New Mexico Department Seeks Comments on Changes to Species List
OutdoorHub 09.06.12
The Department of Game and Fish is seeking public comment on proposed Biennial Review revisions to the list of state designated threatened or endangered wildlife.
The New Mexico Wildlife Conservation Act (WCA) (17-2-37 through 17-2-46 NMSA 1978) mandates completion of a Biennial Review of the status of all state-listed wildlife, along with any recommendations to uplist or downlist species. The State Game Commission formally opened the 2012 Biennial Review on Feb. 23, 2012, for a 90-day public comment period. A second, 14-day public comment period for the draft 2012 Biennial Review was opened by the commission Sept.10, 2012.
The Biennial Review process determines whether a state-listed wildlife species should be “uplisted” from threatened to endangered, “downlisted” from endangered to threatened, or if its status remains unchanged in the listings. Adding or removing species from the state list is a separate process.
Listing decisions are based only on biological and ecological factors. Social, economic and political considerations noted during the review can be used in the implementation of conservation and recovery actions after a species is listed. The Wildlife Conservation Act contains no provisions for critical habitat, habitat regulation or other restrictions regarding state-listed wildlife except to prevent direct taking of the species.
The Biennial Review can be viewed on the department website, www.wildlife.state.nm.us or obtained by mail, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, Attn: Leland Pierce, P. O. Box 25112, Santa Fe, NM 87504; or by email, leland.pierce@state.nm.us. Comments will be accepted by email or regular mail.
