Investigation of Improper Meetings Regarding a Conservation Plan for the American Burying Beetle

OIG investigated several allegations against U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) employees who were creating a conservation plan for the endangered American burying beetle. The complainant alleged that the FWS employees met with oil and gas (O&G) industry representatives about the plan but did not involve other interest groups or stakeholders, and that this may have violated Federal regulations. The complainant also alleged that the FWS employees provided draft copies of the conservation plan to the O&G representatives for feedback. Our investigation did not reveal evidence that FWS employees improperly met with O&G representatives, violated regulations, or inappropriately shared draft plan documents.