This page is updated as items of interest appear in the environmental community. Some postings are just a brief announcement, but many have a download offering complete information. If you have news items pertinent to New Mexico species and/or environmental planners, please alert SPECIEZnm. Send an email to Administration with an attachment of your press release.

CURRENT NEWS

	NOVEMBER 2008

7 November 2008

ANNOUNCING BOOK RELEASE OF THE BOSQUE FIELD GUIDE

The MRGBI/BIG, Drylands Institute, UNM Museum of Southwestern Biology, and National Hispanic Cultural Center cordially invite you to a "A Field Guide to the Plants and Animals of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque" book-release event. This authoritative guide, a first of its kind in the Middle Rio Grande Bosque, reveals the important role of a unique riverside ecosystem. The guide should prove an invaluable resource for land managers, teachers, students, eco-buffs, and nature enthusiasts.

The event takes place: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 from 9:30 am to noon at the National Hispanic Cultural Center (Salon Ortega), 1701 4th Street SW, Albuquerque.

Enjoy an introduction of the guide by the authors which will include a slide presentation describing the goals, scope, organization, and format of the field guide and the partnerships leading to the development of this comprehensive and visually attractive book that will serve as an educational tool in the classroom while also helping raise general public awareness about the status of the Middle Rio Grande Bosque and its relationship with water, development, and funding.

The guide will be available for purchase at the event. Proceeds from the guide’s sale will be used to purchase additional copies for schools and environmental education programs. Please note that an RSVP is required; see further information on the event announcement:

DOWNLOAD:    BosqueFieldGuideEvent.pdf

EPA’S REPORT ON THE ENVIRONMENT NOW AVAILABLE

In the October 30, 2008 Federal Register (Volume 73, Number 211), the EPA announced the final report, EPA's 2008 Report on the Environment (EPA 2008 ROE), a science-based report that answers questions about recent trends in human health and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency's 2008 Report on the Environment, also referred to as the EPA 2008 ROE, provides the American people with an important resource from which they can better understand trends in the condition of the air, water, land, and human health of the United States.

This report uses scientifically sound measures, called indicators, to address fundamental questions relevant to the EPA’s mission to protect the environment and human health. To accomplish its mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA must pay close attention to trends in the condition of the Nation’s environment. This kind of information, which is captured in EPA’s 2008 ROE, can help EPA to prioritize its work and to focus on human health and ecological activities that can lead to improvements in the conditions of the Nation’s environment.

The document appears on the EPA’s publication site. It is 33 MB for the entire report or can be obtained in 11 sections; for downloading, access:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/cfm/recordisplay.cfm?deid=190806#Download

WOLF RELEASE SCHEDULED NOV. 6 IN GILA NATIONAL FOREST

BEAVERHEAD, N.M.: Male wolf 922 is scheduled for return to the wild Nov. 6, the Mexican Wolf Reintroduction Project announced today. The wolf was born in New Mexico in 2005, and his release is intended to increase the wolf population in the Gila National Forest and help the Interagency Field Team locate female wolves in the forest. The team will be flying its annual helicopter population count and capture in January. The Reintroduction Project is a multi-agency cooperative effort among the Arizona Game and Fish Department, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, USDA Forest Service, USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

“We are hoping he’ll be able to find any female wolves in the area that aren’t currently wearing radio collars,” said Ellen Heilhecker, wolf biologist for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. “Of course that means he also has the potential to create another breeding pair in New Mexico.”

In the Monday, 27 October 2008 Federal Register, the USFWS posted the following information. SUMMARY: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)(collectively, "Services" or "we") previously proposed to amend regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (Act) (73 FR 47868–47875; August 15, 2008). The Services proposed these regulatory changes to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the section 7(a)(2) consultation process.

This Federal Register notice advises the public that we (FWS and NOAA) have prepared a Draft Environmental Assessment (Draft EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) that assesses the potential environmental effects of the proposed regulatory changes currently under consideration.

DATES: To ensure consideration, we must receive written comments by November 6, 2008.

SPECIEZnm first alerted our readers about this proposed action on 15 August 2008. We located an additional document that may be of interest, “Myths and Realities About the Proposed ESA Regulations on Consultations.” This DOI information, along with the Federal Register notice and the Draft EA, are available below.

