The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource (DNR) is seeking help from the public as it updates the state's list of species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern.
Under the state's endangered species law, the DNR identifies plants and animals that are at risk of disappearing from Minnesota, according to DNR biologist Rich Baker. The list identifying those species was first created in 1984 and was last revised in 1996.
"The DNR's goal is to maintain an endangered species list that reflects our scientific knowledge of the conservation status and needs of Minnesota's plants and animals," Baker said. "We hope folks will provide us with information that can help us determine if a species is threatened with extinction in the state. All information submitted to the DNR will be considered as we proceed to revise the list during 2007."
Over the past 10 years, research and survey work conducted by the DNR and other resource management and by university and other researchers, has provided new information about where rare species are and whether or not they are vulnerable to extinction.
DNR staff has used this information to develop a set of draft changes to the list. These changes are now available for the public's review and comment. Details of the draft changes, along with an online comment form, are available on the DNR's Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us/ets/rulesrevision.html .
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Comments on the draft will be accepted between Jan. 2 and March 5. Following the comment period, the DNR will revise the draft changes, prepare additional supporting information, and submit the final proposal for administrative rulemaking. That process will include additional opportunities for public input.
Printed copies of the draft changes and comment form, and further information can also be requested from the DNR by calling or writing to: Rich Baker, Minnesota DNR, 500 Lafayette Rd., Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155; phone (651) 259-5073; e-mail rich.baker@dnr.state.mn.us .
