Trump Administration Proposes Weakening Protections for Yuba Salmon

The Trump Administration has proposed removing habitat damage through direct action – such as gravel mining or dewatering side channels—from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) definition of take. The White House wants to redefine “take” strictly as only a direct injury to individual fish or animals (e.g., killing or wounding). This would eliminate protections tied to habitat destruction that have been part of the definition up until now, and have been essential for endangered species preservation for decades. SYRCL is especially concerned about the serious threats this new proposal could have to Yuba salmon and the 24 miles of habitat that are critical for their survival. Without the current habitat harm rule and its definition of take, projects that could potentially harm salmon habitat could proceed with little or no oversight. 

If you care about the Lower Yuba’s clean water, healthy gravel bars, and wild fish, tell our Federal agencies to keep harm to habitat in the ESA’s regulatory definition of “take.” A simple sentence or two is more than adequate – the more voices that speak up, the more challenging it is to make a rule change. Take a minute NOW to submit your comment.

Comments are due by May 19th.

Depending on how many comments are submitted, the Agencies will make final recommendations and then an Executive Order will be issued.  We need an outpouring of opposition to this proposal.  Every single comment counts! 

Potential bullet points to include in your comment: 

• Removing habitat harm from the Endangered Species Act’s definition of “take” would gut one of our most effective tools for protecting species like the Yuba River salmon. 
•  Habitat destruction is just as deadly as direct injury, especially for fish confined to a limited stretch of river below Englebright Dam.  
• Without strong habitat protections, projects that degrade spawning grounds and salmon habitat could devastate these endangered fish. 
• Please keep harm to habitat in the definition of take. 

To submit a comment by May 19^th:  

• Click the button above. 
• Click “Submit a Comment” (green box at top right). 
• Write your comment (any length). 
• Check the acknowledgment box. 
• Click “Submit Comment.” 

SYRCL’s Comment Letter: