Vol. 76 Tuesday, No. 35 February 22, 2011

Part II

Department of the Interior

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Nine Bexar County, Texas, Invertebrates; Proposed Rule

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR means that we will post any personal species should be included in the information you provide us (see the designation and why; Fish and Wildlife Service Public Comments section below for • Special management considerations more information). or protections that the features essential 50 CFR Part 17 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: to the conservation of the nine Bexar [Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2010–0091; MO Adam Zerrenner, Field Supervisor, U.S. County invertebrates identified in this 92210–0–009] Fish and Wildlife Service, Austin proposal may require, including Ecological Services Field Office, 10711 managing for the potential effects of RIN 1018–AX11 climate change; Burnet Road, Suite 200, Austin, TX • 78758; by telephone at 512–490–0057 What areas not occupied at the time Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of listing are essential for the and Plants; Designation of Critical x248; or by facsimile at 512–490–0974. If you use a telecommunications device conservation of the species and why; Habitat for Nine Bexar County, Texas, and Invertebrates for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal • Information Relay Service (FIRS) at Site-specific information on AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, 800–877–8339. subsurface geologic barriers to Interior. movement of the species or lack thereof. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: • The and status of the ACTION: Proposed rule. Public Comments ground previously identified as SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and exilis in Black Cat Cave This document consists of: (1) A (proposed Unit 13) and the value of the Wildlife Service (Service), propose to proposed rule to revise designated revise critical habitat designation for the cave and unit for conservation of the critical habitat for the Rhadine exilis species. Rhadine exilis (, no (ground beetle, no common name); common name); Rhadine infernalis (3) Land use designations and current Rhadine infernalis (ground beetle, no or planned activities in the subject areas (ground beetle, no common name); common name); Helotes mold beetle Helotes mold beetle ( and their possible impacts on proposed (Batrisodes venyivi); Cokendolpher Cave critical habitat. venyivi); Cokendolpher Cave harvestman ( cokendolpheri); harvestman (); (4) Any probable economic, national Robber Baron Cave meshweaver security, or other relevant impacts of Robber Baron Cave meshweaver ( baronia); Madla Cave (); Madla Cave designating any area that may be meshweaver (); and included in the final designation. We meshweaver (Cicurina madla); and Braken Bat Cave meshweaver (Cicurina Braken Bat Cave meshweaver (Cicurina are particularly interested in any venii); and (2) A proposed rule to impacts on small entities or families, venii) under the Endangered Species designate critical habitat for Act of 1973, as amended (Act). We also and the benefits of including or Government Canyon Bat Cave excluding areas that exhibit these propose to designate critical habitat for meshweaver () and the Government Canyon Bat Cave impacts. Government Canyon Bat Cave (5) Information on whether the benefit meshweaver (Cicurina vespera) and (Neoleptoneta microps). Government Canyon Bat Cave spider of an exclusion of any particular area We intend that any final action outweighs the benefit of inclusion under (Neoleptoneta microps). These species resulting from this proposed rule will be are collectively known as the nine Bexar section 4(b)(2) of the Act, in particular based on the best scientific and for those management plans covering County invertebrates. In total, we are commercial data available and be as proposing approximately 6,906 acres specified lands used as mitigation under accurate and as effective as possible. the La Cantera Habitat Conservation (ac) (2,795 hectares (ha)) as critical Therefore, we request comments or habitat for these invertebrates. The Plan (HCP) and lands on which impacts information from other concerned to the species have been authorized proposed critical habitat is located in government agencies, the scientific Bexar County, Texas. under that HCP. Copies of the La community, industry, or other Cantera HCP are available from the DATES: We will consider comments interested parties concerning this Austin Ecological Services Field Office received or postmarked on or before proposed rule. We particularly seek (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). April 25, 2011. We must receive comments concerning: (6) Information on the projected and requests for public hearings, in writing, (1) The reasons why we should or reasonably likely impacts of climate at the address shown in the FOR FURTHER should not designate habitat as ‘‘critical change on any of the nine Bexar County INFORMATION CONTACT section by April 8, habitat’’ under section 4 of the invertebrates and the critical habitat 2011. Endangered Species Act of 1973, as areas we are proposing. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments amended (Act) (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (7) Information related to our 90-day by one of the following methods: including whether there are threats to finding on the July 8, 2010, petition to • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// the species from human activity, the remove critical habitat Unit 13 from www.regulations.gov. Follow the degree of which can be expected to designation (see Previous Federal instructions for submitting comments increase due to the designation, and Actions below). on Docket No. FWS–R2–ES–2010–0091. whether that increase in threat (8) Whether we could improve or • U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public outweighs the benefit of designation modify our approach to designating Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. such that the designation of critical critical habitat in any way to provide for FWS–R2–ES–2010–0091; Division of habitat may not be prudent. greater public participation and Policy and Directives Management; U.S. (2) Specific information on: understanding, or to better Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. • The amount and distribution of any accommodate public concerns and Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA of the nine Bexar County invertebrates’ comments. 22203. habitat; You may submit your comments and We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We • What areas occupied at the time of materials concerning this proposed rule will post all comments on http:// listing and that contain features by one of the methods listed in the www.regulations.gov. This generally essential to the conservation of the ADDRESSES section. We will not accept

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comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an Individuals comprising the nine Bexar invertebrates, such as cave crickets address not listed in the ADDRESSES County invertebrates are small, ranging (Mitchell 1971b, p. 250). section. We will post your entire in length from 0.04 inch (in) Subsurface Environment comment—including your personal (1 millimeter (mm)) to 0.4 in (1 identifying information—on http:// centimeter (cm)). They are eyeless, or The nine Bexar County invertebrates www.regulations.gov. You may request essentially eyeless, and most lack require stable temperatures and at the top of your document that we pigment or coloration. Adaptations to constant, high humidity (Barr 1968, withhold personal information such as cave life may include adjustments to the p. 47; Mitchell 1971b, p. 250). They your street address, phone number, or e- low quantities of food, including low have lost the adaptations needed to mail address from public review. metabolism; long legs for efficient prevent desiccation in drier habitats However, we cannot guarantee that we movement; and loss of eyes, possibly as (Howarth 1983, p. 368) and the ability will be able to do so. an energy-saving trade-off (Howarth to detect or cope with more extreme Comments and materials we receive, 1983, pp. 374–376). These invertebrates temperatures (Mitchell 1971a, pp. 300– as well as supporting documentation we may be able to survive from months to 301). Temperatures in caves are used in preparing this proposed rule, years existing on little or no food typically the average annual surface will be available for public inspection (Howarth 1983, p. 375). Average life temperature with little variation on http://www.regulations.gov, or by spans of the listed Bexar County (Howarth 1983, p. 373; Dunlap 1995, p. appointment, during normal business invertebrates in central Texas are 76). Relative humidity is typically near 100 percent in caves that support hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife unknown, but are likely multiple years troglobitic invertebrates (Elliott and Service, Austin Ecological Services for some species (Cicurina spp.), based Reddell 1989, p. 6; Zara 2010, pp. 9–10). FOR FURTHER on observations of juveniles kept in Field Office (see Microhabitat is an important INFORMATION CONTACT). captivity (Veni and Associates 1999, p. 165). Reproductive rates of troglobites component of features occupied by the Background (small, cave-dwelling that have nine Bexar County karst invertebrates adapted to their dark surroundings), and has been quantified for three of the It is our intent to discuss only those listed species that occur on Camp topics directly relevant to the such as these nine invertebrates, are typically very low (Poulson and White Bullis, R. exilis, R. infernalis, and Madla designation and revised designation of Cave meshweaver (Zara and Veni 2009, critical habitat in this proposed rule. For 1969, p. 977; Howarth 1983, p. 375). Based on surveys conducted by Krejca pp. 499–505). In observations made in more information on the Rhadine exilis and Weckerly (2007, pp. 286–288), 13 caves, R. exilis was seldom found (ground beetle, no common name), Culver (1986, p. 429), Elliott (1994a, near an entrance (11 out of 147 Rhadine infernalis (ground beetle, no p. 15), and Hopper (2000, p. 459), instances), occasionally found further common name), Helotes mold beetle, population sizes of troglobitic from the cave entrance in the twilight Cokendolpher Cave harvestman, Robber invertebrates in humanly-accessible zone (typified by very little light and Baron Cave meshweaver, Madla Cave karst features are typically low, with more stable humidity and temperatures meshweaver, Braken Bat Cave most species known from only a few than the entrance area) (44 out of 147 meshweaver, Government Canyon Bat specimens (Culver et al. 2000, p. 2350). instances), and more often found deeper Cave meshweaver, and Government While very little is known about the in the caves’ dark zones (typified by Canyon Bat Cave spider, refer to the ecology of the nine Bexar County total darkness, stable humidity and final listing rule published in the invertebrates, they are known to be top temperature) (91 out of 147 instances). Federal Register on December 26, 2000 predators in their ecosystem (Service The recorded microhabitats (53 (65 FR 81419), the proposed critical 2008, p. 1.4–5) and are dependent on instances) occupied by R. exilis were habitat designation published August the stability of their prey base that make varied, with about 66 percent of them 27, 2002 (67 FR 55063), and the final up the lower trophic levels of the karst on top of the substrate and 34 percent critical habitat designation published ecosystem (Taylor et al. 2004, p. 28). under rocks or on the undersides of April 8, 2003 (68 FR 17155). Because sunlight is absent or only rocks or other materials (Zara and Veni The nine species for which we are present in extremely low levels in caves, 2009, pp. 497, 503). proposing to designate critical habitat or most karst ecosystems depend on From measurements made in three to revise critical habitat are collectively nutrients derived from the surface caves, R. infernalis was found in the known as the nine Bexar County (organic material brought in by animals, entrance (6 out of 23 instances) and invertebrates, and they inhabit caves or washed in, or deposited through root twilight zone (10 out of 23 instances) other features known as ‘‘karst.’’ The masses), or imported through the feces, more often that the dark zone (7 out of term karst refers to a type of terrain that eggs, and carcasses of trogloxenes 23 instances). The species was found is formed by the slow dissolution of (species that regularly inhabit caves for under rocks 85 percent of the time (Zara calcium carbonate from limestone refuge, but return to the surface to feed) and Veni 2009, pp. 504–505). bedrock by mildly acidic groundwater. and troglophiles (species that may From 75 observations made in 2 This process creates numerous cave complete their life cycle in the cave, but caves, Madla Cave meshweavers were openings, cracks, fissures, fractures, and may also be found on the surface) (Barr found 3 times in the twilight and 72 sinkholes, and the bedrock resembles 1968, pp. 47–48; Poulson and White times in the dark. The species was Swiss cheese. All of these species are 1969, pp. 971–972; Howarth 1983, always found among loose rocks or mud subterranean-dwelling, non-aquatic pp. 376–377; Culver 1986, p. 429). balls. In 117 of the 135 instances where species of local distribution in north Primary sources of nutrients include location in respect to substrate was and northwest Bexar County, Texas. leaf litter, cave crickets (Ceuthophilus recorded, they were underneath or on They spend their entire lives spp.), small mammals, and other the underside of rocks. The other times underground, but surface features are vertebrates that defecate or die in the they were on top of rocks (Zara and very important as they provide links to cave. While the life habits of the nine Veni 2009, pp. 506–512). drainage into the caves. The following invertebrates are not well known, the During temperature extremes, the information relates to the designation species probably prey on the eggs, nine Bexar County invertebrates may for all nine species. larvae, or adults of other cave retreat into small, human-inaccessible,

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interstitial spaces (mesocaverns), where Root Canal, and several other caves The principal cave-containing rock the physical environment is more within and adjacent to Camp Bullis units of the Edwards Plateau are the conducive to their humidity and likely functioned as a single habitat upper Glen Rose Formation, Edwards temperature preferences (Howarth 1983, patch, and the species had common Limestone, Austin Chalk, and Pecan p. 372). These species may spend the genetic signatures between caves. The Gap Chalk (Veni 1988, p. 24). The majority of their time in interstitial farthest distance between the entrances Edwards Limestone accounts for one- spaces, only leaving them to forage in of these caves is about 1.5 miles (mi) third of the cavernous rock in Bexar the larger cave passages (Howarth 1987, (2.4 kilometers (km)). However, the area County, and contains 60 percent of the p. 377). Krejca and Weckerly (2007, around Camp Bullis is different from caves. The Austin Chalk outcrop is p. 287) recommended 14 surveys to many of the other Bexar County caves. second to the Edwards in total number determine the presence of R. exilis (one All of the Camp Bullis area caves were of caves. In Bexar County, the outcrop of the nine Bexar County invertebrates) formed within the damage zone of a of the upper member of the Glen Rose in a cave. Krejca and Weckerly (2007, fault where interconnected mesocaverns Formation accounts for approximately pp. 287–288) hypothesized that when and entrance-less caves occur. Because one-third of the cavernous rock, but the species are not detected during the area is a faults zone, there are long only 12.5 percent of Bexar County caves surveys the invertebrates are in distances of connectivity between (Veni 1988, p. 15). In Bexar County, the mesocaverns. Therefore, the mesocaverns. In another part of Bexar Pecan Gap Chalk, while generally not mesocaverns should be considered a County, two caves (Robber’s Cave and cavernous, has a greater than expected priority for conservation (Krejca and Hills and Dales Pit) have entrances density of caves and passages (Veni Weckerly 2007, pp. 287–288). about 0.3 mi (0.5 km) apart, have high 1988, p. 24). Connectivity of mesocaverns with similarity (although not identical) larger features is needed to maintain genetics of Madla Cave meshweavers Veni (1994, pp. 68–76) delineated six gene flow through karst habitat, serve as (White 2006, pp. 97–99), and have karst areas (karst fauna regions (KFRs)) a conduit for recolonization of features mesocaverns that are connected (White, within Bexar County: Stone Oak, UTSA in the future if current habitat becomes SWCA, pers. comm., 2010). Many of the (University of Texas at San Antonio), unsuitable, provide refuge during times caves where the nine Bexar County Helotes, Government Canyon, Culebra of extreme temperatures and low invertebrates occur are interconnected Anticline, and Alamo Heights (Figure humidity, and allow for adaptive with mesocaverns, and some caves have 1). These KFRs are bounded by management of the species as new no entrances. geological or geographical features that information becomes available. The The northern portion of Bexar County may represent obstructions to the Draft Bexar County Invertebrates is located on the Edwards Plateau, a movement (on a geologic time scale) of Recovery Plan recommended good broad, flat expanse of Cretaceous troglobites, which has resulted in the connectivity with mesocaverns for carbonate rock that ranges in elevation present-day distribution of endemic population dynamics of troglobites as a from 1,100 feet (ft) (335 meters (m)) to (restricted to a given region) karst goal for maintaining a healthy karst 1,900 ft (580 m) (Veni 1988, p. 11; Soil invertebrates in the Bexar County area. ecosystem (Service 2008, p. B–1), but Conservation Service 1966, p. 1). This The basis for these divisions is the lack did not specify the area needed, because portion of the Edwards Plateau is of continuity between caves that may so little is known about the life-history dissected by numerous small streams. form complete barriers or significant requirements of these invertebrates. To the southeast of the Edwards Plateau restrictions to migration of troglobites The extent to which the species use lies the Balcones Fault Zone, a 16-mi over modern or geologic time scales. mesocaverns between or around caves is (25-km) wide fault zone that extends These discontinuities are defined based not fully known. White (2006, pp. 76– from the northeast corner of the County on characteristics that affect cave 78) studied the distribution of Bexar to the western County line. The many development combined with the County karst invertebrates in detail and streams and karst features of this zone geologic history of the area. found that Hilger Hole, Eagle’s Nest, recharge the Edwards Aquifer. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

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Figure 1. Karst Fauna Regions and Karst Zones in Bexar County, Texas.

BILLING CODE 4310–55–C invertebrates (Veni 1994, pp. 72–73). County Karst Invertebrate Recovery The KFRs were analyzed using the The KFRs are important because they Plan. To meet those criteria, specified current range of 19 troglobitic species, are used to establish recovery criteria for numbers of preserves of a given quality including the 9 Bexar County individual species in the Draft Bexar

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must be protected within each KFR in cave crickets foraged much farther, up predation, fire ants threaten listed which they occur. to 344 ft (105 m) from a cave entrance. invertebrates by reducing the nutrient Also, the six KFRs were delineated by input carried in by cave crickets and Other Surface Animals Veni (2003, pp. 10–18) into five zones other trogloxenes. Because fire ants are that reflect the likelihood of finding a Many central Texas caves with voracious, they can out-compete karst feature that will provide habitat for endangered invertebrate species are crickets for food resources (Taylor et al. the endangered invertebrates, based on frequented by mammals, reptiles, and 2003, pp. 109–110), leading to a geology, distribution of known caves, amphibians (Reddell 1967, p. 184). reduction in overall productivity in the distribution of cave fauna, and primary Although there are no studies caves. factors that determine the presence, documenting the role of mammals in The invasion of fire ants is known to size, shape, and extent of caves with central Texas cave ecology, the presence be aided by ‘‘any disturbance that clears respect to cave development. As of a large amount of materials a site of heavy vegetation and disrupts described by Veni (2003, pp. 10–18), (such as scat, nesting materials, and the native ant community’’ (Porter et al. these five zones are defined as: dead bodies) indicates they are probably 1988, p. 916). Porter et al. (1991, p. 873) Zone 1: Areas known to contain one important sources of nutrients. In state that control of fire ants in areas or more of the nine Bexar County particular, important sources of greater than 12 ac (5 ha) may be more invertebrates (areas where species are nutrients for the cave species may be the effective than in smaller areas, because present). fungus, microbes, and other troglophiles multiple queen fire ant colonies Zone 2: Areas having a high and troglobites that grow or feed on reproduce primarily by ‘‘budding,’’ probability of suitable habitat for the animal feces (Elliott 1994b, p. 16; where queens and workers branch off invertebrates (areas that may contain Gounot 1994, p. 204). from the main colony and form new one or more invertebrates, but have not For predatory troglobites (such as the sister colonies. Maintaining large, been fully surveyed). nine Bexar County karst invertebrates), undisturbed areas of native vegetation Zone 3: Areas that probably do not invertebrates that accidently occur in may also help sustain the native ant contain the invertebrates (because there the caves may also be an important communities (Porter et al. 1988, p. 916; is very little suitable karst habitat). nutrient source (Hopper 2000, p. 2349). 1991, p. 869). Zone 4: Areas that require further Documented accidental species include research, but are generally equivalent to snails, earthworms, terrestrial isopods Vegetation Community Zone 3, although they may include (commonly known as pillbugs or potato Surface vegetation is an important sections that could be classified as Zone bugs), scorpions, , mites, element of the karst habitat for several 2 or 5 (areas where less is known about collembola (primitive wingless reasons, including its role in providing the karst structure than with Zone 3). that are commonly known as nutrients from: (1) Direct flow of plant Zone 5: Areas that do not contain the springtails), thysanura (commonly material into the karst with water; (2) Bexar County invertebrates (areas with known as bristletails and silverfish), habitat and food sources provided for units of rock that do not contain karst harvestmen (commonly known as the animal communities that contribute habitat). daddy-long-legs), ants, leafhoppers, nutrients to the karst ecosystem (such as thrips, , weevils, moths, and flies cave crickets, small mammals, and other Surface Environment (Reddell 1965, pp. 146–179; 1966, pp. vertebrates); and (3) roots that extend Animal Community 27–29; 1999, pp. 40–41). into subsurface areas. Surface vegetation The imported red fire ant (Solenopsis also acts as a buffer for the subsurface Cave Crickets invicta) (fire ant) is an aggressive environment against drastic changes in Cave crickets are a critical source of predator, which has had a devastating temperature and moisture, and serves to nutrient input for karst ecosystems (Barr and long-lasting impact on native ant filter pollutants before they enter the 1968, p. 48; Reddell 1993, p. 2). Cave populations and other karst system (Biological Advisory Team crickets in the Ceuthophilus communities (Vinson and Sorenson 1990, p. 38). In some cases, healthy occur in most caves in Texas (Reddell 1986, p. 17; Porter and Savignano 1990, native plant communities also help 1966, pp. 32–34). Sensitive to p. 2095) and is a threat to the nine Bexar control certain exotic species (such as temperature extremes and dry County invertebrates (Elliott 1994b, fire ants) (Porter et al. 1988, p. 916) that environments, cave crickets forage on p. 15; Service 1994, pp. 63–64). Fire may compete with or prey upon the the surface at night and roost ants have been observed building nests listed species and other species (such as underground during the day. Taylor et both within and near cave entrances as cave crickets) that are important al. (2005, p. 103) found that cave well as foraging in caves, especially nutrient contributors (Elliott 1994a, pp. crickets lay their eggs in the cave, during the summer. Shallow caves 95–96; Lavoie et al. 2007, p. 126). providing food for a variety of karst inhabited by the nine Bexar County Tree roots may provide a major energy species (Mitchell 1971b, p. 250). Some invertebrates make them especially source in shallow caves (Howarth 1983, karst species also feed on cave cricket vulnerable to invasion by fire ants and p. 373). Jackson et al. (1999, p. 11387) feces (Barr 1968, p. 51; Poulson et al. other exotic species. Fire ants have been investigated rooting depth in 21 caves 1995, p. 226), and on adults and observed preying on several cave on the Edwards Plateau to assess the juveniles directly (Elliott 1994a, p. 16). species (Elliott 1994b, p. 15). Karst below-ground vegetational community Cave crickets are scavengers or fauna that are most vulnerable to fire ant structure and the functional importance detritivores (animals that feed on predation are the eggs, nymphs, and of roots. They observed roots of plateau decomposing organic matter), feeding slower-moving adults (James Reddell, live oak (Quercus fusiformis) on dead insects, carrion, and some Texas Memorial Museum, pers. comm., penetrating up to 82 ft (25 m) into the fruits, but not on foliage (Elliott 1994a, 2006). The presence of fire ants in and interior of one of the caves. The roots of p. 16; Taylor et al. 2004, p. 29). around karst areas could have a drastic five other tree species, post oak (Q. Elliott (1994a, p. 8) evaluated cave detrimental effect on the karst sinuata), cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia), cricket foraging within 164 ft (50 m) of ecosystem through loss of both surface American elm (U. americana), sugar cave entrances. In a more recent study, and subsurface species that are critical hackberry (Celtis laevigata), and Ashe Taylor et al. (2005, p. 97) found that links in the food chain. Besides direct juniper (Juniperus asheii), penetrated to

