Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying the Fender's Blue Butterfly From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule, 32859-32878 [2021-12576]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 118 (Wednesday, June 23, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 32859-32878]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12576]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2020-0082; FF09E22000 FXES11130900000 212]
RIN 1018-BD97


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassifying the 
Fender's Blue Butterfly From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 
4(d) Rule

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
reclassify the Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi) 
from endangered to threatened (downlist) under the Endangered Species 
Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Fender's blue butterfly is endemic 
to the Willamette Valley of Oregon. The proposed downlisting is based 
on our evaluation of the best available scientific and commercial 
information, which indicates that the species' status has improved such 
that it is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a 
significant portion of its range, but that it is still likely to become 
so in the foreseeable future. We also propose a rule under section 4(d) 
of the Act that provides for the conservation of the species.

DATES: We will accept comments received or postmarked on or before 
August 23, 2021. Comments submitted electronically using the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be received by 11:59 
p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date. We must receive requests for 
public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT by August 9, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R1-ES-2020-0082, 
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on the 
Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left 
side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, click on the 
Proposed Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by 
clicking on ``Comment.''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: FWS-R1-ES-2020-0082, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on https://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Public Comments, below, for more information).
    Document availability: This proposed rule and supporting documents, 
including the 5-year review, the Recovery Plan, and the species status 
assessment (SSA) report are available at https://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo 
and at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R1-ES-2020-0082.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Henson, State Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office, 2600 SE 
98th Avenue, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97266; telephone 503-231-6179. If 
you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the 
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Act a species may warrant 
reclassification from endangered to threatened if it no longer meets 
the definition of endangered (in danger of extinction). The Fender's 
blue butterfly is listed as endangered, and we are proposing to 
reclassify (downlist) the Fender's blue butterfly as threatened because 
we have determined it is not currently in danger of extinction. 
Downlisting a species as a threatened species can only be made by 
issuing a rulemaking.
    What this document does. This rule proposes to downlist the 
Fender's blue butterfly from endangered to threatened (i.e., to 
``downlist'' the species), with a rule issued under section 4(d) of the 
Act, based on the species' current status, which has been improved 
through implementation of conservation actions.
    The basis for our action. Under the Act, we may determine that a 
species is an endangered species or a 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 may downlist a species if the 
best available commercial and scientific data indicate the species no

[[Page 32860]]

longer meets the applicable definition in the Act. We have determined 
that the Fender's blue butterfly is no longer in danger of extinction 
and, therefore, does not meet the definition of an endangered species, 
but is still affected by the following current and ongoing threats to 
the extent that the species meets the definition of a threatened 
species under the Act: The loss, degradation, and fragmentation of 
prairie and oak savannah habitats including conversion to non-habitat 
land uses (e.g., urban development, agriculture); elimination of 
natural disturbance regimes; encroachment into prairie habitats by 
shrubs and trees due to fire suppression; insecticides and herbicides; 
and invasion by non-native plants.
    We are proposing to promulgate a section 4(d) rule. We propose to 
prohibit all intentional take of the Fender's blue butterfly and 
specifically allow incidental take by landowners or their agents while 
conducting management for the creation, restoration, or enhancement of 
short-stature native upland prairie or oak savannah conditions under 
section 9(a)(1) of the Act as a means to provide protective mechanisms 
to our State and private partners so that they may continue with 
certain activities that will facilitate the conservation and recovery 
of the species.
    This document consists of: (1) A summary of the status of Fender's 
blue butterfly and the most recent 5-year review recommendation that 
the species be reclassified from endangered to threatened status; (2) a 
proposed rule to list Fender's blue butterfly as a threatened species 
under the Act; and (3) a proposed rule under section 4(d) of the Act to 
provide for the conservation of the species (hereafter, a ``4(d) 
rule''). Additionally, to support our species status review, we 
prepared a Species Status Assessment Report for the Fender's Blue 
Butterfly (USFWS 2020, entire) that presents a thorough review of the 
taxonomy, life history, ecology, and overall viability of the Fender's 
blue butterfly (available at https://www.regulations.gov, Docket No. 
FWS-R1-ES-2020-0082, under Supporting Documents).

Information Requested

Public Comments

    We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule 
be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and be as 
accurate and as effective as possible.
    Therefore, we request comments and information from other concerned 
governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or any other 
interested parties concerning this proposed rule. In particular, we 
seek comments concerning:
    (1) Reasons we should or should not reclassify Fender's blue 
butterfly from an endangered species to a threatened species.
    (2) New biological or other relevant data concerning any threat (or 
lack thereof) to Fender's blue butterfly and any existing regulations 
that may be addressing these or any of the stressors to the species 
discussed here.
    (3) New information concerning the population size or trends of 
Fender's blue butterfly.
    (4) Current or planned activities within the geographic range of 
Fender's blue butterfly that may have adverse or beneficial impacts on 
the species.
    (5) New information or data on the projected and reasonably likely 
impacts to Fender's blue butterfly or its habitat associated with 
climate change or any other factors that may affect the species in the 
future.
    (6) Information on regulations that are necessary and advisable to 
provide for the conservation of Fender's blue butterfly and that the 
Service can consider in developing a 4(d) rule for the species.
    (7) Information concerning the extent to which we should include 
any of the section 9 prohibitions in the 4(d) rule or whether any other 
forms of take should be excepted from the prohibitions in the 4(d) 
rule.
    Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as 
scientific journal articles or other publications, preferably in 
English) to allow us to verify any scientific or commercial information 
you include.
    Please note that submissions merely stating support for, or 
opposition to, the action under consideration without providing 
supporting information, although noted, will not be considered in 
making a determination, as section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act directs that 
determinations as to whether any species is an endangered or threatened 
species must be made ``solely on the basis of the best scientific and 
commercial data available.''
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you 
send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
    If you submit information via https://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the website. If your submission is made via a hardcopy 
that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the 
top of your document that we withhold this information from public 
review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We 
will post all hardcopy submissions on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov.
    Because we will consider all comments and information we receive 
during the comment period, our final determinations may differ from 
this proposal. Based on the new information we receive (and any 
comments on that new information), we may conclude that the species 
should remain listed as endangered instead of being reclassified as 
threatened, or we may conclude that the species no longer warrants 
listing as either an endangered species or a threatened species. In 
addition, we may change the parameters of the prohibitions or the 
exceptions to those prohibitions if we conclude it is appropriate in 
light of comments and new information received. For example, we may 
expand the incidental-take prohibitions to include prohibiting 
additional activities if we conclude that those additional activities 
are not compatible with conservation of the species. Conversely, we may 
establish additional exceptions to the incidental-take prohibitions in 
the final rule if we conclude that the activities would facilitate or 
are compatible with the conservation and recovery of the species.

Public Hearing

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

Supporting Documents

    A species status assessment (SSA) team prepared an SSA report for 
the

[[Page 32861]]

Fender's blue 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), our August 22, 2016, 
Director's Memo on the Peer Review Process, and the Office of 
Management and Budget's December 16, 2004, Final Information Quality 
Bulletin for Peer Review (revised June 2012), we sought the expert 
opinions of 12 appropriate and independent specialists with knowledge 
of the biology and ecology of Fender's blue butterfly or its habitat 
regarding the SSA report. The purpose of peer review is to ensure that 
our determination regarding the status of the species under the Act is 
based on scientifically sound data, assumptions, and analyses. We 
received feedback from 5 of the 12 peer reviewers contacted. In 
preparing this proposed rule, we incorporated the results of these 
reviews, as appropriate, into the final SSA report, which is the 
foundation for this proposed rule.

Previous Federal Actions

    On January 27, 1998, we published a proposed rule (63 FR 3863) to 
list the Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi), Lupinus 
sulphureus ssp. kincaidii (Kincaid's lupine), and Erigeron decumbens 
var. decumbens (Willamette daisy) under the Act, without critical 
habitat. On January 25, 2000, we published the final rule designating 
endangered status for the Fender's blue butterfly and Willamette daisy, 
and threatened status for Kincaid's lupine (65 FR 3875).
    On November 2, 2005, we published a proposed rule in the Federal 
Register to designate critical habitat for the Fender's blue butterfly, 
Kincaid's lupine, and Willamette daisy (70 FR 66492). We published the 
final rule designating critical habitat for the Fender's blue 
butterfly, Kincaid's lupine, and Willamette daisy on October 31, 2006 
(71 FR 63862). The final critical habitat designation included 
approximately 1,218 hectares (ha) (3,010 acres [ac]) for Fender's blue 
butterfly in Oregon; 237 ha (585 ac) for Kincaid's lupine in Oregon and 
Washington; and 291 ha (718 ac) for Willamette daisy in Oregon.
    On September 22, 2008, we published the notice of availability of 
the draft Recovery Plan for the Prairie Species of Western Oregon and 
Southwestern Washington (hereafter ``recovery plan'') in the Federal 
Register (73 FR 54603). The notice of availability for the final 
recovery plan was published in the Federal Register on June 29, 2010 
(75 FR 37460).
    On July 6, 2005, we announced the initiation of a 5-year review of 
the Fender's blue butterfly under section 4(c)(2)(b) of the Act (70 FR 
38972). The 5-year status review for the Fender's blue butterfly was 
signed on March 6, 2019.

Background

Status Assessment for the Fender's Blue Butterfly

    We prepared an SSA report for the Fender's Blue Butterfly (USFWS 
2020, entire) that presents a thorough review of the taxonomy, life 
history, ecology, and overall viability of the Fender's blue butterfly. 
In this proposed rule we present only a summary of the key results and 
conclusions from the SSA report; the full report is available at https://www.regulations.gov, as referenced above.

Recovery Planning and Recovery Criteria

    Section 4(f) of the Act directs us to develop and implement 
recovery plans for the conservation and survival of endangered and 
threatened species unless we determine that such a plan will not 
promote the conservation of the species. Under section 4(f)(1)(B)(ii), 
recovery plans must, to the maximum extent practicable, include 
objective, measurable criteria which, when met, would result in a 
determination, in accordance with the provisions of section 4 of the 
Act, that the species be removed from the List.
    Recovery plans provide a roadmap for us and our partners on methods 
of enhancing conservation and minimizing threats to listed species, as 
well as measurable criteria against which to evaluate progress towards 
recovery and assess the species' likely future condition. However, they 
are not regulatory documents and do not substitute for the 
determinations and promulgation of regulations required under section 
4(a)(1) of the Act. A decision to revise the status of a species, or to 
delist a species is ultimately based on an analysis of the best 
scientific and commercial data available to determine whether a species 
is no longer an endangered species or a threatened species, regardless 
of whether that information differs from the recovery plan.
    There are many paths to accomplishing recovery of a species, and 
recovery may be achieved without all of the criteria in a recovery plan 
being fully met. For example, one or more criteria may be exceeded 
while other criteria may not yet be accomplished. In that instance, we 
may determine that the threats are minimized sufficiently and that the 
species is robust enough that it no longer meets the definition of an 
endangered species or a threatened species. In other cases, we may 
discover new recovery opportunities after having finalized the recovery 
plan. Parties seeking to conserve the species may use these 
opportunities instead of methods identified in the recovery plan. 
Likewise, we may learn new information about the species after we 
finalize the recovery plan. The new information may change the extent 
to which existing criteria are appropriate for identifying recovery of 
the species. The recovery of a species is a dynamic process requiring 
adaptive management that may, or may not, follow all of the guidance 
provided in a recovery plan.
    In 2010, we finalized the Recovery Plan for the Prairie Species of 
Western Oregon and Southwestern Washington, which applied to a suite of 
endemic species including Fender's blue butterfly (USFWS 2010, entire). 
The objective of the recovery plan is to achieve viable populations of 
the listed species distributed across their historical ranges in a 
series of interconnected populations. This objective was to be 
accomplished by establishing metapopulations of restored prairie 
reserves across the geographic range covered by the recovery plan 
(USFWS 2010, p. v). The recovery plan set abundance and distribution 
goals for Fender's blue butterfly by delineating three recovery zones 
(Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene) encompassing the historical range of the 
species. The two downlisting criteria established for Fender's blue 
butterfly were as follows:
    (1) Each recovery zone has one functioning network (a 
metapopulation with several interacting subpopulations, as defined in 
the recovery plan) with a minimum count of 200 butterflies, distributed 
among 3 subpopulations, for at least 10 years; in addition to this 
network, there must be a second functioning network or 2 independent 
populations with butterflies present each year in each recovery zone. 
Downlisting goals were set at a 90 percent probability of persistence 
for 25 years.
    (2) Two functioning networks or one functioning network and two 
independent populations in each zone

