Left: Whitebark pine tree, photo by Shawn McKinney, RMRS. Right: Whitebark pine cones, photo by Richard Sniezko, USFS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Protections for Whitebark Pine, a Keystone Species of the American West 

New proposed conservation protections for the whitebark pine, an emblem of the American West, would aim to bolster new and ongoing conservation actions for the species’ pine recovery so these unique trees, and the many plants and animals they support, continue to endure for future generations.

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Peppered Chub. Photo by Daniel Fenner, USFWS

Service  Proposes Endangered Status and Designation of Critical Habitat for Peppered Chub 

Based on a review of the best available scientific information, the Service is proposing to protect the peppered chub as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to its significant decline. The Service is also proposing to designate 1,068 river miles in Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas as critical habitat that will be essential to the conservation of the species.

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18th Place - Red Cliffs Desert Tortoise Reserve. Photo by Larry Crist, USFWS

The BLM and USFWS release the Northern Corridor Final Environmental Impact Statement, Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan and Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments

The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have issued the final environmental impact statement (Final EIS) that considers a highway right-of-way application, amended habitat conservation plan and incidental take permit for the Mojave desert tortoise and proposed amendments to resource management plans in Washington County, Utah.

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Moose and magpie at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge, Photo by Tom Koerner, USFWS

Celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week October 11-17, 2020

Enjoy stellar outdoor recreation and the country’s wildlife heritage during National Wildlife Refuge Week, October 11-17, 2020. Celebrate your access to nature on the nation’s largest network of public lands dedicated to wildlife conservation, the National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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Photo by Maia C. licensed under Creative Commons.

Science Shows Wolverines in the Contiguous U.S. Are Healthy

New research and analysis show that wolverine populations in the American Northwest remain stable, and individuals are moving across the Canadian border in both directions and returning to former territories. The species, therefore, does not meet the definition of threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Accordingly, the Service has withdrawn its listing proposal.

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Eastern black rail. Photo credit by Brian Hires, USFWS

Service Finalizes Listing the Eastern Black Rail as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act

The eastern black rail, a small, secretive marsh bird historically known to exist in 35 states east of the Rocky Mountains, Puerto Rico, Canada, Brazil, and several countries in the Caribbean and Central America, will be listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Information in Montana Grizzly Bear Killing and Removal of GPS Collar

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information on the illegal killing of a sow grizzly bear in northern Montana. The bear, collared by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, was last known to be alive on May 4, 2020. Law enforcement agents believe the bear was killed on or around May 4 near Paisley Road, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Information in Illegal Removal of Parts from Deceased Grizzly Bear

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking information on the illegal removal of claws from a grizzly bear struck and killed by a vehicle on Highway 2 Southwest of East Glacier Park Village, on U.S. Forest Service land. The bear was likely struck by a vehicle on September 13, 2020. Inspection of the carcass by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks showed that some of the claws had been removed.

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Endangered razorback sucker. Photo by Nathan Vargas, USFWS

Drought-Stressed Fish in the Colorado River to Benefit from XTO Energy and Other Water Donors

Endangered fish relying on flow in the Colorado River near Grand Junction, Colorado, will soon get a welcome boost when additional water in Ruedi Reservoir near Basalt, Colorado, is made available to enhance streamflows during this increasingly concerning drought year.

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Chapin Mesa milkvetch (Astragalus schmolliae). Photo credit: Colorado Natural Heritage Program

Rare Colorado Plant Proposed for Listing as Threatened Under Endangered Species Act

After completing an in-depth species status assessment using the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is proposing to list the Chapin Mesa milkvetch as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and designate critical habitat for the species.

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A photo of a portion of the Lost Trail Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of Chris Boyer/Kestrelaerial.com

Conservation Area Proposed in Northwest Montana Would Support American Grizzly Bear Populations, Canada Lynx, Elk, and Much More

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) released a draft environmental assessment and draft land protection plan outlining a proposal to establish the Lost Trail Conservation Area in northwest Montana. These documents are now available for a 30-day public review and comment.

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Yellow-billed cuckoo perched on a tree with food in its beak. Photo credit: Felix Uribe/Creative Commons. 

Service Completes Finding on Petition to Delist Western Distinct Population of the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed its review of a petition to remove Endangered Species Act protection from the western distinct population segment of the yellow-billed cuckoo.

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Moose at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota. Photo by USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment Evaluating Impacts from Dunlap Wind Energy Project in Wyoming on Bald and Golden Eagles

After a thorough review of the best available scientific and commercial information, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the U.S. population of the northwestern subspecies of moose is not a distinct population segment and does not warrant listing under the Endangered Species Act.

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Bald eagle at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Tom Koerner, USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment Evaluating Impacts from Dunlap Wind Energy Project in Wyoming on Bald and Golden Eagles

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for PacifiCorp, doing business as Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power, the developer and operator of the Dunlap Wind Energy Project.

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American Burying Beetle. Photo by Jay Pruett.

Partnership-Driven Efforts Lead to Downlisting of the American Burying Beetle

Thanks in part to the efforts of dedicated partners across this species’ range, the first insect added to the endangered species list is staging a comeback: the American burying beetle. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is downlisting the ABB under the Endangered Species Act, from endangered to threatened.

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Hunting at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. Photo by USFWS.

Secretary Bernhardt Announces Historic Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on Public Lands

Today, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced the historic opening and expansion of over 850 hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 2.3 million acres at 147 national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. This rule is the single largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in history.

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Comments Sought on Habitat Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Assessment for American Burying Beetle

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is publishing a Notice of Availability to request public comment on a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) in response to an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) application submitted by TC Energy for American burying beetle, a species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as part of the Keystone XL pipeline project.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners Still Seeking Information in Montana Grizzly Bear Shooting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department are still seeking information on the illegal shooting of a female grizzly bear in Montana. The GPS-collared bear was last known to be alive on May 11, 2020. The Service is now offering an increased monetary reward of up to $5,000 for information contributing significantly to and furthering the investigation into the death of this grizzly bear.

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Arctic Grayling at Bozeman Fish Technology Center. Photo by Mikaela Oles, USFWS

Efforts by Service and Conservation Partners Lead to a Positive Outlook for the Arctic Grayling on Upper Missouri River

Like its iridescent dorsal fin, the future of Upper Missouri River Arctic grayling is shining brightly, thanks to efforts of diverse conservation partners. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for the Upper Missouri River distinct population segment (DPS) of the Arctic grayling are not warranted, based on a review of the best available science.

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Artist at Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Seth Beres, USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Join Forces to Increase Public Access for Outdoor Recreation

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) have reaffirmed an existing relationship that promises to benefit hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts for generations to come. A recently signed agreement builds on past successes between the Service and the USA by creating new volunteer opportunities for skilled union trades workers to engage in infrastructure and access projects on national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries.

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Wood duck at Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Tom Koerner, USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Debuts 2020-2021 Federal Duck Stamp and Junior Duck Stamp

Hunters, birders and stamp collectors across the United States join in celebrating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) as the 2020-2021 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp – commonly known as the Duck Stamp – is now on sale. Beginning today, the new Federal Duck Stamp and its younger sibling, the Junior Duck Stamp are available for purchase at official locations and online.

