Fish and Wildlife Service March 20, 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are reclassifying the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) distinct vertebrate population segment (DPS) in Florida from endangered to threatened, under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The endangered designation no longer correctly reflects the current status of this DPS due to a substantial improvement in the species' status. This action is based on a review of all available data, which indicate, for example, that since its listing in 1975, the American crocodile population in Florida has more than doubled and its distribution has expanded. Land acquisition has also provided protection for many important nesting areas. We have determined that the American crocodile in its range in Florida meets the criteria of a DPS as stated in our policy of February 17, 1996. With this rule, we are designating the American crocodile in Florida as a DPS, and this DPS will remain protected as a threatened species under the Act. The status of the American crocodile throughout the remainder of its range, as described in our December 18, 1979, final rule, will remain endangered.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the public comment period and the availability of the draft economic analysis for the proposed designation of critical habitat for the endangered Hine's emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We are also revising our proposed rule, published on July 26, 2006 (71 FR 42442), to include an additional proposed critical habitat unit in Door County, Wisconsin, and amending the Required Determinations for the proposal. The draft economic analysis forecasts that costs associated with conservation activities for the Hine's emerald dragonfly would range from $16.8 million to $46.7 million in undiscounted dollars over the next 20 years. In discounted terms, potential economic costs are estimated to be $13.3 to $34.5 million (using a 3 percent discount rate) and $10.5 to $25.2 million (using a 7 percent discount rate). In annualized terms, potential costs are expected to range from $0.8 to $2.3 million annually (annualized at 3 percent) and $0.9 to $2.4 million annually (annualized at 7 percent). We are reopening the public comment period to allow all interested parties an opportunity to comment simultaneously on the proposed rule, our revision to the proposed rule, the associated draft economic analysis, and the amended Required Determinations. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted as they will be incorporated into the public record and fully considered in preparation of the final rule.