[[Page 32862]]

must be protected and managed for high-quality prairie habitat. The 
plan described high-quality prairie as habitat consisting of a 
diversity of native, non-woody plant species, various nectar plants 
that bloom throughout the flight season of Fender's blue butterfly, low 
frequency of nonnative plant species and encroaching woody species, and 
essential habitat elements (e.g., nest sites and food plants) for 
native pollinators. At least one of the larval host plant species, 
Lupinus sulphureus ssp. kincaidii, L. arbustus or L. albicaulis, must 
be present.
    All three recovery zones have at least two metapopulations (Table 
1). The Baskett, Wren, West Eugene, and Willow Creek metapopulations 
have had more than 200 butterflies each year for at least 10 
consecutive years and are therefore meeting the recovery criteria. In 
addition, the Gopher Valley, Oak Ridge, Butterfly Meadows, Greasy 
Creek, Lupine Meadows, Coburg Ridge, and Oak Basin metapopulations have 
had butterflies present for at least 10 years though they have not 
exceeded the count of 200 butterflies. Thus, the species is currently 
meeting population criteria for downlisting. That said, concern remains 
for the Corvallis recovery zone in the middle of the species' range, 
with metapopulations that are generally less robust and more vulnerable 
to deteriorating in condition over time.
    The species is currently meeting habitat management and protection 
downlisting criteria. In each recovery zone, we have at least three 
metapopulations with greater than 75 percent of their habitat protected 
(Table 1). Managers of protected land either have a habitat management 
plan in place, or are in the process of creating plans to maintain 
prairie quality for Fender's blue butterfly. Although the recovery plan 
has identified the number of nectar species and sufficient amount of 
nectar to make up high quality habitat, our metapopulations currently 
do not meet the strict definition as spelled out in the recovery plan. 
However, we believe that for the species to achieve recovery, it does 
not need to fulfill this part of the criteria as laid out in the 
recovery plan. We will discuss this in greater detail below.

          Table 1--Fender's Blue Butterfly Distribution, Abundance And Protection Across Recovery Zones
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Number
                                  At least 200     consecutive     Time period     Butterflies        Habitat
        Metapopulation          butterflies for    years >=200     with >=200      present for    protection (%)
                                    10 years       butterflies     butterflies    past 10 years
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Salem Recovery Zone:
    Baskett...................               Y               18       2000-2018               Y              100
    Gopher Valley.............               N                7       2012-2018               Y              100
    Hagg Lake.................               N                8       2011-2018               N              100
    Moores Valley.............               N                0               -               N              100
    Oak Ridge.................               N                6       2013-2018               Y               35
    Turner Creek..............               N                0               -               N               45
Corvallis Recovery Zone:
    Butterfly Meadows.........               N                6       2003-2009               Y               24
    Finley....................               N                3       2016-2018               N              100
    Greasy Creek..............               N                0               -               Y                4
    Lupine Meadows............               N                6       2003-2009               Y              100
    Wren......................               Y               12       2006-2018               Y               93
Eugene Recovery Zone:
    Coburg Ridge..............               N                2       2006-2007               Y               77
    Oak Basin.................               N                0               -               Y              100
    West Eugene...............               Y               15       2003-2018               Y              100
    Willow Creek..............               Y               25       1993-2018               Y              100
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    While Fender's blue butterfly meets downlisting criteria, the 
species does not meet delisting criteria. The three delisting criteria 
established for Fender's blue butterfly were as follows:
    (1) Each of the three recovery zones has a combination of 
functioning networks and independent populations such that the 
probability of persistence is 95 percent over the next 100 years; 
Annual population surveys in each functioning network and independent 
population must count at least the minimum number of adult butterflies 
for 10 consecutive years.
    (2) Sites supporting populations of Fender's blue butterflies 
considered in Criterion 1 above must be protected and managed for high-
quality prairie habitat as described in the recovery plan.
    (3) Monitoring of populations following delisting will verify the 
ongoing recovery of the species, provide a basis for determining 
whether the species should be again placed under the protection of the 
Act, and provide a means of assessing the continuing effectiveness of 
management actions.
    Delisting may be achieved with a variety of combinations of 
metapopulations and independent populations in each recovery zone as 
detailed in the recovery plan. Currently, each recovery zone has at 
least four metapopulations meaning that each metapopulation would need 
a minimum of 400 butterflies in each of 10 consecutive years to meet 
delisting Criterion 1. At this time, none of the recovery zones meet 
this criterion. For Criterion 2, many of the sites for the Fender's 
blue butterfly have protection in place. Currently, we have three HCPs, 
17 SHA, and many partners agreement in place. These agreements help 
maintain the species habitat through prairie habitat restoration and 
enhancement. Overall, there is currently management and protection for 
the Fender's blue butterfly habitat. However, these sites do not 
possess sufficient number of butterflies to meet Criterion 1. 
Additionally, we also do not have post-delisting monitoring plans or 
agreements in place to assure habitat management will continue for this 
conservation-reliant species as per delisting Criterion 3. Therefore, 
although there are management plans in place for the species habitat, 
because we do not have sufficient number of butterflies within the 
metapopulations and we also do not have long term agreements for 
continual habitat management, this species does not meet the threshold 
for delisting.
    The extinction thresholds underlying downlisting and delisting 
criteria were derived from a census-based population

[[Page 32863]]

viability analysis (PVA) conducted shortly after listing the Fender's 
blue butterfly (USFWS 2010, pp. IV-29-IV-31 and IV-34). However, for 
the reasons described below, we are conducting a new PVA using an 
individual-based population model and reevaluating the delisting 
recovery criteria in light of the best scientific data that are now 
available. As described in the SSA report, the PVA used to develop the 
initial recovery criteria relied upon several assumptions that, based 
on our improved understanding of the ecology of the butterfly, we now 
know are outdated and require modification. We also have an additional 
decade of monitoring data and increased confidence in the accuracy of a 
standardized monitoring protocol implemented in 2012 (USFWS 2020, pp. 
47-52). Furthermore, the recovery plan set specific targets for the 
abundance and diversity of nectar species required to be of high 
habitat quality to support Fender's blue butterfly, as well as a 
minimum density of lupine leaves (the host plant for the species' 
larval life stage). For various reasons detailed in the SSA report, 
including a limited dataset and conflicting results regarding the 
correlation between these resources and densities of Fender's blue 
butterfly, these targets are also now in question (USFWS 2020, pp. 65-
67).
    Because we are in the process of reevaluating the current recovery 
criteria for Fender's blue butterfly as presented in the recovery plan 
for the species (USFWS 2010, pp. IV-29-IV-31 and IV-34), we did not 
assess the status of Fender's blue butterfly relative to all of the 
existing habitat targets. However, in our SSA, we did consider the 
status of the species relative to the overarching goals of protecting 
existing populations, securing the habitat, and managing for high-
quality prairie habitats; all of these were downlisting and delisting 
considerations described in the recovery plan (USFWS 2010, p. IV-9). In 
addition, our evaluation under the SSA framework (USFWS 2016) reflects 
the fundamental concepts captured in the recovery plan strategy of 
achieving multiple populations with connectivity between them 
distributed across the historical range of the species. For example, we 
find that the minimum number threshold from the recovery plan remains 
valid because population size targets based on minimum population size 
eliminate confounding variation from stochastic events that may not 
reflect demographic changes. In other words, averages may be 
artificially high or low if you have one unusual weather year.
    Additionally, we partially rely upon the habitat targets for nectar 
species for evaluating the status of the species. We acknowledge that 
the species needs a variety of different species as nectar sources. The 
recovery plan identifies the quantity of nectar needed per area and the 
number of native nectar species. However, we do not find that the 
quantity defined in these habitat targets of the recovery plan is 
needed for the recovery of the species as we have seen sites maintain 
viability despite not meeting the target (i.e., there are sites that 
are able to maintain viability with lower quantity of nectar and 
nonnative nectar species). We also explicitly considered not only the 
quality of the prairie habitat, using the recommended guidelines for 
prairie quality and nectar availability in the recovery plan, but also 
the management and protection status of butterfly occurrences (see, 
e.g., USFWS 2010, p. IV-13, pp. IV-29-IV-31).
    In sum, for the purpose of this status review, we evaluated the 
status of Fender's blue butterfly in terms of the relative viability of 
the species over time and the conservation biology principles of 
resiliency, redundancy, and representation of its constituent 
populations (Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 307-310; Wolf et al. 2015, 
entire; Smith et al. 2018, entire). Extinction risk is generally 
reduced as a function of increased population abundance (resiliency), 
numbers of populations (redundancy), and distribution or geographic or 
genetic diversity (representation). We combined our assessment of the 
resiliency, redundancy, and representation of Fender's blue butterfly 
populations with our evaluation of the ongoing and future threats to 
the species, as defined under section 4(a)(1) of the Act, to assess the 
overall status of the species in terms of its current viability and 
relative viability over a range of plausible futures (Smith et al. 
2018, p. 306; USFWS 2020, entire).

Taxonomy and Historical Distribution

    The Fender's blue butterfly was first described in 1931 as Plebejus 
maricopa fenderi based on specimens collected near McMinnville, Oregon, 
in Yamhill County (Macy 1931, pp. 1-2). The Fender's blue butterfly was 
classified in the Lycaenidae family within the subfamily Polyommatinae 
as a subspecies of Boisduval's blue butterfly based on adult characters 
and geographic distribution. The species maricopa was considered a 
synonym of the species icarioides and was later determined to be a 
member of the genus Icaricia, rather than the genus Plebejus. The 
worldwide taxonomic arrangement of the subtribe Polyommatina (which 
contains blue butterflies) was fluctuating between Plebejus and 
Icaricia until it was revised in 2013 as Icaricia. The current 
scientific name, Icaricia icarioides fenderi, was validated by the 
Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) and experts at the 
McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, a division of the 
Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida (see 
USFWS 2020, p. 15, for all citations).
    We do not know the precise historical distribution of Fender's blue 
butterfly due to the limited information collected on this subspecies 
prior to its description in 1931. Only a limited number of collections 
were made between the time of the subspecies' discovery and its 
presumed last observation on May 23, 1937, in Benton County, Oregon, 
leading the scientific community to assume the species was extinct 
(Hammond and Wilson 1993, p. 3). Fender's blue butterfly was 
rediscovered in 1989 at the McDonald State Forest, Benton County, 
Oregon, on the uncommon plant, Kincaid's lupine. Surveys since its 
rediscovery indicate that the distribution of Fender's blue butterfly 
is restricted to the Willamette Valley in Benton, Lane, Linn, Polk, 
Yamhill, and Washington Counties in Oregon.

