Wildlife service accepts comments on raven assessment

Desert Dispatch [Barstow, CA]

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft environmental assessment suggesting ways to reduce raven predation on the desert tortoise and other animals found in the deserts of Southern California.

Raven populations increased more than 700 percent in some areas of the California desert between 1969 and 2004, according to a Fish and Wildlife Service press release.

Alternatives for raven management include lethal and non-lethal techniques. To view the assessment online, go to www.fws.gov/ventura. Copies are also available at public libraries in the desert or by calling (805) 644-1766.

The Fish and Wildlife Service will accept public comments until May 7. Written comments should be submitted to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Raven Management Environmental Assessment, c/o Judy Hohman, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office, 2493 Portola Road, Suite B, Ventura, CA 93003.

Comments can also be e-mailed to FW8draftravenea@fws.gov with "Raven Management" in the subject line.