The public is invited to comment on a proposed rule to classify the Sacramento Mountains checkerspot butterfly as an endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is hosting a public hearing on Thursday, October 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Civic Center, 800 East First Street, in Alamogordo.
The hearing will begin with a short presentation on the biology of the butterfly and the threats to its continued existence. Attendees can make oral comments that evening. Written comments can be submitted then or mailed to: USFWS, Attn: Joy Nicholopoulos, Field Supersivor, 2105 Osuna NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87113, or by facsimile to (505) 346-2542 or through the Internet at: .R2FWE_AL@fws.gov">. The deadline for comments has been extended until December 5 and comments become part of the public record.
The purpose of the public hearing is to gather information that should be considered when making a final rule. In particular, information is sought on the distribution and quality of butterfly habitat, land use practices, and current or future activities in areas that may be affected if designated as critical habitat.
The proposal to list the butterfly as an endangered species and to designate habitat critical to its survival was released on September The butterfly