DOWNLOADS:     73_FR_63668_InteragencyCooperationESA_2008.pdf
08-19-08-ESA-regs-myths-realities.pdf         InteragencyCooperation_Draft_EA_10-27-08.pdf.pdf

DRAFT CANDIDATE CONSERVATION AGREEMENT FOR THE LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN AND SAND DUNE LIZARD

AGENCIES: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Notice of availability of draft candidate conservation agreement with assurances and draft environmental assessment; receipt of application.

SUMMARY: In the Tuesday, 21 October 2008 Federal Register, the Center of Excellence for Hazardous Materials Management (CEHMM) (Applicant) has applied for an enhancement of survival permit under Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) of 1973, as amended. The permit application includes a draft Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) and CEHMM for the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus; LPC) and the dunes sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus arenicolus), commonly known as the sand dune lizard (SDL) throughout their range in New Mexico. The Applicant proposes to implement conservation measures for the LPC and SDL by removing threats to the survival of these species and protecting their habitat.

BACKGROUND: The historic range of the LPC encompassed habitats with sandy soils supporting shinnery oak-bluestem and sand sage-bluestem communities in the high plains of southeastern Colorado, southwestern Kansas, western Oklahoma, west Texas, the Texas panhandle, and eastern New Mexico. The Service was petitioned to list the LPC as threatened in 1995. The Service ruled that listing of the LPC was warranted, but precluded because of other higher priority species. The LPC was designated as a candidate for listing in 1997.

The SDL is native to a small area of southeastern New Mexico and west Texas. The species only occurs in sand dune complexes associated with shinnery oak. Oil and gas development near dunal complexes along with shinnery oak removal for the enhancement of forage production for grazing has increased fragmentation of SDL habitat and gaps in the species’ range. In 2001, the Service determined that listing of the SDL was warranted, but precluded because of other higher priority species, and the species was designated a candidate for listing under the Act.

DATES: The USFWS is inviting public comment. To ensure consideration, they must receive written comments on or before November 20, 2008.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_62526_ConsvAgrmtLPC-SDL_2008.pdf

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) OF 1969

AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, Interior. ACTION: Final rule.

SUMMARY: In the Wednesday, 15 October 2008 Federal Register, it was announced that the Department of the Interior (Department) is amending its regulations by adding a new part to codify its procedures for implementing the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This rule contains Departmental policies and procedures for compliance with NEPA, Executive Order (E.O.) 11514, E.O. 13352 and the Council on Environmental Quality’s (CEQ) regulations (40 CFR Parts 1500–1508). Department officials will use this rule in conjunction with, and supplementary to, these authorities. The Department believes that codifying the procedures in regulations that are consistent with NEPA and the CEQ regulations will provide greater visibility to that which was previously contained in the departmental manual (DM) and enhance cooperative conservation by highlighting opportunities for public engagement and input in the NEPA process.

The Department will continue to maintain Department’s information and explanatory guidance pertaining to NEPA in the DM and Environmental Statement Memoranda (ESM) to assist bureaus in complying with NEPA. Bureau-specific NEPA procedures remain in 516 DM Chapters 8–15 and bureau guidance in explanatory and informational directives. Maintaining explanatory information in the Department’s DM chapters and ESM, and bureau-specific explanatory and informational directives, will facilitate timely responses to new ideas, new information, procedural interpretations, training needs, and editorial changes to assist field offices when implementing the NEPA process.

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 14, 2008. The 33-page Federal Register document is available below.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_61292_ImplementingNEPA_2008.pdf

RIVER OTTERS RELEASED IN UPPER RIO GRANDE AFTER 60-YEAR ABSENCE

TAOS: A native New Mexican once found in streams and rivers throughout the state has returned home after a 60-year absence. Five river otters were released today in the waters of the Rio Pueblo De Taos on Taos Pueblo. The wild otters were trapped and transported from Washington by USDA Wildlife Services and Taos Pueblo as part of a larger otter reintroduction program organized by Taos Pueblo, The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the New Mexico Friends of River Otters, a coalition of citizens, agencies and conservation organizations dedicated to restoring otters to the state.

There have been no confirmed sightings of river otters in the state since 1953. Decades of trapping and habitat loss are believed to be two factors in their disappearance. Current regulations require trappers to release any otters caught in traps. "Protecting and restoring native wildlife is important to the heritage and ecology of New Mexico, and one of the main roles of the Department of Game and Fish," Department Director Bruce Thompson said. "Today’s release is a positive first step in an effort to return otters to watersheds across the state."

