This bill is very similar to another bill in the WA legislature, H.B. 1225.
Bill Description:
This bill would allow the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission to remove protections for wildlife on a regional basis.[teaserbreak]
For any species that is listed state-wide under the state Endangered Species Act, the Commission must consider any petitions for changing or removing a species’ classification on a regional basis. The decision for whether to remove protections for that species in a specific region must be based on regional population numbers and the biological status of the species in the proposed region and not on the region’s contribution to the overall statewide species recovery.
The bill also requires the Commission to “give deference to the customs and culture of local communities over statewide goals for any species” when considering a regional change in status.
Background:
This bill has the potential to significantly weaken endangered species protections in Washington. Considering species protection based on the entire range of the species is simply good science — a vulnerable species cannot flourish if it does not have consistent protection across its entire range. Strong population numbers in one region need to be fostered and maintained, because that population can spread to regions with weaker numbers and bolster genetic diversity and survival prospects.
We can’t play games like this with the state’s most vulnerable species. If a species is listed as threatened or endangered state-wide, then it must remain listed until it meets the criteria to be delisted throughout the entire state.
Take Action:
Washington residents, contact your state representative and senator and urge them to oppose this legislation.
Read the full text and follow its progress here.