What is the Endangered Species Act and how does it affect private landowners?
The ESA is designed to conserve threatened or endangered species until they are out of danger. An endangered species is one facing extinction in a specific location. A threatened species is one likely to become endangered. ESA lists include mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, plants, spiders, and insects. It is illegal to “take” a listed species. Taking is defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect.” Taking applies equally to endangered species on private and public land. There are civil and criminal penalties for taking. If land provides habitat for a listed species, it will be subject to strict federal regulations, such as limitations on tree harvesting and etc.