Population Terminology

    In some instances, populations that are spatially separated 
interact, at least on occasion, as individual members move from one 
population to another. In the case of Fender's blue butterfly, the 
clear delineation of discrete populations and subpopulations is 
challenging because of the uncertainty regarding the extent to which 
individuals at known sites interact with each other or with other 
individuals on the landscape of adjacent private lands that are 
inaccessible to researchers and remain unsurveyed. Thus, in the SSA 
report and in this document, we use the term ``metapopulation'' as a 
rough analog to the more familiar term ``population''. We use the term 
metapopulation to describe groups of sites occupied by Fender's blue 
butterflies that are within 2 kilometers (km) (1.2 miles [mi]) of one 
another and not separated by barriers. We chose this distance because 
it is the estimated dispersal distance of Fender's blue butterfly 
(Schultz 1998, p. 290). We assume that butterflies within a 
metapopulation are capable of at least occasional interchange of 
individuals. We do not anticipate that metapopulations across the range 
of the species will interact with one another given the distance and 
structural

[[Page 32864]]

barriers between them. The definition of metapopulation used here and 
in the SSA report is not the same as the ``functioning network'' 
defined in the recovery plan because the latter does not allow for 
circumstances when populations do not meet the recovery plan definition 
of either an independent population or a functioning network. It also 
included a requirement for a minimum patch size of 18 ha (44 ac) for 
each network, which we now know is not necessary, as the butterfly can 
thrive in much smaller patch sizes. Further information regarding these 
definitions is detailed in the SSA report (USFWS 2020, pp. 41-42).
    Locations containing Fender's blue butterfly occur across multiple 
land ownerships and have varying degrees of habitat protection, and are 
managed in different ways. We use the term ``site'' to identify a 
management unit or land ownership designation; multiple sites may 
therefore comprise a single metapopulation. An ``independent group'' of 
Fender's blue butterfly refers to occupied sites that are more than 2 
km (1.2 mi) from another occupied site and/or are separated by barriers 
from other occupied sites such that butterflies are unable to interact.

Summary of the Biology and Life History of the Species

    The Fender's blue butterfly is found only in the prairie and oak 
savannah habitats of the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Adult Fender's 
blue butterflies are quite small, having a wingspan of approximately 25 
millimeters (mm) (1 inch [in]). The upper wings of males are brilliant 
blue in color with black borders and basal areas, whereas the upper 
wings of females are brown.
    The Fender's blue butterfly relies primarily upon a relatively 
uncommon lupine plant, the Kincaid's lupine, also endemic to the 
Willamette Valley and listed as a threatened species under the Act (65 
FR 3875; January 25, 2000), as the host plant for the larval 
(caterpillar) life stage (Hammond and Wilson 1993, p. 2). The only 
other host plants known for Fender's blue butterflies are Lupinus 
arbustus (longspur lupine) and Lupinus albicaulis (sickle-keeled 
lupine) (Schultz et al. 2003, pp. 64-67). Females lay single eggs on 
the underside of the leaves of one of these three lupine species, up to 
approximately 350 eggs in total. Eggs hatch from mid-May to mid-July, 
and the larvae feed on the lupine until the plants senesce and the 
larvae go into diapause for the fall and winter. The larvae break 
diapause in early spring, feed exclusively on the host lupine, and 
metamorphose into adults, emerging as butterflies between mid-April and 
the end of June. Adult Fender's blue butterflies only live 7 to 14 
days, and feed exclusively on nectar from flowering plants (Schultz 
1995, p. 36; Schultz et al. 2003, pp. 64-65).
    Given its short adult lifespan, the Fender's blue butterfly has 
limited dispersal ability. Butterflies are estimated to disperse 
approximately 0.75 km (0.5 mi) if they remain in their natal lupine 
patch, and approximately 2 km (1.2 mi) if they disperse between lupine 
patches (Schultz 1998, p. 290).

Habitat

    Both Fender's blue butterfly and its primary larval host plant, the 
Kincaid's lupine, are restricted to the upland prairies and oak 
savannahs of the Willamette Valley in western Oregon. Although wet 
prairies are occasionally occupied by the butterfly, most sites are 
found on upland prairie as that is where Kincaid's lupine tends to be 
found. The Willamette Valley is approximately 200 km (130 mi) long and 
30 to 50 km (20 to 40 mi) wide, characterized by a broad alluvial 
floodplain (Franklin and Dyrness 1988, p. 16). The alluvial soils of 
the Willamette Valley host a mosaic of grassland, woodland, and forest 
communities. Most grasslands in this region are early seral and require 
natural or human-induced disturbance for maintenance (Franklin and 
Dyrness 1988, p. 122). Historically, frequent burning reduced the 
abundance of shrubs and trees, favoring open prairies or savannahs with 
a rich variety of native plants and animals. As settlers arrived in the 
valley, they converted native habitats to agricultural landscapes, 
annual burning ceased, and both woody species and nonnative weeds 
encroached on the remaining prairie habitats. Native upland prairies 
now cover less than one percent of their former area, making them among 
the rarest of North American ecosystems (USFWS 2020, p. 27).
    The upland prairies used by Fender's blue butterfly are dominated 
by short-stature vegetation and slopes containing microtopography 
(small-scale surface features of the earth) of a variable nature. Most 
importantly, these prairies support at least one of the three larval 
host plants--Kincaid's lupine, longspur lupine, or sickle-keeled 
lupine--required by Fender's blue butterfly. The leaves of these lupine 
species grow to approximately 61 cm (24 in) tall, with flowers 
extending up to 90 cm (35 in); the plant requires sunny open areas 
without dense canopy cover (USFWS 2020, p. 32). These three lupines are 
an obligate food source for the larvae or caterpillars, but an 
abundance of wildflowers is essential for the adult life form. Nectar 
from wildflowers is the sole food source for adult butterflies, making 
a diversity of wildflowers a required component of prairie habitat for 
Fender's blue butterfly.
    The upland prairie habitats used by Fender's blue butterfly often 
contain scattered Quercus garryana (Oregon white oak) and the following 
native grass species: Danthonia californica (California oatgrass), 
Festuca idahoensis roemeri (Roemer's fescue), and Elymus glaucus (blue 
wild rye). Two nonnative grass species are also frequently present, 
Arrhenatherum elatius (tall oatgrass) and Festuca arundinacea (tall 
fescue). Tall grasses, including oatgrass and fescue, inhibit the 
growth of the lupine host plants and native nectar sources by crowding 
or shading them out; they can also overtop the lupines, and preclude 
access by females for oviposition. When tall grasses or other tall 
vegetation become dominant, they can prevent Fender's blue butterfly 
from using the native plant species necessary for the butterfly's 
survival and reproduction (USFWS 2020, p. 28). Invasive exotics that 
form thick stands of cover, such as Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom) or 
Rubus armeniacus (Himalayan blackberry), also contribute to this 
problem.

Historical and Current Abundance and Distribution

    While we do not know the precise historical abundance or 
distribution of Fender's blue butterfly, at the time the subspecies was 
listed as endangered in 2000, we knew of approximately 3,391 
individuals on 32 sites (USFWS 2020, p. 35). By retroactively applying 
the criteria for our refined population terminology, we calculate there 
would have been 12 metapopulations of Fender's blue butterfly 
distributed across approximately 165 ha (408 ac) of occupied prairie in 
4 counties at the time of listing (Table 2). Those numbers have now 
grown across all 3 recovery zones identified for Fender's blue 
butterfly (see Recovery Planning and Recovery Criteria) as a result of 
population expansion, population discovery, and population creation; 
currently, 15 Fender's blue butterfly metapopulations and 6 independent 
groups are distributed throughout the Willamette Valley in Benton, 
Lane, Linn, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill Counties (6 total Counties). 
There are 137 total sites, containing more than 13,700 individuals of 
the Fender's blue butterfly, throughout an area totaling approximately 
344 ha (825 ac) of occupied prairie habitat with a broad range of land 
ownerships and varying degrees of land protection and

[[Page 32865]]

management (USFWS 2020, pp. 52-53). In 2016, the estimated number of 
Fender's blue butterflies hit a presumed all-time high of nearly 29,000 
individuals (USFWS 2020, p. 71). Maps showing the historical and 
current distribution of Fender's blue butterfly throughout its range 
are available in the SSA report (USFWS 2020, pp. 51, 54-56).

      Table 2--Comparison of Fender's Blue Butterfly Abundance and
  Distribution Between Time of Listing in 2000 and Survey Results From
                                  2018
                         [USFWS 2020, Table 3.4]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Listed as       Survey results as
                                   endangered (2000)       of 2018 *
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of metapopulations.......  12................  15.
Number of independent groups....  0.................  6.
Total abundance (# of             3,391.............  13,700.
 individuals).
Number of sites.................  32................  137.
Area of prairie habitat known to  165 (408).........  344 (825).
 be occupied, in hectares
 (acres).
Counties known to be occupied...  4 (Benton, Lane,    6 (Benton, Lane,
                                   Polk, and           Linn, Polk,
                                   Yamhill).           Washington, and
                                                       Yamhill).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Note this is not a total count, as not all sites can be surveyed every
  year; thus, the number of individuals reported in 2018 is an
  underestimate of the rangewide abundance.

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 consider these same five 
factors in downlisting a species from endangered to threatened (50 CFR 
424.11(c)-(e)).
    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 species' expected response 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.
    Determining whether the status of a species has improved to the 
point that it can be reclassified from endangered to threatened 
(``downlisted'') or removed from the Federal Lists of Endangered and 
Threatened Wildlife and Plants (``delisted'') requires consideration of 
whether the species is endangered or threatened because of the same 
five categories of threats specified in section 4(a)(1) of the Act. For 
species that are already listed as endangered or threatened, this 
analysis of threats is an evaluation of both the threats currently 
facing the species and the threats that are reasonably likely to affect 
the species in the foreseeable future following the delisting or 
downlisting and the removal of the Act's protections.
    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 we 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 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,

[[Page 32866]]

reproductive rates or productivity, certain behaviors, and other 
demographic factors. We used 25 to 35 years as our foreseeable future 
for this species, which encompasses 35 generations of Fender's blue 
butterfly, is a long enough timeframe for to us to observe species 
responses in response to threats acting on the species, and reflects 
time frames associated with current conservation agreements for the 
species.

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 reclassified as a 
threatened species under the Act. It does, however, 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 full SSA report, which may be 
found at Docket No. FWS-RX-ES-2020-0082 on https://www.regulations.gov.
    To assess Fender's blue butterfly viability, we used the three 
conservation biology principles of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation (Shaffer and Stein 2000, pp. 306-310). Briefly, 
resiliency supports the ability of the species to withstand 
environmental and demographic stochasticity (for example, wet or dry, 
warm or cold years), redundancy supports the ability of the species to 
withstand catastrophic events (for example, droughts, large pollution 
events), and 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 and redundant a 
species is 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 Factors Affecting the Fender's Blue 
Butterfly

    In this section, we review the biological condition of the species 
and its resource needs, 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.

Key Resource Needs for Species Viability

    Table 3 summarizes the key ecological resources required by 
individual Fender's blue butterflies at various life stages, as 
presented in the SSA report (from USFWS 2020, Table 2.4).

