Contact: [email protected] (California) | [email protected] (Oregon)
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ARCATA, Calif. - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has released a draft recovery plan and recovery implementation strategy to guide conservation efforts for the coastal distinct population segment (DPS) of the Pacific marten, a federally threatened mammal. The Service is inviting public comment on the draft plan for a 60-day period.
The Pacific marten is a cat-sized member of the weasel family found in seven small, isolated populations within forested habitats of northern coastal California and coastal Oregon. Historically, this species declined due to trapping, habitat loss, and fragmentation.
Ongoing threats include catastrophic wildfire, vegetation management, changes in forest composition caused by drought and wildfire, man-made barriers, and increased predation. The Service continues to work with partners to conduct annual monitoring and implement beneficial recovery actions that reduce these threats.
The Service works closely with tribes and industry partners to prioritize marten recovery in a way that aligns with the ecological value and economic contributions of forest habitats. This recovery plan demonstrates the Service’s commitment to supporting wildlife and habitat while ensuring that America’s lands remain open for responsible economic use and outdoor recreation.
The goal of the recovery plan is to identify actions that can move the species toward delisting. Recommended recovery actions include research on marten life history, habitat, and threats, refining marten habitat models, and developing, implementing, and monitoring vegetation management plans that will retain, restore, and enhance marten habitat throughout the species’ range. These actions can contribute to population growth, range expansion across historical areas, improved habitat quality, and enhanced genetic connectivity.
Recovery plans provide a road map for recovery, but do not prescribe what must or will happen. This plan prioritizes collaborative conservation by engaging partners in management to reduce threats to the species based on shared understanding and expectations for the species’ recovery. This approach provides an opportunity for local communities that rely on the land to voluntarily participate in implementing recovery actions. Recovery plans exemplify practical, efficient conservation that benefits both the American people and at-risk species.
The public is invited to provide comments on the draft recovery plan. To ensure consideration, we must receive written comments on or before July 28, 2026. However, we will accept information at any time. Please submit your comments in writing to [email protected] or by U.S. mail to Field Supervisor, Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata CA 95521.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov and connect with us on social media:
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- FWS -
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