Public Comment Period Open for Proposed Lynx Habitat Designations by Fish and Wildlife

On November 27, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) unveiled its finalized recovery plan aimed at bolstering the conservation efforts for the threatened Canada lynx population in the lower 48 states. The updated plan proposes changes to critical lynx habitat designations, now spanning approximately 19,112 square miles across six states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming.

This new recovery strategy is an enhancement of the original 2014 habitat designation, expanding the areas deemed vital for the species’ long-term survival. The FWS worked in close partnership with state, tribal, and federal agencies to gain a deeper understanding of lynx ecology and their resource needs. The plan includes a variety of measures to mitigate threats to the lynx population, such as improved vegetation management, habitat restoration, and strategies to address wildland fire risks. These actions are designed to balance the needs of lynx conservation with land-use priorities in the affected areas.

“These steps are essential to securing the future of this elusive, snow-adapted wildcat, which relies on cold boreal forests and abundant snowshoe hares for survival,” stated the FWS in a press release.

Although lynx populations are thriving in Canada and Alaska, their presence in the contiguous U.S. remains limited and fragmented. Habitat destruction, human interference, and climate change have all contributed to the decline of this species. The Canada lynx was officially listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 2000 in the lower 48 states.

The proposed recovery plan, published in the Federal Register on November 29, 2024, includes a 60-day public comment period, which will end on January 28, 2025. The FWS will review and consider all public feedback before finalizing the plan. To submit comments or learn more, visit Regulations.gov.

Leigh Reagan Smith, a wildlife and community news reporter, brings her experience as a documentary filmmaker to her work. She has lived in the valley since 1997 and enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. She also hosts a podcast called SoulRise, where she interviews intriguing individuals.

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