Sage grouse not listed under ESA; WWP sues
BY TODD ADAMS, Challis Messenger, March 11, 2010 [here]
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Friday announced that the greater sage grouse warrants the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) but that listing the species now is precluded by the need to address higher-priority species first.
Western Watersheds Project (WWP) in turn announced Monday that it is suing the agency for not actually listing sage grouse.
Sage grouse will be placed on the FWS candidate list, meaning the species will not receive protection under the act for now. State fish and wildlife agencies will continue to be responsible for managing the birds.
The WWP lawsuit charges that the federal government violated the ESA and the Administrative Procedure Act.
“The Obama administration rightfully concluded that the greater sage-grouse fully qualify for the protections of the Endangered Species Act,” said Jon Marvel, WWP executive director in a news release. “Unfortunately, the administration has violated the law in not listing the sage-grouse at the same time.” … [more]