As the principal federal partner for administering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Mountain-Prairie Region, we take the lead in recovering and conserving our Region's imperiled species by fostering partnerships, employing scientific excellence, and developing a workforce of conservation leaders. As we work in partnership with others, our two major goals are to:

1. Protect endangered and threatened species and pursue their recovery.

2. Conserve candidate species and species-at-risk so that listing under the ESA is not necessary.

We achieve these goals through the following activities:

Our nation is home to an incredible diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems, which contribute to human health, economic prosperity, and happiness. However, over the past 300 years, our social and biological landscape has dramatically changed. Many native plants and animals have become extinct, and many more of our natural communities and the species they sustain are threatened or under stress.

In 1973, Congress passed the ESA to address these alarming trends in the loss of native species and their habitats and to better safeguard, for the benefit of all citizens, the Nation's heritage in fish, wildlife, and plants. This significant legislation reflects the deep respect and appreciation that Americans have for our natural resources, as well as an understanding that all life is linked to a healthy environment.