Feds delay wolverine listing decision

Not everyone is convinced that the species is threatened by global warming By Summit Voice FRISCO — Federal biologists last week said they aren’t quite ready to make a final decision about endangered species status for wolverine. The listing deadline has been pushed back by six months for another review of the science — a

Feds once again push grizzly bear de-listing

Conservation groups say it’s too early By Summit Voice FRISCO — Federal biologists last week said they expect to decide within a month whether they will remove grizzly bears in the northern Rockies from the endangered species list despite a recent study suggesting that populations may be declining. Grizzlies were classified as a threatened species

Climate a huge factor in endangered species managment

New research helps narrow range of outcomes for resource managers Staff report FRISCO — The ecological playing field has changed dramatically since the Endangered Species Act was passed 40 years ago. Along with continued environmental threats like pollution and habitat loss, global warming has emerged as a huge factor in the survival of numerous species.

Study finds 5 distinct humpback whale populations

Findings of genetic study to help inform conservation strategies By Summit Voice FRISCO — Humpback whales in the Pacific likely choose their migration routes, feeding grounds and breeding areas based on cultural preferences, marine researchers said last week, announcing that a comprehensive genetic study of the great cetaceans has identified five distinct populations. The findings

Environment: EPA to boost reviews for pesticide impacts to endangered species

Conservation advocates say new guidelines are a good first step By Summit Voice FRISCO — Endangered species may get more protection from pesticides under new guidelines that require federal agencies to better assess the risks posed by toxic chemicals. The policies will ensure that mitigation measures recommended by the federal wildlife agencies are put in

Biodiversity: Feds agree to study pesticide impacts to rare frogs in California

Court settlement may ultimately help protect endangered amphibians By Summit Voice FRISCO — In a classic case of government do-nothingism, federal agencies have known for years that pesticides are killing rare California frogs — but have failed to act to protect the amphibians from the poisons. But that should change soon, as a federal court

Climate: Florida plants threatened by sea level rise get Endangered Species Act protection

Listing decision part of far-reaching settlement for imperiled species By Summit Voice FRISCO — Chugging ahead on its commitment to make endangered species listing decisions for more than 750 species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last week announced that three native Florida plants — all threatened by sea level rise — deserved protected status.

Biodiversity: Feds extend comment period on controversial plan to take wolves off endangered species list

Public hearings rescheduled for November *More Summit Voice wolf coverage is online here By Bob Berwyn FRISCO — There’s a little more time to comment on the controversial federal proposal to take gray wolves off the endangered species list, and boost protection for Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest. Because of the partial federal government

Feds eye changes to Colorado River endangered fish conservation program

Recovery team eyes White River Basin By Summit Voice *More Summit Voice stories on the Colorado River native fish conservation program are online here. FRISCO — State and federal biologists are considering some changes to the Colorado River Native Fish Recovery Program in the White River Basin after a discussion with stakeholders. The endangered fish

Feds set target date for boreal toad listing decision

Decline of once-common Colorado high-elevation toad a symptom of global amphibian decline By Bob Berwyn FRISCO — While remnant populations of boreal toads in Colorado appear to be relatively stable for now, federal biologists are still considering whether the amphibians need protection under the Endangered Species Act. In the latest twist, conservation groups said they’ve