Hang onto your hats folks, this critter's gunna buck!
ANOTHER RANCHER SUBSIDYRanchers are scheming to prevent both endangered and threatened species from being listed on their private land/public grazing leases by creating state management agencies and landowner contracts, thereby suspending federal rules and timelines for listing of species.IDAHO SETS PRECEDENTThe Idaho Legislature recently created the Office of Species Conservation, headed by retired US Forest Service supervisor Jim Caswell (reportedly a pro-timber administrator). This mirrors the growing trend in the federal government to give states more control of endangered species, according to an article in High Country News, 5/21/01.Idaho's state-based recovery plan is intended to be the contact point for management and recovery of federally listed endangered species by forging new agreements between industry and private landowners and state and federal agencies, according to HCN. A major tool is the "safe harbor" agreements with US Fish and Wildlife Service, which give landowners money and other incentives, as well as protection from lawsuits. The Clinton administration allowed the Great Plains states to take the lead on developing a conservation plan for black-tailed prairie dogs - the camel's nose under the tent, it turns out. Idaho's is the first of many states having the potential for species conservation agencies and landowner contracts in the West. It is no accident these things are happening at the same time President Bush and Interior Secretary Gale Norton, are talking about devolution and Western politicians are crying for ESA modification. WYOMING'S FIRST PROPOSALIn Wyoming, a rancher has submitted a proposal to assume management of black-tailed prairie dogs to the US Fish and Wildlife Service according to the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, "Ranch takes first step toward prairie dog management" (May 14, 2001)Major Robert and Jean Harshbarger of the 4W Ranch near Newcastle have developed what they call a Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA), a multi-agency, multi-species plan that is the first of its kind in Wyoming. The landowner, with help from Wyoming Departments of Agriculture and Game and Fish and Natural Resources Conservation Service, have compiled and submitted a proposed agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service for "private management and incentives of imperiled and endangered species." THE PAY OFFHarshbargers' claim they were unable to increase their stocking rates because of the current prairie dog population on their private land. They propose to manage 3,000 acres for black tailed prairie dogs, mountain plover, burrowing owl, sage grouse and ferruginous hawks. Should any of these species become protected under the ESA the 4W Ranch would be allowed to continue their current management practices, including their prairie dog shooting program.In addition, under the CCAA they would not have to abide by ESA guidelines and would get $25 per acre per year for their management, density control (shooting prairie dogs) and habitat development for a total of $75,000 per year. The 4W Ranch may well be the harbinger of what's to come in Wyoming. Reportedly, the Wyoming Department of Agriculture would take the lead, after the Legislature develops an endangered species office and asks the US Department of Interior to devolve the endangered species management act to the state. The Center for Biological Diversity believes this devolution would suspend a federal law that forces US Fish and Wildlife Service to list imperiled species as endangered under a specific timeline. By suspending timelines, President Bush could take away citizens groups' ability to sue when the USFWS is languishing on listing. The major tool for getting a species listed has been the ability to sue. INFORMATIONAnyone interested in developing their own CCAA or seeking more information should contact Matt Hoobler, ag program coordinator with the Wyoming Department of Agriculture, 307-777-7024. |