Keystone Environmental’s Post

You've probably heard that #SCOTUS did away with "Chevron deference" last week. We cover that for you today on WorkersCompensation.com. In a nutshell, the Court's majority, in an opinion written by Chief Justice Roberts, said: 👨⚖️ The Aministrative Procedure Act requires courts to exercise their independent judgment in deciding whether an agency has acted within its statutory authority, and courts may not defer to an agency interpretation of the law simply because a statute is ambiguous. 👨⚖️ The Chevron doctrine was "nothing more than a distraction from the question that matters: Does the statute authorize the challenged agency action?" The dissenters in the case, led by Justice Kagan, had concerns that courts won't have the knowledge that agencies have to make decisions. For example: 👩⚖️ Under the Endangered Species Act, the Fish and Wildlife Service must designate endangered “vertebrate fish or wildlife” species, including “distinct population segment[s]” of those species. 16 U.S.C. § 1532(16); see § 1533. What makes one population segment “distinct” from another? Must the Service treat the Washington State population of western gray squirrels as “distinct” because it is geographically separated from other western gray squirrels? Or can the Service take into account that the genetic makeup of the Washington population does not differ markedly from the rest? See Northwest Ecosystem Alliance v. United States Fish and Wildlife Serv., 475 F.3d 1136, 1140–1145, 1149 (9th Cir. 2007).

Bald eagles, ospreys and peregrine falcons (shown here)—these once-endangered birds are repopulating Pennsylvania’s skies, thanks to protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, enacted 50 years ago. But dozens more species in our state still face dire threats from invasive species, habitat loss, climate change and more. Our Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program staff provides data and expertise on 664 at-risk birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and invertebrates to inform PA State Wildlife Action Plans. We’re currently working on the upcoming plan. Through the state action plans, we partner with other organizations to bring awareness to at-risk species. Read the current PA State Wildlife Action Plan, where you can find lists of endangered species and more: https://bit.ly/4860Oue. Pennsylvania Game Commission #EndangeredSpecies #EndangeredSpeciesAct #WildlifeActionPlan #ESA50

Wolves, extinct in Washington state since the 1930s, have been steadily returning since 2008 due to conservation efforts. Researchers from the University of Washington School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife, Washington State University and the Spokane Tribe of Indians studied the impact of wolves on white-tailed deer in northeast Washington. Their findings reveal that habitat quality and cougar predation are the primary factors affecting deer populations, with wolves having a minimal impact. This research underscores the complexity of predator-prey dynamics and the importance of considering various environmental factors in wildlife management. Read more at: https://ow.ly/pFj650SzQUT #UWEnvironment #WildlifeConservation #WashingtonForests

Did you know that disrupting an active birds nest can lead to a large fine or even a felony? Here in California, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife defines the nesting season as February 15th through August 31st. Some species, such as owls and raptors, start early while other species, such as hummingbirds and doves, may nest year-round. During these months, the trees must be surveyed and active nests must be avoided. This Eucalyptus tree has an active raptors nest. Because our crews are Wildlife Aware, they tag the tree, our team will notify the manager and the crew will come back to trim the tree after nesting season. Being Wildlife Aware is crucial in helping educate our crews and clients to understand the importance of protected nests which includes birds & squirrels. 🪺 #greatscott #greatscotttreecare #treecare #nest #nestingseason #birdnest

How well do you know your tracks? Our wolverine program works with the Cascades Wolverine Project (CWP) in Washington State. CWP uses track photos submitted by the public to understand wolverine distribution in the Cascades mountain range. But how good are these data? These photos of wildlife tracks are used to test wildlife professionals, such as those at CWP, on their ability to identify the species associated with tracks. Take the track quiz ➡️ https://loom.ly/EJYqpLI

ICYMI, earlier this summer, the Supreme Court overruled the Chevron deference. "That means there's going to be more power, more ability of a court to potentially do something that is, you know, against the entire purpose, if you will, even of the Endangered Species Act." Read more about how the overturning of the Chevron deference could impact wildlife and public lands at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gMd_C-H7

