Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

I have reviewed the proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the Zuni bluehead sucker under the ESA and have found the analysis appropriate in regards to the species' historical and current status and range, associated threats to extant populations and their habitat, and limited protections to the species under current state, federal, and tribal regulations. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has no new survey information or reports of recent management actions for the species within the State of Arizona, since the publication of this proposed rule. I agree with the Service's designation of critical habitat for the Zuni bluehead sucker in the proposed rule. I encourage the Service to work closely with the Navajo Nation, the Zuni Pueblo, the Cibola National Forest, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, and private landowners to develop and implement effective conservation and recovery efforts for this species and its habitat.