Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued a proposed rule to list two designated population segments (DPS) of the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered and threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The northern DPS of the lesser prairie-chicken, whose habitat includes Kansas, was listed at threatened, and will have tailored protections under the ESA. “I am concerned to see the proposed rule to list the lesser prairie-chicken under the Endangered Species Act,” said Rep. Mann. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service commended the voluntary efforts in Kansas, including 40,000 acres of habitat conservation, but ultimately decided that the federal government is better equipped to address these local areas. Over the last several years, our farmers, ranchers, energy sector, and other private landowners have enacted voluntary conservation efforts, and the lesser prairie-chicken’s population has risen in Kansas. This is yet another federal overreach that will disrupt industries that are vital to our economy. I will remain vigilant as the rulemaking process begins and want to ensure all Kansas stakeholders are heard and not negatively impacted by any federal designation.”
FWS has sent a new proposed rule to the Federal Registrar for public comment. Public comments are open for 60 days at www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS–R2–ES–2021–0015.
“I would encourage all stakeholders who are affected by the new proposed rule to comment so as FWS works through rulemaking all Kansas stakeholders are heard,” said Rep Mann. ### |
