Comment on FR Doc # 2010-04653

I wish to provide a few comments on behalf of The Nature Conservancy to the proposed rule designating critical habitat to golden sedge (Carex lutea). I have been involved for 13 years in the protection of many conservation lands including most of those listed critical habitats which are presently under State of North Carolina or TNC conservation ownership. My comments are few: 1. My observation is that Muhlenbergia expansa is the most abundant grass in relatively undisturbed, specific locations of golden sedge, more so than Ctenium aromaticum and Sporobolus pinetorum which are mentioned in the description found in the physical and biological features section. 2. Shaken Creek (unit 7) is owned and managed by TNC. The hunting rights are separately owned by private individuals and are tied to a hunt club. Other than road upkeep this club does not engage in management activities. 3. I am aware of 2 populations of golden sedge at the Shaken Creek Savanna Preserve which are located in units 7A and 7B. I am unaware of any population in unit 7C. 4. The McLean Savanna site is a relatively new TNC project. I believe that upon further investigation unit 8C should be greatly expanded. There appears to be many acres of suitable habitat but which are in need of fire and which have never been surveyed for golden sedge. 5. Lastly is my concern over the potential negative impacts of listing the Maple Hill School Road Savanna site (unit 3). This site consists of small parcels of land owned by approximately a dozen private individuals. Conservation of this site should be pursued by TNC and the State however I am concerned that the listing of this specific unit may result in reactive actions by landowners which may destroy good habitat and the small population which was known to be there at the time of listing. I would request consideration that this unit not be included under the critical habitat listing.