Comment on FR Doc # 2012-21744

I am requesting that popular recreation areas and forests be excluded from the critical habitat designation for the Franciscan Manzanita. 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.