FALLS CHURCH. Va. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service invites public comments and information on its Endangered Species Act section 10(a) program. The program includes the development of conservation benefit agreements, habitat conservation plans and the issuance of enhancement of survival and incidental take permits.
The Service is dedicated to strengthening the section 10(a) program to more effectively support conservation efforts while addressing the needs of landowners, industry and local communities — ultimately improving the program’s overall efficiency and impact.
Section 10(a)(1)(A) encourages voluntary conservation of listed and at-risk species on non-federal lands. Enhancement of survival permits associated with conservation benefit agreements are intended to incentivize voluntary conservation by authorizing the take of covered species that may result from implementing the approved conservation benefit agreement. This approach empowers landowners and stakeholders to protect vulnerable species proactively.
Section 10(a)(1)(B), meanwhile, provides a path for compliance with the ESA through incidental take permits and associated habitat conservation plans. This permit provides take coverage for otherwise lawful activities that may unintentionally impact listed species or those that may be listed in the future.
The public can submit comments and information at www.regulations.gov by searching for docket number FWS-HQ-ES-2025-0049. All submissions must be received by July 9, 2025.
-FWS-
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube.