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below 16 ft (5 m) into caves. These are range of 50 to 250 reproductive (20 to 80 ha) with 7 of species in the 65 all common species in the plateau. Most individuals. Fifty reproductive to 80 ac (26 ha to 32 ha) range. of the caves in Bexar County are less individuals is a reasonable minimum The Bexar County Invertebrates Draft than 20 ft (6 m) deep, so roots have the figure for one of the dominant species Recovery Plan used a minimum viable potential to penetrate many of them. of the community, Ashe juniper, based population size of 80 individuals of the Karst ecosystems are heavily reliant on reproductive profiles (Van Auken et top 15 to 20 woodland species and on surface plant and animal al. 1979, p. 170; Van Auken et al. 1980, recommended 80 ac (32 ha) of communities to maintain nutrient flows, pp. 30–31; Van Auken et al. 1981, pp. woodland habitat for establishing a reduce sedimentation, and resist exotic 1251–1253). This figure would likely be high-quality preserve that maintains a and invasive species. As the surface an underestimate for other woody diverse community of woody vegetation around a cave entrance becomes species present in central Texas for at least 100 years (Service 2008, pp. developed, native plant communities woodlands, because other woody B–9 to B–11). are often replaced with impermeable species are more sensitive to Most literature found for central cover or exotic plants from nurseries. environmental changes and do not meet Texas native grasslands was descriptive The abundance and diversity of native several of the life-history criteria needed and not quantitative in its treatment of animals may decline due to decreased for the lowest minimal viable species composition and dispersion. No food and habitat combined with population size. Although other woody literature was located that provided increased competition and predation species may require population sizes at grassland species area curves or from urban, exotic, and pet species. As the higher end of the range (near 250 quantitative species density tables for native surface plant and animal individuals) to be viable, as suggested the central Texas area. Two papers by communities are destroyed, food and by Pavlik (1996, p. 136), we do not have Lynch (1962, p. 679; 1971, p. 890) habitat once available to trogloxenes the data to support that contention. examined grassland species on an 8-ac decreases. It is unknown whether exotic Therefore, on the basis of our review of (3.2-ha) tract over time with 123 species species could contribute the same information available to us, and after and high species turnover. High species quantity and quality of nutrients to the soliciting input from a botanist with turnover can be indicative of a habitat karst ecosystem. expertise in the Edwards Plateau (Dr. area which is too small; however, pre- and post-drought conditions may also Woodland-Grassland Community Kathryn Kennedy, Center for Plant Conservation, pers. comm., 2002), we have affected this situation. In a slightly Because of the various roles played by consider a minimum viable population more mesic grassland habitat, Robertson surface vegetation in maintaining the size for individual plant species et al. (1997, p. 65) found that a 10-ac cave and karst ecosystem, including the composing a typical oak/juniper (4-ha) site captured most of the nine Bexar County invertebrate species grassland species diversity (100 species) woodland found in central Texas to be that are part of the ecosystem, we present, although it does not address 80 individuals per species. This examined the best available scientific population sizes and persistence in estimate is based on a habitat type that, information to estimate the surface isolation, and an increase to a 14-ac (6- as a whole, is fairly mature, and on vegetation needed to support ecosystem ha) tract increased species knowledge that the species are relatively processes. The woodland-grassland representation to 140. Another paper on long-lived and reproductively mosaic community typical of the a grassland in a more westerly and drier successful. Edwards Plateau is a patchy location in central Texas recorded 157 environment composed of many Based on an analysis of recorded taxa in a 40-ac (16-ha) enclosure different plant species. Van Auken et al. densities, corrected for non- between 1948 and the mid-1970s (1980, p. 23) studied the woody reproductive individuals, we then (Smeins et al. 1976, pp. 24–25). vegetation of the Edwards and Glen calculated the area needed to support 80 The Draft Bexar County Invertebrates Rose formations in the southern mature reproductive individuals per Recovery Plan recommends that 10 ac Edwards Plateau in Bexar, Bandera, and species for the 24 species reported by (4 ha) of total grassland area within a Medina Counties. They encountered a Van Auken et al. (1980, p. 23). We woodland-grassland mosaic is needed in total of 24 species of plants on the determined that the 4 highest area the preserves. This figure was derived Edwards or Glen Rose geologic requirements to maintain at least 80 by adding a 2 ac (0.8 ha) margin to the formations, two of the principal, cave- mature individuals were for species that 8 ac (3 ha) tract (see previous paragraph) containing rock units of the Edwards occur at lower densities. These included with typical species diversity based on Plateau. 198 ac (80 ha) for brasil (Condalia Lynch’s (1962, p. 679; 1971, p. 890) To maintain natural vegetation hookeri), and approximately 80 ac (32 studies to provide additional area that communities over the long term, enough ha) for each of hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata), would aid community stability if the individuals of each plant species must Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa), high species turnover there was not due be present for successful reproduction. and chittamwood (Bumelia lanuginosa). to regional drought influences alone. The number of reproductive individuals Our calculations indicate that the area necessary to maintain a viable or self- needed to maintain the seven species Edge Effects reproducing plant population is with the highest average dominance To maintain a viable vegetative influenced by needs for satisfactory values, Ashe juniper, Texas live oak, community, including woodland and germination (Menges 1995, p. 123), Texas red oak (Quercus texana), catclaw grassland species, an undisturbed area genetic variation (Bazzaz 1983, pp. 267– (Acacia greggii), evergreen sumac is needed to shield the core habitat from 268; Menges 1995, p. 123; Young 1995, (Rhus virens), agarita (Mahonias impacts associated with edge effects or pp. 154–155), and pollination (Groom trifoliata), and cedar elm (Ulmus disturbance from adjacent urban 1998, p. 487; Jennersten 1995, p. 130; crassifolia), is approximately 33 ac (13 development (Lovejoy et al. 1986, Bigger 1999, p. 239). Pavlik (1996, ha). An area of 33 ac (13 ha) would p. 284; Yahner 1988, pp. 333–334). In p. 136) stated that long-lived, self- maintain 80 reproductive individuals this context, edge effects refer to the fertilizing, woody plants with high for 15 of the 24 species. The area needed adverse changes to natural communities fecundity would be expected to have to maintain the nine rarest plant species (primarily from increases in invasive minimum viable population sizes in the ranges from approximately 49 to 198 ac species and pollutants, and changes in

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microclimates) from nearby areas that events (‘‘wind-throw’’) from a 330 ft (50 to 100 m) or greater to have been modified for human surrounding clear-cut ‘‘edge’’ will ameliorate edge effects, and by areas of development. penetrate into an old-growth forest 660 ft (200 m) to protect against the The changes caused by edge effects stand. Although the effects of edge on effects of fire ants. From this data, we can occur rapidly. For example, woodland/grassland mosaic determined that a distance of 330 ft (100 vegetation 6.6 ft (2 m) from a newly communities have not been well m), in addition to the 344-ft (105-m) created edge can be altered within days studied, we believe that the ‘‘three trees cave cricket foraging area, would be the (Lovejoy et al. 1986, pp. 258–259). height’’ recommendation is the best minimum needed to protect the cave Edges may allow invasive plant species available peer-reviewed science to cricket foraging area from the effects of to gain a foothold where the native protect woodland areas from edge edge and nonnative species invasions. vegetation had previously prevented effects (Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, Center for Dispersal their spread (Saunders et al. 1991, p. 23; Plant Conservation, pers. comm., 2003). Kotanen et al. 1998, p. 669; Suarez et al. Animal communities also should be The ability of individuals to move 1998, pp. 2041–2042; Meiners and protected from impacts associated with between preferred habitat patches is Steward 1999, p. 261). When plant edge effects or disturbance from essential for colonization and species composition is altered as a adjacent urban development. Edges can population viability (Eber and Brandl result of an edge effect, changes also act as a barrier to dispersal of birds and 1996, p. 621; Fahrig and Merriam 1994, occur in the surface animal mammals (Yahner 1988, p. 336; p. 52; Hill et al. 1996, pp. 725–726; communities (Lovejoy and Oren 1981, Hansson 1998, p. 55). Invertebrate Kattan et al. 1994, pp. 139, 143; p. 11; Harris 1984, pp. 72, 74; Mader species are affected by edges. Mader et Kindvall 1999, p. 172; Kozlov 1996, pp. 1984, p. 90; Thompson 1985, pp. 526– al. (1990, p. 214) found that carabid 95–96; Kuussaari et al. 1996, p. 791; 527; Lovejoy et al. 1986, pp. 283–284; beetles and lycosid spiders avoided Turner 1996, p. 205). Patch shapes Yahner 1988, p. 335; Fajer et al. 1989, crossing unpaved roads that were even allowing connection with the highest p. 1199; Kindvall and Ahlen 1992, pp. smaller than 9 ft (3 m) wide. Saunders number of neighboring patches increase 523, 528; Tscharntke 1992, pp. 534–535; et al. (1990, p. 23) suggested that as little the likelihood that a neighboring patch Hanski 1995, p. 204; Lindenmayer and as 330 ft (100 m) of agricultural fields will be occupied (Fahrig and Merriam Possingham 1995, p. 236; Bowers et al. may be a complete barrier to dispersal 1994, p. 53; Kindvall 1999, p. 172; 1996 p. 188; Hill et al. 1996, p. 726; for invertebrates and some species of Kuussaari et al. 1996, p. 791; Tiebout Kozlov 1996, pp. 99–100, 102; birds. In general, for animal and Anderson 1997, p. 620). If Kuussaari et al. 1996, pp. 791, 798; communities, species need buffers of movement among populations is Turner 1996, p. 204; Mankin and 164 to 330 ft (50 to 100 m) or greater to restricted and a population is isolated, Warner 1997, pp. 140–142; Burke and ameliorate edge effects (Lovejoy et al. the habitat patch size must be large Nol 1998, p. 96; Didham 1998, p. 404; 1986, p. 263; Wilcove et al. 1986, pp. enough to ensure that the population Suarez et al. 1998, p. 2041; Crist and 249–250; Laurance 1991, p. 206; can survive (Fahrig and Merriam 1994, Ahern 1999, p. 687; Kindvall 1999, Laurance and Yensen 1991, pp. 78–79; p. 54). p. 181). Changes in plant and animal Kapos et al. 1993, p. 425; Andren 1995, Summary species composition because of edge p. 237; Reed et al. 1996, p. 1102; Burke effects may unnaturally change the and Nol 1998, p. 96; Didham 1998, p. The conservation of the endangered nutrient cycling processes required to 397; Suarez et al. 1998, p. 2047). Bexar County karst invertebrates support cave and karst ecosystem Nonnative fire ants are known to be depends on a self-sustaining karst dynamics. To minimize edge effects, the harmful to many species of invertebrates ecosystem, surface and subsurface area needed to support a native plant and vertebrates. In coastal southern drainage basins to maintain adequate and animal community must have a California, Suarez et al. (1998, p. 2041) quantity and quality of moisture, and a sufficient perimeter area to protect it. found that densities of the exotic viable surface animal and plant One recommendation for protecting Argentine ant (Linepithema humile), community for nutrient input and forested areas from edge effects that are which has similar life-history and protection of the subsurface from in proximity to clear-cut areas is use of ecological requirements to the red adverse impacts. The area needed to the ‘‘three tree height’’ approach (Harris imported fire ant (Dr. Richard Patrock, conserve such an ecosystem includes a 1984, p. 110) for estimating the width of University of Texas at Austin, pers. minimum core area of 100 ac (40 ha) of the perimeter area needed. We used this comm., 2003), are greatest near healthy, native woodland-grassland general rule to estimate the width of disturbed areas. Native ant communities mosaic comprised of 80 ac (32 ha) of perimeter areas needed to protect the tended to be more abundant in native woodland, 10-ac (4-ha) of grassland, and habitat areas. The average height of vegetation and less abundant in a 10-ac (4-ha) buffer to protect against native mature trees in the Edwards disturbed areas. Based on the edge effects. The 100-ac (40-ha) core woodland association in Texas ranges association of the Argentine ant and area should encompass the surface and from 10 to 30 ft (3 to 9 m) (Van Auken distance to the nearest edge in urban subsurface drainage basins of the et al. 1979, p. 177). Applying the ‘‘three areas, core areas may only be effective occupied feature, the 344-ft (105-m) tree height’’ general rule, and using the at maintaining natural populations of cave cricket foraging distance from the average value of 21.6 ft (6.6 m) for tree native ants when there is a buffer area entrance to the cave, and a 330-ft height, we estimated that a perimeter of at least 660 ft (200 m) (Suarez et al. (100-m) distance from the cave cricket width of at least 66 ft (20 m) is needed 1998, pp. 2050, 2052). area to protect against edge effects. around a core habitat area to protect the We do not have site-specific vegetative community from edge effects. information on the area needed to Listed Bexar County Invertebrates’ Based on this rule, 10 ac (4 ha) is maintain populations of animal species, Distribution necessary to protect a 79-ac (32-ha) including cave crickets, found in central By 2000, about 400 caves were known circular core area. We recognize that the Texas. Therefore, we are relying on from Bexar County (SWCA 2000). Of the ‘‘three tree height’’ approach described information from other areas. Based on 400 caves, 57 were known to contain 1 by Harris (1984, pp. 110–111) was based that information, animal communities or more of the 9 Bexar County on the distance that effects of storm should be protected by areas of 164 to invertebrates at the time the species

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were listed in 2000 (65 FR 81419; contain 1 or more of the 9 Bexar County December 26, 2000). Currently, we are invertebrates (Table 1). aware of 89 caves in Bexar County that

TABLE 1—CAVES KNOWN TO CONTAIN ONE OR MORE OF THE NINE LISTED BEXAR COUNTY KARST INVERTEBRATES [We include subspecies in this table in order to show genetic diversity by cave]

Species (# of caves) Cave name Karst fauna

Rhadine exilis (51) ...... 40 mm Cave * ...... Stone Oak. B–52 Cave *. Backhole *. Banzai Mud Dauber Cave *. Black Cat Cave. Blanco Cave. Boneyard Pit *. Bunny Hole *. Constant Sorrow Cave *. Cross the Creek Cave *. Dos Viboras Cave *. Eagle’s Nest Cave *. Hairy Tooth Cave. Headquarters Cave *. Hilger Hole *. Hold-Me-Back Cave *. Hornet’s Last Laugh Pit. Isocow Cave. Kick Start Cave. MARS Pit *. MARS Shaft *. Pain in the Glass Cave *. Peace Pipe Cave *. Platypus Pit *. Poor Boy Baculum Cave *. Ragin’ Cajun Cave. Root Canal Cave *. Root Toupee Cave *. Springtail Crevice. Strange Little Cave *. Up the Creek Cave *.

Christmas Cave ...... Helotes. Helotes Blowhole. Helotes Hilltop Cave. Logan’s Cave. unnamed cave 1⁄2 mile N. of Helotes.

Creek Bank Cave ...... Government Canyon. Government Canyon Bat Cave. Lithic Ridge Cave. Pig Cave. San Antonio Ranch Pit. Tight Cave.

Hills and Dales Pit ...... UTSA. John Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3. Kamikazi Cricket Cave. La Cantera Cave No. 1. La Cantera Cave No. 2. Mastodon Pit. Robber’s Cave. Three Fingers Cave. Young Cave No. 1.

R. infernalis ewersi (3) ...... Flying Buzzworm Cave * ...... Stone Oak. Headquarters Cave *. Low Priority Cave *.

R. infernalis new subspecies (9) ... Braken Bat Cave ...... Culebra Anticline. Caracol Creek Coon Cave ...... Game Pasture Cave No. 1. Isopit. King Toad Cave. Max and Roberts Cave. Obvious Little Cave. Stevens Ranch Trash Hole Cave.

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TABLE 1—CAVES KNOWN TO CONTAIN ONE OR MORE OF THE NINE LISTED BEXAR COUNTY KARST INVERTEBRATES— Continued [We include subspecies in this table in order to show genetic diversity by cave]

Species (# of caves) Cave name Karst fauna

Wurzbach Bat Cave.

R. infernalis infernalis (28) ...... Bone Pile Cave ...... Government Canyon. 10 K Cave. Canyon Ranch Pit. Continental Park Cave. Dancing Rattler Cave. Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave. Government Canyon Bat Cave. Hackberry Sink. Lithic Ridge Cave. Pig Cave. San Antonio Ranch Pit. Scenic Overlook Cave. Sure Sink. Surprise Sink.

Christmas Cave ...... Helotes. Helotes Blowhole. Logan’s Cave. Madla’s Cave. Madla’s Drop Cave. Sir Doug’s Cave.

Genesis Cave ...... Stone Oak.

John Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3 ...... UTSA. Kamikazi Cricket Cave. Mattke Cave. Robber’s Cave. Scorpion Cave. Three Fingers Cave. Crownridge Canyon Cave.

Helotes mold beetle (8) ...... San Antonio Ranch Pit ...... Government Canyon. Scenic Overlook Cave. Tight Cave.

Christmas Cave ...... Helotes. Helotes Hilltop Cave. Unnamed Cave 1⁄2 mile N of Helotes. Unnamed Cave 1⁄2 mile NE of Helotes.

Unnamed Cave 5 miles NE of Helotes ...... UTSA.

Cokendolpher Cave harvestman Robber Baron Cave ...... Alamo Heights. (1).

Robber Baron Cave meshweaver Robber Baron Cave meshweaver (2) ...... Alamo Heights. (2). OB3

Madla Cave meshweaver (20) ...... Christmas Cave ...... Helotes. Madla’s Cave. Madla’s Drop Cave. Helotes Blowhole. Helotes Hilltop Cave.

Headquarters Cave * ...... Stone Oak.

Breathless Cave ...... UTSA. Feature No. 50. Hills and Dales Pit. John Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3. La Cantera Cave No. 1. Robber’s Cave. Unnamed Cave Helotes Area.

Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave ...... Government Canyon. Lithic Ridge Cave. Lost Pothole.

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TABLE 1—CAVES KNOWN TO CONTAIN ONE OR MORE OF THE NINE LISTED BEXAR COUNTY KARST INVERTEBRATES— Continued [We include subspecies in this table in order to show genetic diversity by cave]

Species (# of caves) Cave name Karst fauna

Pig Cave. San Antonio Ranch Pit. Scenic Overlook Cave. Surprise Sink.

Braken Bat Cave ...... Braken Bat Cave ...... Culebra Anticline.

Government Canyon ...... Government Canyon Bat Cave ...... Government.

Government Canyon ...... Government Canyon Bat Cave ...... Government. Surprise Sink. * Cave located on Camp Bullis.

Previous Federal Actions On July 8, 2010, we received a We will issue a 12-month finding on the petition from Capital Foresight Limited petition in conjunction with the final We published a proposed rule to list Partnership to revise designated critical critical habitat rule for the nine Bexar the nine Bexar County karst invertebrate habitat for Rhadine exilis by removing County invertebrates, which will species as endangered in the Federal Unit 13. The petitioner alleges that the address whether the petitioned action is Register on December 30, 1998 (63 FR original specimens collected from Black warranted, as provided in section 71855). On November 1, 2000, the Cat Cave were never positively 4(b)(3)(B) of the Act. Center for Biological Diversity filed a identified as R. exilis, another species of Critical Habitat complaint against the Service alleging Rhadine with a slender body form that we exceeded our 1-year obligation similar to R. exilis occurs in a cave a Background to publish a final listing rule and make short distance from Black Cat Cave that Critical habitat is defined in section 3 a determination whether to designate is likely connected by mesocaverns, and of the Act as: critical habitat for the nine Bexar that two species of Rhadine with similar (1) The specific areas within the County karst invertebrates. We body forms have never been geographical area occupied by the published a final listing rule on documented to occur in the same species, at the time it is listed in December 26, 2000 (65 FR 81419). In the location. In addition, the petitioner accordance with the Act, on which are final listing rule, we determined that asserts that drinking water is leaking found those physical or biological critical habitat designation was prudent. into Black Cat Cave and that the habitat features On August 27, 2002, we proposed that has been highly degraded by the (a) Essential to the conservation of the 25 units encompassing approximately Bulverde Road rending the area no species and 9,516 ac (3,857 ha) in Bexar County, longer suitable for conservation of the (b) Which may require special Texas, be designated as critical habitat species. In reference to the petitioner’s management considerations or for the 9 karst invertebrates (67 FR claims, more information is needed for protection; and 55063). The final critical habitat rule, us to make a determination. Information (2) Specific areas outside the designating approximately 1,063 ac (431 in our files indicates that a species geographical area occupied by the ha) in 22 units, was published on April expert has identified the original species at the time it is listed, upon a 8, 2003 (68 FR 17155). specimen collected from Black Cat Cave determination that such areas are On July 17, 2007, the Center for as R. exilis (T. Barr, pers. comm., 2010). essential for the conservation of the Biological Diversity, Citizens Alliance At this time, we find that the petitioner species. for Smart Expansion, and Aquifer presents substantial scientific or Conservation, as defined under Guardians in Urban Areas provided us commercial information indicating that section 3 of the Act, means to use and with a 60-day notice of intent to sue on revising critical habitat for R. exilis may the use of all methods and procedures the final critical habitat rule. On January be warranted, but more information is that are necessary to bring an 14, 2009, the plaintiffs (CBD v. FWS, needed. Therefore, with the publication endangered or threatened species to the case number 1:09–cv–00031–LY) filed of this rule, we are initiating a review point at which the measures provided suit in Federal Court (Western District to determine if revising critical habitat under the Act are no longer necessary. of Texas) alleging that the Service failed for R. exilis is warranted. For this Such methods and procedures include, to use the best available science and proposed critical habitat rule, we but are not limited to, all activities incorrectly made exclusions according believe that Unit 13 continues to meet associated with scientific resources to sections 3(5)(A) and 4(b)(2) of the the definition of critical habitat as management such as research, census, Act. On December 18, 2009, the parties discussed in the Criteria Used to law enforcement, habitat acquisition filed a settlement agreement where we Identify Critical Habitat section below. and maintenance, propagation, live agreed to submit a revised proposed Thus, Unit 13 continues to be part of trapping, and transplantation, and, in critical habitat determination for this proposed critical habitat rule, but the extraordinary case where population publication in the Federal Register on changes may be made in the final rule pressures within a given ecosystem or before February 7, 2011, and a final based upon new information. This cannot be otherwise relieved, may revised determination by February 7, document constitutes our 90-day include regulated taking. 2012. This proposed rule is published in finding on the petitioned action. We Critical habitat receives protection accordance with that agreement. request public comment on this finding. under section 7 of the Act through the

