Wildlife ProtectionAdapting to Change

NASF Annual Meeting

Lake Tahoe, California

September 16, 2015

Lisa Allen

Missouri State Forester

Wildlife Protection

Is the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Working?

The purpose of the ESA is to protect and recover imperiled species and the ecosystems upon which they depend.

Many species that are surviving and even thriving today are a direct result of the ESA working.

In some cases, the value of forest habitat to an endangered species is recognized, but forest management activities are limited to the point that healthy habitat is hard to maintain for multiple species including the one that is endangered.

Is it possible to shift from a single species focus to one that promotes healthy ecosystems for the good of the species, the economy and local communities?

Case Study #1: Is ESA Working?Indiana and Northern Long Ear Bat in Missouri

Case Study #1: Bat Management History

Indiana bat has been a federally endangered species for decades

Indiana Bat Management Plan and Guidelines accepted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – 2006

Guidelines have been modified multiple times (2007, 2009)

Result: Agreed upon guidelines that allow the flexibility to create and enhance habitat for endangered bats through sustainable forest management

Case Study #1: Present Situation White Nose Syndrome discovered - 2006

2012 the largest known Indiana bat hibernaculum was discovered in northern Missouri – state supports 25% of the known population

2015 Northern long-eared bat listed as threatened under ESA

2014 &15 -Biological Opinion for incidental take of Indiana bat required for State Wildlife Grants

U.S F&W Service Biological Opinion required modification to existing Indiana Bat Guidelines

Agreement could not be reached - currently operatingunder interim guidelines that have drastically restricted our ability to cut trees during summer months

Case Study #1: Future of Bat Habitat Management?

Onerous bat survey requirements

Limited/restricted forest habitat enhancement

Revised Bat Habitat Management Plan and Guidelines must be completed and accepted by the USF&WS – April 2016

Based on this Case Study:Is the Endangered Species Act Working?

Yes

No

Maybe

Somewhat

Are there other Strategies?

Strategies to Improve Results of ESA?

Restore natural communities that support biological diversity

Identify and engage partners

Improve dialogue between forestry and wildlife community

Merge Forest Action Plan and Wildlife Action Plan to set common habitat goals that are socially and economically acceptable

Case Study #2: Missouri’s Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

A plan to merge the Missouri Forest Action Plan and the Missouri Wildlife Action Plan into one comprehensive document

Case Study #2:Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

Hurdles to Overcome: Single species vs. a suite of species

Single focus on habitat vs. social and economic factors

Cutting trees for habitat is okay, but . . . .

Prescribed fire as a system rather than a tool to achieve a desired future condition

Natural community management vs. silviculture

Agreement on including urban habitats

Case Study #2: Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

Expected Outcome

A single document

Landscape scale ecosystem restoration and management

Priority geographies

Goal: Heathy habitats that support species diversity, local economies and people.

Where do we go from here?Questions to Consider

Is it time to revisit the ESA?

Could the ESA be more effective in species and ecosystem recovery?

How do we shift from single species protection to one that supports healthy ecosystems and the species that they support, as well as healthy economics?

Is it dangerous to open up the ESA law?

How do we better collaborate with wildlife management professionals to improve ESA implementation?

Questions