HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.res.019.2005 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF PITKIN COUNTY COLORADO,
SUPPORTING THE INCLUSION OF LYNX HABITAT PROTECTIONS IN THE
REVISED WHITE R1VER NATIONAL FOREST LAND AND RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OPPOSING DEPUTY UNDERSECRETARY TENNY'S
ORDERS TO ELIMINATE THOSE PROTECTIONS
Resolution
Recitals
In 2002, the White River National Forest adopted the revised White River National
Forest (hereinafter WRNF or Forest) Revised Land and Resource Management Plan
after an extensive public process and analysis under the National Environmental
Policy Act.
The Forest Plan Revision process took more than 5 years, involved dozens of public
meetings, and generated over 14,000 public comments.
As required by law, the White River National Forest engaged in formal consultation
with the US Fish and Wildlife Service that resulted in the Fish and Wildlife Service
stating that the revised plan would not harm lynx because the WRNF agreed to follow
the standards in a document called the Lynx Conservation Assessment and Strategy.
These provisions were included in the revised Forest Plan and survived the entire
public process, including Appeals decided on by the Chief of the Forest Service.
Since 1999, the Colorado Division of Wildlife has undertaken a widely popular and
successful Canada lynx reintroduction program that has resulted in the
reestablishment of breeding populations of lynx in Colorado.
Data from radio collars worn by the reintroduced lynx demonstrate that they are
extensively using and occupying habitat on the White River National Forest.
On December 2, 2004, Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture Tenny issued a
Discretionary Review Decision on the Chief's Appeal Decision regarding the White
River National Forest Revised Land and Resource Management Plan disagreeing with
the scientists' conclusion that lynx occupy the White River National Forest and
ordering the White River National Forest to eliminate language from the plan that
protects lynx and their habitat. This language came from the Canada Lynx
Conservation Assessment and Strategy, and thus was part of the agreement between
the Forest Service and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Tenny's decision also limited
the application of other measures for protection of lynx.
On February 1, 2005, the White River National Forest proposed amendments to the
2002 Revised Forest Plan eliminating the lynx protection standards as ordered by the
Deputy Undersecretary's decision.
Therefore, it is' resolved by the Board of Commissioners of Pitkin County, that the Board of
Commissioners supports the existing lynx standards in the White River National Forest Revised
Land and Resource Management Plan and stands in opposition to Deputy Undersecretary of
Agriculture Termy's Discretionary Review Decision and to the Forest Service's proposed
amendments to the Forest Plan that reduce protections for lynx habitat.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND ADOPTED ON THE 23rd DAY OF February, 2005.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF PITKIN COUNTY, COLORADO
Jones, Deputy Clerk
By: ~ ~
Patti Kay-Clapper,eChair
Manager's Approval:
t/x__Hilary Fletcher Smith, Manager