River otters are highly social, playful, semi-aquatic members of the weasel family. They are believed to have once inhabited the Gila, upper and middle Rio Grande, Mora, San Juan and Canadian river systems and occasionally were mentioned in the journals of early settlers. Twenty states, including Arizona, Colorado and Utah have successfully reintroduced river otters. River otters and other predators play important roles in keeping communities of native species robust and diverse.

In 2006, the State Game Commission directed the Department of Game and Fish to initiate efforts to restore otters to state waters. A Department study identified several rivers as suitable restoration sites, including the Upper Rio Grande, White Rock Canyon and Middle Rio Chama in the Rio Grande Basin; and the Upper Gila, Lower Gila and Lower San Francisco rivers in the Gila River Basin. A second, larger release is scheduled on the main stem of the Upper Rio Grande in November.

INVASIVE 'ROCK SNOT' ALGAE FOUND IN UPPER PECOS RIVER

COWLES: The Department of Game and Fish is urging anglers and others who visit the Pecos River Canyon to take measures to prevent the spread of an invasive species of algae that could present many problems for the Pecos River and other state waters. This is the second aquatic invasive species known to exist in the Pecos River. Whirling disease, a protozoan parasite that attacks the spinal columns of trout, is found in the river's headwaters. Whirling disease also is known to "hitchhike" on unwashed fishing tackle and waders.

The New Mexico Environment Department confirmed a bloom of Didymosphenia geminata in the Pecos River near Cowles in August. Commonly called "didymo," the single-celled alga's large, ugly growths on stream gravels have earned it the descriptive name, "rock snot." It is an aquatic nuisance species known to be transferred around the world on boats, fishing equipment and footwear.

Didymo can undergo explosive growth, creating massive algal blooms in the form of dense mats that can impact native algae and invertebrates — the food base for native and sport fish. The alga can change water chemistry and hydrology and reduce hydroelectric power production. Its presence also can hurt tourist economies in infected areas.

Native to northern Europe and Vancouver Island, Canada, didymo has spread to all but three U.S. states, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. It appears to prefer habits low in nutrients and organic productivity, but can be found in freshwater streams, rivers and lakes. The apparent increase in invasiveness of didymo may be related to factors including inter-basin transfer by humans, climatic changes, altered grazing, and genetic changes.

This discovery comes just as the Department of Game and Fish is leading a statewide effort to adopt a New Mexico Aquatic Invasive Species Management Plan. Strategies include creation of a New Mexico Invasive Species Council; laws against importing aquatic invasive species to the state; funding to combat the spread of invasive organisms; and monitoring known invasive species in the state.

Nationwide, aquatic invasive species cost $137 billion a year to offset their impacts and educate people about preventing their spread. The 100 or so aquatic invasive species posing threats to New Mexico water resources include quagga and zebra mussels and the New Zealand mudsnail. These species can grow unchecked in waters that contain no natural predators or diseases, while clogging pipes and damaging ecosystems.

For more information about invasive aquatic species, contact Brian Lang, (505) 476-8108 or brian.lang@state.nm.us. To review the New Mexico Invasive Species Plan, please visit the Department of Game and Fish Web site, www.wildlife.state.nm.us.

INTERAGENCY COOPERATION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

AGENCIES: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior; National Marine Fisheries Service, Commerce. ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

In the Friday, 12 September 2008 Federal Register, it was announced that the comment period has been extended concerning a proposed rule to greatly modify the nature of agency consultations under the ESA. The original comment period for this proposed rule ended on September 15, 2008. The new deadline is 14 October, 2008.

An excerpt from the document states: “The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) published a proposed rule on Interagency Cooperation under the Endangered Species Act on August 15, 2008 (73 FR 47868). We have received a number of written requests to extend the public comment period. We have given consideration to these requests and believe it is appropriate to provide an additional 30-day period for comment on the proposed regulation. We are therefore extending the comment period for an additional 30 days.”

