmental conditions. However, it is important to keep in mind that 
even if environmental conditions remain unchanged, the species may 
continue to lose populations so that viability declines by virtue of 
maintaining the current trend. Given that there is uncertainty as to 
exact future trends of many threats, these future scenarios are meant 
to explore the range of uncertainty and examine the species' response 
across the range of plausible future conditions. For more detailed 
discussions of the future scenarios, see the Possible Future Conditions 
section of the SSA report (Service 2021, pp. 60-62).
    Scenario 1: Conditions worsen throughout the range, resulting in 
increased extinction risk.
    Due to a combination of increased wildfire and drought frequency 
and severity, no habitat patches are recolonized, and all Hermes copper 
butterfly occurrences with a low resilience score are extirpated. These 
losses would reduce the species redundancy and the species would retain 
approximately 8 percent of its historical baseline population 
redundancy. The species would retain approximately 7 percent of its 
historical representation. Resulting changes to the population 
redundancy and representation values would cause an approximate drop in 
the viability index value from 25 to 7 percent relative to historical 
conditions.
    Scenario 2: A megafire comparable to the 1970 Laguna Fire increases 
extinction risk.
    If there was a megafire comparable to the 1970 Laguna Fire, many 
occurrences would likely be extirpated, and, due to the number of 
occurrences already lost, the likelihood of any being recolonized would 
be low. With regard to redundancy, these losses would result in the 
additional loss of four unknown status occurrences; no small isolated 
occurrences; three small, connected or large, isolated occurrences; and 
five large, connected occurrences.
    In this scenario, the species would retain 5 percent of its 
historical baseline redundancy and 23 percent of its historical 
representation. These changes to population redundancy and 
representation values would result in an approximate drop in the 
viability index value relative to historical conditions from the 
current 25 percent to 14 percent.
    While the Laguna Fire footprint is used in this scenario as an 
example of an event similar to that, it includes loss of the ``Roberts 
Ranch South'' Descanso occurrence site south of I-8, the highest 
occupancy monitored site (Service 2021, Appendix III) and one of only 
three areas where adults were observed in 2020 (Service 2021; Table 1, 
Figure 8). Because no adults have been detected post-drought in the 
northern portion of the Descanso occurrence, the entire occurrence 
could be lost, and it is in an area where the probability of wildfire 
is high. Loss of this occurrence would likely have a greater impact on 
species viability than indicated by these index calculations.
    Scenario 3: Conditions stay the same, resulting in extinction risk 
staying the same.
    While environmental conditions never stay the same, changes that 
negatively affect populations may be offset by positive ones--for 
example, continued habitat conservation and management actions such as 
translocations to recolonize burned habitats, or the current trend of 
more frequent drought is reversed. In this scenario, the risk of 
wildfire remains high. Occurrence extirpations and decreased resiliency 
of some populations in this scenario are balanced by habitat 
recolonizations and increased resiliency in others. The species 
viability index value would thus remain at approximately 25 percent 
relative to historical conditions. Even if environmental conditions 
remain unchanged, the species may continue to lose populations so that 
viability declines by virtue of maintaining the current trend.

Summary of Comments and Recommendations

    In the proposed rule published on January 8, 2020 (85 FR 1018), we 
requested that all interested parties submit written comments on the 
proposal by February 24, 2020. We also contacted appropriate Federal 
and State agencies, scientific experts and organizations, and other 
interested parties and invited them to comment on the proposal. 
Newspaper notices inviting general public comment were published in the 
San Diego Union-Tribune. We did not receive any requests for a public 
hearing.
    We received 448 comments: 437 from members of the public (including 
432 whose comments were collected by a conservation organization and 
submitted on their behalf), 2 individuals involved in Hermes copper 
butterfly research, 3 conservation organizations, 1 public utility 
company, 3 local governmental agencies, the U.S. Marine Corps Air 
Station (MCAS) Miramar, and the USFS. In all, 443 commenters explicitly 
supported listing the species as threatened or endangered, and 5 
commenters indicated it should be listed as endangered, not threatened, 
or provided data to support endangered status. No commenters argued the 
species should not be listed. Several commenters provided specific 
information they believed was relevant to the final listing rule, and 
three recommended specific changes. Three comments addressed the 
proposed designation of critical habitat. We reviewed all comments and 
information received from the public for substantive issues and new 
information regarding the proposed listing of the species; we 
incorporated new scientific information as appropriate, and address 
comments below.

Peer Reviewer Comments

    As discussed in Supporting Documents above, we received comments 
from six peer reviewers. We reviewed all comments we received from the 
peer reviewers for substantive issues and new information regarding the 
information contained in the SSA report. The peer reviewers generally 
concurred with our methods and conclusions, and provided additional 
information, clarifications, and

[[Page 72408]]

suggestions to improve the final SSA report. Peer reviewer comments are 
addressed in the following summary and were incorporated into the final 
SSA report as appropriate.
    Comment 1: Two peer reviewers expressed concerns about the 
interpretation of the limited population genetic analyses performed on 
this species across its range, emphasizing that study results did not 
demonstrate contemporary gene flow and population structure.
    Our response: We removed discussion of interpretations questioned 
by the reviewer, and stated that more information is needed to fully 
understand movement patterns of Hermes copper butterfly.
    Comment 2: One peer reviewer expressed concern that there was 
little mention of either effective population size or minimum viable 
population size that can be accomplished using mark-recapture or 
genetic data. They also noted that the SSA report did not address local 
adaptation (ecological and genetic), quantified inbreeding (and 
depression), landscape connectivity (specifically via un-sampled 
populations/corridors), and temporal genetic variability (or loss 
thereof). Finally, they stated the species viability model does not 
account for the traditional ``error'' variables, including genetic, and 
other stochastic factors. They recommended using a more robust 
probabilistic model that incorporates persistence likelihood such as 
the population viability analysis used by Schultz and Hammond (2003, 
entire). They specifically recommended analyzing genetic samples of 
museum specimens from Mexico.
    Our response: We agree the suggested future analyses would aid our 
understanding of the species. However, we do not currently have the 
data needed for the genetic-based analyses suggested by the peer 
reviewer, and we must make our decision based on the best scientific 
and commercial information available at the time of our rulemaking. 
Landscape connectivity (specifically via un-sampled populations/
corridors) is generally addressed in the discussions of isolation due 
to development and in the population resiliency score that is 
incorporated in the viability index calculations. We will continue to 
update our information on the species as new data become available.
    Comment 3: One commenter stated that our wildfire threat discussion 
led him to believe that it seems necessary to start translocating 
adults from the occurrences that fall within the large contiguous area 
not recently burned to unoccupied habitats. They thought the need for 
translocation should be emphasized more.
    Our response: Translocation is a potential recovery tool for this 
species. However, based on the information we have at this time, we are 
concerned that there is not a high likelihood of success and there may 
be negative impacts to the source populations. We will assess the 
potential for translocations (direct movement of individuals from one 
location to another) and assisted recolonization (including rearing of 
offspring for increased survival prior to reintroduction) in our 
recovery planning efforts based on species distribution and occurrence 
status at that time.
    Comment 6: One commenter with expertise in modelling thought the 
species viability index was ``interesting and useful,'' and unlike any 
model they had seen before. Although they said they understood it, they 
found the description of it misleading and confusing, in particular 
that it was falsely described as a probability model. They stated that 
we have permanently altered this ecosystem, which resulted in the 
resulting decrease in viability. They also agreed the viability index 
is a valid way to measure decline from historical viability, but argued 
it does not provide information for the future, and has no direct 
relationship with extinction risk, even proportionally. Finally, the 
commenter said they thought the viability index analysis results were 
interpreted to indicate a more positive outlook than the rest of the 
SSA report supports.
    Our response: We edited the index description to be less confusing 
and corrected the characterization as a probability model. While we 
understand the viability index is not a model that provides future 
predictions, to the extent future scenarios are plausible future 
projections, and the index can be calculated based on changes to 
parameters in those future scenarios, we believe it provides useful 
information about the species' potential future status. Finally, we are 
not sure the statement that the index value has no ``direct'' 
relationship with extinction risk is accurate. We agree that we cannot 
know if the viability index is directly proportional to probability of 
persistence/extinction risk (a change in one value is correlated with 
same amount of change in the other), and we edited our text to reflect 
that. However, while the exact nature of the relationship cannot be 
known, it must be at least inversely proportional as stated, even if 
the extinction risk increases at a different rate than the viability 
index value decreases. For example, the relationship might be linearly, 
but not directly, proportional. That said, the relationship is more 
likely to be an exponentially inversely proportional one (uncertain 
inflection point), with the extinction risk increasing exponentially as 
the index value decreases; as the species approaches the extinction 
threshold, synergy among threat effects such as small population size 
and isolation will likely increase. If such a relationship is in fact 
the case, it is possible the viability index analysis indicates a more 
positive outlook than the rest of the Species Status Assessment 
supports, as the commenter asserted.
    Comment 7: One commenter said they found the three scenarios 
interesting and useful, but did not understand the implicit assumption 
that conditions would have to change for extinction risk to change. 
They pointed out it is possible that populations will continue to 
decline, even if conditions stay the same.
    Our response: SSAs forecast species' response to potential changing 
environmental conditions and conservation efforts using plausible 
future scenarios. These scenarios characterizes a species' ability to 
sustain populations in the wild over time (viability) based on the best 
scientific understanding of current and plausible future abundance and 
distribution within the species' ecological settings.
    We edited scenario 3 to explain this possibility: Even if 
environmental conditions remain unchanged, the species may continue to 
lose populations so that viability declines by virtue of maintaining 
the current trend.

Federal Agency Comments

    Comment 8: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's comments concurred 
with our determination that their Integrated Natural Resources 
Management Plan (INRMP) contains elements that benefit the Hermes 
copper butterfly. They further stated that conservation measures were 
identified in the INRMP to conserve all habitat found occupied by the 
Hermes copper butterfly prior to the 2003 wildfire. They pointed out 
that because occurrences listed in Table 1 lacked associated geographic 
text descriptions or map numbers, they did not understand where 
occurrences are located with respect to MCAS Miramar, and expressed 
concern that the occurrence names in Table 1 are similar to ones they 
use for other areas and will lead to confusion.
    Our Response: We appreciate MCAS Miramar taking the time to provide 
specific comments. We revised Table 1 and added map numbers in the 
first

[[Page 72409]]

column to help locate each mapped occurrence in Figures 6 and 7 of the 
SSA report (Service 2021).

Comments From States

    We did not receive any comments from the State of California.

Comments From Tribes

    We did not receive any comments from Tribes.

