Previous Story
‘Hand-clearing requires review by DFW’
|
Posted on Jun 16 2005
The Division of Fish & Wildlife is reminding all individuals planning to develop property that all tree or habitat clearing requires review by the division.
The division reviews all Division of Environmental Quality earthmoving permits and Coral Reef Management Office major sighting permits. The division also needs to review all “hand-clearing” activities.
The division is charged with protecting the CNMI Fish and Wildlife resources through Public Law 2-51. In accordance with this law, the division maintains a list of endangered species that shall not be “harassed” in Part 2 Section 10 of the DFW regulations.
“Hand-clearing may lead to the harassment and death of rare and unique species that only occur in the CNMI. Several of these species have declining populations [and are] therefore protected by DFW regulations. Additionally, the division will ensure that Federal Endangered Species laws are not violated through inspection of the proposed hand clearing site,” the division said in a statement.
The required review and inspection by DFW is necessary on all public and private lands. Local and federal laws apply on all property.
To initiate review of a proposed hand-clearing site, individuals are asked to drop off a letter describing the activity with a map and contact information to the division office at Lower Base or fax it to 664-6060.
“The DFW would like to thank the community for its partnership in conservation and ensuring that our children enjoy the same environment as we do today,” it said. (AP)