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_52942_ESA-ComtPerExtended_2008.pdf

INVESTIGATION FINDS NO OIL IN SAN JUAN RIVER

NAVAJO DAM: An investigation by two state agencies found no evidence of "oil sludge" that was reported in the San Juan River below Navajo Dam in late August, according to a report from the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

The Oil Conservation Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, and the Department of Game and Fish investigated the report after receiving a video showing a dark-brown substance in the river about four miles downstream from the trophy trout Quality Waters section. Site inspections and an analysis of the video turned up no evidence of oil, and no signs of dead or dying fish or other wildlife.

Investigators determined that the most likely explanation for the report was that a large amount of organic debris was flushed out of an arroyo during a heavy rain storm. Organic materials such as piñon needles, juniper berries and salt cedar branches contain natural oils and could be mistaken for oil field byproducts. The San Juan basin is a major producer of natural gas. There also is one oil well in the basin near the Colorado border.

"The San Juan is one of New Mexico's most prized fisheries, so we take these kinds of reports seriously," said Mike Sloane, Chief of Fisheries for the Department of Game and Fish. "Fortunately, after a thorough investigation, we are able to say there was no evidence of oil in the river, and the fishing—as always—is world-class."

DEPARTMENT SEEKS CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN HABITAT STAMP PROGRAM

ALBUQUERQUE: The Department of Game and Fish is seeking individuals interested in serving as advisors for the Habitat Stamp Program. As volunteers, advisors review and prioritize habitat improvement proposals and forward their recommendations to the State Game Commission.

Since 1990, all anglers, hunters and trappers who use U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management lands must purchase a Habitat Stamp. The Habitat Stamp Program then uses the $5 stamp fee for on-the-ground habitat improvements. Citizens have been involved in every aspect of the program, advising which habitats are most in need of improvement. Citizens represent sporting, environmental, or public land permittee interests and meet each spring to prioritize local habitat proposals. Citizens serve 3-year terms. To volunteer, contact Dale Hall at (505) 222-4725 or at dale.hall@state.nm.us before Oct. 15th, or send in the application provided below.

DOWNLOAD:     Habitat_Stamp_Info-Application.doc

NOTICE CONCERNING CONTROL OF RUSSIAN KNAPWEED

The Monday, 25 August 2008 Federal Register carried a Notice from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA concerning the biological control of Russian knapweed. In New Mexico, this plant is listed as a Class B noxious weed by the NM Department of Agriculture.

The document (available below) announces the availability of the Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) relative to the environmental release of the gall wasp Aulacidea acroptilonica for the biological control of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens). The environmental assessment documents their review and analysis of environmental impacts associated with, and alternatives to, the release of this biological control agent. Based on its finding of no significant impact, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has determined that an environmental impact statement need not be prepared.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_49982_FONSI-RusKnpweedContrl_2008.pdf

U.S.F.W.S. PROPOSED RULE FOR INTERAGENCY COOPERATION UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (collectively, ‘‘Services’’ or ‘‘we’’) propose to amend regulations governing interagency cooperation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The Services are proposing these changes to clarify several definitions, to clarify when the Section 7 regulations are applicable, the correct standards for effects analysis, and to establish time frames for the informal consultation process.

There have been no comprehensive amendments to the Act since 1988; and with the exception of two Section 7 counterpart regulations for specific types of consultations, there have been no comprehensive revisions to the implementing of Section 7 regulations since 1986. The proposed changes include a recommendation that a variety of documents prepared for other purposes be allowed to suffice for initiating consultation. The proposed rule will also redefine terms such as “cumulative effects” and “effects of the action.”

This proposed rule is the one that the Audubon Society says is Bush’s "attempt to gut the ESA.” The following excerpt is found at http://www.audubon.org/news/ESA.html “In its final few months, the Bush Administration is attempting to gut the Endangered Species Act. This time, it's a proposal to allow federal agencies to decide unilaterally that a proposed project is not likely to adversely affect listed species — no consultation with wildlife experts at the Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) [will be] required. The proposed rule would replace the current requirement that federal agencies must consult with the FWS and NMFS to insure that an agency's actions do not jeopardize the existence of a species or adversely change or destroy its habitat.”

The proposed changes would have an enormous impact on environmental consultants and action agencies regarding Section 7 consultations, and particularly informal consultations, to say nothing of the potential longterm impacts on the ESA itself. SPECIEZnm encourages comments by the September 15, 2008 deadline to ensure their full consideration in the final decision on this proposal. Addresses for comments are in the Federal Register document, available below.