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Green River at Three Fords Rapids. Photo by Larry Crist, USFWS

Interior Grant Programs Provide Over $344 Thousand to Benefit Recreational Boaters, Local Waterways and Communities in Utah

Boaters, anglers, communities, and aquatic life in Utah will reap benefits from more than $344 thousand dollars in grant funds, thanks to two U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) programs focusing on ensuring clean water and recreational access. Funding to states under the Service’s Clean Vessel Act (CVA) and Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) programs total over $32 million nationwide in 2020.

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June sucker. Photo by Utah Division of Wildlife Resources

A Decade in the Making: Officials Break Ground on Nearly 260-acre Provo River Delta Project to Help Recover the Endangered June Sucker

After more than a decade of planning and coordination, Chris Keleher, Director of Species Recovery at the Utah Department of Natural Resources, climbed aboard an excavator to perform a literal groundbreaking, while other project partners joined him to usher in the construction of the nearly 260-acre Provo River Delta project. The project will restore the interface between the Lower Provo River and Utah Lake as another step in the effort to recover the endangered June sucker.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Seek Information on Illegal Killing of a Bald Eagle

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are seeking information on the illegal killing of a bald eagle in the area of Reed Point in Stillwater County, Montana.

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Red Cliffs Desert Tortoise Reserve. Photo by Larry Crist, USFWS

BLM and USFWS invite the public to review and comment on the Northern Corridor Draft Environmental Impact Statement and proposed Washington County HCP

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will issue the Northern Corridor Project Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Draft Amended Washington County Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) for a 90-day public comment period on June 12.

Press Release

White Ibis. Photo: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Solicits Comments on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement on Proposed Migratory Bird Treaty Act Regulatory Changes

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has made available a draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This action is a required next step for the Service in its regulatory undertaking to define the scope of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to provide regulatory certainty to the public, industries, states, tribes and other stakeholders.

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Rule on Cormorant Management

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is announcing a proposed rule and associated draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) to responsibly manage conflicts associated with double-crested cormorants in the United States.

Press Release

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners Seek Information in Montana Grizzly Bear Shooting

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department are seeking information on the illegal shooting of a female grizzly bear in Montana. The GPS-collared bear was last known to be alive on May 11, 2020. Law enforcement agents believe the bear was killed on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation on or around May 12 near Boarding School Road.

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Grizzly Bear with Cub, Yellowstone. Photo: Frank van Manen, USGS

USFWS and USDA Providing Additional Support to Montana Livestock Producers

As a result of increased grizzly bear depredations on livestock, the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) are collaborating to provide additional support to Montana livestock producers.

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McCown's Longspur, at Durham, Canada. Photo: WCS

Migratory Birds to Benefit from $25 Million in Federal and Matching Funding Throughout the Americas

Twenty years ago, the passage of the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) spurred new opportunities for innovation in bird conservation that continue today. This year, birds and people throughout the Americas will benefit from a new round of projects under the act, totaling more than $25 million in federal grants and matching funds.

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Razorback Sucker at Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery. Photo: Sam Stukel, USFWS.

Targeted Reservoir Operations Begin May 29 to Benefit Endangered Fishes in Upper Colorado River

Sufficient water runoff from melting mountain snowpack in Colorado River headwaters this year means that most headwater reservoirs will more than meet their storage needs. As a result, participants in the Coordinated Reservoir Operations (CROS) program will ramp-up water releases into the Colorado River to benefit four rare fishes protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Press Release

Northern Pintail, Kulm Wetland Management District in North Dakota. Photo: Krista Lundgren, USFWS

Secretary Bernhardt Announces $160 Million in Funding for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges

As we celebrate American Wetlands Month, hundreds of bird species will benefit from $160 million in funding for various wetland conservation projects in North America. The funding was approved by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, which is chaired by U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt

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Little brown bat with fungus, New York, 2008. Photo: Ryan von Linden/New York Department of Environmental Conservation

White-Nose Syndrome Attributed to Death in Bats in North Dakota

On May 20, North Dakota Game and Fish Department announced the state's first confirmed bat deaths attributed to a nonnative fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome. The disease currently affects bats in 34 other states.

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Cinnamon Teal on Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: Kom Koerner, USFWS

Change to Federal Duck Stamp Contest Celebrates the Conservation Achievements of Waterfowl Hunters

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today is celebrating the remarkable conservation achievements of waterfowl hunters and our unique American hunting heritage with the permanent addition of a theme for the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp.

Press Release

A wood duck by Madison Grimm. USFWS. Note to Editors: Digital File of Winning Artwork Available Upon Request

Madison Grimm, Aged 13, Wins U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 2020 National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest

A talented young artist from South Dakota has taken top honors at the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest. A wood duck by 13-year old Madison Grimm, will grace the 2020-2021 Junior Duck Stamp, which raises funds to educate and engage our nation’s youth in wildlife and wetlands conservation and outdoor recreation.

Press Release

Hunting at Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas. Photo by USFWS.

Historic proposal for new and expanded hunting and fishing opportunities

In spring 2020, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced a historic proposal for new and expanded hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and 9 national fish hatcheries, including Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas and Cokeville Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Wyoming.

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People and cars dangerously close to a grizzly bear on U.S. Highway 26/287 in 2019, creating unsafe conditions for people and wildlife. Credit: Todd Stiles/U.S. Forest Service

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Partners Urge Responsible Grizzly Bear Viewing in Togwotee Pass Area in Wyoming

For the past three summers, many people have viewed and photographed grizzly bears near U.S. Highway 26/287 between Dubois and Moran Junction in the Togwotee Pass area in Wyoming. A female grizzly bear, known as “863” by wildlife managers and “Felicia” by public observers, and her cub, “Pepper,” have become habituated to the roadside along Highway 26/287. As more people have become aware of these bears, it has created unsafe conditions for people and wildlife.

Press Release

A colored pencil drawing of two male wood ducks in flight by Rohit Pandit. USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Winners of the 2020 Colorado Junior Duck Stamp Contest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service this month announced that Rohit Pandit, a 17-year-old student from Fort Collins, took top honors once again by winning the “Best of Show” in Colorado at the 2020 Junior Duck Stamp Contest. Entries from Colorado were judged by a panel of waterfowl enthusiasts and professional wildlife artists. Recognition for all participants and prizes for the top 25 drawings in each of four age groups (K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12) are awarded each year.

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NBR. Photo by Dave Fitzpatrick, USFWS

National Bison Range to Close Temporarily Starting April 9, 2020

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is temporarily suspending public visitation and use at the National Bison Range, effective April 9, 2020. The suspension of operations is to ensure the health and safety of our visitors and employees in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the large increase in visitation experienced at the refuge in recent days that was precluding effective social distancing.

Press Release

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Information in Illegal Poisoning Deaths of Golden Eagle and Ravens in Wyoming

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department are seeking information in the poisoning deaths of a golden eagle and ravens in the area southwest of Wamsutter, west of the Eureka Headquarters, in Sweetwater County, Wyoming

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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Information in Wyoming Wildlife Poisoning Crime

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) are seeking information in the poisoning deaths of a bald eagle, a golden eagle, a swainson’s hawk, 14 ravens, 17 magpies, one coyote and several small mammals in the East Fork and Horse Creek drainages located in northwest Fremont County, Wyoming.

