Story based on TV story on KVUE in Texas done by
Jessica Vess. Video of it can be found at http://www.kvue.com/news/salamander-159400035.html
Editor-The Congressman did introduce the bill
by Jessica Vess , June 18, 2012- WILLIAMSON
COUNTY, Texas -- The fight is picking up to keep salamanders across Central
Texas off a federally protected list.
Currently the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is
considering keeping these animals on an endangered species list. Doing so would
enforce strict federal guidelines for any future development around the
salamanders’ habitat.
Congressman John Carter says it's not needed.
Williamson County already has a task force and a five-year study underway to
monitor and protect the salamanders. Carter cited the thriving population of
the Jollyville salamander as proof that current efforts are effective.
“The [Jollyville] salamander continues to exist
right here, under [SH 45], right in that stream,” said Williamson County
Commissioner and member of the Salamander Task Force Valerie Covey. “There are
about 93 known locations for just the Jollyville salamander alone. Over 80 of
those areas are already in preserved areas. So you have to ask 'how endangered
are they?'”
The Jollyville salamander lives in the creek
below the SH 45 toll road. There's not much water flowing in the creek but
local, county and state leaders say science is proving it's enough.
Covey and other county leaders say recent
studies show the construction of SH 45 around the creek did not threaten the
salamander's existence. Covey said numerous protection plans in place on the
local and county levels have ensured the animal’s survival.
The legislation that Congressman Carter will
present to the Interior and Environment Appropriations Committee blocks federal
funding under the Endangered Species Act for the Jollyville Plateau, Austin
Blind, Salado and Georgetown salamanders. Carter wants to wait until Williamson
County's current five-year study on the salamander is complete before a
decision is made. The study is currently in its second year.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is scheduled
to make a decision in September. The passing of Carter’s bill could delay the
vote.
Thursday 19 July 2012
Legislation proposed to keep salamanders off endangered list – via Herp Digest
Labels:
Congress,
endangered species list,
salamanders,
texas
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