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PREFACE This document presents an overview of the process, procedures and determinations associated with the proposed critical habitat designation for the razorback sucker, Colorado squawfish, humpback chub, and bony tail (also known as bony tail chub). These species are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.c. 1531 et seq.). Part I is an overview of the proposed critical habitat designation for the Colorado River endangered fishes. Part II is a summary of the biological information used in determining areas for proposed designation and the description of each area proposed on January 29, 1993 (58 FR 6578). Part III is a summary of the economic and other impacts of the proposed critical habitat designation. Part IV discusses the Section 7 consultation requirements of the Act and available conservation measures. Part V discusses the Exclusion Process and the economic and biological factors which are considered during exclusion considerations. Part VI is an analysis and summary of public comments received on the proposed rule. The information contained herein provides additional information about the proposed critical habitat designation prior to the development of a final rule. The Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) welcomes public comment on this document and all aspects of the critical habitat designation for the four endangered Colorado river fishes. Additionally, information and comments are welcome on the overall exclusion process, recommendations on economic criteria for use in the exclusion determination, any other benefits associated with exclusion, benefits of including proposed areas as critical habitat, and information on which areas, if excluded, would result in the extinction of any of the four endangered fishes. PART I - General Overview INTRODUCTION On January 29, 1993(58 FR 6578), the Service proposed to designate critical habitat for the four Colorado River endangered fishes: the razorback sucker (Xyrauchen texanus), the Colorado squawfish (Ptychocheilus Lucius), the humpback chub (Gila cypha), and the bony tail (Gila elegans). There is considerable overlap in critical habitat proposed for the four species, and the proposed designation of 2,094 miles for all four species includes portions of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California (Figure 1). The Service proposed 1,824 miles of critical habitat for the razorback sucker (52 percent of its historical range); 1,148 miles for the Colorado squawfish (29 percent of its historical range); 379 miles for the humpback chub (28 percent of its historical range); and 344 miles for the bony tail (15 percent of its historical range). 1