Endangered and Threatened Species: Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

In Defense of Animals, an international nonprofit organization, submitted a letter and a petition signed by over 9,000 people expressing strong support for the proposed critical habitat designation for 22 species in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. They argue that protecting these habitats is essential for biodiversity, ecosystem health, and regional economic stability, and they specifically urge the Fish and Wildlife Service not to exclude 3,981 acres from the final designation.

Prutehi Guåhan, a 501c3 organization, opposes the designation of critical habitat because it can lead to the destruction of sacred and culturally significant lands for military use. They request an extension of the commenting period to ensure residents understand the potential impacts on Indigenous practices and economic development.

The Center for Biological Diversity, a nonprofit environmental organization, strongly supports the finalization of the proposed critical habitat designation for 22 species in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam. They urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to finalize the rule quickly without reducing the scope of the proposed areas, specifically opposing certain exclusions and requesting more robust analysis of climate change threats.

A certified wildlife biologist with over 35 years of experience supports the proposed designation of critical habitat for 22 species in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The commenter argues that the designation is scientifically justified and essential for maintaining biodiversity and promoting long-term species recovery.

An individual who works with animals expresses support for the proposed critical habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act. They argue that robust protections are essential for species survival and warn that prioritizing development over environmental health leads to irreversible ecosystem decline.

The commenter, an ecologist and Associate Professor at Virginia Tech who also serves as a board member for a conservation nonprofit, supports the goal of designating critical habitat for Mariana Islands species. However, they urge the Service to extend the public comment period, conduct more in-person outreach, and refine the scientific accuracy of the proposed boundaries to ensure the rule doesn't inadvertently hinder conservation efforts.

Dr. Else Demeulenaere, an Associate Director at the University of Guam's Center for Island Sustainability, supports the proposed critical habitat designation but requests more public outreach, a comment period extension, and clarification on how the designation complements existing conservation plans and management on private and military lands. She also recommends evaluating additional coastal limestone forest habitats for inclusion in the final rule.

A biologist and board member of a Marianas conservation non-profit supports the proposed critical habitat designation but urges the USFWS to improve community outreach and provide clearer maps showing land ownership. The commenter also suggests expanding the designated areas to include specific additional species and locations where they believe critical habitats are currently missing.

Sabina Flores Perez, a Senator from Guam, supports the designation of critical habitat for 22 species but emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that addresses cumulative threats like climate change and military activity. She recommends integrating the designation into local land-use plans, prioritizing intact forests, and collaborating with local agencies to manage invasive species and wildfires.

Henry B. Lacey, an individual, supports the proposed designation of critical habitat for 22 species in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands but argues that the rule needs to be strengthened. He requests more specific scientific findings, clearer boundary justifications, and more transparent evidence regarding the physical and biological features essential for species recovery.