Recovery Planning
The Ultimate Goal
The ultimate goal of the Endangered Species Act is the recovery of endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems on which they depend.
Recovery Planning
The first step in recovery of a listed species is the preparation of a draft recovery plan. This is done by a team that includes Service biologists, outside species experts and other interested parties.
Once the draft is prepared, we request public comment. We post notices about draft recovery plans in the Federal Register. We also publish news releases. We welcome your comments.
Recovery Plans
- Baker's Larkspur (1.35 MB)
- Pallid Manzanita (656 KB)
- Riparian Brush Rabbit
- Santa Rosa Plains Draft - Sonoma CTS and 3 Plants
- Tidal Marsh
- Vernal Pool
- Vine Hill Clarkia Draft Recovery Plan (444 KB)
Recovery in Action
Once a plan has been approved, we go into action to recover the species. This includes protecting and often restoring the habitat in which the species can thrive. Final and draft recovery plans are available from the Threatened and Endangered Species System (TESS).
The following NEPA documents have been prepared in support of current Recovery Actions.
Rock Creek Meadow Restoration Project
- Finding of No Significant Impact (4.03 MB)
- Final Environmental Assessment (3.34 MB)
Recovery Success
The Endangered Species Act requires that we review each listed species at least once every 5 years. We decide whether the species has recovered or need a status change (threatened to endangered or vice versa). See our 5-Year Review Page for more information.
When a species has recovered, we are able to remove it from the endangered species list. We call this delisting.
