Describe the U.S. endangered species act.?

Question

Describe the U.S. endangered species act.?

Answer 1

An example of good intentions gone wrong, which come to think of it is what congress does most of the time.

The act sounds like a good idea to protect animals endangered by extinction.

The act protects more bugs and insects than things like eagles.

Answer 2

It's an imperfect tool that provides agencies with a means to protect species and theoretically save them from extinction.  However, the listing process is tedious and creatures have left the planet permanently while awaiting protection or because protection was offered too late.

In the last 20 years, the agency has begun to implement a habitat-based program, which not only preserves species that are endangered or threatened, but scores of other creatures that live in that area as well.  In my area, the state and federal government developed a Natural Community Conservation Plan, managed by the Nature Reserve of Orange County.  The agreement involves cities, water agencies, major landowners, government agencies and other stakeholders, and for 11-years has been successful at protecting the 37,000 thousand acres of lands set aside as open space.  Developing baseline information and using it to generate solid management decisions has been a key part of the process.  The Endangered Species Act is one of the tools they use in managing the program.

There have been a few success stories, and although the ESA is mired in politics and isn't forceful enough in some areas, it has provided the government with the clout needed to address the many processes that lead to creatures becoming endangered.

Answer 3

The act was instated in 1973. It was designed to protect imperiled species from going extinct due to increased human development. It has been criticized heavily over the years. But some species, such as the bald eagle, have recovered in part due to this act.

Answer 4

This monumental and groundbreaking legislation was signed into law by President Nixon in December of 1973. The endangered Species Act (or ESA) finally enabled federal agencies like NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enforce the protection of threatened species. Further, the ESA gave these bodies the power to protect vitally important habitat; develop and implement sweeping conservation programs; and carry out restoration programs.

The act also has provisions to allow citizens and NGOs the ability to seek civil litigation (or redress) to help protect the tenants of the ESA. The most infamous of these efforts was the halt of logging in the coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest -- to help save the spotted owl.

Additional provisions within the ESA allow for stiff fines and penalties for those found violating the act. This is what gave the ESA real teeth and the ability to be realistically enforced.

The current "administration" has repeatedly tried to undermine the ESA -- more so then any other predecessor. Fortunately a growing ground swell of support for the ESA and a renewed interest in conservation has halted the majority of their efforts.