What is the Endangered Species Act?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law that was passed in 1973 to protect plants and animals from becoming extinct. This law is overseen by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It is designed to protect the habitats of threatened and endangered species of plants and animals by banning the taking, possession, transportation, and sale of any species that is listed as threatened or endangered. In the state of Virginia, there are over 200 species that are listed as either threatened or endangered under the ESA. These species include bald eagles, piping plovers, various plants, and various species of fish. To protect these species, the USFWS has established various regulations such as restrictions on hunting and fishing, and limits on the destruction of natural habitats. In addition, the ESA also allows the USFWS to designate areas as critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. This designation provides additional protection to the species by limiting the destruction of their habitats and providing additional funding to ensure their survival. By protecting threatened and endangered species, the ESA ensures that future generations of plants and animals will be able to continue to exist. This law is an important step towards preserving our state’s natural resources for future generations.

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What is the Endangered Species Act?

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