Conservation groups sue to protect West Coast fisher populations

A coalition of conservation organizations has announced its intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lawsuit challenges the agency’s decision to deny Endangered Species Act protections for fishers in southwestern Oregon and northern California.

Advocates argue that fishers, which depend on mature and old-growth forests, face extinction due to habitat loss from logging, worsening wildfires, and rodenticide poisoning. The groups claim the federal government's refusal to provide protections is unscientific and ignores the critical status of the species.

Separately, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking public comment on several proposals for its December meeting. These include potential 2027 groundfish regulations, which may allow for the first limited recreational and commercial harvest of yelloweye rockfish in over 20 years following successful recovery efforts. The agenda also includes a proposal to add approximately 255 acres to the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area.