Division of Management Authority (DMA): Who Are We? |
What is our mission? Where are we? How are we organized? What work do we do? Primary functions. DMA's Branch of Permits and Branch of Operations work together to accomplish the following:
The Branch of Permits uses permits as a tool to help conserve wildlife for enjoyment and use by people, both today and in the future. Through the permitting process valuable data are gathered, shared, and used to monitor and manage trade of animals and plants. The branch processes permits under CITES, Lacey Act (injurious wildlife), Marine Mammal Protection Act, Wild Bird Conservation Act, and U.S. Endangered Species Act. In the face of increased workload and increased demand for permits, the branch continues to look for innovative ways to process permits, emphasizing outreach with stakeholders and uses of new technology. The Branch of Operations develops practical policies and regulations to implement CITES, interprets CITES resolutions and decisions, assists in monitoring of trade in CITES specimens, coordinates with other agencies on CITES activities and enforcement, serves as the primary public CITES contact, and provides delegation logistical and preparatory work for most CITES meetings. This branch also implements provisions of other U.S. wildlife trade laws such as the Wild Bird Conservation Act, the Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act, and the Pelly Amendment of the Fisherman's Protective Act. These laws need continued public involvement to effectively protect the world's natural resources. Conservation Partnerships. DMA also works cooperatively with others to promote conservation of animal and plant species in trade. Partnerships are essential to managing resources, especially as commercial use of wildlife challenges traditional approaches to wildlife conservation. DMA collaborates with states and tribes to support their implementation of management programs for native species listed under CITES that are commercially traded in high numbers, including American ginseng, American alligator, bobcat, Canada lynx, and river otter. We oversee and monitor approved export programs for 45 states and 8 tribes. This results in expedited issuance of CITES permits for export of roots, furs, and skins of these species, supporting improved conservation efforts for species of international concern. DMA also manages a registry of botanical gardens for the placement of CITES confiscated plants. These plant rescue centers promote plant conservation by mitigating threats from international trade and educating the public about wild plant resources. |