Search Results for keywords:"conservation"

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has released the Records of Decision (RODs) for the updated Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendments focused on conserving Greater Sage-Grouse habitats in Colorado and Oregon. These updates are part of a wider effort that involves ten states, tribal governments, and local communities to protect the species and its environment. The BLM made minor adjustments from the proposed plans to resolve issues raised by some states and to ensure a consistent conservation approach. The RODs are now effective and available online for public review.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Record of Decision and Approved Resource Management Plan for the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, covering lands in Oregon, Washington, and California. This plan, signed on January 7, 2025, sets guidelines for the effective management and protection of the natural resources and cultural sites within the monument. The management plan was developed after collaboration with regulatory agencies and Tribal Nations and ensures that existing policies are updated to meet current management needs. Despite receiving several protest letters and undergoing a review by the Governors of Oregon and California, no changes were needed in the final plan.

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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the Department of Commerce announced a public meeting of the Marine and Coastal Area-based Management Advisory Committee (MCAM) on February 26, 2025. The meeting will be held virtually on the Google Meets Platform, and registration is not required. During the meeting, members will discuss topics such as area-based management in the U.S., tracking conservation progress, and Indigenous-led conservation. Public comments are welcomed, and written comments should be submitted by February 21, 2025, to ensure they are reviewed by the MCAM before the meeting.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is setting up a new advisory council for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to guide its management and act as a communication link with the local community. Applications for membership in this council are being accepted until March 7, 2025. The council will include a variety of seats for experts in natural resources, conservation, education, and other fields, as well as non-voting seats for government agencies. NOAA is encouraging individuals with relevant expertise or local knowledge to apply for these seats.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the listing and management of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. They intend to redefine the grizzly bear's geographic boundaries as a distinct population segment (DPS) and retain its threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal aims to promote conservation by clarifying areas suitable for grizzly bears, including revisions to protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act. Public comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until March 17, 2025, along with multiple public informational meetings and hearings scheduled in early 2025.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is seeking public comments and new information on the draft 2024 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) for regions in Alaska, Atlantic, and Pacific. These reports, reviewed annually under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, provide data on marine mammal populations, including their distribution, abundance, and human-caused injuries. The updated reports have revised estimates for some marine mammal stocks and seek additional new data for others. Public comments must be submitted by June 20, 2025, and can help enhance the scientific understanding and conservation efforts for these marine animals.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering issuing permits for scientific research to help protect and support endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. They are inviting public input on these permit applications to take into account any feedback or information before making their decision. This notice encourages public, local, and governmental agencies to review and comment by January 16, 2025. The agency highlights that comments may be publicly accessible and urges those interested to submit quantitative evidence or studies to aid in decision-making.

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 National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a permit under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. This announcement serves as the required notice that the permit, applied for and published on November 24, 2020, in the Federal Register, has been granted. The permit, number 2021-006, was issued to Ari S. Friedlaender on December 28, 2020. For more details, interested parties can contact Nature McGinn, the ACA Permit Officer at the NSF.