Public Comments

    Comment 9: Four commenters stated specifically the species should 
be listed as endangered, not threatened. One additional commenter 
submitted a research report as part of his comment with species 
monitoring information as evidence to support endangered status. He did 
not specifically recommend listing the species as endangered, but 
concluded Hermes copper butterfly is at risk of being lost from the 
United States in the near future.
    Our Response: We reviewed all new comments and all the updated data 
and information, and concluded that based on current and future 
threats, the Hermes copper butterfly continues to meet the definition 
of threatened because there appear to be a sufficient number of extant 
and presumed extant occurrences to currently sustain the species in the 
wild. Additionally, the majority of extant occurrences are on conserved 
lands, providing some protection from ongoing threats. We invite all 
interested parties to continue to send us information and data on the 
Hermes copper butterfly. Additionally, in accordance with section 
4(c)(2) of the Endangered Species Act, the status of Hermes copper 
butterfly will be reviewed every 5 years .
    Comment 10: One conservation organization indicated that there are 
opportunities for habitat enhancement in places like parks and private 
lands with the planting of spiny redberry host plants in natural 
habitat conditions that could aid in the species' recovery.
    Our Response: We agree that such opportunities could be beneficial 
for the species; however, host plant availability does not appear to be 
a limiting factor within the species' range. Planting of spiny redberry 
in areas where landscape connectivity has been limited by development 
may be most beneficial. There are currently no plans for such 
plantings, but conservation and planting of host plants will likely be 
incorporated into future conservation planning.
    Comment 11: We received two comments discussing the net benefit of 
the proposed Fanita Ranch project to Hermes copper butterfly 
conservation and recovery. One local government agency and the project 
proponent (who included as an attachment a proposed development 
footprint) stated the proposed Fanita Ranch development would provide 
long-term Hermes copper butterfly habitat restoration, permanent 
management, and protection from fire in preserved areas on the property 
and maintain and enhance habitat connectivity. They asserted that 
Hermes copper butterfly may be extirpated from the property and require 
reintroduction. Additionally, they stated that because the local 
government agency must rely on developers to implement reintroduction 
and because the present opportunity is with current owners, 
reintroduction is most likely once the current project is approved.
    Our Response: Based on our threats analysis (Service 2021, p. 61), 
it is not clear the proposed Fanita Ranch project would be a net 
benefit to Hermes copper butterfly conservation and recovery. The 
potential positive and negative impacts of this project to Hermes 
copper butterfly are currently, and will continue to be, addressed 
through discussion and consultation with the project applicants.
    Comment 12: Four commenters expressed concerns about the impacts of 
the proposed Fanita Ranch project on the North Santee Core occurrence 
complex. Specifically, one conservation organization said there are 
significant patches of habitat that would be impacted by the proposed 
Fanita Ranch project, and habitat on northern and southern portions of 
the Fanita Ranch should be protected through conservation to maintain 
connectivity to adjacent undeveloped areas. A second conservation 
organization provided a detailed rebuttal to comments supporting the 
Fanita Ranch project, arguing generally the proposed development is a 
threat to Hermes copper butterfly.
    Our Response: Based on our threats analysis (Service 2021, p. 61), 
we acknowledge it is possible the proposed Fanita Ranch project would 
negatively impact Hermes copper butterfly conservation and recovery. 
Such concerns are, and will continue to be, addressed through 
discussion and consultation with the project applicants regarding the 
Hermes copper butterfly.
    Comment 13: Three commenters requested additional exceptions from 
take prohibitions under section 9(A)(1) of the Endangered Species Act. 
A public utility company described activities they have undertaken 
under their Wildfire Mitigation Plan that they believe have benefited 
the species and minimized wildfire damage and expressed support for the 
proposed take prohibition exceptions. They stated the proposed take 
prohibition exceptions would benefit them and the species by enabling 
them to continue activities that minimize wildfire risk. They proposed 
additional exceptions for fire-hardening and vegetation management 
activities carried out by utilities.
    A local government agency expressed support for the proposed 
exception to take prohibition for fire prevention and management 
activities, but recommended the specific ``30 meter (m) (100 feet 
(ft))'' brush-clearing distance be deleted from the third exception, as 
this distance may change with future fire code updates.
    One commenter requested we include a proposed development project 
(Village 13) in the mapped area specifying portions of the range exempt 
from take prohibitions under section 9(a)(1) of the Act (see Figure 1) 
because past surveys for host plants indicate this area would most 
likely not support the Hermes copper butterfly.
    Our Response: We conclude that the utility company commenter's 
Wildfire Mitigation Plan will benefit Hermes copper butterfly through 
the control and minimization of wildfires within San Diego County. We 
did not edit take exceptions per the commenter's request because we are 
currently working with this company on an amendment to their Habitat 
Conservation Plan/Natural Communities Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) to 
provide for additional conservation and incidental take authorization 
of covered species, and to address new species including Hermes copper 
butterfly. The amendment includes new protocols that avoid and minimize 
impacts to the species from covered activities, including fire-
hardening and vegetation management. We believe this amendment process 
is the appropriate mechanism to cover activities impacting the Hermes 
copper butterfly and addresses the commenter's concerns regarding the 
need for additional exceptions to take prohibitions.
    We edited the third take prohibition exception to remove the 30-m 
(100-ft) distance for defensible space from structures; we did this to 
clarify that any activities to reduce wildfire risks must be done in 
compliance with State and local fire codes. Currently, this distance is 
still 30 m (100 ft), but the rewording allows for flexibility to ensure 
that activities will be in compliance with State of California fire 
codes if they change.
    We did not include the Village 13 project area in the mapped areas 
exempt from take prohibitions under section

[[Page 72410]]

9(a)(1) of the Act (Figure 1). Doing so would be inconsistent with our 
methodology, as we did not consider host plant distribution data when 
constructing this map. Although Hermes copper butterfly is not a 
covered species under the existing County MSCP subarea plan (includes 
the Village 13 project), the County of San Diego just received a 
Section 6 planning grant to prepare a Butterfly HCP that would cover 
the Hermes copper butterfly and other butterfly species, and the 
Village 13 project area is within the draft plan boundary. Therefore, 
this issue should be addressed during HCP development, or if the site 
is as described, the project proponent can provide a simple habitat 
assessment demonstrating there is no need for surveys or possibility of 
take. Such a habitat assessment would serve to streamline the process 
at least as much as an exception from take prohibitions under section 
9(A)(1) of the Endangered Species Act, which does not eliminate the 
need for consultation under section 7 of the Act (see Provisions of the 
4(d) Rule below).
    Comment 14: One public utility company said their above- and below-
ground electric and gas facilities, the vegetation management probable 
impact zones around these facilities, and rights-of-way should be 
excluded from critical habitat designation based on the existing HCP 
and other conservation-oriented activities. They pointed out that the 
Service excluded other utility facilities from critical habitat 
designation for the coastal California gnatcatcher based on the 
adequacy of their HCP/NCCP to ensure conservation and management of 
habitat (72 FR 72010; December 19, 2007). They further stated that even 
though the Hermes copper butterfly is not covered by their current HCP/
NCCP, its operational protocols sufficiently mitigate impacts to the 
species' habitat (1995 SDG&E NCCP/HCP, pp. 103-109).
    Our Response: Should the proposed HCP/NCCP amendment be approved, 
it would address impacts to critical habitat from both operation and 
maintenance activities as well as construction of new facilities. The 
referenced exclusion from coastal California gnatcatcher critical 
habitat designation occurred because the existing HCP/NCCP covered that 
species, and our Biological Opinion analysis had already determined 
operational protocols sufficiently mitigate impacts to the species' 
habitat. It is possible this company's existing HCP/NCCP does 
sufficiently mitigate habitat impacts; however, this analysis is 
appropriately addressed through the ongoing HCP/NCCP amendment process.
    With respect to rights-of-way maintenance activities in areas of 
critical habitat, Federal agencies that authorize, carry out, or fund 
actions that may affect listed species or designated critical habitat 
are required to consult with us to ensure the action is not likely to 
jeopardize listed species or destroy or adversely modify designated 
critical habitat. This consultation requirement under section 7 of the 
Act is not a prohibition of Federal agency actions; rather, it is a 
means by which they may proceed in a manner that avoids jeopardy or 
adverse modification. Even in areas absent designated critical habitat, 
if the Federal agency action may affect a listed species, consultation 
is still required to ensure the action is not likely to jeopardize the 
species. Additionally, existing consultation processes also allow for 
emergency actions for wildfire and other risks to human life and 
property; critical habitat would not prevent the commenter from 
fulfilling those obligations. Lastly, we note that actions of private 
entities for which there is no Federal nexus (i.e., undertaken with no 
Federal agency involvement) do not trigger any requirement for 
consultation.
    In regard to the commenter's specific request to exclude their 
rights-of-way areas from the critical habitat designation, the 
commenter provided general statements of their desire to be excluded 
but no information or reasoned rationale as described in our preamble 
discussion in our policy on exclusions (see Policy Regarding 
Implementation of Section 4(b)(2) of the Endangered Species Act: 81 FR 
7226; February 11, 2016) (Policy on Exclusions). For the Service to 
properly evaluate an exclusion request, the commenter must provide 
information concerning how their rights-of-way maintenance activities 
would be limited or curtailed by the designation to support the need 
for exclusion.
    Comment 15: One local government agency explained that they are 
currently seeking approval of their subarea plan under the San Diego 
MSCP. The commenter stated that as part of the subarea plan, they, in 
conjunction with the Fanita Ranch property owner, are developing a 
Hermes copper butterfly habitat restoration plan for the property. The 
commenter believes their MSCP subarea plan will effectively protect the 
region's biodiversity while reducing conflicts between protection of 
wild species and economic development. They stated that the best 
scientific and commercial data available indicate that economic and 
other benefits of excluding their draft MSCP subarea plan planning area 
from critical habitat outweigh those of designation and do not indicate 
failure to designate will result in species extinction. They also 
stated that their draft MSCP subarea plan planning areas should be 
excluded from critical habitat with a clause that these areas will be 
automatically designated in the event the HCP is not permitted within a 
fixed period of time.
    Our Response: As discussed in response to comment 15 above, 
although the commenter provided general statements of their desire to 
be excluded and cited some documents, they provided no information or 
reasoned rationale as described in our preamble discussion in our 
Policy on Exclusions. We acknowledge the effort to prepare the subarea 
plan for the MSCP. The protective provisions provided by completed HCPs 
are an important part of balancing species conservation with the needs 
of entities to manage their lands for public and private good. However, 
in the absence of an approved HCP, there are no assurances of funding 
or implementation of the measures included in such a plan. We cannot 
rely on the presumed benefits of an HCP that is currently in 
development (see Policy on Exclusions, 81 FR 7226; February 11, 2016). 
Should an HCP be approved, we will be required to ensure that the 
project will not adversely modify Hermes copper butterfly designated 
critical habitat. Therefore, an approved HCP will address critical 
habitat concerns for projects within the HCP subarea plan boundary.
    Because the commenter did not provide a reasoned rationale for 
exclusion and there is no approved subarea plan at this time, we are 
not considering the areas covered by the draft plan for exclusion from 
the final designation of critical habitat.
    Comment 16: The local government agency also asserted the majority 
of the Fanita Ranch property proposed as critical habitat does not meet 
the definition of critical habitat because it does not contain the 
physical or biological features, based on mapping of spiny redberry 
within 5 m (15 ft) of California buckwheat. The Fanita Ranch project 
applicant provided similar comments, referencing the benefits of 
fostering a conservation partnership as the primary reason the Fanita 
Ranch property should be excluded from critical habitat.
    Our Response: With regard to assertions of errors in the critical 
habitat designation, spiny redberry within 5 m (15 ft) of California 
buckwheat was not a listed physical or biological feature

