When an area is designated as critical habitat, are all human activities in the area prohibited?
No. The only activities prohibited in these areas are Federal actions that are likely to appreciably reduce the value of that habitat for the flycatcher. (See above) Q: Will livestock grazing be affected by critical habitat designation? A: Formal consultation under the Endangered Species Act is required only when federally-permitted grazing may adversely affect critical habitat. Federal land management agencies are required to evaluate the effect grazing has on federally managed critical habitat areas. The flycatcher can exist in grazed areas, but does best in areas where the species habitat suitability is maintained in good condition and cowbird populations are kept in check. Q: Why is the Service initiating the designation of critical habitat for the flycatcher again? A: In 1997, 599 river miles of flycatcher critical habitat were designated in southwestern New Mexico, southern California, and Arizona. In 2001, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals set aside designated critical habitat i