 Table 3--Resource Needs of Fender's Blue Butterfly at the Level of the
                        Individual by Life Stage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Life stage                 Timeline          Resource needs
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Egg...........................  Mid-April through   Kincaid's
                                 June.              lupine, longspur
                                                    lupine, or sickle-
                                                    keeled lupine
Larva (including diapause)....  Mid-May through     Kincaid's
                                 early April        lupine, longspur
                                 (including         lupine, or sickle-
                                 diapause).         keeled lupine
Pupa..........................  April through May   Kincaid's
                                                    lupine, longspur
                                                    lupine, or sickle-
                                                    keeled lupine
Adult butterfly...............  Mid-April through   Early seral
                                 June.              upland prairie, wet
                                                    prairie, or oak
                                                    savannah habitat
                                                    with a mosaic of low-
                                                    growing grasses and
                                                    forbs, an open
                                                    canopy, and a
                                                    disturbance regime
                                                    maintaining the
                                                    habitat
                                                    Kincaid's
                                                    lupine, longspur
                                                    lupine, or sickle-
                                                    keeled lupine
                                                    Variety of
                                                    nectar flowers
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on our evaluation as detailed in the SSA report, we 
determined that to be resilient, Fender's blue butterfly 
metapopulations need an abundance of lupine host plants and nectar 
plants within prairie patches at least 6 ha (14.8 ac) in size, with 
habitat heterogeneity and minimal amounts of invasive plants and woody 
vegetation. Healthy metapopulations would also contain a minimum of 200 
butterflies (resiliency) distributed across multiple groups 
(redundancy) in lupine patches that are within 0.5 to 1.0 km (0.31 to 
0.62 mi) of one another. Ideally, at the species level, resilient 
metapopulations would be distributed across the historical range of the 
species (redundancy and representation) and have multiple ``stepping 
stone'' \1\ habitats for connectivity across the landscape (redundancy 
and representation) (USFWS 2020, p. 33). The key resources and 
circumstances required to support resiliency in Fender's blue butterfly 
metapopulations, and redundancy and representation at the species 
level, are identified in Table 4 (from USFWS 2020, Table 2.5). Based on 
the biology of the species and the information presented in the 
recovery plan, as synthesized in the SSA report, these are the 
characteristics of Fender's blue butterfly metapopulations that we 
conclude would facilitate viability in the wild over time (USFWS 2020, 
pp. 31-34).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ A ``stepping stone'' habitat is a prairie patch that 
provides both lupine and nectar plants, and occurs in an area with 
barrier-free movement for butterflies; such areas are likely too 
small to support a subpopulation or metapopulation of butterflies 
over the long term, but provide sufficient resources to support 
multi-generational movement of individuals between larger areas of 
habitat.

[[Page 32867]]



  Table 4--Resources and Circumstances Needed to Support Resiliency in
       Fender's Blue Butterfly Metapopulations and Redundancy and
  Representation at the Species Level, Based on the Conditions Required
            For The Species as Described in the Recovery Plan
                         [USFWS 2020, Table 2.5]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Metapopulation Needs
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Habitat Quantity/Quality           Abundance         Distribution
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abundant density of lupine host   Minimum of 200      0.5-1.0 km (0.3-
 plants.                           adult butterflies   0.6 mi) between
                                   per                 lupine patches
                                   metapopulation      within a
                                   for 10 years.       metapopulation
A diversity of nectar plant       Consists of         Occur across the
 species throughout the flight     multiple sites      historical range
 season.                           with butterflies.
Prairie relatively free of        n/a...............  Stepping stone
 invasive plants and woody                             prairie patches
 vegetation, especially those                          with lupine and/
 that prevent access to lupine                         or nectar to
 or nectar (e.g., tall grasses).                       facilitate
                                                       connectivity
                                                       within a
                                                       metapopulation
Patch sizes of at least 6 ha      n/a...............  n/a
 (14.8 ac) per metapopulation.
Heterogeneity of habitat,         n/a...............  n/a
 including varying slopes and
 varying microtopography.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Factors Affecting the Viability of the Species
    At the time we listed the Fender's blue butterfly as endangered (65 
FR 3875; January 25, 2000), we considered the loss, degradation, and 
fragmentation of native prairie habitat in the Willamette Valley to 
pose the greatest threat to the species' survival. Forces contributing 
to the loss of the little remaining native prairie included urban 
development (named as the largest single factor threatening the species 
at the time); agricultural, forestry, and roadside maintenance 
activities, including the use of herbicides and insecticides; and heavy 
levels of grazing. In addition, habitat loss through vegetative 
succession from prairie to shrubland or forest as a result of the 
absence of natural disturbance processes, such as fire, was identified 
as a long-term threat, and the invasion of prairies by nonnative plants 
was identified as a significant contributor to habitat degradation. 
Although predation is a natural condition for the species, the listing 
rule considered that predation may significantly impact remaining 
populations of Fender's blue butterfly because they had been reduced to 
such low numbers. Small population size was also identified as posing a 
threat of extinction due to the increased risk of loss through random 
genetic or demographic factors, especially in fragmented or localized 
populations. The possibility that the rarity of Fender's blue butterfly 
could render it vulnerable to overcollection by butterfly enthusiasts 
was cited as a potential threat. Finally, the listing rule pointed to 
the inadequacies of existing regulatory mechanisms to protect the 
Fender's blue butterfly or its habitat, especially on lands under 
private ownership. Threats not recognized or considered at the time of 
listing, but now known to us, include the potential impacts resulting 
from climate change (Factor E).

Habitat Loss, Degradation, and Fragmentation

    As discussed in the SSA report, habitat loss from land conversion 
for agriculture and urbanization, and from heavy grazing, has decreased 
since the time of listing due to land protection efforts and management 
agreements; these activities are still occurring at some level, 
especially in Lane and Polk Counties but not at the scope and magnitude 
seen previously (Factor A) (USFWS 2020, pp. 57-59; see also 
Conservation Measures, below). Habitat degradation due to invasion of 
prairies by nonnative invasive plants and by woody species (Factors A 
and E) has decreased in many metapopulations due to active management 
using herbicides, mowing, and prescribed fire to maintain or restore 
prairie habitats, as well as augmentation of Kincaid's lupine and 
nectar species (USFWS 2020, Appendix C; see also Conservation Measures, 
below). Some nonnative plants, such as the tall oatgrass, can be 
difficult to effectively manage, thereby requiring development of new 
methods to combat these invasive plants. While threats have been 
reduced across the species range, ongoing habitat management is 
required to maintain these improvements over time and will be critical 
to the viability of Fender's blue butterfly. In addition, habitat 
degradation due to invasion of prairies by nonnative invasive plants 
and by woody species, which may potentially be exacerbated in the 
future by the effects of climate change, remains a significant and 
ongoing threat at sites that are not managed for prairie conditions.
    The overall number of sites supporting Fender's blue butterfly has 
increased across all land ownership categories since listing, as has 
the percentage of sites with habitat management. Although the 
percentage of sites that are protected has remained roughly the same 
(just over 70 percent) relative to the time of listing, we now have a 
far greater number of sites that are protected (101 out of 137 sites 
protected, compared to 23 of 32 sites at the time of listing). More 
importantly, there is a significant increase in the proportion of sites 
that are actively managed to maintain or restore prairie habitat. At 
listing, only 31 percent of known sites (10 of 32) and only 44 percent 
of protected sites (10 of 23) were managed for prairie habitat to any 
degree. At present, 74 percent of current sites (101 of 137) and 100 
percent of protected sites (101 of 101) are managed for prairie 
habitat. This significant increase in the number of sites protected and 
managed to benefit the Fender's blue butterfly and its habitat 
represents substantial progress since listing in addressing the threat 
of habitat loss and degradation, and demonstrates the effectiveness of 
existing conservation actions and regulatory mechanisms. Impacts from 
habitat conversion, woody succession, and invasive plant species are 
decreasing in areas with existing metapopulations of Fender's blue 
butterflies due to active habitat management and protection; these 
impacts are more likely to stay the same or increase in areas of 
remaining prairie that are not currently protected or managed (USFWS 
2020, p. 59). With continued protection and proper habitat

[[Page 32868]]

management, greater range expansion is possible, as explored in detail 
under Future Scenario 3 (Future Species Condition, below), potentially 
increasing representation and redundancy of the Fender's blue 
butterfly.

Pesticides

    Insecticides and herbicides can directly kill eggs, larvae, and 
adult butterflies during application of the chemicals to vegetation or 
from drift of the chemicals from nearby applications in agricultural 
and urban areas. For instance, Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki, a 
bacterium that is lethal to all butterfly and moth larvae, is 
frequently used to control unwanted insects and has been shown to drift 
at toxic concentrations over 3 km (2 mi) from the point of application 
(Barry et al. 1993, p. 1977). Sublethal effects may indirectly kill all 
life stages by reducing lupine host plant vigor, decreasing fecundity, 
reducing survival, or affecting development time. Both insecticides and 
herbicides are used in agricultural practices, while herbicides are 
also used for timber reforestation and roadside maintenance and to 
control invasive species and woody vegetation encroachment. The threat 
to Fender's blue butterflies that may occur in roadside populations has 
been reduced through the development of several HCPs that specifically 
address pesticide application practices in these areas (e.g., Oregon 
Department of Transportation HCP; see Conservation Measures, below). 
The potential for exposure of Fender's blue butterfly to herbicides or 
insecticides remains throughout the species' range, especially in 
agricultural areas. However, we do not have any record of documented 
exposure or other data to inform our evaluation of the magnitude of any 
possible exposure, or the degree to which herbicides or insecticides 
may be potentially affecting the viability of the species (USFWS 2020, 
pp. 60-61). That said, while we cannot quantify the magnitude of 
possible exposure, agricultural land is widely distributed throughout 
the Willamette Valley, more lands are being converted to agriculture, 
and pesticide use is generally occurring more now than at any other 
time in history (Forister et al 2019, p. 4). Because pesticides are 
used on most agricultural crops to increase crop yield and prevent 
disease spread, pesticide use in the Willamette Valley is likely to 
affect multiple metapopulations.

Disease and Predation

    Although the listing rule stated that predation may have a 
significant negative impact on Fender's blue butterfly due to the 
reduced size of their populations, the best available information does 
not indicate that predation is a limiting factor for the species. Small 
population size was also identified as posing a threat of extinction 
due to the increased risk of loss through random genetic or demographic 
factors, especially in fragmented or localized populations (Factor E). 
Some very small, isolated populations of Fender's blue butterfly known 
at the time of listing do appear to have become extirpated (USFWS 2020, 
pp. 51-52), and existing small metapopulations or independent groups 
remain especially vulnerable to extirpation. Overall, however, the 
threat of small population size has decreased since listing due to the 
discovery of new metapopulations, the expansion of existing 
metapopulations, and the creation of new metapopulations of Fender's 
blue butterflies. Most, but not all, metapopulations of Fender's blue 
butterfly have increased in abundance relative to the time of listing, 
and the total population size has increased from just over 3,000 
individuals in 12 metapopulations distributed across 4 counties, to 
well over 13,000 individuals in 15 metapopulations distributed across 6 
counties (USFWS 2020, pp. 52-53).

Overcollection

    The best available information does not indicate that Fender's blue 
butterfly has been subject to overcollection. This threat does not 
appear to have manifested as anticipated in the listing rule.