In addition, the Audubon Society offers a sample letter that may be edited and sent directly through their website; If this interests our readers, please go to http://audubonaction.org/campaign/endangeredspecies?qp_source=dc%5fesaweb

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_47868_ConsultationChangesESA_2008.pdf

U.S.F.W.S. PROPOSED RULE WILL IMPACT TAKE OF BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLES

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule; notice of availability of draft environmental assessment.
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (we or us), announce the availability of a draft environmental assessment (DEA) evaluating options for managing take of bald eagles and golden eagles under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (Eagle Act).

The USFWS website states that, “We have published a Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) for issuance of bald eagle and golden eagle permits. The DEA analyzes the proposal to permit take of eagles, their nests, eggs, or young that may result from otherwise legal activities. It also considers take of nests where necessary to protect public health and welfare. In the DEA, we considered three alternatives to address eagle permitting in the United States.” You can view the DEA and a “Questions and Answers” document, as well as finding links to other eagle-related issues, at: http://www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/baldeagle.htm

The Preferred Alternative presented in the DEA may have a favorable impact on projects and action agencies. SPECIEZnm encourages our readers to review the DEA and support materials, and make comments by the September 15, 2008 deadline. Addresses for comments are in the Federal Register document, available below.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_47574_EagleTakeDEA_2008.pdf

NEW MEXICO’S FIRST-EVER WATERSHED FORUM

The first-ever Watershed Forum for New Mexico will be held on September 30 to October 2 in Albuquerque. River Source is organizing the event with an interagency committee. The forum includes two packed days of talks and workshops and a third day in the field in the Jemez foothills and mountains. Organizers are very excited about the potential of the gathering to move forward much-needed conversations on how the state, tribes, and the private sector will address urgent watershed and forest issues in the interesting years ahead.

The theme of the forum is “Restoring New Mexico’s Watersheds from Mountaintop to River Bottom.” Attendees will learn about stream and forest restoration techniques, network with people working on watershed issues across New Mexico, and be able to get involved with state watershed projects. Contact Rich Schrader at River Source, 505-660-7928, for additional information and see the downloads below.

DOWNLOAD:     Watershed_Forum_Flier.pdf     Watershed_Forum_Agenda.pdf

FOREST SERVICE INTERIM DIRECTIVE FOR SENSITIVE SPECIES AND E.S.A. SECTION 7 CONSULTATIONS

AGENCY: Forest Service, USDA.
ACTION: Notice of issuance of interim directive; request for comment.
SUMMARY: The Forest Service has issued an interim directive (ID) 2670–2008–1 to the Forest Service Manual 2670, sections 45 and 46, to clarify sensitive species and Endangered Species Act policy responsibilities of Forest Supervisors and District Rangers when developing, amending, or revising Land Management Plans (LMPs) under the 2008 Planning Rule, or carrying out projects and activities consistent with those LMPs (36 CFR part 219).

The intended effect of issuing this interim directive is to provide guidance to those Forest Service line officers and other agency employees who are developing and revising LMP’s under the 2008 Planning Rule regarding sensitive species and Endangered Species Act policy responsibilities. DATES: The Interim Directive is effective August 8, 2008. Comments must be received in writing by September 8, 2008; addresses for comments are in the Federal Register document, available below.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_46242_ForestSvc_Sec7consults_2008.pdf

2008 BIENNIAL REVIEW: COMMENTS SOUGHT ON DESERT BIGHORN SHEEP AND GRAY REDHORSE SUCKER

SANTA FE: The State Game Commission will consider opening a second round of public comments on the 2008 Biennial Review, which includes recommendations to down-list desert bighorn sheep from endangered to threatened and to up-list the gray redhorse sucker from threatened to endangered on the state threatened and endangered species list. The State Game Commission will meet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 21 at the State Bar of New Mexico building, 5121 Masthead NE, in Albuquerque.

The first round of comments was March-June, 2008. The proposed second round of public comments, a requirement under the Wildlife Conservation Act, would be Aug. 21 through Sept. 4. Copies of the recommendations are available at the Department of Game and Fish website, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/documents/BiennialReview.htm. Copies also can be obtained by contacting Renae Held, (505) 476-8101, renae.held@state.nm.us, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504.

PUBLIC MEETING WILL ADDRESS RECOVERY PLAN FOR SUCKERS

LAS CRUCES: The Department of Game and Fish will discuss development of a recovery plan for the blue sucker and the gray redhorse, fish species native to the Pecos River drainage and the Rio Grande near the Texas-New Mexico border, at a public meeting Aug. 14 in Las Cruces. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at the Department of Game and Fish office, 2715 Northrise Drive, in Las Cruces.

The blue sucker (Cycleptus elongates) is listed as endangered and the gray redhorse (Moxostoma congestum) as threatened in New Mexico. Blue suckers typically inhabit swift deep areas in larger rivers and can attain lengths over two feet. Gray redhorse suckers are smaller, up to 1½ feet in length, and are found in deep, slow water, including impoundments. Recent toxic outbreaks of golden algae have drastically reduced or eliminated populations of blue sucker and gray redhorse in the Pecos River. A long-term life history study of the species is available on the Department website, http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/conservation/

The Wildlife Conservation Act requires a recovery plan for restoration and maintenance of each state-listed species in New Mexico. At the meeting, the Department also will recruit members of an advisory committee to assist in development of the plan. More information about the blue sucker and the gray redhorse and the recovery plan is available from Stephanie Carman, Department of Game and Fish, P.O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504; (505) 476-8128, or stephanie.carman@state.nm.us.

LESSER PRAIRIE CHICKEN HUNT PUT ON HOLD PENDING REVIEW

SANTA FE: The State Game Commission Chairman and the Director of the Department of Game and Fish have determined that hunting permits for lesser prairie chickens will not be issued while a decision is pending from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about whether the species will be listed under the Endangered Species Act. The Commission and Department want more time to ensure that any future provisions for lesser prairie chicken hunting in New Mexico are consistent with intended conservation outcomes.

On July 21, the State Game Commission approved a structure for lesser prairie chicken hunting in New Mexico that could have begun as early as fall 2008. Any hunting under that structure would occur within a strict permit process with concurrence of the Game Commission Chairman and Director of the Department of Game and Fish. “Given the strong public interest in protecting this species, it’s prudent for us to take more time to work with our partners to assure that we continue to take the best approach for conserving this species and its habitat,” said Dr. Tom Arvas, State Game Commission Chairman. Since approval of the structure, a variety of conservation and sportsmen interests have expressed concerns that such activities could conflict with long-term conservation practices that are under way and planned.

The Game Commission and Department of Game and Fish, along with many public, private, and business partners have been engaged in extensive and active lesser prairie-chicken conservation practices for more than 20 years. Those efforts have been fruitful in recent years. More land is being managed to enhance lesser prairie chicken populations, and the number of birds in New Mexico has increased accordingly. Federal and state land management agencies, conservation organizations, soil and water conservation districts, the petroleum industry, and an array of private land owners are key partners in that effort. “By working together with key partners, the lesser prairie chicken has made a significant comeback. We now are at a new stage where we must evaluate new practices in promoting broad-based conservation on public and private lands,” said Dr. Bruce Thompson, Director of the Department of Game and Fish.

The State Game Commission has numerous properties under specific habitat management for lesser prairie chickens and is in the process of establishing more such areas. Private landowners and conservation organizations manage their lands similarly, while more such efforts are needed and are being organized. Rural communities embrace the vision of prairie chickens while providing stimulus for their local economies. The lesser prairie chicken habitat includes parts of Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, with some of the most substantive conservation efforts under way in New Mexico. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed among those five states several years ago to promote conservation of this species and its habitat through a Prairie Conservation Initiative of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Limited hunting for lesser prairie chickens currently is provided in Kansas and Texas.

U.S.F.W.S. PROPOSED RULE WILL AMEND FORMATS OF THE LISTS OF THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), propose to amend the formats of the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants to include current practices and standards that will make the regulations and Lists easier for the public to understand. When we finalize this proposed rule, we will publish the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in their entirety in the new formats.

The document goes on to explain that, “The Lists represent the official Government record of which species are listed and where they are considered listed under the ESA. Over time, we have noted numerous anomalies in the Lists, including ambiguous entries and confusing format and column titles. After detailed research on the origin, history, and purpose of the Lists, we determined that the format, references, and standards need to be updated.”

