In 2011, FWS designated over 1,500 acres of land as critical habitat for the dusky gopher frog. Despite this designation, the dusky gopher frog had not lived on the land since at least 1965 and the land was currently uninhabitable…
The reason for the law’s mixed results is clear: It makes rare species a significant liability for landowners, rather than an asset. Consequently, landowners may preemptively destroy habitat to deter endangered species from moving in. They may also refuse to…
...cycling advocates have claimed that riding their bikes in grizzly country does not cause serious impacts—certainly none worse, they insist, than hikers, horseback riders and motorized recreationists. Todd Wilkinson Mountain Journal Griz Expert Says 'Mountain Bikes Are A Grave Threat…
Jerome Rosa, executive director of the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association, said the announcement confirms that wolf recovery is on track, and gives ranchers in Western Oregon more ability to address conflicts between wolves and livestock. George Plaven Capital Press Federal plan…
With the ability to travel long distances the wolf has a history of not stopping at state lines. As many things in nature cross boundaries so does the wolf. But there are laws that provide protection to the wanderings of…
A Virginia lawmaker cited a Washington State University scientist’s assertion that shooting wolves increases attacks on livestock. Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer said wolves balance ecosystems and noted the danger suburban motorists face of crashing into deer. Don Jenkins Capital Press…
The legislative package of nine bills addresses the shortcomings of the ESA by fixing the listing process, adding framework for a clear de-listing process, addressing the petition backlog issue, removing unnecessary impediments to economic development, involving state and local input,…
It’s probably an esoteric issue to most Americans, but to landowners and businesses, primarily in the Western U.S., the “blanket” extension of ESA protections to “threatened” species has punished them for decades. A “take” of a protected species can bring…
Chaining and other Pinyon-Juniper removal projects often include aerial seeding of native and drought resistant plant species which helps the area to recover and provide valuable habitat for both wildlife and livestock. Some of these plants, like grasses and forbs,…
"...ranchers are not interested in compensation for livestock losses. “We are not raising these animals to be savagely killed by wolves, often for sport. So not only do these reimbursement programs not work, they are unwanted..." by Marjorie Haun Mike…