USFWS announces public meeting on Red-cockaded Woodpecker downlisting

[Laura Bies]

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In September, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that they are downlisting the Red-cockaded Woodpeckers from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act, citing partnerships with both the Department of Defense and the U.S. Forest Service, along with more than 30 other public and private organizations, as being key to the recovery. 

The USFWS is also considering adopting a rule that will prohibit incidental take of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers from actions that would result in the further habitat loss or degradation, such as activities that would harass Red-cockaded Woodpeckers during the breeding season and the insecticide use near clusters.  

On 1 December, the USFWS will hold a public informational meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Eastern Time, followed by a public hearing from 7:30 to 9 p.m., Eastern Time, via Zoom. Registration is required and an opportunity to provide formal testimony will be provided during the public hearing portion of the event. Register to attend the meeting and to provide testimony here. 

The agency is accepting written comments on the proposal until 7 December. Submit a comment here. 

Read more about the downlisting here.

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