September 30, 1996
TO: Betty Les, Bureau of Endangered Resources, DNR
FR: Keith Reopelle, Wisconsin's Environmental Decade
Caryl Terrell, John Muir Chapter, Sierra Club
RE: Comments on Chapter NR 27, E&T List Revisions
We strongly support 41 of the 42 proposed changes to the endangered and threatened species lists. The only change we do not support is removing the lynx from the endangered list. The green sheet package states that: "It is unclear if the lynx did breed in the state and is now extirpated, or was always an occasional visitor." We feel it is important to answer this question before removing the species from the list.
We are encouraged by, and congratulate the Bureau for, the successful effort to bring the bald eagle numbers back up. However, we remain concerned about the lack of reproduction and recolonization of this species along the shores of the Great Lakes. We assume and expect that the bald eagles' status as a species of "special concern" will require the Bureau to continue to investigate this problem.
Most of the species being added to the lists have become or have been rare due to habitat destruction or a lack of habitat for other reasons. We feel that it is critical that the other bureaus, divisions and interdivision teams (e.g. Land Use Task Force) integrate these habitat concerns into their issues. Further, we recommend the addition of Scirpus halli this species was thought to have been extirpated but was recently found at Lake Barney. testimony on this addition was presented by DR Galen Smith and June Dobberpuhl.
Lastly, we are taking this opportunity to request the ability to address the DNR Board when they take up this matter later in the year.
Respectfully Submitted,
Keith Reopelle
Wis. Environmental Decade
Caryl Terrell
John Muir Chapter,
Sierra Club