The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it is considering a voluntary conservation agreement with landowners as an alternative to designating 10,000 square miles of northern Mane as critical habitat for Canada lynx.

The agency is reviewing habitat protection for the cats in Maine and other states after conceding that political influence tainted a previous decision that, among other things, excluded Maine forests from protected habitat areas. The Canada lynx is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act and critical habitat designation would add a layer of federal regulation to land-use activities in those core areas.

While conservationists are pressing for formal critical habitat designation in the North Woods, large private landowners represented by the Maine Forest Products Council are pushing instead for a voluntary agreement to study and protect the cats. Under the council's plan, landowners would continue to finance research and work with biologists to maintain a mix of habitats.

The Fish & Wildlife Service on Tuesday posted the Forest Product Council's proposal and asked for public comments, saying such an agreement could be chosen as an alternative to critical habitat regulation.

The agency also posted similar proposals from landowners in western states, as well as assessments of how the habitat protection proposal nationwide would affect forests and timber activities, development and other uses.

Written comments must be submitted by Nov. 20 and the agency is expected to release a final decision in February. The agency's Maine office will hold a public informational meeting on the Canada lynx habitat issue on Monday, Nov. 10 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Black Bear Inn in Orono.

For more information regarding Canada lynx and the latest postings and comment period, visit the agency's web site at:
http://mountain-prairie.fws.gov/species/mammals/lynx/criticalhabitat.htm