Search Results for keywords:"Fish and Wildlife Service"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to classify the monarch butterfly as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They aim to designate critical habitat areas, particularly in California, to protect these butterflies. Additionally, they plan to allow certain activities, like habitat restoration and conservation efforts, even if they might unintentionally harm some butterflies. Public comments on the proposal will be accepted until March 12, 2025, and informational meetings are scheduled to discuss the details further.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing changes to streamline the process for granting rights-of-way on FWS-managed lands. The proposed rule aims to align FWS's processes with other bureaus by requiring a standard application form, allowing electronic submissions, introducing pre-application meetings, and offering flexible methods to determine fair market value. These changes are intended to reduce the time and costs for both applicants and FWS while ensuring compatibility with land management objectives and compliance with applicable laws.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to regulations for the American alligator to improve clarity and eliminate unnecessary rules, while still ensuring conservation efforts. The proposed rule aims to remove certain state-based sales conditions for alligator products, like hides, under the Endangered Species Act, which would streamline interstate and international commerce. These changes are in response to a petition from Louisiana and would help eliminate confusion between federal, state, and tribal regulations. Public comments on this proposed rule are invited until March 22, 2021.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing updates to regulations governing Federal financial assistance programs under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. The changes aim to align regulations with recent legislation, ensure consistency across the nation, and respond to prior feedback on rulemaking. The proposal includes clarifications on eligible activities, agency responsibilities, and administrative processes to improve program clarity and efficiency. Public comments will be accepted until early 2025, and the updates are meant to enhance management of wildlife and sport fish restoration and related activities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new rule to add all species of Asian pond mussels (Sinanodonta), golden mussels (Limnoperna), and marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) to the list of injurious wildlife. This action aims to prohibit the importation and transport of these species within certain U.S. jurisdictions due to their potential to harm native ecosystems by competing for resources, spreading quickly, and carrying pathogens. The proposed listings are part of efforts to protect U.S. interests by preventing these invasive species from establishing themselves and causing ecological damage. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 11, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has revised the critical habitat designation for the northern spotted owl, resulting in the exclusion of approximately 3.5 million acres across Washington, Oregon, and California. These exclusions reflect a reconsideration of various impacts, including economic and environmental factors, as well as new information since the 2012 designation. The decision is based on the determination that these exclusions will not lead to the extinction of the species, considering the threats posed by invasive barred owls and ongoing habitat conservation efforts. The revised designation continues to protect critical habitat areas for the owl's survival while balancing other land management priorities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is revising the process for granting rights-of-way across National Wildlife Refuge System lands and other lands they manage. The changes are aimed at making the permitting process quicker and more efficient by aligning it with other Department of the Interior procedures. Key updates include requiring a preapplication meeting, allowing electronic submission of applications, and ensuring flexibility in determining the value of rights-of-way. The rule also introduces new terms and conditions for permits to ensure use is compatible with the conservation goals of the Refuge System, effective January 10, 2025.