Economic Impact Of Frog And Toad Designations

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has put a dollar amount on designating 1.8 million acres of habitat for the Sierra Nevada Yellow-Legged Frog and the Yosemite Toad.

A draft economic analysis estimates the costs associated to be anywhere from $630K-$1.5 million, from 2014-2030. The report states, “With 97% of the proposed critical habitat designated on federal lands, the estimated costs of the designations are largely associated with federal agency consultations for actions on federal lands such as fish stocking, water operations, grazing and recreation.”

The public can comment on the draft economic analysis through March 11, 2014. Comments can be submitted online by clicking here.

The designations were the topic of a hearing hosted by Congressman Tom McClintock back on August 6, and the proposal was met with sharp opposition. Click here to read the earlier story. The 1.8 million acres is spread across the Sierra Nevada and would impact Tuolumne County. Public hearings on the designations are also being held this month in Fresno and Sacramento.