U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Receives $5.1 Million for Endangered Species Recovery Efforts
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a $5.1 million investment from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to support the recovery implementation efforts of four focal species groups: Hawaiian and Pacific Island plants, pollinators (butterflies and moths), freshwater mussels, and southwest desert fish. This funding will play a crucial role in advancing conservation efforts for these endangered species.
The Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to transition to a clean energy economy and promote environmental justice for historically disadvantaged communities, is enabling the Department of the Interior to lead in this effort. The Department plans to invest a total of $2 billion from the Investing in America agenda to restore lands and waters and advance climate resilience, guided by a restoration and resilience framework.
These projects are the first to be announced from the $62.5 million designated for recovery implementation through the Inflation Reduction Act, which also provided $125 million for recovery planning and implementation. A total of 36 projects will be supported by this funding, benefiting more than 580 species listed under the Endangered Species Act.
Service Director Martha Williams expressed her enthusiasm for the funding, stating, “This infusion of Inflation Reduction Act funding will allow the Service to achieve impactful conservation for listed species that have been historically underfunded.” The Service aims to move endangered and threatened species closer to recovery through strategic, prioritized recovery implementation actions for the selected species groups.
To develop recovery plans, the Service relies on the best available science, incorporating scientific information and recovery criteria necessary for delisting or downlisting threatened or endangered species. The Service actively engages with various stakeholders, including Tribes, federal agencies, state and local governments, conservation organizations, communities, and private citizens, to gather input and innovative ideas for conserving and restoring imperiled species.
The announcement coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), highlighting its importance in preventing species extinction, promoting wildlife recovery, and conserving critical habitats. Over the past five decades, the ESA has proven to be highly effective, as almost every species protected by the Act is still present today. In fact, over 100 species have been delisted or downlisted due to successful recovery efforts.
When species are listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA, protective measures are put in place to prevent further harm. These measures include safeguards against harmful impacts of federal activities, the development and implementation of recovery plans, and the conservation of important habitats.
This funding will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect and restore endangered species. To learn more about the Endangered Species program, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species webpage.
Original Story at www.thenewsenterprise.com – 2023-07-21 03:30:00
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