By the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
DNR seeks comments on endangered, threatened and special concern species list
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting public comments through May 17 on possible changes to Minnesota’s list of endangered, threatened and special concern species.
The DNR regularly evaluates the list, which is contained in state rule, to determine the need to conduct rule-making to add any species, change the protection status of any species, or remove any species based on current status. The DNR has not yet drafted possible amendments.
Under this potential rule-making action, resource managers, interested organizations and individuals can provide information that may lead to changes to the list. The DNR is seeking any information on the risk of extinction of any native species in the state, in particular their rarity, trends and threats. The DNR will carefully consider comments received at this time in deciding whether to propose changes to the list. If the DNR announces an intention to adopt proposed changes to the list, there will be another public comment opportunity.Written comments must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 17. Comments should be submitted to the attention of Bridget Henning-Randa, Endangered Species Consultant, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road., Box 25, St. Paul, MN 55155 or via email at Endangered.Species.List.Revision.DNR@state.mn.us. The notification of a request for comments was published in the Minnesota State Register (mn.gov/admin/bookstore/register.jsp) on March 11. The List of Endangered, Threatened and Special Concern Species (files.dnr.state.mn.us/natural_resources/ets/endlist.pdf) is codified as Minnesota Rules, Chapter 6134. These rules designate animal or plant species as:
• Endangered, if the species is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
• Threatened, if the species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
• Species of special concern if, although the species is not endangered or threatened, it is extremely uncommon in this state or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements and deserves careful monitoring of its status. Minnesota’s Endangered Species Statute (Minnesota Statutes, Section 84.0895) and the associated Rules (Minnesota Rule 6212.1800 to 6212.2300) impose a variety of restrictions, permits and exemptions to protect threatened or endangered species. Additional details are available on the DNR website:
(mndnr.gov/input/rules/amendment-endangered-threatened-special-concern-species-list.html).
All information submitted as part of a public comment is public data, including name and contact information.
Minnesota DNR webinars focus on preparing for wildfire season, archery in the schools
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in wildlife and outdoor skills to check out the spring program schedule for the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series. In a webinar on Wednesday, March 13, DNR staff will discuss how the Minnesota DNR and partners plan for spring wildfire season, and how Minnesotans can plan and prepare at home and in their communities. In a webinar on Wednesday, March 20, Kraig Kiger, DNR shooting sports specialist, and representatives from the National Archery in the Schools program, will discuss how to get started in the archery program, equipment needed, what’s available from the Minnesota DNR, and competitions and awards for participants.
The Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship Series webinars are free and offered year-round, though registration is required. Visit the Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webpage of the Minnesota DNR website (mndnr.gov/discover) for the registration portal, more information about upcoming webinars and recordings of past webinars.