May 14, 2013
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has proposed to list the Ozark Hellbender Salamander as an Endangered Species under the Endangered Species Act. This would be a very important step to help this unique species native to Missouri. Please send your comments to them in support of this action by November 8.
The Ozark Hellbender is a unique, fascinating animal well adapted to the Ozark streams which it has historically inhabited. It is a long lived salamander whose presence in a stream indicates the stream is a healthy aquatic system rich in oxygen content, low in pollutants with a cool temperature. The fact that its numbers are declining indicate larger problems with water quality and overall stream health. But an important step is to “protect” the Hellbender so its habitat will be improved.
Your comments indicating your support for this native Missouri Species are needed. Your comments need not be long. Just a statement about your appreciation of the native biological diversity of our streams, including the Hellbender, will help. And please, include a request for blocks of critical habitat to be designated to ensure the survival of the Ozark Hellbender in the wild.
For further information and for how to submit your comments electronically see our website at: http://missouri.sierraclub.org/
You may mail comments to:
Public Comments Processing
Attn: Docket No. FWS-R3-ES-2009-0009 Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N.Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203