Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Final Designation of Critical Habitat for the Marbled Murrelet

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally proposed to designate critical habitat for the marbled murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus marmoratus) in Washington, Oregon, and California on January 27, 1994 (59 FR 3811). Based on comments received on the original proposal and additional information, the Service published a supplemental proposed designation of critical habitat for the marbled murrelet on August 10, 1995 (60 FR 40892). The marbled murrelet is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (Act). It is a small seabird of the Alcidae family that forages in the near-shore marine environment and nests in large trees in coniferous forests. Located primarily on Federal land, and to a lesser extent on State, county, city, and private lands, this final critical habitat rule would provide additional protection requirements under section 7 of the Act with regard to activities that are funded, authorized, or carried out by a Federal agency. Section 4 of the Act requires the Service to designate critical habitat for listed species on the basis of the best scientific information available and to consider the economic and other relevant impacts of including particular areas in the designation.