[[Page 72411]]

essential to the conservation of the Hermes copper butterfly, nor have 
we determined it should be, nor have we determined it is a valid 
mapping method based on the listed features. As stated in Physical or 
Biological Features Essential to the Conservation of the Species: 
Plants specifically identified as significant nectar sources include 
California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and golden yarrow 
(Eriophylum confirtiflorum). Any other butterfly nectar source (short 
flower corolla) species found associated with spiny redberry that 
together provide nectar similar in abundance to that typically provided 
by California buckwheat would also meet adult nutritional requirements. 
Additionally, in regard to the commenter's specific request to exclude 
their project area from the critical habitat designation based on 
partnership benefits, the commenter provided general statements of 
their desire to be excluded but no information or reasoned rationale. 
As discussed in the response to Comment 15, for the Service to properly 
evaluate an exclusion request, the commenter must provide information 
concerning how our partnership would be limited or curtailed by the 
designation to support the need for exclusion. We agree that there are 
strong benefits to a conservation agreement that can lead to exclusion 
from critical habitat; however, in this case, there is no final, 
approved plan in place.
    Comment 17: Another local government agency requested we reevaluate 
designation of critical habitat in isolated areas surrounded by 
development, and identified by experts as likely extirpated, because 
these areas seem unlikely to contribute to species recovery.
    Our Response: It is not clear what isolated areas were referenced 
by the commenters. All critical habitat units are considered occupied 
(see Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat for more detail on how 
we determined occupancy). Given the limited distribution of Hermes 
copper butterfly, we consider all critical habitat areas important for 
conservation of the species. Our analysis indicated that isolated areas 
designated as critical habitat contribute to habitat diversity within 
the species' range and possibly to genetic diversity (representation), 
which in turn will contribute to species recovery.
    Comment 18: One local government agency and one project proponent 
expressed concern about the effect of this listing on areas already 
approved for development by the City of San Diego MSCP Subarea Plan. In 
particular, they argued we did not follow the mutual assurances 
requirements in Section 9.7 Future Listings of the MSCP's Implementing 
Agreement, and the proposed listing would encumber land in the Del Mar 
Mesa area, the center of a planned commercial and residential 
``village'' (intersection of State Route 56, Camino del Sur, and its 
future connection to Rancho Pe[ntilde]asquitos).
    Our Response: Although Hermes copper butterfly was considered for 
coverage in the MSCP, it was ultimately not included on the permit due 
to unknown conservation level and insufficient distribution and life-
history data. Since then, we have worked closely with researchers to 
learn more about the species and its distribution. The commenter 
references portions of Section 9.7 of the Implementing Agreement, which 
addresses future listings. Consistent with Section 9.7.A., the Service 
evaluated the conservation provided by the MSCP during the status 
review for Hermes copper butterfly; however, this was not clear in the 
proposed rule. We have updated the SSA report and final rule to better 
reflect our analysis of conservation provided by the MSCP. The other 
referenced section (9.7.C.) outlines how a ``non-covered'' species can 
be added to the permit. The commenter is correct that we had not 
initiated this process when they wrote their letter. Since that time, 
we have had discussions with both local government agencies who 
commented regarding the development of a county-wide HCP that would 
address several sensitive butterflies, including Hermes copper 
butterfly. One local government is submitting a request for planning 
dollars that would be used to prepare the HCP. Consistent with the 
intent of Section 9.7.C., one of the first tasks in the planning 
process would be to evaluate existing measures, including the MSCP. The 
commenter referenced a planned project on Del Mar Mesa; however, little 
information was provided regarding what the potential conflict is. 
There are no known occurrences of Hermes copper butterfly on Del Mar 
Mesa, nor is there any critical habitat designated in that area. 
Therefore, we do not anticipate the referenced project being affected 
by this listing.
    Comment 19: One local government agency stated they do not agree 
with our proposed listing rule where we stated that ``there is no 
coordinated effort to prioritize Hermes copper butterfly conservation 
efforts within the species' range,'' arguing the County of San Diego 
supports such an effort through the San Diego Management and Monitoring 
Program (SDMMP).
    Our Response: We edited the statement and updated the rule to 
better reflect the ongoing conservation efforts within the region. We 
appreciate and support the conservation efforts and partnership 
building provided by the SDMMP for Hermes copper butterfly and other 
species of concern. The SDMMP includes the Hermes copper butterfly in 
their Management Strategic Plan, and is working collaboratively with 
the Service and other stakeholders to develop management and monitoring 
goals and objectives for the species. We look forward to working with 
the County to bring the plan to completion, including ensuring the plan 
has funding for implementation.
    Comment 20: One local government agency asked if we will accept San 
Diego County's current survey guidelines developed in concert with 
experts for use in current and future projects until such time as the 
FWS develops its own survey guidelines.
    Our Response: At this time, the survey protocol required by San 
Diego County is the only widely used protocol for Hermes, and we will 
continue to support this protocol until an updated protocol is 
established.

Determination of Hermes Copper Butterfly Status

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

[[Page 72412]]

following factors are impacting the resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation of the species: Wildfire (Factor A), land use change 
(Factor A), habitat fragmentation and isolation (Factor A), climate 
change (Factor E), and drought (Factor E); as well as the cumulative 
effect of these factors on the species, including synergistic 
interactions between the threats and the vulnerability of the species 
resulting from small population size. We also considered the effect of 
existing regulatory mechanisms (Factor D) on the magnitude of existing 
threats. Potential impacts associated with overutilization (Factor B), 
disease (Factor C), and predation (Factor C) were evaluated but found 
to have little to no impact on species viability (Service 2021, p. 50); 
thus, we did not discuss them in this document.
    Individually, land use change (Factor A), habitat fragmentation and 
isolation (Factor A), climate change (Factor A), and drought (Factor E) 
are impacting the Hermes copper butterfly and its habitat. Although 
most impacts from land use change have occurred in the past, and some 
existing regulations are in place to protect remaining occurrences, 33 
percent of historically occupied habitat is not protected and remains 
at risk from land use change. As a result of past development, which 
contributed to the loss of 26 occurrences (Table 1), species 
representation has been reduced through loss of most occurrences in 
ecological units closest to the coast, while redundancy has decreased 
through loss of overall numbers of occurrences. Remaining habitat has 
been fragmented, decreasing species resiliency by removing habitat 
corridors and thus decreasing the species' ability to recolonize 
previously extirpated occurrences. Climate change is currently having 
limited effects on the species; however, drought is likely resulting in 
degradation of habitat and decreased numbers of Hermes copper 
butterflies at all monitored occurrences.
    Wildfire (Factor A) is a primary driver of the Hermes copper 
butterfly's status and is the most significant source of ongoing 
population decline and loss of occurrences. Large fires can eliminate 
source populations before previously burned habitat can be recolonized, 
and can result in long-term or permanent loss of butterfly populations. 
Since 2003, wildfire is estimated to have caused or contributed to the 
extirpation of 34 U.S. occurrences (and 3 in Mexico), and only 3 of 
those are known to have been apparently repopulated. Wildfire frequency 
has significantly increased in Hermes copper butterfly habitat since 
1970. Nearly all mapped occurrences of Hermes copper butterfly 
currently fall within very high fire hazard severity zones, increasing 
the risk that a single megafire could possibly affect the majority of 
extant occurrences. Additionally, based on increasing drought and 
continued climate change, the likelihood of additional megafires 
occurring over the next 30 years is high. Frequent wildfire degrades 
available habitat through conversion of suitable habitat to nonnative 
grasslands, and we anticipate that fire will continue to modify and 
degrade Hermes copper butterfly habitat into the foreseeable future. 
Furthermore, though fuel-reduction activities are ongoing throughout 
much of the species' range, megafires cannot be controlled through 
regulatory mechanisms. We expect the ongoing effects of wildfire will 
continue to result in substantial reductions of species resiliency, 
redundancy, and representation for the Hermes copper butterfly, and 
that the risk of wildfire will continue to increase into the 
foreseeable future.
    Combined effects of threats have a greater impact on the Hermes 
copper butterfly than each threat acting individually. Wildfire 
increases the rate of nonnative grass invasion, which in turn increases 
fire frequency. Overall, these factors increase the likelihood of 
megafires on a range-wide scale now and will continue to make them even 
more likely into the foreseeable future. The combination of habitat 
fragmentation and isolation (as a result of past and potential limited 
future urban development), existing dispersal barriers, and megafires 
(that encompass vast areas and are increasing in frequency) that limit 
and degrade Hermes copper butterfly habitat, results in substantial 
reductions in species resiliency, redundancy, and representation. 
Additionally, effects from habitat fragmentation and isolation, 
megafire, and drought are exacerbated by the small population size and 
isolated populations of the Hermes copper butterfly. Overall, the 
combined effects of threats are currently decreasing the resiliency, 
redundancy, and representation of the Hermes copper butterfly, and we 
expect that they will continue to decrease species viability into the 
foreseeable future.

Status Throughout All of Its Range

    After evaluating threats to the species and assessing the 
cumulative effect of the threats under the section 4(a)(1) factors, we 
find that multiple threats are impacting Hermes copper butterfly across 
its range and will continue to impact the species into the foreseeable 
future. Based on our future scenarios, species viability will either 
stay the same at 25 percent of historical levels, or decrease to 14 or 
7 percent within the foreseeable future. Thus, after assessing the best 
available information and based on the level of viability decrease in 
two of the three future scenarios, we conclude that the Hermes copper 
butterfly is likely to become in danger of extinction within the 
foreseeable future throughout all of its range. We find that the Hermes 
copper butterfly is not currently in danger of extinction because there 
appear to be a sufficient number of extant and presumed extant 
occurrences to currently sustain the species in the wild. Additionally, 
the majority of extant occurrences are on conserved lands, providing 
some protection from ongoing threats.
    Because remaining areas are isolated from each other, if some were 
lost to fire or other threats, the resiliency of the remaining areas 
would not be affected. Although a megafire has the potential to 
extirpate a high number of occurrences, we do not consider it an 
imminent threat because the frequency of such fires is uncertain and 
the fire-return intervals within Hermes copper butterfly habitat are 
15-30-plus years for coastal sage scrub and 30-60 years for chaparral. 
We also expect that impacts to the species from fire and other threats 
will likely increase over time. Thus, after evaluating threats to the 
species and assessing the cumulative effect of the threats under the 
section 4(a)(1) factors, we find that the Hermes copper butterfly is 
not currently in danger of extinction but is likely to become in danger 
of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all of its 
range.

Status Throughout a Significant Portion of Its Range

    Under the Act and our implementing regulations, a species may 
warrant listing if it is in danger of extinction or likely to become so 
in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of 
its range. The court in Center for Biological Diversity v. Everson, 
2020 WL 437289 (D.D.C. Jan. 28, 2020) (Center for Biological 
Diversity), vacated the aspect of the Final Policy on Interpretation of 
the Phrase ``Significant Portion of Its Range'' in the Endangered 
Species Act's Definitions of ``Endangered Species'' and ``Threatened 
Species'' (79 FR 37578; July 1, 2014) that provided that the Service 
does not undertake an analysis of significant portions of a species' 
range if the species warrants listing as threatened throughout all of 
its range. Therefore, we proceed to evaluating whether the

[[Page 72413]]

species is endangered in a significant portion of its range--that is, 
whether there is any portion of the species' range for which both (1) 
the portion is significant; and (2) the species is in danger of 
extinction in that portion. Depending on the case, it might be more 
efficient for us to address the ``significance'' question or the 
``status'' question first. We can choose to address either question 
first. Regardless of which question we address first, if we reach a 
negative answer with respect to the first question that we address, we 
do not need to evaluate the other question for that portion of the 
species' range.
    Following the court's holding in Center for Biological Diversity, 
we now consider whether there are any significant portions of the 
species' range where the species is in danger of extinction now (i.e., 
endangered). In undertaking this analysis for the Hermes copper 
butterfly, we choose to address the status question first--we consider 
information pertaining to the geographic distribution of both the 
species and the threats that the species faces to identify any portions 
of the range where the species is endangered.
    For the Hermes copper butterfly, we considered whether the threats 
are geographically concentrated in any portion of the species' range at 
a biologically meaningful scale. We examined the following threats: 
Wildfire, land use change, habitat isolation, and climate change and 
drought, including cumulative effects. After a careful review of those 
threats, we determined that they are all affecting the Hermes copper 
butterfly across its range. There are varying levels of risk of 
individual threats; for example, fire risk is highest in the southern 
portion of the range, risk of development is higher in the northern 
portion of the range, land use change is occurring in parts of the 
southeastern part of the range, and climate change is most severe at 
lower elevations. Drought is occurring at similar levels rangewide. In 
the northern portion of the range, where development is the primary 
threat, we have no evidence that any remaining occurrences are 
currently at risk from development, though they could be in danger of 
development in the future. In the southern portion of the range, where 
fire is the primary threat, though fire could impact multiple 
occurrences in this part of the range currently, we expect that the 
most substantial impacts from fire will occur in the future. Overall, 
none of these threats are imminent in magnitude or at such a level to 
cause any parts of the range to be in danger of extinction now.
    We found no concentration of threats in any portion of the Hermes 
copper butterfly's range at a biologically meaningful scale. Thus, 
there are no portions of the species' range where the species has a 
different status from its rangewide status. Therefore, no portion of 
the species' range provides a basis for determining that the species is 
in danger of extinction in a significant portion of its range, and we 
determine that the species is likely to become in danger of extinction 
within the foreseeable future throughout all of its range. This is 
consistent with the courts' holdings in Desert Survivors v. Department 
of the Interior, No. 16-cv-01165-JCS, 2018 WL 4053447 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 
24, 2018), and Center for Biological Diversity v. Jewell, 248 F. Supp. 
3d, 946, 959 (D. Ariz. 2017).

