What Happened
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is proposing to list the Florida Keys mole skink as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Most of the designated habitat is on land owned or managed by the state, county, or federal government. Private property comprises approximately 13 percent of the area within the designation.
Read more in the full Regulatory Alert.
What to Watch
USFWS is seeking comments on this designation and whether specific areas should be included or excluded in the designation. The proposal includes establishing critical habitat and a 4(d) rule that will tailor protections for the species and help support its conservation needs. USFWS seeks public comments on this proposal until Nov. 28, 2022.
- Submit comments at Regulations.gov by entering the docket number for this proposal in the search box: FWS-R4-ES-2022-0104
- See Florida Keys Mole Skink FAQs at fws.gov
SWCA Lens
SWCA is ready to assist governmental clients, private property owners and managers assess and develop specific management guidance to help them fulfill their responsibilities under NEPA. We can also assist private property owners navigate the process of obtaining permits and conducting consultations with USFWS in support of their projects.