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prohibition against Federal agencies Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106–554; H.R. conservation actions we implement carrying out, funding, or authorizing 5658)), and our associated Information under section 7(a)(1) of the Act. Areas actions likely to result in the destruction Quality Guidelines, provide criteria, that support populations are also subject or adverse modification of critical establish procedures, and provide to the regulatory protections afforded by habitat. Section 7(a)(2) requires guidance to ensure that our decisions the section 7(a)(2) jeopardy standard, as consultation on Federal actions that are based on the best scientific data determined on the basis of the best may affect critical habitat. The available. They require our biologists, to available scientific information at the designation of critical habitat does not the extent consistent with the Act and time of the agency action. Federally affect land ownership or establish a with the use of the best scientific data funded or permitted projects affecting refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or available, to use primary and original listed species outside their designated other conservation area. Such sources of information as the basis for critical habitat areas may still result in designation does not allow the recommendations to designate critical jeopardy findings in some cases. government or public to access private habitat. Similarly, critical habitat designations lands. Such designation does not When we are determining which areas made on the basis of the best available require implementation of restoration, should be designated as critical habitat, information at the time of designation recovery, or enhancement measures by our primary source of information is will not control the direction and non-Federal landowners. Where a generally the information developed substance of future recovery plans, landowner seeks or requests Federal during the listing process for the HCPs, or other species conservation agency funding or authorization for an species. Additional information sources planning efforts if new information action that may affect a listed species or may include the recovery plan for the available at the time of these planning critical habitat, the consultation species, articles in peer-reviewed efforts calls for a different outcome. requirements of section 7(a)(2) would journals, conservation plans developed apply, but even in the event of a by States and counties, scientific status Physical and Biological Features destruction or adverse modification surveys and studies, biological In accordance with sections 3(5)(A)(i) finding, Federal action agency’s and the assessments, or other unpublished and 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act and the applicant’s obligation is not to restore or materials and expert opinion or regulations at 50 CFR 424.12, in recover the species, but to implement personal knowledge. determining which areas within the reasonable and prudent alternatives to Habitat is often dynamic, and species geographical area occupied at the time avoid destruction or adverse may move from one area to another over of listing to propose as critical habitat, modification of critical habitat. time. Climate change will be a particular we consider the physical and biological For inclusion in a critical habitat challenge for biodiversity because the features essential to the conservation of designation, the habitat within the interaction of additional stressors the species that may require special geographical area occupied by the associated with climate change and management considerations or species at the time it was listed must current stressors may push species protection. These include, but are not contain the physical and biological beyond their ability to survive (Lovejoy limited to: features essential to the conservation of 2005, pp. 325–326). The synergistic (1) Space for individual and the species, and be included only if implications of climate change and population growth and for normal those features may require special habitat fragmentation are the most behavior; management considerations or threatening facet of climate change for (2) Food, water, air, light, minerals, or protection. Critical habitat designations biodiversity (Hannah et al. 2005, p. 4). other nutritional or physiological identify, to the extent known using the Current climate change predictions for requirements; best scientific and commercial data terrestrial areas in the Northern (3) Cover or shelter; available, habitat areas that provide Hemisphere indicate warmer air (4) Sites for breeding, reproduction, or essential life cycle needs of the species temperatures, more intense rearing (or development) of offspring; (areas on which are found the physical precipitation events, and increased and and biological features laid out in the summer continental drying (Field et al. (5) Habitats that are protected from appropriate quantity and spatial 1999, pp. 1–3; Hayhoe et al. 2004, disturbance or are representative of the arrangement for the conservation of the p. 12422; Cayan et al. 2005, p. 6; historic, geographical, and ecological species). Under the Act and regulations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate distributions of a species. at 50 CFR 424.12, we can designate Change (IPCC) 2007, p. 1181). Climate We derive the specific physical and critical habitat in areas outside the change may lead to increased frequency biological features required for the nine geographical area occupied by the and duration of severe storms and Bexar County invertebrates from studies species at the time it is listed only when droughts (Golladay et al. 2004, p. 504; of these species’ habitat, ecology, and we determine that those areas are McLaughlin et al. 2002, p. 6074; Cook life history as described below. essential for the conservation of the et al. 2004, p. 1015). Space for Individual and Population species and that designation limited to Furthermore, we recognize that Growth and for Normal Behavior those areas occupied at the time of critical habitat designated at a particular listing would be inadequate to ensure point in time may not include all of the The nine Bexar County invertebrates the conservation of the species. habitat areas that we may later are terrestrial troglobites that require Section 4 of the Act requires that we determine are necessary for the recovery underground passages with stable designate critical habitat on the basis of of the species. For these reasons, a temperatures (Howarth 1983, p. 373; the best scientific and commercial data critical habitat designation does not Dunlap 1995, p. 76) and constant, high available. Further, our Policy on signal that habitat outside the humidity (Barr 1968, p. 47; Mitchell Information Standards under the designated area is unimportant or may 1971a, p. 250). In addition to the larger Endangered Species Act (published in not be required for recovery of the cave passages that are accessible by the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 species. Areas that are important to the humans where the species are collected, FR 34271)), the Information Quality Act conservation of the species, but are the species also need mesocaverns (tiny (section 515 of the Treasury and General outside the critical habitat designation, voids that are connected to larger cave Government Appropriations Act for will continue to be subject to passages) (Howarth 1983, p. 371), which

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provide additional habitat to sustain from the surface. It is also important to plants (juniper-oak woodland) and viable populations for the species note that the surface and subsurface animals (cave crickets) living in and (White 2006, pp. 100–101). During drainage basins do not necessarily near the karst feature that provides temperature extremes, small overlap. They may be of different size nutrient input and protects the karst mesocavernous spaces connected to and direction (Veni 2003, pp. 7–8). ecosystem from adverse effects caves may have more favorable In conclusion, we identify clean (nonnative species invasions, humidity and temperature levels than surface water that flows into the karst contaminants, and fluctuations in the cave (Howarth 1983, p. 371). features to be a physical and biological temperature and humidity), as being a However, the abundance of food may be feature needed by these species. Sources necessary biological feature. less in mesocaverns than in the larger may include runoff that flows into the Primary Constituent Elements for the cave passages. Therefore, the nine Bexar caves’ entrances or associated features Nine Bexar County Invertebrates County invertebrates may spend the through sinkholes or fractures, and majority of their time in mesocaverns, through-ground flows via fractures, Under the Act and its implementing only leaving during temporary forays conduits, and passages. regulations, we are required to identify the physical and biological features into the larger cave passages to forage Surface Plant and Animal Community (Howarth 1987, p. 377). Based on the essential to the conservation of the nine information above, we identify karst- Areas around and over caves Bexar County invertebrates in areas forming rock containing subterranean occupied by the nine Bexar County occupied at the time of listing, focusing spaces (caves and connected invertebrates need healthy surface plant on the features’ primary constituent mesocaverns) with stable temperatures, and animal communities (see discussion elements (PCEs). We consider primary high humidities (near saturation), and in Background). Surface vegetation constituent elements to be the elements suitable substrates (spaces between and provides nutrients that support of physical and biological features that, underneath rocks for foraging and trogloxene and accidental species and when laid out in the appropriate sheltering) to be a physical and provides nutrients through leaf litter quantity and spatial arrangement to biological feature needed by these and root masses that grow directly into provide for a species’ life-history species. caves (Howarth 1983, p. 373; Jackson et processes, are essential to the al. 1999, p. 11387). Because listed conservation of the species. Food, Water, Air, Light, Minerals, or troglobites are at the top of their food Based on the above needs and our Other Nutritional or Physiological chain (Service 2008, p. 4.1–5), habitat current knowledge of the life history, Requirements changes that affect their food sources biology, and ecology of these species Surface Water (including plants and cave crickets) can and the habitat requirements for affect troglobites (Culver et al. 2000, sustaining the essential life-history The nine Bexar County invertebrates p. 395). Surface vegetation also protects functions of the species, we have need clean water that is free of the subsurface environment against determined that the nine Bexar County pollutants to maintain stable humidity drastic changes in the temperature and invertebrates’ PCEs are: and temperatures. In order to maintain moisture regime. It serves to filter (1) Karst-forming rock containing stable humidity, the amount of clean pollutants (to a limited degree) before subterranean spaces (caves and water varies depending on the size of they enter the karst system and protects connected mesocaverns) with stable the drainage basin, caves, and against nonnative species invasions temperatures, high humidities (near mesocaverns. Water enters the karst (Biological Advisory Team 1990, p. 38). saturation), and suitable substrates (for ecosystem through surface and Surface invertebrates provide food for example, spaces between and subsurface drainage basins. Well- trogloxenes, such as cave crickets, bats, underneath rocks for foraging and developed pathways, such as cave toads, and frogs. Other animals wash or sheltering); openings and fractures, rapidly accidentally stumble into caves and are (2) Surface water free of pollutants transport water through the karst with food sources for cave-limited species. A that flows into the karst features. little or no purification. Caves are healthy native arthropod community Sources may include surface runoff that susceptible to pollution from may better stave off fire ants, a threat to flows directly into the caves’ entrances, contaminated water entering the ground the karst ecosystem (Porter et al. 1988, or water that flows through associated because karst has little capacity for self- p. 914). features, such as sinkholes and fractures purification. The route that has the As discussed in the background known to connect to the karst features, greatest potential to carry water-borne section, cave crickets are an important or water that flows through the contaminants into the karst ecosystem is source of nutrient input for karst connected subsurface drainage area and through the drainage basins that supply ecosystems (Barr 1968, p. 48; Reddell subsequently into caves and passages; water to the ecosystem. Because cave 1993, p. 2). The cave crickets forage on and fauna require material washed in the surface at night and roost in the cave (3) A healthy surface community of through entrances (including humanly during the day. Cave crickets provide native plants (for example, juniper-oak inaccessible cracks), and because they food for karst species, which feed on woodland) and animals (for example, require generally high humidity, it is their eggs, young, and feces (Mitchell cave crickets) living near the karst critical to have drainage basins with 1971b, p. 250; Barr 1968, pp. 51–53; feature that provides nutrient input and unpolluted water. The surface drainage Poulson et al. 1995, p. 26). protects the karst ecosystem from basin consists of the cave entrance and Many of the vertebrate species that adverse effects (for example, from other surface input sources, such as occasionally use caves bring in a nonnative species invasions, neighboring sinkholes and soil significant amount of energy in the form contaminants, and fluctuations in percolation. The subsurface or of scat, nesting material, and carcasses. temperature and humidity). groundwater drainage basin includes Natural quantities of all of these mesocaverns, subterranean streams, and components are an important part of a Special Management Considerations or sinkholes that have a connection to the functioning ecosystem. Therefore, based Protection surface, even though the groundwater on the information above, we identify a When designating critical habitat, we drainage basin is not always observable healthy surface community of native assess whether the specific areas within

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the geographical area occupied by the severely impacted in the past, and an particularly sensitive to groundwater species at the time of listing contain examination of recent aerial contamination because little or no features that are essential to the photography reveals recent impacts to filtration occurs, and water penetrates conservation of the species and that may karst habitat in the vicinity of those rapidly through bedrock conduits require special management areas. (White 1988, p. 149). The ranges of considerations or protection. The Cave organisms are adapted to live in these species are becoming increasingly following information provides a narrow range of temperature and urbanized, and, thereby, they are discussion of the threats to essential humidity. To sustain these conditions, becoming more susceptible to features and the special management both natural surface and subsurface flow contaminants including sewage, oil, considerations and protections needed of water and nutrients should be fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, to alleviate those threats. maintained. Decreases in water flow or seepage from landfills, pipeline leaks, or The Bexar County human population infiltration can result in excessive leaks in storage structures and retaining is projected to increase 13.8 percent drying and may slow decomposition, ponds. Activities on the surface, such as from 2010 to 2020, and 45.2 percent by while increases can cause flooding that disposing of toxic chemicals or motor 2050 (San Antonio Planning Department drowns air-breathing species and carries oil, can contaminate caves (White 1988, 2005, p. 1). Most of the threats to the away available nutrients. Alterations to p. 388). Materials like cleaning agents, PCEs are the result of this continued surface topography, including industrial chemicals, and heavy metals rapid population growth and associated decreasing or increasing soil depth or can also easily infiltrate subterranean urbanization. Threats include: Filling adding nonnative fill, can change the ecosystems. Contamination of karst and collapsing of caves; alteration of nutrient flow into the cave and affect habitat can also occur from air drainage patterns, causing decreased the cave community (Howarth 1983, pollutants and improper disposal of water infiltration and karst drying or p. 381). Changes in the amount of litter, motor oil, batteries, or other increased flooding; removal of native impermeable cover, collection of water household products in or near caves vegetation and replacement with in devices like storm sewers, increased (White 1988, pp. 399–400). impervious cover and nonnative plants; erosion and sedimentation, and Continued urbanization will increase reducing nutrient input; changes in irrigation and sprinkler systems can the likelihood that karst ecosystems are temperature; decreasing humidity; affect water flow to caves. Altering the polluted by contamination from leaks habitat contamination from human quantity of water, its organic content, and spills, which often have occurred in activities in the surface and subsurface the timing and extent of flood pulses, or Bexar County. The Texas Commission drainage basins of caves and in adjacent droughts may negatively impact the on Environmental Quality (TCEQ 2010, karst areas; increased human visitation listed species. pp. TCEQ–5 to TCEQ–8) summarized resulting in alteration of the cave habitat Karst ecosystems are heavily reliant information on groundwater and direct mortality of listed species; on surface plant and animal contamination reported by a number of and infestation by fire ants, a predator communities to maintain nutrient flows, agencies, and listed 109 groundwater and competitor that can cause direct reduce sedimentation, and resist exotic contamination cases that occurred in predation on and competition with and invasive species. As the surface Bexar County between 1980 and 2000, trogloxenes like cave crickets, around a cave entrance or over the the majority of them spills or leaks of ultimately reducing nutrient input into associated karst ecosystem is developed, petroleum products. Groundwater the cave. native plant communities are often contamination poses a threat to entire Veni (1994, p. 23) estimated in 1991 replaced with impermeable cover or karst ecosystems and is particularly that about 26 percent of known caves in exotic plants from nurseries. The difficult to manage because pollutants Bexar County had been destroyed abundance and diversity of native can originate far from the sensitive karst through filling, capping, covering with animals may decline due to decreased site and flow rapidly through the roads and buildings, or blasting by food and habitat, combined with subsurface (White 1988, pp. 387–388). construction and quarrying operations. increased competition and predation Fire ants are a pervasive, nonnative Further loss undoubtedly has occurred from urban, exotic, and pet species. As ant species originally introduced to the since that report and will likely native surface plant and animal United States from South America over continue unless appropriate controls are communities are destroyed, food and 50 years ago, and are an aggressive implemented. Construction and habitat once available to trogloxenes predator and competitor that has spread development activities that may not decreases. Destruction of native plant across the southern United States. They destroy an entrance can still result in communities can lead to increased often replace native species, and collapses of the cave ceiling or other erosion that causes sedimentation evidence shows that overall arthropod adverse effects on the karst within caves. It is necessary to maintain diversity, as well as species richness environment. On ranch land or in rural the native woodland and grassland and abundance, decreases in infested areas, it is not uncommon to use caves communities; therefore, a perimeter area areas. Fire ants pose a major threat to as trash dumps (Culver 1986, p. 434; is needed to shield the core vegetation the listed invertebrates in Bexar County Reddell 1993, p. 2) or to cover the habitat from impacts associated with through direct predation and entrances to prevent livestock from edge effects or disturbance from competition with native species (such as falling in (Elliott 2000, pp. 374–375). adjacent urban development (Lovejoy et cave crickets) for food resources. This These activities can be detrimental to al. 1986, p. 284; Yahner 1988, pp. 333– threat is exacerbated by edge effects the karst ecosystem by causing direct 334). Effects from such impacts can associated with the soil disturbance and destruction of habitat or altering the include increases in invasive species disruption to native communities that natural passage of organisms, water, and pollutants, and changes in accompany urbanization (refer to detritus, and other organic matter into a microclimates, which can adversely previous detailed discussion in cave. Quarrying of limestone and road affect the listed species by impacting Background). base material is a widespread activity nutrient cycling processes important in Maintaining native vegetation that can remove vegetation and destroy cave/karst dynamics. communities greater than 12 ac (5 ha) karst habitat. A number of occupied Much of the habitat occupied by the may help sustain native ant populations caves in Bexar County have been Bexar County invertebrates is and further deter fire ant infestations

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(Porter et al. 1988, p. 914; 1991, p. 869). management that would alleviate these (2) We included the cave footprint On Camp Bullis Military Reservation, in threats include: (1) Protecting native with the surface and subsurface Bexar and Comal Counties, Texas, caves vegetation around occupied karst drainage areas of the cave, where are located in large expanses of features and overlying connected known. undeveloped land. Although there is mesocaverns, cave cricket foraging (3) We included the cave cricket some ground disturbance in portions of areas, surface and subsurface drainage foraging area that is a 344-ft (105-m) the area, caves on Camp Bullis had less basins, temperature and humidity in circle around the cave entrance (Taylor fire ant infestation compared to caves in karst features and mesocaverns; et al. 2005, p. 97), plus an additional more urbanized areas even prior to (2) protecting subsurface karst habitat 330-ft (100-m) distance to protect beginning a fire ant treatment regime around the cave footprint to allow against edge effects from invasive (Veni and Associates 1999, p. 55). In movement of karst invertebrates through species (Lovejoy et al. 1986, p. 263; addition, Suarez et al. (1998, p. 2041) mesocaverns; (3) controlling fire ants Wilcove et al. 1986, pp. 249–250; found that protection of a core area zone around cave features and within the Laurance 1991, p. 206; Laurance and at least 330 ft (100 m) wide helps to cave cricket foraging area; (4) preventing Yensen 1991, pp. 78–79; Kapos et al. reduce the severity of fire ant unauthorized access to karst features by 1993, p. 425; Andren 1995, p. 237; Reed infestations. installing fencing and cave gates; and et al. 1996, p. 1102; Burke and Nol 1998, Karst invertebrates in central Texas (5) keeping the immediate areas p. 96; Didham 1998, p. 397; Suarez et are especially susceptible to fire ant surrounding cave features free from al. 1998, p. 2047). predation because most caves are sources of contamination. (4) We included contiguous geological relatively short and shallow. The hot formations of Karst Zone 1 (areas known dry weather may also encourage fire Criteria Used To Identify Critical to contain one or more of the nine Bexar ants to move into caves during summer Habitat County invertebrates) to protect months, and cold weather may cause As required by section 4(b) of the Act, mesocaverns likely connected to the them to seek refuge or prey in the caves we used the best scientific and caves to a distance of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) during the winter. Fire ants have been commercial data available in from the cave entrance (Kemble White, found within and near many caves in determining areas within the SWCA, pers. comm., 2010; White 2006, central Texas and have been observed geographical area occupied at the time pp. 97–99). feeding on dead troglobites, cave of listing that contain the features (5) We also included native vegetation crickets, and other species within caves essential to the conservation of the nine of an area of at least 100 ac (40 ha) (Elliott 1992, p. 13; 1994, p. 15; 2000, Bexar County invertebrates, and areas needed to support the diversity of native pp. 668, 678; Reddell 1993a, p. 10; outside of the geographical area plant species normally found in the Taylor et al. 2003, p. 3). Besides direct occupied at the time of listing that are Edwards Plateau communities and in predation, fire ants threaten listed essential for the conservation of the nine their normal abundance (Service 2008, invertebrates by reducing the nutrient Bexar County invertebrates. We relied pp. B–9 to B–12). This number was input that fuels the karst ecosystem. on information in presence/absence derived for woodlands by examining Taylor et al. (2003, p. 3) found that cave survey reports submitted during project studies of Van Auken et al. (1979, p. crickets often arrived before fire ants at consultations with the Service, annual 170), Van Auken et al. (1980, pp. 30– baits placed above ground at night, but reports on research and recovery 31), Van Auken et al. (1981, pp. 1251– the arrival of fire ants corresponded to activities conducted under a section 1253), and analysis by Dr. Kathryn the departure of cave crickets, 10(a)(1)(A) scientific permit, annual Kennedy (Center for Plant Conservation, indicating competition for at least some 10(a)(1)(B) HCP reports, section 6 pers. comm. 2002), and Lynch (1962, p. food resources. Of 36 caves visited species status reports, and literature 679; 1971, p. 890). Critical Habitat Units during status surveys for the 9 Bexar published in peer-reviewed journals. 10a, 10b, 11a through d, and 24 have County karst invertebrates, fire ants We also used information from the areas less than 100 ac (40 ha) being were found in 26 of them (Reddell proposed (67 FR 55063; August 27, proposed for critical habitat, but these 1993a, p. 32). 2002) and final (68 FR 17155; April 8, units still meet the criterion of having In summary, threats to the nine Bexar 2003) critical habitat rules, draft at least 100 ac (40 ha) of native County invertebrates include clearing of recovery plan (Service 2008), and other vegetation surrounding the karst vegetation for commercial or residential information in our files. We are not ecosystems. We reduced these proposed development, road building, quarrying, currently proposing any areas outside critical habitat units in size because or other purposes. Infestation by the geographical area presently some of their surface area is being nonnative vegetation causes adverse occupied by the species because exempted based on the Camp Bullis changes in the plant and animal occupied areas are sufficient for the Military Reservation Integrated Natural community and possibly in the moisture conservation of the species. Resources Management Plan (see availability. An increase in fire ants can Critical habitat units were delineated Exemptions section below). occur with development and cause by creating approximate areas for the Using the distances between caves competition with and predation on units by screen-digitizing polygons whose mesocaverns are likely connected other invertebrates in the karst (map units) using ArcMap as a guide, we analyzed distance from ecosystem. In addition, filling cave (Environmental Systems Research a cave through which karst invertebrates features for construction, ranching, or Institute, Inc.). We defined the are likely to move through mesocaverns other purposes can adversely affect the boundaries of each unit based on the in Bexar County as part of this critical listed invertebrate species by reducing criteria below: habitat proposed rule. We examined the nutrient input, reducing small mammal (1) We identified all areas known to information on the area around Camp access, and changing moisture regimes. be occupied by the species. We used Bullis and found it was not Excavation for construction or operation verified identifications of specimens by representative of many Bexar County of quarries can directly destroy karst recognized species experts. In the case caves, because of the unique geological features occupied by any of the nine of Madla Cave meshweaver, we also conditions there. All of the Camp Bullis Bexar County invertebrates, including used genetic identification (Paquin and area caves were formed within the the mesocaverns they use. Examples of Hedin 2004, p. 3244). damage zone of a fault where