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2019-2020 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp. Artist: Scot Storm, Wood Duck & Decoy

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Changes to the Duck Stamp to Celebrate the Conservation Achievements of Waterfowl Hunters

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today proposed to celebrate these hunters’ remarkable achievements and our unique American hunting heritage with a permanent change to the Federal Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp.

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Helmuth Marsh.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comments on Proposed Helmuth Marsh Property Disposal and Modification of Wetland Reserve Program Easement in Lancaster County, Nebraska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) regarding the State of Nebraska’s proposed Helmuth Marsh property disposal and modification of the Wetland Reserve Program easement in Lancaster County, Nebraska. The Service’s decision to approve the disposal and modification constitutes a Federal action subject to the provisions of the National Environmental Policy of 1969, as amended (NEPA). This Draft EA has been prepared to comply with NEPA provisions to assess potential impacts on the human environment. Public comments will be accepted for a 30-day period ending February 23, 2020.

Press Release

Humpback Chub. Photo by USFWS.

Conservation Gains for Humpback Chub Prompt Service to Propose Downlisting Native Colorado River Fish from Endangered to Threatened

One of the Colorado River’s native fishes is one-step closer to recovery thanks to the collaborative conservation work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and numerous state, federal, tribal and private partners.

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Topeka shiner (Notropis topeka). Photo by Konrad Schmidt, USFWS.

Draft Recovery Plan for the Topeka Shiner Available for Review: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comments

In the late 1990s, the Topeka shiner, a native fish of the Great Plains, was in trouble. Once common across its range, the tiny three-inch minnow has faced impacts associated with the health of its habitat, predation, sedimentation, and changes in water quality. As a result, the fish’s populations declined almost 70 percent over 50 years. The species was listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1998.

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Photo: Mathias Canyon riparian area edge north side facing west.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comments on Brigham Face Wildlife Management Area Evans and Mathias Canyons Debris-Retention Basins Project

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Assessment regarding the Utah Department of Natural Resources proposed “Brigham Face Wildlife Management Area Evans and Mathias Canyons Debris-Retention Basins Project.”

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Photo: Jackson Elk Herd at the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming by Carol Highsmith/U.S. Library of Congress

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Final Environmental Assessment to Guide Management at National Elk Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today released a final Environmental Assessment (EA) and final Bison and Elk Management Step-down Plan (with an addendum) to guide future management at the National Elk Refuge in Wyoming.

Press Release

Photo: Sunset is a serene time on the Little Salt Marsh at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by: Ryan Moehring, USFWS

Quivira NWR and Big Bend Groundwater Management District 5 Meet to Discuss Water Management

Staff from the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Kansas and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Denver Regional Office recently met with representatives from the Big Bend Groundwater Management District No. 5 (District) to discuss future opportunities to collaborate on water management and conservation.

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Photo: A blooming skiff milkvetch plant in Gunnison, Colorado by USFWS

No Endangered Species Act Protection Needed for Skiff Milkvetch

In southwestern Colorado, a tiny, wispy plant found only in Gunnison and Saguache counties is maintaining a stable, long-term population, which is why the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it is not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

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Bison calves and adults at the National Bison Range in Montana by USFWS

National Bison Range Releases Final Record of Decision to Guide Future Management and Continue Conservation Legacy

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues the national wildlife refuge’s lasting conservation legacy for wildlife, visitors, surrounding communities and partners by releasing a final Record of Decision (ROD) for the refuge’s final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

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June sucker (Chasmistes liorus). Photo: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Proposed Change in Status for the Endangered June Sucker

Thanks to the collaborative conservation efforts of state, local and federal partners, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, one of Utah’s endangered fishes, the June sucker, is one step further on the path to recovery.

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Left: Meltwater lednian stonefly. Right: Western glacier stonefly. Photos: Joe Giersch

Two Stonefly Species Receive Endangered Species Act Protection

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will protect the meltwater lednian stonefly and western glacier stonefly as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in a final listing decision announced today.

Press Release

One of the new entrance signs at Pablo National Wildlife Refuge in Montana by USFWS

New Signs at Ninepipe and Pablo National Wildlife Refuges in Montana are Markers and Milestones

Visitors to the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge and Pablo National Wildlife Refuge in Montana can now get their bearings spatially, and culturally, with new signs that offer a true sense of place.

Press Release

Colorado Butterfly Plant. Photo: Tyler Abbott, USFWS.

Colorado Butterfly Plant Delisted from Endangered Species Act Due to Recovery

Thanks to the work of local landowners and partners at the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and F.E. Warren Air Force Base, the once-threatened Colorado butterfly plant has been removed from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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Gunnison sage-grouse Photo: courtesy of Helen H. Richards/The Denver Post

Draft Plan to Guide Recovery of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse Open for Public Comment

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will release a draft recovery plan and ask for public comments on the conservation actions necessary to stop population declines and achieve recovery of the Gunnison sage-grouse. The bird was listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened in November 2014. Now, the Service seeks public comments on a draft plan, especially from local communities and species experts.

Press Release

Whooping Cranes. Photo: USFWS.

Whooping Crane Fall Migration Has Begun

hooping Cranes have begun leaving their Canadian breeding grounds and heading south in the Central Flyway, meaning that Kansans will soon have opportunities to see these rare birds during their migration stopovers. Annually each fall, central Kansas is one of the few places where it is possible to see Whooping Cranes. They occur in and around Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in small groups over a period of several weeks, most often in late October and early November. The earliest-recorded first arrival, October 5, occurred in 2018, but the average first arrival date is October 21.

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Scott Riffle Beetle. Photo: USFWS

Endangered Species Act Protection Not Needed For Rare Insect Found Only in Kansas

In an isolated natural spring tucked away in Scott County, Kansas, lives a rare native insect found nowhere else on earth: the Scott riffle beetle. A few decades after scientists described the diminutive beetle, some worried the insect was potentially at risk of extinction. Thanks to ongoing conservation actions and protections by Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism (KDWPT), today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that federal protections for the beetle under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are not warranted.

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Photo: Oregon Department of Agriculture

Water Howellia Flourish Once Again in the Pacific Northwest Thanks to Federal, State and Nongovernmental Recovery Efforts

An aquatic plant found in freshwater wetlands and ponds across the Pacific Northwest no longer needs protection under the Endangered Species Act thanks to conservation actions taken by federal, state and non-governmental partners. Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to remove the water howellia from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants.

Press Release

Photo: Creative Commons

USFWS, Colorado Public Health and Environment Provide Notice of Availability for Draft Restoration Plan for Suncor Energy Oil Spill

The federal and state of Colorado natural resource trustees settled a Natural Resources Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) case for monetary damages with Suncor in February, 2014. The Trustees would like to know what you think about the draft RP. It is available for public review and comment beginning October 3, 2019. All comments received by November 1, 2019 will be considered.

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Elk wintering at the National Elk Refuge. Photo by Lori Iverson/USFWS.

