Endangered Species Act: A Discussion about Forest Management & Consultation

Since passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973, federal agencies have been required, under Section 7, to “insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out” by an agency “is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of habitat of such species…” The consultation process has been a standard part of project development on National Forests where threatened or endangered species are present.

As forest restoration projects grow in size and scale, often with the engagement of collaborative groups and interested stakeholders, new opportunities are emerging to work more efficiently to achieve protections for threatened and endangered species.

In this upcoming session, David Mabe and Ben Conard from NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, respectively, will share their perspectives and discuss the consultation process that typically occurs on a National Forest as a project is developed. To help bring the discussion full circle, Patty Perry from the Kootenai Valley Resource Initiative will discuss best practices and lessons from her experience working as a partner to the Forest Service.

We hope participants will build a greater understanding of the consultation process by learning more about each agency’s expectations and needs. Time will also be set aside for Q&A and discussion with the speakers. We hope you can join us!

This peer learning session is sponsored by the National Forest Foundation.