The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced a proposal to protect three Colorado plants under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If made final, the measure would extend ESA protection by designating the Pagosa skyrocket as endangered throughout its range; and the Parachute beardtongue and DeBeque phacelia as threatened throughout their ranges. The decision by the Service will be published June 23, 2010, in the Federal Register.
The three plants, which are found only in Western Colorado, are impacted by threats throughout their ranges. Each plant faces a different set of threats.
The listing of the three plants will have land use implications for all affected Federal lands because the ESA directs Federal agencies to protect and promote the recovery of Federally listed species. Consequently, Federal lands provide the greatest protection for endangered and threatened plants. Where listed plants occur on Federal lands, consultation with the Service is required when projects or activities may affect the species.
However, this listing does not directly affect private and non-Federal landowners whose property hosts the three proposed plants. Consultations come into play only in cases where activities involving plants require Federal funding or permitting or the use of an Environmental Protection Agency-registered pesticide. The ESA does not provide any greater protection to listed plants on private lands than they already receive under State law. The ESA also does not prohibit "take" of listed plants on private lands, but landowners must still comply with State laws protecting imperiled plants.
Comments and scientific information regarding the three proposed plants for listing may be submitted online at .
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