Please contact Jane Clark at [log in to unmask] if you'd like more details or contact information. Notice of Intended Action-Chapter 77, Endangered and Threatened Plant and Animal Species The Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR) is proposing a number of changes to its lists of threatened, endangered and "special concern" species. The bobcat, yellowbelly water snake (both currently endangered), river otter and grasshopper mouse (both currently threatened) would be removed from the lists entirely and few others would be added or changed in status. The current proposal includes only mammals and reptiles, but proposed changes in status for birds, butterflies, and plants are expected soon. Unfortunately, IDNR does not post its rulemaking proposals on the web, but you can contact Billy Stern at [log in to unmask] for an attachment copy of the proposal. Comments will be accepted until November 20, when there will be a public meeting at 10 a.m. in the Wallace State Office Building in Des Moines. Send comments to Division of Parks, Recreation, and Preserves, Department of Natural Resources, Wallace State Office Building, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034, fax (515) 281-6794. For more information, or to give comments orally, contact the state's Endangered Species Program at (515) 281-8524. Amendments are proposed to the list of endangered, threatened, and special concern mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. These proposed amendments reflect new survey information, regional status, distribution changes since 1930, estimated habitat changes in the next ten years, and population trends. A copy of the worksheet used to rank the species within each group is attached. Species with the highest scores are proposed to be listed as endangered. Natural breaks in the scores were used to separate species into endangered, threatened, special concern, and not listed categories. The ranking criteria are based on information from other states, scientific literature, and comments received after a public meeting held at Iowa State University April 22, 1999. The public meeting at Iowa State University was held to discuss various ranking factors and solicit public input. The proposed amendments remove three and add one mammal species to the list of endangered and threatened. Two of the mammal species have shown dramatic improvements in status during the last 10 years. The river otter has increased due to the very successful re-introduction program on inland rivers. Bobcats have been reported from about 30 counties in the last few years. The loess hills and southern Iowa have had the greatest number of rec ent records for this species. One reptile is added and one is removed from the endangered and threatened species list. The status of several species has improved from endangered to threatened. Two species have common and/or scientific name changes. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Information about individual species and groups of species may be reviewed at the Division's offices in the Wallace State Office Building during normal work hours. Anyone wishing to review this information must schedule an appointment by calling (515)281-8524. These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 481B. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]