Draft Plan to Guide Future Wildlife Management at the National Elk Refuge Open for Public Comment

Since its establishment in 1912, the National Elk Refuge in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, has continually supported a variety of native wildlife, including the iconic Jackson elk herd. As part of ongoing planning and management efforts, today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a 30-day public comment period on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and associated Bison and Elk Management Step-down Plan for the refuge.

Press Release

Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area. Photo by USFWS.

Bird Habitat Added to the Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area Through Partnership

On September 6th, 257 acres of important bird habitat was added to the Smith Lake Waterfowl Production Area in Flathead County, Montana thanks to a partnership between private landowners, Flathead Land Trust, The Conservation Fund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

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White River beardtongue (left), Jessi Brunson/USFWS. Graham’s beardtongue (right), Kevin Megown/USFS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks New Scientific Information to Inform Conservation of Two Rare Colorado and Utah Plants

On September 12th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened a 30-day public comment period to help inform future conservation of two rare Colorado and Utah plants: Graham's beardtongue and White River beardtongue.

Press Release

A female bison and her calf at the National Bison Range in Montana. Photo by Mike Borgreen/USFWS.

Service Announces Final Management Plan at the National Bison Range

Since 1908, when the National Bison Range in western Montana was established by President Theodore Roosevelt, this 18,800-acre national wildlife refuge has continued to play an important role in the conservation and recovery of American bison. Several hundred bison now thrive on these accessible public lands, which also support Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep and more than 200 bird species.

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Maguire Primrose. Photo by USFWS.

Service Announces Recovery Plan Revisions for 78 Species, Including 10 Mountain-Prairie Species

As part of an agency-wide effort to advance the recovery of our nation’s most imperiled species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has made publicly available draft revisions for 49 Endangered Species Act (ESA) recovery plans that provide a recovery roadmap for 78 federally protected species. Ten of these species are in the Mountain-Prairie region.

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Photo: Frank Van Manen, USGS.

Reinstatement of Endangered Species Act Listing for the Grizzly Bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, in Compliance with Court Order

Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revised the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife to again include grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) as part of the existing listing for grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This action was taken to comply with a September 24, 2018, Montana District Court order.

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An elk at the National Bison Range in Montana. Credit: David Fitzpatrick, USFWS.

Wyoming Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing and Transporting 104 Pounds of Elk Antlers

Joshua Anders Rae, formerly of Jackson, Wyoming, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing and transporting 104 pounds of unlawfully taken elk antlers. Through a plea deal with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rae was sentenced to five years of unsupervised probation; a five year ban from the National Elk Refuge and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks; $15,000 in restitution to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department; and a loss of hunting privileges worldwide for five years.

Press Release

American burying beetle. Photo by Mark Dumont, CC BY-NC 2.0.

Habitat Conservation Plan Approved: Incidental Take Permit Issued for the R-Project Transmission Line in Nebraska

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) signed a Record of Decision, and approved a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) that sets aside 600 acres of suitable habitat for the protection and management for the endangered American burying beetle, as well as other beneficial activities. An HCP must accompany an application for an incidental take permit. The Service issued the incidental take permit for Nebraska Public Power District’s (NPPD) R-Project transmission line for incidental take of the beetle over a 50-year period.

Press Release

Randy Matchett (left). Credit: John Ashley. Paul Marinari (right). Credit: USFWS.

Two Leaders in Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Receive National Recognition

Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Mountain-Prairie Region recognizes two individuals for their exceptional efforts to conserve and protect the nation’s rarest fish, wildlife, and plants. Randy Matchett, a supervisory wildlife biologist at Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge in Montana, and Paul E. Marinari, a senior curator at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, have been named the 2018 Recovery Champions for their work in recovering the endangered black-footed ferret.

Press Release

American burying beetle. Photo by Mark Dumont, CC BY-NC 2.0.

Conservation Partnerships Contribute to Proposed Downlisting of American Burying Beetle

The American burying beetle, one of nature’s most unique creatures, appears to be more plentiful, thanks in part to the efforts of a wide array of partners across its range. Following the beetle’s listing in 1989 as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and stakeholders implemented conservation and recovery efforts, and now the Service is proposing to downlist it from endangered to threatened.

Press Release

Bison at the National Bison Range during the 2016 Bison roundup. Credit: Dave Fitzpatrick/USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Continues Celebrated Conservation Legacy at National Bison Range in Montana With Proposed New Management Plan

Members of the Public are Invited to Participate in a 45-day Public Comment Period and Three Public Meetings to Inform Refuge Management Over the Next 15 years

DENVER — Since 1908, when the National Bison Range in western Montana was established by conservation visionary President Theodore Roosevelt, this cherished 18,800-acre national wildlife refuge has continued to play a vital role in the conservation and recovery of American bison. Several hundred bison now thrive on these accessible public lands, which also support Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and over 200 bird species.

Press Release

Rainwater Wetland Management District: Neighbors helping neighbors

Last week a large winter storm known as a "bomb cyclone" brought snow, wind and rain to the central plains. One hard hit area was the State of Nebraska where run off and rising stream and rivers are flooding many parts of the Cornhusker State. Despite the challenges these flood waters have created for communities and citizens, employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Rainwater Basin Wetland Management District (WMD) have found a way to help their neighbors.

Press Release

A map of the proposed R-line route. Credit: USFWS.

Final Environmental Impact Statement for the R-Project Transmission Line in Nebraska

DENVER — Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is releasing the final environmental impact statement for the Nebraska Public Power District’s (NPPD) application for a permit for take of the endangered American burying beetle. The statement analyzes potential effects to the beetle and other factors to the human environment that would result from issuance of a take permit associated with the proposed R-Project transmission line.

Press Release

Frisco clover. Photo by USFWS.

Three Southern Utah Plant Species Do Not Need Endangered Species Act Protection

DENVER — Using the best available science, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a 12-month finding, determining that the Frisco buckwheat, Ostler’s peppergrass, and Frisco clover are not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Prior to making this determination, the Service completed an in-depth species status assessment for these three southern Utah plant species. This assessment provided the scientific analysis needed for the Service to make this decision.

Press Release

Fremont County rockcress. Photo by Bonnie Heidel.

Unique Wyoming Plant Flourishes under Habitat Protections

DENVER — Due to the Bureau of Land Management’s conservation actions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the Fremont County rockcress, a high elevation perennial herb found only in the southern foothills of the Wind River Range in Wyoming, is not warranted for listing under the Endangered Species Act. First collected in 1981, there is only one known population of this unique plant found on 160 acres of federal land.

Press Release

Deseret milk-vetch. Photo by Bekee Hotze, USFWS.

A Unique Utah Plant Flourishes Under a Successful Conservation Agreement

DENVER — After assessing the best scientific information about threats to an endemic Utah plant, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today is removing the Deseret milkvetch from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Species. The Service found threats to the plant either have not occurred to the extent anticipated, are being adequately managed through a conservation agreement, or the species is more tolerant of these stressors than originally known.

Press Release

Razorback sucker, photo by USFWS.

