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Imperial County Board Opposes Listing Western Burrowing Owl as Threatened

-Editorial

In a formal letter to the California Fish and Wildlife Commission, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors expressed its opposition to the proposed listing of the Western Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) as a threatened or endangered species in Imperial County. 

While the Board recognizes the significance of safeguarding vulnerable species and preserving biodiversity, they claim that such a designation would not serve the best interests of either the species or the region’s economic viability.

The Board emphasizes that recent surveys indicate the population of the Western Burrowing Owl in Imperial County is stable, if not increasing in certain areas. The region is home to one of the largest populations of this species in California. The supervisors argue that listing the Burrowing Owl as threatened or endangered could misrepresent its status in Imperial County, potentially diverting critical resources away from other species or regions that may require more urgent conservation efforts.

Imperial County is already actively engaged in various local conservation efforts aimed at protecting the Burrowing Owl, the letter stated. These initiatives include habitat management strategies, mitigation projects with the Imperial Irrigation District, and land use policies that address the needs of the species. For instance, measures such as creating artificial burrows and implementing land management practices are currently in place to minimize threats to the owl, while promoting agricultural practices that support its habitat.

The Board contends that an official listing could impose additional regulatory burdens that might undermine these ongoing conservation activities. They argue that the existing framework of local efforts is more effective than the broader, potentially restrictive measures that accompany a threatened or endangered designation.

A significant concern for the Board is the potential negative impact of listing the Burrowing Owl on agriculture and economic activities in Imperial County. With a heavy dependence on agriculture, the local economy faces challenges from existing environmental regulations. The Board warns that additional restrictions could further strain farmers and landowners already grappling with stringent regulatory requirements.

The Burrowing Owl often inhabits agricultural landscapes, and current farming practices already contribute to their habitat. The Board highlights that geothermal operations have successfully coexisted with agriculture for over 40 years while complying with regulations that protect burrowing owl habitats. They argue that listing the species as threatened or endangered would complicate future renewable energy projects, housing developments, and initiatives in Lithium Valley, potentially jeopardizing jobs and economic opportunities in a community already facing a poverty rate of 21% and an unemployment rate of 20% as of September 2024.

The Board also urges a wider perspective on the conservation needs of the Burrowing Owl, advocating for a more strategic approach that prioritizes regions where the species is genuinely at risk. They note that the most recent comprehensive study of Burrowing Owls in Imperial County, conducted from 2006 to 2007, indicated only a 2.5% change in the number of pairs compared to earlier studies, falling within an acceptable error range. Furthermore, recent surveys have not adequately accounted for Burrowing Owls residing on industrial, commercial, or agricultural properties, limiting assessments to those located on Imperial Irrigation District Right of Way.

The Board insists that any decisions made by the California Fish and Game Commission should be grounded in comprehensive, current, and accurate data rather than relying on incomplete assessments. They stress the importance of distinguishing between regions that require immediate conservation efforts and those, like Imperial County, where the species is not facing imminent threats.

In light of these considerations, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors urged the California Fish and Wildlife Commission to reconsider the proposal to list the Burrowing Owl as a threatened or endangered species in their region. They claimed that if a designation is deemed necessary for the species as a whole, Imperial County should be exempt from such classification.

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