What if the endangered or threatened species is a plant?
Just like the trees in your backyard, plants belong to you as the private landowner whether they are rare or common. What becomes of them is therefore in your hands. The endangered species laws only protect plants on public lands, such as National Forests, public parks, military bases, and other lands owned by any national, state, county, or other public agencies, or when federal funds are used. On private lands, plants are not protected by federal or state endangered species laws, unless a plant is destroyed by someone that does not own the land. Of course, the Wisconsin Endangered Resources Program wants to encourage and offer assistance to protect and manage these unique plants and their habitat. How do I know if a rare species is found on my land? Department of Natural Resources or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists may be able to assist you in determining if rare species are present on your property. If rare species are found on your property that information is shared with