“Basing this determination on climate modeling and projections that have been consistently inaccurate over decades does not meet the standard of “likely” or even probable at this stage. The North American population of wolverines shares genetic roots with the first wolverines that crossed the Bering Strait— wolverines have demonstrated remarkable resilience, surviving and adapting to various climate fluctuations, including the ice age and other periods of extreme climate change. This longstanding presence in North America underscores the wolverine’s ability to endure and adapt. It is wrong to base an ESA determination on unreliable climate predictions for any species, but especially for one that has proven to be so climate resilient.” — Letter from Senator Steve Daines & Rep. Zinke and Rosendale

In Episode 399 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses her recent ALEC Summit speech on natural asset companies, fishing in Arizona’s Salt River, previews CSF NASC podcast interviews, and discusses the USFWS’s proposed rule to list the Lower-48 wolverine on the Endangered Species Act with threatened protections on climate change, not population, grounds. Tune in to learn more.

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SHOW NOTES

USFWS Press Release: North American wolverine receives federal protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for North American Wolverine – Due January 29th, 2024

Science: With limited funds for conservation, researchers spar over which species to save—and which to let go

The Endangered Species Act at 50