Search Results for keywords:"U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is extending the comment period for a proposed rule regarding the grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, in the lower 48 states. This proposal, initially released on January 15, 2025, intends to revise the bear's status under the Endangered Species Act. By giving an additional 60 days for comments, the agency aims to allow more public input. Prior comments will still be considered, and new ones can be submitted online or by mail until May 16, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reviewed a petition to classify the Rio Grande cutthroat trout as endangered or threatened but found that it is not warranted at this time. This trout, which inhabits high-altitude streams in New Mexico and Colorado, faces threats such as hybridization with nonnative trout and habitat threats like wildfires and climate change. However, current conservation efforts, including a multi-agency agreement, have helped improve its population's resiliency. As a result, the Service concludes that the trout is not currently in danger of extinction throughout its range, nor is it likely to become endangered soon.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released draft revised stock assessment reports for two populations of polar bears in Alaska: the Chukchi/Bering Seas and the Southern Beaufort Sea stocks. These reports are in accordance with the Marine Mammal Protection Act and are open for public comment until April 2, 2025. The assessments include updated population estimates and other vital data about human impacts on these bear populations. Interested parties, including the public and governmental bodies, are encouraged to view and comment on these reports through the Federal eRulemaking Portal or by mail.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft recovery plan for Jones cycladenia, a plant listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The plan outlines specific criteria and management actions needed to conserve the plant and potentially remove it from the list. Public comments are requested by March 15, 2021, to aid in finalizing the plan. The aim is to maintain stable populations across its habitat while addressing threats like energy development, and enhancing genetic diversity through seed or tissue collections.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Clear Lake hitch, a type of fish found only in California's Clear Lake watershed, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision comes after reviewing scientific data showing threats such as habitat loss, predation, and climate change impacts. The proposal includes protective measures to help conserve the species, such as controlling illegal pesticide use and managing habitats. The agency is accepting public comments on this proposed rule until March 17, 2025.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comments on the renewal of an information collection related to their ArcGIS Online (AGOL) platform. This platform helps the Service manage and share geographic data for projects concerning endangered species, migratory bird conservation, the National Wildlife Refuge System, and more. They invite comments on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to reduce the burden of this information collection. The submission deadline for comments is May 20, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new hunting regulations for migratory game birds for the 2025-26 season. These regulations are part of an annual process where they set general guidelines, called frameworks, within which individual states can decide specifics like hunting season dates. The proposal includes various regulatory alternatives, particularly for duck hunting, and potential changes to the system of zones and split seasons. The Service is also exploring a new administrative process to streamline regulation, aiming to increase efficiency and save costs while maintaining conservation goals. Public comments are encouraged on all aspects of the proposal.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the blue tree monitor, a rare lizard native to Indonesia, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This proposed rule is due to the lizard's shrinking population, caused by habitat loss from deforestation, climate change, and overcollection for the international pet trade. The service has identified that the blue tree monitor faces an immediate risk of extinction throughout its entire range. Public comments are invited until February 24, 2025, and a temporary 240-day emergency listing is also concurrently in effect.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) and environmental assessment (EA) for the Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District in Montana. This plan sets out the strategies and objectives for managing the wetland areas to benefit wildlife and promote recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing. The public is invited to review and comment on the draft documents by February 13, 2025, with copies available online or in person at the management district office. The plan seeks to comply with relevant laws and includes special considerations for consulting with Tribal entities regarding their interests and responsibilities.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that was set to introduce new regulations on the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health (BIDEH) of the National Wildlife Refuge System. This decision was made in response to a significant number of public comments and the complexity of issues raised, indicating that parts of the proposal needed further development and explanation. Public feedback highlighted concerns about administrative burdens and the need for clarity in implementation processes. As a result, the existing BIDEH policy remains effective while future revisions are considered.