The US Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to designate critical habitat for four populations of foothill yellow-legged frog in California. The foothill yellow-legged frog is a threatened amphibian that has declined due to habitat loss and degradation. The proposed critical habitat would include land along streams and other water bodies inhabited by the frog, as well as nearby upland areas that are used by the frog for dispersal and shelter. The designation of critical habitat would not affect land ownership or establish a wildlife refuge, wilderness reserve, preserve or other conservation area.
The Service is working with partners to address and minimize the impact of the amphibian's listing and proposed critical habitat on communities and public lands while achieving the best conservation outcomes. The Service included a 4(d) rule for the North Feather and Central Coast populations that provides an exception from prohibition of take under the Endangered Species Act for forest fuels management activities that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires. These fires destroy wildlife habitat and threaten communities and infrastructure. The Service will also continue to work with reservoir operators to consider the needs of the frog, especially during the breeding season.
Public comment is being sought on the proposed critical habitat designation. The comment period will close March 17, 2025. More information can be found at www.regulations.gov by searching Docket Number FWS-R8-ES-2023-0157.
