Number: 1979-39
WHEREAS, many animals and plants are listed as endangered and threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act; and
WHEREAS, reintroduction within historic ranges may be a feasible and desirable management option designed to conserve these species; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of such reintroductions by states, organizations, and individuals needs to be widened;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 22-25, 1979, in Toronto, Ontario, does hereby recommend that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explore the legal basis for, and the possible rapid implementation of, a policy to declare such reintroduced populations as experimental and as unlisted under the Act, and as exempt from designations of critical habitat, unless and until such reintroductions are self-sustaining, except that prohibitions and penalties against unauthorized possession, taking, and related actions shall still apply.