The US Fish and Wildlife Service unreasonably delayed making a recovery plan for grizzly bears in the Bitterroot area of Montana and Idaho, a federal judge ruled in a win for conservation groups.
Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Native Ecosystems Council sued the agency, claiming that it never followed through with its 2000 rule to place an experimental population of 25 grizzlies in the Bitterroot area, establish an advisory committee, and provide community education. In 2001, the agency reversed course by proposing a “no action” alternative. The FWS didn’t take action on either plan, the groups said.
Judge Donald ...