Scientific Review Suggests Reclassification of the Razorback Sucker from Endangered to Threatened

DENVER — The razorback sucker, a native fish found in the Colorado River basin is making a comeback thanks to the work of conservation partnerships between the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), states, federal agencies, Tribes, industry and environmental groups. The Service recently completed a species status assessment (SSA) and a 5-year status review, utilizing the best available science, that concluded the current risk of extinction is low, such that the species is no longer in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. The SSA explained that large populations of adults have been re-established in the Colorado, Green, and San Juan Rivers. Populations are also present in Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu. As a result, in the future the Service proposes to reclassify the fish from endangered to threatened.

Press Release

The landscape photo is of the New 13 acre easement, photo by Simi Batra/USFWS.

Western Rivers Conservancy Land Donation Establishes San Luis Valley Conservation Area in Colorado

CONEJOS COUNTY, COLORADO — Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service accepted a 12.82-acre conservation easement donation in Colorado’s San Luis Valley from Western Rivers Conservancy. With the donation, the San Luis Valley Conservation Area becomes the 567th unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System, an unparalleled network of public lands and waters dedicated to the conservation of native wildlife and their habitats.

Press Release

Ducks beautify the sky at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah. Credit: Mike Guyant

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Proposed Hunting Expansion for Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge in Utah

DENVER – Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), as part of the 2018-2019 Refuge-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations process, proposes to expand hunting on over 13,000 additional acres at the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (Refuge) in Utah. These additional areas would be open to waterfowl and pheasant hunting and would align with State regulations for these species. Details on the proposed alternatives for these additional hunting areas are available on the Refuge’s website. The Service aims to make a decision regarding these hunting areas in time for the 2018-2019 hunting season.

• Press Release
• Environmental Assessment
• FAQs
• Refuge Hunting and Fishing News Webpage

Colorado butterfly plant. Credit: Allison Michael.

Colorado Butterfly Plant Populations Bounce Back

DENVER – Thanks in large part to successful partnerships with landowners that have helped recover the species, today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans to remove the Colorado butterfly plant from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and to remove designated critical habitat. The species is a member of the evening primrose family and is found primarily in southeastern Wyoming, northcentral Colorado, and western Nebraska.

Press Release

Two grizzly bears. Credit: USFWS.

Information Sought on Grizzly Bear Shooting North of Libby

Kalispell, MT — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on the shooting death of a sub-adult male grizzly bear found dead on Forest Road 4859 in the Kootenai Forest, north of Libby in Northwest Montana. Read the full press release below.

Press Release

Arctic grayling. Credit: Courtesy of Mark Conlin.

Public Comment Sought on Draft Environmental Assessment, Voluntary Conservation Opportunities to Protect Arctic Grayling in the Centennial Valley

DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment and Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) to help conserve Arctic grayling in the Centennial Valley, Montana. The Centennial Valley CCAA is designed to improve living conditions for this freshwater fish through habitat restoration and other voluntary conservation projects. These actions are expected to increase the distribution of the species, which will help support ongoing conservation efforts.

Press Release
Download the Draft Centennial Valley Arctic Grayling Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances
Download the Draft Environmental Assessment
Download the Federal Register Notice of Availability/Request for Comment

A female grizzly bear in northwestern Montana. Courtesy of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Fish and Wildlife Service Publishes the Final Chapter in its Guide to Recover the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem of Grizzly Bears

DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today the availability of the final Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan Supplement: Habitat-Based Recovery Criteria for the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (Recovery Plan Supplement). The final Recovery Plan Supplement provides objective, habitat-based criteria for the recovery of Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem grizzly bears, and builds upon the existing roadmap to grizzly bear recovery for the Service and our conservation partners.

Press Release
Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan Supplement: Habitat-Based Recovery Criteria for the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem
Recovery Zone Map

Service Provides Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Amended Habitat Conservation Plan

DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today released the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s (DNRC) application to amend an incidental take permit to add 81,416 acres to their Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP). Adding these lands to the HCP would increase the level of anticipated take of grizzly bear, Canada lynx, bull trout, and westslope cutthroat trout from forest management activities and would require an amended permit from the Service.

Finding of No Significant Impact for Environmental Assessment of Eagle Incidental Take Permit in Broomfield County, Colorado

DENVER - Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is announcing the availability of a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for a disturbance permit application for a pair of bald eagles in Broomfield County, Colorado. Garrett Construction Company LLC (Garrett) applied for an eagle incidental take permit for disturbance that may occur while constructing an apartment complex from early May 2018 through late 2019. Based on our finding, the Service is issuing an eagle incidental take permit to Garrett.

Wind turbines. Scott Covington/USFWS

Public Comment Sought on Draft Environmental Assessment Evaluating Impacts of Potential Issuance of a Bald Eagle Take Permit for Courtenay Wind Farm

DENVER - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment for the Northern States Power Company, doing business as Xcel Energy (Applicant), for the Courtenay Wind Farm (Project). The draft Environmental Assessment evaluates the impact of issuing an eagle take permit for the existing 100-turbine wind facility located approximately 15 miles north of Jamestown, North Dakota.

Pallid sturgeon. Credit: Ken Bouc, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

Partnership Continues to Conserve Endangered Species in the Missouri River Basin

DENVER -The endangered animals that call the Missouri River basin home are as iconic as the river itself, and a biological opinion issued yesterday by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) concludes that two shorebirds and one ancient fish found in the river and currently receiving Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections will not be jeopardized, even as in-river management activities move forward. In fact, the science-based adaptive management techniques proposed in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (Corps) Missouri River Recovery Management Plan will provide biologists with opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the piping plover, interior least tern, and pallid sturgeon in order to maximize conservation while also meeting the Corps’ obligations to other river interests.

Utah prairie dog. Credit: © Laura Romin and Larry Dalton. Photo used with permission of Laura Romin.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Plan to Protect Utah Prairie Dogs and Benefit Economic Productivity

DENVER – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in consultation with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) and affected counties released a 10-year general conservation plan (GCP) that will aid the conservation of threatened Utah prairie dogs while benefiting economic productivity in the region and reducing undue regulatory burdens.

Screenshot of greater sage-grouse for the lekcam. Photo credit: USFWS

Lek Cam Offers Streaming Video of the Sage-Grouse Strut

Have you ever seen a sage-grouse strut? For the fourth straight year, you can witness the greater sage-grouse dancing to find a mate on a live-streaming wildlife camera. Located on a breeding ground called a lek, these birds puff out their chests and fan their tail feathers every morning from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. PDT. You can visit The Nature Conservancy’s website to watch live and recorded footage at www.nature.org/lekcam.