The invasive Burmese python, long established in South Florida's Everglades, is now being spotted further north, raising concerns about their expanding territory. This shift has been noted in areas up to Charlotte County, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Key Insights: Established Populations: Burmese pythons have a significant breeding population, traditionally contained from Lake Okeechobee southwards. Recent sightings in Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties suggest a possible range expansion. Migration vs. New Introduction: FWC is investigating whether these pythons are migrating from southern populations or if they represent a new, independent introduction. Genetic studies are pending to provide more clarity. Environmental Impact: Invasive Species Threat: As non-native predators, Burmese pythons pose a significant threat to local wildlife and ecological balance. Public Interaction Advice: Safety Precautions: Although Burmese pythons are elusive and tend to avoid urban areas, FWC advises against approaching them if encountered. Instead, photograph the animal from a safe distance and contact authorities. #BurmesePython #InvasiveSpecies #Florida #SnakeSighting #EnvironmentalImpact #Ecomomy

🌐🦅  Wildlife tracking with WADE Tower At WADE Tower, we are proud to provide wildlife conservation efforts with our tower solutions. Our collaboration with the Motus Wildlife Tracking System represents a transformative leap in studying the migratory patterns of the tiniest creatures on our planet. Key Highlights: Automated Radio Telemetry: Our towers support Motus systems, enabling precise tracking of birds, bats, and insects across vast distances. Our Towers: In remote locations, our DMX Towers, Tripods, and Popups are an instrumental piece in providing the data needed to enact effective conservation strategies. Community Impact: By aiding a network of researchers and educators, we're part of an impactful global initiative for ecological understanding and conservation. We invite you to learn more about how our products are helping to map the migratory journeys of countless species, informing conservation efforts, and educating future generations. Together, we can make a lasting impact on wildlife research and conservation! Connect with Anne-Marie Walsh to learn more. #WADETower #MotusTracking #WildlifeConservation #EcologicalResearch #InnovationInConservation #Biodiversity #BirdsCanada #WildlifeTracking #EnviromentalMonitoring #Conservation #SustainableResearchInfrastructure

Our advice on moles above ground was shared in this years' Winterwatch. A mole searching for food ABOVE ground is very rare to see — especially in the daytime, as they are active at night. When the ground freezes, moles will sometimes come to the surface to hunt for invertebrates in the leaf litter. Moles don’t hibernate and are active throughout the winter — feeding as much as possible to keep their energy up through the cold months. Normally the best time of year to see moles above ground is August-September, as at this point the young are dispersing above ground and trying not to use the burrows of other moles that are aggressively territorial! Did you know that moles aren't actually blind and do have eyes (at a glance they can seem like they don’t), and although they are colourblind it has been shown that they are well adapted to detect light! As with many mammals, moles are under-recorded and this lack of accurate data can limit science-led conservation. In some areas moles are suspected to be declining, but without data collected year on year it is hard to track, analyse to ascertain the cause, and then consider what action can be taken. Anyone can help conservation by recording sightings of moles and molehills via our free Mammal Mapper app. PC: Matt Binstead, Head Keeper at British Wildlife Centre #Moles #Winterwatch #BBC

CORAL REEF NEWS: ‘Knight in spiny armour’: could lobsters help save Florida’s dying corals? A three-year study found that the spiny lobsters’ urine scared off predatory worms and snails who snack on the delicate organisms An unexpected champion has emerged in the increasingly grave battle to save Florida’s imperiled coral reefs: spiny lobsters that urinate in the water and scare off predatory worms and snails seeking to feast on the delicate organisms. The finding is one of the more bizarre conclusions of a three-year study by scientists from the Florida fish and wildlife conservation commission (FWC), who are also warning it may already be too late for some species of coral to survive without significant human assistance. Read full story here: https://lnkd.in/eEJ4vQW5 #coralreefs #coralnews #spinylobster #habitatdegradation #rehabilitation #coralscience #marinescience #marinebiology #marineecology