According to a press release from CBD, a California superior court judge has ratified a settlement between the John Muir Project, Center for Biological Diversity and the California Fish and Game Commission that restores California Endangered Species Act protections to Black-backed Woodpeckers. The rare woodpecker lives in coniferous forests in the northwest, it particularly enjoys burned trees. The bird has been the subject of various regulations for over 18 years.

(Photo by Cephas/Wikimedia Commons)