After Scientific Review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Propose Reclassification of the Humpback Chub from Endangered to Threatened

DENVER — Things are looking up for a rare Colorado River fish, the endangered humpback chub. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) recently completed a species status assessment (SSA) and a 5-year status review that concluded the current risk of extinction is low, such that the species is not in danger of extinction throughout all of its range. The SSA explained that the largest population of humpback chub, which is found in the Colorado and Little Colorado rivers in the Grand Canyon of Arizona, is a stable population of about 12,000 adults.
Read more

Press Release
Species Status Assessment for the Humpback Chub
5-Year Review of the Humpback Chub

Sagebrush at the end of a rainbow. Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS

NFWF Announces $724,200 in Grants to Improve Sagebrush Landscapes

DENVER (December 12, 2017) –The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) today announced $724,200 in grants to support habitat restoration and partnerships in sagebrush landscapes conservation in Colorado, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. The grants will generate $1.1million in matching contributions for a total conservation impact of more than $1.8 million.
Read more

Lake Darling, a main focal point of Upper Souris National Wildlife Refuge, was named after political cartoonist Jay N. "Ding" Darling. Photo Credit: Jennifer Jewett / USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Expands Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on North Dakota National Wildlife Refuges

DENVER – In a continuing effort to increase access to hunting and fishing on public lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a final rule to open or expand opportunities across 132,000 acres on 10 national wildlife refuges. This will bring the number of refuges where the public may hunt up to 373 and up to 311 where fishing is permitted.

A chestnut collared longspur, a grassland bird. Photo credit: Rick Bohn.

Public Comment Invited on Proposal to Benefit Landowners, Grassland Birds and Greater Sage-Grouse in Montana

HELENA – A new, voluntary wildlife conservation opportunity designed with Montana ranchers in mind is now open for public comment, and the benefits to five species of birds in need could be remarkable.

Bison at the National Bison Range during the 2016 Bison roundup. Credit: Dave Fitzpatrick/USFWS

National Bison Range Postpones Annual Bison Roundup Due to Smoke and Fire Risk

MOIESE, Mont. – Citing safety concerns, the National Bison Range (NBR) announced today that its annual bison roundup is postponed indefinitely. The event was previously scheduled for October 2 and 3, 2017.

Secretary Zinke Announces Recovery and Delisting of Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

WASHINGTON – Due to the success of conservation efforts and collaboration among a variety of stakeholders, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke announced today that the Yellowstone population of the grizzly bear has been recovered to the point where federal protections can be removed and overall management can be returned to the states and tribes. The population has rebounded from as few as 136 bears in 1975 to an estimated 700 today and meets all the criteria for delisting.  Press Release.

Lek Cam Offers Streaming Video of the Sage-Grouse Strut

PORTLAND, OR— Have you ever seen a sage-grouse strut? For the third straight year, you can witness the greater sage-grouse dancing to find a mate on a live-streaming wildlife camera. Located on a breeding ground called a lek, these birds puff out their chests and fan their tail feathers every morning from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. PDT. You can visit The Nature Conservancy’s website to watch live and recorded footage at http://bit.ly/LekCam2017..

Bald eagle flying in a blue sky. Photo credit: Tom Koerner / USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Investigating Bald Eagle Shooting Near Athol, South Dakota

BISMARCK, N.D. – the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is investigating the death of a bald eagle, which was shot near the town of Athol, South Dakota sometime before March 28th in Spink County.

Bull Elk. Credit: USFWS.

Hunting Guide from Elk County Charged with Lacy Act Violations

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas hunting guide was indicted Tuesday on charges of violating the Lacy Act and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said. Two of the guide’s employees and a hunter from Georgia also were charged.

Whitebark Pine Credit: Richard Sniezko.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Evaluating Federal Protection for Whitebark Pine

DENVER – Whitebark pine is a tough tree surviving in poor soils, withstanding whipping winds on steep mountain slopes. Often dwarfed by exposure and hugging the ground, whitebark pine grow higher in elevation than any other pine, all the way up to the tree line in the Pacific Coast and Cascade ranges, Sierra Nevada and Rocky Mountains.

Northern Rocky Mountain Fisher Credit: U.S. Forest Service.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Consider Northern Rocky Mountain Fisher Population for ESA Protection

DENVER – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today the initiation of a status review for the distinct population segment (DPS) of Northern Rocky Mountain (NRM) Fisher, to determine whether this population meets the definition of an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Salt Creek Tiger Beetle / Copyright Bradley A. Miles

Final Recovery Plan Available for the Endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle

DENVER - The endangered Salt Creek tiger beetle is not only one of the worlds rarest insects but also a voracious predator that pounces like a tiger, using part of its mandibles to capture prey that is as big as it is.

Pilot Jonas Marcinko prepares to launch the drone. Credit: WWF-US / Conservation Media

Partnerships, Innovation (and Peanut Butter) Give New Hope for America’s Most Endangered Mammal

LEWISTOWN, MT — An unlikely combination of peanut butter and drones has given researchers renewed hope for the future of North America’s rarest mammal, the endangered black-footed ferret. The project, which is a joint effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, World Wildlife Fund, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wildlife Health Center, Model Avionics, and Support XXL, involves dropping vaccine-laced, peanut butter-flavored baits from drones in an effort to vaccinate the black-footed ferret’s primary prey: prairie dogs. FAQ

Wolverine walking through the snow. Credit: Steve Kroschel.

Court Ruling Reopens Comment Period on North American Wolverine Proposed Listing Rule

DENVER – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is reopening the public comment period on a proposed rule to list the North American wolverine as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Meltwater lednian stonefly, Credit: Joe Giersch / USGS

Two Types of Stoneflies Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protections

LAKEWOOD, Colo. –Both the meltwater lednian stonefly and the western glacier stonefly are tiny winged insects about the size of your pencil eraser. They live in mountain-top streams and lake outlets where the frigid waters are fed from glaciers and permanent snowfields in and near Glacier National Park, in northwest Montana.

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Reopens Comment Period on Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Population Delisting Proposal

The Service is reopening of the comment period on the proposed rule to delist the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population, which initially published March 11, 2016.​ This decision comes after July’s release of the findings of an extensive scientific peer review of the delisting proposal. The extended comment period also allows the public to comment on the protective measures passed by Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming for post-delisting management of grizzly bears.​

2016 Meeteetse Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction. Photo Credit: Ryan Moehring / USFWS

Black-footed ferrets Return to Ancestors’ Stomping Grounds in Wyoming

July 28, 2016

One of North America’s most endangered mammals, the black-footed ferret, took another step toward recovery this week thanks to a historic reintroduction back to the ranches where the species was rediscovered in 1981 after having been believed to be extinct. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and the owners of two ranches released 35 black-footed ferrets outside Meeteetse, Wyoming.
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Grizzly Bear in Yellowstone National Park Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Posts Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Delisting Rule Peer Reviews

DENVER, Colo. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received five independent peer reviews on the Yellowstone grizzly bear population proposed delisting rule. The peer reviewers all agree that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population is biologically recovered and the 2016 Conservation Strategy, which is the post-delisting management plan, is sufficient to maintain a recovered population.

White Pelicans at Bear River Conservation Area Photo Credit: Brian Ferguson / USFWS

Utah Family Land Donation Establishes Bear River Watershed Conservation Area

BRIGHAM CITY, Utah – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting a 30-acre conservation easement donation west of Brigham City, Utah, from the Ferry Ranch and Farm family. Their contribution formally establishes the Bear River Watershed Conservation Area as the 565th national wildlife refuge.

The Wyoming toad only lives in Albany County, Wyoming and was released into three properties along the Little Laramie River. Credit: Rob Mansheim / USFWS.

Friends of the Wyoming Toad Have a Ribbiting Good Time Near Laramie Wyoming

LAKEWOOD, Colo. –In the continuing efforts to recover one of Americas most endangered amphibians, 900 adult Wyoming toads were released at three sites in the Laramie River basin on June 1st.