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interconnected mesocaverns and urban edge like a major roadway included these developed lands because entrance-less caves occur. Because the because such edges act as barriers to they contain the subsurface PCEs area is a fault zone, there are long cricket movement. needed by the invertebrates, such as distances of connectivity between In this proposed critical habitat for karst-forming rock containing mesocaverns. Rather than using the the nine Bexar County invertebrates, we subterranean spaces. The scale of the greater distance karst invertebrates are selected areas based on the best maps we prepared under the parameters likely to move, we found 0.3 mi (0.5 km) scientific data available that possess for publication within the Code of to be a more realistic distance over those physical and biological features Federal Regulations may not reflect the which karst invertebrates potentially essential to the conservation of the exclusion of developed lands that did move through mesocaverns in Bexar species and that may require special not contain subsurface PCEs. Any such County. We selected 0.3 mi (0.5 km) management considerations or lands that do not contain subsurface because of the connection distance of protection. We identified critical habitat PCEs inadvertently left inside critical the mesocaverns of Robbers Cave and units that are known to be occupied habitat boundaries shown on the maps Hills and Dales Pit, which are located in based on one or more surveys that of this proposed rule have been another part of Bexar County, similar resulted in the collection of a specimen excluded by text in the proposed rule genetics between meshweavers in the from the karst feature and verification of and are not proposed for designation as caves, and the lack of faulting or other species by a taxonomic expert. Even critical habitat. Therefore, if the critical geological anomalies between them. We though the nine Bexar County habitat is finalized as proposed, a believe 0.3 mi (0.5 km) is a reasonable invertebrates spend their entire lives Federal action involving these lands distance limit that karst invertebrates underground, we included specific that do not contain subsurface PCEs could move through mesocaverns. surface features when identifying would not trigger section 7 Although the genetics of the species in critical habitat units because they are consultations with respect to critical the caves are not identical, this important drainage links into the caves habitat and the requirement of no represents the best available information and because surface habitat is needed to adverse modification unless the specific we have. The 0.3-mi (0.5-km) distance support the plant and animal action would affect the PCEs in the was in Karst Zone 1, and the caves do communities upon which the adjacent critical habitat. not have geologic barriers to movement invertebrates depend. Because some of We are proposing for designation as between them. Based on the best the rarer species are difficult to collect, critical habitat units that we believe available information, we believe it is an and it may take many attempts to collect were occupied at the time of listing and appropriate distance to represent even more common species, we which contain one or more PCEs to potential use of mesocaverns by the included all locations with historic support life-history functions essential nine Bexar County invertebrates. records of species occupancy, regardless for the conservation of the species. For An area with a 0.3-mi (0.5-km) radius of date. In the case of the Madla Cave some units, we did not know at the time is equal to 179 ac (72 ha). We used this meshweaver, in addition to of listing that these areas were occupied 179-ac (72-ha) area around cave morphological identifications, we used because surveys had not yet been locations with known occurrences as a genetic identification of specimens to conducted or the species had not yet guide for mapping the physical and verify known locations (Paquin and been found in previous surveys. These biological features essential to the Hedin 2004, p. 3244). We determined sites not known to be occupied at the conservation of the nine Bexar County the units based on the presence of one time of listing are being proposed for invertebrates. We designated all of Karst or more of the defined PCEs and the critical habitat because they are Zone 1 within the 0.3-mi (0.5-km) kind, amount, and quality of habitat essential for the conservation of the radius of the cave. In units where we associated with those occurrences. species. We are not including any needed additional surface habitat to Some of the units contain the unoccupied areas in this rule. In reach the 100-ac (40-ha) target for native appropriate quantity and distribution of addition, units are proposed for vegetation, we included adjacent surface PCEs to support the life cycle stages we designation based on sufficient PCEs habitat over Karst Zone 1 surface have determined as essential to the being present to support any of the nine habitat. If native vegetation was not conservation of the species. Other units Bexar County invertebrates’ life available in a Karst Zone 1 area, we or portions of units contain only a processes. Some units contain all PCEs used other Karst Zones to reach the portion of the PCEs. We did this because and support multiple life processes. target surface acreage. In units that are the PCEs that are present can support Some units contain only a portion of the all Karst Zone 1 and are fully vegetated, the listed species, even though not all PCEs necessary to support one or more the 179-ac (73-ha) area of native PCEs are present. For example, surface of the nine Bexar County invertebrates’ vegetation derived using the 0.3-mi (0.5- habitat without a healthy plant and particular use of that habitat. km) radius circle around cave entrances animal community can continue to is included. In units with high levels of support listed invertebrates below the Summary of Changes From Previously surface impact or with only a small surface, and clean water from modified Designated Critical Habitat amount of Karst Zone 1, we went surface areas can provide the humidity The areas identified in this proposed outside the 0.3-mi (0.5-km) radius needed by the listed invertebrates. rule constitute a proposed revision of around cave locations to include at least When determining proposed critical the areas we designated as critical 100 ac (40 ha) of vegetation. habitat boundaries within this proposed habitat for the seven Bexar County When the 0.3-mi (0.5-km) distance rule, we made every effort to avoid invertebrates on April 8, 2003 (68 FR around individual cave entrances in including developed areas such as lands 17155). The significant differences Karst Zone 1 (areas known to contain covered by buildings, pavement, and between the 2003 rule and this proposal one or more of the nine Bexar County other structures which lack the surface are: invertebrates) or the expanded PCEs for the nine Bexar County (1) This proposed rule, which is based vegetation community overlapped, we invertebrates. However, we included partly on new occupancy information included caves in the same unit. We did some developed areas even though such since we originally proposed critical not include area for cave cricket lands lack the surface PCEs for the nine habitat (Service 2008, pp. D–4–D–12; J. foraging if it was on the other side of an Bexar County invertebrates. We Krejca, Zara Environmental Consultants,

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pers. comm., 2010; K. White, SWCA light of the Court’s ruling. We have woodland, grassland, and a buffer area Environmental Consultants, pers. determined these areas meet the to protect against edge effects in this comm. 2010), includes 35 units, totaling definition of critical habitat and have proposed rule. 6,906 ac (2,795 ha), with 13 units that included them in this proposal (see (5) We are proposing as critical were not previously designated. This Proposed Critical Habitat Designation habitat all occupied sites for the nine proposed rule results in an increase of section below). Bexar County invertebrates except those 5,843 ac (2,365 ha) from the currently (3) This proposal critical habitat rule that meet the criteria for exemption, as designated critical habitat (1,063 ac in includes a larger subterranean area all of these sites are essential to the 22 units). Seven new units are being around each occupied feature than the conservation of the species. proposed around Camp Bullis. We are previous final rule (68 FR 17155; April Proposed Critical Habitat Designation also proposing four new units that were 8, 2003). In this proposed rule, we use previously excluded on Government a distance of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from We are proposing 35 units as critical Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA). occupied features in Karst Zone 1 as a habitat for the nine Bexar County (2) Areas where the Government criterion to delineate critical habitat. We invertebrates. For comparison, we Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver and the base this distance on the karst geology numbered the units so that they are as Government Canyon Bat Cave spider and species genetics of Bexar County consistent as possible with the previous occur on the GCSNA were previously karst invertebrates (White 2006, pp. proposed and final critical habitat rules. excluded from the 2003 final critical 76–78) and have better information However, there are 13 additional units. habitat designation (68 FR 17155; April available today (see Subsurface Most additional units were assigned the 8, 2003). In the 2003 designation, we Environment above). In the 2003 final next highest number, but those adjacent determined that these areas did not rule (68 FR 17155; April 8, 2003), we to Camp Bullis were assigned meet the definition of critical habitat did not use a similar criterion, but alphanumeric designations. For found in section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act stated that the distance that these example, 10a and 10b were assigned to because the conservation plans for the invertebrates go from the cave into the show their relationship to the caves on GCSNA provided adequate surrounding karst is unknown. previously proposed habitat on Camp management and protection to the level (4) We increased the cave cricket Bullis. The critical habitat areas that the area did not require special foraging area from 164 ft (50 m) in the described below constitute our current management. However, the Courts have 2003 final rule (68 FR 17155; April 8, best assessment of areas that meet the invalidated this approach. In Center for 2003) to 344 ft (105 m) in this proposed definition of critical habitat for the nine Biological Diversity v. Norton (240 rule based on the Taylor et al. (2005, p. Bexar County invertebrates. All units we F.Supp.2d 1090 (D. Ariz. 2003)), the 97) study. In addition, we increased the are proposing for the nine Bexar County Court stated the actual presence of a minimum vegetation area in each unit invertebrates were occupied at the time management plan shows that special from 40 ac (16 ha) to 100 ac (40 ha) of listing and are still currently management is needed. Accordingly, we based on the Draft Bexar County Karst occupied. Table 2 lists the proposed have reassessed whether these areas Invertebrate Recovery Plan (2008, p. units, occupied caves, unit ownership, meet the definition of critical habitat in B–7). We use a combination of and listed species in each unit.

TABLE 2—UNIT NUMBER, NAMES OF KNOWN OCCUPIED CAVES, UNIT SIZE, LAND OWNERSHIP, AND LISTED SPECIES THAT OCCUR WITHIN EACH PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT UNIT

Known occupied caves Size of unit in acres Listed species Unit in unit (hectares) Land owner-ship type in unit

1a ...... Bone Pile Cave ...... 238 ac (96 ha) ...... State ...... R. infernalis. Surprise Sink ...... C. madla. 1b ...... Government Canyon ...... 178 ac (72 ha) ...... State ...... C. vespera. Bat Cave ...... N. microps. R. exilis.. R. infernalis. 1c ...... Lost Pothole ...... 178 ac (72 ha) ...... State ...... C. madla. 1d ...... Dancing Rattler Cave ...... 349 ac (141 ha) ...... State ...... C. madla. Lithic Ridge Cave ...... R. exilis. Hackberry Sink ...... R. infernalis. 1e ...... Canyon Ranch Pit * ...... 690 ac (279 ha) ...... State ...... R. infernalis. Continental Park Cave ...... City ...... R. exilis. Creek Bank Cave ...... Private ...... B. venyivi. Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave* ...... C. madla. Pig Cave ...... San Antonio Ranch Pit ...... Scenic Overlook Cave* ...... Tight Cave ...... 1f ...... 10K Cave ...... 178 ac (72 ha) ...... State ...... R. infernalis. 2 ...... Logan’s Cave ...... 252 ac ...... Private ...... C. madla. Madla’s Drop Cave ...... (102 ha) ...... R. exilis. R. infernalis. 3 ...... Helotes Blowhole * ...... 125 ac (51 ha) ...... Private ...... C. madla. Helotes Hilltop Cave * ...... R. exilis. R. infernalis. B. venyivi.

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TABLE 2—UNIT NUMBER, NAMES OF KNOWN OCCUPIED CAVES, UNIT SIZE, LAND OWNERSHIP, AND LISTED SPECIES THAT OCCUR WITHIN EACH PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT UNIT—Continued

Known occupied caves Size of unit in acres Listed species Unit in unit (hectares) Land owner-ship type in unit

4 ...... Kamikazi Cricket Cave ...... 255 ac (103 ha) ...... Private ...... R. exilis. Mattke Cave ...... R. infernalis. Scorpion Cave ...... 5 ...... Christmas Cave ...... 117 ac ...... Private ...... C. madla. (47 ha) ...... R. exilis. R. infernalis. B. venyivi. 6 ...... John Wagner Ranch ...... 105 ac (42 ha) ...... Private ...... C. madla. Cave No. 3 * ...... City ...... R. exilis. R. infernalis. 7 ...... Young Cave No. 1 ...... 158 ac (64 ha) ...... Private ...... R. exilis. 8 ...... Three Fingers Cave ...... 471 ac (191 ha) ...... Private ...... C. madla. Hills and Dales Pit * ...... City ...... R. infernalis. Robber’s Cave ...... R. exilis. 9 ...... Mastodon Pit ...... 286 ac (116 ha) ...... State ...... C. madla. Feature No. 50 ...... Private ...... R. exilis. La Cantera Cave No. 1 ...... La Cantera Cave No. 2 ...... 10a ...... Low Priority Cave 1 ...... 67 ac (27 ha) ...... City Private ...... R. infernalis. 10b ...... Flying Buzzworm Cave 1 ...... 66 ac (27 ha) ...... City ...... R. infernalis. 11a ...... Up The Creek Cave 1 ...... 21 ac (8.5 ha) ...... Private ...... R exilis. 11b ...... Bunny Hole 1 ...... 16 ac 6.5 ha ...... Private ...... R. exilis. 11c ...... Poor Boy Baculum Cave 1 ...... 21 ac 8.5 ha ...... Private ...... R exilis. 11d ...... Root Toupee Cave 1 ...... 52 ac ...... Private ...... R. exilis. 21 ha ...... 11e ...... Blanco Cave ...... 102 ac (41 ha) ...... Private ...... R. exilis. 12 ...... Hairy Tooth Cave ...... 371 ac (150 ha) ...... Private ...... R. exilis. Ragin’ Cajun Cave ...... 13 ...... Black Cat Cave ...... 187 ac (76 ha) ...... Private ...... R. exilis. 14 ...... Game Pasture Cave No. 1 ...... 330 ac (134 ha) ...... Private ...... R. infernalis. King Toad Cave ...... Stevens Ranch Trash Hole Cave ... 15 ...... Braken Bat Cave ...... 339 ac (137 ha) ...... Private ...... C. venii. Isopit ...... R. infernalis. Obvious Little Cave ...... Wurzbach Bat Cave ...... 16 ...... Caracol Creek Coon Cave ...... 194 ac (76 ha) ...... Private ...... R. infernalis. 17 ...... Madla’s Cave * ...... 114 ac (46 ha) ...... Private ...... C. madla. R. infernalis. 19 ...... Genesis Cave ...... 142 ac (57 ha) ...... Private ...... R. infernalis. 20 ...... Robber Baron Cave ...... 247 ac (100 ha) ...... Private ...... T. cokendolpheri. C. baronia. 21 ...... Hornet’s Last Laugh Pit ...... 396 ac (160 ha) ...... City ...... R. exilis. Kick Start Cave ...... Private ...... Springtail Crevice ...... 22 ...... Breathless Cave ...... 178 ac (72 ha) ...... City ...... C. madla. Private ...... 23 ...... Crownridge Canyon Cave ...... 178 ac (72 ha) ...... City ...... R. infernalis. Private ...... 24 ...... Peace Pipe Cave 1 ...... 11 ac (4.5 ha) ...... Private ...... R. exilis. 25 ...... OB3 ...... 177 ac (72 ha) ...... Private ...... C. baronia. 26 ...... Max and Roberts Cave ...... 117 ac (47 ha) ...... Private ...... R. infernalis.

Totals ...... 62 caves 35 Units ...... 6,906 ac (2,795 ha). * Indicates caves and associated lands managed under the La Cantera HCP. 1. Cave is located on Camp Bullis; proposed critical habitat is outside Camp Bullis but most likely includes mesocaverns of the cave. Note: Area sizes may not sum due to rounding.

Table 3 shows whether the critical several caves or whether some of the yet been conducted or the species had habitat units were known to be caves we did know about were not yet been found in previous surveys. occupied at the time of listing. At the occupied. Therefore, a ‘‘No’’ is listed in All units are currently occupied. time of listing, we were unaware of Table 3 for units where surveys had not

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TABLE 3—OCCUPANCY OF ONE OR MORE OF THE NINE BEXAR COUNTY INVERTEBRATES BY PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT UNITS

Unit Known to be occupied at time of listing? Currently occupied?

1a ...... Yes ...... Yes. 1b ...... Yes ...... Yes. 1c ...... Yes ...... Yes. 1d ...... Yes ...... Yes. 1e ...... No ...... Yes. 1f ...... No ...... Yes. 2 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 3 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 4 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 5 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 6 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 7 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 8 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 9 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 10a ...... Yes ...... Yes. 10b ...... Yes ...... Yes. 11a ...... Yes ...... Yes. 11b ...... Yes ...... Yes. 11c ...... Yes ...... Yes. 11d ...... No ...... Yes. 11e ...... No ...... Yes. 12 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 13 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 14 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 15 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 16 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 17 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 19 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 20 ...... Yes ...... Yes. 21 ...... No ...... Yes. 22 ...... No ...... Yes. 23 ...... No ...... Yes. 24 ...... No ...... Yes. 25 ...... No ...... Yes. 26 ...... No ...... Yes.

Table 4 shows the units and total area of proposed critical habitat for each of the nine Bexar County invertebrates.

TABLE 4—UNIT NUMBER AND TOTAL AREA OF PROPOSED CRITICAL HABITAT FOR EACH OF THE NINE BEXAR COUNTY INVERTEBRATES

Total area of critical habitat acres Listed species Critical habitat unit(s) (hectares)

R. exilis (ground beetle, no common name) ...... 1b, 1d, 1e, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 4,163 ac (1,684 ha). 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 12, 13, 21, 24. R. infernalis (ground beetle, no common name) ...... 1a, 1b, 1d, 1e, 1f, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 4,505 ac (1,823 ha). 10a, 10b, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 23, 26. Helotes mold beetle (B. venyivi) ...... 1e, 3, 5 ...... 932 ac (377 ha). Cokendolpher Cave harvestman (T. cokendolpheri) ...... 20 ...... 247 ac (100 ha). Robber Baron Cave meshweaver (C. baronia) ...... 20, 25 ...... 424 ac (172 ha). Madla Cave meshweaver (C. madla) ...... 1a, 1c, 1d, 1e, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 17, 3,103 ac (1,256 ha). 22. Braken Bat Cave meshweaver (C. venii) ...... 15 ...... 339 ac (137 ha). Government Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver (C. vespera) ...... 1b ...... 178 ac (72 ha). Government Canyon Bat Cave spider (N. microps) ...... 1b ...... 178 ac (72 ha).

We present brief descriptions of all Unit 1a the northwestern part of Government units, and reasons why they meet the Canyon State Natural Area (GCSNA) in definition of critical habitat for the nine We are proposing to designate 238 ac the Government Canyon KFR for the Bexar County invertebrates below. (96 ha) of State-owned land in Unit 1a Madla Cave meshweaver and R. located in northwestern Bexar County in infernalis. The GCSNA is an area of

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approximately 8,622 ac (2,688 ha) Unit 1c of undeveloped land with the exception owned and managed by the Texas Parks We are proposing 178 ac (72 ha) of of several small private and/or county and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The State-owned land in Unit 1c located in roads. Woody vegetation has been GCSNA is accessible to the public under northwestern Bexar County in the thinned for ranching on a small area of certain restrictions. This unit is all central part of GCSNA in the the northeastern part of the unit. Unit 1e undeveloped native woodland and is Government Canyon KFR for the Madla contains eight caves. Four caves are crossed by a wet weather stream and a Cave meshweaver. This unit is primarily occupied by Madla Cave meshweaver trail. Unit 1a contains Surprise Sink undeveloped native woodland that is (Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave, Pig Cave, Cave, which is occupied by Madla Cave crossed by a hiking trail. There is only San Antonio Ranch Pit, and Scenic meshweaver and R. infernalis, and Bone one cave in this unit, Lost Pothole Cave. Overlook Cave). Fat Man’s Nightmare Pile Cave, which is occupied by R. The cave was occupied at the time of Cave is also occupied by R. infernalis; infernalis. The Surprise Sink Cave may listing, and the unit contains all the Pig Cave is also occupied by R. also be occupied by Government PCEs for the species. A small amount of infernalis and R. exilis; San Antonio Canyon Bat Cave spider, but the the woody vegetation in this unit has Ranch Pit is occupied by R. infernalis, specimen collected has not been been cleared in the past for ranching R. exilis, and Helotes mold beetle; and confirmed (Zara 2010, p. 2). The caves prior to TPWD ownership. Scenic Overlook Cave is occupied by R. in this unit were occupied at the time The main threat to the cave is infernalis and Helotes mold beetle. The of listing, and the unit contains all the infestation of fire ants. While GCSNA unit also contains Canyon Ranch Pit and PCEs for the species. currently has a management plan in Continental Park Cave, which are The main threat in this unit is place that includes treating for fire ants occupied by R. infernalis, Creek Bank infestation of fire ants. The GCSNA and managing for the benefit of the Cave occupied by R exilis, and Tight currently has a management plan in species. Cave occupied by R. exilis and Helotes place that includes treating for fire ants This unit was delineated by drawing mold beetle. It is not known if the caves and managing for the benefit of the a 0.3-mi (0.5-km) radius around the were occupied at the time of listing, but Madla Cave meshweaver and R. cave. The entire unit is Karst Zone 1. they currently are, and the unit contains infernalis. all the PCEs for the species. The unit was delineated by drawing a Unit 1d The major threats to the unit are radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 ha) around each of In Unit 1d, we are proposing 349 ac infestation of fire ants and vandalism the two caves and connecting the edges (141 ha) of State-owned land located in from unauthorized access. Five of the of the overlapping circles. Unit 1a is all northwestern Bexar County in the caves in this unit are owned by GCSNA, Karst Zone 1. central part of the GCSNA in the and they currently have a management plan in place that includes treating for Unit 1b Government Canyon KFR for the Madla Cave meshweaver, R. exilis, and R. fire ants and managing for the benefit of In Unit 1b, we are proposing 178 ac infernalis . This unit is wooded and the species. (72 ha) of State-owned land located in undeveloped. The unit is primarily Three of the eight known occupied northwest Bexar County in the western native vegetation, but small portions of caves within this unit and their portion of the GCSNA in the the unit appear to have been thinned in associated preserve lands are being Government Canyon KFR for the the past for ranching prior to TPWD considered for exclusion. The 75-ac (30- Government Canyon Bat Cave ownership. Unit 1d contains three ha) Canyon Ranch Preserve, which was meshweaver, Government Canyon Bat caves: Dancing Rattler Cave, Lithic acquired and is managed by La Cantera Cave spider, R. exilis, and R. infernalis. Ridge Cave, and Hackberry Sink. The under their HCP, contains Canyon Land within the proposed unit consists Lithic Ridge Cave is occupied by Madla Ranch Pit, Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave, of undeveloped native vegetation. Cave meshweaver, R. exilis, and R. and Scenic Overlook Cave. According to However, there are several one-lane infernalis. The Dancing Rattler Cave and the La Cantera HCP, these three caves gravel roads that serve primarily as Hackberry Sink are occupied by R. and the surrounding preserve lands will pedestrian trails within the State natural infernalis. The caves in this unit were be managed in perpetuity for the area. A small portion of the vegetation occupied at the time of listing and conservation of the species. appears to have been cleared for contain all the PCEs for the species. This unit was delineated by drawing ranching prior to TPWD ownership. The The main threat to the unit is a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each unit contains one cave, Government infestation of fire ants, but the GCSNA of the eight caves and joining the edges Canyon Bat Cave, which is the only currently has a management plan in of the overlapping circles. The entire known cave occupied by the place that includes treating for fire ants. unit is Karst Zone 1. Government Canyon Bat Cave This unit was delineated by drawing Unit 1f meshweaver. The cave is also occupied a 0.3-mi (0.5-km) radius around each of by Government Canyon Bat Cave spider, the three caves and connecting the For Unit 1f, we are proposing 178 ac R. exilis, and R. infernalis. The edges of the overlapping circles. The (72 ha) of State-owned land in Government Canyon Bat Cave was entire unit is Karst Zone 1. northwest Bexar County in the occupied at the time of listing, and the southeastern part of the GCSNA in the unit contains all the PCEs. Unit 1e Government Canyon KFR for R. The main threat to species in this unit We are proposing 690 ac (279 ha) in infernalis. The unit is entirely native is infestation of fire ants. While GCSNA Unit 1e in northwestern Bexar County woodland, but a small amount appears currently has a management plan in that includes the northeastern part of to have been cleared in the past for place that includes treating for fire ants State-owned GCSNA, adjacent City of ranching prior to TPWD ownership. It and managing for the benefit of the San Antonio-owned land, and private contains only one cave, which is named species. land in the Government Canyon KFR for 10k Cave. We do not know if the cave This unit was delineated by drawing the Madla Cave meshweaver, R. was occupied at the time of listing, but a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the infernalis, R. exilis, and Helotes mold it is currently, and the unit contains all cave. The unit is all Karst Zone 1. beetle. The majority of Unit 1e consists the PCEs for the species.

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The major threats to Unit 1f are time of listing, and the unit contains all surrounding Unit 4 consist of relatively infestation of fire ants. The GCSNA the PCEs for the species. large, residential tracts. The unit currently has a management plan in Threats include the potential for requires special management because of place that includes controlling fire ants destruction of habitat from vandalism, threats from existing and potential and managing for the benefit of the contamination of the subsurface future residential development. species. drainage area of the unit, and infestation The unit was delineated by drawing a This unit was delineated by drawing of fire ants. In addition, the land along radius of 0.3-mi (0.5-km) around each of a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the the northern side of the unit has been the three caves and removing most areas cave. The unit is all Karst Zone 1. developed with residential homes. Unit of Karst Zone 3 from the unit. Large 3 contains several small residential portions of the northern, southern, and Unit 2 roads and is crossed by Bandera Road, western edges of Karst Zone 3 inside the We are proposing 252 ac (102 ha) of a four-lane divided highway, in its circle were removed. Some areas of private land in Unit 2 located in southwestern corner. This unit does not Karst Zone 3 were included along the northwestern Bexar County north of include the entire 344-ft (105-m) cave western, northern, and southern edges Bandera Road and southeast of High cricket foraging area around Helotes of the cave cricket protection areas of Bluff Road in the Helotes KFR for Madla Hilltop Cave in Karst Zone 3 because Kamikaze Cricket and Mattke Caves. Cave meshweaver, R. infernalis, and R. there is a paved road creates a barrier to The remainder of the unit is Karst Zone exilis. This unit contains a mix of large, cave cricket movement. 1. The unit was expanded beyond the wooded tracts with several residential This unit was delineated by drawing 0.3 mi (0.5 km) area to the east and buildings, cleared areas, a quarry on the a 0.3-mi (0.5-km) radius around each of south of Kamikaze Cricket Cave and to southeastern edge, and private or county the two caves and following the edge of the north and east of Mattke and roads. The entire unit is private land. Karst Zone 1 (Veni 2003) within the Scorpion Caves in order to include at Unit 2 contains two caves. The overlapping circles. Some areas of Zone least 100 ac (40 ha) of native vegetation. Madla’s Drop Cave is occupied by 3 are included along the eastern Madla Cave meshweaver and R. boundary of the unit to include more of Unit 5 infernalis. This unit also contains the cave cricket foraging area for Helotes In Unit 5, we are proposing 117 ac (47 Logan’s Cave, which is occupied by R. Hilltop Cave. Areas of Zone 3 along all ha) of private land in northwestern infernalis and R. exilis. These caves but a part of the northern portion of the Bexar County, northwest of Cedar Crest were occupied at the time of listing, and unit were removed. The rest of Unit 3 Drive and north of Madla Ranch Road parts of the unit contain all the PCEs for is Karst Zone 1. in the Helotes KFR for the R. exilis, R. the species. There are two paved roads This unit is being considered for infernalis, Helotes mold beetle, and that cross the cave cricket foraging area exclusion, because the two caves and Madla Cave Meshweaver. The unit of this unit and act as barriers to cricket the approximately 25 ac (10-ha) of land contains a large tract of undeveloped movement. surrounding the caves were acquired woodland and several smaller, wooded This unit requires special under the La Cantera HCP. These caves tracts developed with homes and management because of residential and the surrounding preserve lands will associated residential roads. This unit development. Threats include the be managed in perpetuity for the contains one cave, Christmas Cave, potential for destruction of habitat from conservation of the species. The which is occupied by R. exilis, R. vandalism, contamination of the remainder of the unit requires special infernalis, Helotes mold beetle, and subsurface drainage area of the unit, management because of the presence of Madla Cave Meshweaver. The cave was drying of karst, reduction of nutrient roads and residential development. occupied at the time of listing and parts input, and infestation of fire ants. Unit 4 of the unit contain all the PCEs for the This unit was delineated constructing species. However, there are homes and a 0.3-mi (0.5-km) radius around each of For Unit 4, we are proposing 255 ac associated roads within the cave cricket the two caves and connecting the edges (103 ha) of private land in northwestern foraging area of the cave. of the overlapping circles. Areas of Karst Bexar County, west of the intersection of The unit requires special management Zone 3 karst along the western, Scenic Loop and Cross XD Road in the because of the presence of residential northwestern, and southern portions of UTSA KFR for R. exilis and R. development and impending future the unit were removed in order to infernalis. Tower View Road and Cash development. Threats include the substantially reduce fragmentation of Mountain Road cross the northern part potential for destruction of habitat from the unit. The rest of Unit 2 is Karst of the unit, and Rafter S and Cross XD development and vandalism, Zone 1. cross the southern part. Unit 4 contains contamination of the subsurface three caves. The Kamikazi Cricket Cave Unit 3 drainage area of the unit, reduction of is occupied by R. exilis and R. moisture and nutrients, and infestation For Unit 3, we are proposing 125 ac infernalis. The Mattke and Scorpion of fire ants. (51 ha) of private land in northwestern Caves are occupied by R. infernalis. This unit was delineated by drawing Bexar County, east of Bandera Road and These three caves were occupied at the a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the northwest of Scenic Loop in the Helotes time of listing, and parts of the unit cave entrance and following the edge of KFR for the Madla Cave meshweaver, R. contain all the PCEs for the species. Karst Zone 1 within the circle. Some infernalis, R. exilis, and Helotes mold Several threats impact this unit, areas of Zone 3 are included along the beetle. The unit contains relatively including the potential for destruction southeastern boundary of the unit to large, wooded tracts. This unit contains of habitat from vandalism and potential include the cave cricket foraging area for two caves, Helotes Blowhole and future development, contamination of Christmas Cave. The rest of Unit 5 is Helotes Hilltop. The Helotes Blowhole the subsurface drainage area of the unit, Karst Zone 1. is occupied by Madla Cave meshweaver, drying of karst areas, reduction of R. infernalis, and R. exilis. The Helotes nutrient input, and infestation of fire Unit 6 Hilltop Cave is occupied by Madla Cave ants. In addition, this unit contains For Unit 6, we are proposing 105 ac meshweaver, R. exilis, and Helotes mold several residential roads, but no major (42 ha) of private and City of San beetle. Both caves were occupied at the roadways or highways. Lands Antonio-owned land located in

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northwestern Bexar County, bordered to the potential for destruction of habitat for exclusion from the final critical the south by Menchaca Road and to the from vandalism and new construction, habitat rule. west by Morningside Drive in the UTSA contamination of the subsurface Unit 9 KFR for the Madla Cave meshweaver, R. drainage area, drying of karst features, exilis, and R. infernalis. Unit 6 consists reduction of nutrient input, and For Unit 9, we are proposing 286 ac primarily of large, undeveloped, infestation of fire ants. (116 ha) of State and private land in woodland tracts with several smaller Unit 7 was delineated by drawing a north-central Bexar County on both areas developed with homes. The John radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around Young sides of Loop 1604 and east of the Loop Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3 is the only Cave No. 1 and including the general 1604 intersection with IH 10 in the cave in this unit, and it is occupied by boundary of Karst Zone 1 in the circle. UTSA KFR for the Madla Cave Madla Cave meshweaver, R. exilis, and A portion of the cave cricket foraging meshweaver and R. exilis. There is a R. infernalis. The cave was occupied at and protection area in Karst Zone 3 is large tract of undeveloped woodland to the time of listing, and the unit contains included in the unit. the south and dense commercial all the PCEs for species. development in the north. Also, this Threats to the unit include the Unit 8 unit has a major shopping mall in the potential for destruction of habitat from In Unit 8, we are proposing 471 ac northwestern area. The unit is bordered potential future development and (191 ha) of private and City of San to the west by the University of Texas vandalism, contamination of the Antonio’s Medallion Park land located at San Antonio campus and to the east subsurface drainage area of the unit, and in northwestern Bexar County in the by commercial development. Unit 9 infestation of fire ants. UTSA KFR for the Madla Cave contains four caves: Mastodon Pit, This unit was delineated by drawing meshweaver, R. exilis, and R. infernalis. Feature No. 50, La Cantera Cave No. 1, a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around John The unit is bordered on the northwest and La Cantera Cave No. 2. La Cantera Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3 and following by Kyle Seale Parkway, on the northeast Cave No. 1 is occupied by Madla Cave the general boundary of Karst Zone 1, by Moss Brook Drive, and on the south meshweaver and R. exilis. Feature No. primarily the northeastern quadrant of by Cotton Trail Lane. Some of the land 50 is occupied by Madla Cave the circle. A portion of the cave cricket is undeveloped woodland, but some meshweaver. The two other caves, Mastodon Pit and La Cantera Cave No. foraging and protection area in Karst areas on the edges of the unit have been 2, contain only R. exilis. All four caves Zone 3 was included in the unit. The developed or have been cleared for were occupied at the time of listing, and majority of land included in Unit 6 is in future development. This unit contains the southern part of the unit has all of Karst Zone 1. The unit was expanded three caves: Three Fingers Cave, Hills slightly outside the 0.3-mi (0.5-km) the PCEs for the species. Most of the and Dales Pit, and Robber’s Cave. The radius to the northern to eastern edge of northern part of the unit does not Hills and Dales Pit and Robber’s Cave the unit in order to include a minimum contain the PCE of a healthy surface are occupied by Madla Cave of 100 ac (40 ha) of native vegetation. community of native plants and meshweaver, R. exilis, and R. infernalis. The John Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3 animals. We are proposing it on the The Three Fingers Cave is occupied by and approximately 4 ac (1.6 ha) basis that it contains the PCE of karst- R. exilis and R. infernalis. This unit was surrounding the cave were acquired as forming rock containing subterranean occupied at the time of listing, and part of the La Cantera HCP. Therefore, spaces. portions of the unit contain all the PCEs the cave and surrounding preserve lands Because of the commercial for the species. will be managed in perpetuity for the development and roadways that border conservation of the species. This part of The southeastern, extreme southern, and cross the unit, Unit 9 requires the unit is being considered for northeastern, and northwestern portions special management. Threats include exclusion in the final critical habitat of this unit have been subdivided and the potential for destruction of habitat rule. developed with homes. Several roads from vandalism and potential future cross the unit. The extreme southern development, contamination of the Unit 7 portion of the unit has higher density subsurface drainage area of the unit, We are proposing 158 ac (64 ha) of development. Part of the unit has been drying of karst features from impervious private land in Unit 7 located in developed with residential roads, but it cover, reduction of nutrient input, and northwestern Bexar County, south of currently contains no homes. Threats in infestation of fire ants. Babcock Road near the intersection of this unit include the potential for This unit was delineated by drawing Cielo Vista Drive and Luna Vista in the destruction of habitat from vandalism a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each UTSA KFR for R. exilis. The unit is and potential future development, of the four caves and connecting the largely wooded, but there is some contamination of the subsurface resulting overlapping circles. The development in the north and eastern drainage area of the unit, drying of karst majority of the land included in Unit 9 parts of the unit. Unit 7 contains one features, reduction of nutrient input, is Karst Zone 1. cave known as Young Cave No. 1 and and infestation of fire ants. it is occupied by R. exilis. The cave was This unit was delineated by drawing Unit 10a occupied at the time of listing, and the a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each We are proposing 67 ac (27 ha) of unit contains all the PCEs for the of the three caves and connecting the private and City of San Antonio’s species. resulting overlapping circles. Unit 8 is Eisenhower Park land in Unit 10a This unit requires special entirely Karst Zone 1. located in north central Bexar County management because of residential The Hills and Dales Pit and outside the easternmost portion of the development. There is a new road, approximately 70 ac (28 ha) southern boundary of Camp Bullis (a Camino del Sol, which ends east of surrounding the cave have been military reservation) in the Stone Oak Young Cave No. 1, and is located within acquired as part of the La Cantera HCP. KFR for R. infernalis. The eastern part the cave cricket foraging area. Also, Therefore, the cave and surrounding of the unit is in the City of San residential homes are located on the preserve lands will be managed in Antonio’s Eisenhower Park, which is south part of this unit in the cave cricket perpetuity for the conservation of the used for picnicking, camping, hiking, protection area. Other threats include species. This area is being considered jogging, and nature study. The

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remainder of the unit is in private foraging area. Unit 10b contains part of contamination of the subsurface ownership. The unit is almost entirely its cave cricket foraging area and drainage area of the unit, drying of karst undeveloped, but contains some contiguous Karst Zone 1. features from impervious cover, reduced unpaved roads and hiking trails. This nutrient input, and infestation of fire Unit 11a unit was occupied at the time of listing, ants. and contains all the PCEs of the species. We are proposing 21 ac (8.5 ha) of This unit was delineated by drawing The Low Priority Cave is located on private land in Unit 11a in north-central a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the Camp Bullis and contains R. infernalis. Bexar County, outside the southern cave and including all Karst Zone 1 However, the Low Priority Cave’s boundary of Camp Bullis, and southeast outside of Camp Bullis according to entrance is not included in the unit of Wilderness Road in the Stone Oak section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 U.S.C. (since it is exempt under section 4(a)(3) KFR for R. exilis. This unit is primarily 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see Exemptions of the Act; see Exemptions below), but undisturbed native vegetation. An section, below). The unit is all Karst its drainages are included in this unit. unnamed road borders the unit on the Zone 1. The unit requires special management northern boundary and crosses it close because of human use of the park and to its western edge. Two buildings are Unit 11c possible future development on private located in the northeastern and We are proposing 21 ac (8.5 ha) of land and the presence of trails and a northwestern corners of the unit. Up the private land in Unit 11c outside the secondary roadway in the unit. Threats Creek Cave is located on adjacent Camp eastern boundary of Camp Bullis in include the potential for destruction of Bullis and contains R. exilis. The cave north-central Bexar County in the Stone surface vegetation, contamination of the was occupied at the time of listing, and Oak KFR for R. exilis. Unit 11c contains subsurface drainage area of the unit, and the unit contains all the PCEs for the a small amount of native vegetation and infestation of fire ants. species. is crossed by Blanco Road along its Unit 10a was delineated by drawing a The unit requires special management western edge, a major north-south radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the because of the potential for trespassing thoroughfare, and by Wilderness Oak cave entrance and removing the portion and future development. Threats and Ranch Oak Roads that cross the unit of the circle within Camp Bullis. Camp include destruction of habitat from from east to west. The southern part of Bullis was removed according to section vandalism and potential future the unit has some commercial 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 U.S.C. development, contamination of the development. Poor Boy Bacculum Cave 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see Exemptions subsurface drainage area of the unit, on adjacent Camp Bullis contains R. section, below). The unit is all Karst drying of karst features from impervious exilis. The cave was occupied at the Zone 1. cover, reduced nutrient input, and time of listing. A portion of the unit has infestation of fire ants. the surface PCEs for the species, but Unit 10b This unit was delineated by drawing most of the unit contains only the PCE In Unit 10b, we are proposing 66 ac a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the of subterranean karst-forming rock. (27 ha) of the City of San Antonio’s cave and including all Karst Zone 1 The unit requires special management Eisenhower Park in north-central Bexar outside of Camp Bullis in the resulting because of the presence of existing County, east of Unit 10a and along the circle. Camp Bullis was removed roadways and commercial development southern boundary of Camp Bullis in according to section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the and potential future development. the Stone Oak KFR for R. infernalis. The Act (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see Threats include destruction of habitat unit is mostly wooded and is entirely in Exemptions section, below). The from vandalism and potential future the City of San Antonio’s Eisenhower southwest portion along the edge of the development, contamination of the Park. The Flying Buzzworm Cave, circle was not included because it is subsurface drainage area of the unit, which contains R. infernalis, is located Karst Zone 2. Even though the cave’s drying of karst features from impervious on Camp Bullis. An immature blind entrance is not included in this unit, its and water diversion, reduced nutrient Cicurina has been collected from the drainages and mesocaverns are. The input, and infestation of fire ants. cave, but has not been identified to resulting unit is all Karst Zone 1. This unit was delineated by drawing species. The cave was occupied at the a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the time of listing. Unit 10b contains the Unit 11b cave and including all Karst Zone 1 PCEs for the species. We are proposing 16 ac (6.5 ha) of outside of Camp Bullis according to The unit requires special management private land in Unit 11b in north-central section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 U.S.C. because of human use of the park and Bexar County in the Stone Oak KFR for 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see Exemptions the presence of trails and a secondary R. exilis. The unit is outside the section, below). Unit 11c is all Karst roadway in the unit. Threats include the southern boundary of Camp Bullis and Zone 1. potential for destruction of surface is east of unit 11a. There are two small, vegetation, contamination of the cleared areas about 0.5 ac (0.2 ha) in Unit 11d subsurface drainage area of the unit, and size along the northern unit border, and In Unit 11d, we are proposing 52 ac infestation of fire ants. vegetation appears to have been thinned (21 ha) of private land located outside This unit was delineated by drawing in parts of the unit in the past. The unit the eastern boundary of Camp Bullis in a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the is bordered on the north by an unnamed north-central Bexar County in the Stone cave entrance and removing the portion road. A cave called Bunny Hole, which Oak KFR for R. exilis. Unit 11d contains of the circle within Camp Bullis is on adjacent Camp Bullis, is occupied some landscaped areas, but it is crossed according to section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the by R. exilis. The cave was occupied at by Blanco Road on its western edge and Act (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see the time of listing, and the unit contains by Goldcrest Run, a road parallel to Exemptions section, below). Therefore, all of the PCEs for the species. Blanco Road and slightly to the east. the Flying Buzzworm Cave’s entrance is The unit requires special management Unit 11d contains a substantial amount not included in the unit, but its because of the potential for future of commercial development and a large drainages and mesocaverns are. A small development. Threats include parking lot. The unit does contain the area of Karst Zone 2 was also removed destruction of habitat from vandalism first two PCEs, and has a few because it was not in the cave cricket and potential future development, landscaped areas with some with trees,

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but does not contain the PCE of healthy the criteria for delineating critical in areas with high surface impacts, as native surface vegetation. The Root habitat, an area of Zones 2 and 3 was described in the Criteria Used To Toupee Cave, which is on adjacent removed from the northern part of the Identify Critical Habitat section above. Camp Bullis, contains R. exilis. We do arc. The portion of the circle within All of Unit 12 is Karst Zone 1. not know if the cave was occupied at Camp Bullis (west of the unit) contains Unit 13 the time of listing, but it currently is. the PCE of healthy native surface We are proposing it as critical habitat in vegetation. The unit is all Karst Zone 1. In Unit 13, we are proposing 187 ac order to provide protection for the (76 ha) of developed and undeveloped Unit 12 mesocaverns and other subsurface private land located in northeastern features. In Unit 12, we are proposing 371 ac Bexar County in the Stone Oak KFR The unit requires special management (150 ha) of private land in north-central with the intersection of Bulverde Road because of due to the presence of Bexar County, east of the intersection of and Ridgeway Drive at the middle of its existing roadways, commercial U.S. Highway 281 and Evans Road in northern edge for R. exilis. This unit development, and potential future the Stone Oak KFR for R. exilis. The contains one cave named Black Cat development. Threats include unit is bordered to the east by U.S. Cave. The cave was occupied by R. destruction of habitat from vandalism Highway 281, to the south by a quarry exilis at the time of listing, and part of and potential future development, and to the west by a school and some the unit contains all the PCEs for the contamination of the subsurface residential development. Evans Road, species. The cave opening is a short drainage area of the unit, drying of karst another major roadway, crosses the distance Bulverde Road, which crosses features from impervious cover and north central part of the unit. With the its cave footprint and cave cricket storm water diversion, reduced nutrient exception of a U.S. 281 and its right of foraging area. The northern part of the input, and infestation of fire ants. way and a small amount of floodway in unit, including about half of the cave This unit was delineated by drawing the western portion and part of a middle cricket foraging area and protection a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the school, the unit is in private ownership. area, is developed with dense cave and including all Karst Zone 1 Most of the unit has been developed as residential development west of outside of Camp Bullis according to a single-family homes subdivision. The Bulverde Road, and a lower density section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 U.S.C. unit also includes some commercial subdivision to the east. Bulverde Road, 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see Exemptions development in the northeast portion. a major two-lane roadway, crosses the section, below). Unit 11d is entirely However, small amounts of middle of the unit from north to south. Karst Zone 1. undeveloped land are located in the The southern part of the unit on both southern, northern, and northwestern sides of Bulverde road is undeveloped. Unit 11e part of the unit. The southeastern part of the unit was In Unit 11e, we are proposing 102 ac Unit 12 contains the Hairy Tooth and expanded slightly to include at least 100 (41 ha) of private land outside the Ragin’ Cajun Caves, which are occupied ac (40 ha) of native vegetation. eastern boundary of Camp Bullis in by R. exilis. Both caves were occupied This unit requires special north-central Bexar County for R. exilis. at the time of listing. This unit does management because of residential Unit 11e contains a substantial amount contain the first two PCEs, but most of development and roadways. Threats of residential development with Unit 12 does not contain the PCE of a include the potential for destruction of landscaped areas and is crossed by healthy surface native plant community habitat from vandalism, operation of a Blanco Road on its western edge, near to the occupied caves. The cave quarry, potential future development, Cardigan Chase Road near its eastern cricket foraging areas are impacted by contamination of the subsurface edge, and Calico Chase Road across houses and streets. However, this area drainage area of the unit, drying of karst most of its central portion. Blanco Cave, has been delineated to protect features from impervious cover and located in the Blanco Road right-of-way, mesocaverns and other subsurface storm water diversion, reduced nutrient contains R. exilis. The cave was features that are necessary for the input, and infestation of fire ants. occupied at the time of listing, and only conservation of the species. This unit was delineated by drawing the area within Camp Bullis, which is The unit requires special management a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the being exempted, contains all the PCEs because of the commercial development cave. Additional undeveloped land was for the species. and roadways that border the unit. added to the unit outside the The unit requires special management Threats include the potential for southeastern edge to include at least because of the presence of existing destruction of habitat from vandalism, 100 ac (40 ha) of surface vegetation, roadways, commercial development, future development, operation of a necessary for units in areas with high and potential future development. quarry, contamination of the subsurface surface impacts, as described in the Threats include destruction of habitat drainage area of the unit, karst drying, Criteria Used To Identify Critical from vandalism and potential future reduction of nutrient input, and Habitat section above. All of Unit 13 is development, contamination of the infestation of fire ants. Karst Zone 1. subsurface drainage area of the unit, Unit 12 was delineated by drawing a drying of karst features, reduced radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each Unit 14 nutrient input, and infestation of fire of the two caves and joining the edges In Unit 14, we are proposing 330 ac ants. of the two overlapping circles. A portion (134 ha) of private land in western This unit was delineated by drawing of the extreme southern area was Bexar County, west of the end of Louis a radius of 0.3mi (0.5 km) around the removed from the unit because it Agusta Drive in the Culebra Anticline cave and including all Karst Zone 1 contains an active quarry which has KFR for R. infernalis. The unit includes outside of Camp Bullis within the removed some of the karst, as the karst several large tracts of undeveloped resulting circle. Camp Bullis was is covered only by a thin layer of soil woodland. There is a major roadway, exempted according to section in Karst Zone 1. The area to the north Stevens Parkway, in this unit, and it is 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 U.S.C. and northeast was expanded outside the in the process of being extended from 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see Exemptions 0.3 mi radius to include at least 100 ac the southwestern to western part of the section, below). Because it did not meet (40 ha) of vegetation, necessary for units unit. Some of the vegetation has been

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cleared in the past for ranching. Three connecting the edges of the overlapping Madla’s Cave and the surrounding caves occur in this unit: Game Pasture circles. All of Unit 15 is Karst Zone 1. approximately 5 ac (2 ha) has been Cave No. 1, Stevens Ranch Trash Hole acquired in accordance with the La Unit 16 Cave, and King Toad Cave. All three Cantera HCP, which also requires that caves are known to contain R. infernalis In Unit 16, we are proposing 194 ac the cave and the surrounding preserve and all were occupied at the time of (79 ha) of private land in western Bexar lands be managed in perpetuity for the listing. This unit contains all the PCEs County in the Culebra Anticline KFR for conservation of the species. We are of the species. R. infernalis. The Unit contains several considering excluding this area under The unit requires special management large, primarily undeveloped tracts of section 4(b)(2) of the Act because it falls because of potential future residential woodland. However, Loop 1604, a major under the La Cantera HCP. The and commercial development and highway, bisects the eastern part of the remainder of the unit requires special trespassing. Threats include the unit. A high-density residential management because of the presence of potential for destruction of surface subdivision is in the eastern part of the residential development and potential vegetation and karst habitat, unit, and a quarry is within the southern future development within the unit. contamination of the subsurface portion. With the exception of Loop Threats include the potential for drainage area of the unit, drying of karst 1604 and its cleared right-of-way, most destruction of habitat from new features, reduction of nutrient input, of the remainder of the unit is vegetated. development and vandalism, and infestation of fire ants. But, some vegetation in the northern contamination of the subsurface This unit was delineated by drawing and northwestern part of the unit has drainage area of the unit from future a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each been removed for livestock grazing. The development, reduction of moisture and of the three caves and connecting the Caracol Creek Coon Cave is the only nutrient input, and infestation of fire edges of the resulting overlapping cave in this unit and it is occupied by ants. circles. Unit 14 is all Karst Zone 1. R. infernalis. The unit was occupied at The unit was delineated by drawing a Unit 15 the time of listing, and part of the unit a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the contains all the PCEs for the species. cave and removing areas that are not In this unit, we are proposing 339 ac Karst Zone 1 from the northern and (137 ha) of private land located in However, part of the cave’s footprint is under Loop 1604, and the highway has southwestern parts of the resulting western Bexar County, west of Talley circle. However, some areas of Karst Road and north of Farm to Market Road impacted parts of the cave cricket foraging and protection areas. Zone 3 were left in the unit to 1957 in the Culebra Anticline KFR for encompass the cave cricket protection The unit requires special management the Bracken Bat Cave meshweaver and area and to reduce edge effects. R. infernalis. The majority of the lands because of the proximity of roads, within Unit 15 are within a subdivision, existing and potential future Unit 19 and all are privately owned. Tracts in development. Threats include potential In Unit 19, we are proposing 142 ac the subdivision are relatively large and for destruction of habitat from (57 ha) of private land in north-central still contain wooded vegetation, but vandalism, quarry operation, and Bexar County near the intersection of there is some high-density residential potential new development, Stone Oak Road and Loop 1604 in the development in the eastern part of the contamination of the subsurface Stone Oak KFR for R. infernalis. The unit. Some native vegetation remains in drainage area of the unit, drying of karst majority of the unit has been developed this unit, but the cave cricket foraging features, reduction of nutrient input, for residential and/or commercial uses. areas around all of the occupied caves and infestation of fire ants. The eastern part of Unit 19 is crossed by have been fragmented by roads and This unit was delineated by drawing Stone Oak Road. Several other minor houses. A substantial amount of the a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the roadways and parking lots are scattered vegetation appears, from the cave. The unit was expanded outside through the unit, and part of a golf examination of aerial photographs, to be that distance to the west and northwest course is in the northwestern section of nonnative landscaped grasses. This unit to include at least 100 ac (40 ha) of the unit. There are some trees left in a contains four caves: Braken Bat Cave, vegetation around the cave opening, neighborhood in the northern part of the Isopit, Obvious Little Cave, and necessary for units in areas with high unit, and a few trees are on the golf Wurzback Bat Cave. Bracken Bat Cave is surface impacts, as described in the course. In addition, there is some the only one that contains the Bracken Criteria Used To Identify Critical landscaped grass surrounding Genesis Bat Cave meshweaver. All four caves are Habitat section above. Most of Unit 16 Cave, the only cave in this unit. This known to contain R. infernalis and all is Karst Zone 1, except a small part of cave is occupied by R. infernalis. The were occupied at the time of listing. The Karst Zone 2 on its western edge. cave was occupied at the time of listing, undeveloped parts of this unit contain Unit 17 but the unit does not contain the PCE of all the PCEs for the species. a healthy surface community of native The unit requires special management In Unit 17, we are proposing 114 ac plants and animals. However, we because of the proximity of (46 ha) of private land in northwest delineate this unit as it contains the first development, the potential for Bexar County east of Scenic Loop Road two PCEs, and in order to protect the destruction of habitat from vandalism, and south of Madla Ranch Road in the mesocaverns and other subsurface karst and the lack of a healthy surface Helotes KFR for the Madla Cave features that are occupied. community of plants and animals. meshweaver and R. infernalis. The unit The unit requires special management Threats include potential future contains some houses and paved roads because of the high levels of residential development, contamination of the in the eastern portion, and one house in and commercial development and high subsurface drainage area of the unit, the southeastern portion. The unit impervious cover within the unit. drying of karst, reduction of nutrient contains one cave called Madla’s Cave, Threats include the potential for input, and infestation of fire ants. which is occupied by Madla Cave destruction of habitat from vandalism This unit was delineated to meshweaver and R. infernalis. The cave and future development, contamination encompass a 0.3 mi (0.5 km) area was occupied at the time of listing, and of the subsurface drainage area of the around each of the four caves and the unit has all the PCEs of the species. unit, drying of karst features from

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impervious cover and storm water surface and subsurface drainage and all the drainage basin about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) diversion, reduced nutrient input, and of the contiguous Karst Zone 1. outside of the 0.3 mi (0.5 km) distance infestation of fire ants. and adds approximately 68 ac (28 ha) to Unit 21 The unit was delineated by drawing a the area of the unit. The proposed unit radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the We are proposing 396 ac (160 ha) of designation includes about seven cave entrance and removing areas that private and City of San Antonio-owned percent of the entire surface watershed. are not Karst Zone 1 from the southern land in Unit 21 in northeast Bexar and eastern parts of the unit. The unit County, northeast of the intersection of Unit 22 is all Karst Zone 1. Evans Road and Stone Oak Parkway for In Unit 22, we are proposing 178 ac R. exilis. The unit contains several large (72 ha) of private and City of San Unit 20 tracts of undeveloped land and several Antonio’s Woodland Hills land located In Unit 20, we are proposing 247 ac smaller tracts developed with homes in northwestern Bexar County, northeast (100 ha) of private land located in north- and residential roads. Mud Creek runs of Babcock Road and northwest of central part of the City of San Antonio, through the unit, and part of Unit 21 is Heuermann Road in the UTSA KFR for south of Loop 410 West, and primarily the pool area of a flood control reservoir the Madla Cave meshweaver. The unit along Nacogdoches Road northeast of owned by the City of San Antonio. The is mostly vegetated, but contains a few Broadway in the Alamo Heights KFR for rest of the unit is in private ownership. residential sites on its extreme western the Cokendolpher cave harvestman and Vegetation in the flood pool area is border. There are several unpaved roads Robber Baron Cave meshweaver. This modified by periodic inundation and/or and trails, including one within the cave unit contains one known occupied cave, mechanical control by the City of San cricket foraging area. The unit is mostly Robber Baron Cave, which is the only Antonio. The northern and northeastern undeveloped woodland, but some areas known cave for the Cokendolpher cave part of the unit has dense residential appear to have been cleared in the past harvestman. It is also one of only two development, while there is less dense for ranching. Unit 22 is a combination caves known to be occupied by Robber development in the western portion. of private land and the City of San Baron Cave meshweaver (OB3 in Unit The southeastern corner of the unit also Antonio’s Woodland Hills’ property, 25 is the other cave). The Robber Baron has a small amount of residential which includes Breathless Cave, the Cave was occupied at the time of listing development. Unit 21 contains three only cave in this unit. Breathless Cave and is the longest cave in Bexar County, caves: Hornet’s Last Laugh Pit, Kick is currently occupied by Madla Cave consisting of approximately 0.9 mi (1.5 Start Cave, and Springtail Crevice. All meshweaver, but it was not known to be km) of passages (Veni 2003, p. 19). The are currently occupied by R. exilis, but occupied at the time of listing. The unit estimated footprint of the cave now they were not known to be occupied at contains all the PCEs for the species. underlies numerous residential and the time of listing. Parts of the unit The unit requires special management commercial developments. The Texas contain all the PCEs for the species. because of the presence of residential Cave Management Association (TCMA), The unit requires special management development and potential future a non-profit organization dedicated to because of residential development, development within the unit. Threats the study and management of Texas roadways, and potential for new include the potential for destruction of cave resources, now owns and manages construction in the unit. Threats include habitat from new development and the cave and about 0.5 ac (0.2 ha) the potential for destruction of habitat vandalism, contamination of the surrounding the opening. from vandalism, operation of a quarry, subsurface drainage area of the unit The unit was occupied at the time of and potential future development, from future development, reduction of listing; however, surface vegetation contamination of the subsurface moisture and nutrient input, and within Unit 20 has been significantly drainage area of the unit, altered karst infestation of fire ants. reduced and degraded by urban features from stormwater retention, The unit was delineated by drawing a development, and the only PCE reduced nutrient input, and infestation circle with a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) remaining is karst-forming rock of fire ants. around Breathless Cave. The resulting containing subterranean spaces. Lands Unit 21 was delineated by drawing a unit is mostly Karst Zone 1, except for within this unit do not contain the radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each a small sliver of Karst Zone 3 in the physical and biological features of a of the three caves and joining the edges southwestern corner, which was healthy surface community of native of the three overlapping circles. The included because of its narrow width vegetation or of surface water free of entire unit is Karst Zone 1. One of three and the increased edge effect. Adverse pollutants. The unit requires special caves (Springtail Crevice) is located in effects of edges include increased management because of the high levels the pool area of a flood control abundance of invasive plant and animal of residential and commercial reservoir, and its surface drainage basin species. For a detailed description, refer development within the unit. Threats covers the entire watershed of Mud to the sections on Edge Effects, Special include the potential for destruction of Creek upstream of the cave, which Management Considerations or habitat from vandalism, soil compaction includes 5,675 ac (2,297 ha) of land and Protection, and Criteria Used To Identify from cave visitation, lack of a healthy extends about 4.3 mi (6.9 km) upstream. Critical Habitat. community of native plants and We included a portion of the watershed animals, contamination of the beyond the normal 0.3 mi (0.5 mi) Unit 23 subsurface drainage area of the unit, distance used to delineate units, in In Unit 23, we are proposing 178 ac drying of karst, and infestation of fire order to include stream drainage that (72 ha) of private land and City of San ants. Because of the extensive could provide the moisture necessary to Antonio’s Crownridge Canyon Natural development, high levels of impervious provide humidity to the cave and its Area in northwestern Bexar County cover, and diversion of storm water over connected mesocaverns, but we did not northeast of Luskey road and east of the the cave, intensive management may be include the entire surface drainage area end of Fiesta Grande in the UTSA KFR needed to provide nutrients and water for the unit, as it is so large and extends for R. infernalis. A large portion of the to the karst environment. so far from the cave and its unit is the City of San Antonio’s The unit was delineated to encompass mesocaverns. The extra area included Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, the estimated extent of the cave’s extends in contiguous Karst Zone 1 up which is open to hiking, nature study,

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and wildlife observation. Most of Unit delineating critical habitat. The rest of potential for destruction of surface 23 is in native woodland vegetation. Unit 24 is Karst Zone 2. vegetation and karst habitat from The western and southwestern portion vandalism, contamination of the Unit 25 of the unit has been cleared for a subsurface drainage area of the unit, residential subdivision. The clearing In Unit 25, we are proposing 177 ac drying of karst habitat, reduction of extends more than half way into the (72 ha) of private land located in nutrient input, and infestation of fire western portion of the Crownridge northern part of the City of San Antonio ants. Canyon Cave’s cave cricket foraging near the intersection of Shook Avenue This unit was delineated by drawing area. The Crownridge Canyon Cave is and East Kings Highway in the Alamo a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around each the only cave in this unit and it is Heights KFR for the Robber Baron Cave of the two cave entrances and occupied by R. infernalis. The cave was meshweaver. This unit contains cave connecting the edges of the overlapping not known to be occupied at the time of OB3, occupied by the Robber Baron circles. Unit 26 is primarily Karst Zone listing, but part of the unit contains all Cave meshweaver. The cave feature was 1, but the cave cricket foraging and the PCEs for the species. discovered during excavation in 2009, protection area on the western part of The unit requires special management after the Robber Baron Cave the unit was included even though it is because of residential development, meshweaver had already been listed, so Karst Zone 3. it is unknown whether the cave was roadways, and potential for new Effects of Critical Habitat Designation construction in the unit. Threats include occupied at the time of listing. The the potential for destruction of habitat surface habitat around this feature has Section 7 Consultation from vandalism and future been highly modified and is covered with residential and commercial Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires development, contamination of the Federal agencies, including the Service, subsurface drainage area of the unit, development, including numerous streets. Unit 25 also contains to ensure that actions they fund, drying of karst features from impervious authorize, or carry out are not likely to cover and diversion of storm water, landscaped lawns, sports fields, and residential and commercial jeopardize the continued existence of reduced nutrient input, and infestation any endangered species or threatened of fire ants. development. The unit contains only the PCE of karst-forming rock containing species or result in the destruction or This unit was delineated by drawing subterranean spaces. adverse modification of designated a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the The unit requires special management critical habitat of such species. In cave. The unit is all Karst Zone 1. because of the high levels of residential addition, section 7(a)(4) of the Act Unit 24 and commercial development within requires Federal agencies to confer with the unit. Threats include the potential the Service on any agency action which In Unit 24, we are proposing 11 ac for destruction of habitat from is likely to jeopardize the continued (4.5 ha) of private land in north-central vandalism and potential new existence of any species proposed to be Bexar County, but south of Vera Cruz development, contamination of the listed under the Act or result in the Road in the Stone Oak KFR for R. exilis. subsurface drainage area of the unit, destruction or adverse modification of The unit is composed of undisturbed, drying of the karst feature, reduction of proposed critical habitat. native vegetation along the western edge nutrient input, and infestation of fire Decisions by the Fifth and Ninth of Camp Bullis, which contains the ants. Circuits Court of Appeals have Peace Pipe Cave occupied by R. exilis. The unit was delineated by drawing a invalidated our definition of The cave was not known to be occupied radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the ‘‘destruction or adverse modification’’ at the time of listing, but the unit feature. Because no listed species were (50 CFR 402.02) (see Gifford Pinchot contains all the PCEs for the species. known from this area of the Alamo Task Force v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife The unit requires special management Heights KFR when Karst Zones were Service, 378 F.3d 1059 (9th Cir. 2004) because of the potential for future delineated by Veni (2003), the entire and Sierra Club v. U.S. Fish and development. Threats include unit is located in Karst Zone 2. Wildlife Service et al., 245 F.3d 434, 442 destruction of habitat from vandalism (5th Cir. 2001)), and we do not rely on and potential future development, Unit 26 this regulatory definition when contamination of the subsurface In Unit 26, we are proposing 117 ac analyzing whether an action is likely to drainage area of the unit, drying of karst (47 ha) of private land in western Bexar destroy or adversely modify critical features, reduced nutrient input, and County southwest of the extension of habitat. Under the statutory provisions infestation of fire ants. Stevens Ranch Parkway and south of of the Act, we determine destruction or This unit was delineated by drawing Unit 14 in the Culebra Anticline KFR for adverse modification on the basis of a radius of 0.3 mi (0.5 km) around the R. infernalis. This unit is all whether, with implementation of the cave and including all Karst Zone 2 undeveloped land. Woody vegetation proposed Federal action, the affected outside of Camp Bullis in the resulting has been thinned for ranching in the critical habitat would remain functional circle. Camp Bullis was exempted eastern portion of the unit, while the (or retain those PCEs that relate to the according to section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the western portion has been more heavily ability of the area to periodically Act (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) (see cleared. There is one cave in this unit, support the species) to serve its Exemptions section, below). The habitat Max and Roberts Cave, and it currently intended conservation role for the was classified as Karst Zone 2 by Veni contains R. infernalis. It is unknown if species. (2003, pp. 10–18) because the Peace the cave was occupied at the time of If a Federal action may affect a listed Pipe Cave was not discovered until listing. The cave has two entrances, and species or its critical habitat, the 2009. At that time, the cave was verified this unit contains all the PCEs necessary responsible Federal agency (action by a species expert to contain R. exilis. for the conservation of the species. agency) must enter into consultation An area that was Karst Zone 3 was The unit requires special management with us. Examples of actions that are removed from the northern portion of because of potential future residential subject to the section 7 consultation the circle outside Camp Bullis because and commercial development and process are actions on State, Tribal, it did not meet the criteria for trespassing. Threats include the local, or private lands that require a

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Federal permit (such as a permit from authorized by law). Consequently, (1) Actions that would result in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under Federal agencies may sometimes need to removing, thinning, or destroying section 404 of the Clean Water Act (33 request reinitiation of consultation with perennial surface vegetation. Such U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or a permit from the us on actions for which formal activities could include, but are not Service under section 10 of the Act) or consultation has been completed, if limited to, burning, wood cutting or that involve some other Federal action those actions with discretionary other mechanical removal, grading, (such as funding from the Federal involvement or control may affect excessive livestock overgrazing, Highway Administration, Federal subsequently listed species or construction, road building, mining, and Aviation Administration, or the Federal designated critical habitat. herbicide application. These activities Emergency Management Agency). Federal activities that may affect any could destroy or damage the native Federal actions not affecting listed of the nine Bexar County invertebrates plant community and increase the species or critical habitat, and actions or their designated critical habitat number of nonnative plants and on State, Tribal, local, or private lands require section 7 consultation under the animals, including fire ants. The actions that are not Federally funded or Act. Activities on State, Tribal, local, or could also adversely affect cave crickets authorized, do not require section 7 private lands requiring a Federal permit and other native animals on the surface consultation. (such as a permit from the U.S. Army that provide nutrients to the karst As a result of this consultation, we Corps of Engineers under section 404 of ecosystem, reduce other nutrient input document compliance with the the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1251 et (for example, leaf litter and roots), requirements of section 7(a)(2) through seq.) or a permit from us under section reduce water quality, reduce humidity our issuance of: 10 of the Act) or involving some other of the cave, and change subterranean (1) A concurrence letter for Federal Federal action (such as funding from the temperatures. actions that may affect, but are not Federal Highway Administration, (2) Actions that would alter the likely to adversely affect, listed species Federal Aviation Administration, or the surface topography or subsurface or critical habitat; or Federal Emergency Management geology resulting in a disruption of (2) A biological opinion for Federal Agency) are subject to the section 7 ecosystem processes necessary to actions that may affect, and are likely to consultation process. Federal actions sustain the cave environment. Such adversely affect, listed species or critical not affecting listed species or critical activities could include, but are not habitat. habitat, and actions on State, Tribal, limited to, filling cave entrances or When we issue a biological opinion local or private lands that are not otherwise reducing airflow in a way that concluding that a project is likely to Federally funded, authorized, or limits oxygen availability; modifying jeopardize the continued existence of a permitted, do not require section 7 cave entrances or creating new listed species or destroy or adversely consultations. entrances that increase airflow in a way that results in drying of the karst modify critical habitat, we also provide Application of the ‘‘Adverse features; altering natural drainage reasonable and prudent alternatives to Modification’’ Standard the project, if any are identifiable. We patterns, surface or subsurface, in a define ‘‘Reasonable and prudent The key factor related to the adverse manner that alters the amount or quality alternatives’’ at 50 CFR 402.02 as modification determination is whether, or both of water entering the cave, karst alternative actions identified during with implementation of the proposed feature, or mesocaverns; removing or consultation that: Federal action, the affected critical disturbing native surface vegetation so (1) Can be implemented in a manner habitat would continue to serve its that it alters the quality or quantity of consistent with the intended purpose of intended conservation role for the water entering the karst environment; the action, species, or retain those PCEs that relate disturbing soil in such a way that it (2) Can be implemented consistent to the ability of the area to periodically results in increased sedimentation in with the scope of the Federal agency’s support the species. Activities that may the karst environment or increased legal authority and jurisdiction, destroy or adversely modify critical numbers of fire ants; increasing (3) Are economically and habitat are those that alter the PCEs to impervious cover that may decrease technologically feasible, and an extent that appreciably reduces the water quantity entering the karst (4) Would, in the Director’s opinion, conservation value of critical habitat for environment or affect the temperature of avoid jeopardizing the continued any of the nine Bexar County karst below it or both within any critical existence of the listed species or invertebrates. As discussed above, the habitat unit, such as paving over a destroying or adversely modifying role of critical habitat is to support the vegetated area; and altering the entrance critical habitat. life-history needs of the species and or opening of a cave or karst feature in Reasonable and prudent alternatives provide for the conservation of the a way that would disrupt movements of can vary from slight project species. cave crickets or other animals that modifications to extensive redesign or Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us provide nutrient input or otherwise relocation of the project. Costs to briefly evaluate and describe, in any negatively altering the movement of associated with implementing a proposed or final regulation that nutrients into the cave or karst feature. reasonable and prudent alternative are designates critical habitat, activities (3) Actions that would introduce similarly variable. involving a Federal action that may pollutants to the occupied features Regulations at 50 CFR 402.16 require destroy or adversely modify such themselves, the surface and subsurface Federal agencies to reinitiate habitat, or that may be affected by such drainage basins, or the surrounding consultation on previously reviewed designation. mesocaverns. Such activities could actions in instances where we have Activities that, when carried out, include, but are not limited to, listed a new species or subsequently funded, or authorized by a Federal discharge or dumping of chemicals, silt, designated critical habitat that may be agency, may affect critical habitat and pollutants, household or industrial affected and the Federal agency has therefore should result in consultation waste, pesticides or herbicides, or other retained discretionary involvement or for any of the nine Bexar County harmful material into or near critical control over the action (or the agency’s invertebrates include, but are not habitat units that may affect surface discretionary involvement or control is limited to: plant and animal communities or that

