The Administration proposed last month that the word “harm” in the Endangered Species Act exclude habitat modification or loss. In other words, habitat modification that significantly impairs a listed species' essential behavioral patterns (breeding, feeding, sheltering) would be considered a “take” under the ESA, which is prohibited.
In other words, this action would allow one to move an endangered or threatened species from its habitat or home whether wildlife is in a tree, a nest on the ground or hiding in a coral reef. Therefore, if the word “harm” is excluded in the ESA it allows the Administration to expediently move forward with their plans to log national forests, open marine protected areas to fishing, build roads across public lands, etc.
Here's the really good news! The Friends of Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge/Battle of Midway National Memorial submitted a very poignant and concise oppositional justification along with 199,000 other organizations and individuals who sent comments in during the open period that closed on May 19, 2025!
SEE BELOW a very quick and timely action request by the National Wildlife Refuge Association! Comments are due TODAY, May 23, 2025!
Don’t Politicize Our Public Lands – Stop Schedule F HERE! Add your voice to protect public service, conservation science, and the integrity of our Refuge System.
“Schedule F has been officially reinstated by executive order, and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is now writing the rules to implement it. This policy would allow political appointees to fire experienced, nonpartisan civil servants—which could include refuge managers and conservation scientists—without cause.
If allowed to move forward, Schedule F could dismantle the conservation workforce we depend on to protect our national wildlife refuges.
This is your chance to speak out. Use the form below to submit an official public comment to OPM opposing Schedule F before the May 23 deadline.“
AND don't forget to sign this petition to stop the rocket landing cargo site proposed at Kalama (Johnston Atoll) by Space X through the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information visit the Pacific Islands Heritage Coalition website here!
