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

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the big red sage, a plant species from central Texas, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision is based on threats including habitat changes, herbivory by deer and other animals, collection, inappropriate propagation, and climate change, which have all contributed to a decline in plant populations and genetic diversity. Although recognizing these threats, the Service has determined that designating critical habitat for the big red sage is imprudent, as it might increase the threat of collection. The proposal highlights the urgent need for conservation actions to protect and recover the species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is opening a public comment period on their explanation for why they did not treat the northern distinct population segment (DPS) of the southern subspecies of the scarlet macaw as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This decision is in compliance with a U.S. District Court order that highlighted the lack of explanation in an earlier rule. The Service explained that section 4(e) of the ESA, which allows for a species to be treated as endangered based on similarity of appearance, applies only to species not already listed under section 4(a) as threatened, like the northern DPS that is already listed as threatened. They argued that treating the northern DPS as endangered based on similarity of appearance wouldn’t provide additional benefits or protections.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the boundaries of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) in Florida and South Carolina. This involves revising maps to add and remove certain areas based on their development status and suitability to be coastal barriers. The proposed changes will impact several counties, including the addition of new units and the adjustment of existing boundaries, and the public is invited to review and comment on these proposed modifications. Final recommendations will be submitted to Congress after considering public input and further evaluations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering applications for permits to conduct scientific research and other activities to support the conservation of endangered and threatened species, as part of the Endangered Species Act. They are seeking comments from the public and various governmental agencies by January 10, 2025. These permits would allow activities that help the recovery and protection of such species, but before any permits are granted, public input will be taken into account. All comments submitted will become part of the public record, and there is a possibility of personal information becoming publicly accessible.

The Forest Service, part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has decided to withdraw its earlier plans to create an environmental impact statement for the greater sage-grouse in the Dakota Prairie Grasslands. This decision was made because recent changes have reduced threats to the sage-grouse, including a rule from 2020 that limits oil and gas development in their habitat and a 2015 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stating that the species doesn't need protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing amendments to the consultation regulations under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. These changes pertain to land management plans by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The proposed revisions aim to make it clear that when new information emerges which could affect species or habitats in ways not previously considered, reinitiating consultation won't always be necessary, as long as a separate action-specific consultation is conducted for any related actions. The goal is to improve the efficiency and consistency of interagency cooperation procedures.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing a new rule to update the migratory bird subsistence harvest regulations in Alaska. This rule will clarify language on regional species closures, remove emperor geese from the harvest list due to population concerns, and update the names of specific bird species. It also eliminates the permit requirement for hunting in the Kodiak Island Roaded Area while keeping certain bird species protected. Public comments are being accepted until February 20, 2025.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has updated the schedule for processing the relicense application for the Phoenix Hydroelectric Project filed by Oswego Hydro Partners, LP. Originally planned for environmental analysis readiness in September 2024, the timeline was adjusted to allow more time for settlement negotiations involving the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Oswego Hydro has reported progress in discussions, especially concerning fish passage, and expects to submit a Settlement Agreement in early 2025. An additional notice will be issued if further schedule changes are necessary.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a 90-day decision on two petitions related to the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act. The petitions aimed to change the status of the gray wolf by creating and delisting a distinct Western Great Lakes population and recognizing a West Coast population as threatened. However, after reviewing the petitions, the Service determined they do not provide enough scientific or commercial information to justify these actions. As a result, they will not take further action on the petitions to revise the current gray wolf listings.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced preparations for the 20th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), set for November 2025 in Uzbekistan. They plan to propose amendments to the CITES Appendices, which list species needing protection, and are considering resolutions and agenda items based on public feedback. The notice invites public comments on potential proposals and explains how organizations can participate as observers. The Service is also considering various animal and plant species for protection, with a focus on ensuring trade practices do not threaten their survival.