Comment on FR Doc # 2012-21744

I am specifically requesting that popular recreation areas and forests be excluded from the critical habitat designation for the Manzanita. The critical habitat designation for the restoration of the Mission Blue Butterfly at Twin Peaks Park demonstrates how the critical habitat designation leads to the closure of the majority of hiking trails even without any significant impacts on the endangered species. Also, while the urban forests are non-native to San Francisco, the forests help maintain air quality, sequester carbon dioxide, and maintain property values and, like hiking areas, contribute to the health and well-being of the people and wildlife in San Francisco. Manzanita requires direct sunlight and would not survive within the forests or wooded areas. The proposed critical habitat identified at Bernal Hill, Glen Canyon Park (labeled Diamond Heights), Mount Davidson, Corona Heights, and Bayview Hill is not “unoccupied” as stated in the proposal. These sites have popular hiking trails that are important for the health and well-being of local residents that use these parks on a daily basis. These areas have also been identified by Rec & Park as important bird habitat and conversion to a Manzanita critical habitat could be detrimental to wildlife that depends on these areas. The designation may also lead to unnecessary conflict with the local communities that have used these popular nature areas for generations.