----------
> From: John Pearson <[log in to unmask]>
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Cancellation of proposal
> Date: Tuesday, January 12, 1999 2:40 PM
>
> Following review of the letters received during the public comment
> period, we have decided to stop the current rulemaking and initiate a
> series of workshops to develop a new proposal.  Although we did receive
> some letters of support, and many letters indicating that the original
> proposal was good in principle but needed a refinement of the criteria,
> we also received many letters that rejected the overall principles.
> (There were also many letters from the farming community that opposed
> all listings!)  Rather than force the issue, we have decided that a new
> proposal that enjoys a broader base of support needs to be developed.
>
> As a starting point, I have asked Diana Horton and Deb Lewis to help me
> organize the workshops for plants.  I am sure that virtually everyone on
> this server will have an interest in these workshops at some level,
> either as an observer, participant, presenter, or organizer.  Stay tuned
> for more messages with details as these are worked out.
>
> I thank all of you for your comments both on this server and for the
> official written comments.  I am hopeful that this new process will lead
> to a T&E list that has scientific credibility and broad consensus.
> -John Pearson
>
>
> Below is the official press release announcing the postponement.
>
> *****
>
> For Immediate Release Jan. 12:
> All media statewide through Jan. 26
> For more information, contact John Pearson at 515-281-3891
>
> DNR POSTPONES REVISIONS TO THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST
> DES MOINES --
>
> DNR Director Larry Wilson announced today the department will postpone
> revisions to the state’s list of threatened and endangered species.
>
> Wilson’s decision came after reviewing public comments on the proposed
> revisions.   In November, DNR staff, as required by law, proposed
> revisions employing a new method for evaluating the status of rare
> plants and animals in Iowa.  The new method considered the status of
> species throughout their entire range rather than just within Iowa.  As
> a result, many species presently listed as “endangered” would be
> classified as “threatened.” After reviewing the public comment letters
> concerning the proposed revisions, Wilson suspended the rule-making
> process and announced plans to hold a series of workshops to gather
> additional input from scientists and other interested persons.
>
> “The DNR wants to build consensus on this important matter before
> proceeding to final rules.  Presently there is not clear agreement on
> how Iowa’s rare species should be evaluated,” Wilson said. “While the
> proposed revisions would not have affected the level of protection
> afforded many species, it is important that Iowans understand and
> support the rationale for listing species.”
>
> DNR scientists  John Pearson and Daryl Howell, who prepared the proposed
> revisions said, “After further consultation with other scientists over
> the next several months, we will develop a new proposal that addresses
> the concerns raised during the public review.”
>
> A variety of views were expressed in the 80 letters received, ranging
> from calls for increased protection to less protection.  Aside from
> letters that expressed only general concerns, about a third of the
> responders disliked the proposed regional approach and favored listing
> species based only on their rarity within Iowa.  A third of the comments
> recommended the criteria be refined to include more species, and another
> third called for fewer species to be listed out of concern for economic
> impacts of rare species protection.  The planned workshops will be
> announced at a later date.
>
> At the Natural Resource Commission meeting Feb. 11, DNR staff will ask
> the Commission to cancel the proposed revisions offered last November.
> However, the Commission will be asked to add the Topeka shiner to Iowa’s
> list of endangered species based on the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s
> recent inclusion of the minnow to its endangered list. A cooperative
> agreement between Iowa and the Service requires federally listed species
> to be included on the state list.
>

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