Scientists Condemn HCP's

[Bret Diamond <bdiamond@athens.net>]

         Scientists Find Serious Holes in Habitat
                    Conservation Plans

     A major scientific analysis by the American Institute of
Biological Sciences and the National Center for Ecological Analysis
and Synthesis of Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) confirms
conservationists  concerns about HCPs and highlights the need for
improved protection for endangered species.  HCPs are required by
the ESA as mitigation plans for permits to destroy or otherwise
"take" endangered species and their habitats.  In  Using Science in
Habitat Conservation Plans,  a group of 119 independent scientists
examined 43 HCPs in detail and another 208 more generally.  The
report concludes that critical scientific information about
endangered species often is not available for HCPs.  It also
highlights a major lack of biological monitoring to determine what
effect each HCP has on endangered species.  The report also finds
that HCPs often rely upon unproven management techniques,
posing risks to species.  For a copy of the report see:

http://www.nceas.ucsb.edu/