Comment on FR Doc # 2011-21201

I am against de-listing the Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle. Neither population growth nor development have slowed, so the habitats critical for the survival of this beetle are still being threatened. A good report containing facts pertinent to this decision is: "Negotiating Survival: An Assessment of the Potential Techniques for Resolving Conflicts Between Endangered Species and Development" by Steven L. Yaffee and Julia M Wondolleck, School of Natural Resources and Environment, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1115, September 1994. Locally there have been at least two cases where the elderberry bushes that actually or potentially comprise the habitat of this beetle have been threatened by development projects. If it weren't for this regulation, unknowing and unaware developers would have simply eliminated the bushes. This regulation needs to be kept on the books. There aren't that many bushes left for this beetle's survival. Ben Smith Soil Scientist California Cooperative Soil-Vegetation Survey, Retired.