What changes have been made from the July 2000 proposed rule to the final?
In the draft (July 21, 2000) proposal we based critical habitat units on recovery units identified in the 1995 Mexican Spotted Owl Recovery Plan. Lands already meeting the definition of critical habitat, because they are being managed compatibly with the owl, did not require designation. This reduced the area being designated as critical habitat. In the final rule, we did not include tribal lands; Forest Service lands within Arizona and New Mexico; and low-density areas. The Southwest Region of the Forest Service (AZ and NM) incorporated the Recovery Plan into their Forest Plans, through amendments completed in 1996 which precludes individual consultations. On Forest Service lands in other regions (CO and UT), the agencies will continue to protect the owl and its habitat through the consultation process provided in the Endangered Species Act.
