Inadequate Regulatory Mechanisms. Arizona, Nevada, and Utah all limit the collection, study, or use of relict leopard frogs to those with a scientific collecting permit, and each state has regulations limiting or prohibiting the anthropogenic dispersal of threats, such as nonnative organisms, to the frog (Appendix 2). However, these regulations have not completely prevented illegal nonnative species introductions at some locations, such as various species of fishes at Xxxxxx and Blue Point springs. Relict leopard frogs and their habitat are protected by Federal regulations. The relict leopard frog is a covered species under the Xxxxx County (Nevada) Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Plan and the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program. Conservation needs for factor 4 is to prevent detrimental modifications and degradation of relict leopard frog habitat - NEPA and CFR 36 provide protection for the habitat of relict leopard frogs (Appendix 2). Direct anthropogenic degradation of relict leopard frog habitat is known to occur at sites with easy public access such as Xxxxxx and Blue Point springs. Public education (brochures and other interpretive materials) should be placed where the public is likely to encounter relict leopard frogs, and in other locations where the public has access to educational materials such as visitor centers and interpretive sites. Public outreach efforts (interpretive talks at the Lake Xxxx Visitor Center) should be implemented. Public closures of areas where introductions are likely to occur should be implemented if introductions of detrimental nonnatives and habitat destruction or modification continue to occur. Conservation Actions 2, 5, and 7 listed in the Stepdown Outline, as well as Appendicies 1 and 2, apply to Factor 4.
Inadequate Regulatory Mechanisms. A review of the existing laws and regulations has determined that regulatory mechanisms are adequate to protect Columbia spotted frogs in combination with the actions identified in the CAS. Columbia spotted frogs are classified as a protected amphibian by the state of Nevada under Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 503.075(2)(a). Per NAC 503.090(1), there is no open season on those species of amphibian classified as protected. Per NAC 503.093 a person shall not xxxx or take any wildlife that is classified as protected, or possess any part thereof, without first obtaining the appropriate license, permit, or written authorization from NDOW. Classification as a Candidate Species under the ESA mandates an enhanced level of review and consultation relative to actions by federal agencies. Under USFS policy (Forest Service Manual 2620 and 2670; Manual Section 6840.06B), projects must not result in contributing to a trend toward federal listing of species. Consistent with existing laws, the BLM shall implement management plans that conserve candidate species and their habitats and shall ensure that actions authorized, funded, or carried out by the BLM do not contribute to the need for the species to become listed.
Inadequate Regulatory Mechanisms. The inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms. A review of the existing laws and regulations has determined that regulatory mechanisms are adequate to protect Xxxxxxx spotted frogs in combination with the actions identified in the CAS. The spotted frog is afforded regulatory protection under Nevada State Law as a protected amphibian (NAC 503.075). Classification as a Candidate Species under ESA mandates an enhanced level of review and consultation relative to actions by Federal agencies. Under USFS and BLM policy guidance Candidate and sensitive/special status species receive an enhanced level of review relative to proposed actions.