Climate Change

    The severity of threat posed to Fender's blue butterfly from the 
impacts of climate change is difficult to predict. The Willamette 
Valley, and prairies specifically, may fare better than other regions; 
however, various changes in average annual temperatures and 
precipitation are predicted and may affect Fender's blue butterfly or 
its habitat (Bachelet et al. 2011, p. 424; USFWS 2017, p. B-10; USFWS 
2020, pp. 61-62). Such potential changes include higher water levels in 
wet prairies during winter and spring, increased spring flooding 
events, and prolonged summer droughts. Two models have conducted 
climate change vulnerability assessments for butterfly species within 
the Willamette Valley using the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios 
(SRES) created by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Under 
the SRES B1 scenario (comparable to the RCP 4.5 scenario), both models 
ranked Fender's blue butterfly as stable. Under the SRES A1B scenario 
(RCP 6.0), both models ranked Fender's blue butterfly as moderately 
vulnerable. Under the SRES A2 scenario (RCP 8.5), however, Fender's 
blue butterfly was ranked as extremely vulnerable under one model and 
highly vulnerable under the other model due to its limited range and 
loss of both nectar and host plants. While the models do not agree on 
the degree of vulnerability, both models did show an increase in 
vulnerability as climate change scenarios worsened due to the species' 
limited range and the potential for loss of both nectar and host 
plants, as well as a possible increase in invasive nonnative plants 
(Steel et al. 2011, p. 5; Kaye et al. 2013, pp. 23-24).
    In our analysis of the future condition of the Fender's blue 
butterfly, we considered climate change to be an exacerbating factor in 
the decrease in nectar plants, lupine plants, and open prairie or oak 
savannah habitat. Scenario 2 of our assessment of Future Species 
Condition specifically considered the potential for severe consequences 
of climate change (an RCP 8.5 scenario) for Fender's blue butterfly. If 
climate change impacts result in less effective habitat management, 
more invasive species, and disruptions to plant phenology, then we 
anticipate the potential loss or deterioration of more than half of the 
existing metapopulations. Although the results indicated an extensive 
loss of resiliency and redundancy, with seven metapopulations subject 
to potential extirpation under such conditions, we also projected that 
all recovery zones would still maintain at least one metapopulation in 
high condition. We therefore estimate that Fender's blue butterfly 
would likely sustain populations under such conditions, but its 
relative viability in terms of resiliency, redundancy, and 
representation would be diminished. While Scenario 2 looked at a high 
emissions scenario, Scenario 1 and Scenario 3 considered climate change 
to continue under RCP 4.5 in which we project that Fender's blue 
butterfly would remain stable based on the aforementioned models. 
Therefore, we estimated resiliency, redundancy, and representation 
would be unlikely to change substantially from climate change.

Conservation Measures

    Because of extensive loss of native prairie habitats in the 
Willamette Valley and the resulting Federal listing of multiple endemic 
plant and animal species, the region has been the focus of

[[Page 32869]]

intensive conservation efforts. Numerous entities, including Federal, 
State, and county agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGO) such as 
land trusts, and private landowners have all become engaged in efforts 
to restore native Willamette Valley prairie and oak savannah habitats 
and the associated endemic animal communities. Collectively, the 
agencies and organizations that manage lands have acquired conservation 
easements and conducted management actions to benefit prairie and oak 
savannah habitats; in many cases, conservation efforts have been 
designed specifically to benefit the Fender's blue butterfly. Various 
types of agreements have been established with private landowners to 
perform voluntary conservation actions on their land, while agencies 
are working collaboratively on habitat restoration and active prairie 
management under interagency agreements.
    Our SSA report summarizes the conservation measures implemented 
across the range of the Fender's blue butterfly since the species was 
listed in 2000 (USFWS 2020, pp. 62-65). These measures include native 
prairie habitat restoration and management on public lands or lands 
that are managed by a conservation organization, including Baskett 
Slough National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas, William L. 
Finley National Wildlife Refuge, Fern Ridge Reservoir, West Eugene 
Wetlands, Willow Creek Preserve, Yamhill Oaks Preserve, Coburg Ridge, 
Lupine Meadows, Hagg Lake, a small portion of the McDonald State 
Forest, and some Benton County public lands. The long-term viability of 
Fender's blue butterfly is dependent on an ongoing, consistent 
commitment to active management to remove woody vegetation and invasive 
plants, thereby maintaining the native plant community and open prairie 
conditions required by this species.
    The contributions of private landowners have also made a 
significant impact on the conservation of Fender's blue butterfly. 
Approximately 96 percent of the Willamette Valley ecoregion is in 
private ownership (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife 2006), and 
the majority (66 percent) of designated critical habitat for Fender's 
blue butterfly is on private lands (71 FR 63862; October 31, 2006). 
Thus, the conservation and recovery of Fender's blue butterfly, 
Kincaid's lupine, and the suite of native species associated with them 
relies in large part on the voluntary actions of willing non-Federal 
landowners to conserve, enhance, restore, reconnect and actively manage 
the native prairie habitats that support these species. Many Fender's 
blue butterfly sites on private or other non-Federal lands across the 
range of the species now have Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) 
agreements, Safe Harbor Agreements (SHAs), or Habitat Conservation 
Plans (HCPs) in place with the Service.
    Through many PFW agreements in place with private landowners in the 
Willamette Valley, we provide technical assistance to the landowners 
for the enhancement and restoration of native habitats on their lands; 
these conservation actions benefit multiple native species, including 
the Fender's blue butterfly. We administers and implements a 
programmatic SHA for the benefit of Fender's blue butterfly. This 
program encourages non-Federal landowners to undertake proactive 
conservation and restoration actions to benefit native prairie, as well 
as Fender's blue butterfly and Kincaid's lupine, in Benton, Lane, Linn, 
Marion, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill Counties of Oregon (USFWS 2016, 
entire). Currently, 17 properties covering approximately 595 ha (1,471 
ac) are enrolled under the programmatic SHA as of November 2020; 
another 12 agreements that will cover an additional 417 ha (1,031 ac) 
are in development. In addition, three HCPs in place are designed to 
minimize and mitigate effects to the Fender's blue butterfly: the 
Benton County HCP (2011; 50-year term), Yamhill County Road Right-of-
Ways HCP (2014; 30-year term), and the Oregon Department of 
Transportation HCP (2017; 25-year term). These agreements include 
various provisions ensuring the implementation of best management 
practices and offsetting any potential negative impacts of activities 
through augmenting or enhancing populations of Fender's blue butterfly 
or prairie habitats.
    Finally, NGOs have actively pursued conservation easements and 
acquisition of properties throughout the Willamette Valley to benefit 
native prairies and the Fender's blue butterfly. Specific examples 
include the 2005 acquisition and establishment of the Lupine Meadow 
Preserve by the Greenbelt Land Trust, and the 2008 acquisition and 
establishment of the Yamhill Oaks Preserve by The Nature Conservancy.
    Overall, there are 137 total sites containing Fender's blue 
butterfly that occur over a broad range of land ownerships with varying 
degrees of land protection and management. Forty-four sites are on 
tracts of public land owned by the USACE; BLM; Bureau of Reclamation 
(BOR); OSU; or the Service, all of which are being managed for prairie 
habitat to varying degrees given funding and personnel. Fourteen sites 
are in public ROWs managed by ODOT or County Public Works and all are 
being managed for prairie. Thirty sites are on private land without any 
form of protection or active management for Fender's blue butterfly or 
its habitat. Another 43 sites are on private land with some level of 
protection via a conservation easement (20 sites) or under a 
cooperative agreement (23 sites) and are being managed for prairie 
habitat. More information on conservation measures performed by NGOs 
specific to each metapopulation of Fender's blue butterfly are listed 
in the SSA report in the section Metapopulation Descriptions under 
Current Conditions (USFWS 2020, Appendix C).
    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 Species Condition

    After assessing the biology of Fender's blue butterfly and the 
information presented in its recovery plan, we determined that the 
resiliency of a metapopulation of the species relies on an abundant 
supply of lupine host plants and nectar plants within prairie patches 
at least 6 ha (14.8 ac) in size, habitat heterogeneity, and minimal 
amounts of invasive plants and woody vegetation. Healthy 
metapopulations would also contain a minimum of 200 butterflies 
(resiliency) distributed across multiple groups within a metapopulation 
(redundancy) in lupine patches that are within 0.5 to 1.0 km (0.31 to 
0.62 mi) of one another. At the species level, resilient 
metapopulations would ideally be distributed across the historical 
range of the species (representation and redundancy across

[[Page 32870]]

metapopulations) and have numerous habitat ``stepping stones'' for 
connectivity across the landscape (redundancy and representation).
    In our evaluation, we used the best scientific data available to 
evaluate the current condition of each Fender's blue butterfly 
metapopulation in terms of resiliency. We developed criteria to assess 
specific habitat and demographic factors contributing to the overall 
resilience of metapopulations, and to rank each metapopulation as to 
whether it is in high, moderate, or low condition; these categories 
reflected our estimate of the probability of persistence over a period 
of 25 to 35 years (explained below; see Future Species Condition), as 
detailed in the SSA report (USFWS 2020, pp. 71-73). Criteria used to 
score metapopulation condition included the number of sites 
contributing to the metapopulation, butterfly abundance, connectivity, 
habitat patch size, lupine density, presence of nectar species, and 
measures of prairie quality and habitat heterogeneity (USFWS 2020, 
Table 6.2, p. 73).
    Five of the existing 15 Fender's blue butterfly metapopulations are 
ranked as having a high current condition, while 3 are ranked as 
moderate, 6 are ranked low, and one may be extirpated (Table 5). 
Overall, the majority of metapopulations, 8 out of 15, are ranked as 
either in high or moderate condition, indicating a degree of resiliency 
across the range of the species. Fender's blue butterfly currently 
demonstrates a good degree of metapopulation redundancy, with multiple 
metapopulations occurring both within and across the three recovery 
zones spanning the historical range of the species. Although no direct 
measures of genetic or ecological diversity are available, we consider 
the species to have a good degree of representation, as there are 
multiple metapopulations and groups of Fender's blue butterfly 
distributed relatively evenly across the geographic range of the 
species (six in the Salem recovery zone, five in the Corvallis recovery 
zone, and four in the Eugene recovery zone), in all known habitat types 
(both prairie and oak savannah) and elevations.

  Table 5--Current Condition of Fender's Blue Butterfly Metapopulations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
              Metapopulation                      Current condition
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           Salem Recovery Zone
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baskett...................................  High.
Gopher Valley.............................  Moderate.
Hagg Lake.................................  High.
Moores Valley.............................  Possible extirpation.
Oak Ridge.................................  Moderate.
Turner Creek..............................  Low.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Corvallis Recovery Zone
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Butterfly Meadows.........................  Low.
Finley....................................  Moderate.
Greasy Creek..............................  Low.
Lupine Meadows............................  Low.
Wren......................................  High.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Eugene Recovery Zone
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coburg Ridge..............................  Low.
Oak Basin.................................  Low.
West Eugene...............................  High.
Willow Creek..............................  High.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The discovery of Fender's blue butterflies in additional counties 
since the listing of the species, as well as the expansion of existing 
metapopulations, increases both the geographic range of the species and 
connectivity throughout the landscape. An increased number of 
metapopulations, composed of a greater number of individuals and with 
expanded distribution and connectivity across the range of Fender's 
blue butterfly (see Table 3), means the species has a greater chance of 
withstanding stochastic events (resiliency), surviving potentially 
catastrophic events (redundancy), and adapting to changing 
environmental conditions (representation) over time.

