CALIFORNIA CATTLEMAN WEEKLY

April 21, 2025

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Feds Propose to Rescind Definition of “Harm” Under Endangered Species Act
On Thursday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration jointly issued a proposed rule which would rescind the regulatory definition of “harm” under the federal Endangered Species Act.

The federal ESA prohibits the “take” of endangered species, defined as “to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Current regulations further define the term “harm” to mean “an act which actually kills or injures wildlife,” including “significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering.”

The agencies have now determined that “The existing regulatory definition of ‘harm,’ which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term ‘take.’” The change in interpretation is partly occasioned by the Supreme Court’s decision last year in Loper Bright (previously reported in California Cattleman Weekly), which overturned courts’ practice of deferring to regulatory agencies’ interpretations of statute, known as “Chevron deference.” The proposed rule “would be prospective only” and would not affect actions previously taken under the existing regulatory definition of “harm.”

The agencies will accept public comment on the proposed rule through May 19.

CDFW Announces Transition to Phase 2 of Wolf Management Plan
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced that “California is now in ‘Phase 2’ of wolf management” after the agency confirmed the presence of at least four breeding pairs in the state for two successive years. Under Phase 2, the Department intends to initiate a status review of the species and explore permitting more aggressive ‘less-than-lethal’ hazing measures. CDFW also plans to release an online tool soon to provide location information for GPS-collared wolves. For additional details, see the April 7 edition of California Cattleman Weekly.

Check Your Mailboxes – Guide future University Research and Extension
This survey is a senior project for undergraduate Animal Science student, Claire Saydah, that is under the supervision of Dr. Rachael Lyons.

Feedback from ranchers is essential for universities to develop future research projects, educational workshops and classroom curriculum for the next generation. California Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) members will be receiving in their mailboxes a survey to understand how ranchers make herd health and management decisions. This project is made possible from the support of the California Cattlemen’s Association and the California Beef Cattle Improvement Association.

“The information gathered from the beef producer survey will help the scientists, veterinarians, and educators across California understand the most important herd health problems cattle producers in the state are faced with. The survey will identify targets for producer education based on current needs and will help those who are engaged in producer education to better serve the ranching community;” states Dr. Gaby Maier, project team member with the School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis.
This research team includes:

• Dr. Rachael Lyons, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
• Dr. Zach McFarlane, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
• Tracy Schohr, University of California Cooperative Extension
• Dr. Bret Mcnabb, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
• Dr. Gaby Maier, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis
• Dr. Kasey DeAtley, California State University, Chico

The survey results will be anonymous and will only be reported as summaries. The research team will share their analysis (but not your individual response) in a future edition of the California Cattleman Magazine and with cooperative extension advisors to guide future research and local extension seminars.
“Several years ago, we received an excellent response from CCA members regarding bull management, and this time, we’ve broadened our focus to include overall herd health,” says Zach McFarlane, project team member. “We understand that ranchers often receive numerous surveys, but we hope that, with the support of our diverse project team—who has translated past survey results into policy briefs, educational resources, and new research—you’ll take the time to complete this survey.”

If you have questions regarding this study or would like to be informed of the results when the study is completed, please contact Dr. Rachael Lyons at [email protected] or 805-756-2470.

To complete the survey, click here.

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CCA in the News

Sierra and Plumas County Officials Say Gray Wolves Have Become a Public Safety Hazard FOX 40 Sacramento Rick Roberti, President of the Plumas-Sierra California Cattlemen’s Association, says all Californians should be prepared for the influx of wolves entering their communities. “Cattlemen are not the bad guys,” Roberti says. “We just want to be able to protect our private property.” To continue reading, click here.

Against the Odds: How One LA County Rancher Controls the Uncontrollable Drovers “Ranchers deal with forces outside their control daily, including markets, weather and public policy. While these issues present challenges to cattle producers, focusing on what can be controlled gives them opportunities to remain viable in the industry. Los Angeles County cattleman Mike Williams has found ways to use a grazing management plan, virtual fencing technology and involvement with his local and state cattle associations to meet the unique challenges of being a rancher in southern California.” To continue reading, click here.

Industry News