For Immediate Release: May 10, 2011

Contact:            Leda Huta, Executive Director: 202-320-6467, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Derek Goldman, N. Rockies Representative: 406-721-3218, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Statement of Endangered Species Coalition’s Executive Director, Leda Huta on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Announcement of Settlement Agreement, Work plan to Address the Listing Backlog:

“The Endangered Species Coalition applauds the announcement of an agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Wild Earth Guardians. We are hopeful that the work plan will enable the Service to move forward and protect fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction.

The Endangered Species program has been chronically underfunded for decades. This has led to a “listing backlog” of more than 250 species. These are plants, fish and wildlife that the USFWS own scientists have determined need the protection of the Endangered Species Act, but for which inadequate funding has precluded the listing of these species.

We hope that Congress will respond to today’s announcement by providing the Service with the resources it needs to do its job of protecting imperiled wildlife, including candidates for protection, as well as other species petitioned for listing.

The Endangered Species Act is an incredible success. The Act has saved hundreds of species from disappearing forever, including the American alligator, the grizzly bear and the Whooping Crane. The Endangered Species Act provides a safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction. We owe it to future generations of Americans to be good stewards and protect endangered species and the places they call home.”

The FWS workplan and announcement can be viewed at: http://www.fws.gov/endangered/improving_ESA/listing_workplan.html