Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances

Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) is a voluntary program that addresses the conservation needs of species that are at risk of becoming threatened or endangered. The program provides incentives for landowners and other stakeholders to conserve these species and their habitats while reducing the regulatory burden associated with their protection.

Under the CCAA program, landowners can enter into a formal agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to voluntarily conserve one or more species on their property. The agreement outlines specific conservation actions that the landowner will take to benefit the species, such as maintaining or improving habitat, controlling invasive species, or limiting human disturbance.

In exchange for these conservation actions, the landowner receives assurances that they will not be subject to additional regulatory requirements if the species becomes listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). These assurances provide landowners with greater certainty and flexibility in managing their property while still contributing to the conservation of at-risk species.

CCAA agreements can benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including ranchers, farmers, timber producers, and other landowners. By participating in the program, landowners can help to conserve important species while maintaining their livelihoods and continuing to use their land for economic purposes.

CCAA agreements are not a replacement for ESA listing or other regulatory protections for at-risk species. However, they can provide a valuable tool for conservation by incentivizing proactive and voluntary conservation actions that benefit both species and landowners.

In summary, the CCAA program is an important conservation tool that provides incentives for proactive and voluntary conservation actions by landowners. By participating in the program, landowners can help to conserve species at risk while reducing regulatory burdens and maintaining their ability to use their land for economic purposes. Overall, the CCAA program is an effective and innovative approach to conservation that benefits both wildlife and people.