The Center for Biological Diversity Aug. 2 threatened to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over recent changes to national rules requiring all vegetation to be cleared from levees.rnIn a 60-day notice of intent to sue, the environmental organization alleged the corps failed to consult with federal wildlife agencies before adopting the rules, as required under the Endangered Species Act.rnAt issue are standards the Corps of Engineers adopted in 2009 banning vegetation within 15 feet of levees and, more recently, a new variance policy that could lead to the removal of trees and bushes along many of California's levees by Sept. 30 unless a new variance is obtained, according to the group.
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