Future Species Condition

    To understand the potential future condition of Fender's blue 
butterfly with respect to resiliency, redundancy and representation, we 
considered a range of potential scenarios that incorporate important 
influences on the status of the species, and that are reasonably likely 
to occur. We additionally forecast the relative likelihood of each 
scenario occurring, based on our experience with the species and best 
professional judgment (see USFWS 2020, p. 77). Through these future 
scenarios, we forecast the viability of Fender's blue butterfly over 
the next 25 to 35 years. We chose this timeframe because it represents 
up to 35 generations of the Fender's blue butterfly, and therefore 
provides adequate time to collect and assess population trend data. The 
recovery plan also used this general timeframe for the determination of 
downlisting criteria and this timeframe can reveal the immediate 
effects of management strategies given that our current interim 
protections (e.g., HCPs, SHAs) have a lifespan ranging from 10-50 
years. We bracketed our timeframe to a shorter period based on our 
knowledge of the species and our ability to project current and future 
threats and conservation efforts. We scored the projected future 
condition of each metapopulation based on a ruleset incorporating 
abundance and trend data, quality of prairie habitat, level of habitat 
protection, and type of habitat management (see USFWS 2020, pp. 77-83). 
In addition to the high, moderate, and low condition categories, we 
added a fourth category in our future scenarios accounting for possible 
extirpation. The purpose of evaluating the status of Fender's blue 
butterfly under a range of plausible future scenarios is to create a 
risk profile for the species into the future, allowing for an 
evaluation of its viability over time.
    Scenario 1 assumes ``continuing efforts''--Fender's blue butterfly 
will continue on its current trajectory and influences on viability, 
habitat management, and conservation measures will all continue at 
their present levels. Due to our analysis of current management 
actions, protections, and threats, we consider this scenario as highly 
likely to play out over the next 25 to 35 years. Scenario 2 is based on 
an increased level of impact from negative influences on viability, 
particularly alterations in environmental conditions as a result of 
climate change. We consider this scenario moderately likely to occur 
over the next 25 to 35 years due to greater uncertainty in assessing 
the degree of climate change and the impact it may have on the species. 
Scenario 3 is based on increased conservation effort, including the 
potential for improved habitat conditions at currently occupied sites; 
metapopulation expansion by restoring currently unoccupied prairie 
sites; and augmentation, translocation, and/or introduction of 
butterflies. In this scenario, we evaluated the potential for expansion 
at currently protected sites and protected areas identified as possible 
introduction sites (USFWS 2020, pp. 81-104). Due to questions regarding 
potential funding, personnel, and other conservation agreements needed 
to provide additional protections, we consider this scenario as also 
moderately likely to occur over the next 25 to 35 years. The results 
from these three scenarios describe a range of possible conditions in 
terms of viability of the Fender's blue butterfly (USFWS 2020, pp. 104-
106; Table 6). We used two different methodologies for assessing future 
conditions. Under scenario 1 and 2, we analyzed trends in

[[Page 32871]]

population number and habitat quality and projected that out into the 
future. Meanwhile, in scenario 3, we mapped out and identified 
potential areas for conservation and worked with partners on the 
feasibility of conservation actions there. We then used these responses 
to project habitat enhancement in these areas and the impact that 
enhancement will have on the species' population trends. While these 
two methods differ, both apply our knowledge of the species and current 
and planned or potential management actions in order to project what 
its condition will be in the future.

 Table 6--Condition Scores for Metapopulation Resiliency, Comparing Current Condition to Three Plausible Future
 Scenarios as Described in the Text. Relative Likelihoods of Each Scenario at 25 to 35 Years are Also Provided;
    see USFWS 2020, p. 77, For an Explanation of Confidence Terminologies Used To Estimate the Likelihood of
                                               Scenario Occurrence
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                    Number of metapopulations
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 Scenario 1--     Scenario 2--     Scenario 3--
                Condition score                                   continuing      considerable     conservation
                                                    Current         efforts         impacts          efforts
                                                   condition        (highly       (moderately      (moderately
                                                                    likely)         likely)          likely)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
High..........................................               5               7                3                7
Moderate......................................               3               1                5                5
Low...........................................               6               5                0                2
Possible Extirpation..........................               1               2                7                1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Because the natural processes that historically maintained this 
ecosystem and Fender's blue butterfly's early seral habitat are now 
largely absent from the Willamette Valley, the species is reliant upon 
ongoing management that sets back succession and controls invasive tall 
grasses and woody plant species. Therefore, an important consideration 
in our evaluation of the viability of the species is whether or not 
management actions will continue that restoration and maintenance of 
prairie systems, including actions that maintain populations of the 
lupine host plants and nectar resources in the Willamette Valley.
    Scenario 1 results in improved condition for several 
metapopulations currently ranked as moderate, as conservation efforts 
continue. On the other hand, metapopulations that are currently in low 
condition or already at risk of extirpation would likely either remain 
in that state or (in one case) degrade in condition from low to 
possible extirpation. Overall, we expect that the viability of Fender's 
blue butterfly under this scenario would improve relative to its 
current condition, characterized by increases in resiliency of existing 
metapopulations. Seven metapopulations would be in high condition, one 
in moderate condition, five in low, and two at risk of possible 
extirpation. There would be at least two metapopulations in high 
condition in each of the three recovery zones; the Salem recovery zone 
would be in the best condition, with three metapopulations in high 
condition. The resiliency of metapopulations would be lowest in the 
Corvallis recovery zone, with three of five metapopulations ranked 
either low or at risk of extirpation. Thus, there is a possibility for 
some loss of redundancy, with the Corvallis recovery zone at greatest 
risk. We anticipate that most, but not all, of the current 
metapopulations would maintain viability under this scenario.
    Scenario 2 would be expected to result in decreases in resiliency 
and redundancy, with seven metapopulations subject to possible 
extirpation. While some metapopulations would likely retain their 
resiliency, more than half of the current metapopulations would be at 
risk of extinction within the next 25 to 35 years under this scenario. 
We anticipate that, under these conditions Fender's blue butterfly 
would persist, but its long-term viability in terms of resiliency, 
redundancy, and representation would be greatly diminished even with 
continued management for the conservation of the species.
    Under Scenario 3, we expect resiliency to increase as several 
metapopulations remain at or move into high condition, with others 
transitioning from low to moderate condition; seven metapopulations 
would be in high condition, five in moderate condition, two in low 
condition, and one at risk of extirpation. Redundancy and 
representation would be maintained in all recovery zones; all recovery 
zones would have a minimum of two metapopulations in high condition. We 
anticipate that all of the currently extant metapopulations would 
maintain viability under this scenario, with the exception of one that 
is small and at risk of extirpation under all scenarios considered.
    For the reasons described above under Future Species Condition, we 
forecast the future condition of Fender's blue butterfly out for a 
period of 25 to 35 years. Although information exists regarding 
potential impacts from climate change beyond this timeframe, the 
projections depend on an increasing number of assumptions as they move 
forward in time, and thus become more uncertain with increasingly long 
timeframes. For our purposes, as detailed above, we concluded that a 
foreseeable future of 25 to 35 years was the most reasonable period of 
time over which we could reasonably rely upon predictions of the future 
conservation status of Fender's blue butterfly.

Determination of Fender's Blue 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 
``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

[[Page 32872]]

manmade factors affecting its continued existence.

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 
found that Fender's blue butterfly has experienced a marked increase in 
resiliency, redundancy, and representation across its historical range, 
contributing to an overall increase in viability. We listed the 
Fender's blue butterfly as endangered in 2000, upon a determination at 
that time that the species was presently in danger of extinction 
throughout all or a significant portion of its range (65 FR 3875; 
January 25, 2000, p. 3886). Since then, our evaluation of the best 
scientific and commercial data available indicates that the abundance 
and distribution of Fender's blue butterfly has improved as a result of 
metapopulation expansion, metapopulation discovery, and metapopulation 
creation, as well as a marked increase in habitat protection and 
management across the range of the species. The presence of Fender's 
blue butterflies in new counties, the expansion of existing 
metapopulations, and the creation of new metapopulations increases both 
the geographic range of the species and potential connectivity 
throughout the landscape. In addition, active recovery efforts 
occurring since Fender's blue butterfly was listed have led to the 
amelioration of threats to the species, as detailed above in the 
section Conservation Measures. As described in the Summary of 
Biological Status and Factors Affecting Fender's Blue Butterfly, there 
has been a marked reduction in threats to the species posed by Factors 
A and E, helped in large part by effective conservation actions and 
existing regulatory mechanisms in place (Factor D). Furthermore, 
threats identified at the time of listing under Factors B and C have 
not materialized as originally anticipated. Our assessment of the 
present condition of the species demonstrates that Fender's blue 
butterfly is currently found in metapopulations primarily ranked as in 
high to moderate condition throughout all three recovery zones 
established for the species within its historical range, exhibiting an 
appreciable degree of resiliency, redundancy, and representation.
    Thus, after assessing the best available information, we conclude 
that the Fender's blue butterfly no longer meets the Act's definition 
of an endangered species.
    We next consider whether the Fender's blue butterfly meets the 
Act's definition of a threatened species. Although threats to the 
species have been reduced relative to the time of listing, the species 
remains vulnerable. Six out of fifteen metapopulations are currently 
ranked in low condition, and all future scenarios include the possible 
extirpation of some existing metapopulations (USFWS 2020, p. 104). Some 
of these metapopulations (e.g., Lupine Meadows) are in decline for 
unknown reasons, despite their apparently relatively high-quality 
habitat (USFWS 2020, p. 71). Eleven of the fifteen metapopulations do 
not meet the minimum criteria of 200 butterflies each year, and 
connectivity both within and between metapopulations remains limited 
due to the reduction and fragmentation of native prairie habitats, as 
well as the relative rarity and patchy distribution of the primary host 
plant, Kincaid's lupine. In particular, concern remains for the 
Corvallis recovery zone in the middle of the species' range, with 
metapopulations that are generally less robust and more vulnerable to 
deteriorating in condition over time (under current conditions only one 
metapopulation in this zone is considered highly resilient, compared to 
two or more in the other zones).
    While it is true that many metapopulations in the Corvallis 
recovery zone have low current condition, the two remaining 
metapopulations, Finley and Wren, are heavily managed by local 
counties. The Finley metapopulation is on a National Wildlife Refuge, 
was recently introduced, and is continually increasing. Additionally, 
these two metapopulations occur at opposite ends of these recovery 
zone, ensuring that no gaps in the species' range will develop even if 
the ``low'' metapopulation becomes extirpated. Furthermore, all three 
of our future scenarios project that the Finley and Wren 
metapopulations will maintain viability. Therefore, while there remains 
lingering concern about the condition of the Corvallis recovery zone, 
this recovery zone possesses sufficient resiliency and redundancy to 
allow it to maintain viability into the foreseeable future.
    With regard to influences on viability, the potential for exposure 
to pesticides (herbicides, insecticides) is an ongoing threat to the 
species throughout its range, due to the close proximity of Fender's 
blue butterfly occurrence sites to agricultural lands as well as areas 
subject to spraying to control gypsy moths or mosquitoes. In addition, 
we have yet to develop an effective method for eradicating tall 
oatgrass, a nonnative invasive plant that is rapidly expanding into 
prime prairie habitats and posing a growing management concern. The low 
availability of lupine host plants, and inadequate supply of 
appropriate lupine seed for restoration efforts, is also a limiting 
factor for Fender's blue butterfly. Finally, we consider Fender's blue 
butterfly to be a ``conservation reliant'' species (sensu Scott et al. 
2010, p. 92), and it remains highly vulnerable to loss of its prairie 
habitat should active management cease. Because it relies on consistent 
disturbance to maintain its early seral prairie habitat, the future 
viability of Fender's blue butterfly is dependent upon ongoing 
management to set back succession and control the invasion of tall 
grasses and woody plant species since the natural processes that once 
historically maintained this ecosystem are now largely absent from the 
Willamette Valley. The viability of the Fender's blue butterfly over 
the long term will therefore require addressing influences on viability 
including ongoing habitat conversion, loss of habitat disturbance 
resulting in habitat succession, invasion by nonnative plants, and 
exposure to insecticides and herbicides, as well as continued 
conservation and management efforts.
    Thus, after assessing the best available information, including but 
not limited to the current status of the species, ongoing threats to 
the species, and predicted status of Fender's blue butterfly under 
various future scenarios, including the consequences of climate change, 
we conclude that Fender's blue 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 Services 
do not undertake an analysis of significant portions of a species' 
range if the species warrants listing as threatened throughout all of 
its range. Therefore,

