Hellbender Proposed for Endangered Species Act Protection: A Call to Action for Aquatic Conservation
The Hellbender is a unique, long-lived species that indicates the health of freshwater ecosystems. Found in cold, fast-flowing streams, its populations have been declining sharply, with many local extinctions reported across its range. Habitat degradation, sedimentation, and declining water quality are key drivers of its decline. This proposal underscores the growing threats to freshwater ecosystems and highlights the need for collaborative conservation efforts to protect this iconic species and its habitat.
The Hellbender Initiative: Advancing Conservation Through Partnership
The Aquatic Connectivity Framework team is proud to include the Hellbender Initiative, a targeted conservation effort within the broader ACF program. This initiative works alongside federal, state, and local partners to support sustainable land management practices, restore critical habitats, and engage private landowners in Hellbender recovery.
Through innovative partnerships, such as those with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the ACF team employs science-driven approaches to improving water quality, reconnecting fragmented habitats, and mitigating sedimentation impacts on aquatic ecosystems.
Conservation in Action
The Hellbender Initiative focuses on:
- Stream Restoration Projects: Restoring riparian buffers and stabilizing streambanks to reduce sedimentation and improve water quality.
- Barrier Removal: Replacing culverts and removing dams to reconnect Hellbender habitats and improve access to cold, clean water essential for survival.
- Private Landowner Engagement: Working directly with landowners to implement conservation practices that benefit the Hellbender and agricultural operations.
- Public Education and Outreach: Raising awareness about the Hellbender’s plight and its role as a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems.
"The decision to list the Eastern Hellbender under the Endangered Species Act is a thoughtful and long-awaited step to address years of habitat degradation, exacerbated by the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This important decision builds on years of work to protect the species and reinforces the USDA’s dedication to conservation while supporting farmers and landowners across its range," said Josselyn Lucas, the Aquatic Framework Coordinator.
Next Steps in the Process
After a proposed rule is published under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the following steps occur:
- Public Comments: The public has a chance to provide comments on the proposed rule.
- New Data: Any new data that becomes available is considered.
- Final Decision: The decision is based on the public comments and new data.
- Final Rule: The final rule is published in the Federal Register within one year of the proposed rule's publication date.
- Codification: The final rule is codified in the Code of Federal Regulations.
A Future for the Hellbender
The Hellbender’s proposed protection amplifies the need for strategic conservation efforts, including those led by the Aquatic Connectivity Framework. Together with partners like NRCS, private landowners, and conservation organizations, the ACF team is committed to creating a future where Hellbenders thrive in clean, connected waterways across their range.
About the Aquatic Connectivity Framework
The Aquatic Connectivity Framework (ACF) is a national initiative under Working Lands for Wildlife that focuses on improving aquatic habitat connectivity and water quality through collaborative conservation. By partnering with landowners, agencies, and organizations, ACF creates resilient landscapes that support wildlife, agriculture, and rural communities.
