Re: Cottonwood BaylDiamond Point Quarry (POA-2008-523) Dear Colonel Koenig:

• Main Authors: Fish, Wildlife Service, Colonel Reinhard, W. Koenig
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Notice. Colonel Koenig; Anchorage; Polysticta stelleri; Alaska
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.422.4162; http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/endangered/pdf/diamond_point_biological_opinion_28June2012.pdf

Thank you for your letter of February 14, 2012, requesting formal consultation for the proposed development of the Diamond Point granite quarry. The enclosed document transmits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) biological opinion based on our review of the proposed Diamond Point granite quarry located at the confluence of Cottonwood Bay and Iliamna Bay in Cook Inlet, Alaska, and its effects on the southwest distinct population segment of north em sea otter (En hydra lutris kenyoni; listed as threatened in 2005) and the North American breeding Steller's eider (Polysticta stelleri; listed as threatened in 1997). The action will occur within sea otter critical habitat, which was designated in 2009. This biological opinion is issued in accordance with section 7(a)2 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.). This biological opinion is based on infOlmation provided by the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) and by Diamond Point, LLC (the Applicant). This infonnation includes the draft and final Biological Assessments (BAs), the Corps Public Notices (PNs), various response letters submitted by the Applicant to the Corp or the Service (e.g., Diamond Point LCC 2009a, 2009b, 20 I 0); and various meetings, telephone conversations and other sources of information (see Consultation History). A complete administrative record of this consultation is on file at the Anchorage Fish and Wildlife Field Office.