[[Page 32873]]

we proceed to evaluating whether the 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 Fender's blue butterfly, 
we choose to address the status question first--we considered 
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 Fender's blue 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: 
Habitat loss from land conversion for agriculture and urbanization; 
habitat degradation due to invasion of prairies by nonnative invasive 
plants and by succession to woody species; insecticides and herbicides; 
effects of climate change; small population size; and the cumulative 
effects of these threats. The threats occur in both prairie and oak 
savannah habitat types throughout the Willamette Valley such that they 
are affecting all Fender's blue butterfly metapopulations. We found no 
concentration of threats in any portion of the range of Fender's blue 
butterfly 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 available scientific and commercial 
information indicates that the Fender's blue butterfly meets the 
definition of a threatened species. Therefore, we propose to downlist 
the Fender's blue butterfly as a threatened species in accordance with 
sections 3(20) and 4(a)(1) of the Act.
    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 proposed 
listing on proposed and ongoing activities within the range of the 
species proposed for listing. Because we are proposing to list this 
species as a threatened species, the prohibitions in section 9 would 
not apply directly. We are therefore proposing below a set of 
regulations to provide for the conservation of the species in 
accordance with section 4(d), which also authorizes us to apply any of 
the prohibitions in section 9 to a threatened species. The proposal, 
which includes a description of the kinds of activities that would or 
would not constitute a violation, complies with this policy.

Proposed 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 he 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 
of discretion to select and promulgate appropriate regulations tailored 
to the specific conservation needs of the threatened 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 with regard to the permitted activities for those species. He 
may, for example, permit taking, but not importation of such species, 
or 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 this authority under section 4(d), we have developed a 
proposed rule that is designed to address the specific threats and 
conservation needs of Fender's blue butterfly. 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 Fender's blue butterfly. As 
discussed above in the Summary of Biological Status and Factors 
Affecting the Fender's Blue Butterfly, we have concluded that the 
Fender's blue butterfly is likely to become in danger of extinction 
within the foreseeable future primarily due to loss and degradation of 
habitat, including impacts from habitat conversion, woody succession, 
and invasive plant species (Factors A and E); and the potential 
exposure of Fender's blue butterfly to herbicides or insecticides 
(Factor E). Although the condition of Fender's blue butterfly has

[[Page 32874]]

improved, the species remains vulnerable to these threats due to the 
small size of many of its metapopulations, limited connectivity between 
metapopulations as a consequence of fragmentation and the reduced 
extent of native prairie habitats, and the relative rarity of its 
lupine host plants on the landscape. The provisions of this proposed 
4(d) rule will promote conservation of Fender's blue butterfly and 
expansion of their range by increasing flexibility in certain 
management activities for our State and private landowners. The 
provisions of this rule are one of many tools that we would use to 
promote the conservation of the Fender's blue butterfly. This proposed 
4(d) rule would apply only if and when we make final the 
reclassification of Fender's blue butterfly as a threatened species.

Provisions of the Proposed 4(d) Rule

    This proposed 4(d) rule would provide for the conservation of the 
Fender's blue butterfly by specifically prohibiting the following 
actions that can affect Fender's blue butterfly, except as otherwise 
authorized or permitted: Import or export; take; possess and engage in 
other acts with unlawfully taken specimens; deliver, receive, 
transport, or ship in interstate or foreign commerce in the course of 
commercial activity; or sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign 
commerce. These prohibitions will result in regulating a range of human 
activities that have the potential to affect Fender's blue butterfly, 
including agricultural or urban development; certain agricultural 
practices (e.g., pesticide use); heavy levels of grazing; mowing; some 
practices associated with forestry (e.g., road construction); roadside 
maintenance activities; control of nonnative, invasive plant species; 
and direct capture, injury, or killing of Fender's blue butterfly.
    We have included the prohibition of import, export, interstate and 
foreign commerce, and sale or offering for sale in such commerce, 
because while the number of metapopulations and abundance within most 
metapopulations has increased since the time of listing, the Fender's 
blue butterfly is not thriving to the degree that the species is 
considered to be capable of sustaining trade. Rare butterflies such as 
the Fender's blue are easily subject to overcollection, and the 
potential for population declines as a result of increased collection 
was one of the factors considered in the original listing of Fender's 
blue butterfly as an endangered species. Fortunately, the potential 
threat of overcollection has not thus far been realized, but any 
increased incentive for capture of Fender's blue butterfly from the 
wild would be highly likely to result in negative impacts to the long-
term viability of the species.
    The Fender's blue butterfly remains likely to become an endangered 
species within the foreseeable future throughout all of its range; 
although the status of the species has improved relative to when it was 
first listed as an endangered species, the species has not recovered to 
the point that it is capable of sustaining unrestricted capture or 
collection from the wild without the likelihood of negative impacts to 
the long-term viability of the species. Because capture and collection 
of Fender's blue butterfly remains prohibited as discussed below, 
maintaining the complementary prohibition on possession and other acts 
with illegally taken Fender's blue butterfly will further discourage 
such illegal take. Thus, the possession, sale, delivery, carrying, 
transporting, or shipping of illegally taken Fender's blue butterflies 
should continue to be prohibited in order to continue progress toward 
the conservation and recovery 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 
incidental and intentional take would help preserve the remaining 
metapopulations of the Fender's blue butterfly.
    Although the number of metapopulations, and abundance within most 
metapopulations, has increased since the time of listing, Fender's blue 
butterfly remains a vulnerable species and has not yet attained full 
recovery. We do not consider the Fender's blue butterfly capable of 
withstanding unregulated take, either intentional or incidental to 
otherwise lawful activities, without likely negative impacts to the 
long-term viability of the species. There are a few circumstances in 
which allowing incidental take may ultimately benefit the Fender's blue 
butterfly as a species and further its recovery. We have outlined such 
circumstances below as exceptions to the prohibitions of take. By 
allowing take under specified circumstances, the rule will provide 
needed protection to the species while allowing management flexibility 
to benefit the species' long-term conservation. Anyone taking, 
attempting to take, or otherwise possessing a Fender's blue butterfly, 
or parts thereof, in violation of section 9 of the Act will still be 
subject to a penalty under section 11 of the Act, except for the 
actions that are specifically excepted under the 4(d) rule.
    Incidental take by landowners or their agents is allowed while 
conducting management for the creation, restoration, or enhancement of 
short-stature native upland prairie or oak savannah conditions within 
areas occupied by Fender's blue butterfly, subject to the restrictions 
described herein and as long as reasonable care is practiced. An 
important aspect of prairie management is the timing and location of 
treatment. Lupine is patchy and distributed in small clumps low to the 
ground whereas invasive tall grasses are more uniform. This means the 
person doing the herbicide spray or other removal work needs to be able 
to recognize the plants to be sure they are treating the correct areas, 
the correct species, and know when to treat the area before the seed 
has set. To help avoid potential issues, we are proposing to have a 
qualified biologist involved in the planning even if the landowners 
does the treatment themselves. The biologist does not need to be 
present on-site on the day of the treatment but does need to be 
consulted and involved beforehand. Reasonable care may include, but is 
not limited to: (1) Procuring and/or implementing technical assistance 
from a qualified biologist on timing and location of habitat management 
activities prior to implementation; and (2) using best efforts to avoid 
trampling or damaging Fender's blue butterflies (eggs, larvae, pupae, 
adults) and their host and nectar plants during all activities.
    Fender's blue butterfly is a conservation-reliant species. Active 
management for prairie conditions within the historical range of the 
Fender's blue butterfly is essential for long-term viability, and is 
one of the key recovery actions identified for the species. Allowing 
certain forms of active management for the purpose of creating, 
restoring, or enhancing native upland prairie or oak savannah 
conditions is necessary to facilitate and encourage the implementation 
of conservation measures that will address one of the primary threats 
to Fender's blue butterfly, the loss or degradation of native short-
stature prairie or oak savannah habitat within the Willamette Valley. 
Restoration actions may include manual, mechanical, and herbicidal 
treatments for invasive and nonnative plant control that does not 
result in ground disturbance including mowing; and planting by hand of 
native vegetation, especially native food

[[Page 32875]]

resources for Fender's blue butterfly larvae (Kincaid's, longspur, or 
sickle-keeled lupine) or adults (native nectar species). Prescribed 
burning is a complex endeavor and there is potential for impacts to 
Fender's blue butterfly beyond that which local metapopulations or 
subpopulations may be capable of withstanding should the burn exceed 
its intended geographic limits; therefore, we do not provide an 
exception for take as a result of prescribed burning here. Take 
coverage for prescribed burning can be obtained through section 7 
consultation, a 10(a)(1)(A) permit, or through the Programmatic 
Restoration Opinion for Joint Ecosystem Conservation by the Services 
(PROJECTS) program.
    Providing landowners management flexibility facilitates the 
creation, restoration, and enhancement of native upland prairie and oak 
savannah habitats. Habitat is considered occupied by Fender's blue 
butterfly if it is within the historical range of the species and 
supports or may support lupine, unless a qualified biologist using 
direct observation has conducted surveys for adult Fender's blue 
butterfly during the April 15 to June 30 flight period and documented 
no adult butterflies. Occupied habitat also includes all nectar habitat 
within 0.5 km (0.3 miles) of habitat containing at least one of the 
three host lupine species and occupied by Fender's blue butterfly. This 
proposed 4(d) rule would authorize landowners to plant native 
vegetation by hand; conduct manual and mechanical treatments to control 
woody and invasive nonnative plants; perform tractor and hand mowing; 
and apply herbicides within occupied Fender's blue butterfly habitat. 
To prevent possible negative effects on the Fender's blue butterfly or 
its host lupine, the following time restrictions apply to the 
exceptions to take by landowners in areas occupied by Fender's blue 
butterfly:
    (1) Manual and mechanical treatments for control of woody and 
invasive and nonnative plant species that do not result in ground 
disturbance are authorized within occupied habitat outside of the 
butterfly flight period (April 15 to June 30) to avoid impacts to adult 
butterflies.
    (2) To prevent invasive plant species establishment, tractor mowing 
is authorized throughout sites with Fender's blue butterflies before 
February 15 (when lupine emerges) and after August 15 (when lupine 
undergoes senescence). Mowing with handheld mowers is authorized 
throughout the year; however, a buffer of at least 8 m (25 ft) must be 
maintained between the mower and any individual lupine plant during the 
Fender's blue butterfly flight season (April 15 to June 30).
    (3) Hand wiping, wicking, and spot-spray applications of herbicides 
for either the removal of nonnative invasive plant species, or to 
prevent resprouting of woody species subsequent to cutting are 
authorized year-round. Weed wiping and broadcast application of 
herbicides are authorized outside of the flight period of April 15 to 
June 30; however, additional timing and use restrictions are required 
based on the chemicals used. Contact the Oregon Fish and Wildlife 
Office prior to herbicide implementation for a list of currently 
acceptable herbicides, their application methods, their appropriate 
timing of use, and best management practices associated with herbicide 
use.
    We expect that the actions and activities that are allowed under 
this proposed 4(d) rule, while they may cause some minimal level of 
harm or disturbance to individual Fender's blue butterflies, will not 
on balance adversely affect efforts to conserve and recover the 
species, and in fact, should facilitate these efforts because they will 
make it easier for our State and private partners to implement recovery 
actions and restore the habitats required by Fender's blue butterfly. 
The loss or degradation of early seral prairie habitats is one of the 
primary threats to Fender's blue butterfly, and disturbance (such as 
that described under the take exemptions provided here) is required to 
restore or maintain the habitat characteristics that are essential to 
the survival of this conservation-reliant species.
    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: 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. There are also certain 
statutory 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 us in implementing all aspects of the Act. In this 
regard, section 6 of the Act provides that we 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 us in accordance with section 6(c) of the Act, who is designated 
by his or her agency for such purposes, would be able to conduct 
activities designed to conserve Fender's blue butterfly that may result 
in otherwise prohibited take without additional authorization.
    Nothing in this proposed 4(d) rule would 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 our ability to 
enter into partnerships for the management and protection of the 
Fender's blue butterfly. However, interagency cooperation may be 
further streamlined through planned programmatic consultations for the 
species between us and other Federal agencies, such as the existing 
programmatic consultation on habitat restoration actions in the 
existing PROJECTS Biological Opinion (USFWS 2015, entire), which 
includes provisions for management actions that benefit Fender's blue 
butterfly. We ask the public, particularly State agencies and other 
interested stakeholders that may be affected by the proposed 4(d) rule, 
to provide comments and suggestions regarding additional guidance and 
methods that we could provide or use, respectively, to streamline the 
implementation of this proposed 4(d) rule (see Information Requested, 
above).

