Wildlife Protection Adapting 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 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 operating under 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