The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decided this week not to pursue relisting the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a threatened species, an announcement that drew applause from Oklahoma Congressman Jim Bridenstine.
“This has long been an effort by members of congress from Oklahoma. I’m glad the USFWS has received the message,” said Rep. Bridenstine after the agency decided the prairie chicken had become a thriving neighbor to the energy industry operations and U.S. military bases in Oklahoma.
Bridenstine led a move last week to amend the FY17 National Defense Authorization Act to prevent re-listing the species for five years.
“With my amendment to the NOAA, we can ensure the various state and private conservation plans have time to work. Re-listing the LPC would impact military readiness by impeding operations and expansions at the seven military bases within the species’ historic range.”
He also gave credit to Sen. Jim Inhofe for leading the charge over several years to allow states and local stakeholders to conserve the Lesser Prairie Chicken without interference from Washington D.C.
