8011

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8011
• Author: Hood, L. C., et al.
• Title: Frayed Safety Nets, Conservation Planning Under the Endangered Species Act 1998.
• USFW Year: 1998.
• USFW - Doc Type: Washington D.C.
• Copyright Material: YES

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F E T Y NET S

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gered species habitat deliberately. A National

Association of Home Builders repon declared,

Unfortunately, the highest level of assur-
ance that a property owner will not face an
ESA issue is to maintain the property in a
condition such that protected species can-
not occupy the property.... This is referred
to as the "scorched earth" technique. This

management practice is a perverse disin-
centive resulting from the ESA....
Developers should be aware of it as a
means employed in several areas of the
country to avoid ESA conflicts.

Some critics contend that the ESA is inflexi-

ble and unfairly penalizes private landowners

who happen to own the last suitable habitat after