Search Results for keywords:"Endangered Species Act"

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is delaying the effective date of a rule concerning the critical habitat of the northern spotted owl until April 30, 2021. This decision allows for further review due to concerns about legal and procedural issues with the rulemaking process, as well as significant changes in habitat exclusions made in the final rule. During this delay, the Service is opening a 30-day comment period for public input on the issues raised by the rule and whether an additional delay is necessary. The postponement is also intended to avoid possible legal challenges and to ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are extending the public comment period for a proposed rule to designate critical habitat for seven threatened coral species in U.S. Indo-Pacific waters. The comment period is extended by 30 days, now closing on March 27, 2021. This extension follows public hearings and requests, including a letter from the Governors of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and American Samoa, to allow more time for public review and feedback on the proposed rule. The critical habitat designation aims to protect essential substrate and water column habitat important for the reproduction and growth of these coral species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received applications for permits to conduct scientific research on endangered or threatened species. These activities aim to help preserve and support the survival of these species under the Endangered Species Act. The agency is asking government agencies, tribes, and the public to submit comments on these applications by May 12, 2025. Comments received will become part of the public record, and while personal information can be requested to be withheld, it cannot be guaranteed.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced they have received applications for permits related to activities that help endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They are asking for comments from the public and various agencies on these applications by February 22, 2021. These permits would allow certain activities for the scientific purpose of enhancing the propagation or survival of these species. All public comments, including those with personal information, may be made available publicly, so commenters should be aware of this when submitting feedback.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has begun a 5-year review of the island grouper, a species listed as threatened. This review is required by the Endangered Species Act to decide if the island grouper should remain on the list, be downgraded to a less critical status, or be upgraded to a more critical status. NMFS is seeking information from the public and various organizations on topics such as the biology, threats, and conservation efforts related to the species. The deadline for submitting information is March 3, 2025.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to establish critical habitat for the San Francisco Bay-Delta distinct population of the longfin smelt, a fish found in California's San Francisco Bay estuary. This includes approximately 91,630 acres of land to help conserve the species under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal outlines specific water conditions and habitat requirements needed for the smelt's survival. Public comments and economic analysis on the proposal are sought before finalizing the critical habitat designation.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received an application from the County of San Diego seeking permission to engage in certain activities that might affect two species: the Quino checkerspot butterfly, listed as endangered, and the western spadefoot, proposed as threatened. This permit would allow the county to develop a 25-acre recreation park while also focusing on conserving and managing habitats within the area. The public is encouraged to offer feedback on the draft habitat conservation plan and environmental assessment until February 20, 2025. This process aims to balance development with environmental protection under the guidelines of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is conducting a 5-year review of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population as required by the Endangered Species Act. This review aims to ensure that the current listing of the species is accurate and relies on the best scientific and commercial data available. The public, including scientists, environmentalists, and government agencies, are encouraged to submit relevant information about the whales’ status, threats, and recovery efforts by April 26, 2021. This data will aid in determining whether the beluga whales should remain listed as endangered or if their classification should change.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has initiated a 5-year review of several coral species, including staghorn, elkhorn, pillar, rough cactus, lobed star, mountainous star, and boulder star corals, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). They are seeking new scientific and commercial information from the public and other stakeholders that could help assess whether these species should remain on the threatened species list or be reclassified. Information categories include the species' biology, habitat conditions, conservation measures, threats, and any other relevant data since their initial listing or last status review. Comments and information must be submitted by March 8, 2021, although new information will be accepted at any time.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the Peñasco least chipmunk, a mammal found in New Mexico, as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. Approximately 4,386 acres in Lincoln County, New Mexico, have been designated as critical habitat for the chipmunk. This decision aims to provide protections against threats such as habitat loss, disease, and small population size. Certain areas, including parts managed by the Mescalero Apache Tribe, have been excluded from the critical habitat designation to maintain effective partnerships and recognize tribal management of their lands.