Pubdate: Tue, 07 Oct 2014
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2014 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Page: A8

OFFICIALS: POT GROWERS A THREAT TO SPECIES

GRANTS PASS (AP) - Citing a threat from rat poison used on illegal 
marijuana plantations, federal biologists on Monday proposed 
Endangered Species Act protection for West Coast populations of the 
fisher, a larger cousin of the weasel.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published notice in the Federal 
Register that it wants to list the fisher as a threatened species in 
Oregon, California and Washington. The full proposal was expected Tuesday.

Other reasons for the proposal include the loss of forest habitat to 
wildfire, logging and urban development, disease, being eaten by 
other predators, illegal fur trapping and climate change. The fisher 
is the second species in the West for which biologists have formally 
recognized a threat from marijuana cultivation.

A recovery plan for coho salmon calls for reducing pollution from 
pesticides and fertilizers used on pot plantations; decreasing 
illegal water withdrawals from salmon streams; and easing clear-cut logging.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom