The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced last week it is proposing to designate a 13-mile stretch of Turkey Creek near Pinson as critical habitat for a small, brightly colored fish called the vermilion darter.
The darter, which is found nowhere else in the world, was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2001 because of decreased water quality and flow in its habitat caused by, among other factors, road and bridge construction.
Critical habitat, according to the release, is a tool within the ESA that allows the feds to identify geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of a threatened species and to give those areas special protection.
Public comments on this proposal will be accepted until February 1, 2010.
Copies of the proposed designation can be obtained by visiting www.fws.gov/policy/library/2009/E9-28855.html or calling (601) 321-1121.
The darter, which is found nowhere else in the world, was listed under the Endangered Species Act in 2001 because of decreased water quality and flow in its habitat caused by, among other factors, road and bridge construction.
Critical habitat, according to the release, is a tool within the ESA that allows the feds to identify geographic areas containing features essential to the conservation of a threatened species and to give those areas special protection.
Public comments on this proposal will be accepted until February 1, 2010.
Copies of the proposed designation can be obtained by visiting www.fws.gov/policy/library/2009/E9-28855.html or calling (601) 321-1121.
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