"Rule changes the Trump administration is proposing for the Endangered Species Act, though not expected to directly impact species inside the National Park System, would have indirect impacts that could jeopardize plant and animal species and in the long-run could affect visitors' experiences, according to experts well versed in how the act functions."
"Waves of hatchlings scurry towards the surf, orienting themselves to the rising sun and plunging into the water, natural born swimmers. These Kemp's ridley turtle youngsters are a linchpin for the survival of the most endangered sea turtle in the world. Over the course of a summer, thousands of these armored turtles splash into the Gulf of Mexico.
Were it not for Dr. Donna Shaver and her sea turtle program at Padre Island National Seashore, a 70-mile sliver of barrier island in Texas along the Gulf of Mexico, the species' future might not have any glimmer of hope.
"Padre Island sort of modeled the right behavior to save them, which was protecting the eggs and the hatchlings. And that inspired others to do the same thing outside the Padre Island seashore," said David Graber, whose last role in his nearly 40-year career with the National Park Service was as chief scientist for the Pacific West Region.
That was one tidbit of endangered and threatened species knowledge Graber shared as we discussed the rule changes the Trump administration wants to make to the Endangered Species Act, a 45-year-old cornerstone of protectionism bestowed on plants and animals, insects and shellfish, birds and fish. Signed into law in 1973 by President Richard Nixon, the measure was overwhelmingly endorsed by Congress, passing the House on a 390-12 vote and the Senate by 92-0."
Kurt Repanshek reports for National Parks Traveler July 29, 2018.
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