Best Management Practices Recognized in Alligator Snapping Turtle Proposed Listing
Update: On June 27, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a final rule designating the Suwannee alligator snapping turtle as threatened with a tailored 4(d) rule. The 4(d) rule removed the proposed exceptions for incidental take resulting from construction and maintenance near and in streams, and pesticide and herbicide use. However, the rule retained the exceptions for incidental take resulting from forest management activities implemented in accordance with state-approved BMPs. The final rule also reiterated the conservation benefits of forestry BMPs. This rule goes into effect July 29, 2024. Read the final rule here.
FLA hosted a Timber Talk in 2021 to showcase the conservation benefits of forestry BMPs to agency leadership and other stakeholders.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the Service) is proposing to list the alligator snapping turtle as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act with a Section 4(d) rule to tailor “take” prohibitions. This proposal is one of many recently proposed species listings that provide exceptions in the 4(d) rule for forest management activities such as construction, maintenance, pesticide and herbicide use, and other silviculture practices that implement state-approved best management practices (BMPs).
FLA submitted comments on January 10, 2022, commending the Service for providing exceptions for BMPs within the proposed rule. By acknowledging the importance and effectiveness of state-approved BMPs, the Service can implement a scientifically sound conservation plan for the alligator snapping turtle that not only protects the species but recognizes the good stewardship of private landowners and their working forests. FLA encourages the Service to continue this trend with future listings to highlight the capability of BMPs to protect water quality and habitat for aquatic species.
The alligator snapping turtle can be found across the Southeast and the BMP compliance rate within its range averages over 90 percent. There is currently no critical habitat designation associated with this listing.
Read FLA’s official comments here.