# PUBLIC SUBMISSION | As of: October 08, 2016 Received: October 07, 2016 Status: Posted Posted: October 08, 2016 Tracking No. 1k0-8sby-hl0m Comments Due: October 07, 2016 Submission Type: API

Docket: FWS-R6-ES-2016-0042
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Population of Grizzly Bears From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife

Comment On: FWS-R6-ES-2016-0042-5755
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Removing Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Population of Grizzly Bears From Federal List

Document: FWS-R6-ES-2016-0042-9641
Submitted Electronically via eRulemaking Portal

## Submitter Information

Name: Marianne Burdick
Address:

215 McManus Road South
Patterson, NY, 12563

Email: burdick14@yahoo.com
Phone: 845-494-7385

## General Comment

Please do not remove Yellowstone area grizzlies from the Endangered Species List and keep them protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The attached document, titled letter.pdf, provides science based comments and citations which support the need to keep grizzlies listed and protected under the ESA.
The delisting plans do not contain any binding agreements to act. There are no enforceable limits on mortality once delisting has occurred. The Conservation Strategy, itself, does not compel any agency to do anything. In fact, even if deaths exceed prescribed levels, no agency is required to do anything. USFWS indicates that it will step in if the population dips below 500 but that is not compulsory.
Wyoming, Idaho and Montana are notorious for their hostile treatment of predators. How can we trust them to manage our grizzlies? In the states' joint comment, they (a) reject the need for federal oversight after the initial 5-year monitoring period, (b) reject the requirement of connectivity and (c) push for a range of 600-747 bears instead of accepting the population objective of 674 bears. They indicate that they want to "manage downward" meaning the states will aim for the lower number of 600 bears. Will USFWS give in to the states' demands? If so, why are those requirements no longer important to the continued survival of Yellowstone grizzlies?
Thank you for your consideration of these comments,
Marianne Burdick, HHP, MPH
215 McManus Road South
Patterson, New York 12563
845-494-7385

## Attachments

Letter