2015 Recovery Champion honoree Alex Diekmann holding a brown trout from the O’Dell Creek in Madison Valley, Mont.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces 2015 Endangered Species Recovery Champions

DENVER, Colo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today recognizes two individuals and teams for their exceptional efforts to conserve and protect the nation’s rarest fish, wildlife, and plants by designating them as 2015 Recovery Champions.

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Comment on Utah Cacti Draft Recovery Plan

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Both the Winkler and San Rafael cacti are small, yellow to peachy-pink flowering plants, which are found only in Utah. Amazingly, these cacti retract entirely into the ground during the winter and dry seasons.

Adult Bonytail

Endangered Bonytail Spawning Confirmed in a Green River Floodplain

JENSEN, UTAH – For the past four years, the Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program and its partner the Bureau of Reclamation have coordinated spring releases from Flaming Gorge Dam to connect floodplain habitats along the Green River near Jensen, Utah to provide important nursery habitat for endangered Colorado River fish.

Northern Long-eared bat

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Determines Critical Habitat is Not Prudent for Threatened Northern Long-eared Bat

Given the nature of the primary threats facing the species and the potential harm of publishing its hibernation locations, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that designating critical habitat for the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is not prudent.

• Press Release
• FAQs (PDF)
• Range and WNS Map (PDF)
• Learn More
  

Public Comment Sought on Draft Environmental Impact Statement Evaluating Impacts from Proposed Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Phase I Wind Energy Project

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comment on a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Power Company of Wyoming’s (PCW) Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Phase I Wind Energy Project (CCSM). The DEIS evaluates the impact of issuing an eagle take permit for the 500-turbine project to be built south of Rawlins, Wyoming.

• Press Release
• FAQs (PDF)
• Project Map (JPG)
  

The 12,000-acre Ladder Ranch is spread over several parcels but headquartered here under Battle Mountain. Photo by Phil Taylor.

The O'Tooles -- polar opposites of the Bundys

SAVERY, Wyo. -- Pat O'Toole trudged through ankle-deep snow to the confluence of Battle Creek and the Little Snake River, a place where beaver trappers fought the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho in 1841.

Photo: Scott Flaherty/USFWS

Condor pair likely incubating an egg in Zion National Park

 A pair of California condors appear to be nesting again in Zion National Park. Park staff first observed the pair entering a cavity in Zion Canyon on Feb. 26. Since then, the pair has been regularly observed in the cavity and the surrounding area. Biologists from The Peregrine Fund, the private non-profit that releases and monitors condors, has confirmed that GPS locations and daily behavior of both parents indicate regular incubation.

Credit: Greg Kramos / USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Helps Recover Threatened, Endangered Species at National Wildlife Refuges in Kansas, Utah, Montana

DENVER – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through its Cooperative Recovery Initiative (CRI), is committing $6.86 million to 16 projects across 27 states for recovery of some of the nation’s most at-risk species on or near national wildlife refuges.

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Input on Draft Recovery Plan for the Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – One of the most elusive rodents along Colorado’s Front Range is getting a boost on the road to recovery. 
The Preble’s Meadow Jumping Mouse (Preble’s mouse), which lives along vegetated streams from El Paso County, Colorado to southern Wyoming, was designated a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 1998. With its large hind legs and long tail, this mouse can jump many times its own body length when alarmed, but spends most of its time scurrying about through grass and other vegetation within or near the 100 year flood plain.

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Host Public Meetings on Proposed Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Population Delisting

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will host two informational open house meetings and public hearings on the Yellowstone grizzly bear population proposed delisting rule on   April 11-12, 2016, in Cody, Wyo. and Bozeman, Mont.

Piping Plover on Alkali. Photo Credit: Steven Tucker/USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Public Comment on Draft Revised Recovery Plan for Northern Great Plains Piping Plover Population

BISMARCK, N.D. –The piping plover, a small, sparrow-sized migratory shorebird known for its melodic mating call, may benefit from increased conservation activities, thanks to a new recovery plan released today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).

• Press Release
• FAQs
• Species Profile
• Learn More

Credit: Steve Amus / USDA

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mountain-Prairie Region Evaluating the Status of Two Species

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The western bumble bee, like all bumble bees, is a yellow and black bee that is an important pollinator of a wide variety of flowering plants and agricultural crops in western North America. This bee has a wide geographic range that stretches down the west coast from Alaska to California and reaches as far east as Nebraska and the Dakotas. 

• 90 Day Findings
• Press Release

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Delisting Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Due To Recovery

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – In response to the successful recovery of one of the nation’s most iconic animals, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today proposed to remove the grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the Federal Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife.

• Proposed Rule
• Press Release
• FAQs
• Supplement to 1993 Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan
• Draft 2016 Conservation Strategy for the Grizzly Bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
• Proposed Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly Delisting Rule Literature Cited
• Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Map

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Evaluating the Status of Species

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – The Northern Rocky Mountain fisher lives along streams in the forests of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. This long, bushy-tailed animal nearly disappeared from this area in the 1920s due to unregulated trapping. Fisher populations have rebounded, but new evidence suggests hunting, habitat loss, and poisoning may still be of concern. The fisher is just one of 17 other species that have been petitioned by environmental groups to list as threatened or endangered.

Press Release
January 2016 90 Day Findings

Credit: USFWS

New Rule Will Help Conservation of Endangered Ferrets in Wyoming

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – One of the most endangered mammals in North America received a boost today, thanks to collaborative efforts between the federal government and the State of Wyoming.

Press Release
FAQs
Factsheet
BFF Photos & B-roll

Credit: Joe Giersch / USGS

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to Evaluate Two Stoneflies for ESA protection

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – Two stoneflies found in high-elevation coldwater streams in and near Glacier National Park, Mont. will be evaluated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in the coming year to determine whether they warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

Press Release

Credit: USFWS

Black-footed Ferret Reintroduction on Rocky Mountain Aresnal NWR

On Monday, October 5, 2015, at Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR just outside of Denver, Colorado, we reintroduced what was once, the most endangered mammal in North America, the black-footed ferret.

Video Press Release

Wyoming Toad Credit: Sara Armstrong / USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wyoming Game and Fish Department Announce Final Recovery Plan for Endangered Wyoming Toad

LARAMIE, Wyo. – A deadly disease responsible for devastating global amphibian populations is threatening one of North America’s rarest amphibians, the endangered Wyoming toad.

Press Release
Species Profile
Final Recovery Plan

Photo of a Dakota skipper (left) and a Poweshiek skipperling (right). Credit: USFWS.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Designates Critical Habitat for Two Prairie Butterflies under the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced final critical habitat designations for the Dakota skipper and Poweshiek skipperling, two species of prairie butterflies listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2014.

Press Release

FAQs

Bull Trout Credit: Joel Sartore/ National Geographic & Wade Fredenberg/ USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Completes Final Bull Trout Recovery Plan

BOISE, Idaho – Efforts to conserve a key cold-water fish species got a boost today when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) released the final Bull Trout Recovery Plan, which outlines the conservation actions needed to recover bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).

