Every Species Count

Although care for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species is emphasized in all Forest Service programs, it is within Every Species Counts program that rare species are profiled. National Forest and grasslands provide homes to 415 species federally listed as threatened or endangered. In addition, there are more than 2,900 sensitive species-those for which special management is required so they do not become threatened or endangered.

Initiated in 1990, the Every Species Count program brings together the resources and commitment of numerous Federal and State agencies, private organizations, and individuals to enhance species recovery and conservation. Successful implementation of the program involves conducting inventories and surveys to determine species occurrences, distribution, and plant status; developing management guides for listed species: participating with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in the restoration and enhancement of  both aquatic and terrestrial habitats; preparing and implementing recovery plans and restoring and improving habitats. The rare plants program identifies, protects, and monitors habitats critical to the conservation of rare species. In 2000, 422 partnership projects were completed for threatened, endangered, or rare species.