Protecting Endangered Species

San Bruno Elfin
Photo: Larry Orsak

Species on the Endangered Species List are protected from harm by human activities intentional or unintentional. When companies operate in areas that contain endangered species, the companies must develop a plan that will minimize the harm or potential harm to those species.

Plans are submitted to the Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal department that manages endangered species. The FWS will review the plans by its own staff and scientists, send them out for review by other scientists and make them available for review by the public. The philosophy: Many eyes are more likely to uncover problems.

The FWS has a comment period for individuals or organizations to submit thoughts and recommendations. One function of the US regulatory process is to give everyone a chance to be heard. It is certain that organized conservation groups will make use of this opportunity.

Sensitive insects in the affected area include:
Threatened:
Delta green ground beetle (Elaphrus viridis)
Bay checkerspot butterfly (Euphydryas editha bayensis)

Endangered:
Callippe silverspot butterfly (Speyeria callippe callippe)
Lange’s metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo langei
Mission blue butterfly (Plebejus icarioides missionensis)
San Bruno elfin butterfly (Incisalia mossii bayensis),