News Release

Exotic Animal Management Plan Finalized

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News Release Date: June 25, 2018
Contact: Raymond Skiles, 432-477-1145

A plan to protect Big Bend National Park’s natural and cultural resources from the harmful effects of non-native, exotic feral hogs and aoudad (Barbary sheep) has been finalized.

As required by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, the document and associated Environmental Assessment was made available in January 2018 for a 30-day public review and comment period. Substantive comments were considered in finalizing the document.
Regional Director Sue Masica signed the decision document, a finding of no significant impact (FONSI), on June 13. This plan will allow for limited aerial shooting as well as live trapping of these non-native species, using the most humane feasible methods. The plan, environmental assessment, and decision document are available at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/BIBE.

“These invasive animals threaten the native plants and animals the park is mandated to protect,” says Acting Superintendent Tom Forsyth. “This plan provides the framework to manage them, while minimizing the effects on park visitors. This plan will aid park management as we steward these resources for future generations.”

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