Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

CHU 2 for the Comal Springs dryopid beetle at Fern Bank Springs was designed based on a 110 m radius circle around the spring outlet. However, the cave from which the spring issues is known to extend at least 115 m to the southeast from the spring. Under the Service's rationale of the species being able to travel at least 110 m through the aquifer, the CHU should be extended at least 110 m beyond the point where the cave stream is known to extent. In addition, there is no justification for any critical habitat on the north side of the Blanco River, since the river has downcut considerably below the level of the spring. The are of importance to this spring is the recharge area, which likely consists of an extensive area to the southeast of the spring outlet.