U.S. Fish and Wildlife Reviewing Maine’s ITP Application for Trapping and Lynx
OutdoorHub 01.03.12
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently considering an application by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for an incidental take permit for Canada lynx. The ITP would provide legal protection for the Department’s trapping program and trappers who incidentally capture lynx, which are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act. In return, the Department has taken measures to minimize the chances that lynx will be taken in traps, and minimize mortality to lynx that are caught. For the few possible mortalities that could occur, the Department has agreed to provide mitigation to minimize impacts to the lynx population.
The ITP comes on the heels of several lawsuits from animal rights groups to attempt to limit trapping in Maine.
If issued, the Incidental Take Permit would last for a 15 year period.
A brief review of what the document means to Maine’s trapping program can be read by clicking here.
Click here to read the full ITP document.
The USFWS Draft EA can be found here.
The USFWS is accepting public comment on the ITP application through February 7, 2012. Comments can be mailed in or emailed to: hcpmainetrapping@fws.gov.
Several public meetings have already been held, but public comment is still being accepted.