Determination of Status

    Our review of the best scientific and commercial data available 
indicates that the Hermes copper butterfly meets the definition of a 
threatened species. Therefore, we are listing the Hermes copper 
butterfly as a threatened species in accordance with sections 3(20) and 
4(a)(1) of the Act.

Available Conservation Measures

    Conservation measures provided to species listed as endangered or 
threatened species under the Act include recognition, recovery actions, 
requirements for Federal protection, and prohibitions against certain 
practices. Recognition through listing results in public awareness, and 
conservation by Federal, State, Tribal, and local agencies, private 
organizations, and individuals. The Act encourages cooperation with the 
States and other countries and calls for recovery actions to be carried 
out for listed species. The protection required by Federal agencies and 
the prohibitions against certain activities are discussed, in part, 
below.
    The primary purpose of the Act is the conservation of endangered 
and threatened species and the ecosystems upon which they depend. The 
ultimate goal of such conservation efforts is the recovery of these 
listed species, so that they no longer need the protective measures of 
the Act. Section 4(f) of the Act calls for the Service to develop and 
implement recovery plans for the conservation of endangered and 
threatened species. The recovery planning process involves the 
identification of actions that are necessary to halt or reverse the 
species' decline by addressing the threats to its survival and 
recovery. The goal of this process is to restore listed species to a 
point where they are secure, self-sustaining, and functioning 
components of their ecosystems.
    Recovery planning consists of preparing draft and final recovery 
plans, beginning with the development of a recovery outline and making 
it available to the public within 30 days of a final listing 
determination. The recovery outline guides the immediate implementation 
of urgent recovery actions and describes the process to be used to 
develop a recovery plan. Revisions of the plan may be done to address 
continuing or new threats to the species, as new substantive 
information becomes available. The recovery plan also identifies 
recovery criteria for review of when a species may be ready for 
reclassification from endangered to threatened (``downlisting'') or 
removal from protected status (``delisting''), and methods for 
monitoring recovery progress. Recovery plans also establish a framework 
for agencies to coordinate their recovery efforts and provide estimates 
of the cost of implementing recovery tasks. Recovery teams (composed of 
species experts, Federal and State agencies, nongovernmental 
organizations, and stakeholders) are often established to develop 
recovery plans. When completed, the recovery outline, draft recovery 
plan, and the final recovery plan will be available on our website 
(http://www.fws.gov/endangered), or from our Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife 
Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Implementation of recovery actions generally requires the 
participation of a broad range of partners, including other Federal 
agencies, States, Tribes, nongovernmental organizations, businesses, 
and private landowners. Examples of recovery actions include habitat 
restoration (e.g., restoration of native vegetation), research, captive 
propagation and reintroduction, and outreach and education. The 
recovery of many listed species cannot be accomplished solely on 
Federal lands because their range may occur primarily or solely on non-
Federal lands. To achieve recovery of these species requires 
cooperative conservation efforts on private, State, and Tribal lands.
    Following publication of this final rule, funding for recovery 
actions will be available from a variety of sources, including Federal 
budgets, State programs, and cost-share grants for non-Federal 
landowners, the academic community, and nongovernmental organizations. 
In addition, pursuant to section 6 of the Act, the State of California 
will be eligible for Federal funds to implement management actions that 
promote the protection or recovery of the Hermes copper butterfly.

[[Page 72414]]

Information on our grant programs that are available to aid species 
recovery can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/grants.
    Section 8(a) of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1537(a)) authorizes the 
provision of limited financial assistance for the development and 
management of programs that the Secretary of the Interior determines to 
be necessary or useful for the conservation of endangered or threatened 
species in foreign countries. Sections 8(b) and 8(c) of the Act (16 
U.S.C. 1537(b) and (c)) authorize the Secretary to encourage 
conservation programs for foreign listed species, and to provide 
assistance for such programs, in the form of personnel and the training 
of personnel.
    Please let us know if you are interested in participating in 
recovery efforts for the Hermes copper butterfly. Additionally, we 
invite you to submit any new information on this species whenever it 
becomes available and any information you may have for recovery 
planning purposes (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
    Section 7(a) of the Act requires Federal agencies to evaluate their 
actions with respect to any species that is listed as an endangered or 
threatened species and with respect to its critical habitat. 
Regulations implementing this interagency cooperation provision of the 
Act are codified at 50 CFR part 402. Section 7(a)(2) of the Act 
requires Federal agencies to ensure that activities they authorize, 
fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence 
of any endangered or threatened species or destroy or adversely modify 
its critical habitat. If a Federal action may affect a listed species 
or its critical habitat, the responsible Federal agency must enter into 
consultation with the Service.
    Federal agency actions within the species' habitat that may require 
consultation as described in the preceding paragraph include management 
and any other landscape-altering activities on Federal lands 
administered by the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management; issuance of section 
404 Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) permits by the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers; and construction and maintenance of roads or 
highways by the Federal Highway Administration.
    It is our policy, as published in the Federal Register on July 1, 
1994 (59 FR 34272), to identify to the maximum extent practicable at 
the time a species is listed, those activities that would or would not 
constitute a violation of section 9 of the Act. The intent of this 
policy is to increase public awareness of the effect of a final listing 
on proposed and ongoing activities within the range of a listed 
species. The discussion below regarding protective regulations under 
section 4(d) of the Act complies with our policy.

II. 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
    (b) Which may require special management considerations or 
protection; and
    (2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas 
are essential for the conservation of the species.
    Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define the geographical area 
occupied by the species as an area that may generally be delineated 
around species' occurrences, as determined by the Secretary (i.e., 
range). Such areas may include those areas used throughout all or part 
of the species' life cycle, even if not used on a regular basis (e.g., 
migratory corridors, seasonal habitats, and habitats used periodically, 
but not solely by vagrant individuals).
    Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use 
and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring 
an endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures 
provided pursuant to the Act are no longer necessary. Such methods and 
procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated 
with scientific resources management such as research, census, law 
enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live 
trapping, and transplantation, and, in the extraordinary case where 
population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise 
relieved, may include regulated taking.
    Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act 
through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation 
with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is 
not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect 
land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or 
other conservation area. Such designation does not allow the government 
or public to access private lands. Such designation does not require 
implementation of restoration, recovery, or enhancement measures by 
non-Federal landowners. Where a landowner requests Federal agency 
funding or authorization for an action that may affect a listed species 
or critical habitat, the 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

[[Page 72415]]

species. The implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(b)(2) further 
delineate unoccupied critical habitat by setting out three specific 
parameters: (1) When designating critical habitat, the Secretary will 
first evaluate areas occupied by the species; (2) 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; and (3) 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 from the SSA report and information developed during the 
listing process for the species. Additional information sources may 
include any generalized conservation strategy, criteria, or outline 
that may have been developed for the species; the recovery plan for the 
species; articles in peer-reviewed journals; conservation plans 
developed by States and counties; scientific status surveys and 
studies; biological assessments; other unpublished materials; or 
experts' opinions or personal knowledge.
    Habitat is dynamic, and species may move from one area to another 
over time. We recognize that critical habitat designated at a 
particular point in time may not include all of the habitat areas that 
we may later determine are necessary for the recovery of the species. 
For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that 
habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not be needed 
for recovery of the species. Areas that are important to the 
conservation of the species, both inside and outside the critical 
habitat designation, will continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation 
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act; (2) regulatory 
protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act 
for Federal agencies to ensure their actions are not likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened 
species; and (3) 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 the species. Similarly, critical 
habitat designations made on the basis of the best available 
information at the time of designation will not control the direction 
and substance of future recovery plans, HCPs, or other species 
conservation planning efforts if new information available at the time 
of those planning efforts calls for a different outcome.

Geographical Area Occupied at the Time of Listing

    The following meets the definition of the geographical area 
currently occupied by the Hermes copper butterfly in the United States: 
Between approximately 33[deg]20'0'' North latitude and south to the 
international border with Mexico, and from approximately 30 m (100 ft) 
in elevation near the coast, east up to 1,340 m (4,400 ft) in elevation 
near the mountains (Service 2021, Figure 5). This includes those 
specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at 
the time of listing or the currently known range of the species.

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, alkaline 
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, we 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.

Space for Individual and Population Growth and for Normal Behavior

    Patches of spiny redberry host plants, including post-fire stumps 
that can resprout, are required to support Hermes copper butterfly 
populations and subpopulations; the number of plants in a patch 
required to support a subpopulation is unknown. Because we know that 
Hermes copper butterflies are periodically extirpated from patches of 
host plants by wildfire, and subsequently recolonize these patches 
(Table 1), we can assume functional

[[Page 72416]]

metapopulation dynamics are important for species viability. The time-
scale for recolonization from source subpopulations may be 10-30 years. 
Spiny redberry is often associated with the transition between sage 
scrub and chaparral vegetation associations, but may occur in a variety 
of vegetation associations. Such host plant patches occur between 30-
1,341 m (100-4,400 ft) above sea level.

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

    Adults require relatively abundant nectar sources associated with 
patches of their host plants, spiny redberry. Plants specifically 
identified as significant nectar sources include California buckwheat 
and golden yarrow. Any other butterfly nectar source (short flower 
corolla) species found associated with spiny redberry that together 
provide nectar similar in abundance to that typically provided by 
California buckwheat would also meet adult nutritional requirements. 
Larvae feed on the leaves of the host plant.

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

    All immature life-cycle stages develop on the host plant, spiny 
redberry. Eggs are deposited on branches, caterpillars are sheltered on 
and fed by leaves, and chrysalides are attached to live host plant 
leaves.

Habitats That Are Protected From Disturbance and Representative of the 
Historical Geographical and Ecological Distributions of a Species

    Maintenance of species representation across the species' range 
necessitates sufficiently resilient, well-connected metapopulations and 
sufficient numbers and configuration of host plant stands. Corridor 
(connective) habitat areas containing adult nectar sources are required 
among occupied (source subpopulations) and formerly occupied host plant 
patches, in order to maintain long-term the number and distribution of 
source subpopulations required to support metapopulation resiliency.
    Protected spiny redberry host plants must be distributed in four 
California Ecological Units to maintain species representation.
Summary of Essential Physical or Biological Features
    We derive the specific physical or biological features essential to 
the conservation of the Hermes copper butterfly from studies of the 
species' habitat, ecology, and life history as described below. 
Additional information can be found in the SSA report (Service 2021, 
entire; available on https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-
R8-ES-2017-0053).
    We have determined that the physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of the Hermes copper butterfly consist of 
the following components when found between 30 m and 1,341 m above sea 
level, and located in habitat providing an appropriate quality, 
quantity, and spatial and temporal arrangement of these habitat 
characteristics in the context of the life-history needs, condition, 
and status of the species (see Criteria Used to Identify Critical 
Habitat below):
    (1) Spiny redberry host plants.
    (2) Nectar sources for adult butterflies.

