Coalition Argues Goals Are Met for Endangered Species

WASHINGTON, DC – A coalition of ag and forestry groups have filed motions in defense of the recent rule from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that aims at delisting the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Three cases filed by environmental and animal welfare groups in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California challenge the final delisting rule, but the coalition is defending the rule because it recognizes a successful recovery of the wolf, while enabling responsible wildlife management and protection of private property by farmers, ranchers, and forest resource users.

Since being listed under the ESA in 1974, the gray wolf has exceeded recovery goals by more than 300 percent so the delisting properly returns protection of the species to state and local management agencies the coalition explains.

The ESA is intended to promote species recovery and delisting — not to impose permanent protected status for recovered species. Delisting appropriately reflects the success of recovery efforts, follows the science, and enables states to move forward with the active management that is necessary for balanced ecosystems.

The coalition includes including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the American Forest Resources Council, the American Sheep Industry Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Public Lands Council.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)