• Sunday, 27 April 2008 10:15
• Last Updated Monday, 28 April 2008 08:32
• Written by Doug Cornett

COMMENTS DUE MAY 5, 2008

Please write a letter to the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) requesting a public hearing in Marquette, Michigan for the petion to list the Coaster Brook Trout under the Endangered Species Act. The USFWS must receive written comments requesting a hearing by May 5, 2008.  Below is a sample letter.  Please send written comments by US mail.

SAMPLE LETTER BELOW
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ATTN: FWS-R3-ES-2008-0030
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203

RE:  Request for Public Hearing in the City of Marquette, MI on Petition to List the Coaster Brook Trout.
 
Dear Decision Makers,

I am writing to request a public hearing in Marquette, MI on the current petition to list the Coaster Brook Trout as endangered or threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.  Since the Salmon Trout River, the last river on the south shore of Lake Superior supporting a population of Coaster Brook Trout, is located in Marquette County Michigan, choosing the city of Marquette for a public hearing makes the most sense.

Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, supports research through Dr. Jill Leonard, on the Coaster Brook Trout.  The Huron Mountain Club Foundation, located about 35 miles north of Marquette, also supports research projects and has been working with researchers from Michigan Technological University (located just 100 miles from Marquette).  Additionally, many local fishermen are familiar with the species and will likely add valuable input at a hearing in the area where the Coaster Brook Trout is found.
    
Clearly, there's a great deal of local interest in the potential listing of the Coaster Brook Trout as an endangered or threatened species under the federal ESA.  A public hearing would provide a forum for both the public and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to learn more about the plight of this important species.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Sincerely,

Your name and address