The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is considering proposals to amend the regulations that implement parts of the Endangered Species Act. The agency is accepting public comments to help identify potential changes to FWS regulations that would create incentives for landowners and others to take voluntary conservation actions to benefit species that may be likely to become threatened or endangered. In particular, FWS seeks comment on how the agency can assure those who take such voluntary actions that the benefits of such voluntary conservation actions will be recognized as offsetting the adverse effects of activities carried out after listing by that landowner or others. Additional information is available on the FWS website.

Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Expanding Incentives for Voluntary Conservation Actions under the Endangered Species Act; Comments Due May 14, 2012