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (1) Be logically organized;
    (2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (5) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one

[[Page 32876]]

of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To better help us revise the rule, 
your comments should be as specific as possible. For example, you 
should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs that are 
unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, the 
sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

    We have determined that environmental assessments and environmental 
impact statements, as defined under the authority of the National 
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), need not be 
prepared in connection with determining a species' listing status under 
the Endangered Species Act. In an October 25, 1983, notice in the 
Federal Register (48 FR 49244), we outlined our reasons for this 
determination, which included a compelling recommendation from the 
Council on Environmental Quality that we cease preparing environmental 
assessments or environmental impact statements for listing decisions.

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994, 
Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments (59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to Tribes. We have determined that no Tribes 
would be affected by this rule because there are no Tribal lands or 
interests within or adjacent to Fender's blue butterfly habitat.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this rulemaking is available 
on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R1-
ES-2020-0082 or upon request from the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office 
(see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of 
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

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

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter 
I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, unless 
otherwise noted.

0
2. Amend Sec.  17.11(h), the List of Endangered and Threatened 
Wildlife, by revising the entry for ``Butterfly, Fender's blue'' 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, Fender's blue........  Icaricia icarioides  Wherever found.....  T...............  65 FR 3875, 1/25/
                                   fenderi.                                                    2000; [Federal
                                                                                               Register citation
                                                                                               of the final
                                                                                               rule]; 50 CFR
                                                                                               17.47(f).\4d\
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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


Sec.  17.47  Special rules--insects.

* * * * *
    (f) Fender's blue butterfly (Icaricia icarioides fenderi).
    (1) Definitions. As used in this paragraph (f), the following terms 
have these meanings:
    (i) Occupied habitat. Habitat within the historical range of 
Fender's blue butterfly in the Willamette Valley of Oregon that 
supports or may support lupine, unless a qualified biologist using 
direct observation has conducted surveys for adult Fender's blue 
butterfly during the April 15 to June 30 flight period and documented 
no adult butterflies. Occupied habitat also includes all nectar habitat 
within 0.5 kilometers (km) (0.3 miles (mi)) of habitat containing at 
least one of the three host lupine species and occupied by Fender's 
blue butterfly. Unsurveyed areas within 2 km (1.25 mi) of a known 
Fender's blue butterfly population shall be assumed occupied if no 
surveys are conducted.
    (ii) Qualified biologist. An individual with a combination of 
academic training in the area of wildlife biology or related discipline 
and demonstrated field experience in the identification and life 
history of Fender's blue butterfly, or in habitat restoration methods 
to benefit Fender's blue butterfly. If capture of individuals is 
required for accurate identification, the individual must hold a valid 
permit under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Act.
    (iii) Lupine. Any one of the three species of lupines known to be 
required as host plants for the larvae of the

[[Page 32877]]

Fender's blue butterfly: Kincaid's lupine (Lupinus sulphureus ssp. 
kincaidii), longspur lupine (L. arbustus), and sickle-keeled lupine (L. 
albicaulis).
    (2) Prohibitions. The following prohibitions that apply to 
endangered wildlife also apply to Fender's blue butterfly. Except as 
provided under paragraph (f)(3) 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 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.
    (3) Exceptions from prohibitions. In regard to this species, you 
may:
    (i) Conduct activities as authorized by a permit under Sec.  17.32.
    (ii) Possess and engage in other acts with unlawfully taken 
wildlife, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(d)(2) for endangered wildlife.
    (iii) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.21(c)(2) through (4) for 
endangered wildlife.
    (iv) Take, as set forth at Sec.  17.31(b).
    (v) Take incidental to an otherwise lawful activity caused by:
    (A) Manual and mechanical removal of invasive and/or nonnative 
plant species. Manual and mechanical treatments for invasive and 
nonnative plant control (including encroaching native woody species) 
that do not result in ground disturbance is authorized within occupied 
habitat outside the butterfly's flight period of April 15 to June 30, 
provided:
    (1) Landowners or their agents conducting invasive or nonnative 
plant removal must use reasonable care, which includes, but is not 
limited to, procuring and/or implementing technical assistance from a 
qualified biologist on timing and location of habitat management 
activities and avoidance of ground disturbance to avoid impacts to 
larvae or pupae. Best management practices for felling of trees, 
removal of vegetation off-site, and temporary piling of cut vegetation 
on-site are available from the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office.
    (2) Reasonable care during all activities includes best efforts to 
avoid trampling or damaging Fender's blue butterflies (eggs, pupae, 
larvae, and adults) and their host and nectar plants. Foot traffic 
shall be minimized in occupied habitat, and especially in the area of 
any lupine plants.
    (B) Mowing. Tractor mowing for invasive and nonnative plant control 
(including encroaching native woody species) and the maintenance of 
early seral conditions is authorized throughout occupied Fender's blue 
butterfly habitat before February 15 when lupine emerges and after 
August 15 when lupine undergoes senescence.
    (1) Mowing with handheld mowers is authorized throughout the year; 
however, a buffer of at least 8 meters (25 feet) must be maintained 
between the mower and any individual lupine plant during the Fender's 
blue butterfly flight season (April 15 to June 30).
    (2) During mowing, landowners or their agents must use reasonable 
care, which includes, but is not limited to, procuring and implementing 
technical assistance from a qualified biologist on timing and location 
of habitat management activities; avoidance of ground disturbance to 
avoid impacts to larvae or pupae; and using best efforts during all 
activities to avoid trampling or damaging Fender's blue butterflies 
(eggs, pupae, larvae, and adults) and their host and nectar plants. 
Foot traffic shall be minimized in occupied habitat, and especially in 
the area of any lupine plants.
    (C) Herbicide application for removal of invasive and/or nonnative 
plant species. Hand wiping, wicking, and spot-spray applications of 
herbicides for either the removal of nonnative invasive plant species, 
or to prevent resprouting of woody species subsequent to cutting are 
authorized year-round. Weed wiping and broadcast application of 
herbicides are authorized outside of the flight period of April 15 to 
June 30; however, additional timing and use restrictions are required 
based on the chemicals used. Contact the Oregon Fish and Wildlife 
Office prior to herbicide implementation for a list of currently 
acceptable herbicides, their application methods, their appropriate 
timing of use, and best management practices associated with herbicide 
use.
    (1) During herbicide application, landowners or their agents must 
use reasonable care, which includes, but is not limited to, procuring 
and implementing technical assistance from a qualified biologist on 
habitat management activities; complying with all State and Federal 
regulations and guidelines for application of herbicides; and avoiding 
broadcast spraying in areas adjacent to occupied habitat if wind 
conditions are such that drift into the occupied area is possible.
    (2) Landowners or their agents conducting herbicide application 
must use best efforts to avoid trampling or damaging Fender's blue 
butterflies (eggs, pupae, larvae, and adults) and their host and nectar 
plants. Foot traffic shall be minimized in occupied habitat, and 
especially in the area of any lupine plants.
    (D) Ground disturbance for the purpose of planting native 
vegetation. Limited ground disturbance (digging and placement by hand) 
is authorized for the purpose of planting native vegetation as part of 
habitat restoration efforts, especially native food resources used by 
larvae and adults, in areas occupied by Fender's blue butterfly.
    (1) Larvae of the Fender's blue butterfly require lupine. For 
adults, preferred native nectar sources include, but are not limited 
to, the following flower species: tapertip onion (Allium acuminatum), 
narrowleaf onion (Allium amplectens), Tolmie's mariposa lily 
(Calochortus tolmiei), small camas (Camassia quamash), Clearwater 
cryptantha (Cryptantha intermedia), Oregon sunshine (Eriophyllum 
lanatum), Oregon geranium (Geranium oreganum), Oregon iris (Iris 
tenax), meadow checkermallow (Sidalcea campestris), rose checkermallow 
(Sidalcea virgata), and purple vetch (Vicia americana).
    (2) While planting native vegetation, landowners or their agents 
must use reasonable care, which includes, but is not limited to, 
procuring and implementing technical assistance from a qualified 
biologist on timing and location of habitat management activities and 
using best efforts during all activities to avoid trampling or damaging 
Fender's blue butterflies (eggs, pupae, larvae, and adults) and their 
host and nectar plants. Foot traffic shall be minimized in occupied 
habitat, and especially in the area of any lupine plants.
    (E) Summary of authorized methods and timing of habitat restoration 
activities for the Fender's blue butterfly.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    Dates authorized for use in occupied
        Management activity                        habitat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Manual and mechanical treatments..  Outside of the flight period of
                                     April 15 to June 30.

[[Page 32878]]

 
Mowing--tractors..................  Before February 15 and after August
                                     15.
Mowing--handheld..................  Year-round, with a buffer of 8 m (25
                                     ft) between the mower and any
                                     individual lupine plant during the
                                     flight period of April 15 to June
                                     30.
Herbicides--hand wiping...........  Year-round.
Herbicides--wicking...............  Year-round.
Herbicides--spot-spray............  Year-round.
Herbicides--broadcast spray.......  Outside of the flight period of
                                     April 15 to June 30 *.
Herbicides--weed wiping...........  Outside of the flight period of
                                     April 15 to June 30 *.
Planting native vegetation........  Year-round.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Additional timing restrictions will apply based on the chemicals used.
  Contact the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office for additional
  information.

    (F) Reporting and disposal requirements. Any injury or mortality of 
Fender's blue butterfly associated with the actions excepted under 
paragraphs (f)(3)(v)(A) through (D) of this section must be reported to 
the Service and authorized State wildlife officials within 5 calendar 
days, and specimens may be disposed of only in accordance with 
directions from the Service. Reports should be made to the Service's 
Office of Law Enforcement (contact information is at Sec.  10.22) or 
the Service's Oregon Fish and Wildlife Office and to the State of 
Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation, Stewardship Section, which 
has jurisdiction over invertebrate species. The Service may allow 
additional reasonable time for reporting if access to these offices is 
limited due to closure.

Martha Williams,
Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority of the 
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-12576 Filed 6-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P