Governor, Delegation Call For Bull Trout Status Review

Boise, ID â?? Idahoâ??s Congressional Delegation and Governor Kempthorne called on Interior Secretary Gale Norton today for a formal status review of the bull trout.â??The need for a status review is particularly timely,â?? the letter to Norton said. â??Great progress has been made to recover the species in Idaho and other States, and a considerable amount of new information is available on the status of bull trout and elsewhere.â??A copy of the full letter is attached.[30]August 18, 2003The Honorable Gale NortonSecretary, U.S. Department of Interior1849 C Street NWWashington, D.C. 20240Dear Secretary Norton:As you know, the Columbia River Bull Trout population was listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on June 10, 1998. The range of this population covers large areas of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Prior to the listing as Threatened, all States had devised recovery programs for the bull trout, and have continued myriad on-theâ??ground efforts to protect the species. Most recently, the State of Idaho has commented on draft proposals for the federal recovery plan as well as draft critical habitat designations.As it has been five years since the listing of the fish, we request a formal status review as is required under Section 4 (c) 2 (A) and (B) of the ESA. The need for a status review is particularly timely. Great progress has been made to recover the species in Idaho and other States, and a considerable amount of new information is available on the status of bull trout in Idaho and elsewhere. It is imperative we determine the current status of bull trout as well as determine where to prioritize our future efforts. A status review will greatly assist these efforts.We appreciate your attention to this matter.Sincerely,Dirk KempthorneLarry E. Craig Governor of IdahoUnited States SenatorMike CrapoC.L. â??Butchâ?? OtterUnited States SenatorMember of CongressMike SimpsonMember of Congress