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Regulatory Alerts

USFWS Proposes to Relist the Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owl

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January 7, 2022

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The pygmy-owl first received federal protection in 1997 but was delisted in 2006. In 2011, the FWS determined that a petition to relist the pygmy-owl was not warranted. A court decision in 2017 directed FWS to reconsider that finding. The current proposed rule is the FWS’s latest review and proposal regarding the status of the pygmy-owl.

Will My Project Be Affected?

The FWS identifies habitat loss and fragmentation and climate change as the primary threats to the pygmy-owl. These threats act through urbanization, invasive species (particularly buffelgrass), and agricultural or forest production, or result from increasing temperatures, decreasing precipitation, and increasing intensity of weather events. Land development and agricultural activities in pygmy-owl habitat could be affected if the listing becomes final.

Learn More and Get Involved

  • Review the Proposed Rule: The FWS published the proposed rule in the Federal Register. Click here to view.
  • Attend a Public Meeting: The FWS is holding a virtual public informational meeting and hearing on January 25, 2022. Register here to attend.
  • Submit Comments: Submit comments through February 22 on www.regulations.gov under Docket Number FWS–R2–ES–2021–0098 or click here.

SWCA Can Help

We supported our clients with technical, scientific research, and regulatory compliance services when the pygmy-owl was previously listed. Our experienced biologists and regulatory specialists remain ready to help you understand the proposed listing and explore ways to minimize risks to project timelines and budgets. Our scientists can also help you prepare comments on the proposed listing rule, including activities that the FWS should consider exempting from the prohibitions on take.

With questions or for more information, please contact us.

 

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