The proposed format change will reorganize the columns to separate the regulatory data columns from the "information only" and "navigational reference" data columns. The Service will also update the standards references currently used to determine species’ nomenclature (scientific and common names) and propose that the Service will rely, to the extent practicable, on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)*.

If you wish to comment on the proposed changes, the deadline is September 4, 2008. Addresses for comments are provided in the Tuesday, August 5, 2008 Federal Register document, available below.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_45383_ReviseT-E_Lists_2008.pdf

*For additional information about the ITIS, please visit their site at http://www.itis.gov/, which states: “Welcome to ITIS, the Integrated Taxonomic Information System! Here you will find authoritative taxonomic information on plants, animals, fungi, and microbes of North America and the world. We are a partnership of U.S., Canadian, and Mexican agencies (ITIS–North America); other organizations; and taxonomic specialists. ITIS is also a partner of Species 2000 and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). The ITIS and Species 2000 Catalogue of Life (CoL) partnership is proud to provide the taxonomic backbone to the Encyclopedia of Life (EOL).”

ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS; RECOVERY CREDITING GUIDANCE

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Notice of availability.
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the availability of guidance to promote implementation of the Endangered Species Act. The guidance describes a crediting framework for Federal agencies in carrying out recovery measures for threatened and endangered species. The text of the guidance is included in this notice. Under the guidance, Federal agencies may show how adverse effects of agency activities to a listed species are offset by beneficial effects of actions taken elsewhere for that species. The combined effects of the adverse and beneficial actions must provide a net benefit to the recovery of the species.

For full information, the document posted in the Federal Register on 31 July, 2008 is available below.

DOWNLOAD:     73_FR_44761_RecoveryCreditGuidance_2008.pdf

14th INTERNATIONAL WATER CONSERVATION & XERISCAPE CONFERENCE

The upcoming conference, Water – Food – Landscape – Sustainability, is sponsored by the Xeriscape Council of New Mexico and Intel, and will be held February 26-27, 2009 at the Marriott Pyramid Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 14th Water Conservation Conference in Albuquerque will focus on the links among global, regional, and local water issues and how the interests of food/agriculture, ecosystem stewardship, and management dovetail with landscape and reduced-water consumption.

In conjunction with and immediately following the conference, February 28th and March 1st, they will also hold a 2-day Expo featuring over 225 exhibitors and free seminars both days. The Expo focuses on the “how to” of xeriscaping with sessions on planning and design, site preparation, plant selection, irrigation, and pest management. General interest seminars are also offered, featuring water harvesting, bees and their importance, hummingbirds and the landscape, and others. Last year’s Expo was attended by about 7,000. Early registration is now available online, and you can also download a Conference Brochure at the Xeriscape Council of New Mexico’s website. Please see http://www.xeriscapenm.com for the PDF brochure that provides more complete speaker information.

IWRC'S BASIC WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COURSE IS COMING TO NEW MEXICO

The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council will give a two-day Basic Skills training in Socorro, NM on October 25 & 26, 2008. Lecture topics include an introduction to wildlife rehabilitation, basic anatomy and physiology, calculating drug dosages, handling and physical restraint, thermoregulation, stress, basic shock cycle, initial care, physical examination, wildlife nutrition and associated diseases, standards for housing of wildlife, zoonoses (diseases common to man and animals), raptor neonatal care, euthanasia criteria, rehabilitation techniques for conditioning birds for successful release, and release criteria.

Pre-registration is required. Interested parties should contact IWRC by October 3 in order to attend this course. You may register for this course online at http://www.iwrc-online.org or by phone, fax, or mail. Ghia Santos, Training Program Coordinator, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council. (408) 271-2685 Office; (408) 271-9285 Fax.

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR AREAS ADMINISTERED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AND THE FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

In the Wednesday, July 9, 2008 Federal Register, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted a “Notice of re-opening of comment period.” The initial comment period closed on June 30, 2008. If you have strong feelings, pro or con, about firearms in managed areas, this is an additional opportunity to make your thoughts known to the Service.

SUMMARY: The Department of the Interior, through the National Park Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service, announces the re-opening of the comment period on the proposed rule concerning the possession and transportation of firearms in national park areas and national wildlife refuges. The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on April 30, 2008 (73 FR 23388).

DATES: The Service must receive your comments by August 8, 2008. For further information, the 1-page notice is available below.

