North Carolina's Wildlife: A Balancing Act Between Protection and Progress

In North Carolina, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has helped some species, like the bald eagle and the loggerhead sea turtle, bounce back from the brink. On the other hand, it has also faced criticism for slowing down development and adding extra costs. The Trump administration has been working to change the ESA. They argue that it creates too many rules and stops economic growth. But conservationists say that protecting habitats is key to keeping species alive. The ESA has been around since 1973. It's run by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The act gives extra protection to plants and animals that are at risk. This includes stopping hunting, limiting development, and planning for conservation.But the ESA isn't perfect. Only about 50 species have recovered enough to be taken off the list. A recent study blamed this on lack of funding and waiting too long to protect species. Private land adds another layer of complexity. The ESA has clear rules for federal land, but things get tricky on private property. Some landowners avoid conservation to prevent restrictions. But there are also programs that pay landowners to help protect species. The Trump administration has been making changes to the ESA. They want to speed up reviews for projects, especially those related to fossil fuels. But conservationists worry that these changes will hurt species already struggling with habitat loss and climate change. The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh keeps records of the state's plants and animals. They say the ESA is vital for protecting species and their habitats.