What effect would a proposed critical habitat designation for Canada lynx have on National Fire Plan interagency coordination?
A – It would prompt Federal agencies to consider the effects of proposed actions on the Critical Habitat. If they determine that there will be no effects, no further compliance with the ESA is required. If a Federal agency determines that those effects will constitute adverse effects, they are required to conference with the Fish and Wildlife Service. Conferencing can take the form of informal discussions during which the Fish and Wildlife Service can make advisory recommendations or it can be conducted like a formal consultation with the issuance of an advisory conference opinion which, under certain conditions, can be converted to a biological opinion. The Fish and Wildlife Service can also request a conference if the Service believes one is appropriate. Q – How would timber harvest and forestry management practices be affected by a critical habitat designation? A – Timber harvest and associated forestry management can be beneficial or detrimental to lynx depending on harvest methods
