U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen restored Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection for the Yellowstone Grizzly bear population on September 24. Judge Christensen vacated the 2017 final delisting rule after finding that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) failed to consider the impact of delisting the Yellowstone distinct population segment (DPS) on the remainder of the taxon and that the FWS acted arbitrarily and capriciously when conducting its review of the five listing/delisting factors. The outcome of the ruling was not unexpected, but the limited scope of the judge’s order leaves substantial uncertainty for both the plaintiffs and the FWS. The FWS can correct the flaws in the 2017 rule addressed in Judge Christensen’s order, but the court gave no indication of how it would rule on other complaints filed by plaintiffs, including Native American’s arguments against delisting on religious grounds. Any future delisting rule will likely face further litigation on these grounds, resulting in additional delays before grizzly bear delisting is finally resolved. Judge Christensen’s ruling has renewed calls for Congress to remove ESA protection for Yellowstone grizzlies, as it did for wolves in Idaho and Montana.

The illegal take of wildlife by poachers is a serious issue in the United States. The indefensible actions of bad actors ultimately result in the wholesale theft of wildlife from the public, significant loss of recreational opportunities, and in extreme cases, deleterious impacts on sensitive or rare species. The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is predicated on scientifically-based management, rule of law, wise use, and equal opportunity. The theft of wildlife resources from the public flies in the face of the very foundations of this model. To help reduce wildlife crime in the United States, the Boone & Crockett Club and Wildlife Management Institute are working together to improve the ability for wildlife law enforcement officers to identify and convict poachers, as well as ensure that poaching restitution is severe enough to reduce wildlife crime.

The corn crop in 2018 will likely be the largest ever which is expected to add to the woes of farmers facing low prices for their crops. The 2017 crop created the largest inventory of corn in many years and this year’s predicted harvest will only add to the glut of corn on the market. With limits on the demand for U.S. crops, the 2018 Farm Bill may help address the supply side of the commodity market.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease caused by a fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, which can grow on bats while they are hibernating, causing them to burn energy at a time they should be inactive. It has been observed in North America since at least 2006 and has spread rapidly across the United States and Canada. The disease has killed millions of bats and continues to spread. In response to the continued threat of WNS to bat populations, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has committed $200,000 to fund the WNS Small Grants Program for the 2018-2019 year. These funds will support priority research and communications needs outlined in the White-Nose Syndrome National Plan. This funding will help advance conservation efforts to manage the spread of the disease and its effect on bat species throughout North America.