The Department of Natural Resources is requesting public input on proposed changes to the Michigan Threatened and Endangered Species List. In June, four public hearings will be held across Michigan to discuss the proposed changes. Individuals can also submit written comments via e-mail or U.S. mail.

The current and proposed lists can be viewed at: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12141_12168---,00.html . Look for Special Species Lists.

Michigan Public Act 451 Part 365 requires periodic review of the state's Threatened and Endangered Species List. Similar to previous reviews, the DNR convened seven technical advisory committees to review the list and recommend changes. The committees consisted of university researchers, Michigan Natural Features Inventory biologists, agency staff and other species experts. Each committee offered recommendations on a particular species group, such as mollusks, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and plants.

Of particular interest may be the proposed removal of the bald eagle and the gray wolf from the list. Both species have exceeded population recovery goals and were removed from the federal list of threatened and endangered wildlife in 2007, but they are currently classified as threatened under Michigan regulations.

Copies of the proposed changes to the list (SOAHR 2007-007 NR) may be accessed from the State Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/orr. Printed copies may also be obtained by contacting: Regulatory Affairs Officer, Office of Legal Services, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909, Telephone: 517-241-2328, FAX: 517-373-8063, or klontl@michigan.gov.

Public hearing locations and dates are as follows:

• Tuesday, June 10: Grayling, Ramada Grayling Conference Center, 2650 I-75 Business Loop;
• Wednesday, June 11: Lansing, Michigan Library and Historical Center; 702 W. Kalamazoo St.;
• Monday, June 16: Newberry, Comfort Inn, 13954 State Hwy M-28;
• Tuesday, June 17: Houghton, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Dr.;

At each location, an informational session will begin at 7 p.m. Eastern and the formal public hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m. All interested persons are invited to attend and present their views. It is requested that all statements be submitted in writing for the hearing record.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Alice Stimpson at 517-335-3453, or stimpsoa@michigan.gov, at least seven days prior to the meeting date to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

Written comments may be submitted to the DNR via email to endangeredspecieslist@michigan.gov or via hard copy to Endangered Species Coordinator, DNR Wildlife, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909-7944. To be considered during the list-revision process, written comments or e-mails must be received by 5 p.m. on July 10, 2008.