A White Paper: Endangered Species Act of 1973

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HHEE The University report continues: "These impacts would take place at the same time that economic dislocation will cause a sharp increase in needs for local and state services. Anticipated increases in rural poverty and homelessness could result in increased needs for food, clothing, shelter, counseling and law enforcement. " Information could be developed on others: Panthers, PL Red - cockaded Woodpeckers, TX Spuawfish, CO Mt. Graham Red Squirrels, AZ Mojave Desert Tortoises, NV /CA Concho Watersnake, TX Least Bell Vireo, CA Snake River Salmon, WA/ID • Use of Public Lands. Since the Act directly affects how national public lands should be used, the people of the United States must participate in that decision. The issue is : Should national public lands (40 percent of the nation) be set aside as preserves for endangered species or to promote biodiversity, or be used to promote the social well being of the nation's people through management of its resources? Are there methods for developing reasonable compromises? By the nature of the Act, these decisions are made on a case by case basis. With each proposal for resource development on public lands, the search for a new endangered species swings into action. is this conducive to good resource and land management? And is it finally time for a public, national land use policy to be adopted? • Private Property Protection. The Constitutional protection of private property must be affirmed with regard to environmental regulations which restrict use and value of private property. Examples of restrictions and loss of value of private property can be developed to help formulate this discussion. • Flexibility and Management Alternatives. Revisions of the Act must include use of alternatives, mitigation or conser- vation measures to protect a species. The Act does not provide for management discretion to accomplish the goals of protecting the species. Such alternatives should be allowed if they will accomplish the purposes of the Act - to protect a species in danger - without requiring the extreme restrictions mandated by listing a species. Such flexibility might help identify methods of simultaneously preserving a species and permitting use of the resources affected. It would also help prevent the "all or nothing" fights which have developed over listings of specific species. -4-