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Threatened and Endangered Species

A photo of two geese flying over some green wetlands and open blue water.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA; 7 U.S.C. § 136, 16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.) was enacted to protect critically imperiled species from extinction as a "consequence of economic growth and development untempered by adequate concern and conservation." The ESA is administered by two federal agencies, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION’S NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE (NMFS). 50 CFR Part 21.12(d) & 22.

What has the Army done?

  

The Army collects data annually on species that are listed as endangered, threatened, or candidate species under the ESA, as well as other federally-protected and at-risk species found on and adjacent to installations around the world. Data are provided directly by natural resources managers and wildlife biologists at the installations, validated, and sent to higher headquarters for reporting and budgeting purposes.

The USAEC Conservation Branch provides technical support and guidance to installations and Army Commands regarding ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA), MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT (MBTA) and BALD AND GOLDEN EAGLE PROTECTION ACT (BGEPA) consultation, permitting, and compliance requirements. We also monitor the Federal Register and coordinate with the Installation Management Command (IMCOM) Headquarters Environmental Division and the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G-9 team on regulatory changes that may impact Army policies, mission activities, or installation programs.

Why is this important?

 

A new online tool (the Environmental Quality Universal Information Portal) has been established by DCS G-9 for collection of data on protected species and other Army environmental data, and there are ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and use of spatial data to enable rapid assessments of potential impacts when new training requirements emerge. Access to current data also allows resource managers and wildlife biologists to provide sound recommendations based on the best available science to decision makers.

Open communication channels and quality data at all levels in the Army ensures that training events, facilities construction / repairs, and ongoing natural resources management activities are compliant with applicable regulations. This minimizes or eliminates potential delays and risk of fines.