DOWNLOAD:    73_FR_39272_GunsInNPS-NWR_2008.pdf

NEWS FROM THE O.S.N.A. June 2008 (Number 184) Ornithological Newsletter

JOINT MEETING of the AMERICAN ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION, COOPER ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY, and the SOCIETY OF CANADIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS. This meeting will take place 4–9 Aug 2008 in Portland, Oregon, and will commemorate the 125th anniversary of the AOU and special events are planned to celebrate this notable event. Among measures being taken to reduce the carbon cost and other environmental impacts of the meeting is the selection of a Green Seal Lodging Property (the Hilton Portland); the hotel and nearly all events associated with the meeting are all accessible via the MAX rail (public transportation; free in the downtown area). Numerous special events for students, including receptions and a special luncheon are planned. Please visit http://www.pdxbirds08.org/> for further information. Meeting organizers include: USGS Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Portland, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Zoo, Portland Audubon Society, and the Audubon Society of Corvallis.

PENDING LEGISLATION WOULD INCREASE PENALTIES UNDER MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT: Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has introduced legislation that would amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 so that the intentional killing of protected bird species would be considered a felony, rather than the current Class B misdemeanor. The bill, H.R. 4093, would send a strong message to prosecutors and courts that Congress takes these crimes seriously. It would pave the way for significant fines (up to $50,000) and jail sentences (up to 1 year) for the most serious bird-related crimes. This legislation was apparently motivated by the arrest of a number of people in Oregon, California, and Texas who were charged with killing raptors to protect their roller pigeons. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated that as many as 2,000 to 3,000 raptors were being killed on the West Coast each year using methods including poisoning, beating birds to death with clubs, and suffocation in plastic bags. To encourage your representative in Congress to support this legislation, visit this website:http://audubonaction.org/campaign/hr4093/8w65k8b4ow3wwb7?

SITE USAGE DATA FOR SPECIEZnm.org

As stated in our Privacy Policy, SPECIEZnm.org does not collect personal information about our site visitors. However, we do analyze our site visitation to find out what you like and determine ways we can better serve you. We have found that most of our pages are visited fairly equally, but a few came out on top; this is evidenced in part by the fact that many of you have bookmarked these pages. The following data cover the months from August 2007 through May 2008.

       AGENCIES and NGOs = 22%
       NEWS PAGE = 20%
       COUNTY TABLES = 20%
       SPECIES INFORMATION = 15%
       LIBRARY = 13%
       S.A.R. LIST = 10%

Top five downloaded documents from all pages:
All of the most-downloaded documents were accessed on our SPECIES INFORMATION page: We were surprised to find that the most popular file was our Excel spreadsheet of N.M. BIRD CHARACTERISTICS, with 55% of visitor downloads. This was followed by the MEXICAN GRAY WOLF Q.R. (Quick Reference) at 16%; the STATE SPECIES LIST (with NM Department of Game & Fish data) at 14%; the C.W.C.S. SPECIES LIST (from the Department’s Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy) at 8%; and the STATE PLANT SPECIES LIST (with data from NM Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department) at 5%.

Top five downloaded documents from the News Page:
The clear winner from all the downloads we provide with various news articles was the C.E.Q. 2007 CITIZEN’S GUIDE TO N.E.P.A., at 28%. This was followed by the TCSPC SUMMER 2007 Newsletter (Tijeras Canyon Safe Passage Coalition) at 12%; two FEDERAL REGISTER documents, the 72 FR 33188 (about an Environmental Assessment proposing Native American use of feathers) at 11% and the 72 FR 46030 (about possible Candidate status for the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout) at 8%; and rounded out by the 2003 U.S.F.W.S. MONITORING PLAN for the PEREGRINE FALCON at 7%. Keep in mind the SPECIEZnm News Page carries a large variety of downloads, so these five are just a sampling.

How good are your data tables… how much do they cost… how did you create them… and what do they look like!?
When you browse our Home Page or go to the County Table page to purchase county-specific tables of all state and federal listed species, we offer various documents that detail our policies, materials and methods, and other facets of our organization. Thirty-eight percent of you downloaded our DATA DISCLAIMER and 30% accessed the PURCHASING INFORMATION. Our MATERIALS and METHODS were tied at 11% with our DATA AUTHORITIES document; 9% of you obtained the SAMPLE CATRON COUNTY table, and 1% downloaded our REVISION HISTORY.