Elderberry Beetle News

The US Fish and Wildlife Service is requesting more scientific and biological information from the public and species experts about the valley elderberry longhorn beetle to determine whether the beetle, currently a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), should be proposed for delisting.

Based on a review of the petition to delist the species and information available in our files, it was determined there is substantial scientific or commercial information indicating that delisting the beetle may be warranted.  The Service will now undertake a more comprehensive study, known as a 12 month review, to determine whether or not to propose the beetle for delisting.

The 90 day finding opened a 60 day public comment period.  The service will accept comments from the public until October 18, 2011.  The copy of the finding and important information on how to participate is available at www.fws.gov/sacramento.

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