55 Species Campaign

The following is a timeline of the Center’s recent campaign to challenge political corruption and interference in endangered species decisions at the Department of the Interior. Click on the link to the press release for an account of the species involved in each action, the instance of political interference, and the internal “smoking gun” document revealing the official or officials involved.

Click here to return to our corruption page for context and supporting links.

August 28, 2007 (with a list of each species, its range, and the ESA issue ) – The Center filed a notice of intent to sue for political interference with 55 endangered species in 28 states. Click here for the notice of intent to sue, including an account of all 55 species and the corresponding instances of political interference.

November 15, 2007 – The Center filed suits over lack of Endangered Species Act protections for six species: the Montana arctic fluvial grayling, Mexican garter snake, loach minnow, spikedace, Santa Ana sucker, and Mississippi gopher frog.

December 19, 2007 – The Center filed suits for 13 species: the California red-legged frog, arroyo toad, three California plants, two Oregon plants, one North Carolina plant, and four New Mexico invertebrates.

December 27, 2007 – The Center challenged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for withholding documents in its review of Julie MacDonald decisions.

MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS

December 27, 2007 — “Conservationists Sue Government for Records,” ABC News

December 21, 2007 — "Lawsuit Claims Political Influence in Species Decisions,” Jackson Hole Star Tribune

December 5, 2007 — “Judge orders sage grouse protections reconsidered,” Associated Press/Missoulian

November 28, 2007 — “Feds verify official’s bias in delisting,” Contra Costa Times (Sacramento splittail)

November 20, 2007 — “Politics Undercut Species Act, Suits Say” Christian Science Monitor