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 or 
mitigate the following threats: Wildfire, land use change, habitat 
fragmentation and isolation, and climate change and drought. In 
particular, habitat that has at any time supported a subpopulation will 
require protection from land use change that would permanently remove 
host plant patches and nectar sources, and habitat containing adult 
nectar sources that connects such host plant patches through which 
adults are likely to move. These management activities will protect 
from losses of habitat large enough to preclude conservation of the 
species.
    Additionally, when considering the conservation value of areas 
designated as critical habitat within each unit, especially among 
subpopulations within the same California Ecological Unit, maintenance 
of dispersal corridor-connectivity among them should be a conservation 
planning focus for stakeholders and regulators (such connectivity was 
assumed by the criteria used to delineate critical habitat units).

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. We are not designating any areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by the species because we have 
not identified any unoccupied areas that have a reasonable certainty of 
contributing to the conservation of the species.
    Sources of data for this species and its habitat requirements 
include multiple databases maintained by universities and by State 
agencies in San Diego County and elsewhere in California, white papers 
by researchers involved in conservation activities and planning, peer-
reviewed articles on this species and relatives, agency reports, and 
numerous survey reports for projects throughout the species' range.
    The current distribution of the Hermes copper butterfly is much 
reduced from its historical distribution. We anticipate that recovery 
will require continued protection of existing subpopulations and 
habitat, protection of dispersal corridor-connectivity areas among 
subpopulations, as well as reestablishing subpopulations where they 
have been extirpated within the species' current range in order to 
ensure adequate numbers of subpopulations to maintain metapopulations. 
These activities help to ensure future catastrophic events, such as 
wildfire, would never simultaneously affect all known populations.
    The critical habitat designation does not include all areas within 
the geographical area occupied by the species at this time. Rather, it 
includes those lands with physical and biological features essential to 
the conservation of the species which may require special management 
considerations or protection. We also limited the designation to 
specific areas historically or currently known to support the species 
within its current range. This critical habitat designation focuses on 
maintaining areas that support those occurrences we consider required 
for survival and recovery of the species--that is, areas required to 
maintain species viability by virtue of occurrence contribution to 
species redundancy (core status, or subpopulation contribution to 
metapopulation dynamics/resilience) and contribution to continued 
species representation within all California Ecological Units. Hermes 
copper butterflies may be found

[[Page 72417]]

in areas without documented populations (and perhaps even some areas 
slightly beyond that range), and these areas would likely be important 
to the conservation of the species.
    In summary, we delineated critical habitat unit boundaries using 
the following criteria:
    (1) We started by considering all high-accuracy record-based 
occurrences mapped in the SSA report (accuracy codes 1 and 2 in Table 
1; Service 2021, p. 20) within the geographical area currently occupied 
by the species. Occurrences were mapped as intersecting areas within 
0.5 km (0.3 mi) of high geographic accuracy records, and areas within 
0.5 km (0.3 mi) of any spiny redberry record within 1 km (0.6 mi) of 
these butterfly records. These distances are based on the maximum 
recapture distance of 1.1 km (0.7 mi) recorded by Marschalek and 
Klein's (2010, p. 1) intra-habitat movement study.
    (2) We removed seven non-core occurrences that were more than 3 km 
(1.9 mi) from a core occurrence, or otherwise deemed not essential for 
metapopulation resilience or continued species representation within 
all California Ecological Units.
    (3) We added habitat contiguity areas between occurrences that were 
0.5 km (0.3 mi) or less apart that are likely to be within a single 
subpopulation distribution. To do this, we included the area within 0.5 
km (0.3 mi) of the midpoint of the tangent between the two closest 
butterfly records in each occurrence (to capture likely unrecorded 
physical or biological features).
    (4) Using the best available vegetation association GIS database, 
we removed areas within 95 subcategories (out of 177) not likely to 
contain host plants, such as those associated with streams.
    (5) We removed by visual review of the best available satellite 
imagery all clearly developed areas, areas of disturbed vegetation such 
as nonnative grasslands, and granitic formations not likely to contain 
host plants, at the scale of approximately 1.2 ha (3 ac).
    When determining critical habitat boundaries, we made every effort 
to avoid including developed areas such as lands covered by buildings, 
pavement, and other structures because such lands lack physical or 
biological features necessary for the Hermes copper butterfly. 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 rule have been excluded by 
text in the rule and are not designated as critical habitat. Therefore, 
a Federal action involving these lands will 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 are designating as critical habitat areas that we have 
determined are within the geographical area occupied at the time of 
listing (that is, currently occupied) and that contain one or more of 
the physical or biological features that are essential to support life-
history processes of the species. All units contain all of the 
identified physical or biological features and support multiple life-
history processes.
    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 Regulation Promulgation. We include more detailed 
information on the boundaries of the critical habitat 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 
https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2017-0053, on our 
internet site https://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/gis/cfwogis.html, and at the 
field office responsible for the designation (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).

Final Critical Habitat Designation

    We are designating three units as critical habitat for Hermes 
copper butterfly. The critical habitat areas we describe below 
constitute our current best assessment of areas that meet the 
definition of critical habitat for Hermes copper butterfly. The three 
units we designate as critical habitat are: (1) Lopez Canyon; (2) 
Miramar/Santee; and (3) Southeast San Diego. Table 1 shows the critical 
habitat units and the approximate area of each unit.

       Table 2--Critical Habitat Units for Hermes Copper Butterfly
      [Area estimates reflect all land within critical habitat unit
                               boundaries]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Land ownership by     Approximate size
     Critical habitat unit         type in hectares        of unit in
                                       (acres)          hectares (acres)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Lopez Canyon...............  Federal: 0...........          166 (410)
                                State: 0
                                Local Jurisdiction:
                                 88 (218)
                                Private: 77 (191)
2. Miramar/Santee.............  Federal: 0...........      2,870 (7,092)
                                State: 111 (275)
                                Local Jurisdiction:
                                 1,113 (2,750)
                                Private: 1,646
                                 (4,068)
3. Southeast San Diego........  Federal: 4,213           11,139 (27,525)
                                 (10,411).
                                State: 1,999 (4,940)
                                Local Jurisdiction:
                                 1,162 (2,871)
                                Private: 3,765
                                 (9,303)
                               -----------------------------------------
    Total.....................  Federal: 4,213           14,174 (35,027)
                                 (10,411).
                                State: 2,110 (5,215)
                                Local Jurisdiction:
                                 2,363 (5,839)
                                Private: 5,488
                                 (13,562)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Area sizes may not sum due to rounding or unit conversion.


[[Page 72418]]

    We present brief descriptions of all units, and reasons why they 
meet the definition of critical habitat for Hermes copper butterfly, 
below. Although conservation and management of dispersal corridor 
connectivity areas among occurrences designated as critical habitat 
will also be required for species survival and recovery (occurrence 
isolation was a factor that eliminated occurrences in Criterion (2) 
above), the best available data do not provide sufficient information 
to identify the specific location of these lands at this time. 
Therefore, we did not include dispersal corridor connectivity areas 
among occurrences in the critical habitat units.

Unit 1: Lopez Canyon

    Unit 1 consists of 166 ha (410 ac) within the geographical area 
currently occupied by the species and contains all of the essential 
physical or biological features. The physical or biological features 
may require special management to protect them from wildfire and land 
use change, although the latter is less likely in this unit (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection above). This area 
encompasses the core Lopez Canyon occurrence, the only known extant 
occurrence that falls within the Coastal Terraces Ecological Unit 
(Table 1), and is therefore required to maintain species 
representation. Unit 1 is within the jurisdiction of the City of San 
Diego, associated with the communities of Sorrento Valley and Mira 
Mesa. This unit is surrounded by development. Habitat consists 
primarily of canyon slopes. The majority of this unit falls within the 
Los Pe[ntilde]asquitos Canyon Preserve jointly owned and managed by the 
City and County of San Diego. The primary objective of Los 
Pe[ntilde]asquitos Canyon Preserve is the preservation and enhancement 
of natural and cultural resources. The preserve master plan states that 
recreational and educational use by the public is a secondary 
objective, development should be consistent with these objectives, and 
public use should not endanger the unique preserve qualities. Land use 
in this unit is almost entirely recreation and conservation.

Unit 2: Miramar/Santee

    Unit 2 consists of 2,870 ha (7,092 ac) within the geographical area 
currently occupied by the species and contains all of the essential 
physical or biological features. The physical or biological features 
may require special management to protect them from land use change and 
wildfire, although wildfire will be challenging to manage for in this 
unit because of its size and risk of megafire (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection above). This area encompasses the core 
Sycamore Canyon, North Santee, and Mission Trails occurrences, as well 
as non-core occurrences connected to core occurrences also required for 
metapopulation resilience and continued species representation in two 
California Ecological Units (Coastal Hills and Western Granitic 
Foothills). This unit includes half of the extant/presumed extant core 
occurrences in the Coastal Hills California Ecological Unit (the other 
half is in Unit 3). Unit 2 mostly surrounds the eastern portion of MCAS 
Miramar (lands encompassing areas that also meet the definition of 
critical habitat and would be included in this unit but are exempt from 
designation), falling primarily within the jurisdictions of the City of 
San Diego, but also within the City of Santee and unincorporated areas 
of San Diego County. In this unit, the City of San Diego owns and 
manages the over 2,830-ha (7,000-ac) Mission Trails Regional Park (887 
ha (2,192 ac) in this unit) and the County owns and manages the 919-ha 
(2,272-ac) Gooden Ranch/Sycamore Canyon County preserve (198 ha (488 
ac) included in this unit).

Unit 3: Southeast San Diego

    Unit 3 consists of 11,139 ha (27,525 ac) within the geographical 
area currently occupied by the species and contains all of the 
essential physical or biological features. The physical or biological 
features may require special management to protect them from land use 
change and wildfire, although wildfire will be challenging to manage in 
this unit because of its size and risk of megafire (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection above). This unit configuration 
would conserve essential contiguous habitat. This area includes half of 
the extant/presumed extant core occurrences in the Coastal Hills 
California Ecological Unit (the other half is in Unit 2), and all of 
the extant/presumed extant core occurrences in the Western Granitic 
Foothills and Palomar-Cuyamaca Peak California Ecological Units. The 
majority of the Crestridge core occurrence falls within the Crestridge 
Ecological Reserve jointly managed by the Endangered Habitats 
Conservancy and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The 
majority of the Alpine core occurrence falls within the Wright's Field 
preserve owned and managed by the Back Country Land Trust. Thirty-eight 
percent of this unit (4,213 ha (10,411 ac)) is owned and managed by the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the USFS, and the BLM.

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.
    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

[[Page 72419]]

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: (1) If the amount or extent of 
taking specified in the incidental take statement is exceeded; (2) if 
new information reveals effects of the action that may affect listed 
species or critical habitat in a manner or to an extent not previously 
considered; (3) if the identified action is subsequently modified in a 
manner that causes an effect to the listed species or critical habitat 
that was not considered in the biological opinion; or (4) if a new 
species is listed or critical habitat designated that may be affected 
by the identified action.
    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 subsequently listing a new species 
or designating new critical habitat. See the regulations for a 
description of those exceptions.

Application of the ``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 section 
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, consider likely to destroy or adversely 
modify critical habitat include, but are not limited to:
    Actions that would remove biologically significant amounts of spiny 
redberry host plants or nectar source plants. Such activities could 
include, but are not limited to, residential and commercial development 
and conversion to agricultural orchards or fields. These activities 
could permanently eliminate or reduce the habitat necessary for the 
growth and reproduction of Hermes copper butterflies.

