Exempted Lynx: Feds Opt Not to Designate 'Critical Habitat' in Maine

Summary

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Federal officials have exempted all Canada lynx habitat in Maine from a rarely used but highly controversial provision of the Endangered Species Act, setting the stage for more lawsuits over the reclusive cat.

In a drastic rewrite of the agency's original proposal, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opted not to designate about 10,600 square miles in Maine and more than 5,000 square miles in western and midwestern states as "critical habitat" for the federally protected lynx.

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Exempted Lynx: Feds Opt Not to Designate 'Critical Habitat' in Maine

Agency representatives said Wednesday that the decision should not hurt lynx populations, which are still protected from harm or harassment under the Endangered Species Act. Instead, officials said, the exemption will help the agency maintain good relations with landowners where lynx liv...

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