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may affect the subsurface karst controlled by the Department of transferred in whole or in part, local ecosystem or degrade subsurface water Defense, or designated for its use, that Army officials will request that the quality. are subject to an integrated natural Secretary of the Army, or other (4) Activities within caves that would resources management plan prepared appropriate authority, review and lead to soil compaction, changes in under section 101 of the Sikes Act (16 incorporate provisions from this atmospheric conditions, or U.S.C. 670a), if the Secretary determines management plan into the property abandonment of the cave by bats or in writing that such plan provides a disposal procedures. Those provisions other fauna. Such activities could benefit to the species for which critical would transfer responsibility for include, but are not limited to, excessive habitat is proposed for designation.’’ appropriate management of any former human traffic, destruction of cave We consult with the military on the Camp Bullis karst management areas to features, enlargement of existing development and implementation of all subsequent owners by deed entrances, or creation of new entrances INRMPs for installations with listed recordation or other binding instrument. to karst features. species. We analyzed INRMPs Based on the above considerations, (5) Activities that would attract or developed by military installations and in accordance with section increase fire ants, cockroaches, or other located within the range of the proposed 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act, we have invasive predators, competitors, critical habitat designation for the nine determined that the identified lands are parasites, or potential vectors for Bexar County invertebrates to determine subject to the Camp Bullis INRMP and diseases into caves or karst features if they are exempt under section 4(a)(3) that conservation efforts identified in within the critical habitat units. Such of the Act. the INRMP will provide a benefit to R. activities could include, but are not exilis, R. infernalis, and the Madla Cave Approved INRMPs limited to, dumping of garbage in or meshweaver occurring in habitats around caves or karst features. Camp Bullis Military Reservation within or adjacent to Camp Bullis. Therefore, lands within this installation Exemptions Camp Bullis Military Reservation (Camp Bullis) has an approved INRMP are exempt from critical habitat Application of Section 4(a)(3) of the Act in place that provides benefits to designation under section 4(a)(3) of the The Sikes Act Improvement Act of Rhadine exilis, R. infernalis, and Madla Act. We are not including 1997 (Sikes Act) (16 U.S.C. 670a) Cave meshweaver. Camp Bullis is a 43.7 approximately 4,104 ac (1,660 ha) of required each military installation that mi2 (113.3 km2) facility under the habitat in this proposed revised critical includes land and water suitable for the command of Fort Sam Houston, U.S. habitat designation because of this conservation and management of Army, Texas. The area contains 26 caves exemption. natural resources to complete an with 1 or more of the 3 listed species. Exclusions integrated natural resources After the species were petitioned for management plan (INRMP) by listing, Camp Bullis began karst Application of Section 4(b)(2) of the Act November 17, 2001. An INRMP investigations to determine the extent of Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states that integrates implementation of the these species on their property and how the Secretary must designate and revise military mission of the installation with best to manage them. A management critical habitat on the basis of the best stewardship of the natural resources plan was developed in 1999 (Veni and available scientific data after taking into found on the base. Each INRMP Associates 1999) and revised in 2002 consideration the economic impact, includes: (Veni et al. 2002a and 2002b) to national security impact, and any other (1) An assessment of the ecological eliminate, mitigate, and prevent harm to relevant impact of specifying any needs on the installation, including the these and other rare species on Camp particular area as critical habitat. The need to provide for the conservation of Bullis in perpetuity. The Veni et al. Secretary may exclude an area from listed species; 2002a and 2002b reports became part of critical habitat if he determines that the (2) A statement of goals and priorities; an INRMP in 2005. The INRMP was benefits of such exclusion outweigh the (3) A detailed description of revised in 2007 and underwent an benefits of specifying such area as part management actions to be implemented annual review and update in 2010. of the critical habitat, unless he to provide for these ecological needs; The INRMP provides for management determines, based on the best scientific and of all caves occupied by Rhadine exilis, data available, that the failure to (4) A monitoring and adaptive R. infernalis, and Madla Cave designate such area as critical habitat management plan. meshweaver. The Madla Cave will result in the extinction of the Among other things, each INRMP meshweaver is only found in one cave species. In making that determination, must, to the extent appropriate and within the interior of Camp Bullis. the legislative history is clear that the applicable, provide for fish and wildlife Management actions include protecting Secretary has broad discretion regarding management; fish and wildlife habitat the cave footprint, surface and which factor(s) to use and how much enhancement or modification; wetland subsurface drainage areas associated weight to give to any factor. protection, enhancement, and with the occupied cave, cave cricket Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we restoration where necessary to support foraging area, and surface plant and may exclude an area from designated fish and wildlife; and enforcement of animal community, and controlling fire critical habitat based on economic applicable natural resource laws. ants. The plan includes in-cave impacts, impacts on national security, The National Defense Authorization biological surveys, cave gate or any other relevant impacts. In Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Pub. L. 108– construction, and preservation of karst considering whether to exclude a 136) amended the Act to limit areas management areas (KMAs) around cave particular area from the designation, we eligible for designation as critical entrances. The KMAs will be preserved must identify the benefits of including habitat. Specifically, section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) in perpetuity within the limits possible the area in the designation, identify the of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) through the authority of Camp Bullis benefits of excluding the area from the now provides: ‘‘The Secretary shall not and its operational and mission designation, and determine whether the designate as critical habitat any lands or requirements. The INRMP stipulates benefits of exclusion outweigh the other geographical areas owned or that should Camp Bullis ever be benefits of inclusion. If based on this

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analysis, we make this determination, unit 1e, 3, 6, 8, and 17 are appropriate development-related HCPs. It estimated then we can exclude the area only if for exclusion from the final designation. that project modification costs represent such exclusion would not result in the If our analysis results in a determination approximately 84 percent of the total extinction of the species. that the benefits of excluding lands from cost of the designation and will be borne When identifying the benefits of the final designation outweigh the by private landowners planning to inclusion for an area, we consider the benefits of designating those lands as engage in commercial or large-scale additional regulatory benefits that area critical habitat, then we will exclude the residential development on their would receive from the protection from lands from the final designation. properties. The analysis found that the adverse modification or destruction as a After considering the following areas most costly of these modifications is the result of actions with a Federal nexus; under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we are purchasing of karst preserves. The the educational benefits of mapping proposing to exclude them from the analysis further stated that the majority essential habitat for recovery of the critical habitat designation for R. exilis. of the costs that are attributable solely listed species; and any benefits that may R. infernalis, Helotes mold beetle, and to designation of critical habitat are result from a designation due to State or Madla Cave meshweaver: Canyon Ranch expected to arise from actions taken in Federal laws that may apply to critical Pit; Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave; Scenic accordance with new information and habitat. Overlook Cave and associated portions awareness that would result from the When identifying the benefits of of Unit 1e; Helotes Blowhole, Helotes designation. exclusion, we consider, among other Hilltop Cave, and portions of Unit 3 We will announce the availability of things, whether exclusion of a specific associated with these caves; Madla’s the draft economic analysis on this area is likely to result in conservation; Cave and portions of Unit 17 associated revised designation of critical habitat as the continuation, strengthening, or with it; Hills and Dales Pit and portions soon as it is completed, at which time encouragement of partnerships; and/or of Unit 8 associated with it; and John we will seek public review and implementation of a management plan Wagner Ranch Cave No. 3 and portions comment. At that time, copies of the that provides equal to or more of Unit 6 associated with it. draft economic analysis will be conservation that a critical habitat We propose to exclude these areas available for downloading from the designation would provide. because we believe that: Internet at http://www.regulations.gov, The benefits of critical habitat include (1) Their value for conservation will or by contacting the Austin Ecological public awareness of the presence of be preserved for the foreseeable future Services Field Office directly (see FOR these species and the importance of by existing protective actions, or FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section). habitat protection, and in cases where a (2) They are appropriate for exclusion During the development of a final Federal nexus exists, increased habitat under the ‘‘other relevant factor’’ designation, we will consider economic protection for these species due to the provisions of section 4(b)(2) of the Act. impacts, public comments, and other protection from adverse modification or However, we specifically solicit new information, and areas may be destruction of critical habitat. comments on the inclusion or exclusion excluded from the final critical habitat When we evaluate the existence of a of such areas. In the paragraphs below, designation under section 4(b)(2) of the conservation plan when considering the we provide a detailed analysis of our Act and our implementing regulations at benefits of exclusion, we consider a exclusion of these lands under section 50 CFR 424.19. variety of factors, including but not 4(b)(2) of the Act. limited to, whether the plan is finalized; Exclusions Based on National Security how it provides for the conservation of Exclusions Based on Economic Impacts Impacts the essential physical and biological Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we features; whether there is a reasonable consider the economic impacts of consider whether there are lands owned expectation that the conservation specifying any particular area as critical or managed by the Department of management strategies and actions habitat. In order to consider economic Defense (DOD) where a national security contained in a management plan will be impacts, we are preparing an analysis of impact might exist. Lands owned by implemented into the future; whether the economic impacts of the proposed Camp Bullis were exempted from this the conservation strategies in the plan critical habitat designation and related proposed critical habitat rule on the are likely to be effective; and whether factors. basis of an existing INRMP. Therefore, the plan contains a monitoring program An economic analysis conducted on we anticipate no impact to national or adaptive management to ensure that the previous critical habitat designation security. There are no areas proposed the conservation measures are effective found that the invertebrate critical for exclusion based on impacts on and can be adapted in the future in habitat area is characterized by intense national security. response to new information. commercial and residential After evaluating the benefits of development. It stated that potential Exclusions Based on Other Relevant inclusion and the benefits of exclusion, costs arising from such development Impacts we carefully weigh the two sides to were captured through quantification of Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we determine whether the benefits of technical assistance efforts for consider any other relevant impacts, in exclusion outweigh those of inclusion. landowners regarding smaller land use addition to economic impacts and If we determine that they do, we then activities on private properties, impacts to national security. We determine whether exclusion would development of HCPs, and individual consider a number of factors including result in extinction. If exclusion of an construction projects that are whether the landowners have developed area from critical habitat will result in foreseeable over a 10-year time horizon any HCPs or other management plans extinction, we will not exclude it from (e.g., infrastructure development at for the area, or whether there are the designation. University of Texas, San Antonio, and conservation partnerships that would be Based on the information provided by road expansion projects). The economic encouraged by designation of, or entities seeking exclusion, as well as analysis further stated that the economic exclusion from, critical habitat. In any additional public comments impacts of the proposed designation addition, we look at any Tribal issues, received, we will be evaluating whether will be manifested primarily through and consider the government-to- certain lands in proposed critical habitat project modification costs of government relationship of the United

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States with Tribal entities. We also to determine if this area should be Fat Man’s Nightmare Cave, Scenic consider any social impacts that might excluded from the final critical habitat Overlook Cave and the surrounding occur because of the designation. designation under section 4(b)(2) of the approximately 75 ac (30 ha) within Unit When we evaluate the existence of a Act. 1e; Helotes Blowhole and Helotes conservation plan when considering the The goals of the La Cantera HCP are Hilltop Caves and the surrounding benefits of exclusion, we consider a to minimize and mitigate for the approximately 25 ac (10 ha) within Unit variety of factors, including but not potential negative effects of constructing 3; John Wagner Cave No. 3 and the limited to, whether the plan is finalized; and operating commercial, light surrounding approximately 4 ac (1.6 ha) how it provides for the conservation of industrial, recreational, and residential within Unit 6; Hills and Dales Pit and the essential physical and biological development near and adjacent to the surrounding approximately 70 ac features; whether there is a reasonable currently occupied habitat of the (28 ha) within Unit 8; and Madla’s Cave expectation that the conservation endangered karst invertebrates, and to and the surrounding approximately 5 ac management strategies and actions contribute to conservation of the (2 ha) within Unit 17. As part of their contained in a management plan will be covered species and other listed and HCP, La Cantera is required to protect implemented into the future; whether non-listed cave or karst fauna. and manage these areas in perpetuity in the conservation strategies in the plan The La Cantera HCP authorizes take of accordance with the conservation needs are likely to be effective; and whether listed species in La Cantera Cave No. 1 of the species. the plan contains a monitoring program and La Cantera Cave No. 2. Under the Table 5 below provides approximate or adaptive management to ensure that La Cantera HCP, mitigation for take areas (ac, ha) of lands that meet the the conservation measures are effective within these caves was implemented by definition of critical habitat but are and can be adapted in the future in purchasing and managing eight caves exempt from designation under section response to new information. known to contain one or more of the 4(a)(3) of the Act, and lands that the We will consider the La Cantera HCP nine Bexar County invertebrates for Service is considering for possible and any other relevant information which take was being permitted. These exclusion from the final critical habitat during the development of the final rule mitigation caves are Canyon Ranch Pit, rule under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.

TABLE 5—EXEMPTIONS AND AREAS CONSIDERED FOR EXCLUSION BY CRITICAL HABITAT UNIT

Areas meeting the Areas exempted Basis for definition of critical or possible exclu- Unit Specific area exclusion/ habitat in acres sion in acres exemption (hectares) (hectares)

1e ...... La Cantera HCP ...... 4(b)(2) 690 (279) 75 (30) 3 ...... La Cantera HCP ...... 4(b)(2) 125 (51) 25 (10) 6 ...... La Cantera HCP ...... 4(b)(2) 99 (40) 4 (1.6) 8 ...... La Cantera HCP ...... 4(b)(2) 471 (191) 70 (28) 10 ...... Camp Bullis ...... 4(a)(3) 3,143 (1,273) 3,143 (1,273) 11 ...... Camp Bullis ...... 4(a)(3) 906 (367) 906 (367) 17 ...... La Cantera HCP ...... 4(b)(2) 115 (47) 5 (2) 24 ...... Camp Bullis ...... 4(a)(3) 55 (22) 55 (22)

A final determination on whether we invited these peer reviewers to comment Federal Register and local newspapers should exclude any of these areas from during this public comment period on at least 15 days before the hearing. critical habitat for any of the nine Bexar our specific assumptions and Required Determinations County invertebrates will be made when conclusions in this proposed we publish the final rule designating designation of critical habitat. Regulatory Planning and Review— critical habitat. We will take into We will consider all comments and Executive Order 12866 account public comments and carefully information we receive during this The Office of Management and Budget weigh the benefits of exclusion versus comment period on this proposed rule (OMB) has determined that this rule is inclusion of these areas. We may also during our preparation of a final not significant and has not reviewed consider areas not identified above for determination. Accordingly, the final this proposed rule under Executive exclusion from the final critical habitat decision may differ from this proposal. Order 12866 (E.O. 12866). OMB bases designation based on information we its determination upon the following may receive during the preparation of Public Hearings four criteria: the final rule (e.g., management plans for additional areas). Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for (1) Whether the rule will have an one or more public hearings on this annual effect of $100 million or more on Peer Review proposal, if requested. Requests must be the economy or adversely affect an In accordance with our joint policy received within 45 days after the date of economic sector, productivity, jobs, the published in the Federal Register on publication of this proposed rule in the environment, or other units of the July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), we will seek Federal Register. Such requests must be government. the expert opinions of at least three sent to the address shown in the FOR (2) Whether the rule will create appropriate and independent specialists FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section. inconsistencies with other Federal regarding this proposed rule. The We will schedule public hearings on agencies’ actions. purpose of peer review is to ensure that this proposal, if any are requested, and (3) Whether the rule will materially our critical habitat designation is based announce the dates, times, and places of affect entitlements, grants, user fees, on scientifically sound data, those hearings, as well as how to obtain loan programs, or the rights and assumptions, and analyses. We have reasonable accommodations, in the obligations of their recipients.

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(4) Whether the rule raises novel legal require Federal permits. In these areas, (1) This rule would not produce a or policy issues. Federal involvement—and thus section Federal mandate. In general, a Federal 7 consultations, the only trigger for mandate is a provision in legislation, Regulatory Flexibility Act economic impact under the rule—would statute, or regulation that would impose Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act be limited to a subset of the area an enforceable duty upon State, local, or (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., as amended proposed. The most likely Federal Tribal governments, or the private by the Small Business Regulatory involvement would be associated with sector, and includes both ‘‘Federal Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of activities involving the Department of intergovernmental mandates’’ and 1996, whenever an agency must publish Defense, Federal Highways ‘‘Federal private sector mandates.’’ a notice of rulemaking for any proposed Administration, Texas Department of These terms are defined in 2 U.S.C. or final rule, it must prepare and make Transportation, Environmental 658(5)-(7). ‘‘Federal intergovernmental available for public comment a Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corps of mandate’’ includes a regulation that regulatory flexibility analysis that Engineers, or the Federal Emergency ‘‘would impose an enforceable duty describes the effects of the rule on small Management Agency. This proposed upon State, local, or Tribal entities (small businesses, small revised rule may result in project governments’’ with two exceptions. It organizations, and small government modifications when proposed Federal excludes ‘‘a condition of Federal jurisdictions). However, no regulatory activities would destroy or adversely assistance.’’ It also excludes ‘‘a duty flexibility analysis is required if the modify critical habitat. While this may arising from participation in a voluntary head of the agency certifies the rule will occur, it is not expected frequently Federal program,’’ unless the regulation not have a significant economic impact enough to affect a substantial number of ‘‘relates to a then-existing Federal on a substantial number of small small entities. Even when it does occur, program under which $500,000,000 or entities. The SBREFA amended RFA to we do not expect it to result in a more is provided annually to State, require Federal agencies to provide a significant economic impact because we local, and Tribal governments under certification statement of the factual expect that most proposed projects, with entitlement authority,’’ if the provision basis for certifying that the rule will not or without modification, can be would ‘‘increase the stringency of have a significant economic impact on implemented in such a way as to avoid conditions of assistance’’ or ‘‘place caps a substantial number of small entities. adversely modifying critical habitat, as upon, or otherwise decrease, the Federal At this time, we lack the available the measures included in reasonable Government’s responsibility to provide economic information necessary to and prudent alternatives must be funding,’’ and the State, local, or Tribal provide an adequate factual basis for the economically feasible and consistent governments ‘‘lack authority’’ to adjust required RFA finding. Therefore, we with the proposed action. accordingly. At the time of enactment, defer the RFA finding until completion these entitlement programs were: of the draft economic analysis prepared The economic analysis of the previous under section 4(b)(2) of the Act and E.O. critical habitat designation found that Medicaid; Aid to Families with 12866. This draft economic analysis will the invertebrate critical habitat area is Dependent Children work programs; provide the required factual basis for the characterized by intense commercial Child Nutrition; Food Stamps; Social RFA finding. Upon completion of the and residential development and that Services Block Grants; Vocational draft economic analysis, we will the economic impacts of the proposed Rehabilitation State Grants; Foster Care, announce availability of the draft designation would be manifested Adoption Assistance, and Independent economic analysis of the proposed primarily through project modification Living; Family Support Welfare designation in the Federal Register and costs of potentially eight development- Services; and Child Support reopen the public comment period for related HCPs. The previous analysis Enforcement. ‘‘Federal private sector the proposed designation. We will estimated that project modification costs mandate’’ includes a regulation that include with this announcement, as represent approximately 84 percent of ‘‘would impose an enforceable duty appropriate, an initial regulatory the total cost of the designation and upon the private sector, except (i) a flexibility analysis or a certification that would be borne by private landowners condition of Federal assistance or (ii) a the rule will not have a significant planning to engage in commercial or duty arising from participation in a economic impact on a substantial large-scale residential development on voluntary Federal program.’’ number of small entities accompanied their properties. The analysis further The designation of critical habitat by the factual basis for that stated that the most costly of these does not impose a legally binding duty determination. modifications is the purchasing of karst on non-Federal Government entities or In the previous proposed rule, we preserves. At this time, only the La private parties. Under the Act, the only certified that the proposed designation Cantera HCP covers take for any of the regulatory effect is that Federal agencies of critical habitat for the nine Bexar County invertebrates. must ensure that their actions do not endangered Bexar County invertebrate We have concluded that deferring the destroy or adversely modify critical species would not have a significant RFA finding until completion of the habitat under section 7. While non- economic impact on a substantial draft economic analysis is necessary to Federal entities that receive Federal number of small entities and that the meet the purposes and requirements of funding, assistance, or permits, or that proposed rule did not meet the criteria the RFA. Deferring the RFA finding in otherwise require approval or under SBREFA as a major rule. this manner will ensure that we make a authorization from a Federal agency for Therefore, an initial regulatory sufficiently informed determination an action, may be indirectly impacted flexibility analysis was not required. In based on adequate economic by the designation of critical habitat, the summary, we reasoned that probable information and provide the necessary legally binding duty to avoid future land uses in the areas proposed opportunity for public comment. destruction or adverse modification of for designation were expected to have a critical habitat rests squarely on the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Federal nexus or require section 7 Federal agency. Furthermore, to the consultation (for example, road and In accordance with the Unfunded extent that non-Federal entities are utility development projects, water Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et indirectly impacted because they crossings, etc.). These projects may seq.), we make the following findings: receive Federal assistance or participate

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in a voluntary Federal aid program, the under section 7(a)(2) would be required. (1) Be logically organized; Unfunded Mandates Reform Act would While non-Federal entities that receive (2) Use the active voice to address not apply, nor would critical habitat Federal funding, assistance, or permits, readers directly; shift the costs of the large entitlement or that otherwise require approval or (3) Use clear language rather than programs listed above onto State authorization from a Federal agency for jargon; governments. an action, may be indirectly impacted (4) Be divided into short sections and (2) We do not believe that this rule by the designation of critical habitat, the sentences; and would significantly or uniquely affect legally binding duty to avoid (5) Use lists and tables wherever small governments because critical destruction or adverse modification of possible. habitat is already designated in most of critical habitat rests squarely on the If you feel that we have not met these the areas of Bexar County, and this Federal agency. requirements, send us comments by one proposed revision would not of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES substantially change the impacts Civil Justice Reform section. To better help us revise the associated with the currently designated In accordance with E.O. 12988 (Civil rule, your comments should be as critical habitat. Therefore, a Small Justice Reform), the Office of the specific as possible. For example, you Government Agency Plan is not Solicitor has determined that the rule should tell us the numbers of the required. However, we will further does not unduly burden the judicial sections or paragraphs that are unclearly evaluate this issue as we conduct our system and that it meets the written, which sections or sentences are economic analysis, and review and requirements of sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) too long, the sections where you feel revise this assessment if appropriate. of the Order. We are proposing critical lists or tables would be useful, etc. Takings habitat in accordance with the Government-to-Government provisions of the Act. This proposed Relationship With Tribes In accordance with E.O. 12630 rule uses standard property descriptions (Government Actions and Interference and identifies the physical and In accordance with the President’s with Constitutionally Protected Private biological features within the designated memorandum of April 29, 1994, Property Rights), we will analyze the areas to assist the public in Government-to-Government Relations potential takings implications of understanding the habitat needs of the with Native American Tribal designating new and revised critical nine Bexar County invertebrates. Governments (59 FR 22951), E.O. 13175, habitat for the nine Bexar County and the Department of the Interior’s invertebrates in a takings implications Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 manual at 512 DM 2, we readily assessment. Following completion of This rule does not contain any new acknowledge our responsibility to the proposed rule, a draft Economic collections of information that require communicate meaningfully with Analysis will be completed for the approval by OMB under the Paperwork recognized Federal Tribes on a proposed designation. The draft Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 government-to-government basis. In Economic Analysis will provide the et seq.). This rule will not impose accordance with Secretarial Order 3206 foundation for us to use in preparing a recordkeeping or reporting requirements of June 5, 1997 ‘‘American Indian Tribal takings implications assessment. on State or local governments, Rights, Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Federalism individuals, businesses, or organizations. An agency may not Species Act’’, we readily acknowledge In accordance with E.O. 13132 conduct or sponsor, and a person is not our responsibilities to work directly (Federalism), this proposed rule does required to respond to, a collection of with Tribes in developing programs for not have significant Federalism effects. information unless it displays a healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge that A Federalism assessment is not currently valid OMB control number. Tribal lands are not subject to the same required. In keeping with Department of controls as Federal public lands, to the Interior and Department of National Environmental Policy Act remain sensitive to Indian culture, and Commerce policy, we requested (NEPA) to make information available to Tribes. information from, and coordinated It is our position that, outside the We have determined that there are no development of, this proposed critical jurisdiction of the U.S. Court of Appeals Tribal lands occupied at the time of habitat designation with appropriate for the Tenth Circuit, we do not need to listing that contain the features essential State resource agencies in Texas. The prepare environmental analyses as for the conservation, and no Tribal designation may have some benefit to defined by NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321 et lands that are essential for the these governments because the areas seq.) in connection with designating conservation, of the nine Bexar County that contain the features essential to the critical habitat under the Act. We invertebrates. Therefore, we are not conservation of the species are more published a notice outlining our reasons proposing designation of critical habitat clearly defined, and the physical and for this determination in the Federal for them on Tribal lands. biological features of the habitat Register on October 25, 1983 (48 FR Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use necessary to the conservation of the 49244). This position was upheld by the species are specifically identified. This U.S. court of Appeals for the Ninth On May 18, 2001, the President issued information does not alter where and Circuit (Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 an Executive Order (E.O. 13211; Actions what Federally sponsored activities may F.3d 1495 (9th Cir. 1995), cert. denied Concerning Regulations That occur. However, it may assist local 516 U.S. 1042 (1996)). Significantly Affect Energy Supply, governments in long-range planning Distribution, or Use) on regulations that (rather than having them wait for case- Clarity of the Rule significantly affect energy supply, by-case section 7 consultations to We are required by Executive Orders distribution, and use. E.O. 13211 occur). 12866 and 12988 and by the requires agencies to prepare Statements Where State and local governments Presidential Memorandum of June 1, of Energy Effects when undertaking require approval or authorization from a 1998, to write all rules in plain certain actions. We do not expect it to Federal agency for actions that may language. This means that each rule we significantly affect energy supplies, affect critical habitat, consultation publish must: distribution, or use. There are electric

