The public has more time to have a say on the proposed critical habitat for the endangered Miami tiger beetle. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is extending the comment period 45 days until December 23, 2021, and holding a virtual public hearing Dec. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. Eastern Time to allow people additional opportunities to provide input on the proposed rule. The change is in response to a request received during the initial 60-day comment period that began Sept. 7. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted and are fully considered in preparing the final rule.
The rule proposes to designate approximately 1,977 acres as critical habitat for the species in Miami-Dade County, Florida. A draft economic analysis (DEA) is also available for the proposed designation.
Individuals can attend the virtual public hearing via the Zoom platform or teleconference. During the hearing, the Service takes formal verbal testimony. Registration for the virtual hearing is required. Visit https://www.fws.gov/southeast/florida for information on how to register.
The public can submit comments at the Federal eRulemaking Portal, https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS–R4–ES–2021–0053, which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Comments must be received before midnight Eastern Time December 23, 2021.
Miami tiger beetle information is available online at https://www.fws.gov/southeast/wildlife/insects/miami-tiger-beetle/. More information on the proposal, including the draft economic analysis, is available by going to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FWS-R4-ES-2021-0053/document.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfwssoutheast, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwssoutheast, watch our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws, and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast.
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