Protecting animals and plants from extinction is a cause that resonates with everyone. America has a unique system in place, the Candidate Conservation Agreements, that focuses on this very mission.
Operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative evaluates plants and animals for potential addition to the Endangered Species list. In fact, anyone can put forward a species they believe is at risk. The process involves reaching out to a local field office and there is one in Bismarck. specifying the land housing the endangered species, and then completing the necessary form.
An example of a species under this protective umbrella is the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee. Debra Hill, a dedicated wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, highlights the essence of these agreements. She notes that while habitats for various creatures need protection, other land uses, like ranching and oil and gas operations, also continue.
Hill emphasizes the success of these conservation efforts. Thanks to these focused measures, North Dakota recently celebrated the removal of the Least Tern from the Endangered, Threatened list. This stands as a testament to the fact that with collective effort, conservation truly makes a difference.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-laughingmango
Categories: North Dakota, General