Special Series Part II-Education in Action: An Evaluation of the Endangered Species Act and Private Landowner Assurances

Cummings, Bridget, Mathews, Nancy E., Endangered Species Update

Editor's Note

The UPDATE presents a three-part series of educational essays from Nancy Mathews' Wildlife Ecology class at the University of Wisconsin. We are presenting a selection of position papers regarding Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act. This educational exercise is an example of how the next generation of conservation biologists is being trained. In particular, the essay set reflects an emphasis on remaining sensitive to the perspectives of multiple stakeholders. Perhaps some novel ideas are embedded in these essays as well, as fresh eyes often bring new insights to old controversies.

Wildlife Ecology students were given sample Habitat Conservation Plans and were instructed to assume the identity of the associated landowner, who also happened to be a trained wildlife biologist. The role-playing assignment was then given as follows:

Please write a position paper to be presented at a Senate sub-committee hearing on reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act. Support or refute the intent of the Section 10 administrative policies that attempt to make conservation planning more palatable to private property owners. Give a brief overview of the policies and present the pros and cons of the private landowner assurances. Support your position using what you have learned in class, the Endangered Species Act, and the assigned Habitat Conservation Plan.

Introduction

Good afternoon. My name is Bridget Cummings. I am a private landowner in Austin, Texas, with a holding of five acres. In December of 2000, I received an Incidental Take Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for the Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis). I am in the process of developing 0.5 acres of my land for a new home that will result in a taking of Houston toad habitat. I also have been a wildlife biologist …

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Publication information: Article title: Special Series Part II-Education in Action: An Evaluation of the Endangered Species Act and Private Landowner Assurances. Contributors: Cummings, Bridget - Author, Mathews, Nancy E. - Author. Magazine title: Endangered Species Update. Volume: 19. Issue: 2 Publication date: March-April 2002. Page number: 32+. © 2007 University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources. COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group.

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