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Forest Service, Colorado Springs Utility ignore endangered species laws
Greenback cutthroat trout. IMAGE COURTESY U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.
By Summit Voice
SUMMIT COUNTY — Rare and threatened greenback cutthroat trout are struggling in Colorado and need every good bit of aquatic habitat they can get. One of the most genetically pure populations lives in the Bear Creek drainage, west of Colorado Springs, but environmentalists say dirt bike riding near the stream poses a serious threat to their survival.
The population of cutthroat trout in Bear Creek is one of a kind and deserves better protection than it’s getting,” said Center for Biological Diversity endangered species director Noah Greenwald, explaining why the conservation group is getting ready to file a lawsuit to try and halt motorized use on the trail.
The Center for Biological Diversity filed formal notices of intent to sue the Pike National Forest and Colorado Springs Utility, charging that they’re not living up to the requirements of the Endangered Species Act to protect listed species. Greenback cutthroat trout have been listed since 1973 and state and federal agencies have made some progress in recovering the species. (more…)
Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, Summit County news | Tagged: biodiversity, Colorado, Colorado Springs, endangered species, greenback cutthroa tp========= | 4 Comments »
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