Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Arabis perstellata (Braun's Rock-cress)

We, the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), designate critical habitat for Arabis perstellata (Braun's rock-cress) pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). This endangered species is restricted to two counties (Rutherford and Wilson) in Tennessee and three counties (Franklin, Owen, and Henry) in Kentucky. We are designating 22 specific geographic areas (units) in Kentucky (17 units) and Tennessee (5 units) as critical habitat for Arabis perstellata. These units encompass approximately 648 hectares (ha) (1,600 acres (ac)) of upland habitat. Kentucky has approximately 328 ha (810 ac) and Tennessee has approximately 320 ha (790 ac) designated as critical habitat for Arabis perstellata. In the development of this final rule, we solicited and considered data and comments from the public on all aspects of this designation, including data on economic and other impacts of the designation. This publication also provides notice of the availability of the final economic analysis for this designation.