Press Release

BullTrout - FAQ and Map (PDF)

Greater Sage-Grouse

Greater Sage-Grouse ESA Finding

DENVER- An unprecedented conservation partnership led by federal and state agencies, private landowners, industry and conservation groups has significantly reduced threats to the greater sage-grouse. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has found the species remains relatively abundant and well-distributed and does not need the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

Press Release

2015 Finding

USFWS Greater Sage-Grouse site

Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Court affirms Rodebaugh sentence, poacher from Meeker remains in prison

DENVER- Convicted poacher and former outfitter Dennis Eugene Rodebaugh, 73, of Meeker, Colo., learned on Tuesday that his appeal to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has failed, affirming the 41-month prison sentence and fines the former outfitter received in early 2013 for illegally baiting deer and elk with salt.

Press Release

Credit: USFWS

State Endangered Species Conservation Efforts Receive $37.2 Million Boost Through Service Grants: Colorado, Utah and Montana to Receive Funding

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is awarding $37.2 million in grants to 20 states to support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered species across the nation. The grants, awarded through the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF), will benefit numerous species ranging from the coastal California gnatcatcher to the Karner blue butterfly. For a complete list of the 2015 grant awards, see www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/index.html.

Press Release

Credit: USFWS

San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex Announces Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today the publication of its final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Press Release

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeking Input on Proposed Native American Policy Update

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) wants to know what you think about its draft Revised Native American Policy (NAP) with today’s publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register.

Press Release

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Announces Availability of a Draft Recovery Plan for the endangered Salt Creek Tiger Beetle

One of the world’s rarest insects is getting a boost to its recovery. In order to keep this unique insect from extinction a draft recovery plan has been developed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) that may help keep it from disappearing from the Cornhusker State.

Press Release | More Information

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Tribal Input on Listing Status of the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the early stages of considering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing status of the Yellowstone grizzly bear. While we recently reached out to tribes near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), we did not initially appreciate the breadth of historical, cultural, and spiritual connection some tribes outside that area have with the grizzly bear and the GYE. As a result, we at the Service are redoubling our efforts to engage our valued tribal partners who may be interested in government-to-government consultation on this matter.

Bulletin | Letter

Credit: Joel Sartore/ National Geographic & Wade Fredenberg/ USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Invites Comment on Implementation Plans for Bull Trout Recovery

BOISE, Idaho – Efforts to conserve a key cold-water fish species got a boost today when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) released draft Recovery Unit Implementation Plans (Implementation Plans) that will be part of a final recovery plan outlining the conservation actions needed to recover bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus).

News Release

Credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces 2014 Endangered Species Recovery Champions

DENVER, Colo. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) today recognized individuals and teams for their exceptional efforts to conserve and protect the nation’s rarest fish, wildlife, and plants by designating them as the 2014 Recovery Champions.

News Release

Photo credit: International Migratory Bird Day 2015 poster by Amelia Hansen for Environment for the Americas

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Celebrates International Migratory Bird Day

The Service is once again a proud sponsor of International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD), this Saturday, May 9th. The Service invites people to celebrate and support migratory bird conservation in their local communities and beyond.

News Release | Related Link

Ferret / USFWS

Partners Across the United States to Celebrate 10th Annual Endangered Species Day

The 10th annual national Endangered Species Day will be celebrated May 15, 2015, with special events and programs that recognize our nation’s efforts to conserve and protect America’s most imperiled species.

News Release

Photo credit: USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Hold Public Meetings for Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will hold a series of public meetings focused on explaining and obtaining comments on a revised Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

News Release

Service Announces Request for Proposals for the FY16 Tribal Wildlife Grants Program

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting proposals for the FY 2016 Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program. The program provides a competitive funding opportunity for federally recognized tribal governments to develop and implement programs for the benefit of wildlife and their habitat, including species of Native American cultural or traditional importance and species that are not hunted or fished.

News Release

Service Provides $1.1 Billion to State Wildlife Agencies Benefiting Outdoor Recreationists, Conservation, Regional Economies

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it will distribute $1.1 billion in revenues generated by the hunting and angling industry to state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies throughout the nation. The funds support critical fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects that benefit all Americans.

News Release

Potholes and Wind Turbines by Krista Lundgren / USFWS.

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement Available for Wind Energy Projects in the Upper Great Plains

LAKEWOOD, Colo.  — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and Western Area Power Administration have published a final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), which evaluates the environmental impacts of wind energy development in the Upper Great Plains states of Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The final PEIS, when coupled with project-specific environmental assessments, is designed to standardize the environmental review process while ensuring protection for wildlife and other natural resources in the Upper Great Plains.

News Release | PEIS, Volume 1, April 2015 (54.8mb pdf) | PEIS, Volume 2, April 2015 (33.4mb pdf) | More information:

Bi-State Sage-grouse Jeanne Stafford / USFWS

Service withdraws Bi-State DPS listing proposal

RENO, NV – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it was withdrawing a proposal to list the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of greater sage-grouse as threatened because a locally developed conservation plan and $45 million in funding will address the major threats to the species.

News Release

Ferret / USFWS

Service Helps Recover Species at National Wildlife Refuges in Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Montana

DENVER-The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through its Cooperative Recovery Initiative (CRI), is committing $5.8 million to 14 projects across 18 states for recovery of some of the nation’s most at-risk species on or near national wildlife refuges.

News Release

Barn Owl / USFWS

Utah man pleads guilty and is sentenced for Airborne Hunting Act violation

Dell Schanze, age 45, of American Fork, Utah, pled guilty to using an aircraft to harass wildlife and pursuing a migratory bird in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City Friday afternoon. There was no plea agreement, and federal prosecutors made no concessions to Schanze as a part of his guilty plea to both counts of the Misdemeanor Information.

News Release

Black-footed ferret kits by Ryan Moehring / USFWS

Service Proposes Measures to Facilitate Recovery of Endangered Black-footed Ferrets in Wyoming

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public comment on a proposal to designate the State of Wyoming as a special area for the reintroduction of black-footed ferrets, which are federally listed as endangered.

News Release | Frequently Asked Questions | Black-footed Ferret Recovery | Species Photos and B-roll

Greater sage-grouse by Tom Koerner / USFWS

Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Highlighted by Sage Grouse Initiative

The Sage Grouse Initiative regularly features its many partners as part of its Featured Friend series. They recently honored the USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, which helps to fund many of SGI's field staff, and also works with SGI in the field by carrying out conservation projects with private ranchers.

News Release | Partners for Fish and Wildlife

Northern long-eared bat in cave Credit: Jill Uturp/USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Protects Northern Long-eared Bat as Threatened Under Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it is protecting the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), primarily due to the threat posed by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has devastated many bat populations.

News Release | Interim 4(d) FAQ | Listing FAQ|Buffer Zone and Range Map for Northern Long-eared Bat | Species Factsheet | Do I need a permit?

Pronghorn Credit: Tom Koerner/USFWS

Tribes in 13 States Receive $4.2 Million From Service for Conservation Work

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced nearly $4.2 million in Tribal Wildlife Grants to Native American Tribes in 13 states. The awards will support conservation projects that benefit a wide range of wildlife and habitat.

News Release