WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts today released the following statement regarding U.S.  Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to list the Lesser Prairie Chicken as a “threatened” species:

“I have actively opposed listing the Lesser Prairie Chicken, especially during an ongoing drought and when it causes considerable economic hardship for Kansans," Roberts said. "We have voluntary efforts, both public and private, at the state and local level to improve the Prairie Chicken population. Fish and Wildlife should have taken these efforts into consideration before determining if this bird needs federal protection. I am disappointed Fish and Wildlife ignored our attempts to conserve the Prairie Chicken’s habitat and moved ahead with the listing. We will fight to undo this foolish and overly prescriptive rule.” 

 Senator Roberts asked for and received a six month extension of the listing determination. He has signed a letter against the listing and supported an amendment in the Farm Bill to review Lesser Prairie Chicken conservation efforts underway.

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