Changes to ESA rules

[Bonasababy]

Paying attention to and making sure we implemented both state and federal laws related to rare species was something I dealt with over 3+ decades.

What I think many dont realize is how much overlap there is in habitat needs between species we hunt and rare species. Common to see overlap.

And as always, some neglect to consider the long view when the pendulum swings so far away from protection.

When political power shifts--that pendulum can swing back further the other way.

Theres a need for balance. Inserting politics encourages a move to the extremes.

 

[Bonasababy]

Many game species do that too though, and states have figured out how to work together and manage them pretty well.

Common species whose population is not threatened by human actions have less...or zeto...need to work across state lines.

Having worked in that arena for decades, I can say we didnt work across state lines to coordinate with neighbors on regulations for species that arent rare.

Kind of wish we did for deer as Chronic Wasting Disease has grown in my state due in large part to lack of control by our neighboring states.

 

[Ben Lamb]

If the states had done their work, then the species wouldn't be in need of a federal law to keep them from going extinct. I'm all for state management, but let's be real about why there are overarching federal laws like this.

 

[Bonasababy]

If the states had done their work, then the species wouldn't be in need of a federal law to keep them from going extinct. I'm all for state management, but let's be real about why there are overarching federal laws like this.

I and my colleagues made this case for years: the work to keep a species viable and away from listing consideration is minor in comparison to what you are forced into once a species is listed.

 

[Ben Lamb]

I and my colleagues made this case for years: the work to keep a species viable and away from listing consideration is minor in comparison to what you are forced into once a species is listed.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

 

[Treeshark]

I'm all for state management, but let's be real about why there are overarching federal laws like this.

I think it may be because some species are politically/financially expedient for states to manage, while others are not.

I’m not sure it has much to do with capability.

 

[SAJ-99]

Environmental law is sure shaping up to be a busy field to work in!

This follows along that line. It is basically no change because they didn't remove Grizzlies from the ESL. I'm sure some will say this is great news, but it has long-term implications that fit with trying to get rid of the DOI in total.

Secretary Burgum Returns Management of Grizzly Bears to the West | U.S. Department of the Interior

Today, the Department of the Interior announced a revised proposal to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated management proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as...

www.doi.gov

 

[sapperJ24]

Thanks - this has also stopped good projects (logging and controlled burn), that im not so sure make habitat worse (for both species) in the long term.

Earthjustice got their lawyers full pockets and forest service employee time wasted. What the public and wildlife get?

USFS approves Bitterroot Front Project

After seven years of consideration, the Bitterroot National Forest has approved a logging and burning project along the western slope of the Bitterroot Valley.

missoulacurrent.com

Judge rules Bitterroot National Forest road-building plan violates Endangered Species Act

Conservation groups said that the amendment eliminated road density restrictions without fully considering ramifications for other species, including grizzly bears and bull trout.

www.kpax.com

I'm all for reform of the EAJA, but I'm surprised at how little the serial litigants are awarded through the process. Pretty sure for most of the groups, the award pales in comparison to donations. And certainly court victories are used to raise funds.

https://eaja.acus.gov/?action=search&entity=CaseRecord&menuIndex=&submenuIndex=&query=earthjustice

 

[BigHornRam]

This follows along that line. It is basically no change because they didn't remove Grizzlies from the ESL. I'm sure some will say this is great news, but it has long-term implications that fit with trying to get rid of the DOI in total.

Secretary Burgum Returns Management of Grizzly Bears to the West | U.S. Department of the Interior

Today, the Department of the Interior announced a revised proposal to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated management proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as...

www.doi.gov

Tin foil alert!

 

[BigHornRam]

Yes and no. Part of the rationale for the ESA is that species cross boundaries, and population recovery requires consideration across their current and potential range.

The golden bear state and Colorado are potential grizzly range. They need to step up to the plate and fill some voids.

 

[SAJ-99]

Tin foil alert!

The cult members are awake!

 

[Bonasababy]

This follows along that line. It is basically no change because they didn't remove Grizzlies from the ESL. I'm sure some will say this is great news, but it has long-term implications that fit with trying to get rid of the DOI in total.

Secretary Burgum Returns Management of Grizzly Bears to the West | U.S. Department of the Interior

Today, the Department of the Interior announced a revised proposal to increase management flexibility for grizzly bears in areas where the species has met, and in many cases exceeded, federal recovery benchmarks. The updated management proposal ensures the Endangered Species Act is being used as...

www.doi.gov

Interesting.

MN has had far more Wolves than recovery goals for decades longer than any western state has for Griz I believe. Has any westeen state met and exceeded Griz goals for 40 years?

We've had a management plan in place for years as well --that will kick in as soon as managenent gets returned to the state..one that considered a broad variety of public views and concerns.

Everyone in the resource management realm here accepts that wolves have long been recovered here.

But Im not holding out any hope they will extend this exact same rationale here.. at least not until after early November.