Delisting Process for Endangered Species and Relevance to Populations on Army Lands

Abstract

Abstract : The Endangered Species Act (ESA) states that all Federal agencies are responsible for conserving threatened and endangered species as part of their normal activities. As a result, Department of Defense agencies play an important role in the conservation of many rare plant and animal populations. Presently, more than 175 of the approximately 1,290 taxa of plants and animals protected under the ESA are known to inhabit Army lands. Protection of species under the ESA can constrain Army mission activities, thereby reducing defense readiness. As the number of listed species increases, mission constraints will increase. The purpose of the ESA is to prevent species extinction and promote recovery by providing protection to imperiled plants and animals. Delisting species is the ultimate goal of implementing the ESA; it is the best alternative for reducing conflicts between the Army s mission and endangered species protection. Recovery and delisting of species on military lands will provide the maximum flexibility for the conduct of training and testing operations while achieving the goals of environmental protection and sustainment. This report reviews the delisting/downlisting process of the Endangered Species Act and provides a roadmap for consideration of the delisting process with application to species on military lands.