Comment on FR Doc # 2010-15067

At the request of the USFWS, I am providing a peer review of this document. My expertise is limited to Noel's amphipod (Gammarus desperatus), which my lab has studied since 2000. In general, I concur with the recommendation for designation of critical habitat, and also support the recommendation of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish that additional critical habitat be designated along the Rio Hondo on the South Tract of BLNWR. In addition, I am concerned about the fragmented nature of critical habitat at the south end of Unit 2. The designation of critical habitat in Units 1 and 2 is appropriate. Having sampled those localities, I have observed populations of Noel's amphipod and the Primary Constituent Elements required for conservation of this species. Thus, I find the designation of critical habitat at these localities to be based on the best scientific data available. Recent genetic evidence (Berg et al. unpublished data) from sequencing of the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16s rRNA is consistent with morphological evidence indicating that the Rio Hondo population of gammarid amphipods is referable to Gammarus desperatus. As such, sites on the South Tract of BLNWR (Brian K. Lang, New Mexico Department of Game & Fish, field catalog numbers BKL08-005 and BKL10-028) should be designated as critical habitat for Noel's amphipod. Proposed critical habitat designated at the south end of Unit 2 consists of small, scattered fragments. I would suggest that these fragments should be connected such that the critical habitat designation extends southward along the western edge of the "lake" habitat in the southern portion of Unit 2. I believe it is likely that this area will contain additional occupied habitat that will also contain Primary Constituent Elements. David J. Berg, Ph.D. Professor Department of Zoology Miami University Hamilton, OH