Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Determination of Critical Habitat for the Alameda Whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus)

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), for the Alameda whipsnake (Masticophis lateralis euryxanthus). A total of approximately 164,150 hectares (406,598 acres) of land fall within the boundaries of designated critical habitat. Critical habitat for the Alameda whipsnake is located in Contra Costa, Alameda, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara counties, California. Section 7 of the Act requires Federal agencies to ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat. As required by section 4 of the Act, we considered economic and other relevant impacts prior to making a final decision on the size and configuration of critical habitat.