Introduction
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires the federal government to designate “critical habitat” for any species it lists under the ESA; in this case, salmon and steelhead. “Critical habitat” is defined as: (1) specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing, if they contain physical or biological features essential to conservation, and those features may require special management considerations or protection; and (2) specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species if the agency determines that the area itself is essential for conservation.
Visit the ESA Salmon Critical Habitat page for more information.