http://www.nps.gov/bibe/parknews/nr06_19.htmBig Bend National Park seeks comments on management of non-native animals
Date: November 6, 2006
Contact: David Elkowitz, 432-477-1108
Big Bend National Park is developing a plan to protect the park's natural and cultural resources from the impacts of non-native, exotic wildlife species. The park is seeking public participation in identifying issues and concerns to be addressed in the plan and accompanying Environmental Assessment. Opportunities to participate include providing written comments and attending open-house meetings.
According to Acting Superintendent Brad Traver, "In recent decades, a number of non-native exotic animal species have spread into Big Bend. We are concerned that some of these are already causing harm to the native west Texas and Chihuahuan Desert plants, animals, water sources, and other resources the park is here to protect. Over the past couple of years we have convened panels of scientists and other natural resource professionals to help us evaluate the threats. We looked at the nearly 25 exotic, non-native species that now inhabit the park and identified less than a half-dozen that represent significant risk to the park and might be manageable, at least in priority areas of the park."
National parks are required by federal regulation, Executive Order, and NPS Policies to prevent impacts by exotic species to natural and cultural resources. NPS Policies direct that "exotic species… will be managed – up to and including eradication – if control is prudent and feasible and the exotic species interferes with natural processes and the perpetuation of natural features, native species or natural habitats."
"We’ve preliminarily identified feral hogs, a product of interbred domestic hogs and European wild boars; and Barbary sheep, native to the deserts of north Africa and Asia, as the major species of concern. Additionally, the park's aquatic habitats and species are at risk from nutria, a South American rodent; bullfrogs, native to the Southeastern U.S.; and a non-native turtle, the elegant slider," said Traver.
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act, the planning process includes an Environmental Assessment. The Environmental Assessment provides an analysis of environmental, social, economic, and other issues related to the project. Input from the public and other interested parties is sought in order to identify issues and concerns, and help determine the appropriate course of action.
The initial public comment period begins November 10 and ends December 11, 2006. Public open-house meetings are scheduled for: November 28, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Espino Conference Center in Alpine, Texas, and 7:30 to 9:00 pm at the Richey Building in Marathon, Texas; and on November 29, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Brewster County Community Center in Study Butte.
http://www.nps.gov/bibe/parkmgmt/upload/ExoticAnimal_InitialScoping.pdf
