Brainstorm for West Virginia Spring Salamander Comment to Proposed F&W Fed Rule

The Fish and Wildlife service has proposed a new rule in the federal register to place the West Virginia Spring Salamander on the Endangered Species List. When such a rule is proposed, the Friends from Other Flower Pots submit a comment to the proposed regulation, which, unless unreasonable, will need to be addressed by the agency in the final draft of the rule. This will be a brainstorming session to draft content for the eventual submission due on Feb 20, 2024.

Comments to the rule can come in a variety of forms. These include clarifying questions in full support of the rule; partial support of the rule; no support of the rule etc. A comment could also be an informational value add to attach to the record that could somehow improve the shape of the rule and preserve certain rights for potential future litigation. Lastly, commenting on rules is a method of participating in the civic process that can be more hands-on than just voting for elected representatives.

Who can join?

Anyone interested can join, assuming you've read a little about the proposed rule and want to help. People that can write, educate, read and interpret data, understand the scientific method, understand the administrative law process are all welcome.

Brief agenda:
7-715: meet and greet, intros and icebreaker
7:15-7:20: Brief primer on the federal rulemaking process
7:15-7:30: Initial thoughts from all participants
7:30-7:45: Issues to raise and discuss that haven't been mentioned by group members
7:45-8: Discuss strategy and goals for comment
8-8:15: Wrap up

Federal Register :: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for West Virginia Spring Salamander and Designation of Critical Habitat