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BBCC History - How it all began..........
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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) proposal to list the
Louisiana black bear as a threatened subspecies under the provisions of the
Endangered Species Act (ESA) generated quite a controversy. With 90% of
forested habitat in the region in private ownership, many feared that the
listing would result in regulations restricting private land use. Others felt
listing regulations would reduce the flexibility and incentive necessary for
bear management. Some thought those regulations would be the bear's salvation. |
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In
July of 1990, the Wildlife and Recreation Committee (WRC) of the
Louisiana Forestry Association hosted a meeting to discuss black bear
ecology, management, and the implications of the FWS listing
proposal. At that meeting Dr. Michael Pelton of the University of
Tennessee planted the seeds for a bear management approach requiring
a coordinated effort by the private and public agencies that control
the land in occupied and potential habitat. In October, the WRC met
again and adopted this cooperative approach and formed the Black Bear
Conservation Committee (BBCC). The BBCC was created as a
diverse group representing forest industry, conservationists, agency
personnel, private landowners, researchers, and interested citizens.
The BBCC recognized successful restoration would require the
species to be considered an asset rather than a liability to the
private landowner. As a major victory towards that goal, the
BBCC negotiated with the FWS to exclude normal forestry practices
from ESA regulations, with one exception. Protection of den
trees is required, with den trees defined as baldcypress (Taxodium
distichum) or tupelo (Nyssa spp.) trees occurring along waterbodies
with visible cavities and a minimum diameter at base height of 36 in.
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