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* Metric Name: Northern California DPU Steelhead Critical Habitat  

* Tier: 2  

* Data Vintage: 09/2005  

* Unit Of Measure: Binary; 0 = not critical habitat, 1 = designated critical habitat.  

* Metric Definition and Relevance: The Northern California Distinct Population Unit (DPU) of Steelhead Trout ( _Oncorhynchus mykiss)_ is a threatened species. This distinct population segment, or DPS, includes naturally spawned anadromous steelhead _(Oncorhynchus mykiss)_ originating below natural and manmade impassable barriers in California coastal river basins from Redwood Creek to and including the Gualala River. Steelhead trout are vulnerable to many stressors and threats including blocked access to spawning grounds and habitat degradation caused by dams and culverts. The specific areas designated in the rule include approximately 8,935 net mi (14,269 km) of riverine habitat. 

Critical habitat is the specific area within the geographic range of the
species, occupied by the species at the time it was listed, that contain the
physical or biological features that are essential to the conservation of
endangered and threatened species and that may need special management or
protection. Critical habitat may also include areas that were not occupied by
the species at the time of listing but are essential to its conservation.

Critical habitat designations affect only Federal agency actions or federally
funded or permitted activities. Critical habitat designations do not affect
activities by private landowners if there is no Federal “nexus”—that is, no
Federal funding or authorization. Federal agencies are required to avoid
“destruction” or “adverse modification” of designated critical habitat. The
ESA requires the designation of “critical habitat” for listed species when
“prudent and determinable.”

  

* Creation Method: The National Marine Fisheries Service proposed a critical habitat designation, publishing it in the Federal Register and requesting public comments. Final designation of critical habitat is based on the best scientific data available, after taking into consideration the probable economic and other impacts of the designation. After reviewing the comments, the National Marine Fisheries Service responded to them and published a rule, including final boundaries, in the Federal Register.  

* Credits: National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), West Coast Region [Final Rule (70 FR 52487; September 2, 2005)](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/09/02/05-16389/endangered- and-threatened-species-designation-of-critical-habitat-for-seven- evolutionarily)