The decision comes in response to a petition to list from the Center for Biological Diversity filed in October 2014. With two Commissioners absent, the remaining members voted 2-1 against listing the blackbird based on the successes of ongoing, collaborative efforts between conservation organizations and agricultural interests.
The Commission previously listed the species on an emergency basis in December 2014. At the time, critics of the decision felt the Commission had not adequately considered stakeholder input or given the Department of Fish and Wildlife sufficient time to evaluate the petition. The emergency listing expires on June 30, 2015. The petition, related documents, and video can be accessed here.
Source: Rural County Representatives of California
