Receipt of Enhancement of Survival Permit Application and Proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement for the Benefit of the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit in Washington; Categorical Exclusion

TerryAnn Towers Saint Amand supports the proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement and Enhancement of Survival Permit for the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. The commenter emphasizes the importance of landscape-scale habitat restoration, science-based monitoring, and collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders to ensure long-term species recovery.

A biologist supporting the conservation of the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit expresses support for the proposed programmatic Conservation Benefit Agreement. The commenter argues that the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the best agency to manage the program due to its proven leadership and the necessity of public-private partnerships on private lands.