Exemptions

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

    The Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1997 (Sikes Act) (16 U.S.C. 670a) 
required each military installation that includes land and water 
suitable for the conservation and management of natural resources to 
complete an integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP) by 
November 17, 2001. An INRMP integrates implementation of the military 
mission of the installation with stewardship of the natural resources 
found on the base. Each INRMP includes:
    (1) An assessment of the ecological needs on the installation, 
including the need to provide for the conservation of listed species;
    (2) A statement of goals and priorities;
    (3) A detailed description of management actions to be implemented 
to provide for these ecological needs; and
    (4) A monitoring and adaptive management plan.
    Among other things, each INRMP must, to the extent appropriate and 
applicable, provide for fish and wildlife management; fish and wildlife 
habitat enhancement or modification; wetland protection, enhancement, 
and restoration where necessary to support fish and wildlife; and 
enforcement of applicable natural resource laws.
    The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Pub. 
L. 108-136) amended the Act to limit areas eligible for designation as 
critical habitat. Specifically, section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 
U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) provides that the Secretary shall not 
designate as critical habitat any lands or other geographical areas 
owned or controlled by the Department of Defense (DoD), or designated 
for its use, that are subject to an 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.
    We consult with the military on the development and implementation 
of INRMPs for installations with listed species. The following areas 
are DoD lands with completed, Service-approved INRMPs within the 
critical habitat designation.

Approved INRMPs

    MCAS Miramar is the only military installation supporting Hermes 
copper butterfly habitat that meets the definition of critical habitat; 
it has a completed, Service-approved INRMP. As discussed below, we 
analyzed the INRMP to determine if it meets the criteria for exemption 
from critical habitat under section 4(a)(3) of the Act.
    MCAS Miramar's approved INRMP was completed in June 2018. The U.S. 
Marine Corps works closely with the Service and California Department 
of Fish and Wildlife to continually refine the existing INRMP as part 
of the Sikes Act's INRMP review process. The MCAS Miramar INRMP overall 
strategy for conservation and management is to: (1) Limit activities, 
minimize development, and perform mitigation actions in areas 
supporting high densities of vernal pool habitat, threatened or 
endangered species, and other wetlands; and (2) manage activities and 
development in areas of low densities, or no regulated resources, with 
site-specific measures and programmatic instructions.
    The MCAS Miramar INRMP contains elements that benefit the Hermes 
copper butterfly, such as mitigation guidance for projects which may 
impact Hermes copper butterfly or its habitat (MCAS Miramar 2018, p. 6-
13) and natural resources management goals and objectives which support 
both Hermes copper butterfly conservation and military operational 
requirements. Identified management actions within the INRMP include 
restoring degraded

[[Page 72420]]

sites, restricting access to sensitive areas, training military 
personnel to recognize and avoid sensitive areas, invasive species 
removal, surveys to identify areas suitable for habitat restoration or 
enhancement, and long-term ecosystem monitoring (MCAS Miramar 2018, p. 
7-17). The INRMP also includes measures to avoid or minimize the 
effects of planned actions, such as limiting training and land 
management activities during flight season, as well as minimizing off-
road activities to avoid damage to host plants and crushing eggs and 
larval butterflies (MCAS Miramar 2018, p. 5-7). It further provides 
guidance for project planners on required impact avoidance, 
minimization, and compensation of occupied and unoccupied habitat. 
Overall, these measures protect Hermes copper butterflies from impacts 
such as loss of spiny redberry and nectar plants from direct and 
indirect effects of planned actions and will minimize conflicts with 
military operational needs. In total, 967 ha (2,389 ac) on MCAS Miramar 
meet the definition of critical habitat for the Hermes copper 
butterfly.
    Based on the above considerations, and in accordance with section 
4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act, we have determined that the identified lands 
are subject to the MCAS Miramar INRMP and that conservation efforts 
identified in the INRMP will provide a benefit to the Hermes copper 
butterfly. Therefore, lands within this installation are exempt from 
critical habitat designation under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. We are 
not including approximately 967 ha (2,389 ac) of habitat in this final 
critical habitat designation because of this exemption.

Exclusions

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 designated critical habitat based on 
economic impacts, impacts on national security, or any other relevant 
impacts. In considering whether to exclude a particular area from the 
designation, we identify the benefits of including the area in the 
designation, identify the benefits of excluding the area from the 
designation, and evaluate whether the benefits of exclusion outweigh 
the benefits of inclusion. If the analysis indicates that the benefits 
of exclusion outweigh the benefits of inclusion, the Secretary may 
exercise discretion to exclude the area only if such exclusion would 
not 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. We describe below the process that we undertook for 
taking into consideration each category of impacts and our analyses of 
the relevant impacts.
    On December 18, 2020, we published a final rule in the Federal 
Register (85 FR 82376) revising portions of our regulations for 
designating critical habitat. These final regulations became effective 
on January 19, 2021. The revisions set forth a process for excluding 
areas of critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, and outline 
when and how the Service will undertake an exclusion analysis. However, 
the revised regulations apply to classification and critical habitat 
rules for which a proposed rule was published after January 19, 2021. 
Consequently, these new regulations do not apply to this final rule.

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. In order to consider economic impacts, we prepared 
an incremental effects memorandum (IEM) and screening analysis which, 
together with our narrative and interpretation of effects, we consider 
our draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed critical habitat 
designation and related factors (IEc 2018, entire). The DEA, dated 
August 15, 2018, was made available for public review from January 8, 
2020, through March 7, 2020 (85 FR 1018). The DEA addressed probable 
economic impacts of critical habitat designation for the Hermes copper 
butterfly. We did not receive any public comments on the DEA. We 
conclude the DEA represents an accurate assessment of the economic 
impacts of the final rule. Additional information relevant to the 
probable incremental economic impacts of the critical habitat 
designation for the Hermes copper butterfly is summarized below and 
available in the screening analysis for the Hermes copper butterfly 
(IEc 2018, entire), available at https://www.regulations.gov.
    Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and 13563 direct Federal agencies to 
assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives in 
quantitative (to the extent feasible) and qualitative terms. Consistent 
with the E.O. regulatory analysis requirements, our effects analysis 
under the Act may take into consideration impacts to both directly and 
indirectly affected entities, where practicable and reasonable. If 
sufficient data are available, we assess to the extent practicable and 
reasonable 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 Hermes copper 
butterfly, first we identified probable incremental economic impacts 
associated with the following categories of activities: (1) 
Agriculture, (2) development; (3) forest management; (4) grazing; (5) 
mining; (6) recreation; (7) renewable energy; (8) transportation; and 
(9) utilities (Service 2018, p. 2). We considered each industry or 
category individually. Additionally, we considered whether their 
activities have any Federal involvement. Critical habitat designation 
requires consideration of potential project effects only when there is 
an action conducted, funded, permitted, or authorized by Federal 
agencies. When this final rule becomes effective, in areas where the 
Hermes copper butterfly is present, Federal agencies would already be 
required to consult with the Service under section 7 of the Act on 
activities they fund, permit, or implement that may affect the species.
    In our IEM, we attempted to clarify the distinction between the 
effects that will 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 Hermes 
copper butterfly's critical habitat. Because the designation of 
critical habitat for Hermes copper butterfly was proposed concurrently 
with the listing, it was difficult to discern which costs would be 
attributable to the species being listed and which would result solely 
from the designation of critical habitat. The essential physical or 
biological features identified for Hermes copper butterfly critical 
habitat are the same features essential for the life requisites of the 
species. In particular, because the Hermes copper butterfly is closely 
associated with the plant species essential for its conservation, and

[[Page 72421]]

because it is a nonmigratory species that remains on spiny redberry 
plants during all immature stages, and on the plant as an adult, 
reasonable and prudent alternatives needed to avoid jeopardy from 
impacts to the species' life-requisite habitat features would also 
likely serve to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat resulting from those impacts.
    The critical habitat designation for the Hermes copper butterfly 
totals approximately 14,174 ha (35,027 ac) in three units, all of which 
are occupied by the species. The screening analysis found that 
incremental costs associated with section 7 consultations would likely 
be low for the Hermes copper butterfly for several reasons (IEc 2018, 
p. 9). First, the majority of the critical habitat designation is on 
State, private, and local lands where a Federal nexus is unlikely 
(although there are a few areas where the Army Corps of Engineers has 
jurisdiction). Secondly, given that all the designated critical habitat 
units are occupied, should a Federal nexus exist, any proposed projects 
would need to undergo some form of consultation due to the presence of 
the butterfly regardless of critical habitat designation.
    Additionally, as previously stated, we expect that any project 
modifications identified to avoid jeopardy that would result from 
project-related effects to habitat features required by the species 
would be similar to those identified to avoid destruction or adverse 
modification of the critical habitat's physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of the species. Furthermore, all critical 
habitat units overlap to some degree with critical habitat for other 
listed species or with various conservation plans, State plans, or 
Federal regulations. These protections may also benefit the Hermes 
copper butterfly, even in the absence of critical habitat for the 
species.
    When an action is proposed in an area of occupied designated 
critical habitat, and the proposed activity has a Federal nexus, the 
need for consultation is triggered. Any incremental costs associated 
with consideration of potential effects to the critical habitat are a 
result of this consultation process and limited to administrative 
costs. Overall, we expect that agency administrative costs for 
consultation, incurred by the Service and the consulting Federal 
agency, would be minor (less than $6,000 per consultation effort) and, 
therefore, would not be significant (IEc 2018, p. 10). Overall, 70 
percent of critical habitat is on non-Federal lands; thus, there are 
few areas designated that are likely to have a Federal nexus. 
Additionally, due to coordination efforts with State and local 
agencies, we expect few additional costs due to public perception.
    Therefore, we expect that incremental costs will be minor and 
limited to additional administrative efforts by the Service and 
consulting Federal agencies to include consideration of potential 
effects to the designated critical habitat in otherwise needed 
consultations. These future costs are unknown but expected to be 
relatively small given the projections for affected entities, and are 
unlikely to exceed $100,000 in any given year. Consequently, future 
probable incremental economic impacts are not likely to exceed $100 
million in any single year and would therefore not be significant.
    The Service considered the economic impacts of the critical habitat 
designation. The Secretary is not exercising her discretion to exclude 
any areas from this designation of critical habitat for the Hermes 
copper butterfly based on economic impacts.

Consideration of National Security Impacts or Homeland Security Impacts

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations require 
that we consider the impact to national security that may result from a 
designation of critical habitat. For this final rule, we considered 
whether there are lands owned or managed by the DoD within critical 
habitat where a national security impact might exist. In this case, we 
are exempting under section 4(a)(3) of the Act all lands that meet the 
definition of critical habitat owned by the DoD. Additionally, we have 
determined that the lands within the final designation of critical 
habitat for Hermes copper butterfly are not owned or managed by the 
Department of Homeland Security. Therefore, we anticipate no impact on 
national security. Consequently, the Secretary is not exercising her 
discretion to exclude any areas from the final designation based on 
impacts on national security.

Consideration of Other Relevant Impacts

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations require 
that we also consider any other relevant impacts that may result from a 
designation of critical habitat. In conducting that analysis, 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 any 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 rule, we have determined that there are currently 
no HCPs or other management plans for the Hermes copper butterfly, and 
the final designation does not include any Tribal lands or trust 
resources. We anticipate no impact on Tribal lands, partnerships, or 
HCPs from this critical habitat designation. Consequently, the 
Secretary is not exercising her discretion to exclude any areas from 
the final designation based on other relevant impacts.

