How was the draft economic analysis developed and what were the results?
The draft economic analysis prepared by IEc, quantifies, to the extent possible, the effects of section 7 consultations that are associated with the “jeopardy” (listing effects), or “adverse modification” (critical habitat effects) on current and planned activities that are reasonably expected to occur over the next 10 years. The objective of the draft economic analysis was to identify and measure, to the extent feasible, economic effects most likely to occur because of the proposed designation of critical habitat. The draft analysis attempts to address the concerns expressed by the recent Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling on the designation of critical habitat for the southwestern willow flycatcher (New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, et al. v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, No. 00-2050, U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit, May 11, 2001), by providing a more detailed discussion of baseline conditions (i.e., impacts attributed to the listing of the species under the Act). The
