What Happened
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed to list the alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with a special rule refining the activities that would be prohibited without agency authorization. This species is the largest freshwater turtle in North America and has experienced population declines and reductions in range over many decades.
Read more in the full Regulatory Alert.
Why It Matters
If listed as proposed, activities that alter the bed, bank, or riparian zone of occupied waterbodies could require authorization from the USFWS. Harvest of these turtles, including for recreation, could also be prohibited without authorization.
The USFWS proposed a special rule identifying certain activities affecting the turtle that could proceed without agency authorization:
- certain construction, forestry, pesticide/herbicide management activities near streams consistent with best practices
- maintenance dredging of navigable waterways
- certain conservation and state-authorized farming activities
- certain tribal activities
SWCA Lens
The USFWS is accepting comments and information about the turtle through January 10, 2022. The agency will consider this information and decide on the proposal within 1 year. Before a final decision, landowners and project proponents can review planned and…
