U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service experts will host a public information session on April 2 in Maine to present information and respond to questions about the proposed critical habitat rule for the Canada lynx. The meeting will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Black Bear Inn at 4 Godfrey Drive in Orono.
On Feb. 28, the Service proposed to revise the amount of critical habitat designated for the Canada lynx under the Endangered Species Act. Approximately 42,753 square miles of habitat are being proposed for critical habitat across the contiguous United States, including 10,633 square miles in northwestern Maine in Aroostook, Franklin, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Somerset counties. Most of the proposed critical habitat in Maine occurs on private lands and includes some state and tribal lands.
The April 2 session is not a formal public hearing, and oral testimony on the proposed critical habitat revision will not be recorded.
The Service will accept public comments on all aspects of the proposed rule until April 28. The Service is particularly seeking input regarding the inclusion of certain lands in the designation and on the appropriateness of excluding lands from the designation currently covered by management plans that provide for the conservation of the lynx. Comments and information may be hand-delivered or mailed to the Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203. Comments and information may be submitted electronically via the federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.
Areas proposed as critical habitat for the Canada lynx include boreal forest landscapes that provide one or more of the following beneficial habitat elements for the lynx: snowshoe hares for prey; abundant large, woody debris piles for dens; and usually deep and fluffy winter snow conditions for extended periods of time. All proposed areas have recent verified records of lynx occurrence and reproduction and as a result are considered occupied.
In 2000, the Service protected Canada lynx under the ESA as a threatened species throughout its range in the contiguous United States. Lynx are medium-sized cats, generally measuring 30 to 35 inches long and weighing 18 to 23 pounds. They have tufts on their ears, short, black-tipped tails, and large, well-furred feet and long legs for traversing snow. Lynx are highly specialized predators of snowshoe hare and are strongly associated with what is broadly described as boreal forest habitat.
In 2006, the Service designated 1,841 square miles of critical habitat for the lynx within the boundaries of Voyagers National Park in Minnesota, Glacier National Park in Montana and North Cascades National Park in Washington.
This revised proposal is one of eight endangered species actions the Service is revisiting due to questions raised about use of scientific information and whether certain actions were consistent with appropriate legal standards. This review underscores the Service's commitment to ensure ESA actions are based on the best available science.
Critical habitat is a term in the ESA. It identifies geographic areas containing features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and may require special management considerations or protections. The designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge and has no impact on private landowners taking actions that do not require federal funding or permits on their own land.
Federal agencies undertaking, funding or permitting activities that may affect critical habitat are required to consult with the Service to ensure such actions do not adversely modify or destroy designated critical habitat.
Areas under consideration for critical habitat were prioritized based on their historical record of lynx presence and current lynx population. The Service has determined that currently occupied habitat is sufficient to conserve the Canada lynx and that designation of critical habitat in unoccupied habitat is not required. Areas considered for critical habitat designation were therefore required to have recent evidence of lynx presence and reproduction.
The Service will update the 2006 analysis of potential economic impacts of the proposed critical habitat designation. It will be available for public review and comment when it is complete.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.
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