November 7, 2019 - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to list the West Coast Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of fisher as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This revised proposed rule is based on the best scientific and commercial data available for the species.

The fisher is a member of the weasel family and resides in mixed conifer-hardwood forests in southern Oregon and California. The species once occurred throughout much of Canada and the northeastern and western United States, however, various stressors including, wildfire, drought, tree diseases, vehicle mortality, predation and exposure to toxins has led to the species’ decline.

If finalized, an ESA listing would help protect the West Coast DPS of fishers against harm or “take.” Recognizing that certain management activities benefit the species and are necessary for public safety, the Service is using flexibilities inherent in the ESA to propose a special rule that would exempt certain forest management activities from the act’s take prohibitions. Activities proposed for exemption include maintenance of existing fuel breaks, firefighting and habitat management.

The proposal to list the West Coast DPS of fisher will publish in the Federal Register on November 7, 2019. The publication will open a 30-day public comment period. The Service will consider comments from all interested parties received by December 9, 2019. Information on how to submit comments is available at www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS–R8–ES–2018–0105.

Source: U.S. FWS - Photo Credit: B.Weeks