We are writing to request at least a 60-day extension of the comment period and at least a 90-day extension of the final listing deadline for the proposed rule to list the Lesser Prairie-Chicken (LPC) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. We also request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), in coordination with the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFW A), expedite consideration and approval of the proposed Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) for oil and gas activities that occur within LPC habitat. Lastly, we request an in-person meeting with you to discuss the proposed listing and pending CCAA proposals as soon as possible.

First, we request that FWS extend the public comment period by at least 60 days to give stakeholders in the geographic, five-state area it would impact sufficient time and flexibility to provide FWS with information on the most up-to-date science and conservation actions upon which FWS will base its final listing decision for the LPC.

Read the entire letter HERE.