What happens if you are told by the EPA that your land is home to endangered species? How do you react and why

Question

What happens if you are told by the EPA that your land is home to endangered species? How do you react and why

Answer 1

Well if you don't plan on doing anything to the land (construction, development, etc) then it shouldn't be a problem.  

But if you were planning to build and develop it, then you'd need to consult with the US Fish & Wildlife Service about what steps you'd need to go from there.

Answer 2

This is a classic case of unintended consequences.  Land has been condemned because of the discovery of "endangered" wildlife, or sometimes only the supposition that it is habitat for endangered wildlife.  As a consequence, landowners are motivated to plow under virgin prairie before anyone can whip the paperwork together to stop them.  

There is a plant in Kansas called Mead's Milkweed.  If they find it on your land, it's essentially not your land anymore.  Many land owners have plowed or used Round-up to ensure that it doesn't show up.

Answer 3

They have to live somewhere. What is the big deal? Does the EPA want to take your land? If so, you can work out an agreement that the land remains your and that you will agree not to build on or cut trees, or hunt on the land.

I'd be happy that the species choose my land as I wouldn't harm them

Answer 4

An endangered species on your land is not necessarily the kiss of death for development. I do baseline surveys, habitat analyses, and environmental impact studies. From time to time, I have been able to suggest minor changes to the plans that save a patch of habitat. Often, the habitat gets changed from a liability to a benefit.

Unfortunately for the developers, sometimes my findings can make it impossible to continue the proposed development and still make a reasonable profit. You pays yer money and yer takes yer chances.