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power lines and natural gas pipelines References Cited 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, adjacent to or within many of the A complete list of references cited is as set forth below: proposed units. We do not believe they available on the Internet at http:// PART 17—ENDANGERED AND would be significantly affected because www.regulations.gov and upon request THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS critical habitat is currently in place in from the Austin Ecological Services most of the units, and this proposed Field Office (see FOR FURTHER 1. The authority citation for part 17 revision would not substantially change INFORMATION CONTACT). continues to read as follows: that. We do not expect to significantly Authors affect energy supplies, distribution, or Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361–1407; 16 U.S.C. The primary authors of this package 1531–1544; 16 U.S.C. 4201–4245; Pub. L. 99– use because the majority of the lands we 625, 100 Stat. 3500; unless otherwise noted. are proposing as critical habitat occur are the staff members of the Austin Ecological Services Field Office. 2. In § 17.11(h), revise the entries for on privately owned lands that are ‘‘Meshweaver, Government Canyon Bat primarily developed for residential uses, List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 Cave’’ and ‘‘Spider, Government Canyon and not energy production or Endangered and threatened species, Bat Cave’’ under in the distribution. Therefore, this action is not Exports, Imports, Reporting and List of Endangered and Threatened a significant energy action, and no recordkeeping requirements, Wildlife to read as follows: Statement of Energy Effects is required. Transportation. However, we will further evaluate this § 17.11 Endangered and threatened issue as we conduct our economic Proposed Regulation Promulgation wildlife. analysis, and review and revise this Accordingly, we propose to amend * * * * * assessment as warranted. part 17, subchapter B of chapter I, title (h) * * *

Species Vertebrate population Historic where Critical Special range endangered Status When listed habitat rules Common name Scientific name or threatened

******* ARACHNIDS ......

******* Meshweaver, Government Cicurina vespera ...... U.S.A. NA E 706 17.95(g) NA Canyon Bat Cave. (TX)

******* Spider, Government Canyon Neoleptoneta microps ...... U.S.A. NA E 706 17.95(g) NA Bat Cave. (TX)

*******

3. Amend § 17.95 by: in which the species appears in (2) The primary constituent elements a. In paragraph (g), revising the § 17.11(h); of critical habitat for the Cokendolpher critical habitat entry for the g. In paragraph (i), revising the critical Cave harvestman are: Cokendolpher Cave Harvestman habitat entry for the Helotes Mold Beetle (i) Karst-forming rock containing (Texella cokendolpheri); (Batrisodes venyivi); subterranean spaces (caves and connected mesocaverns) with stable b. In paragraph (g), revising the h. In paragraph (i), revising the temperatures, high humidities (near critical habitat entry for the Braken Bat critical habitat entry for the Beetle (no saturation), and suitable substrates (for Cave Meshweaver (Cicurina venii); common name) (Rhadine exilis); and example, spaces between and c. In paragraph (g), adding a critical i. In paragraph (i), revising the critical underneath rocks for foraging and habitat entry for the Government habitat entry for the Beetle (no common sheltering); Canyon Bat Cave Meshweaver (Cicurina name) (Rhadine infernalis), to read as (ii) Surface water free of pollutants vespera) in the same alphabetical order follows. that flows into the karst features. in which the species appears in Sources may include surface runoff that § 17.11(h); § 17.95 Critical habitat—fish and wildlife. flows directly into the caves’ entrances, d. In paragraph (g), revising the * * * * * or water that flows through associated critical habitat entry for the Madla Cave (g) Arachnids. features, such as sinkholes and fractures Meshweaver (Cicurina madla); Cokendolpher Cave Harvestman known to connect to the karst features, e. In paragraph (g), revising the (Texella cokendolpheri) or water that flows through the critical habitat entry for the Robber connected subsurface drainage area, Baron Cave Meshweaver (Cicurina (1) Critical habitat for the which consequently allows water to baronia); Cokendolpher Cave harvestman in flow into caves and passages; and f. In paragraph (g), adding a critical Bexar County, Texas, occurs in Unit 20 (iii) A healthy surface community of habitat entry for the Government as described in this entry and depicted native plants (for example, juniper-oak Canyon Bat Cave Spider (Neoleptoneta on Map 1 (index map) and Map 2 in this woodland) and animals (for example, microps) in the same alphabetical order entry. cave crickets) living near the karst

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feature that provides nutrient input and (see subparagraph (2)(i) of this entry) aerial photography, and USGS 7.5′ protects the karst ecosystem from and that existed on the effective date of quadrangles. Points were placed on the adverse effects (for example, from this rule are not considered to be critical GIS. nonnative species invasions, habitat. (5) Index Map of Bexar County contaminants, and fluctuations in (4) Data layers defining this map unit invertebrates critical habitat units, Bexar temperature and humidity). were created using a geographic (3) Developed lands (residential or information system (GIS) which County, Texas, follows. commercial) that do not contain the included cave locations, karst zone BILLING CODE 4310–55–P subsurface primary constituent element maps, roads, property boundaries, 2010

(6) Unit 20: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of unit.]

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(ii) Note: Map 2 of Unit 20 follows:

Braken Bat Cave Meshweaver (2) The primary constituent elements included cave locations, karst zone (Cicurina venii) of, and the statements regarding maps, roads, property boundaries, 2010 ′ (1) Critical habitat for the Braken Bat developed lands in, critical habitat for aerial photography, and USGS 7.5 Cave meshweaver in Bexar County, the Braken Bat Cave meshweaver are quadrangles. Points were placed on the Texas, occurs in Unit 15, as described identical to those set forth at GIS. subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the entry in this entry and depicted on Map 3 in (4) Unit 15: Bexar County, Texas. this entry. Unit 15 is also depicted on for the Cokendolpher Cave harvestman (i) [Reserved for textual description of Map 1 (index map) provided at in this paragraph (g). subparagraph (5) of the entry for the (3) Data layers defining this map unit unit.] Cokendolpher Cave harvestman in this were created using a geographic (ii) Note: Map 3 of Unit 15 follows: paragraph (g). information system (GIS) which

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Government Canyon Bat Cave (2) The primary constituent elements included cave locations, karst zone Meshweaver (Cicurina vespera) of, and the statements regarding maps, roads, property boundaries, 2010 ′ (1) Critical habitat for the Government developed lands in, critical habitat for aerial photography, and USGS 7.5 Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver in Bexar the Government Canyon Bat Cave quadrangles. Points were placed on the County, Texas, occurs in Unit 1b, as meshweaver are identical to those set GIS. forth at subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the described in this entry and depicted on (4) Unit 1b: Bexar County, Texas. Map 4 in this entry. Unit 1b is also entry for the Cokendolpher Cave (i) [Reserved for textual description of depicted on Map 1 (index map) harvestman in this paragraph (g). provided at subparagraph (5) of the (3) Data layers defining this map unit unit.] entry for the Cokendolpher Cave were created using a geographic (ii) Note: Map 4 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, harvestman in this paragraph (g). information system (GIS) which 1d, 1e, and 1f follows:

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* * * * * (5) of the entry for the Cokendolpher (4) Unit 1a: Bexar County, Texas. Cave harvestman in this paragraph (g). Madla Cave Meshweaver (Cicurina (i) [Reserved for textual description of (2) The primary constituent elements unit.] madla) of, and the statements regarding (ii) Note: Unit 1a is depicted on Map (1) Critical habitat for the Madla Cave developed lands in, critical habitat for 4, which is provided at subparagraph the Madla Cave meshweaver are meshweaver in Bexar County, Texas, (4)(ii) of the entry for the Government identical to those set forth at occurs in Units 1a, 1c, 1d, 1e, 2, 3, 5, Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver in this subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the entry paragraph (g). 6, 8, 9, 17, and 22, as described in this for the Cokendolpher Cave harvestman (5) Unit 1c: Bexar County, Texas. entry and depicted on Maps 5, 6, 7, 8, in this paragraph (g). 9, and 10 in this entry. Units 1a, 1c, 1d, (3) Data layers defining this map unit (i) [Reserved for textual description of and 1e are depicted on Map 4, which is were created using a geographic unit.] provided at subparagraph (4)(ii) of the information system (GIS) which (ii) Note: Unit 1c is depicted on Map entry for the Government Canyon Bat included cave locations, karst zone 4, which is provided at subparagraph Cave meshweaver in this paragraph (g). maps, roads, property boundaries, 2010 (4)(ii) of the entry for the Government Units 1a, 1c, 1d, 1e, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, aerial photography, and USGS 7.5′ Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver in this 17, and 22 are also depicted on Map 1 quadrangles. Points were placed on the paragraph (g). (index map) provided at subparagraph GIS. (6) Unit 1d: Bexar County, Texas.

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(i) [Reserved for textual description of (7) Unit 1e: Bexar County, Texas. Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver in this unit.] (i) [Reserved for textual description of paragraph (g). (ii) Note: Unit 1d is depicted on Map unit.] (8) Unit 2: Bexar County, Texas. 4, which is provided at subparagraph (4)(ii) of the entry for the Government (ii) Note: Unit 1e is depicted on Map (i) [Reserved for textual description of Canyon Bat Cave meshweaver in this 4, which is provided at subparagraph unit.] paragraph (g). (4)(ii) of the entry for the Government (ii) Note: Map 5 of Unit 2 follows:

(9) Unit 3: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 6 of Units 3 and 4 (i) [Reserved for textual description of follows: unit.]

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(10) Unit 5: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 7 of Units 5, 6, and 17 (i) [Reserved for textual description of follows: unit.]

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(11) Unit 6: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Unit 6 is depicted on Map (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of 7, which is provided at subparagraph unit.] unit.] (10)(ii) of this entry. (ii) Note: Map 8 of Unit 8 follows: (12) Unit 8: Bexar County, Texas.

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(13) Unit 9: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 9 of Unit 9 follows: unit.]

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(14) Unit 17: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Unit 17 is depicted on Map (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of 7, which is provided at subparagraph unit.] unit.] (10)(ii) of this entry. (ii) Note: Map 10 of Unit 22 follows: (15) Unit 22: Bexar County, Texas.

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Robber Baron Cave Meshweaver entry for the Cokendolpher Cave maps, roads, property boundaries, 2010 (Cicurina baronia) harvestman in this paragraph (g). aerial photography, and USGS 7.5′ (1) Critical habitat for the Robber (2) The primary constituent elements quadrangles. Points were placed on the Baron Cave meshweaver in Bexar of, and the statements regarding GIS. County, Texas, occurs in Units 20 and developed lands in, critical habitat for (4) Unit 20: Bexar County, Texas. Unit 25. Unit 20 is described as set forth, and the Robber Baron Cave meshweaver are 20 is described as set forth, and depicted on Map 2 provided, at identical to those set forth at depicted on Map 2 provided, at subparagraph (6) of the entry for the subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the entry subparagraph (6) of the entry for the Cokendolpher Cave harvestman in this for the Cokendolpher Cave harvestman Cokendolpher Cave harvestman in this paragraph (g). Unit 25 is described in in this paragraph (g). paragraph (g). this entry and depicted on Map 11 in (3) Data layers defining this map unit (5) Unit 25: Bexar County, Texas. this entry. Units 20 and 25 are also were created using a geographic (i) [Reserved for textual description of depicted on Map 1 (index map) information system (GIS) which unit.] provided at subparagraph (5) of the included cave locations, karst zone (ii) Note: Map 11 of Unit 25 follows:

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Government Canyon Bat Cave Spider identical to those set forth at Government Canyon Bat Cave (Neoleptoneta microps) subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the entry meshweaver in this paragraph (g). (1) Critical habitat for the Government for the Cokendolpher Cave harvestman * * * * * in this paragraph (g). Canyon Bat Cave spider in Bexar (i) Insects. County, Texas, occurs in Unit 1b, as (3) Data layers defining this map unit * * * * * described and depicted on Map 4 at were created using a geographic subparagraph (4) of the entry for the information system (GIS) which Helotes Mold Beetle (Batrisodes venyivi) Government Canyon Bat Cave included cave locations, karst zone meshweaver in this paragraph (g). Unit maps, roads, property boundaries, 2010 (1) Critical habitat for the Helotes mold beetle in Bexar County, Texas, 1b is also depicted on Map 1 (index aerial photography, and USGS 7.5′ which occurs in Units 1e, 3, and 5 as map) provided at subparagraph (5) of quadrangles. Points were placed on the described in this entry and depicted on the entry for the Cokendolpher Cave GIS. harvestman in this paragraph (g). Maps 1 (index map), 2, 4, and 5 of this (4) Unit 1b: Bexar County, Texas. Unit (2) The primary constituent elements entry. of, and statements regarding developed 1b is described as set forth, and (2) The primary constituent elements lands in, critical habitat for the depicted on Map 4 provided, at of critical habitat for Batrisodes venyivi Government Canyon Bat Cave spider are subparagraph (4) of the entry for the are:

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(i) Karst-forming rock containing connected subsurface drainage area, (see subparagraph (2)(i) of this entry) subterranean spaces (caves and which consequently allows water to and that existed on the effective date of connected mesocaverns) with stable flow into caves and passages; and this rule are not considered to be critical temperatures, high humidities (near (iii) A healthy surface community of habitat. native plants (for example, juniper-oak saturation), and suitable substrates (for (4) Critical habitat map units. Data woodland) and animals (for example, example, spaces between and layers defining map units were created underneath rocks for foraging and cave crickets) living near the karst using a geographic information system sheltering); feature that provide nutrient input and (GIS) which included cave locations, (ii) Surface water free of pollutants protects the karst ecosystem from karst zone maps, roads, property that flows into the karst features. adverse effects (for example, from boundaries, 2010 aerial photography, Sources may include surface runoff that nonnative species invasions, ′ flows directly into the caves’ entrances, contaminants, and fluctuations in and USGS 7.5 quadrangles. Points were or water that flows through associated temperature and humidity). placed on the GIS. features, such as sinkholes and fractures (3) Developed lands (residential or (5) Index Map of Bexar County known to connect to the karst features, commercial) that do not contain the invertebrates critical habitat units, Bexar or water that flows through the subsurface primary constituent element County, Texas follows:

(6) Unit 1e: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 2 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, (i) [Reserved for textual description of 1d, 1e, and 1f follows: unit.]

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(7) Unit 3: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 4 of Units 3 and 4 (i) [Reserved for textual description of follows: unit.]

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(8) Unit 5: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 5 of Units 5, 6, and 17 (i) [Reserved for textual description of follows: unit.]

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Beetle (No Common Name) (Rhadine (2) The primary constituent elements (ii) Note: Units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and exilis) of, and the statements regarding 1f are depicted on Map 2, which is developed lands in, critical habitat for provided at subparagraph (6)(ii) of the (1) Critical habitat for the beetle the Rhadine exilis are identical to those entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this (Rhadine exilis) in Bexar County, Texas, set forth at subparagraphs (2) and (3) of paragraph (i). which occurs in Units 1b, 1d, 1e, 2, 3, the entry for the Helotes mold beetle in (5) Unit 1d: Bexar County, Texas. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, this paragraph (i). (i) [Reserved for textual description of 12, 13, 21, and 24, is depicted on Maps (3) Critical habitat map units. Data unit.] 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 19, and 22 in layers defining map units were created (ii) Note: Units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and this entry, and on Maps 2, 4, and 5 using a geographic information system 1f are depicted on Map 2, which is provided at subparagraph (5) of the (GIS) which included cave locations, provided at subparagraph (6)(ii) of the entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this karst zone maps, roads, property entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph (i). The Units are also boundaries, 2010 aerial photography, paragraph (i). ′ depicted on Map 1 (index map) and USGS 7.5 quadrangles. Points were (6) Unit 1e: Bexar County, Texas. provided in subparagraph (5) of the placed on the GIS. (i) [Reserved for textual description of entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this (4) Unit 1b: Bexar County, Texas. unit.] (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Units 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, and paragraph (i). unit.] 1f are depicted on Map 2, which is

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provided at subparagraph (6)(ii) of the (7) Unit 2: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 3 of Unit 2 follows: entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this (i) [Reserved for textual description of BILLING CODE 4310–55–P paragraph (i). unit.]

(8) Unit 3: Bexar County, Texas. subparagraph (7)(ii) of the entry for the (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph unit.] unit.] (i). (ii) Note: Units 5 and 6 are depicted (ii) Note: Units 3 and 4 are depicted (10) Unit 5: Bexar County, Texas. on Map 5, which is provided at on Map 4, which is provided at (i) [Reserved for textual description of subparagraph (8)(ii) of the entry for the subparagraph (7)(ii) of the entry for the unit.] Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph (i). (i). (ii) Note: Units 5, 6, and 17 are (9) Unit 4: Bexar County, Texas. depicted on Map 5, which is provided (12) Unit 7: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of at subparagraph (8)(ii) of the entry for (i) [Reserved for textual description of unit.] the Helotes mold beetle in this unit.] (ii) Note: Units 3 and 4 are depicted paragraph (i). (ii) Note: Map 6 of Unit 7 follows: on Map 4, which is provided at (11) Unit 6: Bexar County, Texas. BILLING CODE 4310–55–P

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(13) Unit 8: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 7 of Unit 8 follows: unit.]

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(14) Unit 9: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 8 of Unit 9 follows: unit.]

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(15) Unit 11a: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 9 of Units 11a and 11b (i) [Reserved for textual description of follows: unit.]

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(16) Unit 11b: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Units 11a and 11b are (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of depicted on Map 9, which is provided unit.] unit.] at subparagraph (15)(ii) of this entry. (ii) Note: Map 10 of Units 11c, 11d, (17) Unit 11c: Bexar County, Texas. and 11e follows:

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(18) Unit 11d: Bexar County, Texas. (19) Unit 11e: Bexar County, Texas (20) Unit 12: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of unit.] unit.] unit.] (ii) Note: Units 11c, 11d, and 11e are (ii) Note: Units 11c, 11d, and 11e are depicted on Map 10, which is provided depicted on Map 10, which is provided (ii) Note: Map 11 of Unit 12 follows: at subparagraph (17)(ii) of this entry. at subparagraph (17)(ii) of this entry.

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(21) Unit 13: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 12 of Unit 13 follows: unit.]

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(22) Unit 21: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 13 of Unit 21 follows: unit.]

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(23) Unit 24: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 14 of Unit 24 follows: unit.]

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Beetle (No Common Name) (Rhadine (5) of the entry for the Helotes mold (i) [Reserved for textual description of infernalis) beetle in paragraph (i). unit.] (2) The primary constituent elements (ii) Note: Map 2 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, (1) Critical habitat for the beetle of, and statements regarding developed 1d, 1e, and 1f is provided at (Rhadine infernalis) in Bexar County, lands in critical habitat for Rhadine subparagraph (6)(ii) of the entry for the Texas, occurs in Units 1a, 1b, 1d, 1e, 1f, infernalis are identical to those set forth Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10a, 10b, 14, 15, 16, 17, at subparagraphs (2) and (3) of the entry (i). 19, 23, and 26. These units are depicted for the Helotes mold beetle in this (5) Unit 1b: Bexar County, Texas. on Maps, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 paragraph (i). (i) [Reserved for textual description of in this entry; on Maps 2, 4, and 5 (3) Critical habitat map units. Data unit.] provided at subparagraphs (6), (7), and layers defining map units were created (ii) Note: Map 2 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, (8) of the entry for the Helotes mold using a geographic information system 1d, 1e, and 1f is provided at beetle in this paragraph (i); and on Maps (GIS) which included cave locations, subparagraph (6)(ii) of the entry for the 3 and 7 provided at subparagraphs (7) karst zone maps, roads, property Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph and (13) of the entry for the beetle boundaries, 2010 aerial photography, (i). (Rhadine exilis) in this paragraph (i). and USGS 7.5′ quadrangles. Points were (6) Unit 1d: Bexar County, Texas. The units are also depicted on Map 1 placed on the GIS. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (index map) provided in subparagraph (4) Unit 1a: Bexar County, Texas. unit.]

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(ii) Note: Map 2 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 5 of Units 5, 6, and 17 1d, 1e, and 1f is provided at unit.] is provided at subparagraph (8)(ii) of the subparagraph (6)(ii) of the entry for the (ii) Note: Map 3 of Unit 2 is provided entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph at subparagraph (7)(ii) of the entry for paragraph (i). (i). the beetle (Rhadine exilis) in this (13) Unit 6: Bexar County, Texas. (7) Unit 1e: Bexar County, Texas. paragraph (i). (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of (10) Unit 3: Bexar County, Texas. unit.] unit.] (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 5 of Units 5, 6, and 17 (ii) Note: Map 2 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, unit.] is provided at subparagraph (8)(ii) of the 1d, 1e, and 1f is provided at (ii) Note: Map 4 of Units 3 and 4 is entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this subparagraph (6)(ii) of the entry for the provided at subparagraph (7)(ii) of the paragraph (i). Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this (14) Unit 8: Bexar County, Texas. (i). paragraph (i). (i) [Reserved for textual description of (11) Unit 4: Bexar County, Texas. unit.] (8) Unit 1f: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 7 of Unit 8 is provided (i) [Reserved for textual description of unit.] at subparagraph (13)(ii) of the entry for unit.] (ii) Note: Map 4 of Units 3 and 4 is the beetle (Rhadine exilis) in this (ii) Note: Map 2 of Units 1a, 1b, 1c, provided at subparagraph (7)(ii) of the paragraph (i). 1d, 1e, and 1f is provided at entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this (15) Unit 10a: Bexar County, Texas. subparagraph (6)(ii) of the entry for the paragraph (i). (i) [Reserved for textual description of Helotes mold beetle in this paragraph (12) Unit 5: Bexar County, Texas. unit.] (i). (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 15 of Units 10a and 10b (9) Unit 2: Bexar County, Texas. unit.] follows:

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(16) Unit 10b: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 15 of Units 10a and 10b (i) [Reserved for textual description of (i) [Reserved for textual description of is provided at subparagraph (15)(ii) of unit.] unit.] this entry. (ii) Note: Map 16 of Unit 14 follows: (17) Unit 14: Bexar County, Texas.

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(18) Unit 15: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 17 of Unit 15 follows: unit.]

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(19) Unit 16: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 18 of Unit 16 follows: unit.]

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(20) Unit 17: Bexar County, Texas. (ii) Note: Map 5 of Units 5, 6, and 17 (21) Units 19: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of is provided at subparagraph (8)(ii) of the (i) [Reserved for textual description of unit.] entry for the Helotes mold beetle in this unit.] paragraph (i). (ii) Note: Map 19 of Unit 19 follows:

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(22) Unit 23: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 20 of Unit 23 follows: unit.]

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(23) Unit 26: Bexar County, Texas. (i) [Reserved for textual description of (ii) Note: Map 21 of Unit 26 follows: unit.]

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* * * * * Dated: February 7, 2011. Thomas L. Strickland, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 2011–3038 Filed 2–18–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4310–55–C

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