Service Removes Western Great Lakes, Portion of Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf Populations from Endangered Species List

Wolves in Wyoming to Remain Protected by Endangered Species Act

Deputy Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett announced today the removal of the western Great Lakes population and portions of the northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolves from protection under the Endangered Species Act. The success of gray wolf recovery efforts in these areas has contributed to expanding populations of wolves that no longer require the protection of the Act. However, gray wolves found within the borders of Wyoming will continue to be protected by the Act due to a lack of adequate regulatory mechanisms ensuring their protection under state law.

“Wolves have recovered in the Great Lakes and the northern Rocky Mountains because of the hard work, cooperation and flexibility shown by States, tribes, conservation groups, federal agencies and citizens of both regions,” said Scarlett. “We can all be proud of our various roles in saving this icon of the American wilderness.”

The Mountain-Prairie Region Welcomes Noreen Walsh as its new Deputy Regional Director

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Mountain-Prairie Region welcomes Noreen Walsh as its new Deputy Regional Director.  The region includes eight states through three distinct eco regions – North and South Dakota; Montana and Wyoming; and Utah, Colorado, Nebraska and Kansas.

“Noreen will be a valuable asset as this region meets the challenges of not only managing a rich and diverse landscape but meeting future challenges such as climate change and alternative energy development while balancing wildlife needs and wildlife conservation,” said Steve Guertin, the Mountain-Prairie Regional Director. 

Walsh, an 18-year veteran of the Service, most recently served as the Assistant Regional Director of Ecological Services in the agency’s Southeast Region headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to that, Walsh served in the Endangered Species Program in the Washington D.C. headquarters. She also worked in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ecological Services Field Office and spent the first five years of her Service career as a research biologist in Alaska.

“I look forward to working with the region’s team of dedicated professionals to continue working cooperatively for conservation,” said Walsh. “As we work with private landowners, states, Tribes, and others, I know we can make a real difference for fish and wildlife by providing technical expertise built on sound science, creative ideas, and a cooperative spirit.”

Walsh holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Michigan State University and a Master of Science degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University. She and her husband, Mark, have two daughters, Claire and Leah. They enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, and reading.

Habitat and Population Evaluation Teams Receive Inaugural Science Award from Director

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall recently recognized the outstanding contributions of Service employees to science-based management of the Nation's fish and wildlife resources. Hall announced the Service's first ever science awards during a broadcast to employees.

"Science underpins everything we do as an agency," Hall said. "These awards recognize employees who exemplify excellence and innovation in using science to make a difference for conservation."

The Rachel Carson Award for Scientific Excellence recognizes Service employees who exemplify the best in scientific contribution and application to achieve extraordinary results in fish and wildlife conservation. Read More

Service to Conduct Status Review of the New Mexico Population of Canada Lynx

Following an initial review of a petition to revise the listing of Canada lynx to include the mountains of north-central New Mexico, the Fish and Wildlife Service will undertake a review to determine if animals in New Mexico – believed to be dispersers from the State of Colorado reintroduction efforts - should be protected under the Endangered Species Act.

The Service is seeking information regarding the status and distribution of the Canada lynx, including impacts or potential impacts to the species resulting from either human activities or natural causes. Public comments will be accepted until February 17, 2008. For more information, please see the Federal Register Notice.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Releases Annual List of Candidates for Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the current status of plants and animals that are candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Two species have been removed from candidate status, one species has been added and 11 have a change in priority from the last review in December 2007. There are now 251 species recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection.

Removed from the candidate list are the Ogden mountainsnail, a mollusk species found in Utah, and the Florida indigo, a plant species native to tropical regions. Added to the list is the Gierisch mallow, a plant species found in northern Mohave County, Arizona and southern Washington County, Utah.

The complete notice and list of proposed and candidate species appears in the Federal Register and can be found online at http://www.fws.gov/endangered/candidates/index.html.

Learn More

Bald Eagle Shot Near Tulare, South Dakota - Reward Offered -

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for the shooting of an immature bald eagle two miles north and two and a half miles west of Tulare, South Dakota. The eagle was shot sometime between November 26 - 28, 2008.

The eagle has been transported to the Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown, South Dakota, where it is being treated for its injuries.

Bald Eagles are protected by both federal and state law. Bald eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

Callers with information may remain anonymous. Please contact one of the following individuals:

Special Agent Ken Dulik, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 605.885.6403
Wildlife Conservation Officer Nick Cochran, 605.626.3340
SDGF&P TIPS Hotline - 1-888 OVERBAG

Fish and Wildlife Service to Conduct Status Review of the Black-tailed Prairie Dog

Dr. Christopher Servheen, FWS Grizzly Bear Coordinator, is awarded the Individual Ernest Thompson Seton Award by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

South Dakotan Joshua Spies Wins 2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest!

A Healthy River Benefits People and Wildlife: Recovery of the Missouri River

A Great Day for Endangered Fish in the Grand Valley as Community Celebrates Completion of Capital Projects

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Sign Annual Funding Agreement for National Bison Range Complex

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announces Winners of the 2008 Colorado Junior Duck Stamp Contest