The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced their decision to list the Lesser Prairie Chicken as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. Congressman Steve Pearce responded with the following statement:
“I am extremely dissatisfied by FWS’s decision today. Existing cooperative conservation efforts between private industry, state officials, landowners and the federal government are more than adequate to protect this species. FWS endorsed one of the plans that has enrolled millions of acres of LPC habitat and millions of dollars for habitat remediation. FWS’s actions today not only derail the incredible efforts, but also deny a future template for joint conservation efforts. Director Ashe and Washington Bureaucrats have failed once again to take steps towards a meaningful conservation strategy that does not jeopardize the economic stability of western communities.”