Rota agricultural homesteads move closer to development

244 agricultural homesteads on Rota are closer to development following agreement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Commonwealth Government regarding habitat protection for the Mariana Crow.  As Ranking Member on the subcommittee that oversees the Fish and Wildlife Service, I have raised the issue repeatedly, urging completion of the agreement.  Local officials, including the Mayor of Rota, signed off on the memorandum of agreement on November 16.  There are still steps to take, however.  The USFWS must complete a biological opinion and evaluation of National Environmental Policy Act compliance, which is expected to be finished by the end of January.  And the Commonwealth must designate 444 hectares of public land on Rota to be managed as a conservation area for the crow, although this can include the existing 277 hectare bird sanctuary.  That will clear the way for homestead owners to begin developing their property, safe in the knowledge that we have protected the indigenous Mariana crow, so our children and their children can enjoy a biologically diverse environment.