Summary of Exclusions

    After consideration of the economic impact, the impact on national 
security, and other relevant impacts of the final designation of 
critical habitat, the Secretary did not consider any particular areas 
for exclusion and is not exercising her discretion to exclude any areas 
from the final designation of critical habitat under section 4(b)(2) of 
the Act.

III. Final Rule Issued Under Section 4(d) of the Act

Background

    Section 4(d) of the Act contains two sentences. The first sentence 
states that the Secretary shall issue such regulations as she deems 
necessary and advisable to provide for the conservation of species 
listed as threatened. The U.S. Supreme Court has noted that statutory 
language like ``necessary and advisable'' demonstrates a large degree 
of deference to the agency (see Webster v. Doe, 486 U.S. 592 (1988)). 
Conservation is defined in the Act to mean the use of all methods and 
procedures which are necessary to bring any endangered species or 
threatened species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant 
to the Act are no longer necessary. Additionally, the second sentence 
of section 4(d) of the Act states that the Secretary may by regulation 
prohibit with respect to any threatened species any act prohibited 
under section 9(a)(1), in the case of fish or wildlife, or section 
9(a)(2), in the case of plants. Thus, the combination of the two 
sentences of section 4(d) provides the Secretary with wide latitude to 
select and promulgate appropriate regulations tailored to the specific 
conservation needs of the threatened

[[Page 72422]]

species. The second sentence grants particularly broad discretion to 
the Service when adopting the prohibitions under section 9.
    The courts have recognized the extent of the Secretary's discretion 
under this standard to develop rules that are appropriate for the 
conservation of a species. For example, courts have upheld rules 
developed under section 4(d) as a valid exercise of agency authority 
where they prohibited take of threatened wildlife, or include a limited 
taking prohibition (see Alsea Valley Alliance v. Lautenbacher, 2007 
U.S. Dist. Lexis 60203 (D. Or. 2007); Washington Environmental Council 
v. National Marine Fisheries Service, 2002 U.S. Dist. Lexis 5432 (W.D. 
Wash. 2002)). Courts have also upheld 4(d) rules that do not address 
all of the threats a species faces (see State of Louisiana v. Verity, 
853 F.2d 322 (5th Cir. 1988)). As noted in the legislative history when 
the Act was initially enacted, ``once an animal is on the threatened 
list, the Secretary has an almost infinite number of options available 
to him [her] with regard to the permitted activities for those species. 
[S]he may, for example, permit taking, but not importation of such 
species, or [s]he may choose to forbid both taking and importation but 
allow the transportation of such species'' (H.R. Rep. No. 412, 93rd 
Cong., 1st Sess. 1973).
    Exercising its authority under section 4(d), the Service has 
developed a rule that is designed to address the Hermes copper 
butterfly's specific threats and conservation needs. Although the 
statute does not require us to make a ``necessary and advisable'' 
finding with respect to the adoption of specific prohibitions under 
section 9, we find that this rule as a whole satisfies the requirement 
in section 4(d) of the Act to issue regulations deemed necessary and 
advisable to provide for the conservation of the Hermes copper 
butterfly. As discussed above under Summary of Biological Status and 
Threats, we concluded that the Hermes copper butterfly is likely to 
become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future primarily 
due to extirpation of populations by wildfire and loss and isolation of 
populations due to development. The provisions of this 4(d) rule will 
promote conservation of the Hermes copper butterfly by creating more 
favorable habitat conditions for the species and helping to stabilize 
populations of the species. The provisions of this rule are one of many 
tools that the Service will use to promote the conservation of the 
Hermes copper butterfly.
    This 4(d) rule describes how and where the prohibitions of section 
9(a)(1) of the Act will be applied. This 4(d) rule prohibits all acts 
described under section 9(a)(1) of the Act except as otherwise excepted 
or permitted. As described in more detail later in this section, this 
4(d) rule identifies a certain portion of the species' range that would 
not be subject to the take prohibitions under section 9(a)(1)(B) of the 
Act (Figure 1). Outside of the area delineated in Figure 1, this 4(d) 
rule prohibits take under section 9(a)(1)(B) of the Act, except take 
resulting from the activities listed below when conducted within 
habitats occupied by the Hermes copper butterfly. All of the activities 
listed below must be conducted in a manner that (1) maintains 
contiguity of suitable habitat for the species within and dispersal 
corridor connectivity among populations, allowing for maintenance of 
populations and recolonization of unoccupied, existing habitat; (2) 
does not increase the risk of wildfire in areas occupied by the Hermes 
copper butterfly while preventing further habitat fragmentation and 
isolation, or degradation of potentially suitable habitat; and (3) does 
not preclude efforts to augment or reintroduce populations of the 
Hermes copper butterfly within its historical range with management of 
the host plant. Some excepted activities must be coordinated with and 
reported to the Service in writing and approved to ensure accurate 
interpretation of exceptions (for example, that activities do not 
adversely affect the species' conservation and recovery). Questions 
regarding the application of these requirements should be directed to 
the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Provisions of the 4(d) Rule

    This 4(d) rule will provide for the conservation of the Hermes 
copper butterfly by prohibiting the following activities, except as 
otherwise excepted or permitted: Importing or exporting; take; 
possession and other acts with unlawfully taken specimens; delivering, 
receiving, transporting, or shipping in interstate or foreign commerce 
in the course of commercial activity; or selling or offering for sale 
in interstate or foreign commerce. This 4(d) rule exempts from the 
prohibitions in section 9(a)(1)(B) of the Act take resulting from any 
of the following activities when conducted within habitats occupied by 
the Hermes copper butterfly:
    (1) Survey and monitoring work in coordination with and reported to 
the Service as part of scientific inquiry involving quantitative data 
collection (such as population status determinations).
    (2) Habitat management or restoration activities, including removal 
of nonnative, invasive plants, expected to provide a benefit to Hermes 
copper butterfly or other sensitive species of the chaparral and 
coastal sage scrub ecosystems, including removal of nonnative, invasive 
plants. These activities must be coordinated with and reported to the 
Service in writing and approved the first time an individual or agency 
undertakes them.
    (3) Activities necessary to maintain the minimum clearance 
(defensible space) requirement from any occupied dwelling, occupied 
structure, or to the property line, whichever is nearer, to provide 
reasonable fire safety and to reduce wildfire risks consistent with the 
State of California fire codes or local fire codes or ordinances.
    (4) Fire management actions on protected/preserve lands to 
maintain, protect, or enhance coastal sage scrub and chaparral 
vegetation. These activities must be coordinated with and reported to 
the Service in writing and approved the first time an individual or 
agency undertakes them.
    (5) Maintenance of existing fuel breaks identified by local fire 
authorities to protect existing structures.
    (6) Firefighting activities associated with actively burning fires 
to reduce risk to life or property.
    (7) Collection, transportation, and captive-rearing of Hermes 
copper butterfly for the purpose of population augmentation or 
reintroduction, maintaining refugia, or as part of scientific inquiry 
involving quantitative data collection (such as survival rate, larval 
weights, and post-release monitoring) approved by, in coordination 
with, and reported to the Service. This does not include activities 
such as personal ``hobby'' collecting and rearing intended for 
photographic purposes and re-release.
    (8) Research projects involving collection of individual fruits, 
leaves, or stems of the Hermes copper butterfly host plant, spiny 
redberry, approved by, in coordination with, and reported to the 
Service.
    As discussed above under Summary of Biological Status and Threats, 
multiple factors are affecting the status of the Hermes copper 
butterfly. A range of activities have the potential to impact these 
species, including, but not limited to: Recreational activities that 
promote the spread of nonnative weeds and wildfire ignition, clearing 
of brush for fire safety, land use changes including construction of 
power lines and

[[Page 72423]]

maintenance roads, and construction of homes and businesses. Across the 
species' range, suitable habitat has been degraded or fragmented by 
development and wildfire, including megafires. Regulating these 
activities will address some of these problems, creating more favorable 
habitat conditions for the species and helping to stabilize or increase 
populations of the species.
    Under the Act, ``take'' means to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, 
wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any 
such conduct. Some of these provisions have been further defined in 
regulation at 50 CFR 17.3. Take can result knowingly or otherwise, by 
direct and indirect impacts, intentionally or incidentally. Regulating 
take will help preserve the species' remaining populations, slow their 
rate of decline, and decrease synergistic, negative effects from other 
threats.
    We may issue permits to carry out otherwise prohibited activities, 
including those described above, involving threatened wildlife under 
certain circumstances. Regulations governing permits are codified at 50 
CFR 17.32. With regard to threatened wildlife, a permit may be issued 
for the following purposes: For scientific purposes, to enhance 
propagation or survival, for economic hardship, for zoological 
exhibition, for educational purposes, for incidental taking, or for 
special purposes consistent with the purposes of the Act. The statute 
also contains certain exemptions from the prohibitions, which are found 
in sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
    We recognize the special and unique relationship with our State 
natural resource agency partners in contributing to conservation of 
listed species. State agencies often possess scientific data and 
valuable expertise on the status and distribution of endangered, 
threatened, and candidate species of wildlife and plants. State 
agencies, because of their authorities and their close working 
relationships with local governments and landowners, are in a unique 
position to assist the Services in implementing all aspects of the Act. 
In this regard, section 6 of the Act provides that the Services shall 
cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States in carrying 
out programs authorized by the Act. Therefore, any qualified employee 
or agent of a State conservation agency that is a party to a 
cooperative agreement with the Service in accordance with section 6(c) 
of the Act, who is designated by his or her agency for such purposes, 
will be able to conduct activities designed to conserve Hermes copper 
butterflies that may result in otherwise prohibited take without 
additional authorization.
    Additionally, we are proposing under section 4(d) of the Act to 
delineate a certain portion of the species' range that would not be 
subject to the take prohibitions under section 9(a)(1)(B) of the Act 
(Figure 1). Areas inside this portion of the species' range capture all 
remnant habitat areas where there is any possibility of Hermes copper 
butterfly occupancy and where we are confident they would not 
contribute significantly to species recovery because of limited 
available habitat and connectivity. They are unlikely to contribute to 
recovery because any occupied areas within the boundary are too small 
and isolated to support a population in the long term. The intent is to 
provide regulatory relief to those who might otherwise be affected by 
the species being listed as threatened, and to encourage and strengthen 
conservation partnerships among Federal, State, and local agencies and 
other partners we serve.
    The areas where the section 9(a)(1)(B) prohibitions would not apply 
are shown in Figure 1. These areas were delineated in the following 
way: The southern edge is the Mexican border and the western edge is 
the Pacific coast. The eastern and northern edges of the boundary 
follow the development that would isolate any extant populations found 
within the boundaries. We did not include areas where we believed there 
was any chance of future dispersal corridor connectivity among extant 
populations, including habitat that could potentially be managed or 
restored to act as suitable connecting habitat. For a more detailed map 
of the areas where the section 9(a)(1)(B) prohibitions would not apply, 
please contact the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT).
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

[[Page 72424]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE21.000

BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
    Nothing in this 4(d) rule will change in any way the recovery 
planning provisions of section 4(f) of the Act, the consultation 
requirements under section 7 of the Act, or the ability of the Service 
to enter into partnerships for the management and protection of the 
Hermes copper butterfly. However, interagency cooperation may be 
further streamlined through planned programmatic consultations for the 
species between Federal agencies and the Service.

