The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a list of permits issued in 2023 under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) for various conservation and scientific activities in Oregon.
Permits include Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs), Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs), and scientific research permits, which are crucial for the protection and study of endangered and threatened species.
Key permits in Oregon include those issued to Hampton Lumber and Starker Forests, Inc. for CCAAs, and Kaufman Holdings and Port Blakely Tree Farms L.P. for HCPs, indicating active conservation efforts in the region.
Scientific permits were granted to entities such as the University of Washington Botanic Gardens Rare Care Program and the Oregon Department of Transportation, supporting research and conservation of local species.
These permits allow for the ‘take’ of listed species, which means capturing or harming them, but only under strict conditions that aim to benefit the species’ survival and recovery.
The issuance of these permits highlights ongoing efforts to balance development and conservation, ensuring that local habitats and species are protected while allowing for necessary human activities.