Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

As a botanist and plant conservation officer, I work with both Texas Golden Gladecress and Neches River rose-mallow (Leavenworthia texana and Hibiscus dasycalyx) and primarily facilitate seed banking and educational interpretation for both species at a botanic garden and for a national native plant conservation organization. Some information gained from my work with both species has been used to prepare the listing proposal and the draft economic analysis on the proposed designation of critical habitat for the Texas Golden Gladecress and Neches River rose-mallow. Both species have specific habitat requirements and preservation of critical habitat will assist their survival. Because of the habitat requirements of both species, it would be difficult to relocate the species to other habitats. Whereas, Neches River rose-mallow is easier to propagate and maintain in culture in gardens, it readily hybridizes with other rose-mallow species. Thus, maintaining Neches River rose- mallow in native habitats will assist its survival. Texas Golden Gladecress is difficult to propagate and maintain in a garden situation, thus its specific habitat is critical for its survival especially until more knowledge is gained about its cultivation. Preserving specific native habitats for both of these species will assist the survival of both species.