Official rejects endangered species advice

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- A senior U.S. Interior Department official has rejected recommendations from staff scientists to protect endangered species at least six times in three years.

The scientists complained that Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Julie MacDonald rejected the recommendations, made under the Endangered Species Act, because of requests from landowners and corporations, The Washington Post reported Monday. Their complaints have led the department's inspector general to open an investigation into MacDonald's role in decisions regarding endangered species.

Documents revealed that MacDonald has rejected staff reports about the dangers faced by species including the white-tailed prairie dog and the Gunnison sage grouse, the Post said. Staff members had recommended the species be classifies as endangered or threatened.

MacDonald told the newspaper the ultimate decision on the recommendations lies with the head of the Fish and Wildlife Service but she sees it as her job to root out vague or poorly argued reports.