Thomas takes ESA reform on the road

By WHITNEY ROYSTER
Star-Tribune environmental reporter Sunday, February 27, 2005

JACKSON -- In an effort to boost support for his work reforming the Endangered Species Act, U.S. Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., canvassed the state last week talking to individuals and groups about the road ahead.

One of his hopes, he said, is to incorporate local communities with the decisions made at higher levels on species protection. That will ultimately "strengthen the quality of life in Wyoming," he said.

What's more, Thomas said the act needs to work in concert with appropriate management of other species.

"For instance here, the growth and the number of grizzly bears and wolves is having an impact on the numbers of moose and elk and others," he said, pushing for more "balance" and "flexibility" in the law.

Some scientists, including Joel Berger of the Wildlife Conservation Society, have argued drought and malnutrition are hurting big game more than predation.

Thomas, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, has been working with other Western senators to get an Endangered Species Act reform bill on the floor.

Thomas has long contended the act needs reform because it is focused more on listing than recovery.

"We've got about 1,500 species listed, and about 12 of them are recovered," he said, "so I think the emphasis is not where it might, should be."

One of the problems of the act is the definition of "best available science," the senator said. Sometimes, the science available isn't the best that could be acquired, he said, but is simply the only science that has been done.

"We think we need to change the definition of the kind of science that needs to be there" he said. "Like in the (Preble's meadow) jumping mouse. Maybe it was the best available, but it wasn't adequate. It could be almost anything if that's all there is."

Thomas's vision for the Endangered Species Act is aligned with many in Wyoming who think the law has impinged on their way of life. People in the energy and ranching industry can be hit particularly hard if a species is listed and they have to adhere to more stringent regulations.

But supporters of the act argue that the law has been a success in preventing species from going extinct, from the whooping crane to bald eagle to grizzly bear.

Thomas said he was meeting with mining associations, grazers, outfitters, sportsmen and environmentalists on his Wyoming visit.

"I think most everyone agrees there needs to be some changes," he said.