FWS Officials Investigated for Misconduct Over Dunes Sagebrush Lizard ESL Classification

OIG investigated allegations of misconduct of a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, and a regional wildlife biologist regarding a decision not to include the dunes sagebrush lizard on the endangered species list. Specifically, the complainants alleged that the Deputy Regional Director misused used her position to benefits friends; provided her subordinate, a wildlife biologist, with preferential treatment; and, in concert with the Regional Director, approved a legally insufficient conservation tool. 

 

We found that the Deputy Regional Director’s recommendation of her subordinate to the listing team, and subsequent approval of an award, may have violated ethical standards, and that her subordinate may have made false statements when asked about their personal relationship. We found no evidence to substantiate the other allegations.   

 

This is a summary of an investigative report that was issued to FWS for action.