Required Determinations

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

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

[[Page 72425]]

entities (i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small 
government jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis 
is required if the head of the agency certifies the rule will not have 
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The SBREFA amended the RFA to require Federal agencies to 
provide a certification statement of the factual basis for certifying 
that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    According to the Small Business Administration, small entities 
include small organizations such as independent nonprofit 
organizations; small governmental jurisdictions, including school 
boards and city and town governments that serve fewer than 50,000 
residents; and small businesses (13 CFR 121.201). Small businesses 
include manufacturing and mining concerns with fewer than 500 
employees, wholesale trade entities with fewer than 100 employees, 
retail and service businesses with less than $5 million in annual 
sales, general and heavy construction businesses with less than $27.5 
million in annual business, special trade contractors doing less than 
$11.5 million in annual business, and agricultural businesses with 
annual sales less than $750,000. To determine if potential economic 
impacts to these small entities are significant, we considered the 
types of activities that might trigger regulatory impacts under this 
designation as well as types of project modifications that may result. 
In general, the term ``significant economic impact'' is meant to apply 
to a typical small business firm's business operations.
    Under the RFA, as amended, and as understood in light of recent 
court decisions, Federal agencies are required to evaluate only 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 
will be directly regulated by this 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 will be directly regulated by this 
rulemaking, the Service certifies that this final critical habitat 
designation will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    In summary, we have considered whether the final 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 this final critical habitat designation 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small business entities. Therefore, a regulatory flexibility analysis 
is not required.

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

    Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use) requires 
agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking 
certain actions. In our economic analysis, we did not find that this 
critical habitat designation will significantly affect energy supplies, 
distribution, or use. Furthermore, although it does include areas where 
power lines and power facility construction and maintenance may occur 
in the future, it will 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. 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 rule will not produce a Federal mandate. In general, a 
Federal mandate is a provision in legislation, statute, or regulation 
that would impose an enforceable duty upon State, local, or Tribal 
governments, or the private sector, and includes both ``Federal 
intergovernmental mandates'' and ``Federal private sector mandates.'' 
These terms are defined in 2 U.S.C. 658(5)-(7). ``Federal 
intergovernmental mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose 
an enforceable duty upon State, local, or 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 will significantly or uniquely 
affect small governments because it will 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 designation of critical habitat

[[Page 72426]]

imposes no obligations on State or local governments and, as such, a 
Small Government Agency Plan is not required. By definition, Federal 
agencies are not considered small entities, although the activities 
they fund or permit may be proposed or carried out by small entities.
    Consequently, we do not believe that the critical habitat 
designation will 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 the Hermes copper butterfly 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 
final designation of critical habitat for the Hermes copper butterfly, 
and it concludes that 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 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 critical habitat designation with, 
appropriate State resource agencies. From a federalism perspective, the 
designation of critical habitat directly affects only the 
responsibilities of Federal agencies. The Act imposes no other duties 
with respect to critical habitat, either for States and local 
governments, or for anyone else. As a result, the 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 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 will not 
unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of 
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. We are designating critical 
habitat in accordance with the provisions of the Act. To assist the 
public in understanding the habitat needs of the species, this rule 
identifies the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the species. The designated areas of critical habitat 
are presented on maps, and the 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 regulations 
adopted pursuant to section 4(a) of 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 coordinated with Federally-recognized Tribes within the range of 
the species regarding both listing and critical habitat. The species' 
historical range falls within Kumeyaay Nation (also known in part as 
Ipai and Tipai) traditional cultural territory identified by the 
Kumeyaay Heritage Preservation Committee, of which all 12 federally-
recognized Tribes are members. Though the historical range includes 
these lands, we determined that no Tribal lands fall within the 
boundaries of the final critical habitat for the Hermes copper 
butterfly. Based on our coordination and geographic analysis, we 
concluded no Tribal trust lands will be affected by the designation. We 
are

[[Page 72427]]

committed to ongoing coordination with Tribes and partnership building 
to ensure no effects on Tribes and to support voluntary conservation 
efforts in the future.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this rulemaking is available 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov and upon request from 
the Carlsbad Fish and Wildlife Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this final rule are the staff members of the 
Fish and Wildlife Service's Species Assessment Team and the Carlsbad 
Fish and Wildlife Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we 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, amend the table in paragraph (h) by adding an entry 
for ``Butterfly, Hermes copper'' to the List of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife in alphabetical order under ``Insects'' to read as 
follows:


Sec.  17.11  Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
           Common name                Scientific name        Where listed         Status        and applicable
                                                                                                    rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
                                                     Insects
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Butterfly, Hermes copper.........  Lycaena hermes......  Wherever found......            T   86 FR [INSERT
                                                                                              FEDERAL REGISTER
                                                                                              PAGE WHERE THE
                                                                                              DOCUMENT BEGINS];
                                                                                              12/21/2021; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.47(e); \4d\ 50
                                                                                              CFR 17.95(i).\CH\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


0
3. Amend Sec.  17.47 by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:


Sec.  17.47  Special rules--insects.

* * * * *
    (e) Hermes copper butterfly (Lycaena hermes).--(1) Prohibitions. 
The following prohibitions that apply to endangered wildlife also apply 
to Hermes copper butterfly. Except as provided under paragraph (e)(2) 
of this section and Sec. Sec. 17.4 and 17.5, it is unlawful for any 
person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to commit, to 
attempt to commit, to solicit another to commit, or cause to be 
committed, any of the following acts in regard to this species:
    (i) Import or export, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(b) for endangered 
wildlife.
    (ii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(1) for endangered 
wildlife.
    (iii) Possession and other acts with unlawfully taken specimens, as 
set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(1) for endangered wildlife.
    (iv) Interstate or foreign commerce in the course of a commercial 
activity, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(e) for endangered wildlife.
    (v) Sale or offer for sale, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(f) for 
endangered wildlife.
    (2) Exceptions from prohibitions. In regard to this species, you 
may:
    (i) Conduct activities as authorized by a permit under Sec.  17.32.
    (ii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(2) through (c)(4) for 
endangered wildlife.
    (iii) Take as set forth at Sec.  17.31(b).
    (iv) Possess and engage in other acts with unlawfully taken 
wildlife, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(2) for endangered wildlife.
    (v) Conduct the activities listed in paragraph (e)(2)(vi) of this 
section, including take, outside the area delineated in paragraph 
(e)(2)(vii) of this section if the activities are conducted in a manner 
that:
    (A) Maintains contiguity of suitable habitat for the species within 
and dispersal corridor connectivity among populations, allowing for 
maintenance of populations and recolonization of unoccupied, existing 
habitat;
    (B) Does not increase the risk of wildfire in areas occupied by the 
Hermes copper butterfly while preventing further habitat fragmentation 
and isolation, or degradation of potentially suitable habitat; and
    (C) Does not preclude efforts to augment or reintroduce populations 
of the Hermes copper butterfly within its historical range with 
management of the host plant, spiny redberry (Rhamnus crocea).
    (vi) Take the Hermes copper butterfly outside the area delineated 
in paragraph (e)(2)(vii) of this section if the take results from any 
of the following activities when conducted within habitats occupied by 
the Hermes copper butterfly:
    (A) Survey and monitoring work in coordination with and reported to 
the Service as part of scientific inquiry involving quantitative data 
collection (such as population status determinations).
    (B) Habitat management or restoration activities, including removal 
of nonnative, invasive plants, expected to provide a benefit to Hermes 
copper butterfly or other sensitive species of the chaparral and 
coastal sage scrub ecosystems, including removal of nonnative, invasive 
plants. These activities must be coordinated with and reported to the 
Service in writing and approved the first time an individual or agency 
undertakes them.
    (C) Activities necessary to maintain the minimum clearance 
(defensible space) requirement from any occupied dwelling, occupied 
structure, or to the

[[Page 72428]]

property line, whichever is nearer, to provide reasonable fire safety 
and to reduce wildfire risks consistent with the State of California 
fire codes or local fire codes or ordinances.
    (D) Fire management actions on protected/preserve lands to 
maintain, protect, or enhance coastal sage scrub and chaparral 
vegetation. These activities must be coordinated with and reported to 
the Service in writing and approved the first time an individual or 
agency undertakes them.
    (E) Maintenance of existing fuel breaks identified by local fire 
authorities to protect existing structures.
    (F) Firefighting activities associated with actively burning fires 
to reduce risk to life or property.
    (G) Collection, transportation, and captive-rearing of Hermes 
copper butterfly for the purpose of population augmentation or 
reintroduction, maintaining refugia, or as part of scientific inquiry 
involving quantitative data collection (such as survival rate, larval 
weights, and post-release monitoring) in coordination with and reported 
to the Service. This does not include activities such as personal 
``hobby'' collecting and rearing intended for photographic purposes and 
re-release.
    (H) Research projects involving collection of individual fruits, 
leaves, or stems of the Hermes copper butterfly host plant, spiny 
redberry, in coordination with and reported to the Service.
    (vii) Take the Hermes copper butterfly within the portion of the 
range described in paragraphs (e)(2)(vi)(A) and (B) of this section:
    (A) The southern edge is the Mexican border, and the western edge 
is the Pacific coast. The eastern and northern edges of the boundary 
follow the development that would isolate any extant populations found 
within the boundaries.
    (B) Note: The map of areas exempted from take prohibitions follows:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

[[Page 72429]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE21.001


0
4. Amend Sec.  17.95(i) by adding an entry for ``Hermes Copper 
Butterfly (Lycaena hermes)'' after the entry for ``Florida Leafwing 
Butterfly (Anaea troglodyta floridalis)'' to read as follows:


Sec.  17.95  Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
    (i) Insects.
* * * * *

Hermes Copper Butterfly (Lycaena hermes)

    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for San Diego County, 
California, on the maps in this entry.
    (2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of Hermes copper butterfly consist of the 
following components when found between 30 m and 1,341 m above sea 
level, and located in habitat providing an appropriate quality, 
quantity, and spatial and temporal arrangement of these habitat 
characteristics in the context of the life-history needs, condition, 
and status of the species:
    (i) Spiny redberry host plants (Rhamnus crocea).
    (ii) Nectar sources for adult butterflies.
    (3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures (such as 
buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other paved areas) and the 
land on which they

[[Page 72430]]

are located existing within the legal boundaries on January 20, 2022.
    (4) Critical habitat was mapped using GIS analysis tools and 
refined using 2016 NAIP imagery and/or the World Imagery layer from 
ArcGIS Online. 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 https://www.regulations.gov at 
Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2017-0053, on our internet site https://www.fws.gov/carlsbad/gis/cfwogis.html, 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:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE21.002
    
    (6) Unit 1: Lopez Canyon, San Diego County, California.
    (i) Unit 1 consists of 166 hectares (ha) (410 acres (ac)) in San 
Diego County and is composed of lands jointly owned and managed by the 
City and County of San Diego (88 ha (218 ac)) and private or other 
ownership (77 ha (191 ac)).

[[Page 72431]]

    (ii) Map of Unit 1, Lopez Canyon, follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE21.003
    
    (7) Unit 2: Miramar/Santee, San Diego County, California.
    (i) Unit 2 consists of 2,870 ha (7,092 ac) in San Diego County and 
is composed of lands owned and managed by the State of California (111 
ha (275 ac)), local jurisdictions (primarily the County of San Diego; 
1,113 ha (2,750 ac)), and private or other ownership (1,646 ha (4,068 
ac)).
    (ii) Map of Unit 2, Miramar/Santee, follows:

[[Page 72432]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE21.004

    (8) Unit 3: Southeast San Diego, San Diego County, California.
    (i) Unit 3 consists of 11,213 ha (27,709 ac) in San Diego County 
and is composed of lands owned by the Federal Government (4,213 ha 
(10,411 ac)), the State of California (2,000 ha (4,940 ac)), local 
jurisdictions (primarily the City and County of San Diego; 1,162 ha 
(2,871 ac)), and private or other ownership (3,765 ha (9,303 ac)).
    (ii) Map of Unit 3, Southeast San Diego, follows:

[[Page 72433]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR21DE21.005

* * * * *

Martha Williams,
Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the 
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-27157 Filed 12-20-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-C