Brian Nesvik

Rule Changes

As of October 2026: Signed the September 2026 memo narrowing the ESA's 'take' standard

A federal appeals court threw out a ruling that blamed Florida's sewage permits for manatee deaths in the northern Indian River Lagoon. The Fish and Wildlife Service had rescinded the Endangered Species Act's definition of 'harm,' which for 40 years treated habitat damage as an illegal 'take.'

Updated Oct 10

Rule Changes

As of September 2026: Issued the September 14 memo narrowing 'take' enforcement

A logging company can now cut a tree holding endangered bats, and a ship can strike an endangered whale, without breaking US law, as long as the animal wasn't the deliberate target. The US Fish and Wildlife Service told its field offices on September 14 to apply the Endangered Species Act's (ESA) ban on "taking" protected wildlife only to intentional acts directed at a particular animal.

Updated Sep 20