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Office of Species Conservation defends role, warns merger and staff cuts would thin capacity
Summary
Office of Species Conservation administrators told lawmakers OSC has 16 staff, administers federal and trustee funds (often passed to Fish and Game for implementation), and warned that proposed mergers or personnel reductions could weaken species conservation and ESA work.
Janica Bisharat of Legislative Services shifted the hearing to the Office of Species Conservation (OSC) and said OSC's presentation and slides are in the committee's shared drive.
Mike Edmondson, administrator of OSC, described the office as a technical, policy and legal adviser for species that are listed or could be listed under the Endangered Species Act. "For all species in the state of Idaho, the Department of Fish and Game manages those species," Edmondson said, "our office is your technical policy and legal advisor for everything pertaining to species listed under the Endangered Species Act, or could be listed under the Endangered Species Act, and we work to preclude the listing of species as well." He added the office focuses on metrics such as acres treated for sage grouse habitat restoration, river miles reconnected for salmon and steelhead, and other habitat measures.
Edmondson told lawmakers OSC has 16 FTP and a filled rate of about 93% and administers federal grant funds and miscellaneous revenue that are often passed to Fish and Game as trustee and benefit payments. He cautioned that appropriations for federal funds do not entitle spending beyond the cash the agency actually has on hand.
Several members asked about a policy bill to combine OSC with the Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Edmondson said there is "incredible amount of synergy between the two," but warned the office would be "very thin" if all proposed reductions are applied. He cited potential efficiency gains such as consolidating legal counsel but said deep cuts could reduce OSC's ability to coordinate ESA consultations and deliver conservation outcomes.
Committee members pressed about grizzly bear delisting and legal entanglement with wolf litigation; Edmondson and Director Fredericks explained delisting, ESA take authorizations, and legal complexities can affect how wolf management and grizzly protections are coupled in litigation. Edmondson said OSC works closely with tribes on salmon and steelhead co‑management and respects tribal sovereignty.
No formal actions were taken on OSC funding during the hearing; members requested additional follow‑up data and Edmondson offered to provide agency metrics on request.
