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| Steve Pearce |
Artesia, NM (May 16, 2011) A group of scientific experts will convene in Artesia on Tuesday, May 17th, to discuss concerns over the proposed endangered species listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard. Congressman Steve Pearce will attend the meeting and speak to the scientists at 8:00 am. Congressman Pearce believes that preserving the species is an important goal, but wants to ensure that the issue is handled with the most appropriate means available. The lizard is already protected under Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCAs) authored by Fish and Wildlife in concert with local stakeholders, and a Resource Management Plan Amendment (RMPA) implemented by BLM “in close coordination with FWS.” The members of this panel will discuss the scientific evidence on whether an endangered species listing is the best vehicle through which to protect the species, or whether existing agreements are more appropriate.
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| Dennis Kintigh |
The independent group of scientists represents the fields of geology, biology, archeology, geosciences, and wildlife management. The group includes representatives from New Mexico State University, New Mexico Tech, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Junior College and the Range Improvement Task Force. It will be led by New Mexico State Representative Dennis Kintigh.
The need for a listing has come under increased scrutiny. In recent weeks, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management has officially voiced its opposition to the proposed listing, saying that existing agreements address “all major threats to the species,” and that “the listing of the dunes sagebrush lizard is not warranted, because of the various conservation tools in place to ameliorate threats to the species.”
“I am encouraged that an independent group of scientific minds is gathering in Artesia,” said Kintigh. “This group will begin an organized review of the assertions and claims made in the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing of the Sand Dune Lizard as an endangered species. Decisions that can have significant impact on our economic well-being demand careful and critical examination. I am confident this team will do that review.”
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| Oil and Gas Industry Roadrunner |
A partial list of panelists is below: John Clema, Geologist, Sante Fe, Steve McAllister, Archeology, Albuquerque, Dr. Donald Wolberg, Geology, NMT, Sam Smallege, Range Improvement Task Force, NMSU, Dr. Nick Ashcroft, Range Economics, NMSU, David Codding, Geosciences, Artesia, Calvin Smith, Western Heritage Museum Complex, NMJC, Dr. A.L. Gennavo, Wildlife Management, ENMU.
Artesia Hosts Science Roundtable on the "Lizard"
“I am encouraged that an independent group of scientific minds is gathering in Artesia,” said Kintigh. “This group will begin an organized review of the assertions and claims made in the Fish and Wildlife Service proposed listing of the Sand Dune Lizard as an endangered species. Decisions that can have significant impact on our economic well-being demand careful and critical examination. I am confident this team will do that review.” 
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1 comments:
How inconvenient that New Mexico's state bird is literally consuming dim witted environmentalist's latest scam tactic. I've heard a rumor that certain oil and gas companies have been secretly raising thousands of roadrunners. Once they become adults they're turned loose in the areas where they want to drill and the lizard populations are thriving. Perhaps Jeff Steinborn and his staff of loons could call for an investigation into this possibility.
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