In a race against extinction, rusty patched bumble bee is listed as endangeredFirst bumble bee protected under the Endangered Species ActJanuary 10, 2017 
Just 20 years ago, the rusty patched bumble bee was a common sight, so ordinary that it went almost unnoticed as it moved from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen. But the species, now balancing precariously on the brink of extinction, has become the first-ever bumble bee in the United States — and the first bee of any kind in the contiguous 48 states — to be declared endangered. The endangered designation is made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Endangered Species Act for species that are in danger of becoming extinct throughout all or a portion of their range. Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius said, “Our top priority is to act quickly to prevent extinction of the rusty patched bumble bee. Listing the bee as endangered will help us mobilize partners and focus resources on finding ways right now to stop the decline.” Once common and abundant across 28 states from Connecticut to South Dakota, the District of Columbia and two Canadian provinces, the rusty patched bumble bee has experienced a swift and dramatic decline since the late 1990s. Abundance of the rusty patched bumble bee has plummeted by 87 percent, leaving small, scattered populations in 13 states and one province. Importance of Resilient Coastal Wetlands to Conservation, Recreation Economy and Coastal Communities Recognized by $17 Million in Grants to StatesState and local governments, private landowners, conservation groups and tribes will contribute an additional $20 millionJanuary 5, 2017 Coastal wetlands are under siege from both increased development and sea-level rise. Coastal wetland habitat conservation is critical to ensure that wildlife and coastal communities continue to thrive for future generations. Over $17 million will be awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to 20 projects in 10 coastal states to protect, restore or enhance more than 13,000 acres of coastal wetlands and adjacent upland habitats under the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program. State and local governments, private landowners, conservation groups and other partners will contribute over $20 million in additional funds to these projects, which protect, restore or enhance coastal wetlands and adjacent uplands to provide long-term conservation benefits to fish and wildlife and their habitats. “Wetlands in coastal watersheds, including on national wildlife refuges, are diverse and complex ecosystems that are vital to the nation’s economy and an important part of the nation’s natural heritage. They provide crucial habitat, including breeding grounds, nurseries, shelter and food for fish, birds and other wildlife,” said National Wildlife Refuge System Chief Cynthia Martinez. “The pressure on wetlands is increasing from the demand for land and water, as well as from the effects of climate change, and it is vital that we protect them for future generations.” U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Proposals from States for 2017 Endangered Species GrantsJanuary 3, 2016 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals from states and U.S. territories for federal financial assistance for conservation activities that benefit the nation’s most imperiled species. The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (CESCF), authorized under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act, provides grants to support voluntary conservation projects for listed species and species that are candidates for listing. For fiscal year (FY) 2017, the President’s budget requested $53.495 million for CESCF. The actual amount of funding available is based on Congress passing a final appropriations bill for the Department of the Interior. The Service is seeking proposals in three categories:
A New Beginning: Puerto Rican parrots reintroduced into Maricao Commonwealth ForestNovember 30, 2016 
Dawn breaks at the west-central mountain region (Cordillera Central) of the tropical island of Puerto Rico. The night dew clings to every surface on the forest floor and makes fern leaves glimmer. At the Maricao Commonwealth Forest, about 1,300 feet above sea level, tropical birds call to one another announcing a new day. Today marks a new beginning for a returning resident of the forest, the Puerto Rican parrot. The Reina Mora (Puerto Rican spindalis) shakes its painted head as the Bienteveo (Puerto Rican vireo) stoops. A foraging San Pedrito (Puerto Rican tody) catches a cricket in mid-air and three people exit from behind a blind. They walk at snail pace toward a massive 16-foot tall, galvanized steel and wire mesh cage. Thirty-one parrots are about to be set free. About two dozen people are watching from behind the blind. Why so much interest? The Puerto Rican parrot is an endemic species of Puerto Rico, and the only native parrot in the United States. Conservation professionals have been working toward the parrot’s reintroduction to the Maricao Forest for more than 40 years. This reintroduction begins a new chapter in the history of the Puerto Rican parrot recovery program. During pre-Columbian times the parrot was abundant, but through the years, deforestation, predation, diseases and poaching caused the population to crash. In the 1970’s, chicks and eggs were captured from the wild, and a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies began. Today, the population has more than 500 birds that are distributed among state and federal facilities and, until today, only two wild locations in the El Yunque National Forest and Rio Abajo Commonwealth Forest. Service Sends Coastal Barrier Resource System Report to Congress with Updated Maps for 65 UnitsMaps include updates to units in Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and LouisianaNovember 29, 2016 
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 is a map-based law that continues to serve as a free-market approach to natural resource conservation by protecting undeveloped coastal barrier habitat from intensive development. While development within the Coastal Barrier Resource System (CBRS) is allowed, most federal expenditures and financial assistance that encourage development – such as flood insurance – are prohibited, meaning private developers or other non-federal parties must bear the full cost. This saves taxpayer money and helps conserve these vitally important, biologically rich areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) administers the law and is charged with updating the maps and making recommendations to Congress for appropriate changes to the CBRS. The Service has completed a pilot project for updating the CBRS maps and submitted to Congress a report with the final set of recommended maps for 65 CBRS units in Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana. These maps will only take effect if adopted by Congress through legislation. In addition to the revised maps the report contains an analysis of the benefits to the public from using digital mapping technology for all CBRS units; benefits that include more accurate and user-friendly CBRS data and maps, increased awareness of and compliance with the CBRA, and opportunities for enhanced state, local, and non-governmental conservation efforts. |
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January 10, 2016